Does Mold Abatement Work?

Does removing mold from an area completely solve the problem? No. As long as moisture is present, there will be a threat of future mold growth in that area. This does not mean that you should take no action. By mold abating, you are eliminating health hazards for your family and pets while you clean up the mold damage problems in your home or business.

Although it may look like mold has disappeared after cleaning with bleach, all the spores have not been removed because they are microscopic. When water hits these areas again, spores will grow back quickly unless the source of moisture has been eliminated and damage repaired. The key to successful mold abatement is to remove all visible growths with the underlying moisture sources that cause them.

Mold spreads quickly in water-damaged areas, particularly in wall cavities and beneath cabinets where no one sees it. When mold is cleaned up with only the visible growth removed, millions of spores still exist behind the walls or underneath appliances. As moisture rises, so will mold attack anything that gives off water or smells like food.

The biggest concern about removing all mold is allowing enough time for complete drying out of wet areas – drywall joints, insulation space behind studs/rafters, plywood paneling, drywall panels, wall cavities, and all framing members from the bottom up.

To fix a structural damage problem with mold in one area, there’s a perfect chance that problems may exist in other areas, which could cause further health hazards. The most important thing is to eliminate moisture or humidity as much as possible by fixing or installing ventilation systems, so water condensation is forced outside where it belongs.

This may sound like a lot of work, but that’s where you’ll get the best results. To summarize: The primary purpose for mold abatement is to eliminate all visible growths; then clean up any discoloration on surfaces to restore the appearance and normal function. It’s not just spreading bleach over a character until you can’t see anymore! If your goal is to cover it up with a cheap paint job until the problem looks better, don’t bother paying expensive cleanup fees or hiring professional contractors because they will not be happy with doing a half-hearted job now and even more problems down the road if they have to come back later.