Mold Abatement Costs and Techniques

The word "mold" strikes fear into the heart of most homeowners. Mostly we fear the costs of repair, and the health damages that can occur if aggressive mold abatement procedures aren't undertaken quickly. This article is going to take some of the fear out of mold, give you the reasons why you have it, why you don't want it, and what it will cost to get rid of it.

Mold is fungi that can grow almost anywhere conditions are right. Warm, moist areas, an organic host like food, wood, or carpet are where mold seeks to live and grow. Most mold produces airborne spores, and most mold is NOT dangerous to your health. There are a few types that can be dangerous, particularly in an indoor space. By the time you smell that "odor" that lets you know mold is around, its too late. You have a lot of work to do, and it may take a professional to help with mold abatement. The correct term is abatement, rather than removal in most cases. Even when you have "killed" the mold it still remains in a dormant state, waiting for its chance to revive. This trait of mold is why the state of California requires mold disclosures on any home sale.

If you think you have a mold problem in your home, here's a quick way to find out before you start mold abatement work. Mold grows in warm, moisture laden environments. Look in the bathrooms. Hot showers and left over moisture can cause a feeding frenzy for mold. If you have a basement, check for dampness there as well. Mold can be toxic and will particularly bother individuals with respiratory problems. Some asthma sufferers are more affected by living in a mold growth environment.

Mold grows in areas that don't dry effectively. If water is allowed to sit in a warm environment, mold is likely to be present. The longer the area is damp, the more mold has a chance to grow. Black mold has the highest level of toxicity. It produces a type of gas that can cause allergic reaction.

Here's a good rule of thumb. If the mold is in an area no bigger than 10 square feet, you can do it yourself. Scrub the hard surfaces with detergent and water, then dry thoroughly. You can use bleach or anti-mold cleaning supplies, if you want. The first step to remove mold and prevent it from coming up again, is removal of water damaged and visibly moldy material. If the mold is more extensive, you may want to contact a professional to do the work. Mold spores are released into the air when they are disturbed. The more mold you have, the more difficult it will be for you to contain the mold without increasing the spread into your home.

With a larger area of mold, you could spend a huge amount of money in mold abatement. Recent cost estimates have ranged to $30,000 or more if the mold has caused widespread structural damage. Mold abatement in an average house crawlspace ranges from $500 -$4,000, according to cost estimates I've read. A typical mold remediation project to clear mold from the crawl spaces, ducts, attic and walls of a house can run from $2,000 -$6,000.

Mold is a health hazard and is damaging to the value of your property. If you suspect you have a mold issue, call a mold abatement professional for a review of the issue. Where there is moisture, mold is always growing.