Mold in Walls, Part 1

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In this Tech Tip Video from the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA), you'll learn about different methods to determine if there is mold behind drywall. In Part 1 of this 3-part series, you'll learn simple methods that can even be done by a layperson.

Опубликовано:

15 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 14

@MDavis-hd8gb 5 лет назад

As a mold inspector for 20 years, I have several stories about people who cut a hole in a wall suspected of having mold. It's a very risky proposition and I don't recommend it unless all the precautions have been taken (plastic containment, negative air pressure, personal protective equipment, etc.). Some molds produce potent poisonous substances and I've seen even the healthiest of folks end up in the ER wondering what the heck happened after doing stuff like that! The worst case was where the mold was not visible so they left the wall open, then the whole family got very sick! Either hire a reputable mold contractor or seriously educate yourself before attempting this!

@scottbrooks8497 2 года назад

We had an inspector use a Trammex moisture meter - the one that goes deeper into the wall. Do you think this is reliable? He said we had mold all behind our walls but we could not see anything. He used scare tactics and we didn’t trust him. Another inspector used a pin meter and our readings were normal.

@MDavis-hd8gb 2 года назад

@@scottbrooks8497 The Tramex moisture meter is a good and reliable instrument however it will only alert if the wall is wet right now. Let's say your wall got wet 2 years ago and you dried everything up good but the wall cavity inside stayed wet or damp for a few weeks or maybe months, it likely would have grown mold in the insulation and maybe on the paper on the back side of your drywall. If you check that wall with a moisture meter or an infrared camera today, it will be completely dry. The best way to determine if there is mold contamination in a wall is to do a wall cavity test with lab analysis because often the mold is not visible to the naked eye so even if you opened the wall you might not see it. It could be in the insulation or underneath the sill plate or white mold on white drywall ... A wall cavity test is not foolproof but it is a superior way to determine if there is mold behind that wall.

@scottbrooks8497 2 года назад

@@MDavis-hd8gb thanks for the info. How would you best determine which wall to do the test in? I have had 4 inspectors come out so far and the results have been pretty bad so far. We have a number of walls that showed up yellow with the tramex meter and a few areas that were in the red. One of the companies wanted us to air test the entire home which seemed like ligning money on fire. We had two air tests done in the kitchen where we had a known leak show nothing until the wood flooring was pulled out and there was mold underneath. very frustrated with the process. Thanks.

@MDavis-hd8gb 2 года назад

@@scottbrooks8497 The testing is based on the history. Based on the amount of water that entered the room and where the water traveled, that gives the inspector an indication of where to test the walls. If the whole room was involved then every wall has to be tested to know for sure. If there is mold under the flooring, it could look similar in the walls that took water. Air samples in the kitchen won't show the mold in the walls. If you disturb the mold, like ripping out flooring for example, then spores get dispersed into the air then the air test would show it. Sorry you're having to go through this, a very frustrating process for sure.

@earthpet 8 лет назад

So if you aren't frustrated enough with home ownership after dealing with a leaky water heater, broken garage door opener, plumbing problems, foundation cracks, roof needing replacement, broken windows, and peeling paint then you ALSO get to deal with MOLD. I HATE home ownership. The only thing worse is renting. The American dream is a NIGHTMARE!

@BAR-ct7ti 7 лет назад

earthpet do you have an update?

@youtubeguy3007 6 лет назад

@Earthpet, I suggest that you start a youtube channel documenting the home problems you face and your solutions resolving each one of them. Let me tell you that renting is NOT fun either.. some of the apartments are made of card board walls & paper thin windows, and poor ceiling floors constructions between the floors...Living in a poorly constructed apartments have too many problems compare to living in a home.

@dewberry7346 6 лет назад

Yup, I’m poisoned and fatigue

@johncrewdson5607 5 лет назад

As an inspector and member of IAQA I'd just like to point something out that Ian forgot to mention. If you or anyone in your family is mold-sensitive, you'll need to take a few precautions. Like the EPA says, if it's a small area, you can clean it yourself. Just remembered to first protect the area around where you're cutting to avoid mold contamination spreading to other areas of your home. Once you've sealed things off, put a fan facing out of the window so that air moves from other areas into this area. You'll want to see the plastic bowing in a bit to be sure you got it right. Next wear something like disposable neoprene gloves to protect your skin and wear a P100 disposable dust mask or better, so you don't take mold into your lungs. Mycotoxins from some molds are very small and may still be an issue. It depends on the type of mold and the environment it's in. This is only a breif description and if you're not sure, there are other ways to test too.