Is the black mold on roof wood Caused by Roof Leakage?
JudyVan
| Posted in General Discussion on
Most area of my roof wood are covered with black. Some area of insulation are black and smelly. The mold test shows roof has mold. The roof leak was found recently and it was hidden behind the drywall and vapor barrier. the water reservoir was found after taking out the light cover. So the question is if the black mold on roof wood was caused by roof leak or something else based on the my roof situations as shown in pictures?
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Replies
The staining of the wood in the second picture appears typical of condensation during the winter. The staining of the insulation in the third shot could be a leak, or could be condensation in the area above.
What caused the condensation?
Thank you for your answer. what can cause the condensation? My house condition is: popcorn ceiling are original from 1977. Nothing inside house ceiling and ventilation pipe was changed since 1977.
Can't say much more without knowing where your house is (weather-wise) and what this space is.
Typically you'd see that sort of staining in an attic which has air leaks from the house, so that moist air rises into the area and the moisture condenses in cold weather. But the water pipes in the background suggest that your area is not an attic. Can you describe the setup a little better?
Flat ceiling house in Vancouver
My townhouse is flat ceiling without attic and this upper floor with stained roof as in the pictures is around 1200 sq feet. The house locates at Vancouver and normally it rains hard continuously for seven months a year. The popcorn ceiling has drywall, vapor barrier, insulation. Vapor barrier are in good condition and roof leakage water didn't penetrate into the drywall and flow to the light cover only. Thank you.
The darkening of the wood is caused by high humidity. Roof leaks could account for this, so could humid air from elsewhere in the house. Something like a leaking shower fan could be a major contributor. Likely it's more than one thing.
Thank you very much for your opinion
Really appreciate your help.
It's very likely a leak. Could be the roof but if you are in a condo with other units over you it could be a plumbing leak or even a window. We deal with exactly this issue onaweekly basis in many condo developements. The next thing to do is a water test so you can find out exactly what is leaking and who is responsible for the damage.
Thank you for your comment.