Drywall is known to be extremely porous. Once exposed to moisture and water, harmful molds will begin to grown and spread. New York Painting Services wants to bring this all too common of a problem, to light. Join with us as we share more about this household problem and why it is important to clean or repair drywall properly after it has been exposed to water or high levels of moisture.
Act Quickly When Detecting House Mold
Molds that develop on drywall often create more of an unnecessary health problem. Additionally, it also can create a lot of interior damages and in a short period of time. Black mold, which is a common type of mold found on drywall, also releases a corrosive gas which is toxic and causes serious health problems, especially those with weak immune systems and respiratory problems. This is the leading reason why homeowners should also act quickly when the mold first makes itself known.
Signs of Sickness & Ill Health Causing Mold
Signs of mold growth in your home will appear as little black spots on the walls. This is something you should watch for once you have discovered the walls have been exposed to water. Once the mold is discovered you can take steps to clean and remove it. The first is trying to stop and kill the mold in its path. However you will want to make sure you have mold growth instead of another fungus which can look the same at first. One way to know that it is mold is by taking a sniff test. Mold will have a musty smell. Make sure the wall is dry and not holding any extra moisture. This is done by simply pressing on the wall. If it gives or feels wet, find the source of the water or leak and repair it. If mold is in fact present you then will need to decide on its severity. It is recommended that you use a professional drywall repair service that is familiar with mold. Mainly, we not only have the tools and experience we are schooled in safety protocols when dealing with mold. However, for those DIY folks make sure you have gloves and a breathing mask on hand. Other additional tools you may want to have on hand are utility knife, rags, sandpaper, scrub brush and even a patch kit for drywall, as well as bleach or a mold kill cleaner.
Repair or Replace Sheetrock
You may want to first see if the mold can be killed without the need to completely remove the drywall. Start by using the sandpaper and sand down the affected areas. Then use the bleach or cleanser to kill any mold left within the drywall. Then allow the wall to dry. You can use fans to help this process along. If the drywall seems crumbly or the mold has spread through the sheet rock and into the home’s wooden framing, be prepared to remove the affected areas. You can use your utility knife to cut the bad section out if the area is small enough to do a simple patch job. Make sure to bleach or use the mold cleanser on the wooden framing that may contain mold. Then cut out the same size piece of fresh drywall and use your drywall repair kit to replace the damaged drywall.
Painting, Drywall Repair & More in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Yonkers, Tarrytown, Bronxville & White Plains New York
New York Painting Services provides drywall services and can help remove walls infected with mold. Remember to act fast to prevent further mold growth until the time comes to replace the damaged drywall. This is where bleaching and sealing the walls with a primer can help. However if you find you need assistance with replacing water damaged drywall, contact New York Painting Services today.