Black Mold Removal

Black mold is the name most people use for any dark mold growing in a house. It shows up as black or dark green spots and streaks on damp surfaces, and it usually means water has been sitting somewhere for a while. The fix is the same whatever the exact type. Remove it safely and dry out the area for good.

Is black mold dangerous?

Color does not tell you the type of mold. Several common molds are dark, and one of them, sometimes called toxic black mold, grows on wet drywall, paper and wood that stay soaked for a long time. Any indoor mold can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms in some people. The EPA's advice does not change by color. Mold growing indoors should be removed and the moisture fixed. A lab test can identify the type when you need to know, such as for a home sale or a doctor's question.

Where we find black mold in Adams County homes

Basements

Stone and block foundations in older homes let groundwater seep through, and summer humidity condenses on cool walls. Mold grows on the walls, along the floor edge, on framing and behind finished drywall where you cannot see it.

Crawlspaces

Bare soil releases moisture into a crawlspace all year. Mold grows on the floor joists and the underside of the subfloor, and the musty smell drifts up into the rooms above.

Attics

Warm, damp air from the house rises into the attic and condenses on the cold underside of the roof in winter, especially where bathroom or kitchen fans vent into the attic instead of outside. The roof sheathing turns dark in patches.

Bathrooms and kitchens

Steam with no working fan, slow leaks under sinks and gaps around tubs keep surfaces wet long enough for mold to grow on ceilings, grout, caulk and the backs of cabinets.

How we remove black mold

The process follows the same steps as any mold remediation job. The area is sealed off with plastic, a HEPA air scrubber filters the air, moldy drywall, insulation and carpet are cut out and bagged, framing and concrete are cleaned and dried, and the moisture source is explained so it does not return. We never spray bleach on porous materials or paint over mold to hide it.

Can I remove black mold myself?

If the area is smaller than about 10 square feet and on a hard surface, the EPA says most homeowners can clean it with detergent and water, wearing gloves, eye protection and an N95 mask. Dry the surface completely afterward and fix whatever made it wet. Call a professional for larger areas, mold inside walls, mold that keeps coming back, or if anyone in the home has asthma or a weakened immune system.

What black mold removal costs

Cost depends on the size and location of the area, not the color of the mold. A small area usually runs $500 to $2,500, part of a basement or attic $1,500 to $6,000, and a crawlspace $1,500 to $4,000, according to national cost guides. Estimate your cost.