However, you should determine the root of the mold’s existence, because the paint will not remove it. Ignoring the question of where mold comes from is a foundation for future problems. Even if you paint over it, mold still will return, so you might as well get to the base of the problem.
Removing mildew and mold is not as simple as painting over the spots. You should first take appropriate steps to lower your risk of health concerns.
In this post, we’ll teach you how to identify between mold and mildew, what could cause them, and how to safely remove and prevent them from reoccurring.
Mould
Mold is a fungus that is present practically everywhere. It usually appears as black, grey, or brown dots, although it can also appear as white, orange, green, or purple patches.
Mold thrives on dampness and grows quickly, producing spores that are easily breathed, causing respiratory difficulty, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and other health issues.
Mildew
The fungal types mildew and mold are nearly identical in their appearances, the only variance is in how they look. While mold grows in patches that are usually black or green, mildew appears in patches that are grey or white and in wet locations like walls. Mildew can be readily removed from surfaces by applying a cleaning solution and scrubbing it away, and it can be painted over with a water-resistant paint of the appropriate sort.
Is It Preferable To Paint Over Mold Or Mildew?
In a nutshell, the answer is yes. Mold or mildew should be painted over only when all required preparations and precautions to prevent reappearance have been taken. Determine the source of the moisture concerns first.
Inspect the windows and doors on the interior and outside for leaks. Ascertain that there are no leaking faucets, bathtubs, or toilets and that there is no damage to any portion of your roof that could result in water leaks and moisture buildup.
Ascertain that rooms with a high humidity level have adequate ventilation. Install bathroom ceiling fans that vent outdoors and promote cross-ventilation between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Assure that the laundry room sections have adequate ventilation by adding dryer vents that lead to the outside and checking for washer leaks as well. It is advised to use fans or at the very least a slightly opened window in the kitchen to promote air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.
If you haven’t updated your roof in over two decades, it’s time to consider having it redone. A roof that is more than 20-25 years old may be a significant factor in the appearance of mold on the ceiling or walls of the interior of your home.
What Factors Contribute to the Growth of Mold or Mildew in the Home
Mildew can appear as black, grey, green, or brown spots in places with a high humidity level, such as bathrooms, kitchens, or basements. High-humidity areas in the home that lack proper or adequate fresh air circulation can eventually develop mold or mildew problems.
To avoid mildew accumulation, provide adequate air circulation throughout the home by installing bathroom vents that lead to the outdoors, replacing air filters on furnaces and/or air conditioners at specified intervals, and opening windows slightly to enable some fresh air to flow. Additionally, you should ensure that any washers and dryers in a basement or laundry area have enough ventilation.
Mold is often generated by water leaks that seep into the drywall materials on the ceiling or walls and are allowed to sit and soak into the drywall for an extended length of time.
Leaks are typically caused by bathtub, toilet, a water faucet or sink leaks, a leaking roof, or flood damage. It is critical to identify the source of the water damage that caused the mold and to remediate it before it causes more damage to your property and health.
While paint can not create mold or mildew, the sight of bubbling paint, peeling paint, or cracking paint are usually indicators of excessive moisture and the need for rapid action.
By identifying the source of the problem, the cause of the dampness may be determined, and the sooner the source of the problem is identified, the sooner the repair can occur.
To avoid mold and mildew damage, ensure that all water leaks from bathtubs, toilets, water faucets, and sinks are sealed. Repair any damaged spots on the roof where leaks could occur to prevent mold from recurring.
Ignoring the primary source of the moisture’s where and why will simply cause it to recur. Resolve it correctly the first time by determining the source of any water leaks and repairing them before simply painting over them to eliminate the mold and mildew problem.
Conclusions
Mold is unattractive, and removal may be costly and time-consuming. This is why many homeowners and property managers choose to paint over mold. However, painting over mold is a poor choice for a variety of reasons. Paint does not kill mold, and it will not suffocate the mold’s source. Mold will continue to grow beneath the paint, and apparent evidence of mold will reappear. Surface mold on your walls or ceilings is most likely only a minor part of the mold problem. Mold may have infiltrated your walls. At the very least, you should do a professional mold inspection to guarantee the mold is located and the source of the leak is found. Once you’ve determined the amount of the damage and repaired the leak (or source of moisture), you may evaluate your alternatives for proper mold remediation.
Mold is a quiet attacker. It can have a detrimental effect on your health and result in lasting damage, including death. Mold may swiftly wreak havoc on your body, causing everything from itchy skin and headaches to significant respiratory and mental disorders. The very young and elderly are particularly vulnerable. Often, you are unaware that your health is being compromised until significant damage has been done. Take the necessary procedures to eliminate mold from your house or property. Avoid painting over mold.
If you are unsure if you should or can face the problem of mold and mildew on your walls, feel free to contact out a trusted painting professional.