FAQ
On non-porous surfaces like tile or glass, bleach can kill surface mold, but it does nothing for the mold growing inside porous materials like drywall or wood, and it doesn't address the moisture source. For anything beyond a small, contained spot on a hard surface, bleach is a cosmetic fix at best.
Stachybotrys chartarum (the species usually meant by "black mold") gets outsized media attention, but major health agencies don't rank it as categorically more dangerous than several other common household molds for typical exposure levels. Any visible indoor mold growth is a reason to act, regardless of color or species.
Home test kits can confirm mold spores are present, which they almost always will be at some level — spores exist in nearly all indoor air. What they can't reliably do is tell you whether a growth problem exists, where it's coming from, or how serious it is. A professional inspection with moisture mapping is far more useful for an actual decision.
It depends heavily on the cause. Mold resulting from a sudden, covered event (like a burst pipe) is often covered, sometimes with a sublimit. Mold from long-term neglect, humidity, or a maintenance issue is typically excluded. Independent test documentation and prompt reporting both matter a lot for a successful claim — insurers scrutinize mold claims closely.
A contained, single-room job is often 2–5 days including containment, removal, and drying verification. Larger or structural jobs (subfloor, HVAC contamination, multi-room) take longer. Be cautious of any quote promising same-day complete remediation for a significant problem — proper drying and verification takes time.
For a contained, well-sealed work area, most people can usually stay in the rest of the home, though those with asthma, allergies, or immune vulnerabilities may be advised to relocate temporarily. Ask your remediation company specifically how they'll contain dust and spores from the rest of the house during the job.