The Hidden Dangers of Painting Over Mold Without Removal in Gainesville, FL
websitebuilder • September 20, 2024
The sight of mold on your walls or ceilings can be alarming, and your urge to quickly cover it up with a fresh coat of paint is understandable. However, painting over mold without proper remediation is neither a temporary nor a permanent fix. It is simply a shortcut to minimize the eyesore that you no longer wish to see, but the danger thereof remains, which can have serious consequences for your health and property. The State of Florida’s humid climate, including Gainesville, FL, mold growth is a common problem, and taking shortcuts lead to costly and potentially dangerous outcomes.
At PUDDLES Restoration Services of Gainesville, we disagree with, but understand your temptation to opt for a quick fix, but we're here to educate you on the dangers of painting over mold.
Understanding the Problem: Painting Over Mold is a Very Bad Idea
While a fresh coat of paint may temporarily conceal the unsightly appearance of mold, it does nothing to address the underlying problem. Mold is a living organism that thrives in damp, humid environments. When you paint over mold, you're essentially trapping it beneath a layer of paint, creating a perfect breeding ground for it to continue growing and spreading.
- Continued Mold Growth: Mold needs moisture to survive. When you paint over it without addressing the underlying moisture issue, the mold will continue to grow and spread behind the paint, potentially causing structural damage to your walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.
- Health Risks: Mold releases spores into the air, which can be inhaled and trigger a variety of health problems, including allergies, respiratory issues, and even neurological symptoms. Painting over mold does not eliminate these health risks; and during the painting process, you may inadvertently release mold spores into the air withing your home and/or business..
- Increased Costs: While painting over mold may seem like a cost-effective solution, it will likely cause more expensive problems down the road. The mold will continue to cause damage, even if you may not see the mold shortly after painting. Furthermore, you'll eventually need to pay for professional mold remediation, which can be far more costly than addressing the issue early on. For example, in this matter, the seller painted over the mold to conceal it for sale, resulting in this.
- Compromised Indoor Air Quality: Mold spores can circulate through your home's HVAC system, contaminating the air you breathe and affecting the health of everyone inside. Painting over mold does nothing to improve indoor air quality; it can even worsen it by trapping mold and its byproducts behind the paint.
Recognizing the Signs of Microbial Growth
Before you pick up a paintbrush, it's crucial to identify whether you're dealing with mold or simply dirt or mildew. Here are some signs of microbial growth:
- Discoloration: Mold can appear in various colors, including black, green, brown, or white. Look for discolored patches or stains on walls, ceilings, or other surfaces.
- Musty Odor: A persistent musty smell is a common indicator of mold growth, even if you can't see it.
- Water Damage: Mold thrives in damp environments. If you've experienced any water damage, such as leaks, flooding, or condensation, be on the lookout for mold.
- Health Symptoms: If you or your family members are experiencing unexplained allergies, respiratory problems, or other health issues, mold could be the culprit.
- Lab Test: Notwithstanding the foregoing, you can never be certain that what you see or smell is mold until you have a mold test that is sent to a lab to verify.
Safe and Effective Mold Remediation
If you suspect or discover mold in your home or business, it's essential to address the issue promptly and correctly. Here's a safe and effective approach to mold remediation:
- Identify the Source of Moisture: The first step is to identify and address the source of moisture that's fueling the mold growth. This could involve repairing leaks, improving ventilation, or reducing humidity levels.
- Contain the Affected Area: To prevent mold spores from spreading during the remediation process, isolate the contaminated area using 6-Mil plastic sheeting and negative air pressure.
- Remove Contaminated Materials: Depending on the extent of the mold growth, it is necessary to remove and discard porous materials like drywall, insulation, or carpeting that can't be effectively cleaned.
- Clean and Disinfect: Thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces within the affected area using EPA-registered mold remediation products.
- Dry the Area: Ensure the area is completely dry to minimize future mold growth. Use dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process, but never use fans, as doing so will likely spread mold spores throughout the area.
- Clearance Testing: After remediation, we highly recommend having a post-remediation verification test (“PRV”) of the remediated areas to ensure that the property was returned to a Condition 1 status. The PRV should be conducted by a Florida-licensed third-party independent environmental professional.
Professional Mold Remediation: The Safer Choice
While DIY mold removal may seem tempting, it's often not the safest or most effective approach, especially for larger infestations or when dealing with toxic mold. See
Mold remediation professionals like PUDDLES Restoration Services of Gainesville have the expertise, equipment, and experience to handle mold problems safely and efficiently.
We offer:
- 24/7 Emergency Response: We're available around the clock to address your mold remediation needs promptly.
- Thorough Inspection and Assessment: Our certified technicians will conduct a comprehensive inspection to determine the extent of the mold problem and identify the underlying cause.
- Safe and Effective Remediation: We utilize industry-leading techniques and equipment to safely remove mold.
- Moisture Control and Prevention: We'll implement measures to reduce the risk of future mold growth.
Don't Take Risks with Your Health, Call PUDDLES Restoration Services of Gainesville ASAP 352-722-3790
EXAMINATION: Individuals seeking licensure as a Mold Remediator must first take and pass a department approved exam for mold remediation. For information about the examination, visit the Examination Information webpage. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE : A copy of a transcript is required demonstrating an Associate of Arts degree or higher in microbiology, engineering, architecture, industrial hygiene or occupational safety or related field of science from an accredited institution. The applicant must also demonstrate a minimum of 1 year of documented field experience in a field related to mold remediation; or a high school diploma and 4 years of documented field experience in a field related to mold remediation. This is not a complete listing of educational and experience requirements. Please see the application instructions page for complete information. FINGERPRINTS: An applicant must have a background check as part of the licensing process. You must submit your fingerprints using a Livescan Service Provider registered with FDLE immediately after submitting your application for licensure. It may take up to five days for your fingerprint results to be received by the Department after they are submitted to the Florida Department of Law enforcement (FDLE). Please note that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement requires that an application for licensure should precede the submission of your fingerprints. To learn more about fingerprinting, please visit our Fingerprinting webpage . INSURANCE: Applicants for a Mold Remediator license are required to attest that they have obtained general liability insurance in the amount of no less than $1 million dollars as determined by statute. FEE: Pay the required fee as provided in the application. If applying online, you can pay with a credit card or electronic check. If mailing your application, please include a check payable to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Military veterans, their spouses and Florida National Guard members may be eligible for a fee waiver, fee reimbursement, and/or fee discount. Please visit our DBPR Military Services page for more information. APPLICATION: Complete the application by clicking on the "Online Services" link or the "Printable Application" link at the bottom of the page. NOTICE FOR APPLICANTS SUBMITTING FINGERPRINTS WHERE CRIMINAL RECORD RESULTS WILL BE USED FOR LICENSING PURPOSES PUDDLES Restoration Phone: (352) 722-3790 Email: Info@PUDDLESrestoration.com Website: www.PUDDLESrestoration.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puddlesrestoration Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puddlesrestoration/ Licenses & Certifications : • FL Licensed Mold Assessor • FL Licensed Mold Remediator • IICRC Odor Control Technician (OCT) • IICRC Applied Structural Drying (ASD) • IICRC Water Damage Restoration (WRT) • IICRC Health and Safety Technician (HST) • IICRC Mold Remediation Specialist (MRS) • IICRC Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS) • IICRC Trauma and Crime Scene Technician (TCST) • IICRC Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) • IICRC Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (FSRT) • Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Certified Firm
In the State of Florida, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) licenses and regulates mold assessors and mold remediators. To become licensed, individuals need to meet specific education and experience requirements, pass an approved examination, and undergo a criminal background check. Licensing Requirements: Requires specific education (e.g., Associate's degree in a related field) and documented field experience, or a high school diploma with more experience. Mold Remediator: Requires the same educational and experience qualifications as a mold assessor, plus passing a department-approved exam. Examination: Both mold assessors and remediators must pass a state-approved examination. Background Check: A criminal background check is part of the licensing process. Fees: Application and licensing fees apply, and are non-refundable. PUDDLES Restoration Phone: (352) 722-3790 Email: Info@PUDDLESrestoration.com Website: www.PUDDLESrestoration.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puddlesrestoration Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puddlesrestoration/ Licenses & Certifications : • FL Licensed Mold Assessor • FL Licensed Mold Remediator • IICRC Odor Control Technician (OCT) • IICRC Applied Structural Drying (ASD) • IICRC Water Damage Restoration (WRT) • IICRC Health and Safety Technician (HST) • IICRC Mold Remediation Specialist (MRS) • IICRC Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS) • IICRC Trauma and Crime Scene Technician (TCST) • IICRC Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) • IICRC Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (FSRT) • Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Certified Firm
Two referral partners (Ref Ptnrs A & B) called us to perform an emergency water damage inspection b/c they were told that houses Y & Z were wet. Ref Ptnr A had one business day left for the inspection period. Ref Ptnr B was accused of causing water to get under ¾ inch solid glued-down wood flooring (these were really nice floors), and the contractor started removing the floor. Fortunately, Ref Ptnr B was able to convince the contractor to STOP removing any more flooring by saying, “My guy is licensed and certified and has the correct equipment to determine if the floor is wet, and he [ PUDDLES ] will be here by 7:00 AM tomorrow to inspect the floor.” CONCLUSION: Neither house Y or Z was wet. If the floors had read wet: Ref Ptnr A’s real estate deal would have failed, and Ref Ptnr B would have incurred 10X what he was paid to fix the floor. Our followers know that green is good when using a Protimeter MMS3 moisture meter, but to be safe, we also used a FLIR infrared camera and a Tramex CMEX5 Moisture meter to inspect the ensuite master bathroom-tiled floor.
Slow Leaks vs Fast Leaks Gainesville, FL 32601 We are often asked which is worse: Slow Leaks or Fast Leaks?
Protect your home with expert mold cleanup in Gainesville, FL. Call Puddles Restoration at (352) 722-3790 today for fast and professional service.
Protect your home with expert mold cleanup in Gainesville, FL. Call Puddles Restoration at (352) 722-3790 today for fast and professional service.
What Happened A contractor in Gainesville, FL stopped his team from “removing” the “mold problem” by, as they suggested, "spraying it with bleach." The contractor insisted that the mold remediation be done correctly and called PUDDLES . Upon completion of the work, PUDDLES insisted that the client retain an independent company to conduct a post remediation verification test to confirm that the mold remediation was done correctly. We were "lucky" to pass a PRV with a gaping hole in the floor.
What Happened The gaps between the ceiling drywall and the light fixtures allowed dirty air from the attic to mix with the air conditioner air, resulting in mold growth in the ceiling. CAN’T YOU JUST WIPE IT [MOLD] OFF! PUDDLES: No We get that a lot for mold removal, except it is usually said as a statement rather than a question. CALLER: Why not? PUDDLES: For many reasons: (1) the lab results confirmed it is mold, (2) it is on drywall, (3) the affected material is a popcorn ceiling, (3) …, (4) …, but more importantly, we don’t do that -- “wipe off drywall.” CALLER: But I was told you can. PUDDLES: You can, but we don’t; and we understand if you wish to call another company who would do that. No hard feelings. CALLER: Two days later: Caller agrees to us removing the affected material starting at 6:30 AM the next business day. Typically, the mold you cannot see is worse than the mold you can see. The same thing applied here.
Not calling PUDDLES will cost you more $$$$. Tarping your roof immediately after it is damaged will minimize secondary damages which ultimately saves you (the property owner) and your insurance company a significant amount of money. In this case, both the homeowner and their public adjuster chose a different (cheaper) company. That company never showed, never called, never emailed, never text; they did nothing. What Happened Hurricane Helene happened in Gainesville, FL.
Tarping your roof immediately after it is damaged will minimize secondary damages, which ultimately saves you (the property owner) and your insurance company a significant amount of money. What Happened Severe winds in Gainesville, FL bent numerous shingles allowing water penetration when it rains.
