Mold on Drywall? Here’s What Causes It and How to Fix It

A strange musty smell, or a tiny dark patch on the wall, can leave anyone wondering. What’s that?

Well, that’s usually due to mold, and it could be risky if ignored for too long. If you’re also noticing mold in your home or office, you’re not alone!

Research indicates that approximately 47% of homes in the U.S. show signs of mold growth or have a moldy odor. The best way to get rid of it is to contact a reliable company that provides mold abatement services.

But most of the time, people avoid such solutions and consider them a waste of money, until matters get out of hand.

In this blog, we’ll explain to you the actual causes behind mold growth, its effects, and how to eliminate it from your place. Stay tuned!

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Why Does Mold Grow Behind the Drywall?

Mold needs three things: water, food, and time. Without water, it won’t grow. And drywall, with its cellulose (paper) core, is like mold’s favorite buffet.
The moisture often arrives through hidden water leaks like slow plumbing drips, condensation in exterior walls, or poor drainage and ventilation.
Once wet materials stay damp for a longer time, mold can start growing on them pretty quickly.

Drywall mold often begins in small, hidden spots, so you might not notice it immediately. Over time, though, it can spread, damage your walls, and even affect your health. Spotting it early can save you both headaches and costly repairs.

The Hidden Risks of Drywall Mold - Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It?

Ignoring mold doesn’t just spoil your home’s appearance; it can also result in serious health problems.

1. Health Hazards

Mold releases allergens, irritants, and sometimes mycotoxins that can bother your nose, throat, and lungs. Even if you’re healthy, breathing them in can make you sneeze, cough, or feel irritation in your throat.
If anyone in your family already has the issue of asthma, allergies, or a weakened immune system, they probably suffer the most due to mold infestation.
Long-term or repeated exposure can worsen their respiratory conditions and even cause fatigue or headaches.

2. Structural and Home Hazards

Mold can eat away at the drywall, insulation, and even the wooden parts of your walls, making them weaker and less stable.
This not only damages how your walls look but also weakens their strength, which can affect your home’s safety and require costly repairs.

How to Tackle the Mold Safely and Effectively?

Whether you are a pro or testing a DIY method for the first time, here are some important tips for mold removal that really work.

Fix the Moisture First - Without resolving leaks or excess humidity, the mold will just come back.
Assess the Damage - If the moldy area is under 10 sq ft (~3 × 3 ft), DIY cleanup is sometimes okay. For a largely infested area, you must call in the experts.
Protect Yourself - Wear an N95 respirator or better, gloves, and goggles when cleaning.
Don’t Just Cover It Up - Never paint or patch over moldy drywall. Always remove and replace, then treat underlying causes.
Post-Remediation Check - Make sure that there’s no musty odor, visible mold, or moisture sources before declaring the job done.

Safe Cleanup Steps

For small areas - Spray the area lightly with soapy water, scrub it gently, and make sure it’s fully dry. Don’t use too much water, because soaking the drywall can make the problem worse.
For medium areas (10–32 sq ft) - Seal the area, use HEPA filtration, and secure the work zone.
For large or complex infestations - Don’t try it yourself; call a certified mold remediation company. Experts might seal off the work area and use special machines to pull contaminated air out so it doesn’t spread. They also wear full safety gear and carefully throw away moldy materials in tightly sealed bags to keep spores from escaping.

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How to Keep Mold From Coming Back?

Once you’ve cleared the mold, you need to make sure it doesn’t come back.

Keep indoor humidity between 30%-50%. Use dehumidifiers and good ventilation.
Turn on exhaust fans in places that get damp easily, like bathrooms and kitchens, to push moist air outside.
If there’s a spill or leak, clean it up and dry the area within a day or two so mold doesn’t have a chance to grow.
Make sure your gutters and the ground around your home direct rainwater away from the house. This helps stop water from seeping into your walls or basement, which could lead to mold growth.
You can also use mold-resistant drywall or paints in vulnerable areas.

Takeaway

Drywall mold might begin as a small problem, but once it spreads, it can weaken your walls and make allergies worse. The good news is, with quick action, proper testing, and a few smart prevention steps, you can get your home back to being safe and healthy. For effective and long-lasting results, call a trusted professional.

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Make Your Home Mold-Free With JM Environmental Inc. - A Trusted Name in the Mold Remediation Market!

Want to get rid of mold from your place? We’re here to help you!

At JM. Environmental Inc., we follow a safe and effective mold removal process to bring back your peace of mind. Our expert team is well-experienced and follows all the guidelines, so there is no scope for mold to come back.

We provide services for -

Mold Testing - We not only check for the visible signs, but also use modern tools and professional testing to properly understand the problem.
Mold Abatement - This step targets the root of the problem. We remove affected materials, treat surfaces, and check again to make sure that no mold returns.
Mold Remediation - Our full-service solution that includes testing, removal, cleanup, and measures to keep mold from coming back.

Call us at 866-726-0304 for reliable mold abatement in Sacramento and say goodbye to the mold forever!