Black mold is a type of fungus that grows in areas with moisture and warm temperatures, and it feeds on cellulose which is found in paper products, wood, drywall, and other common building materials. Even though it is referred to as black mold, it can also appear dark green in color. There are many species of black mold, the most common and one of the most dangerous is Stachybotrys chartarum.

Back mold is dangerous because it can cause a number of allergic reactions in those who are exposed, especially in those who are already sensitive to mold. The fungal spores can trigger symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, red eyes, and nasal congestion as well as more severe symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, and dry cough and chest tightness.

It is important to recognize the following signs of black mold so you can act quickly to remove it:
• Visible black or dark green patches, such as black bathroom ceiling
• Musty odor
• Water damage or moisture
• Allergic reactions and symptoms consistent with mold exposure
If you find black mold in your home or building, you need to call a mold remediation professional right away to take care of the problem. Call (888) 915-7197 to get in touch with a mold removal professional in your area.

Black mold can appear within homes and buildings at virtually any time. This is because mold spores exist naturally in the air and when they find the right conditions, mold growth will form. Understanding what causes mold growth can help you better prevent it from appearing in your property.
The following are the main causes of black mold:
• Water damage from leaks or flooding
• Condensation and humidity
• Warm, damp conditions
• Poor ventilation
No matter what caused the black mold to appear, you need to respond immediately to get rid of it. Call us at (888) 915-7197 to get in touch with a local mold removal professional.

Black mold removal and cleanup services include the complete removal of all mold growth, as well as permanently damaged materials, and the cleaning and restoration of the affected areas to restore safe conditions. You can expect the following with black mold removal:
• Black mold removal: All black mold within the home or building is discovered and removed using advanced remediation methods.
• Black mold cleanup: Porous materials permanently damaged by mold are removed and the affected areas are cleaned up.
• Black mold treatment: Affected areas and surfaces are treated with antimicrobials to prevent further mold growth.
• Black mold inspection: The property will be inspected for mold to ensure that it has been effectively removed.
• Water damage repair: The source of water damage that caused the mold will be identified and repaired to prevent future mold growth.
Black mold can cause considerable property damage while putting your health at risk which is why it must be removed as soon as possible. You need to call us right away at (888) 915-7197 to get in touch with a mold removal professional in your area.

Black mold removal requires the help of the best black mold removal companies. The following are trusted professionals who provide effective black mold removal:
• RestorationMaster Finder
• Servpro
• 911 Restoration
• 1800 Water Damage
• ServiceMaster
• BELFOR

Black mold removal cost varies depending on the extent of the mold growth, the areas affected, and the resulting damage. On average, mold removal will cost between $1500 and $9000 with an average of about $3500. Mold infestations over a small area may cost between $500 and $1000 to remove while extreme cases of mold can cost up to $30,000 for removal. The type of mold also affects the cost as black mold Stachybotrys chartarum costs on average between $800 and $7000 to remove.

Homeowners insurance does cover black mold removal if the mold is caused by a covered peril that is sudden or accidental. This includes ruptured or leaks of a pipe or drain hose, appliance malfunctions, toilet overflows, and rainwater that leaks inside. In cases where insurance will cover mold removal, it may only cover it up to a certain dollar amount. Paying your insurance provider an additional cost may get you higher coverage.

Homeowners insurance will not cover mold removal if the mold occurred as a result of neglect, including water backups from a broken sump pump or clogged sewer line; neglected leaks or issues with plumbing, fixtures, appliances, windows or doors; and poor ventilation. Mold that has occurred as a result of flooding from outside is also not covered unless you purchase separate flood insurance.

If you find black mold in your basement, you can remove it with the following steps:
• Get yourself prepped by wearing closed-toe shoes, long sleeves and long pants, gloves, safety goggles, a mask or respirator, and boot covers. You should also open windows and set up fans to improve ventilation, lay down drop cloths to protect the floor, and have contractor bags ready to throw away moldy materials.
• Remove all affected materials including carpeting, curtains, drywall, ceiling tiles, and other fabrics. These materials should be disposed of safely.
• Treat the moldy surface with a mold killing solution. White vinegar is a good option for removing mold growth from tiles and nonporous surfaces. Apply the white vinegar to the surface and let it sit for an hour before scrubbing it with a brush.
• Use a baking soda solution of 2 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of baking soda to remove mold from grout, drywall, and other porous surfaces. Apply the solution with a cloth, rag, or scrub brush.
• For difficult cases, you can use a solution of 1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of warm water to scrub mold from pipes, tiles, appliances, and other nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or other household cleaners.
• Use a cloth or a stiff bristled brush to scrub the mold after applying the cleaning solution. You should choose between a cloth or a brush depending on the surface you are scrubbing.
If you do not feel comfortable removing black mold from your basement yourself, call a mold remediation professional.

It is common for black mold to appear on bathroom ceilings because of the amount of moisture in the bathroom. These steps will help you remove mold from the ceiling in the bathroom:
• Make sure you wear protective gear including goggles, gloves, face mask, long sleeves, and long pants and prep the room by closing off the vents and opening a window.
• Clean the area with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent and leave the area to dry.
• Create a solution of one quarter cup of bleach and one quart of water and apply the solution.
• Let the solution sit for 20 minutes and do another application.
• Allow the solution to dry for another 20 minutes.
• Treat the area with a borate-based detergent to kill remaining mold spores.
• Fix any moisture or ventilation issues that may have caused the mold to appear.
You can call a mold remediation professional if you are unsuccessful or unsure about removing the mold yourself.

Black mold commonly appears inside walls if these areas or damp or if there is a leak. To remove black mold from within the walls, follow these steps:
• Contain the affected area by blocking off doorways with plastic sheeting and painter’s tape. You should also lay down plastic sheeting on the floor.
• Shut off the electricity and water to the affected area.
• Find and identify the area of the wall where the black mold is hiding.
• Use a prybar to gently remove moldy drywall and put the drywall directly into contractor bags. Remove the drywall until you reach drywall that is not affected by mold.
• Remove moldy insulation and put it in contractor bags. You should remove the insulation until you reach insulation with no mold.
• Check for mold within the walls, including on studs, headers, sill plates, and the back of the siding. These materials can be cleaned if they are not severely damaged.
• Leave the wall cavity open and set up fans to dry the area.
• Use a HEPA filter shop vac to vacuum the entire wall cavity and remove mold and other debris like dust and spider webs.
• Use a mold biocide to spray down the moldy areas. It is most effective to use a one-gallon garden pump sprayer.
• Apply a fungicidal mold encapsulant over the affected areas and apply a second coat after the first one dries.
• Install new drywall to close up the walls.
Make sure to call a mold remediation professional if you cannot safely or effectively remove black mold from within your walls.

Showers are a potential breeding ground for black mold because of the built-up moisture. Fortunately, cleaning black mold from the shower is relatively easy following these steps:
• Create a mixture of 1 part bleach to 2 parts water in a spray bottle and spray the affected area.
• Allow the solution to sit for 10 minutes and the mold should fade on its own. For stubborn mold, use a coarse brush or old toothbrush to scrub it away.
• Rinse the affected area thoroughly with water.