Definitely Mold. How Do I Get Rid Of It?
I am considering a Hud that is over all really nice. looks like a rehab 3 or 4 years ago. there is mold all over the bathroom ceiling and walls that looks like it was painted on (maybe following brush marks in the paint) What do I have to do? I belive it to be from inadequate vetilation and a lot of Hot Steamy showers. It seems to me that I would just wash with some mold killer/remover and repaint starting with Kilz. Anything else? do I need to re-sheet rock?
Thanks
Josh
I've seen a lot of people on this forum say that they just use bleach. The one thing you must be careful of is how bad the mold problem actually is. If a tenant moves in and finds out about the mold you may end up with a nasty law suit from the tenant who suddenly claims not to feel well.
Bleach is good. Moisture is bad. Increase the ventilation.
You only need to replace the sheetrock if the moisture has caused it to deteriorate. If you do an adaquate job of killing the mold with bleach you will not even need Kilz.
Thanks for the good news.
Josh
bleach to kill the mold and kiltz to cover the stain works great...kenmax
I personally avoid homes that have mold issues due to the excessive public concern, as this is similar to the lead based paint scare.
My first concern is if there is a public record of this mold issue and if so my best advise is to run, as an investor you are required to disclose health or major structure issues if know or you can be help financially liable.
If this issue is visible to you than most likely mold remediation and mold removal will be necessary. When mold appears on drywall it will feed and grow.
Because mold and mildew release mold spores in the air that can float throughout the house, it can cause severe allergic reactions such as watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing, nasal congestion and fatigue, especially to those with a mold allergy. In fact, when mold starts to reproduce inside a home, it can eat away at the structure, cause thousands of dollars in damage and possibly make family members sick from mold exposure.
Depending on the extent of the mold infestation you may also have to have the ductwork cleaned to remove spores.
I would suggest some of the following links as help:
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/thriftyliving/tl-removemildew.html
http://muextension.missouri.edu/xplor/hesguide/housing/gh5928.htm
http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/sedgwick/SGFACS/housing/mold.htm
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/011202/dsd_8305867.html
i'd take down the sheetrock and see what is wrong underneath. if it was an old leak that was fixed and just never had a chance to dry out the wood prior to closing it up, then let it air dry out, then re-rock it.
sometimes you may find a small nasty lingering leak underneath that will need addressed. replace that rock and paint. sometimes it's nothing. if this is the case, re-rock, repaint and disclose. my opinion is it's always best to remove molded drywall - it is a cheap repair that will make a difference.
if it's the bathroom especially, you'll need the green sheets, a couple dollars per sheet more, but better equipped for the moisure of a bathroom (around the tub, mostly). then there's more than likely not a perfect seal around your bath, somewhere water is seeping between your wall (corners, cracks or around your fixtures), or condensation is getting in there. sealing wet areas like a bathroom are all important. then use at least a semi-gloss paint to further protect the drywall.
good luck![ Edited by jackman on Date 06/14/2004 ]
I don't worry about the public policy at all. A disclosure can take care of that. as to the spores etc. mold is just hte new asbestos. an ionizer with a filter unit will take care of the problem and kill any spores. When you paint there are mold inhibiting additives that can be used to keep it from reappearing.
Best of Luck!
[addsig]
it really depends on where you are. Mold is the new asbestos in CA ( and there's still tons of pre-70s asbestos issues). Insurance is way more expensive if you have ever had a mold claim.
If you did a did your best efort and didn't break any rules or law in the process, I think you'll be fine ot atleast have a defense
I did a google search on mold, mold remediation, etc. and found more than I ever wanted to about collecting, testing, cleanup, disposal, etc. of mold.
you may also wanna have an environmental inspector that does not do remediation (avoids conflict of interest) take a look and get an assessment, just as a cya
You're in Salt Lake City Utah? This mold did not grow from a "few steamy showers". You live in a very low humidity area of the country. Mold is uncommon, you have a leak somewhere.