Drywall Mold and What To Do About It
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.
