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Tag: "drywall mold"

How to Remove Mold From Drywall

[ 0 ] April 20, 2010

How to Remove Mold From Drywall

 

If you’re wondering how to remove mold from drywall, the bad news is you can’t. Even with all of the mold cleaners and scrubbing power in the world, molds that have grown on this particular type of material can never be permanently removed.

Not to mention that after so long of being exposed to moisture, the material tends to crumble. So what can you do instead?

First off, you need to assess the situation. Not all drywall mold will be visible and when they are hidden it’s a whole other ballgame. However, there are some common signs that you may have a mold problem.

If the paint on the walls are cracked or peeling, if there is a bulge behind the paint or if there is discoloration on the wall, chances are you have mold hidden somewhere in or even behind the wall.

You can also tell that you have a mold infestation from the musty aroma that lingers near the affected area. Or you can look for water damage mold by looking for leaks which are most often found under kitchen and bathroom cabinets, in basements, attics and anywhere there is a need for water such as a refrigerator, dishwasher, deep freezer or washer.

Or you can also place your hand on the suspected surface area to check for moisture. And depending on how extensive the damage is, you’ll either need to remove the affected area or you may need to remove the entire wall.

If the mold is a minor problem, you can try removing only the affected area using either an exacto knife or a putty knife. Next, you’ll need to sand the joint areas behind the wall to remove fungal spores and prevent recontamination.

Once you’ve sanded down the affected area, you’ll need to clean the surrounding areas including in joints behind the wall with a product designed for mold removal. Then you’ll need to allow the area to dry before you can install the new wall.

If you find that the mold growth is severe (usually more than 10 sq. feet), more than likely you’ll need to remove the entire wall and repair any damage caused by the mold.

Generally a job like this should be left to a professional who is licensed and certified for this type of work. A professional is not only trained to know how to remove the mold, they also have special equipment to help get the job done right.

Of course the biggest fear many homeowners have when a professional is needed, is the cost of mold remediation. And while you may not be able to get away with getting the job done for free,

if you do your research and shop around, you can at least minimize some of the costs and not get taken to the cleaners in the process.

Even if you can hire a professional for at least part of the work, you could replace the walls yourself and save quite a bit in the remodeling costs.

But just remember, no matter what the cost, a professional knows how to remove mold from drywall safely and quickly, and when it comes to your health, it’s an absolute must.

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Drywall Mold and What To Do About It

[ 0 ] April 20, 2010

Drywall Mold

Drywall mold can create a lot of unnecessary health problems and structural damage if it is left untreated for even a short amount of time. Black mold, which is generally associated with this type of damage, gives off corrosive gases that can become extremely toxic to your health. That’s why it’s very important that homeowners remove the mold damage immediately before the problem become severe.

So if you’re seeing little black spots on your walls, you’ll need to take the steps necessary to eliminate the water damage mold and make your home a safe environment once again. And to help you get started on your mold removal process, here’s what you need to know.

First, assess the situation and make sure what’s on your walls in really a fungus. One of the most common signs that there are molds growing on your walls is by taking a whiff. If the results are a musty smell, then you’ve got a mold problem. Another sign is by checking for a source. Is there moisture or some form of water damage? Do the walls feel damp or cold to the touch? If so, you’ve got mold.

Once you know you really have a problem, you’ll need to figure out whether or not the damage is extreme (more than 10 square feet), which will require professional services or minimal (less than 10 square feet), which you can take on yourself.

If you know the job is one you can do yourself, you’ll need to gather some safety supplies including rubber gloves, goggles and a respiratory paper surgical mask. Without these items you will be exposing your health to the dangers of the mold since their spores can quickly and easily travel at the slightest touch.

Other supplies you will need include an exacto knife, clean rags, a sandpaper, scrub brush, patch kit for drywall and a mold cleaner designed to specifically remove toxic mold.

Next you’ll want to remove the areas of the wall where the mold is present because you cannot clean this particular type of wall. After removing the contaminated areas, you’ll need to sand over any wooden joints where is was attached to the moldy wall to remove any traces of the toxic fungus.

Once the areas are sanded, you’ll need to use a cleaner that will penetrate into the wood’s surface and kill the mold permanently. Mold cleaners can be found at most hardware and farming stores, as well as discount stores.

After you’ve applied the product and followed the manufacturer’s directions, you’ll need to let the area thoroughly dry and then apply the patch kit to repair the damaged area of the wall. And you’re done.

Remember, the sooner you remove the drywall mold, the less the damage will be. However, in some instances the damages can become hidden and once that happens a professional is generally needed to correct the situation and make your home safe once again. So please don’t skip the help when it’s needed, your health and home both depend on it.

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