Mold spores are found indoors and are part of normal house dust; however, they are generally not a problem unless the spores land on a hospitable area and create mold growth. Mold grows in warm, moist concrete environments, such as basements and garages, and on porous surfaces like carpet and drywall. Removal of mold can be hazardous and can cause allergic reactions and breathing problems in people with sensitivity. Removal of wet or damp carpets and thorough cleaning of mold is imperative to a healthy home.
Instructions
Removing Water-Damaged Drywall
1. Remove wallpaper and trim from the damaged area of the wall. Remove any switch plates and nails holding the drywall.
2. Locate the nearest stud using a studfinder. Decide if the entire sheet of drywall will need replacement or if a portion will need to be replaced. If the sheet can be repaired with a small cutout, mark a line from stud to stud above and/or below the water damage.
3. Cut into the drywall around the mold-damaged area using a reciprocating saw. Use care to not cut into wall studs, wiring or nails.
4. Check the wall interior for mold and water damage. Use a commercially available mold kit on the interior of the wall to ensure that no mold exists. If mold does exist, remove insulation or any additional materials inside the wall and replace them.
Removing Carpet
5. Cut the water-damaged carpet with a carpet knife, and pull back the padding. Cut the padding in the affected area.
6. Inspect floors below the carpet for water damage. Use a commercial mold testing kit on the area around the water and mold damage. Because carpet is porous and can aid in the transportation of moisture, test around the visibly damaged area.
7. Sand wooden subfloors, then seal them with mold-resistant paint. Treat concrete with a diluted bleach solution of 1/4 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water.
8. Allow flooring to dry completely before replacing carpet and padding. Water and mold-damaged carpet must be entirely replaced as spores cannot be completely cleaned from carpeting.
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