The Meaning Behind the Color of Mold on Your Walls

Mold is everywhere. It’s all around us. But there is a difference between safe mold exposure, like Bleu cheese, and dangerous mold exposure, like aspergillus. When you start to spot mold growing in your house, it is important to address the issue as soon as possible in order to prevent upper respiratory illness and other health implications. If you have mold growing on your drywall, it is an even more pressing matter, and should be inspected right away. To preface your appointment with a mold remediation company, it helps to find out which type of mold you might be dealing with. You can usually do this by simply pinpointing its color.

Continue reading to learn what the color of the mold on your wall is and what’s likely causing it, as well as how to repair moldy walls after remediation work.

Indianapolis Indiana Drywall Replacement
Indianapolis Indiana Drywall Replacement 317-269-7319

What Color of Mold Do You Have on Your Drywall?

Greenish-Black – Mold that appears greenish-black in color could be Stachbotrys genus, which is also known as “black mold.” Exposure to such mold has been linked to serious health conditions. It commonly grows on high-cellulose, low-nitrogen surfaces, such as drywall, gypsum board, paper, dust and lint that is constantly exposed to moisture.

Blue, Green, or White – Molds of these colors generally point to the Penicillium genus. Several years ago, this species of mold was used to make penicillin. Nowadays, it is usually found growing on food or on walls. It can cause allergic reactions, allergies, and other respiratory problems.

Olive Green, Gray, Brown, or Black – Molds that appear in these color formations likely belong to the Cladosporium genus. You can find this mold growing indoors and outdoors on things like plant leaves, soil, walls, insulation, and damp carpeting. According to the CDC, they are most commonly linked to minor health complications like skin, eye, and sinus infections; but they have also been known to brain infections like fungal meningitis.

Pink – Pink mold is often seen in the bathroom or kitchen, but it is not actually mold at all. It is a bacterium called Serratia marcescens. Although not a mold, it still presents hygiene and health issues, like urinary tract and respiratory infections.

Green – Green mold is very vague since it can be any kind of unpleasant fungus. There are literally thousands of species of green mold, so green mold doesn’t tell you much, expect that it needs to be removed.

Yellow, Green or Black – Mold that appears yellow, green, or black could possibly be Aspergillus mold. According to the CDC, we breathe these molds in almost every day without getting sick. However, concentrated exposure can be hazardous, especially for those with existing lung problems or suppressed immune systems. In individuals like these, it can cause aspergillosis, which presents itself as coughing, wheezing, and sinus inflammation.

Do you need drywall replacement after your mold remediation work is complete? Contact Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for professional drywall services and custom drywall texture in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve both residential and commercial clients.  Request a free estimate, today!

You Might Also Like:

What You Need to Know About Wet Walls and Mold Growth
Tips for Mildew and Mold Protection After Heavy Rains
How to Remove Water Damaged Drywall

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors
Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

How to Prep a Wall for a Heavy Mirror

If you have a heavy mirror to hang, do a good job, because you don’t want it to fall and break. After all, that could be consider bad luck! To avoid this catastrophe, be sure you prepare the wall before you begin. Not only should you choose a sturdy wall with discernible studs for hanging, but you also want to make sure you are equipped with all the proper hardware for both your mirror and the wall. All of this preparation and more makes hanging a heavy mirror easy, and a surefire success!

Continue reading to learn the step-by-step guide to prepping a wall for hanging a heavy mirror.

Indianapolis Indiana Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319
Indianapolis Indiana Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

What You Will Need for the Job:

You can get all the tools and supplies you need for this job at any local hardware or home improvement store. You can also find them online through similar retailers. Now remember, these tools and instructions for simply prepping your wall for hanging a mirror. The actual hanging part will simply require you to have patience and precision!

► Stud Finder
► Pencil
► Weight Scale
► Thumb Tack
► Angle Brackets
► Wall Anchors

With these supplies, you are fully-equipped to prepare your wall for hanging a heavy mirror. Here is how to get started:

Step 1

Identify the type of wall you are hanging your mirror on. This is an important step because it determines whether or not your mirror hanging hardware is compatible for the job or not. Use a thumbtack to penetrate the wall. If it goes in easily, you are dealing with drywall. However, if it resists, you might have a plaster wall or a wall made from masonry.

Step 2

Continue your handyman project by using your stud finder to locate the necessary wall studs for hanging your mirror. Remember that studs might be connected to nearby outlets, faucets, and other utilities, so be careful making your selection. Always use a pencil to mark the center of the wall stud once you are set.

Step 3

Your next step is to examine your mirror for the proper hardware. New mirrors often come fitted with angle brackets, which are the pieces of hardware that go in the corners for hanging. Sometimes, the hardware will come with the mirror, but you have to attach it yourself. If you are hanging an antique mirror, it might not have any brackets at all. If this is the case, reinforce your mirror with your own angle brackets.

Step 4

Before you actually place the mirror on the wall, weight it first. Although the weight limits to hardware like angle brackets are listed on the package by the manufacturer, you cannot always trust them to be accurate. So, just hold it in your hands and step on a weight scale, like the one in your bathroom, to see just how much it really weighs. Be sure you remember to subtract your own weight from the number on the scale! Then double check to see that your hardware can oblige.

Indianapolis Drywall Repair and Installation at Your Service

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for licensed Indianapolis drywall repair and installation you can afford. We are experienced drywall contractors who offer a wide range of residential and commercial drywall service, including hole in the wall repairs, replacement, installation, new home construction, metal stud framing, custom drywall texture, grid ceilings, and much more. Contact us to request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors
Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Call Drywall By Local Builders for Drywall Installation and Repair in Indianapolis

When you need trusted customer service, competitive pricing, and outstanding results that last, you need the licensed and qualified experts at Drywall By Local Builders! Whether commercial or residential, we have what it takes to deliver this promise!

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors
Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

A Professional Indianapolis Drywall Repair Company

Here at Drywall by Local Builders, we are a licensed, bonded, and insured drywall construction company in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide professional drywall repair, replacement, installation, and finishing for both residential and commercial properties in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana. Our general contractors have more than 10 years of experience in the building and construction industry, and provide a wide range of drywall and painting services for properties and complexes of all sizes.

Our experienced drywall contractors offer both residential and commercial drywall service, including repair, replacement, installation, level 5 finishes, new home construction, metal stud framing, custom drywall texture, grid ceilings, and much more. Whether you need acoustic drywall service, new home construction drywall, or something in between, we are the highly-skilled Indianapolis drywall contractors to trust for the results you expect.

We Can Conquer Any Job, Large or Small

Drywall by Local Builders is always fully-equipped to manage any project, regardless of size and scope. We get the job done right the first time, and offer convenient schedule flexibility to accommodate your personal agenda. Our strong dedication to old fashioned values of honesty, integrity, and quality set us apart from our competition. And our “Satisfaction Guarantee” lets you know you can trust our work and be happy with the results for many years. When you enlist our professional Indianapolis drywall crew for drywall service and repair, you are making a safe and educated investment for your property!

How to Get in Touch for a Free Estimate

Getting in touch with one of our licensed Indianapolis drywall contractors is easy. Just contact our office at 317-269-7319 to learn more about our drywall services, or to schedule an estimate today. We also offer free estimates, in-home consultations, and complimentary advice about drywall replacement.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors
Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

How to Get a Stripped Screw Out of the Wall

Whether you forgot to drill a pilot hole or drove a screw too quickly, nothing puts a stop to your project faster than a screw with stripped head. Fortunately, there’s a smooth and efficient way to deal with this frustrating problem. All you need are a few tools and supplies, all of which are reasonably-priced and sold at any local home improvement or hardware store in your neighborhood.

Continue reading to review a basic guide to removing stripped screws from drywall.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319
Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

What You Will Need

☑ Drill
☑ Screw Extractor Set
☑ Long-Nose Locking Pliers

For Screw Heads Above the Wall:

Clamp your locking pliers onto the screw, positioning them as close to the wood as possible.

Once you have a solid grip, use the pliers to gently turn the screw counterclockwise. Be gentle to avoid snapping off the screw head.

You can use a piece of cardboard to place around screw to prevent any accidental scratching.

For Screw Heads At or Under the Wall:

For screw heads that are flush with the wood surface or slightly below, you will need to use your screw extractor set.

Using your drill, make a 1/8 inch deep hole in the top of the screw head. It should be large enough to accept the largest screw extractor that will fit the head.

Position the extractor into the hole you drilled, and then slowly turn it counterclockwise and press down until you feel the extractor threads catch.

Slowly turn the extractor to wind the screw out just enough to where you can grab it with your gripping pliers.

Tips for Preventing Stripped Screw Heads

☑ For screws 2 1/2 inches or longer, rub the heads with candle wax or beeswax to reduce friction.

☑ Do not forget to drill pilot holes for your screws.

☑ Choose a drill set that lets you drill pilot holes in multiple sizes to match your screws.

☑ Drill larger pilot holes for hardwoods to avoid splitting.

☑ Always choose the proper screws for your project.

If you have a home improvement project you’ve been waiting to get done, consider professional home remodeling services for outstanding results in a convenient time frame. Need a deck built? Or perhaps some drywall installed? These are the types of services that are better performed by a licensed contractor who retains the proper tools, training, and skills to deliver responsible work and professional results.

Did You Do a Little Damage to Your Drywall? No Problem!

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 when you need professional drywall services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured drywall company that provides residential and commercial drywall work at competitive prices. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors
Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

What Can I Use to Safely Clean My Walls?

Have your interior walls seen better days? Are they starting to look more like an interpretive finger painting? If so, there is still hope. You can get your level 5 drywall and paint finish back in just a matter of minutes. All you need are the right supplies and the proper knowledge. Continue reading to learn what items and supplies you can use to clean your home’s walls.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319
Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

How to Clean Stains on Walls

Because there is more than one type of wall stain, you will likely need to use more than one type of cleaning method or solution. Each type of wall stain requires a different method of cleaning, so it is important to pay attention to what you are using. Common wall stains include water stains, smoke stains, dirt stains, and mold.

Water Stains

To treat water stains, you will need a soft sponge, a large bucket, clean water, household liquid bleach, and most importantly, a shellac or oil-based primer and some wall paint to match your existing shade. Combine equal parts of water and bleach, and apply to the stains using a soft sponge. You can choose to transfer your solution to a spray bottle for better control and convenience. Allow the solution to dry on the wall stain, and then apply a shellac or oil-based primer to cover the stain. Once the primer is dry, apply your paint.

Smoke Stains

For major smoke damage, professional renovation may be necessary, but as for minor to moderate staining, you will need a chemical dry cleaning sponge, a regular soft sponge, rubbing alcohol, and a floor fan. Use the chemical dry cleaning sponge to wipe the soot and char away. Apply moderate pressure to avoid smudging and smearing. Start side to side, and then top to bottom. This step may take some repeating. Once you have removed as much soot and char as possible, wet the standard soft sponge with rubbing alcohol and gently wipe the walls clean. This step may also take some repeating.

Everyday Dirt and Grease

Everything from fingers and pet dander, to dust, dead insects, and more, can cause dirt stains on walls. To remove a dirt stain, slightly dampen a chemical dry cleaning sponge, such as a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, and then using gentle pressure, wipe the smudge away in a circular motion. Finish by using a standard soft sponge and rubbing alcohol to gently wipe the wall clean.

Sometimes walls are too dirty to clean, in which case, you will likely be better off outsourcing professional drywall replacement. Contact a local Indianapolis drywall company for a free quote to get started.

Indianapolis Drywall Replacement You Can Trust

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for licensed Indianapolis drywall services you can afford. We are experienced drywall contractors who offer a wide range of residential and commercial drywall service, including repair, replacement, installation, new home construction, metal stud framing, custom drywall texture, grid ceilings, and much more. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors
Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319