With time and age, most of us have managed to leave behind the fear that a monster may be lurking beneath our bed or behind the closed closet door, simply waiting to enact some sort of dastardly plan.
But as an adult, new fears begin to emerge. Thus, it’s entirely valid to wonder: “What might be hiding behind my drywall?”
Don’t worry — you’re not alone in asking such a question. That’s why we’re here today to provide you with some answers that may hopefully give you some peace of mind…
While you may be used to the idea of mold invading and proliferating throughout your property on your air vents, around your sink, or in other relatively visible areas, what if we told you that it may also be lurking behind your drywall?
Particularly in rooms that receive a high volume of moisture — such as in your bathroom or kitchen — mold is apt to grow in the deep recesses of your walls. After all, not only is the drywall itself porous enough to let mold spores and moisture droplets through, but it also provides adequate shade for the mold growth process.
What’s more, research conducted in 2017 has shown that drywall may first begin to accumulate mold at its manufacturing site, meaning that some mold strains may have had years to grow and spread from the moment the drywall was first installed in your property.
While you can get behind your drywall in an effort to remedy existing problems on your own, that doesn’t mean you should.
For one, mold remediation is best handled by a certified team of professionals, such as with ServiceMaster Restoration of First Coast. If improperly handled, the mold hiding within your walls could grow back or, worse, cause adverse health reactions in those who attempted to remediate it on their own if they inhale the spores.
Additionally, you may unwittingly subject yourself to asbestos exposure.
Not only can asbestos be found in a variety of building products placed behind the drywall but, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if the drywall itself is crumbling in some spots, that means it was built with asbestos fibers.
As this material is a hazardous carcinogen that may cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma in those who inhale it, you should always call for professional aid if you suspect there may be asbestos in your property.
Whether your drywall is crumbling or there is a heady, mildewy scent lingering in the air that may indicate mold, at the end of the day, reaching out for help is always the wisest decision a property owner can make. Not only will it save you from potential exposure to hazardous materials and contaminants, but it will also provide you with the knowledge and resources you need to take the next step with confidence.
And if you’re looking for locally-trusted professionals to help you defeat such dormant dangers behind your drywall, ServiceMaster Restoration of First Coast can help!
Not only is our team licensed to remediate mold and water damage in addition to providing other commercial and residential services, but we can also help you navigate your insurance should you need to file a claim in the process. In short, you never have to handle a disaster alone.
If you have further questions or are ready to reach out for masterful solutions, contact our team today by calling (904) 219-0635!
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