Molds are very good at surviving in all conditions, which makes them so hard to get rid of once they start growing. All mold really needs to grow and thrive are food and water and they don’t need any sunlight. For food they especially like cellulose or wood which makes parts of your home, like the sheet rock or wood floors, a veritable mold buffet. Once you add in water, mold will start to take hold and within 48 hours it will produce spores that will spread out and find new places in your home to grow. The spores are what cause that nasty moldy smell and the health problems and allergies in many individuals.

Water for mold growth can come from several different sources, including a crack that will allow outside moisture to seep into your home, from a leaky pipe, or from high humidity. Humidity is moisture in the air and is measured in terms of relative humidity. When relative humidity levels go above 50% things start to become very uncomfortable for you. If you’ve experienced a warm summer day, especially along the Southern coast of the US, then you know what I’m talking about with that hot, muggy feeling, where you are sweating all the time and it’s hard to breath. As the humidity levels rise, condensation will form on surfaces in your home. This looks like sweat on walls or windows. This excess water is just an invitation for mold to move into your home and start breeding. The only way to reduce humidity levels in your home is through the use of a high quality dehumidifier. You can check out this top 5 list (outside link) to find one of the best models.

What are some important things you can you do to prevent mold growth? You can’t eliminate the mold’s food sources because that is essentially the main structures your home. So, one of the best ways to prevent mold growth is to limit its water sources. Here are the steps you need to take to eliminate excess water.

1. Check for cracks
   If you have any cracks in the foundation of your home, then water will easily seep in from the outside. Basements are especially vulnerable. You should inspect all around the inside and outside of your home at the foundation to check for any cracks and patch them up using cement. Waterproofing the inside of your basement with specialized coating is also a good idea if you have a persistent water problem.
2. Check for leaks
   You may have a leaky water pipe that is causing a moisture build-up. Many times you can repair the leak yourself using plumber’s putty and silicone caulk. In other cases, where the pipe is difficult to access, or you simply can’t stop the leak yourself, you’ll need to call a plumber. It may cost you a bit up front, but it will save you from a very costly long term problem.
3. Test humidity levels
   You can do this using a humidistat, which you can find for about $10 at any hardware store. If humidity levels are above 60% for several days, then you have a humidity problem and a potential mold problem. The best way to lower humidity levels is through the use of a high quality dehumidifier.
4. Purchase a dehumidifier based on the size and conditions of the wet rooms.
   You’ll need to measure the size of each room and match it up to a dehumidifier that can handle that size space. Generally large 70 pint portable models have enough capacity to handle 1,400 square feet. You can read dehumidifier reviews (outside link) to find out which models stand out.

The bottom line is that the best way to solve a mold problem is to prevent it from happening. That means eliminating the sources of moisture that allow mold to thrive. By planning ahead today and taking preventative measures you can save yourself from potential health problems and a very costly mold cleanup in the future.

This guest post was contributed by Will Turnage of DehumidifierAuthority.com, a site dedicated to providing resources and recommendations to help folks choose the right dehumidifier.

“The black mold is so bad inside one metro rental home that a mom and her five kids are moving out after a mold expert said the levels are the second highest he’s ever found. The landlord says he had no idea the mold had gotten so bad, but he now promises to fix it.” (Read the full article on Fox4KC.com)

The trouble comes in when the land lord, well meaning I’m sure, recommended vinegar as the solution. Its somewhat like handing someone a coat hangar to fend off a charging rhinoceros - not much good.

If you’ve found black mold in your home, take it seriously. The long term consequences of black mold exposure can be devastating and even deadly. If you’re looking for professional help, choose a remediator carefully. Experience is key.

Know someone who has been affected by black mold or have our own story to share? Send us your story!

Keep fighting!

“As far as mold damage goes, there also needs to be proof of some type of effort to prevent it, even if it’s just a few Clorox bottles.”

You can read the rest of the story on KFYRTV.com.

What does this mean for you? Talk to your insurance company and find out if they cover mold damage and if so, what are the stipulations? What preventative efforts do you need to have taken? Will they cover the cost of remediation? Ask those questions. If you don’t get good answers, get a new insurance agent. Don’t have insurance?  Check out one of Dave Ramsey’s Endorsed Local Providers. They are a great place to start your search.

In between using soap and water and calling in the professionals with their knowledge and chemicals, there are choices like Concrobium, Safe Shield, Molderizer, Allersearch, and others that offer chemical treatment of mold and mildew. Some of them are designed to block mold and mildew from appearing at all, and some of them are designed to kill it. Ideally, a combination of killing the mold that’s there and stopping new mold from appearing is generally the best choice.

“So, What Mold Removal Products Should I Buy?”

If you aren’t sure what to use, it’s best to research several products that are available. Because mold removal products can really vary in strength, safety, and other features, you don’t just want to use the first one that you find. It might be great, but there might be something out there that’s a lot better for your particular situation and that may even end up costing you less. It’s worth doing some checking.

You should also pay close attention to what the mold removal products you’re considering are actually made with. Many contain bleach – and that’s something you can purchase on your own for a lower price. Others, though, are ‘green’ in that they are all natural, and there are also chemicals that are used by various manufacturers. If you or your family members are allergic to any kind of chemical, it’s a good idea to make sure that it’s not in the mold removal products you’re considering buying. Reading labels is important.

“What About The Mold Coming Back?”

The advantage to buying cleaning products and handling the mold yourself is that you already have everything you need if the mold returns. Mold removal products are designed to get rid of the mold and stop it from coming back in a lot of cases, but whatever is causing the mold has to be corrected, as well. If you get rid of the mold but you don’t stop the leak or moisture problem that caused the mold in the first place, you’ll continue to have mold problems.

Even if the mold doesn’t come back in that same spot, it’ll still find a place to return – generally just past where the sheetrock or other substance was treated with something that is supposed to keep mold away. By taking care of the mold problem at its source, even if you need a professional to do that, you can more easily take care of the mold problem in your home. Then, no matter what mold removal products you choose, you won’t have to worry about the mold returning. You and your family will be healthier and happier in your mold-free home.

How to get rid of mold, though, depends on the extent of the problem that you have with it. Some mold issues are very easy to handle, and others, like a black mold infestation, require a professional mold remediator (we have some tips on choosing the right one) to deal with them because of their size and/or severity.

“So, How Do I Get Rid of Mold?”

Knowing how to get rid of mold on your own is a great way to keep costs down and protect your family and pets from the sicknesses that can come from mold exposure. Of course, some removal jobs are too big to tackle on your own. Knowing when to get a professional is important.

For small infestations, cleaning them thoroughly is usually all you need to do. Use a cleaner that’s specifically for mold and mildew, use a bleach solution, or simply use soap and warm water. If you’re cleaning sheetrock or drywall, don’t soak it heavily. That can keep it from drying properly and cause more growth later. Cleaning the moldy area won’t solve the entire problem, though, because you have to stop the spores from coming back.

Fixing Mold Problems Yourself

To do that, you need to find the source of the problem. It could be a leaking pipe, it could be from flood damage or another type of water damage, or it could be just a buildup of moisture in a kitchen or bathroom where there’s a problem with proper ventilation. Finding the problem and fixing it has to be done – and you might need to get a professional to fix it for you.

Simple things like tightening a loose pipe fitting are easy for a homeowner to handle, but if you have more serious issues or you need an exhaust vent put in so you can get the moisture out of your bathroom or kitchen, it’s best to call in a professional. That way, you’ll know the job is done right.

Calling a Mold Remediator

Sometimes mold removal is too big of a job for a homeowner to handle. If that’s the case for you, you can call a mold remediator. They know how to get rid of mold, and they can help you by making sure mold is removed from your house and the problem that caused it is taken care of. It’s a great way to get larger infestations removed and keep them from coming back in the future.

Black mold

“What are some of the symptoms?”

Until the mold is cleared up, there’s a lot of potential for symptoms. Most people only have mild symptoms like a runny nose, itchy eyes, and a cough. Some people get much sicker, though, and even the mild signs can be annoying and debilitating after a while. Because they’re so persistent, black mold symptoms sometimes turn into more chronic respiratory problems that can cause missed days at school and work, as well as other health problems.

Those With Respiratory Problems Beware

People who have allergies to black mold or who are already dealing with chronic respiratory problems like asthma or emphysema can be at serious risk when it comes to mold, and they have to be more careful than the general population. That’s a very important thing to remember if you fall into one of those groups or know someone who does.

Treating The Symptoms

Black mold symptoms should be treated by a doctor or healthcare professional, and the source of the problem should be located and eliminated. That will make sure the person who has sickened by the mold has the best chance to recover, and it will also help to ensure that the mold doesn’t keep coming back, poisoning other people.

Don’t Let Symptoms Escalate

If the mold isn’t removed, there are more serious black mold symptoms that can develop. Many people become nauseated and fatigued when they live with a mold problem. Those kinds of problems persist, and they can take a toll on the body. It’s difficult to get anything done when you’re tired all the time. Being nauseated is a problem, as well, because it’s difficult to eat and can lead to poor nutrition.

“What are the most dangerous symptoms?”

In rare and extreme cases, some of the most dangerous black mold symptoms are bleeding from the nose and lungs. Thankfully, this is uncommon. When it does occur, though, it can be life-threatening. The best choice is not to allow mold to get to the point where it causes those kinds of symptoms. Black mold symptoms should always be treated properly and quickly and the source of the black mold removed. If you’re unsure how to do it the right way, you can get a professional to help you.

“When do I need to call in the professionals?”

A mold removal service run by professional mold remediators may be needed if the job is a large one, you have trouble finding the source of the problem, or you think you’ve removed the mold but you’re still battling black mold symptoms. Don’t be afraid to consult a professional if you need one. Most of them are very reasonable in cost and can take care of the problem quickly. Your health and the health of your friends and family members is too important to compromise.

Black mold removal can be a real trial

Understand The Process

Whether you try to do it yourself or hire a company it’s a good idea to know how the black mold removal process is handled. That way, you’ll be prepared for any issues that might come up and you’ll be knowledgeable enough to make sure the job’s being done right – no matter who’s doing the work.

Identify The Source

The first thing you should do with black mold removal is identify the source of the moisture problem. If you don’t know where the moisture (and, therefore, the mold) is coming from, you won’t get it stopped and the mold will continue coming back. Flooding, water leaks – including slow ones, and even high humidity can all contribute to the growth and recurrence of black mold.

Stop The Leak

Stopping the moisture or the leak from causing further damage is the first step with black mold removal. From that point, the cleanup needs to begin. Black mold isn’t something you can just spray with an antibacterial spray like Lysol and forget about.

Contain The Spores

If the area is a small one and you’re going to handle the cleaning of it yourself, you should first seal off the room so that mold spores don’t drift around. They can easily get into the air, mix in with dust and dirt, and get carried throughout the house. By isolating them to one room and not letting them get into the rest of the house, you’ll be better off and healthier. The cleanup will be easier, as well.

Avoid Further Contamination

Even for a small area, it’s important to seal off the room so you don’t risk any further contamination in the rest of the house. Once you’ve sealed the room, make sure the moldy area is damp. If it’s dry, mist it lightly. Dry mold spores are very quickly airborne. Keeping them damp is another way to help cut down on contamination.

Use Air Power

If the room you’re working in has a window, it’s a good idea to open it and place an exhaust fan in it, because any mold spores that do get airborne will be drawn that way and removed from the house. If you don’t have a window in the room, don’t just run a fan – you’ll just blow the black mold spores around and risk inhaling more of them.

Don’t Miss A Spot!

When you clean the area – which should be done with soap and a sponge – make sure you clean the moldy area first, and then expand your work to clean the entire room. Mold spores are tiny, and you want to make sure you get all of them so they don’t try to cause you health problems in the future. If you’re unsure about your ability manage the black mold removal from your home, do the safe thing and hire a professional to handle the job for you.

When The Job Is Too Big

For large areas, though, you’ll need specialists. The remediation cost will be much different if you have someone do it for you, but big areas can’t be handled very easily be a homeowner, so it may be worth posting a few jobs on Gumtree (in the UK) or Craiglist (in the US) for this and see what responses you get. One of the things a mold remediation specialist can do is clean areas like the crawlspace under your home and the ductwork in the walls and attic. Mold spores that get into your heating and cooling system can just get recirculated through your home, continuing to make you sick even if you’ve cleaned up the area where you originally found the mold.

“Alright, so what can it cost?”

The remediation cost of a crawlspace can really vary. It could average as little as $500 or as much as $4,000. If the attic and wall ducts are involved, the cost for those generally ranges from $2,000 to $6,000. If your home has been flooded and the mold is all throughout it, there is much more that has to be done. This could drive your remediation cost up to $10,000 to $30,000 – and it could even go higher, depending on the size of your home.

Remember Insurance Considerations

When you’re considering insurance, make sure you get something that will cover at least part of the remediation cost if you live in a flood zone (we’ve got some tips on handling water damage claims). Most consumers don’t have that kind of money to spend out of pocket, and you probably don’t, either. Even though you’ll have an idea of how much something should cost, be sure to shop around. The first company you find might not be the best one for your needs. The price may be different, and you also have to pay attention to the credentials.

Look For Experienced Remediators

You want people who’ve been removing mold (especially black mold) for a while, not new people who aren’t sure about the job. You’ll also want to see if there is some kind of guarantee offered – and there should be. You don’t want to find out that the people didn’t do their jobs properly and the mold has come back, only to be told that there is nothing that can be done until you pay more money.

Final Thoughts

When you find a company where you feel comfortable with the people, the work ethic, the guarantee, and the remediation cost, you’ll be able to get the mold removed from your home and you and your family can get back to enjoying your lives. You’ll be much healthier, and your home will be a safer place to be.

Suspect a leak?

It really doesn’t take much for mold to start growing. If you see it, especially if it’s black mold, you’ll want to do two things: remove it, and prevent it from coming back. To get rid of the problem, you need to get rid of the source of the moisture. Check carefully for leaks, and for places where moisture and wetness collect. Along the edges of sinks, tubs, and showers are important places to check. You’ll also want to make sure that the pipes under the sink or for the shower or tub aren’t leaking.

If you notice a leak, have it fixed right away. If you don’t have a vent fan in your bathroom – especially one near the shower area – it can be worthwhile to have one installed. If it’s used when the shower is running it’ll take a lot of the moisture out of the bathroom. Just leave it on until you get ready to leave the room, and you should help avoid any mold problems that way. Those kinds of things will help prevent mold from coming back, but they won’t get rid of the issue that you already have. If it’s black mold, it can easily make you sick. Getting rid of it is important.

“What if I only have a small area that needs remediation?”

You can clean small areas of mold with a soap and water solution and a sponge. Make sure to clean the area thoroughly and get all the infestation. It doesn’t take much for mold to return, and even a few spores can start it growing again. If the area isn’t wet when you start to clean it, the spores can get into the air and spread throughout the house. Make sure to dampen the area if the mold is dry. You can also use bleach when cleaning, but you’ll need to be very careful what surfaces you use it on. Bleach can damage a lot of different things.

After you’ve cleaned the black mold, rinse the area thoroughly and make sure it dries completely. You can use a fan or a hair dryer to give yourself some peace of mind. That way, you won’t be risking more mold because you got the area wetter than it was before. Black mold grows quickly, so keep an eye on the area you cleaned for a few days and see if you notice the mold coming back. If you do, it might be time to call in a professional.

What You Don’t Know Can Hurt

The spores of black mold float in the air, and they’re too small to see. If you breathe them in and they start to make you sick, you should never assume that they will go away on their own. The mold will spread, and the problem will only become worse. Knowing what black mold is and what kinds of problems the spores will cause in the human body are both very important, so that the symptoms can be recognized and addressed in a home or a business.

Understanding The Symptoms

Symptoms of black mold include watering and irritated eyes, sneezing, runny nose, chronic fatigue, chronic coughing, and headaches. It can also produce nausea and vomiting, and extreme cases of exposure can cause bleeding in the nose and lungs. Most people are treated for the problem before it becomes too serious, but some people are more sensitive to black mold than others.

“I’ve got the symptoms! What do I do now?”

If you or your loved ones or coworkers are experiencing any of these symptoms on a consistent basis, you may be exposed to black mold without realizing it. If that’s the case, you should find the problem and have it taken care of quickly, before symptoms become any worse. A professional mold remediator (learn how to choose the right one) should be the one to treat the mold, and people with symptoms should be seen by their doctor, just to rule out any serious concerns.

Get It Cleaned While You’re Gone

Once a person with symptoms gets away from the black mold spores, the symptoms should clear up in a short amount of time. While that person is away, a professional mold remediation company can come in and address the black mold problem. The mold is often seen from water damage, but it can also appear anywhere that stays wet a lot, such as in a kitchen or bathroom, or somewhere that has a leaky pipe.

Under a sink is a common place for black mold (learn about where mold grows), or along the baseboard where a washing machine sits. It can also be found in the corners of bathrooms where the dampness from the shower lingers too long. Businesses can get black mold in the bathrooms, around the water cooler, or in the employee kitchen.

Beware of Water Damage

If water damage has occurred on the property (learn how to remove it) – if it’s been flooded, for example – black mold could be anywhere. A professional mold remediator may have to remove the drywall, treat the wooden beams in the walls, and replace the drywall with new materials in order to ensure that the mold problem is stopped. While that can be expensive, it is well worth the trouble to have it done, especially when the health and safety of a family or a business may be at stake.

Stay tuned for more as we expand this guide.