House up for auction filled with mold
Is there any way to kill a really bad mold problem without gutting a house? There’s a sherriff’s auction this month, and the property in question is a brick two-family in an up and coming neighborhood. I haven’t been able to walk through the place, but from looking in windows, the walls look like petri dishes: large dark growths covering the walls and ceilings. I’m unaware if it’s a roof leak or a busted water pipe caught late. what’s the most economical way to kill the mold, and salvage the property? One guy I mentioned this situation to recalled some technique used in New Orleans where the tent the house. Is this using oxygen to kill the mold? Any help or suggestions would be great….thanks
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I think extensive gutting is in the future for the house myself.
Take a look at the EPA mold remediation site, the NYC mold remed site, and this site:
http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/pdf/moldmildew.pdf
And be aware that without some heavy duty testing during and after the work, it'll be a tough sell
U CAN'T POSSIBLY DETERMINE WHAT IS GOING TO BE NEEDDED FROM LOOKING IN THROUGH THE WINDOW. jUST THE INSPECTION WILL TAKE INVASIVE TECHNIQUE.
bUT IT SURE SOUNDS LIKE GUTTING OR WORSE
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First, the source of the water has to be eliminated. Second, the house has to be completely dried out, including the interior of all the wall cavities. If there is insulation then it is nearly impossible to dry it without gutting the walls. Until these things are done there is no point in fuming the house because the mold will just grow back.
Then, there is a technique that is very effective in killing mold. It uses chlorine dioxide. I remember a news story that mentioned the cost, I believe, as around $40,000 for a small restaurant. Here's a link to a website for a company that does it.
http://www.bioone.net/2005_1114.htm
sorry bout that caps lock
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I figured your hearing was just going out so you started shouting ;)
U been listening to my wife?
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
That's fine to use at Pascal's because they have plaster walls, but with drywall it has to be removed and the wall areas have to be treated before closing up.
busta :0)
And if the sheathing is contaminated, so could be the bricks. There is a school here that is being stripped to the concrete. Not cheap.
There using Ozone (Supercharged Oxygen) to kill the mold. Mainly in duct work, but are tenting some houses. Biggest problem I've heard of post treatment is getting rid of dead spores. The dead mold dries up and if it not removed or encapsuleted it has a tendancy to become airborne-- thats where the true health problems start. filtration and vacuum systems with HEPA filters are the norm to remove mold once you kill it. The pest control guys are coming in after gutting and removal to spray a fungicide that inhibits future growth--they claim 2 year effectiveness. Ain't cheap no matter what your route.