Mold Removal Cost

Mold is everywhere; it digests organic material and helps with the recycling process. It’s also essential to life on Earth and we coexist with it all around us. However, when a large mold growth forms in your home or building and isn’t addressed quickly, it can affect the indoor air quality and lead to health issues for the residents.

In order to determine if you have an infestation, a certified inspector can identify the presence of mold-like substances and refer you to a mold removal specialist. This is important because some types of mold are toxic and require a professional to remove. The type of mold is what determines the cost of the remediation.

The most common and dangerous type of mold is Aspergillus. This species has more than 250 identified species and can cause infections in the lungs and skin. It thrives in damp, warm environments and releases spores into the air, which can trigger hay fever symptoms such as runny nose and itchy eyes. It can also infect plants and cause food to spoil. Removing this species of mold can be very expensive, with costs running from $700 to $6,000.

Other harmful types of mold include Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold), Aureobasidium mold and Ulocladium mold. Stachybotrys is known as a “super mold” because it is extremely resistant to fungicides and can grow without sunlight. This mold is often found in water-damaged buildings and can cause structural damage to wood, wallpaper and drywall. It can also trigger hay fever symptoms and respiratory problems in humans. It is estimated to cost $1,500-$5,000 to remove. The Aureobasidium and Ulocladium species of mold are dark gray to black in color with a fuzzy appearance and can trigger hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes.

How Much Does Mold Removal Cost?

Aside from the type of mold that needs to be removed, other factors that can impact the cost of a remediation include the size of the mold infestation and the location. Larger growths of mold are more costly to remove than smaller ones and can be more difficult to reach with traditional cleaning methods, resulting in higher labor costs. Mold in basements and crawlspaces typically requires encapsulation to prevent re-growth and can be more challenging to clean and disinfect.

In addition to labor, costs can include high-efficiency vacuum equipment, scrubbers, safety gear including gloves, face masks and respirators as well as waste disposal fees. It is also necessary to repair any underlying conditions that caused the mold, such as fixing a leaky pipe or removing excess moisture in attics.

When calculating total costs, it is important to consider additional expenses such as hiring a professional cleaning service to clean your house after mold remediation is complete and the purchase of new furniture and other personal belongings if they have been contaminated by mold. Also, if the mold is a pre-existing condition, you may find that your insurance policy will not cover the costs of the remediation.

Once you’ve put on your safety gear, start by removing as much of the mold as possible from the surface. If the mold is in a wall, use a utility knife to cut out any damaged sections of the wall. After removing the damaged sections, you will need to clean the remaining drywall. To do this, mix a solution of three parts white vinegar and one part water. Spray the solution on the drywall and scrub with a brush. Once the drywall is cleaned, wipe it down with a dry towel.