Purdue experts warn of rebuilding too quickly after flooding

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) – Purdue University experts say Indiana homeowners should wait to repair their flood-damaged homes until damaged building materials dry out.

Steve Cain is a disaster education specialist with Purdue. He says renovating too soon could trap moisture in wood and lead to mold growth. Cain says it could take weeks to dry out a house enough so it can be repaired. He says his office often receives calls from homeowners who rebuilt too soon and are asking about mold damage.

Indiana’s record June rainfall brought floodwaters that soaked farm crops and damaged homes.

Purdue experts say fans and dehumidifiers can help the drying process. Cain says homeowners can use a moisture meter to make sure wood has a moisture content of less than 15 percent.