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Water Mold Fire Restoration, 800-905-0277, would like to help clear up some of the confusion concerning mold resistant paint and why it should not be used to cover up mold. Mold resistant paint is indeed a fabulous innovation, both you should never use it in an effort to kill mold. It was never designed to kill mold.
You should never think that by killing mold that your mold problems have been solved and are over. Even dead mold and mold spores (non-viable) can cause severe health issues to individuals who have sensitivities to mold and mold spores. The EPA reports “Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Mold does not have to be alive to cause an allergic reaction. Dead or alive, mold can cause allergic reactions in some people.”
We love to explain why just killing mold is not such a good idea with the following analogy: If you had a skunk living under your back porch, you definitely have a nasty, smelly problem. If you kill the skunk, but leave it under the porch, you still have a nasty, stinky problem, it’s just a different type of nasty, stinky problem. It’s the same with mold, alive (viable) or dead (non-viable), it may cause a health problems if it is killed and then it remains inside your house.
Mold’s Health Risks
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mold can cause many different health risks, from a stuffy nose and eye irritation to asthma and severe lung infections. Mold is present everywhere even in your house right now) and will grow on paper products, cardboard, drywall, and wood products IF it comes into contact with a sufficient amount of moisture. Any time there is an excessive amount of water present in a home, there is a likelihood that, if it is left and not dried out, or left to dry on its own time schedule, mold growth could be the result.
The people most at risk from exposure to moldy environments are people with allergies, immune suppressions, taking certain medications or treatments, or lung diseases. Young children, senior citizens and pregnant women are also considered to be in the group of people at risk.
What Is Mold Resistant Paint and How Does It Work?
Mold resistant paint should not be used as a treatment for killing mold, it’s purpose is to help you prevent mold in the first place or to keep the mold from returning once it has been remediated. Mold resistant paints are designed to be used in rooms that are prone to experience higher moisture content than normal. This would include for example kitchens, where cooking adds moisture to the air, the same for bathrooms because bathing, showering, and washing also adds extra moisture to the air in that room. And of course basements. Basements are subject to humidity issues because they are below-grade spaces that are subject to the differences between inside and outside temperatures.
These types of paint resist mold growth because they contain active antimicrobial ingredients. Many companies make mold resistant paints and the paints are fairly easy to find.
The Best Way to Use Mold Resistant Paint
Before painting with mold resistant paint you need to keep these important facts in mind. The surfaces to be painted need to be completely clean and dry. The surfaces should be mold free. Sherwin Williams offers this advice before using their mold resistant paints:
“Mold growing on non-porous surfaces can be cleaned with a detergent. But the affected parts of porous surfaces such as drywall must be completely replaced, and the area must then be cleaned thoroughly.”
Will Mold Resistant Paints Work?
Yes, but only to help prevent mold from reappearing or starting in the first place. It will not work to kill mold. Experts agree that using mold resistant paint is a great way to inhibit the growth of mold. However, in every case, they will tell you that the first thing you need to do is to remove any existing mold problem. Scrub it off, sand it off, cut it out, or have the mold professionally remediated, whichever, but you must start with a surface free of mold.
Once the surfaces that you want to paint are clean and dry, they can be coated with mold resistant paint. The paint will create a seal that resists the growth of mold. It’s not a miracle cure for mold. If you merely cover the mold with this type of paint, the mold will continue to grow and eventually you will again see it growing through the painted surface.
Painting over mold is only hiding the problem – temporarily. When people use paint to cover mold, they do so out of a lack of knowledge concerning mold and mold’s potential to cause harm. Mold is like an iceberg. You can see what’s on the surface but you can’t see what may be lurking below the surface. That’s also why using chlorine bleach to kill mold on porous surfaces will not work. Chlorine will not penetrate so it only has an affect on mold on the surface. You must get rid of any mold first, no exceptions allowed.
Proper Mold Remediation
While there are times that you can undertake mold removal on your own, it is often best to hire a professional mold remediation company. This because mold can be dangerous to your health and if you aren’t properly trained, you could accidentally spread the mold throughout the rest of your home.
Do you understand the following?
- The protective clothing you should wear
- Proper mold containment methods
- The equipment requirements for successful mold remediation
- Do you have the knowledge to do it safely and not put your family at risk
If you have concerns about or have spotted mold in your home know that Water Mold Fire Restoration, 800-905-0277, stands ready to help. We answer our phones 24 hours a day and no emergency is too large or too small. We can be at your home in one hour or less to inspect any mold concerns you may have. Our initial inspection is free. If you prefer, you can also contact us at help@watermoldfire.net.
