Drywall Mold Treatment
Mold growing on any construction materials subjected to humidity releases spores into the air that can create a health hazard in your property. The porous nature of drywall makes it an ideal substrate for mould development, and after mold starts to grow on unprotected drywall paper, the drywall has to be removed. If this becomes necessary, then a thorough mold remediation should precede the installation of roof. It is not always necessary to replace moldy drywall, however, if it has been painted.
An Unseen Menace
You can immediately recognize the blackening mold triggers, but it’s the mould you can’t see that is quite damaging. It can grow on the back of drywall that’s been soaked by a leak, and you also know that it’s there because you can smell it. There may be a colony behind peeling wallpaper or under drywall tape loosened by water or age. Once mold starts to grow on unprotected drywall paper, there is no other way to prevent it from spreading than removing and discarding the affected hairline. If the mold is growing on painted drywall, however, it is possible to clean it off.
Replacing Moldy Drywall
You should hire a contractor with experience in mould remediation to remove moldy drywall, since this procedure releases spores. If you do it yourself, wear a respirator, gloves and goggles, and prevent any air intake vents in the room to stop the spores from broadcasting through the ventilation system. You must physically remove the mould from the framing by sanding and scraping before hanging new drywall, or it will grow back. You then should soak the framing with a suitable disinfectant, such as a solution containing 1 part household bleach to ten parts water. Lastly, the framing must dry completely — utilize a fan, if needed.
Cleaning Painted Drywall
You don’t have to resort to the exact same drastic steps to remove mould growing on the surface of painted drywall, since the paint seals the drywall paper. If you find mold growing on a surface coated with shiny paint, then it is possible to remove it by scrubbing it with a solution of fluid cleaning water and detergent. If the surface does not have a higher sheen, add 1 part bleach to ten parts of the detergent solution and clean the paint thoroughly. Wear rubber gloves and avoid touching the mold with your bare hands so you don’t spread it and infect another part of the home.
Mold Prevention
You can’t prevent all mould from growing in your property, but it is possible to restrict it by controlling moisture. The ideal humidity for your home is between 30 and 60 percent, according to the EPA; if it’s any higher than that, you may notice musty odors that are the telltale signs of mould. Control excess humidity by opening doors and windows to increase ventilation or by operating a dehumidifier, particularly if you see condensation collecting on the walls. In addition, you will need to take fast action at the first indication of a leak to control and prevent mould — it takes mould 24 to 48 hours to begin growing on moist surfaces.