DIY vs. Professional Mold Remediation

From adding grease to a squeaky door hinge to repainting cracking window panes, there are many home improvement projects that are safe to take on yourself. Amazing tools like YouTube and helpful blogs have made DIY the name of the game. However, most DIY projects are safe and do not pose a health risk to you and your family. When it comes to mold, we advise you to consult with a professional before you attempt any DIY clean up or mold removal.

While we never advise that you handle cases of mold remediation yourself, there are certain situations where it may be safe. If the mold seems to be located on tile or grout (for example, on shower tiles), it is generally safe to handle it yourself using the correct safety precautions. On the other hand, if you can see mold on your walls, we advise you to call a professional restoration company. Mold on porous surfaces such as walls, hardwood floors, ceilings, indicate a good chance of mold growth behind the walls.  Mold gives us a signal that the area is retaining moisture. To perform proper mold remediation to your walls or ceilings, you must first treat the source of the moisture so that the problem does not reoccur. It’s important that you know the difference between DIY and professional mold remediation circumstances. Also, if you’ve previously tried to clean mold in your home but have experienced a resurgence of growth, it’s time to call a professional restoration company.   

At Bright Restoration, we utilize industrial grade air movers and specialized air quality testing equipment. If you absolutely must attempt to handle the remediation yourself, you may be able to rent the equipment you need. We recommend getting a professional mold inspection before attempting DIY mold removal. Specialists will be able to determine the type of mold growth you’re experiencing, locate the source of the moisture and recommend a course of action. Once you have all these facts, you can make an informed decision about whether to hire a professional or purchase the necessary mold removal products.

It should also be stated that most DIY projects take time, since you’re normally fitting it around your schedule, on weekends etc. and that mold remediation should be considered an emergency and addressed with great urgency. Although some kinds of mold are unappealing but relatively harmless, others can quickly make your family sick. While DIY is a great option for home improvements that can happen over a period of days or weeks, mold remediation should happen quickly and be performed by professionals who can investigate the depth of the problem.