Mold On Popcorn Ceilings
It can be difficult to remove mold from popcorn ceilings. Popcorn finish is a texture that looks like cottage cheese. It has a bumpy texture that looks very similar to cottage cheese. It was applied by spraying and worked well at concealing seam lines and blemishes. It was bright white when it was first introduced and had excellent acoustical properties.
Homeowners and homebuyers are now avoiding popcorn ceilings because they collect dust and don’t reflect natural light well. Asbestos is also a common finish on popcorn ceilings. There are still textured ceilings that can be found in new homes. However, there is very little popcorn ceilings.
What is Mold?
- Mold is not dirt or dust.
- Mold can’t be eliminated with regular cleaning chemicals or detergents.
- It is not a good idea to sweep or brush it off.
- Contrary to what many experts advise, chlorine bleach (which is 98% water) should not be used to remove mold from porous surfaces such as popcorn ceilings. The chemical chlorine won’t penetrate, and the chlorine bleach will increase the moisture the mold needs to survive.
- People were not told to clean mold in biblical times. They were instructed to get rid of it. The times have not changed. Mold must be physically removed.
- What type of mold is it? It doesn’t matter what kind of mold it is, it’s not important, and it must be removed.
Mold is a common health threat
Exposure to mold and moldspores can lead to health problems such as allergic reactions, inflammation of your lungs, pain in your chest, and sinus infections. Mold-related diseases are more common in people with asthma or emphysema. This is also true for the very young as well as the elderly. Anybody undergoing chemotherapy should avoid contact with mold. Anyone can be affected.
Talk to your doctor if you suspect that mold exposure may have caused health problems. To diagnose and prescribe the right treatment, your doctor may perform allergy testing or other tests. To fully recover, however, you will need to remove any mold from your home.
Popcorn Ceiling Mold Removal
To protect yourself from mold damage, it is important to properly dress before you start any mold removal project. You will need to wear rubber gloves or latex gloves, protect your eyes, and have disposable coveralls. To avoid mold spores and inhalation, a N-95 respirator should be worn. Mold spores can easily be dispersed and become airborne when they are disturbed.
To ventilate affected areas, open windows and use a fan. You should close all doors leading to the affected areas. If necessary, you can also set up containment to prevent cross-contamination. Use 6-mil plastic and tape to seal heat registers and cold returns. First, turn off your furnace.
Spray bottles or pump-up garden sprayers can be used to apply an antimicrobial cleaner. Do not use bleach! Many products are antimicrobial, and are easily found at hardware stores and home improvement shops. White vinegar is an option for those who are sensitive to chemicals.
Spray the cleaning solution on the ceiling. Let it sit for 30 to 45 minutes. Use a damp cloth to wipe it off. Do not re-dip your used cloth in clean water. This will cause the water to become contaminated. You may be very lucky to have the mold removed.
This may not work:
Mold roots can grow through porous materials such as popcorn texturing and drywall. It is possible to think that the mold is gone only to find it back a few days later. Your efforts were in vain. The mold was deeper than the ceiling.
Mold should not be cleaned or killed. This would involve removing all affected drywall. Before the affected drywall is removed, it should be removed and bagged. Mold removal can be a difficult task, so it is important to hire a professional company.
Professional mold remediators are equipped with the right tools and knowledge to handle any residential mold problem. They are familiar with all safety precautions, including how to properly remove mold.
You can stay in your home during mold remediation
Does the whole house get affected? Can you still use the bathroom and kitchen without being contaminated? Is the mold restricted to a single room or area that you are unable to enter or use during the removal? Before you decide to stay in your home, there are some things you need to consider.
- How is the HVAC system affected?
- It’s going to get loud! Are you going to be irritated by the sound of the contractor’s machinery?
- What is the extent of the remediation work required?
- Sensitivity may be the decisive factor. Which chemicals will be used in remediation, if any?
- The environment of a home can also be affected by reconstruction and repair.
Mold remediation involves serious work and carries serious risks. It is important to fully understand the process and all that may be involved. The mold you see is not always the only one.