Black Mold Removal in Tullahoma, TN
Black mold removal in Tullahoma starts with finding out what you actually have and why it is wet. If you found dark spots on a wall, ceiling, or piece of wood and you are worried, Phoenix Shield can help. We start with a free inspection, take moisture readings, and tell you plainly what we see. Then we remove the mold and fix the moisture behind it so it does not just grow back.
Call (931) 361-1186 or schedule online.
What "Black Mold" Really Means
"Black mold" is a common name, not a scientific one. Most people use it for a mold called Stachybotrys chartarum, which the CDC describes as a greenish-black mold. But many other molds look dark too, and mold can show up in lots of different colors. So color alone cannot tell you which mold you have, or how serious it is.
That is the reason we do not decide anything by color. What matters is how much mold there is, where it is, and what is keeping it wet. You can read more in our article on whether mold color tells you how bad it is.
Is Black Mold Toxic?
You will hear "toxic black mold" a lot. Here is the straight version. Some molds can make substances called mycotoxins. The CDC's workplace safety group (NIOSH) says that even so, the molds themselves are not toxic or poisonous. What the CDC does say is that mold can bother some people more than others. A stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, burning eyes, or a skin rash are the common ones. People with asthma, mold allergies, a weakened immune system, or lung disease can have stronger reactions.
You may have also seen scary stories about black mold and serious illness. The CDC says a possible link between Stachybotrys and a rare lung bleeding condition in infants has not been proven. The CDC also says all molds should be treated the same when it comes to health risks and removal, and that you do not need to know the type of mold to deal with it.
In plain words: you do not need to panic, and you should not ignore it either. Mold growing in a home should be cleaned up and the moisture fixed, whatever color it is. If anyone in your house is having symptoms, talk with your doctor.
How Black Mold Gets Started
Mold needs moisture. The EPA says none of the many types of mold will grow without water or moisture. The CDC says Stachybotrys in particular grows on materials with a lot of cellulose, like the paper on drywall, fiberboard, and other paper-based materials, and that it needs constant moisture. That moisture can come from water damage, a leak, condensation, water coming in from outside, or flooding.
In Middle Tennessee homes, it commonly starts in places like:
A crawl space, where warm humid air meets cooler surfaces and water condenses (most Tennessee homes sit over a crawl space)
An attic, from a roof leak or poor ventilation
A bathroom or kitchen with a slow plumbing leak
Drywall that got wet after a storm or a flood and did not dry out
Air conditioning ducts and vents that sweat in the summer humidity
A basement that stays damp
What to Do First
Find and stop the water. Fix the leak or the source of the dampness. Mold cleanup does not last if the moisture stays. The EPA says to fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible and dry everything completely.
Do not paint over it. The CDC's NIOSH guidance warns that things like painting over water damaged or moldy surfaces can cause more problems.
Do not stir it up. Do not scrub, sand, or blast a large area. If you handle a small spot yourself, the EPA suggests an N-95 respirator, long gloves that reach the middle of the forearm, and goggles without vent holes. For anything bigger than a small patch, leave it to a professional.
Do not mix cleaners. The CDC says never to mix bleach with ammonia. The EPA also says chemical biocides such as chlorine bleach are not recommended as a routine part of mold cleanup, and bleach does nothing about the moisture that caused the mold.
Call us for a free inspection. We take moisture readings, take photos, and tell you what we see and what, if anything, needs to be done.
Can I Remove Black Mold Myself?
Sometimes, yes. The EPA says that if the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet (roughly a 3 foot by 3 foot patch), you can usually handle it yourself. For a small spot on a hard surface, the EPA says to scrub it with detergent and water and dry it completely.
The EPA also says it is time to bring in someone with experience when:
The moldy area is bigger than about 10 square feet
There has been a lot of water damage
The mold is in or near your heating and cooling system
Sewage or contaminated water is involved
You have health concerns
Soft or absorbent things like ceiling tiles and carpet may have to be thrown away if they get moldy, the EPA adds. And no matter the size, if the spot keeps coming back, it means the water problem is still there.
Not sure which one you have? That is a good use of our free inspection. We will tell you honestly if it is something you can handle yourself.
How We Remove Black Mold
Every house is different, but the work follows the same order. You can see the full process on our mold remediation page.
Free inspection. Moisture readings, photos, and a walk-through in plain words.
Find the moisture. We look for the leak, the condensation, the drainage problem, or whatever is keeping the area wet. If we do not find it, nothing else will last.
Remove the mold. We seal off the work area so the rest of your house stays protected. Materials that can't be saved, like damaged drywall and insulation, are removed. Then we HEPA vacuum and clean what stays, and dry it.
Fix and protect. We deal with what caused the moisture, or tell you what needs to be fixed, so the mold does not return. For crawl spaces, see our crawl space page.
Check the work. When the job calls for it, or when you ask, we take final moisture readings so you can see the area is dry.
Do I Need a Mold Test?
Often, no. The EPA says that in most cases, if you can see mold growing, sampling is unnecessary, and that there are no federal limits for mold or mold spores in indoor air. If you can see it, the bigger question is where the water is coming from.
A test can make sense if you smell mold but cannot find it, or if you want a record. We do air sampling and send it to an accredited lab, and results usually come back in about 5 business days. You can read more on our mold testing page. We will tell you honestly when a test would not help.
What Affects the Cost
We do not put a price on this page because every job is different. Here is what usually changes it:
How big the affected area is
What the mold is growing on, and whether materials like drywall or insulation need to be removed and replaced
Where it is (a crawl space, an attic, and a bathroom wall are very different jobs)
What is causing the moisture, and whether that needs to be fixed too
The inspection is free. We explain what we found and what it would take before any work begins, with no pressure.
Where We Work
We do black mold removal in Tullahoma, Manchester, Winchester, Cowan, Decherd, Fayetteville, Shelbyville, Lynchburg, Estill Springs, and Sewanee. If you are not sure we cover your street, call and ask.
Black Mold Removal FAQ
Is black mold more dangerous than other mold?
Not in a way you can tell by looking. The CDC says the color of mold does not necessarily mean it is more or less dangerous, and that all molds should be treated the same when it comes to health risk and removal. Any mold growing in your home should be cleaned up and the moisture fixed.
How can I tell if it is black mold?
You cannot be sure by color. Many molds are dark, and mold comes in lots of colors. What you can tell is whether there is mold: look for spots or fuzzy growth, a musty smell, or a place that keeps getting wet. If you can see mold, you do not need to know the exact type to deal with it. We are glad to look at it with you.
Is black mold toxic?
Some molds can make substances called mycotoxins, but the CDC's workplace safety group (NIOSH) says the molds themselves are not toxic or poisonous. Mold can cause symptoms like a stuffy nose, coughing, or irritated eyes, and it can hit people with asthma, allergies, or weak immune systems harder. If anyone in your home has symptoms, please talk with your doctor.
Can I clean black mold with bleach?
Bleach does not fix the moisture that caused the mold. The EPA says chemicals that kill organisms, such as chlorine bleach, are not recommended as a routine part of mold cleanup. Never mix bleach with ammonia, the CDC warns. For a small spot on a hard surface, the EPA says to scrub with detergent and water and dry it completely.
When should I call a professional?
The EPA gives a simple guide: if the moldy area is bigger than about 10 square feet, there has been a lot of water damage, it is in your heating and cooling system, there is sewage involved, or you have health concerns, bring in someone with experience. If you are not sure, call us for a free inspection.
Will it come back after you remove it?
It will if the moisture stays. That is why we look for the source of the water first and fix or recommend a fix for it, so the mold does not just return.
Ready to Find Out What You Really Have?
Call Phoenix Shield at (931) 361-1186 or schedule a free inspection. We are locally owned and based right here in Tullahoma. Our team is IICRC certified, and we hold 5.0 stars on 55 Google reviews. We will tell you straight what is going on and what, if anything, needs to be done.
Black mold removal in Tullahoma starts with finding out what you actually have and why it is wet. If you found dark spots on a wall, ceiling, or piece of wood and you are worried, Phoenix Shield can help. We start with a free inspection, take moisture readings, and tell you plainly what we see. Then we remove the mold and fix the moisture behind it so it does not just grow back.
Call (931) 361-1186 or schedule online.
What "Black Mold" Really Means
"Black mold" is a common name, not a scientific one. Most people use it for a mold called Stachybotrys chartarum, which the CDC describes as a greenish-black mold. But many other molds look dark too, and mold can show up in lots of different colors. So color alone cannot tell you which mold you have, or how serious it is.
That is the reason we do not decide anything by color. What matters is how much mold there is, where it is, and what is keeping it wet. You can read more in our article on whether mold color tells you how bad it is.
Is Black Mold Toxic?
You will hear "toxic black mold" a lot. Here is the straight version. Some molds can make substances called mycotoxins. The CDC's workplace safety group (NIOSH) says that even so, the molds themselves are not toxic or poisonous. What the CDC does say is that mold can bother some people more than others. A stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, burning eyes, or a skin rash are the common ones. People with asthma, mold allergies, a weakened immune system, or lung disease can have stronger reactions.
You may have also seen scary stories about black mold and serious illness. The CDC says a possible link between Stachybotrys and a rare lung bleeding condition in infants has not been proven. The CDC also says all molds should be treated the same when it comes to health risks and removal, and that you do not need to know the type of mold to deal with it.
In plain words: you do not need to panic, and you should not ignore it either. Mold growing in a home should be cleaned up and the moisture fixed, whatever color it is. If anyone in your house is having symptoms, talk with your doctor.
How Black Mold Gets Started
Mold needs moisture. The EPA says none of the many types of mold will grow without water or moisture. The CDC says Stachybotrys in particular grows on materials with a lot of cellulose, like the paper on drywall, fiberboard, and other paper-based materials, and that it needs constant moisture. That moisture can come from water damage, a leak, condensation, water coming in from outside, or flooding.
In Middle Tennessee homes, it commonly starts in places like:
A crawl space, where warm humid air meets cooler surfaces and water condenses (most Tennessee homes sit over a crawl space)
An attic, from a roof leak or poor ventilation
A bathroom or kitchen with a slow plumbing leak
Drywall that got wet after a storm or a flood and did not dry out
Air conditioning ducts and vents that sweat in the summer humidity
A basement that stays damp
What to Do First
Find and stop the water. Fix the leak or the source of the dampness. Mold cleanup does not last if the moisture stays. The EPA says to fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible and dry everything completely.
Do not paint over it. The CDC's NIOSH guidance warns that things like painting over water damaged or moldy surfaces can cause more problems.
Do not stir it up. Do not scrub, sand, or blast a large area. If you handle a small spot yourself, the EPA suggests an N-95 respirator, long gloves that reach the middle of the forearm, and goggles without vent holes. For anything bigger than a small patch, leave it to a professional.
Do not mix cleaners. The CDC says never to mix bleach with ammonia. The EPA also says chemical biocides such as chlorine bleach are not recommended as a routine part of mold cleanup, and bleach does nothing about the moisture that caused the mold.
Call us for a free inspection. We take moisture readings, take photos, and tell you what we see and what, if anything, needs to be done.
Can I Remove Black Mold Myself?
Sometimes, yes. The EPA says that if the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet (roughly a 3 foot by 3 foot patch), you can usually handle it yourself. For a small spot on a hard surface, the EPA says to scrub it with detergent and water and dry it completely.
The EPA also says it is time to bring in someone with experience when:
The moldy area is bigger than about 10 square feet
There has been a lot of water damage
The mold is in or near your heating and cooling system
Sewage or contaminated water is involved
You have health concerns
Soft or absorbent things like ceiling tiles and carpet may have to be thrown away if they get moldy, the EPA adds. And no matter the size, if the spot keeps coming back, it means the water problem is still there.
Not sure which one you have? That is a good use of our free inspection. We will tell you honestly if it is something you can handle yourself.
How We Remove Black Mold
Every house is different, but the work follows the same order. You can see the full process on our mold remediation page.
Free inspection. Moisture readings, photos, and a walk-through in plain words.
Find the moisture. We look for the leak, the condensation, the drainage problem, or whatever is keeping the area wet. If we do not find it, nothing else will last.
Remove the mold. We seal off the work area so the rest of your house stays protected. Materials that can't be saved, like damaged drywall and insulation, are removed. Then we HEPA vacuum and clean what stays, and dry it.
Fix and protect. We deal with what caused the moisture, or tell you what needs to be fixed, so the mold does not return. For crawl spaces, see our crawl space page.
Check the work. When the job calls for it, or when you ask, we take final moisture readings so you can see the area is dry.
Do I Need a Mold Test?
Often, no. The EPA says that in most cases, if you can see mold growing, sampling is unnecessary, and that there are no federal limits for mold or mold spores in indoor air. If you can see it, the bigger question is where the water is coming from.
A test can make sense if you smell mold but cannot find it, or if you want a record. We do air sampling and send it to an accredited lab, and results usually come back in about 5 business days. You can read more on our mold testing page. We will tell you honestly when a test would not help.
What Affects the Cost
We do not put a price on this page because every job is different. Here is what usually changes it:
How big the affected area is
What the mold is growing on, and whether materials like drywall or insulation need to be removed and replaced
Where it is (a crawl space, an attic, and a bathroom wall are very different jobs)
What is causing the moisture, and whether that needs to be fixed too
The inspection is free. We explain what we found and what it would take before any work begins, with no pressure.
Where We Work
We do black mold removal in Tullahoma, Manchester, Winchester, Cowan, Decherd, Fayetteville, Shelbyville, Lynchburg, Estill Springs, and Sewanee. If you are not sure we cover your street, call and ask.
Black Mold Removal FAQ
Is black mold more dangerous than other mold?
Not in a way you can tell by looking. The CDC says the color of mold does not necessarily mean it is more or less dangerous, and that all molds should be treated the same when it comes to health risk and removal. Any mold growing in your home should be cleaned up and the moisture fixed.
How can I tell if it is black mold?
You cannot be sure by color. Many molds are dark, and mold comes in lots of colors. What you can tell is whether there is mold: look for spots or fuzzy growth, a musty smell, or a place that keeps getting wet. If you can see mold, you do not need to know the exact type to deal with it. We are glad to look at it with you.
Is black mold toxic?
Some molds can make substances called mycotoxins, but the CDC's workplace safety group (NIOSH) says the molds themselves are not toxic or poisonous. Mold can cause symptoms like a stuffy nose, coughing, or irritated eyes, and it can hit people with asthma, allergies, or weak immune systems harder. If anyone in your home has symptoms, please talk with your doctor.
Can I clean black mold with bleach?
Bleach does not fix the moisture that caused the mold. The EPA says chemicals that kill organisms, such as chlorine bleach, are not recommended as a routine part of mold cleanup. Never mix bleach with ammonia, the CDC warns. For a small spot on a hard surface, the EPA says to scrub with detergent and water and dry it completely.
When should I call a professional?
The EPA gives a simple guide: if the moldy area is bigger than about 10 square feet, there has been a lot of water damage, it is in your heating and cooling system, there is sewage involved, or you have health concerns, bring in someone with experience. If you are not sure, call us for a free inspection.
Will it come back after you remove it?
It will if the moisture stays. That is why we look for the source of the water first and fix or recommend a fix for it, so the mold does not just return.
Ready to Find Out What You Really Have?
Call Phoenix Shield at (931) 361-1186 or schedule a free inspection. We are locally owned and based right here in Tullahoma. Our team is IICRC certified, and we hold 5.0 stars on 55 Google reviews. We will tell you straight what is going on and what, if anything, needs to be done.