Mold Behind Bathtub Wall and Surround
Mold behind bathtub walls and tub surrounds is very common because those areas commonly come in contact with moisture. In this guide we will discuss how to identify and get rid of mold that has accumulated in these areas.
What are the Dangers Associated with Mold
Mold can be toxic to you and your family. The most common type of mold in properties is black mold which can be hazardous to your building and your health.
Exposure to black mold can cause a variety of problems, with the severity varying from person to person. The most common complaint from those who are exposed to mold are allergic reactions. Allergic reactions can present in different forms depending on the person, but can include; rashes, hives, shortness of breath, sneezing, coughing, itchy or watery eyes, etc.
Animal Health Hazards
Humans are not the only ones who are vulnerable to mold, pets are too. Cats, dogs and other household pets may start to exhibit symptoms consistent with black mold allergies.
What Causes Mold to Develop
Mold generally needs a moisture source, mold spores in the air, and a source of food to feed off of. If you can cut one of these things, you can prevent the expansion and/or remediate the mold effectively.
How to Identify Mold
Identifying mold behind bathtub wall and surround is not always an easy process because mold could be present, but not visible on the outside. Sometimes, you can see mold behind the wall creeping out. The mold will usually have a dark, slimy appearance.
Another way to determine if mold is present is by smell. Black mold will start to emit a musty smell.
Another option is to purchase a mold testing kit. These kits are designed specifically to test for the presence of mold spores. So even if you cannot see mold with the naked eye, a mold testing kit will help you determine if the spores are present and are therefore posing a risk to you and your family.
How to Prevent Mold From Getting Worse
If there is visible mold behind the bathtub wall and surround, there is probably some sort of moisture leak that is causing it to expand. That being said, we would recommend that you stop running water in that bathtub until you can have a professional remediate the mold.
We also recommend keeping the bathroom ventilated by leaving the doors and windows open to reduce the amount of moisture that is allowed to seep in.
Installing a HEPA filter in your bathroom can also help to remove mold spores from the air and hinder their ability to spread and grow.
Hiring a Professional to Remove Mold
Mold can be a dangerous thing to deal with so we recommend hiring a professional.
Professional mold removal specialists are trained in removing mold. These specialists should have the skills and knowledge to safely and effectively remove the mold and prevent its return.
Most mold remediation companies offer free in-home mold removal consultations, we suggest having at least two companies come to provide you with an assessment. You can use this opportunity to gage their mold knowledge.
Hiring a professional mold removal specialist is always a good idea when an infestation is found in your home, but is especially critical when it comes to mold as this is such a difficult area for the average homeowner to tackle safely. Let the experts safely remove the mold from behind your tub surround and ensure that it is not able to grow back again.
Cost of Mold Remediation
The average cost to remove mold will vary based on the extent of the infestation. In most cases the company you hire will need to demolish the contaminated building materials and install new ones.
For the most accurate quote for mold removal, call the number on our website to speak with a mold remediation specialist in your area for free.
How to Prevent Future Mold
The most efficient way to prevent future mold from developing is to make sure that your bathroom is as ventilated as possible and that excess moisture isn’t allowed to linger.
We also highly recommend purchasing and running a HEPA filter.
If you have any further questions regarding mold, call today for a free mold remediation consultation with an expert.