Mold = Disaster

Pavola

I started a small remod. project in which part of it was re-framing a RO for a new fireplace insert. I noticed the drywall inside the chase had water stains so I stopped to check the outside and could tell that the shingles and flashings were done improperly. So I pulled some siding off near the bottom and saw the rot already there on a 22 foot chase. Told the HO the issue, and he agreed to have me tear it down and re-build. But the big question I have is - now that I suspect the mold and/or rot is quite likely on the rest of the house, what's the best advice I can give them. They were the GC when they built it 12 years ago, and about 2 years ago they installed house wrap, 1/2" foam, and vinyl siding over the existing house wrap and T&G siding. The two layers of wrap creates a vapor lock which I feel accelerated the problems from the flashing leaks. With that kind of liability, I'm a little unsure of how their HO insurance will look at it if and/or when they start digging into it. So I'd at least like to beable to start them down the right track and prepare them for the likely road blocks. And are there any tests for checking for mold behind walls without tearing them apart? Thanks in advance.

birdogron

Bummer. When I see mold, I, like you I'm sure just want to run away. I'm in the business. I guess they've got pros who use dry ice to blast it away. I guess the bleach thing doesn't cut it. I don't know much because I stay away. These high dollar houses are more apt to have it because of your explanation of how tightly wrapped they are. I was in an attorney's office and the front cover of one of his trade magazines said it best in a sickening kind of way. "There's Gold In That Mold."

Chris Johnson

Mold...the new asbestos

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Chris

silvertree

If it were me I would get a mold remediation expert to consult with me and the homeowner. Your already the good guy for pointing it out, but the liability issues are way too serious to stamp a fix for it. Get help on this one.

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Kitchen, bath, St Paul remodeling
Minneapolis Remodel Blog
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Pavola

Yeah, I'm already heading that way, to much pontential mold problems for me to deal with. As far as being the good guy, I feel like my knuckles are touching his spine after sucker punching him, that's why I want to help him out whatever way I can. Usually when I've found mold, its been contained in a certain area and I've just replaced everything instead of trying to clean it, but this house is leading me down a whole new road. The HO's questions of - should I move out? - will I have to tear it all down? - are all deflected in the direction of the experts. Ignorance doesn't feel to blissful here.