Do You Need Mold Removal or Remediation?

Finding mold in your home can be very stressful, so it helps to know what you’re dealing with and how to best treat it! Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in warm and humid areas, releasing microscopic spores that spread easily into the air. It requires moisture and a food source to grow. Once mold is detected in the home, a proper treatment plan may range from a simple mold removal to a full mold remediation. While it can be tempting to just ‘wipe mold away,’ this can actually shove contamination deeper into materials, or spread particles out into the air. Mold will also keep returning once cleaned if its water source remains.

The presence of mold spores is normal in any home because they are inherently in every living environment. The key is to control growth, and a mold problem indicates a moisture problem. Mold spores grow into active mold once they settle on a wet, damp spot and have a food source, such as drywall, paper, or produce.

Once active, mold can cause discoloration or appear to be different colors (black, white, green, yellow, etc.). It may look fuzzy, slimy, or leathery, and water damage or moisture is typically near the growth site. Mold can also usually be seen or smelled, and may have a musty, earthy odor, like a damp towel in an old gym bag.

Certain types of mold are toxic and produce mycotoxins. Not all molds produce mycotoxins, but if they do, this can pose serious health risks to humans and animals. Only chemical, professional treatments can break down mycotoxins. It also doesn’t necessarily matter what type of mold is inside if it’s detected. All indoor mold growth should be removed, no matter what type of mold is present or whether or not it can produce mycotoxins.

It’s also important to note that mold spores go airborne and can be breathed in, especially if you’ve disturbed the environment by cleaning or shuffling items around. Touching or inhaling mold can cause allergic reactions for those who are sensitive, leading to irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs. It can also trigger asthma.

Not necessarily. You won’t always need remediation for surface-level mold growth and after the moisture source is fixed. However, when remediation is required, it will always include mold removal. This makes mold removal part of the broader process of mold remediation.

While the visible removal of mold is important, mold remediation takes this further by identifying the root cause of the mold problem, not just addressing the mold itself. Also, if you can see it, you have it. It is recommended that you have a thorough mold inspection conducted when any visible mold is present. This involves identifying the mold, the source of it, and its severity.

Remediation is usually done when there’s extensive mold growth or when mold keeps coming back. Remediation is also required once mold growth covers more than 10 square feet, returns after cleaning, or is hidden inside of areas like walls and ceilings. Common reasons to proceed with mold remediation include:

• The area is ~10 sq ft+ or spreading rooms
• You’ve cleaned the mold and it comes back
• You smell mustiness but can’t find the source
• Anyone in the home is reactive (asthma/allergies)
• You need documentation for a sale or insurance

Because undetected mold can lead to very expensive repairs, many property owners schedule a mold inspection during a new purchase. Or, after a pipe bursts or the roof leaks, they typically book a mold inspection to catch any growth hiding behind the walls or ceiling.

The first step to mold remediation is to identify growth through a mold inspection. Not only is the contamination confirmed visually during an inspection, but its presence is confirmed with specific tools, such as thermal imaging, moisture readings, and air sampling. Causes of the mold are also examined, which can include high humidity and moisture, water leaks, and available food sources for the mold.

Once mold is identified, the goal is to safely remove it, and any contamination. This will involve fixing the cause of moisture, removing any mold-infested materials, and intensively and professionally cleaning the affected areas. Once a mold remediation is completed, it’s typically the case that another mold inspection is conducted to confirm that it has been successfully removed.

No! Painting over mold is not a permanent fix. This is more like throwing a rug over a puddle, essentially just hiding the problem and allowing mold to continue growing underneath. This may even lead to paint peeling and bubbling, and can cause health risks. There’s also a strong possibility that the mold will just come back. It’s best to have contamination removed completely first, correct the moisture source, then use mold-resistant primer and paint after the fact.

• Do not spray bleach on drywall or porous finishes.
• Do not tear out mold-impacted materials yourself.
• Do not run the HVAC through the affected zone.
• Do not paint over mold growth.

If you find mold covering a large area of your home, suspect toxic mold, smell a musty odor, or if anyone in the household is experiencing issues like wheezing or coughing, call a mold removal specialist like PUDDLES Restoration right away. They are trained and equipped to deal with all sizes and sorts of mold growth in the most systematic manner possible. Keeping mold contained also requires a wide knowledge of how to safely remove it, along with specialized equipment. Note that any mold removal professional you call should be certified as a Mold Remediation Specialist.