How to Clean Attic Mold, Kill It, Or Maybe Forget Attic Mold Remediation – It Could Be Cheaper

Property attic mold is one of the most “popular” items in my property inspection reports. And now is time for an examination of how to kill mold and / or how to clean mold in the attic. But before I do that, well then, i’ll give you a little advice, something to consider before you sign a few (if you’re lucky) thousand dollars contract deal with a Elite Moisture Solutions company.

Attic mold remediation TIP – an alternative (to consider):

Let us assume you will be in the middle of a real-estate transaction, and the home inspector just revealed to you, that your entire house attic is actually contaminated with mold.

If you have a brand new roof, you can only blame yourself or try to blame the top contractor for not checking the attic before replacing the roof (he will laugh at people unless you’ve actually asked the guy to check the attic before the roof replacement). If you have an older roofing, the importance of this advice is even greater.

Call at least 2-3 mold remediation companies for an estimate – stipulate to the representatives, that you not only want to have the mold removed, but also attic ventilation system corrected / put in if necessary / ask if the attic insulation requires replacement.

With the numbers from the mold remediation builders, call 2-3 roofing contractors, and ask them for a quote on the roof replacement cost including decking boards and plywood (ask the roofer to check the attic area), attic ventilation improvement, and insulation if vital.

Be cautious if they only suggest humidistat controlled power vent installation – without properly functioning soffit grills or any type of vents along the lower portion of the roof this might not be an adequate solution.

If the experts insulation replacement is not required (it most cases it will not be possible to tell without laboratory testing), make sure that it’s sealed with plastic foil before the roof and its decking replacement. Fold the foil sealing it’s contents after the contaminated decking has been removed, and dispose of as a regular waste (EPA recommendation).

If you just have a small area of attic contaminated with mold, the roof replacement option would be more expensive. But with the entire attic that needs mold remediation, it might be cheaper (or even much cheaper) to remove all contaminated decking, install completely new roof and correct ventilation issues.

I have seen $3, 000. 00 – $10, 000. 00 invoices for the attic mold remediation process in approximately 1000 square feet of attic vicinity.

Benefits of the roof / decking replacement over the mold removal:

roof and decking replacement might be inexpensive than cleaning of an entire attic contaminated with mold
the real-estate transaction killing mold is gone
attic room ventilation improvement is much easier during the roof replacement and often handled with no significant / additional cost
you gets a brand new roof
Even if the roof replacement price is slightly higher than the mold remediation approach, it is still worth to take it under the consideration because you are gaining a valuable house update (new roof), that will be disclosed on a real-estate listing.

In some cases, the roof decking and framing are contaminated, and substitute of the decking only would not entirely solve the problem. In such case, you’d have to clean contaminated joist or even trusses.

How to kill mold and how to clean mold in the attic.

This is not a mold killing or simply mold cleaning case study, it is just an explanation based on my observations and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) options.

Even if you are dealing with a small contaminated attic area – 10′ x 10′ is the maximum area preferred by the EPA to be treated by nonprofessionals, forget about killing mold with spraying it with bleach or maybe other disinfectants. It ‘s been confirmed by laboratory testing that it does not kill all of the spores together with in most cases you’ll be just making a mess.

The best way to kill the attic mold (just like any other mold) may be to remove it from the surface it’s growing on, or remove the contaminated surface!

EPA recommends four mold cleansing methods and all of them can be applied in the attic, assuming that it is a small area (up to 10 sq feet).

You can clean the surface by using a wet vacuum – the type you can fill its tank partially by means of water to contain mold residue from the contaminated surface
Wipe the surface with a damp sponge or publication – use clean water or wood cleaner
Use high efficiency HEPA vacuum cleaner on thoroughly dried out surfaces, and dispose of the picked-up contents in well-sealed plastic bags
Remove all contaminated material, close it in plastic and dispose of as a regular waste. They recommend using HEPA vacuum after this, , in the attic you’d most likely have to remove the floor insulation (if contaminated). You can also cover the insulation along with plastic foil, and fold the foil sealing its contents after the cleaning process.
You may or would possibly not have any allergic reactions to mold. However , always use protective equipment, especially in the attic area where you are supposedly exposed to the insulation fibers and dust.

As a minimum protection during the mold removing procedure EPA suggests: Gloves, N-95 respirator and eye protection (preferably fully enclosed goggles). As an additional protection you can add about half face respirator or full face respirator with HEPA filter, disposable full body clothing, head supplies, and foot coverings.

How to clean mold if large section or an entire attic is contaminated

I wouldn’t even attempt to do it myself, so my suggestion is:

Use a professional mold remediation company:

test their background and check it manually by calling their clients
ask for clients who had their own attic mold remediated approximately 1 year ago – it usually takes a winter for the mold to start rising again if the job wasn’t fully completed
Insist on removing the mold completely instead of encapsulating it (Media Blasting methods give the best results).
Encapsulation is simply a process of covering the mold contaminated surface with car paint (paint like product) that contains (or at least some of them do) mold killing chemicals
If your attic mold is normally properly removed and all of the issues responsible for its growth corrected, which is even more important than mold the removal of, it will not re-grow / no need for encapsulating.

Hire a different contractor for mold testing and mold remediation to eliminate conflict of interest.
Make sure that you perform an independent clearance test after the mold remediation process completion.
Clearance test is to determine if there are any mold spores remaining in the previously contaminated area
Extremely important : examine the attic (or have somebody do it for you) after the mold cleaning procedure is finished.
Just about all wood (framing and decking) surfaces should be perfectly clean (like brand new), unless there was some ageing that resulted from leaking roof or extremely humid conditions in the attic – those sections of lumber should be either replaced or reinforced from underneath. You don’t want anyone to fall through the roof while providing it or just inspecting.

Self Fullerton Mold Remediation Versus Professional Fullerton Mold Remediation

Are you experiencing mold in your home? If so, there is a good chance that you know that you do, as many molds can be seen by the naked observation. If you have mold in your home, it may be dangerous. That is why it is important that you get it taken care of. If you live in or around the Fullerton area, that process may be referred to as Fullerton mold remediation.

When it comes to Fullerton mold remediation, you will have two different alternatives. One of those options is to do your own Fullerton mold remediation and the other is to hire a professional to do the idea for you. When it comes time to make your decision, as to how you would like your Fullerton mold remediation job to be finalized, you are advised to examine the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Perhaps, the biggest advantage to doing your own Fullerton form remediation job is the money that you can save. There are a number of products that you can purchase from one of your local home improvement stores that will help you take care of your mold problem. Of course, before you take action, you are advised to familiarize yourself with mold remediation and cleanup, just to make sure that everything is done the right way.

Speaking of being done the right away, that is one of the disadvantages to help you doing your own Fullerton mold remediation job. If you are not a professional mold remover, you may not be doing it properly. If your Fullerton mold remediation job isn’t done correctly, you may see a mold recurrence. The biggest disadvantage so that you can doing your own Fullerton mold remediation project is the dangers. There are many molds that are dangerous. By doing your own personal Fullerton mold remediation project, you could actually be putting your health at risk.

As for a professional Fullerton mold remediation project, the biggest advantage is the results. Many professional mold remediation or cleanup specialists are experienced, as well as trained and certified. This means that they are educated on all different types of mold, including the dangerous black mold. With the training and experience, they are more likely to get the job done right the first time. It is also important to mention preparation. Most mold remediation specialists are prepared, safety wise, for mold removal projects.

The only disadvantage to professional Fullerton mold remediation is the cost. While this can be considered a disadvantage, it doesn’t necessarily have to be one. Even if you are on a spending plan, you should be able to find an affordable mold removal specialist. It may take a little bit of research and price comparing, but you ought to be do it.

When examining the pros and cons of self Fullerton mold remediation and professional Fullerton black mold remediation, it appears as if the best bet is going with a professional mold removal. Of course, the decision is yours to produce, but you may at least want to contact a Fullerton mold removal specialist for more information.

Crawlspace Moisture Control – The Case for Encapsulation

If you happen to get three general contractors together and the topic of discussion turns crawlspaces and moisture control, you will probably see six opinions. Even the experts seem to have different and often conflicting opinions about what tack is the best to take.

There is much research on crawlspace encapsulation during the past decade. The US Environmental Protection Agency, the US Department of Energy, this ZEBRAlliance at Oak Ridge National Laboratories, and a nonprofit research organization called Advanced Energy have just about all done excellent and groundbreaking research in the area of crawlspace encapsulation. Their research findings were instrumental within the last revision of the International Building Code. They all agree in a few, very important areas.

When considering your home, think of the idea as a single system. Your HVAC system, insulation, windows, attic, living space, and crawl space all come together. All of these building components need to be optimized and balanced to achieve maximum comfort, performance and energy efficiency. Ones crawlspace is an important part of this system.

Your house is like a giant chimney. By natural convection, air is used through crawlspace vents and air leaks. Because warm air rises, the outside air is drawn through the living area (along with mold spores, odors, and moisture) and exhausted through the attic. In the summer, your crawlspace is naturally cooler than the ambient outside temperature. So when the warm, humid outside air reaches your cooler crawlspace surface areas, the moisture condenses on framing, plumbing, wiring, insulation and especially HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING ductwork and “sweats”, just like an iced tea glass sweats on your kitchen table in the summer. In the southeast it is not unheard of for crawlspace humidity to approach 100% and actually rain inside the crawlspace.

The moisture inside your crawlspace creates an ideal environment for wood destroying organisms, mold, and mildew. It can saturate and demolish the effectiveness of your insulation and promote wood rot. And because of the chimney effect, the humid crawlspace discuss, full of mold and mildew spores, eventually finds its way into your living space creating an unhealthy environment in addition to causing your air conditioning to work overtime to dehumidify the air. Just a vapor barrier might help a bit, but the vast majority of moisture is coming from outside, not your dirt, crawlspace floor.

So , the alternative to a vented crawlspace can be an encapsulated (sealed) crawlspace. Crawlspace encapsulation involves sealing all outside vents, installing a high-performance vapor retarder on all exposed wall and floor surfaces at or below grade, insulating the walls along with rim joist, and conditioning the air.

Elite Moisture Solutions claims that by the walls and even rim joist, it is unnecessary to insulate the floor. However , if the existing floor insulation is in good condition, give it in place. We generally recommend a rigid foam board insulation that is fire-retardant, low VOC, and an R-13 value or greater. It cuts easily and can be used for sealing existing crawlspace grills too. The sill plate should be caulked and paper-faced fiberglass insulation is used to insulate the side joist.

The building codes in most areas require the air in an encapsulated crawlspace to be conditioned. That typically means adding a dehumidifier or using the existing HVAC system to condition the air. The EPA along with the Department of Energy recommend using the existing HVAC system at a rate of one cubic foot per minute of conditioned environment per fifty square feet of crawlspace area. A qualified HVAC contractor can add one or two 4″ and 6″ vents to a system for a nominal cost. The vents are usually equipped with a butterfly valve that could be adjusted to get the desired air flow.

We prefer using this method since the installation of the vents is generally less expensive than a crawlspace dehumidifier. And since running a dehumidifier is about the same as running a small refrigerator, the cost of conditioning the air with an HEATING system is generally less than running a dehumidifier. Remember that you’re not trying to heat and cool your crawlspace; you’re simply adding a small amount of conditioned air. A relative humidity target of 60% or lower is a good place to start.

When comparing top rated vapor barriers, look at puncture and tear resistance. Other than being absolutely water tight, a high performance vapor filter should also be flexible, fire resistant, low VOC, and lightweight. There is a world of difference between the 6 mil vapor barrier material sold in most hardware stores and a high performance specialty product. Most reputable manufacturers will provide samples.

In addition to dramatically increasing indoor air quality and protecting the structure of your home, several research studies with Advanced Energy indicate that crawlspace encapsulation can actually lower energy usage. These studies were done in just a few parts of the country with varying climates.

Crawlspace Encapsulation Is a Planet Friendly Solution, Did You Know It?

If you need to help the planet, the world and our environment by finding green ways to change and improve efficiency around your property, you are to be commended. There are still people who, when asked about saving the environment, picture the air, the trees, that oceans and wildlife in their heads and think some magic environmental expert somewhere is taking care of company. We all need to do our part.

Besides recycling, switching light bulbs or using energy efficient appliances, we can drop our carbon footprint by sealing a crawlspace in our home. Did you know that almost 70% of the houses with North and South Carolina have crawl space foundations? Is your house one of them? Did you notice any allergy troubles within your family? Are your energy bills high? Smelling any foul odors recently? Your crawlspace and its issue are probably in direct relation to some or all of these results.

The crawlspace of our home is often a neglected division of concern, yet moisture buildup, mold and bacteria growth and mustiness are all very real problems having an effect on the health and energy efficiency of the house. If you see any drywall cracks or unevenness to the floor to your crawlspace (or any basement with dirt floor) or smell any musty or foul odors you may want some repair work. If you have heightened allergy or asthma symptoms during the warm weather season, you could probably profit by sealed crawlspace solution.

Crawlspace encapsulation is a green, environmentally sensible solution, helping you and the planet at the same time. It’s a really process of preventing moisture from entering the crawl space either from the dirt below or from the outside the house and then closing vents and completely sealing it for a sterile environment. A 7 layer barrier, put in over walls and floor, prevents mold and bacteria growth. The white covering makes the area better, cleaner, and healthier.

Besides significant energy savings of up to 20% of your air/conditioning and heating costs, exemplified crawlspace means no moisture, mold or musky odors in your house. Additional storage space, created by crawlspace sealing, accelerates a resale property value of your home. Indoor air quality is improved and levels of radon, mold, and other substances in your home are decreased.

This is just one more way that you can help save the environment by applying a green solution to the home. A sealed crawlspace equals to a healthy and efficient home.