What To Do When You Find Mold While Remodeling

Behind your old walls, you could find mold like this.

Watch For Mold When Remodeling

Knowing the proper mildew removal and mold removal techniques during a remodeling project could prevent health symptoms later in the home occupants. Mold removing techniques should be well thought out just in case it is found within the walls during remodeling.

One of the leading causes of mold and mildew contamination in the home is from a roof or plumbing leak. Over 90% of these types of leaks will result in mold or mildew growth within the walls of the housing structure. This mold can lay dormant until someone disturbs it leading to contamination throughout the entire home.

Dead Spores Are More Dangerous

Mold and mildew spores from dead or non-viable mold are the particles most likely to become airborne within the indoor environment and may actually remain airborne for hours at a time only to be breathed in by persons living in the home. Persons who have an inherent mold allergy to a particular mold species face the greatest risk from mold and mildew exposure. However, anyone who is exposed to large quantities of mold spores can also experience acute allergic reactions. Mold spores found in walls can also cause acute asthma in toddlers as well as a rash allergy in adults. Oddly, it is the indoor relative humidity level over extended periods of time that determines the amount of mold spores which can become airborne.

Be Prepared for the Worst

Have the supplies and equipment available just in case mold is found within the walls during the removal of sheetrock. The following list are some of the primary items you may wish to have before attempting wall board removal, especially if you believe the area may have experienced a water leak in the past.

1. A HEPA vacuum to remove mold spores before attempting to move.
2. Heavy mil plastic to wrap pieces of mold contaminated wall board before moving to the outdoors.
3. A spray bottle with a 10% bleach to 90% water solution. (Note: do not spray directly onto copper piping or other metal parts as bleach is very corrosive)
4. Other precautions include; turn off central air systems since it may spread mold and mildew spores throughout the home, limit the movement of other home occupants during the removal process and seal off the work area or room from other indoor living spaces.

When to consider Mold Remediation

If there are large amounts of mold found during a remodel project, you should consider hiring a mold remediation specialist. This is especially true if one or more of the home occupants are experiencing respiratory health symptoms.

By Stan K. Hall

The Moldy Blog

About the author

Hello, Samuel Dixon with Common Sense Inspections Mold Inspection in Los Angeles has been awarded the Council­ certified Indoor Environmental Consultant (CIEC) designation by the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC). This prestigious, board ­awarded certification recognizes Dixon’s knowledge and field experience in indoor environmental investigation and consulting. To earn the CIEC designation, Samuel passed a rigorous examination based on respected industry texts. He then submitted documented, verifiable field experience to a board of peers, earning a unanimous vote of approval. To maintain the CIEC designation, Samuel will remain active in the field and complete 40 hours of professional development activities within the next two years. Samuel is now listed in the ACAC certificant database at www.acac.org, along with more than 2,800 ACAC certificants around the world. The database can be searched by name, company or zip code and represents a continuously updated roster of experienced indoor environmental professionals. The CIEC designation is accredited by the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB) and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), both nationally recognized third­ party accreditation bodies. For more information, visit www.acac.org.