After a flood, you may find that your home is significantly damaged – and you’ll probably need to work with a water damage expert to clean things up.

Here’s what you need to know.

Flood Damage Basics

Floods can do extensive damage. Water can saturate your walls, your flooring and your furnishings – and what’s worse, there’s always a risk of mold growth after a flood.

Once the water is gone, it may seem like your house just needs to “dry out.” Unfortunately, though, opening the windows may not be enough – and if the flooding has been significant, it almost certainly won’t be enough.

Mold can grow in as little as 48 hours. Drywall and flooring are especially susceptible to mold growth; they’re often porous, which means water can seep in and stay. If it’s not properly cleaned and dried, there’s a good chance that mold will begin to thrive – and it’ll continue to thrive after the materials have dried.

What to Do if Your Home Has Flooded

If your home has flooded, your best option is to contact a flood damage expert. That way, you can be sure that your belongings and your home are adequately dried – and that mold won’t have a chance to flourish. (If you work with the right expert, you’ll get mold remediation services, too.)