DIY vs. Professional Mold Removal: An Illinois Homeowner Guide

Illinois is prone to humid climates with varying weather conditions and temperatures, making it a perfect area for mold growth. Mold rapidly spreads and can quickly become costly and health-threatening if ignored.

For Illinois homeowners, deciding between performing a DIY project or hiring a professional mold removal service can be overwhelming. When deciding what option to go with, you should understand what mold removal is and how difficult the job may be.

Understanding Mold and Its Risks

Mold is a dangerous fungus that can take several forms: Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold), Aspergillus, and Penicillium. It grows rapidly and can appear in shades of black, white, and green. Mold can be found on several different types of surfaces and materials, like insulation, floors, and walls. Since mold thrives in humid environments, bathrooms are typically the most common areas homeowners find growth in. 

Mold can create structural damage and serious health problems, especially for those with underlying health conditions. As mold grows, it weakens wood, drywall, and other materials, leading to expensive repairs if not contained. 

Here are some health issues linked to mold exposure: 

• Allergic Reactions: If you are someone who has allergies, especially to pollen, you may be more prone to symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, and skin rashes. 
• Respiratory Issues: Mold can worsen the symptoms of coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath in individuals with health conditions like asthma or other respiratory illnesses. 
• Weakened Immune System: For individuals with compromised immune systems, mold exposure can lead to more severe infections. 
• Long-Term Health Risks: Prolonged mold exposure, especially black mold, has been linked to chronic fatigue, headaches, and neurological issues. 

DIY vs Professional Mold Removal

Understanding the key differences is crucial before diving into the pros and cons of DIY vs. professional mold removal. When it comes to smaller mold spots, DIY can be an easy fix for homeowners, whereas when mold growth is larger and more pronounced, stick to scheduling a professional service. Mold growth causes problems for the house’s structure and puts your family at risk for prolonged exposure. Whether you choose DIY or professional services, it is essential to perform preventative treatments so the likelihood of mold growing back is low. 

DIY Mold Removal: Advantages and Disadvantages

When it comes to mold removal, homeowners like looking at DIY approaches for their initial cost-effectiveness and convenience. It is crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages before moving forward with DIY removal: 

Advantages 

1. Cost-Effective: DIY maintenance tends to be less expensive than professional service. This is a major pro for DIY mold removal. If the area of mold is small and contained, DIYing can be extremely cost-effective. 
2. Convenience: DIY removal allows you to pick a time to begin the mold removal process on a whim. When you notice mold, you should address the problem ASAP. DIYing will reduce the time for removal since you won’t be limited to an appointment time. 
3. Quick Fix: DIY removal can be successful and quick for small areas containing mold. You can take care of minor mold growth with the right materials without hiring a service.

Disadvantages 

1. Safety Concerns: Mold removal can be hazardous, especially when dealing with large amounts. Without the proper protective gear, homeowners risk exposure to mold spores. Inhaling these spores can cause respiratory issues, trigger allergies, or cause other serious health problems. 
2. Unfinished Removal: DIY methods typically work best for visible mold, not hidden. Mold grows in hidden areas like behind walls or under floorboards. Without professional help, homeowners may miss the root of the problem, meaning they leave the job unfinished unknowingly. 
3. Lack of Knowledge: Mold removal may seem simple, but when you take into account the different types of mold and requirements for a complete removal, it becomes a harder job. Without the expertise of professionals, you may not be able to complete the mold removal safely or completely. 
4.  Damage: DIY removal typically involves strong chemicals and cleaners that can compromise the materials of homes. It is also common to scrape at the mold, which can damage wood. Without the expertise of professionals, homeowners risk damaging their homes. This can lead to future unwanted expenses.

Professional Mold Removal: Advantages and Disadvantages 

When facing major mold issues, homeowners hire professional mold removal services to ensure the job is done correctly and safely. While it can be more expensive than the DIY route, professional mold services offer several advantages. It is crucial to weigh both the advantages and disadvantages of hiring professional services: 

Advantages 

1. Expertise and Experience: Hiring professionals comes with a major pro: knowledge and experience. This will allow you to have peace of mind when they perform mold removal services. Professionals have the training and knowledge to assess the area for mold growth and identify any hidden contaminated areas. They also understand the different types of mold and the methods used to perform the best possible removal. 
2. Safe Removal: Professional services understand the importance of controlling mold spores to ensure safety throughout the house. They use specialized tools and methods to remove the mold growth and eliminate the source properly. Prevention of Future Growth: Mold professionals don’t just remove mold; they also take steps to address the root of the problem. They can provide expert advice and solutions to help prevent future growth. 
3. Insurance Coverage: Many mold removal services are covered by homeowners’ insurance. 

Disadvantages

1. Cost: The main con of hiring professionals is the cost. Depending on the mold type, severity of contamination, and where the mold is growing, the pricing can range significantly. 
2. Control: When hiring professionals, you are losing some of your control over the overall process. While you can ask questions and be involved in decision-making, you won’t be able to be as hands-on when it comes to DIY removal. 
3. Scheduling: With busy schedules, it may be hard to find time out of your day to get an appointment scheduled and be there when it is time for removal. This can lead to delays in addressing the mold growth problem.

Professional Mold Removal with Asbestos Property Management 

Here at Asbestos Property Management, we value the safety of our customers and their homes. Contact us today to start the mold removal process to ensure your home is free of the dangerous fungus.