If you’ve spotted mold on a wall in your office or commercial building, you shouldn’t consider just painting over it. Painting over mold won’t solve the problem. It can temporarily hide mold, but it won’t prevent it from growing underneath.

Below, this mold removal company in Prospect Heights, Illinois is going to explain why painting over mold is never the answer, and we’ll also explain what you should do instead.

Does painting over mold make it go away?

Mold is not a stain on the wall that can be covered with paint. It is a living organism that grows and spreads. Painting over it can temporarily improve the surface appearance but the mold will not stop growing just because it is covered. It will stay alive under the paint and eventually resurface.

The main reason mold grows is the presence of moisture. It could come from a leak, high humidity or poor ventilation. If you don’t fix that moisture problem, the mold will always return no matter how many times you paint over it. That is why a professional mold removal company in Prospect Heights, Illinois, will always address the moisture problem first and then remove the mold.

Another problem is what happens behind the wall. Mold can grow into wood, drywall and insulation. When you trap it under paint, the moisture also stays in there, which gives the mold even more room to spread. Before long, you could be dealing with structural damage like crumbling walls. A professional mold removal team can inspect for this type of hidden damage and repair it before it gets worse.

There is also a health risk. Mold releases airborne spores that can make people sick when inhaled. If mold is growing in a commercial space and you do nothing but paint over it, you are putting everyone inside at risk. You could even be held responsible if someone gets sick because of neglect. Hiring a certified mold removal company is the best way to protect both your property and the people in it.

How do professionals remove mold?

Step 1. Finding and fixing the moisture source: Mold does not grow without moisture so finding leaks or damp areas is the first step. Sometimes it can be a clear problem like a leaky pipe. But the moisture problem can also be hidden behind walls or under flooring. A professional mold removal company in Prospect Heights, Illinois, will have tools to find that moisture even when it is not visible.

Step 2. Containing and removing the mold: Once the mold and the source of moisture are found, the area is sealed off to prevent mold spores from spreading throughout the building. The team then removes any damaged materials (like wet drywall or moldy insulation) and cleans the area with special equipment. Air filtration systems are also used to remove airborne mold particles. It is a meticulous process that takes time, but it is the only way to permanently eliminate mold.

Step 3. Final inspection and prevention: Once the removal is complete, the area is tested to make sure the mold is fully gone. The team will also give you advice on how to prevent it from returning, like improving ventilation or controlling humidity.

Looking for a mold removal company in Prospect Heights, Illinois?

Are you looking for a trusted mold removal company in Prospect Heights, Illinois that can remove mold from your commercial property? If so, Axis Response Group is here to help. Our trained team can remove mold from its source and make sure it does not return. Contact us today at (773) 427-6811 to schedule your free on-site assessment.