5 Biggest Myths about Mold: Mold Problems and Solutions in Central Washington State

Mold can be a difficult subject for property owners. Nobody wants it, but mold and other microbial growth seem to find their way into most homes at one point or another. Misinformation can cause owners to ignore serious issues or overspend on solutions. Microbial growth can range all the way from a piece of moldy cheese to an unplanned kitchen remodel. Below are the five biggest myths we hear, and what is actually true.

Myth 1: Only dirty homes have mold problems

Mold will grow on almost any surface, no matter how clean, as long as there is organic material and moisture. Wood sheeting, drywall, carpet and wood 2x4s are some of the most common materials to see microbial growth after water exposure. Mold problems begin where excess moisture starts. The most common reasons we see are:

• Pipe leaks: dirty water brings more bacteria and unseen hazards that promote mold over time.
• Roof leaks: often slow, these losses can go unnoticed for a long time and cause massive damage in the attic or the room below.
• Flooding: even clean water left unattended can cause mold if it is not taken care of.
• Poor ventilation: low airflow promotes mold. Dark areas with moisture and little air movement are the perfect breeding ground for microbial colonies.

Myth 2: If you can't see it, it isn't there

Most mold problems are unseen without a thorough inspection. In most cases the worst of it is not visible until something like a baseboard comes off. These are the places we find it most often:

• Behind walls: mold stays hidden behind wallboard, cabinets, bathtubs, tile or any other building material.
• Under flooring: the top layer is easy to dry, but most homes have at least three layers, the subfloor, an underlayment and the flooring you walk on. Moisture and bacteria hide between the layers, eat away at the material and spread as far as they can.
• Attic spaces: roof leaks, poor ventilation and water from the building process can make an attic a perfect place for mold.
• Crawlspaces: broken irrigation, leaky pipes, ground water and heavy rain can all be causes, and poor ventilation or improper vapor barriers can add to the problem.

Signs that you may have hidden mold:

• Musty smells, especially in bathrooms, basements or near sources of water.
• Allergy symptoms such as cough, insomnia, a stuffy nose and fatigue.
• Warped drywall, a sign of old water damage or weakened material.
• Peeling paint, another sign of deterioration and possible damage.
• Recent water damage. Any excess moisture is a potential hazard to your home.

Myth 3: Bleach kills mold

Bleach can work on non-porous surfaces. It cannot clean materials like drywall, wood or carpet, and mold will often return after bleach is used on them. A proper solution to a mold problem takes professional work:

• Fix the source of moisture: repair the leak, add ventilation and dry the affected material.
• Containment: heavy plastic barriers cut off the affected area from the rest of the home and protect unaffected rooms and belongings.
• Removal of affected materials: sheetrock, wood pressboard and insulation are examples of materials that should be removed if affected.
• HEPA filtration and PPE: industrial air filtration with HEPA filters belongs inside and outside the contaminated space. Respirators, gloves and eye protection are the bare minimum PPE we use on any mold remediation project.

Overall, bleach can be a quick fix in some situations, but it should not be seen as a final solution.

Myth 4: It's just a small spot, so it's not a mold problem

The worst of a mold problem is often unseen without an invasive inspection. In many cases, when you see a small spot, there is a much larger spot on the other side of the wallboard because there is little airflow inside the walls. Mold also spreads through airborne spores, and a visible colony is already releasing millions of spores that can reach a much larger area. The risks of waiting:

• Structural damage: mold only gets bigger with time and eats away at whatever it is growing on. If that material is a main support for your roof, you could end up with a new skylight you never asked for.
• Indoor air quality: more mold makes more mold. Mold spreads through the air and we breathe air. Prolonged exposure may lead to sickness and other health issues for everyone in the home.
• Exponential remediation cost: what may be a simple sanitize and wipe project today can become replacing key parts of the building structure in a few months. With water and mold, time is not on your side.

Myth 5: Mold only happens after a major flood

Most of the mold problems we see come from small leaks over a long period of time. People notice a huge puddle in the kitchen fairly quickly, but a leaky pipe under the house or a leaky drain under the sink is easy to miss.

• Slow plumbing leaks: a simple drip can go for years before it is caught.
• Bathroom humidity: bathrooms see more humidity than any other room, and without a fully working fan or other humidity control, mold growth is almost guaranteed.
• Poor attic ventilation: slow leaks and poor ventilation are the main causes of attic mold. Leaks can come from old and weathered roofing, manufacturing errors, installation errors and ice damming.
• Winter condensation: as material cools it reaches a temperature where condensation collects. Poor insulation and open exterior crawlspace vents in winter can leave moisture on wood and other material, which then becomes a breeding ground for mold.

How to help prevent a mold problem

• Fix leaks and plumbing issues immediately.
• Maintain proper ventilation in the home, the attic and the crawlspace.
• Use bathroom fans and keep them in working order through cleaning and maintenance.
• Control humidity levels in the home.
• Inspect crawlspaces and attics.

When to call a mold remediation professional

• If there is visible mold.
• If there has been water damage.
• If there is a persistent mold or musty smell.
• If you are experiencing health issues related to prolonged mold exposure.

A professional can identify and clearly explain the issue and the solutions, safely remove the mold and microbial growth, and help prevent it from coming back. Mold problems are not good problems to have, and the longer you have them the worse they get. If you find mold or have reason to believe there is mold in your home, do not hesitate. Schedule a mold inspection from a licensed, bonded and reputable company. To reach Baxter Restoration, call (509) 452-2464.