06/26/2026
A note for our family and neighbors rebuilding after the flooding:
Up front: Delta Engineering Group is a civil engineering firm. We are not mold or flood-remediation experts, and this is no substitute for a professional qualified in that field. We're sharing this only because we've heard the questions going around and would rather point folks toward good information.
Most people are already doing the right thing by cutting out the wet drywall and insulation and opening up the wall cavities to dry. A lot of people are now looking into treating the exposed walls with a mold killer and preventer before they start repairs, and that's where a few things are worth knowing:
Removal and drying are the real remediation. Getting the wet material out and the framing thoroughly dried is what actually fixes the problem. A mold treatment is best thought of as added insurance against regrowth, not a replacement for that work.
Dry first, then treat. Any treatment only works on a surface that is already clean and thoroughly dried. EPA's guidance is to dry materials completely, keep indoor humidity below 60 percent, and not to paint or coat over damp or moldy surfaces. A moisture meter is the reliable way to confirm a wall is dry before you close it up, and closing a wall back up wet is what causes problems down the road.
Match the product to the material. Many products being passed around are hard-surface disinfectants. They are great for wiping down counters and fixtures, but not made to treat the porous, semi-porous framing inside your walls. If you're treating studs and sheathing, look for an EPA-registered mold-control product specifically rated for porous and wood surfaces, and follow the label exactly.
This is not work to guess your way through. For significant flood damage, we strongly recommend having a qualified remediation professional evaluate your home before any rebuilding begins.
Two trustworthy, free resources:
🔗 EPA Homeowner's & Renter's Guide to Mold Cleanup After Disasters: https://www.epa.gov/mold/homeowners-and-renters-guide-mold-cleanup-after-disasters
🔗 EPA Flooded Homes Cleanup Guidance: https://www.epa.gov/flooded-homes