Mold Removal Cost
While the exact cost will vary, the average cost for mold removal is $2,241, according to HomeAdvisor. Although this is a very rough estimate considering the numerous factors that affect the price. The typical range will also cost between $1,000 and $3,500.
The good news is that if you have caught the fungus in its earliest stages, you can take care of it yourself when following the proper safety steps. But if the mold has already spread beyond 100 square feet, you can expect a professional to charge up to $6,000.
The factors affecting mold removal cost include all of the following:
- Size of the affected area
- How long the mold has been untreated
- Type of mold
- Type of building materials affected
Despite the ability to use home remedies for smaller cases of mold, the health risks caused by this fungus can be extreme. In addition to property damage, everyone living on the mold-affected property may experience any of the following reactions:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Watery/itchy/red eyes
- Irritated skin
- Difficulty breathing
- Respiratory infections
- Headaches
About Mold
Mold is a fungus, growing in dark, warm, moisture-rich areas that include an organic food source. Unlike plants, they do not need chlorophyll, a leading product of sunlight, they thrive in the dark. But as gross and unnecessary as this may seem, mold is vital to our planet's decomposition cycle; without it, there would be dead plant material everywhere.
Health Issues Caused by Mold
Despite the need for it to break down dead materials, mold is extremely dangerous to humans and pets, especially in large amounts. In addition to the health issues mentioned above, long-term effects can include cancer and various diseases that can be fatal with prolonged exposure.
Mold is also a large producer of mycotoxins or toxic substances that can enter one’s body through inhalation, ingestion, and even skin contact. One famous mycotoxin includes Aflatoxin B1, a potent carcinogen that can cause severe lung cancer if not treated immediately.
Why Mold Grows in Homes
Although mold is able to thrive in nature, it can also invade our homes, feeding off of wood, drywall, and other porous materials. This is because these building materials offer organic substances for the fungus to feed on and spread throughout other areas of the home.
Mold can grow on any of the following surfaces listed below:
- Drywall
- Hardwood floors
- Carpeting
- Particleboard
- Insulation
- Fabrics
- Cement
- Bathroom tile
- Window frames
- And other porous materials
On the other hand, mold is only capable of developing and spreading given moisture in the affected area. This is why mold usually develops within 24 hours of water damage, making it imperative to call for a water damage mitigation expert immediately.
Mold Testing
Many cases of mold can be noticed, such as in the bathroom, bedroom, or living room; however, mold prefers to grow in quiet, dark areas where it won’t be disturbed. In fact, mold has the ability to grow in any of the following hidden places:
- Behind walls
- In the attic
- In crawlspaces
- In the basement
- Under floors and carpeting
- In the foundation
- On the roof
The most common way of noticing mold cases that grow in these areas is experiencing the health symptoms mentioned above. This is because mold spreads by dispersing its spores into the air, searching for other areas with to attach themselves.
This is why mold testing is important, especially if you are suffering any health issues. There are many contractors who offer free testing to pinpoint its exact location. But another contractor must handle the mold removal part as it is unlawful in the state of Texas to perform both services.
All of the following are usually included in mold inspections:
- Inspect for past and current mold growth in hidden areas including floors, ceilings, interior walls, floors, and crawlspace.
- Inspect for mold growth and sources of moisture.
- Test indoor air quality for the presence of mold spores.
- Experience and training from a licensed professional.
Mold Removal by Professionals
Smaller projects under 10 square feet of mold can be handled with home remedies, such as bleach or vinegar. But larger areas must be handled by mold removal specialists with professional products, costing anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000.
The reason for these high costs is due to the use of powerful equipment and products to remove the fungus in large amounts. The mold remediation specialists that are operating HEPA vacuums must also be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in addition to attending frequent training sessions.
Mold Remediation DIY Tips
If you have just noticed mold in its beginning stages, you can remove it yourself using a variety of steps. Just keep in mind that mold is still dangerous, regardless of how far it has spread, so taking extra steps of precaution is imperative.
Here are some DIY mold removal tips for small areas:
- Always wear goggles, gloves, and a breathing mask before approaching the mold. An N-95 is recommended and can be bought at most hardware stores.
- Remember that mold thrives with moisture. Make sure to cut off any moisture source, such as leaks, high humidity, and other water damage on the property.
- For hard surfaces, combine a small amount of bleach with water to apply to the affected area.
- For porous surfaces, combine a small amount of vinegar and water and scrub at the affected area. But if they are heavily damaged, it is better to replace them.
- As long as all visible mold and odors are removed, you shouldn’t have to worry about it growing back in the future.
Professional Mold Remediation
Despite high costs, some cases of mold are best left to professionals. Or if you simply don’t want to deal with the job yourself, feel free to call the experts for mold removal. Using professional equipment and products, they will be able to remove all mold cases at the source, ensuring that it doesn’t return in the future. All musty smells will also be eliminated during this process so you shouldn’t have to worry about dealing with the after-effects.
If you live in the Dallas, TX area, ServiceMaster of North Texas is one such provider that can provide both water damage restoration and mold removal services. Each of our technicians is trained, licensed, and experienced to remove all traces of mold up to 10 sq. feet and can recommend providers for larger cases.
Give ServiceMaster of North Texas a call at (972) 284-0757 for a free estimate on our mold removal services!
