Moldy drywall removal 🔨😵💣 #contractor #drywall #blackmold #demolition #diy, by William Allen on YouTube. 2 min 10 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 10 s
- Time to do it
- 4 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Seal the room first. Tape plastic sheeting over the doorway and any vents, and lay plastic on the floor. Keep children and pets out while you work.
Put on your respirator, goggles, gloves and long sleeves before you touch the wall. Mold spores get into the air as soon as you cut.
Mist the moldy patch with water from a spray bottle. Damp mold stays put instead of drifting through the room.
Score the drywall with a utility knife along the stud lines, then pry the sheet off with a pry bar. Work in small sections you can carry.
Cut back at least 12 inches past the visible mold into clean board. Look at the back of the piece and the cavity for more growth.
Bag the debris in heavy trash bags, seal them, and carry them outside. Do not drag open sheets through the rest of the house.
Scrub the exposed studs with a mold cleaner or diluted bleach, then let the wood dry completely. Run a fan and open a window.
Vacuum the cavity with a HEPA vacuum and find the moisture source, such as a leak, a cold wall or poor ventilation. Fix it before you close the wall.
Fit new drywall, tape and mud the joints, then sand, prime and paint once the cavity is fully dry.
Call a mold remediation professional if the patch is larger than about 10 square feet, or if the mold returns after you repair it.
Tips and common mistakes
Never dry sweep or sand moldy drywall, because that spreads spores through the whole room.
Wear the respirator for the entire job, including bagging and vacuuming, not just the demolition.
If the paper backing or insulation behind the wall is damp, replace it too or the mold will grow back.
Questions
Can I just paint over mold on drywall?
No. Paint seals the surface but the mold keeps growing underneath and will show through. Cut out the affected board and fix the moisture first.
How far past the mold should I cut?
Go at least 12 inches into clean drywall on every side. Check the back of the board and the framing, since mold often spreads further than you can see.
Do I need a professional for black mold?
For a small patch you can usually handle it yourself with proper protective gear. Call a pro if the area is large, if it sits near HVAC ducts, or if anyone in the home has breathing problems.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
