ᐅ Mold in the Attic

Created on: 13 May 2014 09:41
D
downundaman
D
downundaman
13 May 2014 09:41
Hello,

I removed the insulation from the attic of our 20-year-old house and discovered a moldy roof plank membrane between two rafters.

After consulting three “experts,” all of whom independently recommended spraying vinegar and scrubbing, I researched online. There I found advice against using vinegar because its acidity neutralizes the surface, which can actually encourage mold growth.

The experts also said the mold was caused by indoor humidity (the vapor barrier was leaking everywhere). However, I find it puzzling that only one membrane is affected, stretching from the top (attic above the stairwell) down to the bottom (an unused, fully tiled corner in the bathroom), while the rest looks fine.

Are the experts correct, or is the information from the internet more reliable?
How can I effectively remove the mold?
How can I identify the source of the moisture?

Thank you for your help.
Best regards,

downundaman
€uro
13 May 2014 14:30
downundaman schrieb:
...Are the experts right or the internet?...
Who counts as an expert? ;-) Ask about professional training, work experience, and if applicable, references! Advice found online is often given by hobby experts, completely defined and shaped by the narrow focus of their own construction project. Moreover, they usually lack the appropriate professional qualifications!

Best regards
D
downundaman
14 May 2014 13:06
It doesn’t really matter how you define an expert. The question is whether they are right or not.

Yesterday, we had a building inspector and a mold specialist come by. They said everything is dry and not too bad, but that it should be treated with hydrogen peroxide.

How much do I need per square meter and what concentration? We have 20 ml of 30 percent hydrogen peroxide and could get more. We need to treat about 10 to 15 square meters.