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 Mold Remediation - Information

Mold in Attics

The picture at the right (top) shows typical attic mold on the sheathing. This type of mold turned out to be Cladosporium, a common widespread mold that can cause an allergenic response in susceptible individuals. The cause of mold growth in this case was poor ventilation due to the soffit vents being covered with insulation. Air in an attic generally flows upward during cooler weather and sinks during the summer when the air conditioning system is in use. Once the ventilation is improved, the dead mold spores still remaining on the sheathing can cause an allergenic response in sensitive individuals. Therefore, mold remediation is highly recommended. We first eradicate the mold using an EPA registered fungicide and then apply a moisture resistant 100% acrylic encapsulant paint (containing a broad spectrum fungicide) to prevent future mold growth. The lower picture shows the attic after treatment.

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Mold in Basements

The top picture (right) shows wall paneling being torn down in a finished basement. The bottom picture shows mold growth in the wall cavity. Basements are at risk for mold growth because most do not have climate control. That is heating in the winter and cooling in the summer months. High relative humidity and condensation is usually present year. An open sump pump crock and moisture migration through cracks in the concrete foundation block also contributes to high relative humidity. In unfinished basements, mold grows on cardboard boxes and/or on any stored item with dust on it. In finished basement, mold growth can be found in the wall cavities. Moisture moving through the concrete block condenses when it encounters the finishing material (drywall, paneling, etc.). Basement mold has the potential to impact the indoor air quality of the living areas because of the “stack effect”, the movement of air from basement to attic.

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Crawlspace Mold Remediation
See Crawlspace Mold Remediation and Prevention





Hidden Mold In Wall Cavities

"Hidden mold" is mold growing in the wall cavities of the living or working space of a residence or office and is generally not visible on the interior of the walls.

The type and concentration of mold in the wall cavity determines if remediation is required. Most of the time, mold in wall cavities occurs inside the exterior walls. These walls are subject to air infiltration through the wall due to pressure differences caused by the wind and by indoor/outdoor temperature differences. Leaking windows can also allow water to enter the cavity below the window, saturate the insulation, and allow mold to grow.

Hidden mold can also be present in interior walls and in floor and ceiling cavities as well. Hidden mold is often associated with plumbing leaks and involves the potentially toxigenic mold Stachybotrys.

Our mold inspectors can determine if there is a hidden mold through scientific instrumentation, sampling and laboratory analysis.



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