Mold can be a major problem in homes, and it is critical to take care of it as soon as you notice any signs of it. Some people think that painting over mold will take care of the problem, but this can actually make things worse. In this blog post, we’ll explain why painting over mold can be dangerous. We’ll also take a quick look at what you should do instead to get rid of it for good.
But first, let’s look at the question that likely brought you to this page:
Can I Paint Over Mold?
Technically, yes, you can paint over mold. But, you shouldn’t! Painting over inactive mold that is basically just a stain and no longer a living infestation can be okay in some cases. But, you have to really know what you’re looking at and be certain the mold spores are dead. This is hard to do without an expert level of knowledge and is very risky. If you were wrong in your assessment and paint over active mold, you will have hidden a major threat to your home’s environment. You also have to be sure you’re using the right products to protect the area, even if the mold is truly benign.
What Happens When You Paint Over Active Mold?
If the mold is active, painting over it will only serve to trap the spores inside the paint and create an environment where they can continue to grow. Not only that, but trying to paint over mold can also spread the spores around your home, making the problem worse.
In short: If you paint over active mold, you not only just spread mold around your house, but also make it impossible for you to see how much mold is growing in the original spot! So if you have active mold, painting over it is not a good idea. And with the risks being so high, it’s best to not paint over any visible mold before having it tested.
If active mold remains untreated in your house, your own health, your family’s, and even your pets’ wellbeing can be compromised! Mold can cause a variety of respiratory problems, aggravate existing health conditions, and lead to severe allergic reactions, so it’s important to take care of the problem as soon as you can.
What Should I Do Instead of Painting Over Mold?
If you have mold in your home, the best thing to do is call a professional who can handle the situation safely and effectively. A professional mold remediation company will have the proper tools, products, and experience to get rid of your mold problem for good. They will also be able to test the area to see if the mold is active or inactive.
Most importantly, a good mold remediation company will do more than remove the visible mold! They will go deeper to make sure there is not an underlying reason that mold started growing in the first place. Then, they will make sure to address any hidden leaks or areas where spores could be present and waiting to grow.
Work with a Local Company that Knows Mold: Contact First Call!
As a company that was founded in central North Carolina decades ago and has served the area ever since, we know how this area’s humidity can accelerate mold growth faster than anywhere else. We also have the expertise to remove mold that is present, and to ensure that no new spores grow or gather. When your health is on the line, you want to work with a team that your neighbors trust and that is proud to serve your surrounding community. In other words, you want to work with us!
Don’t paint over mold! Contact us today to schedule a free inspection here. Or, read testimonials from homeowners like you to learn why we should be your first call, too! Find our testimonials here. firstcallnc.com/testimonials.