Mold thrives on porous materials because moisture usually collects there, and thus the organisms thrive. Drywall in particular is a favorite dwelling place for mold. For homeowners who have an unpainted drywall (usually found in basements), mold problems are likely to occur.
If you have a mold problem on your unpainted drywall, unfortunately it will need to be completely replaced.
Fixing Moldy Drywall
- With a utility knife, carefully cut out the affected section of drywall. Be sure to get the entire perimeter of the moldy drywall so the issue doesn’t come back. Be sure the section you cut away covers at least two wooden beams.
- After purchasing a new slab of drywall, accurately measure and cut out a new section of drywall to fit into the hole. This section will be moused to the two exposed wooden beams.
- The new drywall should fit into the wall without too large a gap. Using drywall screws, securely fasten it to the wooden beams.
- Use drywall compound or another form of sealant to patch up the cracks and leave a seamless layer. Leave this to dry completely and reapply if needed.
- Next, sand the compound so the surface is smooth. Here you may want to consider applying paint to the unfinished drywall in order to prevent mold problems in the future, as pain layers help prevent the buildup of mold.
When to Call a Mold Remediation Company
If the mold problem is more than 12 inches in diameter, it’s highly recommended that you contact a mold remediation company such as Bay State Mold Removal, as there could be larger underlying mold damage. Our mold removal experts will use the latest HEPA vacuums and other remediation technology to ensure that no mold spores are left within the room that could cause problems later down the road.
Have you noticed mold on your unfinished drywalls? Contact us now for emergency mold removal services!