Do you have to remove drywall to get rid of mold?

Author: Dr. Tom Deckow Sr.  |  Last update: Friday, December 5, 2025

Deep Cleaning Strategies For more stubborn mold growth: Cut out and remove any severely damaged drywall. Clean the surrounding area and any exposed framing with a mold-killing solution. Allow the area to dry completely, using fans if necessary.

Do I have to remove drywall that has mold?

If you find mold on your drywall, you'll most likely need to get it replaced. Mold on drywall can indicate a deeper problem in the stud space behind your wall since it can penetrate the surface. In this case, you'll need to cut it out and replace the drywall in the affected and surrounding areas.

Is it safe to have mold behind drywall?

So mold inside walls should never be ignored unless the quantity is minute. It must be removed with proper controls by a professional mold remediation contractor who will use plastic containment, air scrubbers with negative air pressure and make sure mold will not be dispersed into the rest of the home.

Do you have to remove walls to get rid of mold?

All affected drywall / plaster will need to be removed. Any wood framing will probably have to go. If it isn't too rotted, you can clean it by scrubbing it and then sanding off any remaining mold. USE A SANDER CONNECTED TO A HEPA FILTER. THIS IS IMPORTANT.

Do mold remediation companies replace drywall?

Depending on the severity of the damage, some building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms.

Black Mold - How To Kill Toxic Mold In Under 5 Mins!

How much does it cost to remove drywall with mold?

Removing mold from your walls can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $20,000, depending on whether you need to remove mold from the surface or must replace the wall and everything behind it due to mold damage. Mold that grows on drywall for a long time can destroy the drywall. Repairing drywall typically costs $300 to $825.

Is it safe to live in a house after mold remediation?

Typically, it's safe to return 24 to 48 hours after the remediation process is completed. This allows time for any airborne spores to settle and for the air quality to return to safe levels.

How do professionals remove mold from inside walls?

Before You Begin
  1. Removal/Disposal: Moldy drywall and insulation must be removed. None can be reused.
  2. Kill Mold: Spray the mold with a liquid biocide to kill it. ...
  3. Encapsulate Mold: Cover the mold with a fungicidal mold encapsulant. ...
  4. Rebuild: The area must be rebuilt with new building materials.

What are signs of mold sickness?

Although symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include:
  • Nasal and sinus congestion.
  • Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes.
  • Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
  • Cough.
  • Throat irritation.
  • Skin irritation, such as a rash.
  • Headache.

What kills 100% of mold?

Hydrogen peroxide, commonly used to disinfect wounds, is active against a wide variety of micro-organisms including mold. It acts by releasing oxygen at a rapid rate, which kills mold by oxidizing the surface and breaking down proteins and DNA.

How do you tell if mold is growing behind walls?

How to Detect Mold in Walls
  1. Water stains.
  2. Dark rings.
  3. Discoloration.
  4. Deterioration like peeling, bubbling, or cracking of the paint or wallpaper.

Does homeowners insurance cover mold?

Homeowners insurance doesn't usually cover mold damage or removal unless it's the result of a covered peril. If the mold in your residence was caused by something sudden or accidental, such as a bursting pipe or some other covered incident on your policy, you may be protected.

How to get rid of mold on walls permanently?

The only effective way to permanently get rid of mould problems is by reducing the build-up of moisture in your home. This can only be achieved through better ventilation.

Is mold behind drywall a problem?

Damaging Effects of Water behind Drywall

Mold can only grow where there is enough water to support it. This means that when you have mold growing behind drywall, you have excess water behind your wall.

Which side of drywall is mold resistant?

Always hang PURPLE drywall with the purple side out, or facing into the room.

Can you remediate black mold yourself?

For a natural solution to getting rid of black mold, combine one part baking soda with five parts distilled white vinegar and five parts water in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use a chemical-based mold and mildew remover, all-purpose cleaners, bleach or dish soap.

How long does it take to get sick from mold exposure?

According to the CDC, people usually experience their first symptoms within 2 to 9 hours of their first exposure. On the other hand, some people could go for weeks or months before feeling sick if their exposure is limited enough. This is why it is also important to check damp, dark areas of your home for mold.

Does an air purifier help with mold?

Mold is an obvious health risk in any home, but investing in an air purifier can help limit your exposure. The best among them will ideally offer HEPA-level filtration, with this level of filtration being able to trap up to 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in diameter.

Can mold behind walls make you sick?

It irritates the nose and throat, which can lead to both sneezing and coughing as your body tries to get rid of the irritant. Inhaling mold spores can also trigger coughing in people with allergies or an asthma attack, for those with asthma.

Can you treat mold without removing drywall?

Unfortunately, it is often necessary to tear out drywall to do effective mold removal from inside a wall.

How much does it cost to remove mold from inside walls?

Professional mold remediation typically costs $1,500–$9,000 with an average cost of $3,500. While you can clean small, visible mold problems yourself, it's safer to call in professionals for large or complex infestations.

Will a dehumidifier help with mold?

Mould will easily grow and spread if the right conditions are present. So, dehumidifiers don't kill mould, but they can help to prevent it from growing inside your home by reducing humidity. However, the best way to deal with it is to get rid of its source.

Will insurance cover mold remediation?

In most cases, homeowners insurance policies do not cover mold damage as it's often tied to home maintenance. Homeowners insurance policies may provide coverage to remove the mold as part of the mitigation effort to restore your property from a covered peril.

How long can you stay in a house with mold?

Generally, a person can stay in a moldy home for years, though some people could feel extremely uncomfortable.

What should I throw out after mold?

What Do You Throw Away After Mold Remediation? Materials that were heavily infested and couldn't be fully cleaned should be thrown away after mold remediation. This includes porous items (e.g., carpeting, ceiling tiles, insulation) to prevent mold spores from spreading.

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