Mold?

jamesfl

Ok, I bid a job today and the H.O. has a small leak in the garage. The H.O. and I both agree a new roof is the solution.

The H.O. is very, very concerned about mold in the attic. Here's my question.
How would I go about taking care of the mold problem(it's minor in my opinion) because if I do solve the mold problem It appears I have the job.

Thanks,

James

GregS

Sub it to a mould remediation company?

Ed the Roofer

I jst got done posting a detailed response in the other forum you asked this question.

I'll bring the same information here too.

Ed

Ed the Roofer

I jst got done posting a detailed response in the other forum you asked this question.

I'll bring the same information here too.

Ed

Ed the Roofer

I jst got done posting a detailed response in the other forum you asked this question.

I'll bring the same information here too.

Ed

Ed the Roofer

First, a little information about m old:

Ed

Mold is everywhere. Mold has been around long before man started walking this earth and will be here long after man has become extinct. Mold has always found a way to survive, in spite of man’s best efforts to eliminate it. There are even references to mold in the Bible.



The prospect of being exposed to microbial contamination (mold) in one’s residence or workplace is a terrifying thought. The media has chosen to focus on ‘toxic mold’, ‘black slimy mold’ and ‘killer mold’. There are molds that are allergenic (causing an allergic reaction) to almost anyone and then there are molds that are allergenic to very few of us. Any allergenic reaction to the presence of mold depends upon a number of factors: the genus/species of mold, the person’s general health at the time of exposure, the length of time of exposure and other environmental conditions and health symptoms of the exposed person. Mold can be dangerous to some people and have less effect on others.



Mold needs only two things to survive: a food source and a water source. An excellent food source for mold is any carbon-based (and particularly any cellulose, or wood-based) substance. In today’s structures, food sources for mold are readily available (sheetrock, wood wall studs, wood flooring or wood decking); the availability of a moisture source is the only unknown quantity for mold to thrive. Once an adequate ‘moisture source’ has been located, long-dormant mold spores can gain a foothold. As long as the food and moisture sources are supplied, the mold colonies will continue to grow and prosper.



We say that there are no structures that have a ‘mold problem’; there are only structures that have a ‘moisture problem.’ If there is a ‘musty, moldy smell’ or family members and co-workers are experiencing previously unknown health symptoms, there may be microbial contamination (mold) in your residence or building. If an interior water pipe has burst, a toilet or shower has overflowed floors above you, the dishwasher or washing machine has developed a leak or the kitchen sink or basement has flooded, there may be mold growing. There is only a forty-eight (48 hour window to eliminate the moisture source before mold starts to grow and be happy. Once mold starts to grow and ‘flower,’ it produces spores (seeds) that can cause severe allergenic reactions in persons that are susceptible to the particular type of mold that has developed a foothold in the person’s environment.



If a person feels sick in one environment and fine in another, he or she may be exposed to microbial contamination (mold). There are indoor environmental quality tests that can be conducted to determine if microbial contamination has occurred after a moisture intrusion. Please consult a qualified, certified Indoor Environmental Professional to ensure that the indoor environmental quality of your home or workplace is as healthy as you deserve it to be.

Ed the Roofer

Now here is a link found on ToolBase regarding everything you wanted to know about mold, but were afraid to ask;

Ed

http://www2.wwpa.org/SERVICES/ProductSupport/MoldHousingandWood/tabid/420/Default.aspx

jamesfl

Thanks Ed,

I've printed the link info, H.O. will be happy. Thank you again for the info.

James

Grumpy

Proper insulation and ventilation will reduce mold growth. The saying we have around here is: Mold is Gold. People spend tons of money to get rid of mold when in many cases it isn't a problem and in other cases the proposed solutions are over kill.

We did a roof once on a house that was being sold. The buyer wouldn't take posession of the house because of a mold problem. We tore off the entire roof and sheathing, sprayed down all the framing with a 50/50 solution of bleach water, rather than reframing the entire roof as some had proposed. The bleach will kill the mold, but the stains will remain. And then we installed a new roof with proper ventilation. The biggest problem was the bath fans venting directly into the attic and the insulation blocking the over hangs. It was a hot moist attic and the mold thrived!