Should You Clean Surface Mold Before A Remodel?

Are you planning a remodeling project and have observed black mold on your property? Some property owners who see black mold try to clean it away themselves. However, this can be problematic in some cases. The following are primary reasons you should refrain from do-it-yourself mold removals for renovation projects.

Beyond the Surface

Many times people see mold on surfaces and do not realize that the mold may have spread into other areas. For example, you might make an attempt to clean mold away from windows and around vents. However, it is possible that mold may have spread into other areas such as your HVAC system. If you proceed with remodeling plans without addressing the underlying mold issues, you may end up facing more expensive repairs in the future. 

Potential Illness

Some people start their own do-it-yourself surface mold cleaning projects and discover that there is more mold than they initially thought. This means that the more intense their cleaning gets, the more likely they are to access areas of their home that are heavily contaminated by mold. Extensive contaminations are best left to experts. This is because exposure to the contamination can cause illness. The average layperson will not have the equipment to guarantee that they will not get sick by mold contamination. For individuals who are sensitive to mold, it may only take a few spores to cause illness. 

Serious Underlying Issue

Attempting to clean up mold yourself may also mean that you are allowing a serious property issue to get worse. For example, mold is usually the result of moisture or water damage issues. If you only clean up the mold you see, this means that the underlying issues may not get addressed until the spreading mold eventually causes a serious issue such as illness  or structural damage. 

Necessary Remediation

If the mold is a result of an underlying issue, chances are you will need to have mold remediation services performed. These services will include mold removal and replacement of building structures that have been compromised by the mold. For example, sometimes mold may spread onto sheet rock and make it necessary to extract and replace the sheet rock. 

A remodeling contractor who specializes in damage assessment is a good resource to use to determine the extent of the mold you view as "surface-level." They can determine if you should postpone the remodeling project and repair damages first. This is something that can ultimately save you time and also protect your home which is likely one of your most valuable assets. 


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