When you have a damp space such as an attic, basement, or wall cavity, it’s only a matter of time before you start to see signs of mold. This is because damp conditions are the perfect breeding ground for mold and other fungi that causes pest problems. If your home has a leaky roof or plumbing issue, these conditions will probably get worse over time.
How to Remove Mold From Inside Walls
Once you notice the first sign of water damage inside your walls, it’s very important to take action fast. And that means repairing the source of the problem as soon as possible so that it doesn’t keep spreading throughout your home. Here are 10 easy steps on how to remove mold from inside walls.
Conduct a thorough inspection.
If you’ve noticed a musty smell or discoloration of your wall materials, you should begin your inspection with a quick sweep of your home. Pay close attention to any areas where there might be water damage. This could be at the corners of a ceiling, under a floor, or behind a wall.
Open all windows, drawers, cabinets, closets, and gaps under doors to see if any moisture is leaking in. After inspecting your entire home, take your inspection one step further by inspecting your home’s exterior. Look for signs of water damage on the exterior of your home, such as mold, discoloration, and cracked or damaged siding.
Pick out your tools and supplies.
Before starting your mold removal project, it’s good to look around your home. Make a list of everything you’ll need for your project. This will include items such as a rag, a bucket, a vacuum, a steamer, gloves, a mask and eye protection, a ladder, a screwdriver, duct tape, moleskin, extra nails, and a flashlight, a pencil and paper, and a ladder stand. It’s also a good idea to keep a notepad and pen in your car and house, just in case you come up with any ideas while removing the mold you’d like to write down.
Flip the light on.
Once you’ve picked out your tools, it’s time to flip the light on and get to work. When amidst a mold removal project, it’s a good idea to keep a song on repeat in the background to keep your mood positive. You’ll need to be in the right frame of mind to get the job done quickly and efficiently. It’s important to flip the light on when doing it. This is because you’ll need to remove any dust and debris from your surroundings to ensure you don’t end up breathing in mold spores.
Define the scope of work.
Before removing the mold, you’ll need to know exactly where it is. For example, you might want to remove mold inside your walls but leave the rest of your home untouched. Or you might want to remove the mold, clean the walls, and then re-cover the walls with new vinyl or paper covering. When you know exactly where the mold is, you can better define the scope of work.
There are several ways to find out where the mold is located. One way is to take a damp sponge and wipe the mold off the wall. If the mold is on a smooth surface, like drywall, it should come off with a sponge. If the mold is on a textured wall, like brick, it might leave an oily or orange residue behind the wall.
Isolate the source of water intrusion.
Once you’ve identified the source of the water intrusion, you can start taking steps to isolate the area. For example, to remove mold from inside your walls, you’ll need first to lift the carpet in your home. This will allow you to see under your floorboards and determine if there’s any water damage. You’ll also want to open up any tiles, wood, or joints in the wall that are seeping water.
If the water damage comes from your roof, you’ll want to cut off the roof access points (i.e., the skylight, chimney, and skylight access points). This will help prevent more water damage from getting inside your home. You’ll also want to seal up any cracks and joints that have been letting water in. When you’re done isolating the source of the water damage, it’s time to start the cleanup process.
Dry the area completely.
To remove mold from inside your walls, you’ll want to ensure that the area is completely dry. You can accomplish this by using fans to circulate the air, opening windows to let in the fresh air, and using a dehumidifier. If you’re using a dehumidifier, make sure that you set it at the maximum recommended setting.
In addition to drying the area, you’ll also want to remove any traces of water damage from the wall. This includes any water stains, grease, or moisture on the wall that was seeping in. The best way to get rid of any water damage is to sand it down. This will help remove any water stains, dirt, or residue on the wall. You can also choose to paint over water damage. However, this is only a temporary fix and should be done in a dry environment.
Repair any damaged materials or seals.
If any of the water damage on the wall were caused by a leaky roof or pipes, you’d want to fix the source of the water damage as soon as possible. This means re-roofing the house and having the pipes inspected to ensure there aren’t any issues. Once you’ve fixed the source of the water damage, you can begin to clean the wall. You’ll want to remove any excess dirt and dust and use a degreaser to remove mold and mildew.
Ventilate the area to remove moisture.
If you attempt to remove mold from inside your walls without first ventilating the area, you’ll end up breathing in mold spores and with a health problem. Therefore, it’s important to first ventilate the area by opening the windows, turning on fans, and using a dehumidifier. Once the air has been cleared, it’s time to start the cleanup process.
You’ll want to use a scrub brush to remove any dirt and debris on the wall. You can use a spray bottle to mist the wall with water to help remove any residue. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any dust and dirt on the wall.
Encapsulate using an air barrier.
After removing the mold and cleaning up any water damage, it’s time to start the encapsulation process. This will help seal up any cracks or holes in the wall caused by the water damage. The best way to seal up cracks or holes in your walls is to use caulk. Additionally, you can use an air barrier to help prevent water infiltration. This is a thin layer of material that is applied to the wall.
You can use an air barrier to help prevent water infiltration and protect your walls from future damage. This is a thin layer of material that is applied to the wall. The best way to install an air barrier is first to install the wall studs. This will allow you to easily push the air barrier into the wall and seal any cracks or holes.
Conclusion
Mold can be a serious health hazard and is often hard to eliminate. If you notice signs of mold in your house, you should act fast to remove it. If you don’t, it can quickly spread and cause major damage. The sooner you remove the mold, the less damage it will cause. If you notice mold in your walls, follow these steps to remove them.
