Don’t Let Mold Destroy Your Home: A Guide to Effective Remediation

Here in North Texas, our long, hot summers and humid transitions between seasons create the perfect environment for mold to thrive. As someone who’s been in the construction and remodeling business for over 30 years, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly mold can take hold and the damage it can cause—not just to buildings but to the health of those living or working in them.

When mold shows up, it’s really important for your health and your pocketbook to address it immediately. Ignoring it can lead to serious health risks for your family or employees, and in some cases, your home or commercial building could require extensive and expensive repairs. Over the years, I’ve helped many homeowners and business owners tackle mold problems the right way, ensuring both safety and long-term solutions.

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about mold and how to handle it. Understanding the facts can help you better protect your home or workplace from its harmful effects. Below, I’ll break down five common myths about mold and share tips for preventing microbial growth and mold-related issues. Let’s clear the air on what’s fact and what’s fiction so you can take control and keep your spaces safe and healthy.

Myth 1. You only have mold if you can see it.

FACT: Moldy odors are produced by microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs). The smell is usually described as a stale, earthy, or musty.

One fallacy about mold is that it’s only there if it’s visible. While mold can sometimes be obvious in areas like bathroom corners or damp basements, serious mold growth often hides where you can’t see it. Mold thrives in dark, damp spaces, which means it can develop behind drywall, in attics where you may not see, on top of ceiling tiles, under carpets and their padding, inside walls around plumbing, and even within your HVAC ductwork. These hidden spots make it easy for mold to grow unchecked, spreading spores that can impact your home and health.

Detecting mold isn’t just about what you see—it’s also about what you smell. A musty, stale odor is a classic indicator of mold growth, even if you can’t pinpoint its source. That smell is often a red flag that mold has taken hold in a hidden area. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises that if you notice a moldy smell or have experienced water damage, it’s wise to consult an experienced professional. Professionals have the tools and expertise to locate and address hidden mold, ensuring the problem is thoroughly resolved.

Ignoring these signs can lead to more serious problems. Left unchecked, mold can spread to other parts of your home, weaken structural materials, and cause health issues, especially for those with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. Proactively addressing mold—even when it’s not visible—helps prevent larger, costlier problems down the road.

Myth 2. Bleach will get rid of mold.

FACT: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discourages the use of bleach as a mold cleaner.

One common mold removal solution that many people use is bleach. If the surface affected by mold is porous, bleach will only sterilize the surface. Even in the case of a non-porous surface, although the mold will be dead, it can still cause an allergic reaction in some individuals.

Instead of using chlorine bleach or other biocide for microbial cleanup, use a scrub brush and strong detergent to scrub away any mold and vacuum all surfaces. You will want to use protective equipment. To prevent breathing in mold spores, you can use an N-95 respirator. Read the instructions for proper use of the respirator.

Rubber gloves that extend to middle of your forearm are also recommended. Dispose of any contaminated materials that cannot be cleaned such as clothing or furniture.

Myth 3. Once mold is removed, it won't come back.

FACT: Correcting the water or moisture issue that created the problem is necessary to assure mold will not come back.

In order to be assured that mold will not return, you must resolve high humidity, moisture, or other water problems that cause mold to grow. Simply cleaning the affected area is not enough—without addressing the root cause, mold is likely to reappear. Once the area is cleaned of mold, it’s essential to thoroughly dry and seal the affected surfaces to prevent future growth.

To effectively prevent mold from coming back, you have to take proactive measures by identifying and repairing any water damage, such as leaky roofs, plumbing issues, or foundation cracks. Even small leaks can create an environment for mold to thrive. After repairs, ensure the space is properly ventilated—this is especially important in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements where moisture tends to accumulate.

Humidity control is another key factor. Mold thrives in environments where humidity levels exceed 60%. Use dehumidifiers to keep indoor humidity below this threshold, and consider adding exhaust fans or improving airflow in areas prone to dampness. Regularly inspecting areas prone to moisture, such as crawl spaces, HVAC systems, and around plumbing fixtures, can help you catch and address problems early.

It’s also important to choose the right materials when repairing or remodeling affected areas. Opt for mold-resistant drywall, paints, and insulation, which are designed to resist moisture and mold growth. Sealing porous materials, like concrete or wood, with a waterproof sealant can further protect against moisture infiltration.

Mold cleanup and remediation cannot be considered complete until all sources of water or moisture have been resolved. Without tackling the underlying causes, even the best remediation efforts will fall short. By taking these steps, you ensure that your home remains mold-free and safe for years to come.

Myth 4. It's necessary to test for mold.

FACT: It is not a necessity to test for mold since all types need to be removed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that "no matter what type of mold is present, you need to remove it." While mold testing can provide a snapshot of the quantity and type of mold present, it’s important to understand that testing isn’t always necessary.

All types of mold should be removed, regardless of their specific strain or concentration. Testing can be costly, and because there are no health-based safety standards for acceptable mold levels, the results don’t always provide actionable or valuable information. Instead, the focus should be on addressing the source and eliminating the mold completely.

Once mold is identified, the first step is to dry out and repair the affected area. Mold thrives in damp conditions, so focus on removing moisture and fixing any leaks, damaged plumbing, or structural issues. Also, you need to clean and disinfect the affected surfaces to eliminate any remaining spores.

For larger infestations or mold in hard-to-reach areas, it’s often best to call in a professional mold remediation expert who has the tools and experience to safely and effectively remove the mold.

By focusing on drying, repairing, and cleaning, rather than testing, you can take direct action to protect your home and health. This practical approach not only addresses the immediate issue but also helps prevent costly and disruptive problems in the future.

Myth 5. All mold is dangerous.

FACT: Mold can affect your health due to long-term exposure or sensitivities, but some molds are actually beneficial.

Mold may also cause allergic reactions.

Molds are capable of producing toxic compounds called mycotoxins, which are poisonous substances that can make people sick. Mycotoxins can pose serious health risks, particularly to individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. Generally, inhaling mold spores increase the possibility of respiratory issues in people with underlying issues or people with high sensitivity.

Did you know that not all molds are dangerous to your health, and their role in the environment and even in industry can be surprisingly beneficial? Mold helps decompose organic material, and some molds are used in the production of cheese. Some molds are used in medicine. The Penicillium mold, for example, was the key to the development of Penicillin, the first antibiotic, which revolutionized healthcare and saved countless lives.

However, keep in mind that molds in your home, especially those producing mycotoxins, are not the same as the helpful strains used in controlled environments. Indoor mold growth, often spurred by damp or humid conditions, can cause significant problems if left unchecked.

Tips for Mold Prevention and Control

Moisture control is the key to mold control.

It is important to act quickly if there is a water leak or spill indoors. Drying out any materials or surfaces that have become wet within 24-48 hours usually prevents the growth of mold. Additionally, make sure air conditioning drip pans are cleaned and drains are unblocked and functioning properly.

Indoor humidity needs to be kept low, ideally between 30-50 percent relative humidity. One sign up high humidity is condensation. If you find this moisture on windows, walls, or pipes, quickly dry the wet surface and find ways to lower the humidity such as a dehumidifier or running your HVAC system.

Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried right away. Avoid using carpet in places like bathrooms that may have a lot of moisture.

Need Mold Removal and Remediation in North Texas?

Mold can be tricky, but our certified mold and microbial remediation contractors offer the most thorough mold remediation services in Texas and fair removal costs.

The team at Bishop Builders will work with you every step of the way to ensure a proper remediation is completed and a reconstruction of the damaged structure is performed to your specifications and the most current building codes. EMAIL US or call/text 817-221-0873 for more information.