If you own a home, you know that anything can go wrong at any given time. 

Appliances break. Storm damage happens. Pests set up camp in the attic. 

And just when you think you have everything running smoothly and your wallet can take a break this month, you discover a new problem: mold. 

How to spot a mold problem

While no home is ever completely free of mold, the last thing you want is for those microscopic mold spores to flourish and form colonies—which can happen quickly under the right conditions. 

Mold only needs three key things to grow: moisture, oxygen, and food (preferably organic material). When indoor mold growth happens, there are usually signs that make it easy to identify. 

Visible signs of mold include:

• Spots or discoloration on the walls, floor, furniture or other surfaces 
• Peeling or bubbling wallpaper
• Warped wood or drywall
• Damp carpets and upholstery
• Excess condensation on windows and glass doors

Non-visible signs of mold include:

• An unpleasant musty odor
• Increased allergy symptoms 

Can you just paint over the mold?

It may be tempting to go for the “quick fix,” but painting over mold is never a good idea. 

Mold is a living organism that thrives on moisture–which means unless you address and resolve the underlying moisture issue in your home, it will continue to grow beneath however many layers of primer and paint you apply. 

The consequences of long-term mold growth can impact both the structural integrity of your home and the well-being of its inhabitants. 

Wood, drywall, insulation, and other materials can deteriorate over time as mold eats away at them, often leading to expensive repairs. Likewise, prolonged exposure to mold can exacerbate allergy symptoms in both people and pets. 

Do this instead of painting over mold. 

Before you break out the rollers and the paint trays, be smart and think about the long-term consequences. The following steps may briefly delay your painting progress in the short term, but they will save you time, money, and additional headaches in the future. 

1. Find the moisture source. 

Do your best to identify where the moisture is coming from. This will help you address the current mold situation and prevent any further problems with mold down the line. Whether or not you locate a visible leak or a moisture source, the next step is to work with a professional mold removal company. 

2. Consult a mold remediation professional. 

If your mold problem has progressed to where it is visible on a significant portion of the surface you want to paint, it is likely not a simple DIY mold removal job. An experienced mold remediation team will have the tools and the knowledge necessary to find the underlying moisture issue as well as contain the affected area, treat the mold and neutralize odors, and safely dispose of any waste. 

3. Paint once everything is dry. 

Once the mold has been removed and the area is completely dry, you can start painting. Your local hardware store attendant can help you choose the right products, but it may be worth looking into mold-resistant paint and primer materials. These are designed to help prevent further mold growth on your indoor surfaces. 

What about exterior mold? 

The same warning applies. 

If there is mold growing on your deck, patio, or outdoor fencing, you should remediate the mold first and let the area dry completely before painting or staining. 

Otherwise, allowing the mold to continue growing beneath the paint or stain will drastically shorten the lifespan of your outdoor structures—and yes, exterior mold can still pose health risks for you and your family (or your business patrons, if you find mold growing in your commercial building). 

Conclusion

Has your painting or staining project been delayed by mold? CT Mold Pros can help you get back on track. Indoors or out, our mold remediation solutions were designed to minimize disruptions while restoring safe and healthy environments for our customers. We use a thorough 4-step process to effectively remove and prevent mold growth in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Call us at (203) 920-0265 or fill out our online form for a free assessment.