Painting Over Mold Masks the Issue
It’s common for people to paint over mold to hide it. Yet, this just masks the mold, which is still growing underneath and will resurface again since paint is a food source for mold. This quick fix is common among property managers, landlords, those selling a home, and sometimes even homeowners. It is a cheap and fast fix that cosmetically covers the mold problem.
If you are trying to determine if walls in your residence have mold that has been painted over, there are some key visuals to look out for. Some indicators to look out for are discoloration of yellow or brownish spots; this can be a sign of water damage. Another sign is paint bubbling, cracking, chipping, and walls bowing out.
Have Mold Properly Removed Before Painting
If you see any of these signs, you more than likely have water damage on the wall, which was not cleaned up properly. To effectively remediate the mold, you need to make sure to correct the moisture problem. Mold will only worsen over time, and it will not go away by itself. Mold can create several health issues if not rectified. Therefore, it is vital to address it promptly to ensure your and your family’s health.
If you have concerns about mold growth, it is best to contact a mold professional. You need to ensure the mold is removed properly and the moisture problem is corrected before painting. Having a New York State Licensed Mold Remediator come to your home, evaluate the situation, and put together the best course of action is ideal. They will take the necessary steps to contain the area and use the proper equipment and attire that a typical homeowner would not have. Mold is dangerous, and you do not want to handle it yourself unless you know what you are doing. The last thing you want to do is make the issue worse, risk your family’s health, and further damage your home.
Mold is a nuisance and unattractive. Plus, mold remediation can be costly, so people tend to try and avoid taking care of it properly. Painting over it is not a solution and can cost you more if the problem worsens. Do not risk extensive damage to your home and jeopardize serious or permanent damage to your health by putting a band-aid over a problem that would need extensive surgery. If you have painted over mold yourself or see signs of water damage, call Comprehensive Mold Management at 585-235-6182 to schedule a time for us to come out and evaluate your home.