How Does Mold Removal Work?

A Technician Sprays Mold to Remove It.

Does mold ever go away?

Anywhere moisture builds up in your home, it’s possible mold will grow. Mold can damage and weaken the structures it grows on, whether it’s a baseboard in the bathroom, or rafter on the roof. It also can affect health, especially black mold. For these reasons, when you have mold growing anywhere in your home, you’ll want to remove it as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, mold removal isn’t easy. 

Because mold thrives in moisture, it may sound reasonable just dry the area to kill the mold spores. Drying the area can prevent the mold from multiplying and spreading, because the mold can no longer absorb nutrients from the moisture. Although drying the affected area will neutralize the mold, it will not kill it. If moisture builds up in the area again, the mold will revive and be able to multiply.

One of the most effective ways to get rid of mold is through a professional mold removal service like that of Restore Experts, Inc.. You can schedule our mold removal services by calling (954) 548-5613

Mold removal vs. mold remediation

If you’re searching for a mold removal service, you may run across the term mold remediation. This term essentially describes the same process of getting rid of mold in a building. Other interchangeable terms for mold removal are mold mitigation and mold abatement. 

How long does mold removal take?

Mold removal is usually a two-step process. The first step involves technicians spraying a chemical biocide liquid on the affected areas. This solution kills the mold. The second step, or encapsulation process, involves the technicians spraying a special paint or whitewash that contains any remaining mold spores to prevent them from growing back. Extensive damage may require drywall and studs to be removed, to be repaired, once the affected area is cleaned up. Clean-up usually requires vacuuming using HEPA filtration. The whole remediation takes anywhere from 1 to 5 days. It may take longer if clean-up or rebuilding is extensive.

Of course, the most effective tool against mold growth is prevention. By taking action and getting repairs made when there are plumbing or roof leaks or problems with your HVAC system, you can keep the moisture from building up and allowing the mold to grow. A residential plumbing service will be able to take care of plumbing leaks.

Mold removal cost

Costs will vary for mold removal. Depending on the location of the mold and how large of an infestation it is, costs can range anywhere from $500 to $30,000. If mold removal requires extensive structural repairs, the costs will run in the tens of thousands of dollars. Mold problems may or may not be covered by insurance. If it developed in an emergency situation, as with a burst pipe, it may be covered. But mold growth due to lack of maintenance, will not be covered. Check with you individual insurance companies to see what is covered under your policy.

Mold removal from siding

Depending on the type of siding you have, and how large the affected area is, removing mold from siding,vinyl siding in particular, can be fairly easy. There are commercial vinyl siding cleansers that will work, but if you have white vinegar available, you can make your own cleanser using a solution made up of 30% white vinegar and 70% water. A stronger mixture requires about ⅓ cup of powdered laundry detergent, ⅔ cup of powdered household cleaner, 1 quart of liquid laundry detergent and 1 gallon of water. The most effective tools for cleaning are either a long-handled soft brush or a soft cloth. As you clean, preferably from bottom up, rinse away residue.

What is the best product to kill mold?

If you have small patches of mold, you can kill it with basic household products like bleach, Borax or vinegar. Also useful are products like vinegar, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, and laundry detergent.

How bad is black mold

While mold of any sort can damage your home and affect your health, black mold, which contains mycotoxins, can cause serious health problems, and even death. Some of the ways black mold can affect the health of those within the home include:

  • Chronic coughing and sneezing
  • Eye, nose, and throat irritation
  • Rashes
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Bleeding in the lungs and nose

Can I remove black mold myself?

Large black mold infestations usually require a mold removal service. But, areas of less than 10 feet or so can be effectively removed using household materials like ammonia and bleach. These materials are especially effective on mold growth on hard, non-porous surfaces like bathroom sinks, kitchen counters or shower doors. They are less effective against porous material like wood, because they can’t penetrate deep down through the material’s surface.

There are black mold removal cleansers on the market, although some can be highly toxic, and dangerous to use, especially in confined work spaces. No matter what you use for mold removal, make sure the work area is well ventilated, and that you wear gloves and a respirator for safety.

A Technician Checks the Moisture Level Behind a Wall.

Mold removal experts

If you have problems with mold growth in your home or business and require mold removal in Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade Counties, FL, call the mold removal experts at Restore Experts, Inc.. An appointment can be scheduled by calling (954) 548-5613.