Mold is a fungus that grows in the form of multicellular filaments and is commonly found in households with poor ventilation and water damage. In some cases, it’s non-threatening. However, if left untreated, it can grow into a bigger problem and pose a threat to your health. Everyone is affected differently, with some people experiencing more mild symptoms than others. Some of these symptoms can resemble allergies, such as sneezing, runny nose, and red eyes, to experiencing skin rashes, headaches, and even fatigue. Regardless of the severity of your symptoms, prolonged exposure can damage your health.
So, can you paint over mold? Absolutely not. Mold is a health risk if left untreated, and needs to be addressed at the source. Since it’s a fungus that spreads like wildfire, you’ll have to make sure to target the source of the issue in order to prevent it from coming back. So it’s important to treat this issue with caution. When treating the mold, make sure to wear protective equipment like a respirator mask, gloves, and eye protection. Mold spores breathed in are dangerous and can cause respiratory issues down the road, so always proceed with caution.
According to the EPA, if the mold patch is less than 10 square feet, you can probably tackle the issue yourself. However, if there has been a lot of water damage, or mold growth covers more than 10 square feet, you’ll need to call a professional mold remediator or HVAC contractor. If you’re doing the job yourself, vinegar is a great solution because it kills mold at the source. Additionally, our professionals advise that before applying a new coat of paint, you’ll need a moisture-resistant primer to prevent any future mold growth. Just keep in mind that the primer isn’t meant to kill the mold and is only used to prevent it from growing. You can also take further action to prevent mold from becoming an issue by making sure your home is well-ventilated and always keeping your surfaces clean and dry. Once your mold issue is handled, give J&S Painting Plus a call, and we’ll get your home looking nice and fresh!
We hope these tips helped you feel more prepared for your next painting project! At J&S Painting Plus, Inc., we are fully licensed and insured painting contractors, offering the highest standard of quality workmanship for exterior house painting and all your residential painting needs at the most affordable prices. Contact us today via our website for a free quote to get started: http://jandspaintingplus.com/contact-us/
Sources:
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/paint-over-mold/
https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-and-health
https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-your-home
