Mold existence on walls is usually a tricky problem to deal with. Mold on your walls can cause discoloration and an unsightly view. It is therefore very important for you to consider testing and removing the mold before it turns out to be a huge menace. The main reason behind this is that mold can grow on walls for quite a long time without your knowledge. At such an instance, the mold can spread quite fast to other areas of your house. Furthermore, mold on walls can turn out to be a major health concern. This article is going to help you out by showing you how to check the existence of mold in walls and remove it afterward.
How to Check for Mold in Walls
Before knowing how to test for mold on walls, it is important for you to understand the reason why mold would grow there in the first place. The main reason why mold would grow on walls is water damage. If your house has recently experienced water damage, such as flooding or a broken plumbing system, there is a very high likelihood of growing inside or 0on the walls. Such a problem will require you to remove and replace the drywall, making it easy for you to evaluate the presence of mold in the walls.
If you happen to see any mold on the wall, there is a good chance that the mold is inside the walls too. Since it is hard to eliminate mold from a porous material such as drywall, you will have to replace the drywall affected by mold. This makes it easy for you to evaluate the presence of mold in the wall. Another sign that you should follow when checking for mold in walls is a musty odor. If you have checked all other areas in your home and cannot find mold, it might be hidden in the walls.
Testing for Mold in Walls – DIY vs Hiring a Professional
When it comes to testing for mold in walls, you can decide to go about the process by yourself or hire a professional to help you.
If you decide to do it by yourself, the first thing you will need to do is cut out several inches of the drywall, and use a flashlight and long-handled mirror to look inside for mold. You should check for mold in different parts of your wall because you are likely to miss the mold if you only examine one area. The main problem with doing the check by yourself is that you might not have the right equipment to do the test. Furthermore, you might place yourself and loved ones at risk of exposure to the mold.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests that you hire a professional to test for mold in walls. They possess the needed expertise and equipment to examine mold, even in hidden places. In addition to this, they can provide you with advice on the best way forward in regards to mold removal and remediation.
How to Remove Mold in Walls
If you happen to find mold in walls, you will need to take the needed steps to eliminate it before it spreads to other parts of your house. Again, you can decide to do the removal by yourself or hire an expert to do the task.
If you have the time, you can do mold removal as a DIY project. You will need to make your own mold removal spray or purchase one at your local store. To make your own solution, consider mixing up ingredients such as borax, vinegar, and water. Later on, pour the solution into a spray bottle and start applying it on the affected walls. Apply it as you scrub thoroughly, and you will start seeing the mold come off. When done, rinse off the surface and repeat on the process on other wall surfaces.
The problem with removing mold on walls by yourself is that you can leave out invisible mold or spread it to other parts of your house. To avoid such problems, you should consider hiring an expert to do the removal for you. It will be much easier this way because experts have the skills required to remove mold without causing any future problems.
Mold growing in walls not only creates an unsightly view but can also affect your home’s structure, and even pose a health risk to you and your loved ones. You should consider hiring an expert to test for mold in your walls and remove it afterward.