Should you remove drywall with mold?
Asked by: Raymond Stiedemann | Last update: January 11, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (52 votes)
Do I need to replace drywall if it has mold?
Many homeowners attempt to simply repair drywall that is infested with mold, but it should always be fully replaced. If you don't replace every part of your drywall that has experienced mold growth, you're only leaving your home vulnerable to much more damage in the future.
Should you cut out moldy drywall?
If you spot mold on your drywall, it may indicate a larger mold problem in the stud space behind the drywall. And, mold on drywall has already penetrated the surface, so you can't simply wipe it clean. You will need to cut it out and replace it in this case.
Can moldy drywall be saved?
If you don't replace water-damaged, moldy drywall, it could end up compromising the structure of your home. It's also a health hazard, and in some cases, the only way to get rid of toxic black mold on drywall is to remove the affected panels completely.
Is it safe to have mold behind drywall?
So mold inside walls should never be ignored unless the quantity is minute. It must be removed with proper controls by a professional mold remediation contractor who will use plastic containment, air scrubbers with negative air pressure and make sure mold will not be dispersed into the rest of the home.
Mold on Drywall - Should You Be CONCERNED?
How do you tell if mold is growing behind walls?
- Water stains.
- Dark rings.
- Discoloration.
- Deterioration like peeling, bubbling, or cracking of the paint or wallpaper.
What are the 10 warning signs of mold toxicity?
- Nasal and sinus congestion.
- Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes.
- Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
- Cough.
- Throat irritation.
- Skin irritation, such as a rash.
- Headache.
How long does it take for mold to destroy drywall?
The only way to prevent mold infestation in drywall following a water damage incident is to dry it within 48 hours after water intrusion. The 48-72 hour window is critical to prevent mold growth as it usually takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to germinate and grow.
Can mold in drywall make you sick?
Can Mold Inside Walls Make You Sick or Does It Need to Be Exposed? Yes. Even if you can't see it, mold can make you sick. Spores can spread throughout your home, even from relatively contained areas like inside the wall.
Does homeowners insurance cover mold?
Homeowners insurance doesn't usually cover mold damage or removal unless it's the result of a covered peril. If the mold in your residence was caused by something sudden or accidental, such as a bursting pipe or some other covered incident on your policy, you may be protected.
Can you get rid of mold without tearing down walls?
Unfortunately, it is often necessary to tear out drywall to do effective mold removal from inside a wall. Once all the cleanup and treatment of the interior surfaces is completed, you will need to rebuild the area. Put in new insulation and install new drywall.
Is it OK to just cut off mold?
If you can see some mold spots, many more mold spores are present and not visible to the naked eye," Lorene Sauro, a nutritionist and food professional who is certified in health and food safety, shared with Food & Wine. "Cutting mold off slices and cooking with them is not advisable.
At what point should you replace drywall?
Crumbling or Sagging: If sections of your drywall are crumbling or sagging, they have lost their structural integrity and must be replaced. Sometimes drywall loses its strength and starts to sag or feel soft even without obvious signs of water damage or Mold.
Will a dehumidifier help with mold?
Mold stays “dormant” in the air or on surfaces even when there's no excess moisture to help it grow. If the humidity in a room increases, mold will start growing in patches on walls, clothes, and more. So, to answer your question, dehumidifiers do NOT kill mold, but they do prevent it by reducing humidity.
How to get rid of mold on walls permanently?
The only effective way to permanently get rid of mould problems is by reducing the build-up of moisture in your home. This can only be achieved through better ventilation.
Can I remove moldy drywall myself?
According to the EPA, homeowners can remove mold on drywall under 10 square feet, but larger areas may require professional assistance.
Is it OK to have mold behind drywall?
If you find mold on your drywall, you'll most likely need to get it replaced. Mold on drywall can indicate a deeper problem in the stud space behind your wall since it can penetrate the surface. In this case, you'll need to cut it out and replace the drywall in the affected and surrounding areas.
Is there a difference between black mold and regular mold?
Black mold often appears slimy or wet in texture. Its characteristic sliminess can set it apart from other molds, which might have a different, dryer texture. Regular molds vary widely in appearance, presenting different textures such as fuzzy, velvety, or powdery, and can appear in various colors.
Can a house with mold be saved?
Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.
Can you throw away moldy drywall?
Porous building materials (i.e. drywall, ceiling tiles, insulation, carpet) that are visibly moldy as a result of water damage cannot be satisfactorily cleaned and therefore must be discarded.
Will mold go away if you remove moisture?
Mold spores won't die even without moisture. The only way they do is when you completely get rid of them. Does inactive mold need to be removed? Yes, you need to clean surfaces with inactive mold because they can be reactivated by moisture.
Can you clean up mold yourself?
Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry all items completely. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy.
Can mold behind walls make you sick?
Extensive mold in the home can become dangerous. The reason is that some species of mold produce mycotoxin, a substance that leads to headaches, problems with breathing, and even damage in the neurological system. Other symptoms may even include an annoying odor, sneezing, or a runny nose.
What does harmless black mold look like?
Visually, it may be greenish-black, grayish-black, slimy, or more furry than other forms of mold or mildew. If you try to clean it with a heavy-duty cleaner, you might find that it remains on the surface and doesn't completely wipe away.