Farmington Residents Do Not Need To Fear Mold Growth – Professional Remediation Is On Hand

11/8/2020 (Permalink)

Don’t panic when a mold infestation affects your home. Contact our experienced team for mold damage remediation services.

People Living In Farmington Can Trust SERVPRO For Mold Remediation After Floods Or During Bad Weather

The Farmington Valley is part of Hartford County, Connecticut. The beautiful Farmington River runs through the valley, giving the area its character, and providing a draw for visitors from all over the country. People living in the area can also enjoy the river’s peaceful environs and a wealth of fun activities.

The Farmington River played a crucial role in shaping the local area. Historically, it was essential for small-scale manufacturing in the towns along its course. And at 75.2 KM long, it is an unmissable local landmark too!

History buffs love the historical bridges that still span the Farmington River today. These include:

• Farmington River Railroad Bridge, which is a stone arch bridge built in 1867
• Drake Hill Road Bridge, which is a Parker through-truss bridge built in 1892
• Town Bridge, which is a Parker through-truss bridge built in 1895
• Richards Corner Bridge, which is a Pratt through-truss bridge built in 1930

Many areas of the Farmington River are designated by the United States National Wild & Scenic Rivers System, starting with a 14-mile section in 1994. This is due to the wealth of wildlife in the area – it is a beautiful site which locals and visitors alike agree deserves protection. The area contains 11 species of freshwater mussels. It gets bragging rights as having the most diverse collection of mussel species of any river that feeds into the Connecticut River.

Besides natural diversity, drinking water, and power via dams, the Farmington also offers visitors ample leisure opportunities. The area is popular with whitewater enthusiasts – the river has several whitewater sections, and some are very challenging. The Upper Farmington rapids present several miles of challenging terrain alongside green fields and under an iron bridge. Canoe and kayak enthusiasts hold regular slaloms in the area. Another popular site is the T-Ville whole, which provides a perfect flat pool for kayakers to practice their freestyle moves, and master the art of hole surfing. Those who prefer tubing gravitate towards the terrifyingly named Satan’s Kingdom, where local buses offer a regular pick-up and drop-off service.

Like any other river, Farmington is not without its dangers, and visitors should always use appropriate life jackets and helmets on the more challenging sections.

When The Farmington River Flooded

Disaster struck the Farmington Valley area in 1955 when extensive flooding caused multiple deaths and millions of dollars worth of public property damage.

The flooding was caused by a deadly combination of two back-to-back hurricanes that saturated several low-lying areas throughout Connecticut.

On 11 August 1955, Hurricane Connie hit the East coast – the storm did not hit Connecticut, but it brought an extra 6 inches of rainfall to the state. The following week, Hurricane Diane made landfall and dropped an additional 20 inches of rain on an area that was already soaked from the first hurricane.

Because local rivers were already swollen, several of them, including the Farmington, flooded. Many states suffered damage during this event, but Connecticut was the hardest hit area of New England, with many residents left stranded and afraid. Local emergency forces, bystanders, and the National Guard worked together to save those stranded, with rescue helicopters saving hundreds of people.

Despite the best efforts put forward, the damage was catastrophic:

• Eighty-seven people lost their lives
• Six hundred sixty-eight houses were destroyed beyond repair
• Local businesses suffered $45.5 million in damages
• Farms in the area suffered $2.5 million in damages
• Public property was damaged to the tune of $38.8 million

The aftereffects of the flood encouraged better investment in flood defenses. In the years after the flood, the United States Army Corps of Engineers constructed dams and floodwalls in several Connecticut rivers, costing $70 million.

How The Climate of Farmington Valley Puts Local Homes At Risk Of Mold Growth

Much of the Farmington Valley area is a low-lying wetland, including flood plains. Thankfully there are more fortifications against flooding than there were in 1955, but floods can still happen – and with floods comes mold.

Floodwater can seep into everything, including carpets and drywall, drapes and furniture, and even the sub-floor or the insulation inside walls. Unfortunately, once moisture is present, mold can quickly grow so long as it has:

• Oxygen
• Darkness
• A food source such as wood, fabric, paper, or drywall

The damp atmosphere can also raise humidity levels in Farmington Valley homes, making them more attractive to mold spores. Mold spores are microscopic and can quickly travel from room to room, setting up new colonies if the conditions are right. People are often surprised to learn how quickly spores can propagate. Just 48 hours is enough for them to start a new colony.

Mold can cause health effects, smells terrible, and can cause structural damage. That is why it is best to call a professional mold remediation company as soon as you see or smell it.

SERVPRO Helps Local Residents Reduce Moisture With Professional Mold Remediation

The secret to effective mold remediation is tackling the moisture problem. Mold cannot grow if it does not have a water source. Unfortunately, if you clean away visible mold but do not attack the underlying moisture, it is easy for the mold to come back. However, if you call in a professional company like SERVPRO to tackle the moisture, we can reduce the recurrence risk by tackling the underlying issues.

We use equipment such as:

• Moisture meters
• Moisture probes
• Thermal imaging

These help us seek out hidden sources of moisture. We set up fans and air movers to dry your home and furniture and bring in dehumidifiers to lower the humidity. We also monitor levels throughout remediation to ensure they are optimal.

Mold is bad news in your home. If you see signs of mold, damp patches, or smell a moldy smell, do not wait. Get in touch with SERVPRO of The Farmington Valley today. Fast action means better remediation because there is less chance for the spores to spread. Do not wait – call us at (860) 675-4500.