<p></p> <img src="https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/DCR-ADMIN/Article_Webp/window-mold.webp" alt="undefined" style="height: ;width: "/> <p></p> <p>Many of us are spending more time at home than ever before. This has brought on a home improvement and decorating boom, along with another rather mixed blessing: the opportunity to uncover hidden problems. In my case, it was a slow <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/dealing-with-water-damage/" target="_self">water leak</a> from a skylight.</p> <p>For months, I’ve been ignoring some cracks and small bubbles in my bathroom ceiling near the skylight. After one of the recent rainstorms, the problem became more noticeable. I decided to poke a broom handle around the area and it was <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/control-moisture-to-control-household-mold/" target="_self">spongy</a>. As my husband and I tore out the ceiling, we discovered mold in an area that extended several feet in all directions.</p> <p>Before starting <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/video-mold-remediation-procedure/" target="_self">the repair process</a>, we knew we had to test the mold. Companies will do this for you, but we opted to use a DIY mold test as a first step. After reading multiple reviews, I found a company called DIY Mold that makes an easy-to-use lab test. The kit explained how to safely take a sample using personal protective equipment (PPE) and send it back to the company. The instructions were very clear.</p> <p>The DIY kit price (around $50) included lab fees, a written report (which was delivered within a week) and a follow-up telephone consultation (if needed). We were happy to find out that the two samples we sent in showed low and very low fungal growth. There were hyphal fragments (part of a spore’s life cycle indicating a mold colony) and basidiospores, which are usually found indoors and commonly called dry rot, according to the report.</p> <p>So, it looks like we can go ahead with patching up the ceiling after treating the wood beams with a special sealant. We’re going to replace the old skylight with a better one, too!</p> <p><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.</a></p> <p><strong>Local, Top Rated Diamond Certified Companies Related to Your Topic</strong><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/sonoma-mold-removal-repair/" target="_self">Sonoma County Mold Removal &amp; Repair Contractors</a><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/napa-county-mold-removal-repair/" target="_self">Napa County Mold Removal &amp; Repair Contractors</a><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/marin-mold-removal-repair/" target="_self">Marin County Mold Removal &amp; Repair Contractors</a><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/santa-clara-county-mold-removal-repair/" target="_self">Santa Clara County Mold Removal &amp; Repair Contractors</a><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/solano-county-mold-removal-repair/" target="_self">Solano County Mold Removal &amp; Repair Contractors </a>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Related Articles</strong><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/Home-Safety-Security/" target="_self">The Homeowner's Guide to Home Safety &amp; Security</a> <br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top Rated Local Companies</a><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>&nbsp;</p>