What To Do With Mold Behind A Wall
Although mold is unsightly to look at, it is more than just a household nuisance. This fungus can cause serious health problems for you and your family, and can spread to various areas if left untreated. Mold is quite easy to spot because of its veiny appearance that is usually black or dark green colour. Frequent contact with severe mold can lead to sinus congestion, throat irritation, coughing and even migraines.
Mold is usually found in areas prone to intense moisture, like bathrooms. This fungus typically grows along shower stall ceilings, underneath sinks and on bathtub tiles. Mold that is growing on top of a surface is a lot easier to treat than mold that is growing behind a wall. Because you can't see what's going on, it makes it that much more difficult to find a solution to the problem.
However, there are ways to effectively treat mold that is accumulating behind a wall. Read on to find the solution that's right for you.
Purchase a fungus-killing spray
Your local home renovation store will sell products that kill mold on contact. A spray-on liquid like ‘Mold Control' is particularly effective and can be purchased on the cheap. Some online articles may suggest you use bleach to get rid of mold. But bleach (even when diluted with water) is very toxic and the fumes can be quite irritating. A special fungus-killing spray is the best way for mold removal and prevent it from coming back.
Coat your walls with the appropriate paint
Bathrooms require a semi-gloss paint finish to prevent mold from sticking to the walls. Matte paints are never a good idea because the paint will absorb all of the moisture that is emitted during bathroom activities. That absorption is what triggers fungus growth. However, a semi-gloss finish will be able to resist the moisture, which can also be easily wiped away.
Damp walls should be wiped down frequently
Purchase a bathroom squeegee and wipe away excess water in your bathtub or shower stall. This will prevent moisture from accumulating along the walls. And never have damp towels or wet clothing lying around. Always move these items to another room so they can air-dry.
Ventilate the room
Once you've executed an immediate solution for mold growth behind your walls, check your ventilation system to prevent further growth. Fungus tends to thrive in poorly-ventilated areas. Make sure your bathroom fan is the appropriate strength for that space. If not, have a stronger one installed right away. During showers, keep your bathroom window slightly open to allow fresh air in. If you don't have a window, leave the door ajar instead.
Contact a professional plumber
The above tips should help keep mold at bay. But if you're noticing persistent mold growth behind a particular wall, there may be a serious plumbing issue going on behind it. Your bathroom may be the victim of leaky pipes or poor drainage. Contact a licensed plumber to see what's really going on behind the walls before the issue gets even more serious.
Mold is usually found in areas prone to intense moisture, like bathrooms. This fungus typically grows along shower stall ceilings, underneath sinks and on bathtub tiles. Mold that is growing on top of a surface is a lot easier to treat than mold that is growing behind a wall. Because you can't see what's going on, it makes it that much more difficult to find a solution to the problem.
However, there are ways to effectively treat mold that is accumulating behind a wall. Read on to find the solution that's right for you.
Purchase a fungus-killing spray
Your local home renovation store will sell products that kill mold on contact. A spray-on liquid like ‘Mold Control' is particularly effective and can be purchased on the cheap. Some online articles may suggest you use bleach to get rid of mold. But bleach (even when diluted with water) is very toxic and the fumes can be quite irritating. A special fungus-killing spray is the best way for mold removal and prevent it from coming back.
Coat your walls with the appropriate paint
Bathrooms require a semi-gloss paint finish to prevent mold from sticking to the walls. Matte paints are never a good idea because the paint will absorb all of the moisture that is emitted during bathroom activities. That absorption is what triggers fungus growth. However, a semi-gloss finish will be able to resist the moisture, which can also be easily wiped away.
Damp walls should be wiped down frequently
Purchase a bathroom squeegee and wipe away excess water in your bathtub or shower stall. This will prevent moisture from accumulating along the walls. And never have damp towels or wet clothing lying around. Always move these items to another room so they can air-dry.
Ventilate the room
Once you've executed an immediate solution for mold growth behind your walls, check your ventilation system to prevent further growth. Fungus tends to thrive in poorly-ventilated areas. Make sure your bathroom fan is the appropriate strength for that space. If not, have a stronger one installed right away. During showers, keep your bathroom window slightly open to allow fresh air in. If you don't have a window, leave the door ajar instead.
Contact a professional plumber
The above tips should help keep mold at bay. But if you're noticing persistent mold growth behind a particular wall, there may be a serious plumbing issue going on behind it. Your bathroom may be the victim of leaky pipes or poor drainage. Contact a licensed plumber to see what's really going on behind the walls before the issue gets even more serious.