Hello out there,
I am adding a bathroom in an existing attic space and when I removed a portion of the ceiling I noticed a significant mold/mildew problem on the roof sheathing and rafters. After further examination I realized there is only one roof vent for the whole space. This problem is easy to solve but my question is: What is the best way to remove the mold? I was thinking of spraying a mild bleach solution on the affected areas. Any other ideas?
Thanks so much for your input.
mde
Replies
check to see if the bathroom vent sees daylight
I don't know of any experts who recommend bleach anymore.
The EPA says detergent:
http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldresources.html#Basic%20Mold%20Cleanup
As does the NYC health & whatever site:
http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/doh/html/epi/moldrpt1.html#remed
I don't know if this refers to bleach or not: "The use of gaseous, vapor-phase, or aerosolized biocides for remedial purposes is not recommended. The use of biocides in this manner can pose health concerns for people in occupied spaces of the building and for people returning to the treated space if used improperly"
There are borate based solutions which are said to be effective, but I think that use is as a preventative, not a cleanup: http://www.environmentsensitive.com/BoratePerformance.html
If there is truly significant mold in the attic, you don't just have a ventilation issue, you have a moisture problem in the crawl space, basement or slab.
Be sure to cure the problem, not just treat the symptoms.
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Sojourners: Christians for Justice and Peace
IL dept of public health says clean it with detergent and then disinfect it with bleach.
http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/pdf/moldmildew.pdf
jt8
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