Good questions
Mold Questions, Answered
Straight answers to what Gettysburg and Adams County homeowners ask us most. Anything else, just call.
About mold
What is the difference between mold removal and mold remediation?
Mold removal usually means cleaning off the mold you can see. Mold remediation is the full job, which means containing the area, removing moldy materials, cleaning and drying what remains, and fixing the moisture that caused it. Remediation is what keeps mold from coming back.
What causes mold in a house?
Moisture. Mold spores are everywhere, indoors and out, and they grow wherever something stays damp. Common causes in Adams County homes are foundation seepage, humid basements, plumbing and roof leaks, crawlspaces over bare soil, and bathroom fans that vent into the attic.
Is black mold dangerous?
Color does not tell you the type of mold, and many common molds are dark. Any indoor mold can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms in some people. The EPA's advice is the same for every color. Remove mold growing indoors and fix the moisture. Learn about black mold removal.
Can I clean mold myself?
If the area is smaller than about 10 square feet, roughly a 3 foot by 3 foot patch, and on a hard surface, the EPA says most homeowners can clean it with detergent and water while wearing gloves, eye protection and an N95 mask. Larger areas, mold inside walls, and mold after flooding or a sewage backup call for a professional.
Should I use bleach on mold?
The EPA does not recommend bleach as a routine step in mold cleanup. It does not soak into porous materials like drywall and wood, and it should never be mixed with cleaners that contain ammonia. Detergent and water, thorough drying, and removing materials that cannot be cleaned work better.
Inspection and testing
Do I need mold testing?
Not always. If you can see mold, it needs to be removed whatever type it is. Testing helps when you smell mold but cannot find it, when a home sale needs documentation, or to confirm an area is clean after work. Learn about mold inspection.
Do store bought mold test kits work?
Kits that leave a dish open to the air will grow mold almost every time, because spores are in nearly all air. They cannot tell you whether your home has a problem. A professional air test compares indoor and outdoor samples, which is what makes the result useful.
Cost and insurance
How much does mold remediation cost?
Most homes pay $1,200 to $3,800, and national cost guides put typical work at $10 to $30 per square foot. See typical costs and use the calculator.
Does homeowners insurance cover mold?
It depends on your policy and the cause. Many policies help when mold results from a sudden covered event, such as a burst pipe, and exclude mold from long term leaks, humidity or flooding. Check your policy and talk to your agent before work starts.
Homes, sales and rentals
Does Pennsylvania have mold laws?
There is no federal standard for mold levels in homes. In Pennsylvania, sellers must disclose known material defects to buyers, and a known mold problem can be one. For questions about your rights in a sale or a rental, talk to a Pennsylvania real estate attorney or your local housing office.
Can you sell a house with mold in Pennsylvania?
Yes, but a known mold problem should be disclosed, and it often comes up in the buyer's inspection anyway. Many sellers have it remediated before listing so it does not stall the sale or lower the price.
Is mold considered uninhabitable?
It depends on how widespread it is and on local rules. A small spot does not make a home unlivable, while extensive mold from a serious water problem can. Renters with mold concerns should put the problem in writing to their landlord, and anyone with health symptoms should talk to a doctor.
During the work
How long does mold remediation take?
A small, contained area is often done in a day. A basement or attic usually takes two to five days, including drying time.
Do I have to leave the house?
Usually not. The work area is sealed off and the air is filtered. People with asthma, allergies or weak immune systems may want to stay elsewhere, and we will tell you if a job is large enough that leaving makes sense.
Will the mold come back?
Not if the moisture is fixed. Keep indoor humidity below about 60 percent, run a dehumidifier in damp basements in summer, fix leaks quickly, and dry anything that gets wet within 24 to 48 hours.
Mold problems solved right.
Request a free, no pressure estimate from a local Gettysburg mold specialist.