Archive for December 2009

All About Drywall Mold Removal

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If you’re seeing little black spots on your walls, you may very well have a mold problem. If that’s the case, you’ll want to take the steps necessary to eliminate the mold and make your home safe once again.

Here’s a quick guide for drywall mold removal -

First, you need to make sure that’s really a mold infestation on your walls. Generally you can smell when mold is present in a home. A musty smell most likely means there is mold growing somewhere. But, you can also locate mold by looking for water damage. Water damage mold can be found in basements, attics, near windows and doors and behind appliances that use water such as refrigerators, deep freezers, dishwashers, washers and water heaters.

Next, you’ll want to assess whether the damage is enough (10 square feet or more) that you’ll need to hire a professional mold removal company or small enough that you can just do it yourself.

If the job is small enough to clean up on your own, you’ll need to wear protective gear, including rubber gloves, goggles and a respiratory mask. These items are necessary for your health since mold can become airborne quickly and easily at the slightest touch.

• Next you will need to cut out the areas of the drywall where the fungus is present since mold cannot be removed from this type of wall. Make sure you are very careful around any electrical wiring when you’re removing the contaminated wall.

• Once you’ve cut out and disposed of the contaminated areas, you should sand any wood studs that were attached to the moldy wall to completely remove all traces of the fungus. Most homeowners have simply scrubbed the affected areas of the wood with a bleach solution, but it’s just not enough.

• After sanding the areas, you’ll then want to clean the surrounding surfaces using a black mold removal product and allowing it to penetrate the area for at least 15 minutes. You can find products for removing mold at most hardware and farming stores as well as discount stores. Again, when cleaning around electrical wiring please use caution. And please do not use bleach as a cleaning agent for the mold. Recent studies have shown that bleach is actually ineffective at penetrating below surfaces where fungus spores tend to hide.

• Once the surfaces have thoroughly dried and the molds have been removed, you can begin repairing the wall. Keep in mind that you may want to consider using fans or some form of ventilation to speed up the drying process when repairing the wall. Even a dehumidifier is helpful if you have one.

And finally, if you begin the task of the drywall mold removal and find that there’s more damage than you’d anticipated, you should hire a professional to access the damages, clean up the infected areas and make any repairs necessary to remove the fungus growth. It’s better to be safe than to risk your health or your family’s health.

Dealing With Mold Remediation Companies

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It isn’t uncommon for homeowners to just remove mold from their home rather than do their homework on mold remediation companies for the mold removal job. And, it really isn’t the idea of researching; it’s the thought of the cost of hiring a qualified professional that has many homeowners cringing.

Still, if the job is unsafe, it’s better you hire a professional mold removal company rather than risk your health. Plus, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that the job is done right the first time.

You can check your local Yellow Pages, or Google for a contractor, or you can talk to your city or check your state’s website to see if they have a list of licensed contractors for your area. Most states require a mold remediation company be licensed at the very least.

A professional contractor should follow certain guidelines that will insure your home is free from mold after the mold remediation. Some states may require the company to:

Clean items that can be saved using a detergent solution and remove any items that are non-salvageable from the home when the affected area is 10 square feet or less.

If the affected area is between 10 and 30 square feet, the contractor should include the procedure used for under 10 sq feet in addition to covering the working area in plastic and tape before beginning any work. A HEPA filter may also be used before restoration begins.

For areas that are over 30 square feet (generally homes that have been flooded), the above procedures should be used as well as wet vacuums, disinfectants and personal protective equipment such as rubber gloves, a suit, goggles and a respiratory mask. Note: Personal protective equipment should always be used regardless of the size of the moldy area to be cleaned.

One of the most important things that should be included in the black mold removal process is the contract. You should never hire anyone unless a contract is provided. However, a contract with a remediator isn’t as simple as agreeing on doing the job.

The contract should also include a diagram that shows the square feet, the rooms, or areas where the work should take place. The contract should also list the specific amount of time it will take to get the work done as well as a list of any materials needed to complete the job, cleanup procedures, products being used, and whether or not the homeowner or contractor will provide those materials. Also how the contaminated materials will be taken care of and whether the homeowner or contractor will remove debris from the home and site. And the contract should contain any warranties of the work or guarantees.

And remember, before you ever sign any form of a contract, you should get a minimum of three estimates, ask for proof of certification and ask for references from other clients the mold remediation companies have performed work for. After all, you don’t want to end up with a bad deal and you especially don’t want an outrageous bill.

Toxic Mold Symptoms Are Usually Misdiagnosed

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If you feel like you’ve got a flu or even common cold (even in the summertime) that just doesn’t want to clear up no matter what medications you take, then you may very well be experiencing toxic mold symptoms.

Unfortunately, because a symptom from black mold exposure can be very broad, many doctors often misdiagnose the flu or common cold that won’t go away as another indication. And, of course it’s very easy to misdiagnose because those doctors are not aware of your exposure to the dangerous mold.

It’s also misdiagnosed when the person that has been exposed doesn’t even realize there are molds in their home. And just because you can’t see any visible mold doesn’t mean it’s not there. There are almost always signs such as:

• An earthy or musty smell that lingers anywhere in your home. Basements are very notorious for sending off this type of an odor, but your air ducts can smell as well. And, even the slightest odor can mean that you have a fungus problem.

• If you’re experiencing what seems like allergies for even just a brief moment in certain areas of your home, chances are you have a fungal problem in your home.

And, although you may only have one of these signs, chances are you have mold in your home. If so, you’ll definitely want to check the humidity level in your home. Mold is attracted to moisture. They thrive from it, so you’ll want to make certain that your home doesn’t have a high amount of moisture or any signs of leaks.

Most often, people believe that in order to get healthy from the mold poisoning they just simply need to visit a doctor. But, before they can become completely healthy once again, they must remove all traces of the mold from their home permanently.

If the fungus is less than 10 square feet you can probably remove the moldy growth yourself. If it’s anything over that or you’re just not sure how much of a problem you have, then you should hire a professional mold inspector to inspect your home for mold and identify the areas where fungus growth may occur.

Once you have done the mold removal, you can then begin to treat yourself. Most people find that a simple over-the-counter medication such as allergy relievers or pain medications can help. For more severe problems, a doctor may be able to prescribe a medication that can help.

But, if you believe that a medication or clean up of the mold isn’t necessary, you’re wrong. When poisonous funguses are left untreated, they can cause mold symptoms such as: memory loss, depression, hearing loss and bleeding of the lungs.

That is why it’s absolutely essential that the mold in your home be removed immediately and that you take all of the steps necessary to keep those molds from coming back. Toxic mold symptoms are not a matter that can be simply put off for another day or ignored. They are no joke and they are certainly not going to just go away on their own. You are the only person who can stop it.

Pink Mold Removal Tips

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Most people who’ve experienced pink mold believe it’s a fungus. However, it’s actually an airborne bacterium known as Serratia Marcescens. And, because this type of bacteria contains mold it also prefers damp conditions and can be found in bathrooms (think tile grout).

So, in order to remove this nasty substance, you can clean it just as you would when you’re dealing with bathroom mold. There are many different types of commercial products available on the market, but if you’re on a budget, you can try a few of these ideas.

Many people believe that bleach is the solution to every household-cleaning problem there is. While there are a lot of debates as to whether it can clean everything, it’s still number one on the list despite its dangerous vapors. If you still favor bleach you can try getting rid of mold by mixing one cup of regular household bleach with one gallon of water to use as a solution.

You should at least open all of the windows in or near your bathroom to at least minimize some of the irritation that this chemical can cause. Also, be sure to wear a pair of rubber gloves to prevent skin irritations and other problems. Also you should invest in some scrubbing brushes or an old toothbrush that you can easily throw away.

You can then apply the bleach solution using a scrub brush to get down in those hard to reach areas. Once you’ve applied the bleach, let it set for at least 10 minutes and then rinse with clean water. If you find there is still some of the pinkish bacteria on your shower walls you may need to repeat the steps. After the final rinse, you’ll then want to dry the area with a clean rag.

If you prefer something that doesn’t involve the use of dangerous fumes, a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water can work just as well. You can use the same method as the bleach solution when applying it to the affected area.

Another solution that many people swear by is a boric acid solution. Spray the solution to the affected areas and let sit for at least 5 minutes. Next, scrub the area with a brush to really clean the hard to reach areas. Next, spray the solution again and let it sit for another 5 minutes. Then, rinse the area with clean water and dry with a rag.

To prevent future pink mold in your bathroom or other areas of the home, remember all molds enjoy warm and wet places. Investing in a bathroom fan and opening the windows every time you bathe or shower can reduce mold growth. Also, drying off shower walls and the bathtub can help. Or for showers, you can even invest in a simple squeegee to wipe down walls and shower doors after every use.

Mold Insurance Is Tricky Stuff So Be Sure To Read Your Policy Closely

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If you own a home and you’ve just discovered you have mold growing in it, you may believe that mold insurance is already covered in your homeowner’s policy and they’ll reimburse you for the clean up. Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but that policy won’t cover those costs.

It’s an all too common problem simply because many areas like the Gulf Coast and other areas are prone to moisture and as a result many people often experience a problem with mold growing in their homes. And of course because of that problem, most insurance companies do not want to pay for those costs.

So instead, they’re offering homeowners the option to pay extra for that type of coverage. But what most homeowners don’t realize is they can be paying anywhere from $50 to $1500 a month for that extra coverage.

And, that coverage may only be limited to a maximum of $25,000 in damages and clean up. So, if you have an entire basement covered in the fungi, you may still need to pay out of pocket expenses that aren’t covered by the company for the cost of black mold removal.

You may also be in for a shock when you’re told that a particular area where the fungus growth has occurred in your home isn’t covered. It’s not uncommon or illegal for a company to do that. They can limit the coverage, the area, the damages caused and even the types of mold that are covered.

It’s a very sticky situation and for many homeowners, one that has in the past become a battle in court. Still, it’s not a lost cause. When the damages claimed are handled correctly, it can be a breath of fresh air when you do not have to worry about how you’re going to pay for the damages caused by mold.

But, it’s also always better to minimize the risk of mold invading your home in the first place. You can do so by:

• Repairing any water leaks that your home may have immediately. Mold can form in less than 24 hours, so it is absolutely necessary that you make this your number one priority in prevention.

• Keep your nose on the hunt for a damp, musty smell, which is a sign of a fungus problem. Also keep your eyes open for any water stains on sheet rock and discoloration on ceilings and floorboards.

• Keep moisture at a minimum by investing in a dehumidifier. You can also minimize humidity by using an air conditioner or central-air-cooling system.

• Make sure your exhaust fans are working and open windows when the weather allows it. Remove any debris from the exhausts of your clothes-dryer and when possible hang your clothes to dry (especially in the summer months).

• Clean any mold growth immediately. Be sure to use products that are designed to specifically kill mold and prevent it from coming back. Or, if the job is simply too big for you to handle, hire a professional to remove the mold.

If you’re worried about costs, there are other alternatives to mold insurance. A great start is to check with your city about the different homeowner programs they may have available.

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