Flooding Issues: Residential Housing

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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

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Flooding Issues:

Residential Housing

Welcome!

S. Niemeyer, Extension Specialist Housing & Environment [email protected]

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Flood Disaster in Homes

–

_Preparedness

–

_Response

•

_Safety

•

_{First Entry}

–

_Recovery

•

_{Clean up}

–

_Mitigation

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Water Damage Resources



_{North Dakota State Univ}

.: K. Hellevang, P.E.



_FEMA:

http://www.floods.org/PDF/FEMA_InitialRestoration FloodBldg.pdf

– _{Design Manual for Retrofitting Flood-prone Residential}

Structures FEMA-114

– _{Answers & Questions About Substantially Damaged}

Buildings - FEMA - 213

– _{Repairing Your Flooded Home - FEMA}– 234

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Water Damage Resources



_{Red Cross}

_{Repairing Your Flooded Home}

–

http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/file_cont 333_lang0_150.pdf

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Controlling Molds . . .



_{EPA Guidelines:} www.epa.gov/mold/index.html http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold_ remediation.html 800-438-4318



_{Am. Conference of Gov. Industrial Hygienists:}

Bioaerosols: Assessment & Control www. acgih.org

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Resources Order CIT

From Moisture and Mold to Healthy Homes - Basics for Consumers

DVD249 $9.00



_{Disaster Preparedness}

Notebook

–

each county

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First Entry of a Flooded Home

What to do:

1

)

Precautions

on First Entry

2) Make a

record

of damage &

losses.

3) To extent you are able,

prevent

further damage

to home

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1. Precautions on First Entry



_{Shut off or have shut off}

–

_Gas

_{at gas meter, tank or?}

–

_Electricity

_{shut off}

at pole or main breaker

panel or fuse box

DO NOT enter water

or stand on wet

surfaces to do this!

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Inspect Structure for Safety

?



_{Ridge & eaves straight?}



_{Walls are vertical & straight?}



_{Building shifted on foundation, twisted,}

moved?

–

_{Water & gas lines, electrical circuits may be damaged}

–

_{May not be safe to enter.}



_{Consult with building contractor or}

engineer if damage seen

Inspect Structure for Safety

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Inspect Electrical

Have electrician inspect wiring



_{Electrical outlets, switches, breaker or fuse}

boxes may need replacement



_{Check electrical circuits, insulation for wetness}

& other water damage (electricity OFF)



_{Do not turn on power to flooded structure until}

–

_{inspected & determined} safe by a qualified

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2. Make Record of Losses & Damage

For filing insurance claims & documenting

losses for other purposes - tax deductions



_{Take photos inside & out}

–

_{Show structural damage,}

–

_{Furnishings, items of value}



_{Record serial numbers of}

appliances, equipment, etc. thrown out



_{Record damage & items:}Don‟t haul away

unless record made & insurance adjustor OK to dispose

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3. Prevent Further Damage



_{If roof or walls have been damaged,}

temporary or permanent repairs should

be arranged as soon as possible

.

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3. Prevent Further Damage



_{Remove floodwaters, mud & silt}



_{Open doors to allow water to exit}



_{Arrange to have basement pumped out}

slowly

–

_{Only do this when certain that the earth}

around the building is no longer saturated!

–

_{Water pressure may collapse basement}

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Basement Flooded



_{More than 6 in. of water}

–

_{Don't be in hurry to pump it out}



_{Damage caused by pumping}

water out too soon



_{Water inside basement helps}

brace walls against extra pressure from exterior water & saturated soils

Photo Source: Red Cross

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Photo Source: ISU T. Greiner

Pumped too

soon - floors

may push up &

walls cave in

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Basement Flooded



_{Don't pump until water around house recedes}



_{Pump out about 1/3 of water each day}

–

_{Empty well away from house}

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Basement Flooded



_{Don't pump until water around house recedes}

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Basement Flooded



_{Use gas powered pump or one connected}

to outside line, not the house electrical system



_{While pumping out dirty water, wash off}

walls with clean water & remove mud while it is wet

Source:

http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/flood/pdfs/FLOODING_000 .pdf

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Allow building to dry out



_{Reduce or prevent mold growth}

–

_{Done quickly, usually in 48 hrs. or less}????



_{Wood floors:}

–

_{Remove a board every few}

feet to reduce warping, buckle

–

_{Some warped wood flooring is repairable}

–

_{Plywood/particle board usually separates}

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Clean Water vs. Contaminated?

Photo Source: Red Cross

Remove above water line

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Allow building to dry out



_{In high moisture conditions:}

–

_{Heat source or some type of mechanical} drying equipment will be needed



_{Remove mud & silt}



_{Secure building when not present}



_{Portable valuables removed to a secure}

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Heirlooms & Items of Special Value



_{Specific treatments & procedures}



_{Contact local/area museums or search the}

Web sites provided below

American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works

http://www.conservation- us.org/index.cfm? fuseaction=Page.viewPage&pageId=597

Caring for Water-Damaged Family Heirlooms & Other Valuables Salvaging Water-Damaged Textiles

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Salvage Valuable Items First



_{Important documents &}

family treasures.

–

_{Clean off mud & allow items to dry in shade} or indoors another location

–

_{Paper records}_{spread out & air-dried}



_{Preferably on blotting paper}



_{Frozen in plastic bag?}

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Salvage Valuables First

–

_If_{photos & books}_{cannot be} immediately dried, clean off mud, place in plastic bags in

someone‟s freezer



_{Separate items - foil, plastic}

wrap or slick surface between layers



_{These items can be frozen &}

(25)

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Reducing Losses



_{Rapid response}

–

_{Microbiological, structural, health issues}

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Loss Assessment & Evaluation



_{Materials affected, degree & quantity}

affected, available ventilation & etc.



Water migration: Water moves….

–

_Lateral

–

_Gravity

–

_Wicking

–

_Intrusion



_{Can materials be}_{decontaminated or} _{must be}

discarded

–

_{Porosity, degree of contamination, occupant} health, feasibility of cleaning & disinfecting

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Evaluating Structural Components



_{Structural wood}



_Subfloor

–

_{OSB, particle board, plywood}



_Flooring

–

_{Hardwood, laminate, vinyl, vinyl tile}

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Evaluating Components



_Walls

–

_{Plaster or wallboard}

–

_Paneling

–

_Insulation



_{Glass fiber, cellulose}



_{Polystyrene or closed cell rigid}



_Ceilings



_Crawlspace



_HVAC

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Clean, Salvage or Toss?



_{Hard non-porous materials &}

building components

not

damaged can be dried out &

salvaged

–

_{If mold, cleaning may require more} labor than item is worth



_{Flood waters contaminated}

–

_{Generally soft, porous or}

absorbent materials should be discarded

(30)

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Reducing Losses



_{Rugs or other items that can be}

laundered or thoroughly

cleaned may be salvaged



_{Unless absorbent materials}

dried out within 48 hours, mold

growth may make cleaning

impossible

–

_{Longer if temperatures are cool}

–

_{Sooner if temperatures are warm}

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Categories of Water



_{Clean Water}– Category 1

–

_{Broken water pipes, rainwater direct entry, etc}



_{Gray Water}– Category 2

–

_{Contains contamination & microorganisms}

 Toilets with urine, sump pump, dishwashers,

laundry



_{Black Water}– Category 3 (Floods)

–

_{Contains pathogenic agents}

 Sewage, surface water flooding, pesticides,

run off with chemicals, biologicals, bacteria, etc.

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Clean Water

Restoration



_{Health & Safety}

–

_{Do occupants need to be relocated?}



_{Nature of contamination & occupants}



_Children



_{Water source elimination}– stop source



_{Protect structure & contents}



_{Initial water removal}

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Clean Water

Restoration



_{Floor coverings}

–

_{Dry carpet by extracting} water, removing,

stretching & moving air on both sides (time is important)

–

_{Use appropriate}

procedures to dry –



_{Air circulated around}

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Clean Water

Restoration



_{Remove wet unsalvageable}

materials



_{Expose all materials needing to dry}



_{Thoroughly dry all materials}



_{Use drying resources}

–

_{Heating or AC system,} exhaust fans, windows, dehumidifiers, etc

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Contaminated

Water Restoration



_{Personal Protective Equipment}

–

_{Respirator with HEPA & organic vapor} cartridges

–

_{Rubber gloves}

–

_{Eye protection}

–

_{Protective clothing}

–

_{Shoes, boots}

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Protection in inspecting/repair



_{Long gloves}

–

rubber, neoprene, nitrile



_GogglesFit, closed



_{Air Filter - respirator}

–

N-95 or N100 HEPA

–

_{Half face}

–

Full face respirator with HEPA filter



_{Protective clothing &}

shoes, boots _{Photos: UNL. S}

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Evaluation Tools

■

_{Moisture meter}– materials

–

_{4 to check out -TCD Dept}

.

■

_{Hygrometer -}

_{Humidity gauge or}

meters

–

_{Moisture in air}

■

_Boroscope

–

_{Hard to get at places} Hygrometer Photos: UNL. S

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Tools

HEPA Filter Mask

Moisture Meters

Minimum N-95

Wood moisture content

should be less than 15-19%

Photos: UNL. S Niemeyer

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Moisture Meters

HEPA Filter – Minimum N-95

Moisture Meter Tests. . . walls, carpet, wood, concrete etc.

Photos: UNL. S Niemeyer Photo: NDSU K. Hellevang Photos: UNL. S Niemeyer P

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Contaminated

Water Restoration



_{Isolate contaminated area}

–

_{Isolate HVAC system}

-

_{Temperorily turn off and seal ducts}

–

_{Polyethylene enclosure}

–

_{Negative air pressure}



_{Protect contents}

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Use negative pressure in work area to

avoid spread of mold or contaminates

Seal off

area?

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Contaminated

Water Restoration



_Dispose

–

_{Carpet cushion}

–

_{Absorbent stuffed fabrics}

–

_{Saturated absorbent materials}

(43)

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Contaminated

Water Restoration



_{Discard carpet & pad}

saturated with Category 3

–

_{Flood, sewage, run off}



_{Category 2 water - carpet}

contamination may be cleaned with hot

water extraction & biocide

(44)

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Photos: NDSU K. Hellevang

Remove floor if water reached subflooring



Subflooring must be cleaned,

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

_{While possible to salvage}

household appliances,

heaters, etc.,



_{Discard in general}

–

_{Very difficult to dry & remove mud & silt} from inner workings, insulation

–

_{Consult with appliance repair professional} or manufacturer.

–

_{Electrician do safety check before starting} items that had contact with water

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Before Biocide - Disinfecting



_{Clean surfaces}

–

_{Household cleaners for materials}

–

_{Borax & water solution according to}

label or non-phosphate HH detergent

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Biocide

–

kill microorganisms



_{Must be used according to label}

(specific application)

–

_{Label is the law}



_{Must be applied}

_{to cleaned}

_surface



_{Must have}

_{required exposure time 15}

–

30 min.



_{Must use}

_{personal protective equipment}

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Biocide

■

_{Carefully follow}

_instructions

_{on label.}

■

_{Use plenty of}

_{fresh air}

_{when applied, &}

keep people out of area or structure.



_{Common biocides}

– Phenolic - phenol appears as part of ingredients. – Sodium hypochlorite (generally 5.25%) - chlorine

bleach

– Quaternary ammonium compounds – Pine-oil

– Other: Idophors – Iodine, Alcohol, Hydrogen peroxide

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Use of Biocides



_{Biocides toxic to animals & humans}



_{Generally provide short term kill of}

microbe



_{Organic matter interferes with some}

–

_{Dirty surfaces}

- bleach can get „spent‟

oxidizing the organics & not get a chance to penetrate mold structure enough to kill it.

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Disinfectant -

destroys or inhibits microorganisms



_{Bleach recommended per gallon of}

water varies

–

_Range:_{1/4 cup bleach}_{for a clean surface}



_{1 1/2 cups/gal. of water}_{for surfaces that}

could not be thoroughly cleaned.

–

_{Remain wet for about 15 to 30 minutes to} allow to work

–

_{For hard, non-porous, non-metallic &} color-fast items after cleaned

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

_{Flush the air.}

–

_{After cleaning and disinfecting, air out} building.

–

_{Use fans in windows to pull mold} spores to the outdoors.



_{Dry all wet materials as quickly as possible}

–

_{Air condition or heat, run fans & use a} dehumidifier, if possible.

–

_{Some materials may wrap or delaminate (wood,} etc.)

–

_{If there is}_{no power,}_{keep windows open}_{if lower}

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Drying Process Consist Of. . .



_Evaporation

–

_{Circulate air -} _Fans



_{Dehumidification}

–

_{Open system:}_Ventilation

–

_{Closed system:}_{Mechanical dehumidifiers}



_{Temperature Control}

–

_{Evaporation, dehumidification, microorganism} growth - below 72º F



_{Water Removal}

–

_{Extraction units}

–

_Pumps

(53)

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Structural Drying



_{Open enclosed areas}



_{Reduce indoor relative humidity}

to (less than) <40%



_{Ambient temperature (less than) <72 F}



_{Circulate air across drying surfaces - fans}



_{Drying may take}_{several days or longer}–

maybe months



_{Monitor with moisture meters}



_{Monitor relative humidity}

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Drying Equipment



_{Air Moving Equipment}

–

_{Air movers}

–

_{Axial fans}

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Wall Dryers

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Hidden



Pipe chases – leaks,

condensation



Utility tunnels – leaks,

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Structural Drying



Open up walls & leave

open for weeks to several

months until DRY.



Remove baseboard, trim work,



Remove wall board, insulation

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

_{Inside wall problems}



_{Water in interior}

walls: roof, blown in,

structural damage?

(61)

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Floors

–

open up?

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Air handling ducts cleaned?

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.html

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Strategies

Long-Term Prevention

“Any remediation attempt that does not include

long-term plans to maintain systems & prevent re-occurrence is short-sighted &

destined to fail.” (ACGIH)



_{There is no one-}time complete “cure” to

microbial contamination.



Continued oversight part of control plan”

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Water Damage Restoration



_Questions

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Conditions for Growth...

 Nutrients - Molds grow on organic

substances

 Once living materials

–

wood, paper, carpet, wallboard,

insulation etc. etc.

–

almost anywhere their is soil or

films

(66)

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Problem Solving & Alternatives?

Interior

 Flooding or leaks? - Open up & dry cavities

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

_{Roof materials}



_{Roof leaks}



_{Decking, shingles}

not secure?

(68)

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Regular Filters

Electrostatic

Precipitator Air Cleaner

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Mold Management

Assess situation:



_Extent– size of area, safety



_{Occupants & health priority}



_Costs+



_{Available professionals}



_Insurance

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Negative air pressure vented to

outside.

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Photo credits:



_{Shirley Niemeyer, University of Nebraska}



_EPA



_{Tom Greiner, Iowa State University}



_{Ken Hellevang, North Dakota State University}

publication

(75)

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An inch of water

on 1,000 square

feet of roof

amounts to about

623 gallons of

water.

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Water Damage Restoration



_{Institute of Inspection Cleaning &}

Restoration Certification

–

_{IICRC S500 Standard & Reference Guide for} Professional Water Damage Restoration Third Edition 2006