With over 70% of homes in Ohio affected by mold, many homeowners have to decide whether they should handle the mold with the help of DIYs or hire a professional. Attics are more prone to mold growth due to high humidity and poor ventilation. While removing attic mold yourself may seem an attractive idea, larger and more severe mold requires remediation. This guide compares DIY vs professional attic mold removal services Ohio to help you make more effective and safe solutions.
Factors To Consider DIY or Professional Attic Mold Removal Services Ohio
DIY attic mold removal methods may be cost-effective, but professional attic mold remediation in Ohio ensures the removal and prevention of mold regrowth. The benefits of professional services outweigh the cost-effectiveness of DIYs. When you are deciding between DIY mold removal and hiring professionals, consider a few things:
Factors | DIY Attic Mold Removal | Professional Attic Mold Remediation |
Initial Investment | Low as you can use the basic supplies available at your house | Higher, as it includes expert labor, specialized tools, and inspection follow-ups |
Effectiveness | Limited effectiveness as it is only feasible for small, visible molds | High because it removes extensive mold thoroughly and even targets hidden molds |
Time Requirements | Requires more time to research cleaning protocols | Lower as trained professionals handle the cleaning quickly |
Risk of Recurrence | Higher if you do not remove the root cause | Lower as professionals address the moisture sources |
Health and Safety Risk | Moderate to high if you are not properly equipped | Low because experts have containment systems and use full PPE |
Size Of Mold
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends getting a certified mold inspection for attics if the area where the mold has affected exceeds 10 square feet. If you are considering DIY removal, make sure the area requirements are fulfilled.
Health Hazards
As per the CDC, mold exposure poses severe health risks to some people, and it may not cause any health effects to others. If you notice any of the following health hazards, contact a professional for certified mold inspection for attics and stop exposing yourself to the mold.
Allergic Reactions
For some people, mold exposure can trigger allergic reactions, including a runny nose, sneezing, and eye irritation.
Asthma and Other Health Effects
If you are someone who has asthma with mold allergies, mold exposure may result in an asthma attack or worsen the asthma symptoms. Black mold, on the other hand, can worsen COPD.
Other health effects include skin irritation, wheezing, and coughing. People with weak immune systems or chronic lung disease should also avoid cleaning mold.
People undergoing cancer treatment should never try DIYs to remove mold. HIV patients and transplant recipients are also advised to stay away from mold.
Time Constraints & Recurrence Risk:
Mold can be persistent and stubborn, especially if it has made its way deeper into the structure, which you might not be able to tell with a quick glance at the surface. So, if you have the time and energy to remove it and potentially deal with the recurrence, you can go for it.
However, if you have allergies and health issues, it’s not recommended to experiment and run the risk of mold returning and causing the same issues you’re facing now. Experts can do a full clean sweep of the area and ensure the mold is gone for good.
DIY Attic Mold Removal: When It Is A Safe Option
Removing mold from your attic through a DIY method is a feasible option if:
Mold Is Small And Isolated
The mold is confined to a small area (less than 10 square feet), which can be cleaned properly and disinfected as well.
Necessary Tools Are Available
You are aware of the safety protocols and have proper safety gear, including gloves, eye protection, an N95 respirator, and cleaning agents.
Pro Tip: Always make sure you are wearing a long-sleeved shirt and long pants with waterproof boots while cleaning the molds for complete protection.
The Mold Is Easily Accessible
Sometimes the mold grows due to visible water damage. Most attic areas are difficult to navigate, but if the mold is accessible easily and you can remove it comfortably, DIY might be better. However, you should check out the surroundings to see if the mold is hidden under the wall or carpet.
The Root Cause Is Identifiable
You need to find out what is contributing to the mold growth and address the issue. There are three common types of molds: allergenic molds, pathogenic molds, and toxigenic molds.
Most of the time, the root cause behind mold growth is excessive moisture due to:
- Poor ventilation: Lack of ventilation traps moisture, which creates an environment where molds thrive.
- High humidity: Mold begins to develop when the indoor humidity exceeds 60% consistently.
- Leaky Roofs and Pipes: Leaks are an open source that allows mold to grow very easily.
- Condensation: Cold surfaces, such as pipes and windows, contain condensed droplets of moisture, allowing molds to grow.
To determine the root cause of the mold, you can inspect the pipelines near the attic. Inspect for signs of moisture damage, such as warped walls, a musty odor, or water stains. If you suspect a hidden leak is behind the mold growth, an extensive inspection may help. Perform some repairs if needed to avoid future mold growth and keep the attic dry.
Immediate Action Is Required
You can remove the mold as soon as you notice it to prevent further growth. Addressing the mold problem swiftly is necessary to maintain the structural integrity and well-being of your home.
Professional Attic Mold Remediation: Why It Is Even Safer
Professional mold removal is widely considered a safer alternative to DIY methods. These are a few factors why affordable attic mold cleaning services are safer.
Specialized Knowledge And Experience
Choosing certified mold inspection for attics over DIYs gives you an edge, as professionals have the right expertise to identify the type of mold and the extent to which the mold has grown. Many local black mold removal experts possess specialized tools such as moisture meters and infrared cameras to detect hidden molds.
Experts know how to identify each type and what is the best way to remove the mold. Apart from cleaning, an expert is aware of the correct ways to dispose of mold-infested material so that it does not propagate the spreading of spores.
Safety Measures
Experts carry commercial-grade equipment along with EPA-approved disinfectants and fungicides to combat mold. Furthermore, local black mold removal experts follow all the protocols to minimize the chemical and mold exposure with the help of advanced filtration systems.
Addressing The Root Cause
Affordable attic mold cleaning services not only remove the mold but also perform remediation, which addresses the underlying issue, including water leaks and excessive humidity. It prevents the recurrence of the mold. Many local black mold removal experts also address the plumbing issue in your attic.
Complete Assessment
Undergoing a certified mold inspection for attics allows you mental peace as the experts inspect, assess, contain, and clean the affected area. Moreover, an expert also sanitizes the affected area to ensure the mold is removed along with the bacteria to prevent future regrowth.
Americon Offers a Quick Quote For Attic Mold Removal Services Ohio:
We know you’re still wondering if calling a professional is worth the money, and yes, that’s a valid question. However, forget everything and just answer these 2 questions: is not calling pros worth the health risk? Is saving the money with DIY mold remediation (while following CDC protocols) worth your time?
If the answer to any of these is no, our mold remediation crew in Ohio and Pennsylvania at least deserves a call to visit the site, assess it, and give you a quote.
You can ask any questions you have, and with more data and information to go on, better decide if you still want to go the DIY route. Sounds like a deal? Call 1-833-4373487 to get started ASAP!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Should mold be removed professionally?
Mold should be removed professionally if it covers an area larger than 10 square feet, if it is caused by contaminated water, or if household members have respiratory conditions. Professional remediation ensures safe removal, prevents recurrence, and addresses hidden mold behind walls or under flooring, damaging structural integrity.
Can you remove attic mold yourself?
You can remove attic mold yourself if the affected area is under 10 square feet, the source of moisture is fixed, and proper safety gear is used. Use EPA-approved mold cleaners, scrub surfaces thoroughly, and ensure ventilation. Larger infestations or hidden mold require professional remediation.
Is attic mold covered by insurance?
Attic mold is covered by insurance only if it results from a sudden, covered peril like a burst pipe or roof damage from a storm. Most standard homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover mold caused by long-term leaks, poor ventilation, or neglect. Always check your specific policy details.
What kills 100% of mold?
No product kills 100% of mold on all surfaces, but EPA-registered fungicides, hydrogen peroxide, and bleach solutions can effectively kill visible mold on non-porous surfaces. Porous materials like drywall may require removal. Complete mold eradication also requires eliminating moisture sources to prevent regrowth.
Will mold come back after vinegar?
Mold can come back after using vinegar if the moisture problem isn’t fixed. Vinegar kills most mold on non-porous surfaces, but it doesn’t remove spores or penetrate porous materials. To prevent regrowth, dry the area completely and eliminate humidity or leaks that cause the mold.