ᐅ Battening and purlins are developing mold in the new construction;
Created on: 22 Feb 2021 22:21
T
Typbau1
Hello,
We are currently in the final stages of building a single-family house. The construction is managed by a developer, so we are not involved in the coordination or the specific work details.
However, shortly after the roof was installed, we noticed mold on some of the rafters. At that time, no screed or interior plaster had been applied yet. After informing the site manager, he treated the wood with a mold spray and declared everything to be fine.
During the winter, screed and interior plaster were applied. After a few weeks, we observed mold on the rafters/wood structure around the opening for the pull-down attic ladder. The site manager did not want to take any action until the drying phase was complete and the drywall installer finished the ceiling of the upper floor. Because the drying process did not progress well despite several daily ventilation sessions, one, then a second drying device was installed after a few weeks.
In the meantime, we have found additional mold in various spots on the battens under the vapor barrier foil, in several rooms. Furthermore, the main beam of our front porch (which extends into the entrance area and is still visible due to the lack of drywall) also shows significant mold.
The site manager assured me that the affected battens will be replaced and that the larger beams/rafters will be treated. The drywall installer began work today, but I am quite sure that the battens already covered by drywall have neither been replaced nor even treated.
Is mold concealed under drywall a persistent risk? Can I at least assume that treating the larger wood components with spray is sufficient? Or should I insist on removing the installed drywall and replacing the battens, as well as demanding other measures for the attic ladder opening and the front porch beam?
I have generally trusted the developer so far, but this whole issue and the apparent disregard for the promise to replace the battens worries me greatly! I would appreciate any advice.
Thank you in advance!
We are currently in the final stages of building a single-family house. The construction is managed by a developer, so we are not involved in the coordination or the specific work details.
However, shortly after the roof was installed, we noticed mold on some of the rafters. At that time, no screed or interior plaster had been applied yet. After informing the site manager, he treated the wood with a mold spray and declared everything to be fine.
During the winter, screed and interior plaster were applied. After a few weeks, we observed mold on the rafters/wood structure around the opening for the pull-down attic ladder. The site manager did not want to take any action until the drying phase was complete and the drywall installer finished the ceiling of the upper floor. Because the drying process did not progress well despite several daily ventilation sessions, one, then a second drying device was installed after a few weeks.
In the meantime, we have found additional mold in various spots on the battens under the vapor barrier foil, in several rooms. Furthermore, the main beam of our front porch (which extends into the entrance area and is still visible due to the lack of drywall) also shows significant mold.
The site manager assured me that the affected battens will be replaced and that the larger beams/rafters will be treated. The drywall installer began work today, but I am quite sure that the battens already covered by drywall have neither been replaced nor even treated.
Is mold concealed under drywall a persistent risk? Can I at least assume that treating the larger wood components with spray is sufficient? Or should I insist on removing the installed drywall and replacing the battens, as well as demanding other measures for the attic ladder opening and the front porch beam?
I have generally trusted the developer so far, but this whole issue and the apparent disregard for the promise to replace the battens worries me greatly! I would appreciate any advice.
Thank you in advance!
Schimi179123 Feb 2021 10:32To my knowledge, these tests use simple nutrient media (e.g., agar). More professional options include the mikrocount® duo from Schülke (Google!). Storage should be at 29°C (84°F). At this temperature, yeasts, molds, and bacteria grow optimally 🙂 After 48 to 72 hours, you can see whether good fungal cultures, etc., have developed!
Schimi179123 Feb 2021 10:45Here is an image related to post #13
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Alessandro24 Feb 2021 08:56I wouldn’t worry too much about it. It was the same for us. Once everything dries out, the mold will go away. And eventually it will dry as long as no more moisture comes in.
The insulation is installed in the ceiling, which means you have a cold roof.
A simple test on a windy day:
Go up through the roof hatch, have someone close it behind you,
and then you should feel a draft at the top. This means the roof is well ventilated and everything will dry out.
If the air is still and smells damp or musty, create ventilation, for example with breathable underlay ventilation elements.
And if you’ve been good, your partner will let you down again.
A simple test on a windy day:
Go up through the roof hatch, have someone close it behind you,
and then you should feel a draft at the top. This means the roof is well ventilated and everything will dry out.
If the air is still and smells damp or musty, create ventilation, for example with breathable underlay ventilation elements.
And if you’ve been good, your partner will let you down again.
Schimi17917 Mar 2021 11:26Typbau1 schrieb:
...
We have now taken care of the major issues,
...How exactly?Similar topics