HIDDEN MOLD AND REMEDIATION PLANS

While many things in life are clearly labeled and plain in view, indoor mold is not always one of those things.

Living in such a technological society, it's a shame we can't simply have an instant message tell us "You have mold!"

No, for the time being we must rely on our regular senses to find hidden mold and then promptly get rid of it.

How Could I Miss It?

How is there such a thing as hidden mold? While mold is not literally invisible, it can grow on hidden or internal surfaces. Mold can develop in such out of the way places like the backside of a drywall, wallpaper, paneling, and the top of your ceiling tiles or underneath the padding of your carpet. Also, some building materials are known to act as vapor barriers and they trap moisture underneath the surface, providing a moist area for mold to develop.

How Do I Know If I Have Hidden Mold?

How do you know if hidden mold has developed in your home if you can't see any physical evidence? Rely on your other senses. If you smell something moldy in the air, then it's probably not just someone's poor taste in cologne.



If you are aware of some recent water damage then that alone is cause for concern, since flooding situations create a mold-friendly environment. Finally, if you notice more health problems than usual being reported by family members or co-workers, this might also be a sign that there is hidden mold in the building.

What Is The Remediation Plan?

At this point it is up to you if you want to consult a professional contractor or try and remove the mold yourself. If you decide to do it on your own, be sure and clean thoroughly the total area of mold as well as any surrounding areas that might be damp.

There are also many safety concerns when cleaning mold on your own; some forms of mold can be toxic and at the very least can cause an allergic reaction. It's very important to wear gloves when cleaning mold, as you are handling not only the mold but also detergent and bleach products. If you are removing wallpaper or drywall, then be aware that you could be releasing massive amounts of spores with every tear or break.

If you are determined to clean up hidden mold alone, then you should dress for the occasion by wearing gloves and if possible a respirator and goggles. One way or another, the mold can't hide from a conscientious and determined person with a pair of gloves and some detergent.