If your drywall surface is soft to the touch, the moisture and the mold have taken their toll on its structural integrity. In this case, it's better to remove the drywall, kill the mold on the framing underneath, allow it to dry, and start fresh.
The good news is that if you kill the mold right away, you can usually save the drywall. If the mold has been lingering there for awhile, you might need to replace the contaminated section.
If you don't replace water-damaged, moldy drywall, it could end up compromising the structure of your home. It's also a health hazard, and in some cases, the only way to get rid of toxic black mold on drywall is to remove the affected panels completely.
Outside of a surface mold from humidity scenario, the best strategy for removing black mold from drywall is simply to cut out the impacted drywall and replace it with new. Don't waste your time trying to clean it. It's best to (carefully) cut it out, bag it up, and throw it away.
And while a small amount generally won't make you sick, it's important to get rid of mold quickly. “If left untreated, mold can spread to other household items and cause health problems for family members," says Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab.
These telltale signs should have you looking for another home fast: The house fails all inspections because of mold growth, especially if there are foundation issues. The seller doesn't have the money to cover the cost of mold remediation and removal or doesn't want to spend the money fixing it.
In short, yes. Exposure to black mold can be harmful in the long term, particularly in people with respiratory conditions and other risk factors. Black mold can be one of several different species of fungus, including Stachybotrys chartarum.
While there are many types of harmless molds, some varieties can be toxic and harmful to humans. Black mold often falls under the category of potentially toxic fungus. Breathing in its spores has been linked to breathing difficulties, allergic reactions and other serious health issues.
Black mold can cause health problems, so it is not advisable to live in a house with black mold. If you must stay in your house while black mold is being removed, make sure to seal off any areas where black mold is present and avoid coming into contact with it.
Mix one part bleach with three parts water in a bucket. Using a scrub brush or heavy-duty sponge, vigorously scrub the mold-affected wall with the bleach/water solution until the mold spots have disappeared.
When searching for black mold, look for circular-shaped spots that are black, dark green or dark brown. Some black mold can also take on shades of orange or have flecks of white within it. Most of the time, black mold has a slightly furry appearance.
When to Replace Drywall. There are times when you can patch and other times when you need to replace drywall. You should consider replacing drywall when you notice large holes, cracks, discoloration, water damage, bulges, splinters, and mold.
Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions.
If your drywall surface is soft to the touch, the moisture and the mold have taken their toll on its structural integrity. In this case, it's better to remove the drywall, kill the mold on the framing underneath, allow it to dry, and start fresh.
The 48-72 hour window is critical to prevent mold growth as it usually takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to germinate and grow. Once fungus gets a hold on a drywall surface, it can be the breeding ground for thousands of spores and quickly spread in the air around the wall with every passing hour.
Pay attention to the color and consistency: We already talked about black mold above, though it's more accurate to say that Stachybotrys chartarum has a greenish-black hue. Toxic mold can also have a grayish, soot-like texture, or a slimy, wet surface. In some cases, you may even notice furry orange or brown spots.
On the basis of current research, black mold exposure is no more dangerous than any other type of mold exposure. It is impossible to avoid exposure to mold — the spores are almost everywhere in the atmosphere. In high amounts or in people with allergies, exposure to any mold may cause allergy symptoms.
Observable Growth
Toxic mold is fast-growing, so if you find mold, make sure to observe it over the following days. If you see that it has grown or expanded, then it is possible it is toxic. It often grows out in large, dark rings throughout the ceiling. It can also take the form of multiple spots.
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.
In some cases, people may experience symptoms of mold sickness immediately after exposure, while others may not notice any effects for weeks or even months.
As you might've guessed, opening windows can help reduce mold. Doing so lets excess moisture flow outside instead of settling on your walls, floors, and ceiling. Without the proper amount of moisture indoors, mold won't be able to grow. Opening windows can be helpful.
Mold can grow on or fill in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may be difficult or impossible to remove completely. Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold.
Mold grows faster in the summer months. However, winter doesn't always mean we are in the clear. Mold loves the dark spaces in our homes. Although it does not grow at temperatures below freezing, mold can survive in dormancy and await the coming spring.
Spring and Fall are commonly known as the worst seasons for mold growth. Especially in regions with heavy rain and high water levels, the moisture can cause expedited growth. Heavy rain showers can bring the best environment for mold.