Big problem with mold in attic

4/9/2012 at 4:04:42 PM

will try to put some photos

4/9/2012 at 4:25:33 PM

dificult for many photos

4/9/2012 at 4:31:35 PM

Every attic MUST be ventilated to allow air to enter the bottom space (soffit) and run to the highest point (peak area) and allow this natural flow to remove any moisture from the area, no airflow = mould.

There MUST be plastic between the drywall and the insulation to prevent moisture from whicking through the area.

This is the owners responsibilty unless you own the condo space, then it is all your job.

4/10/2012 at 12:38:45 PM

Hi Mick, +1 to Robert. You are having some major moisture problems in your attic. From your posted photos (I couldn't get the links to work) you have a few things going on. There is no visible ventilation at the soffit or peak of your roof. Any humidity coming up from your house is just condensing on the cold surfaces and causing the mould when it starts eating the organics in the wood. The ventilation allows the humidity to escape out the peak through convection from the soffit. The heat and moisture just rise and go out the top.

The insulation is improperly installed (although so poorly it probably doesn't make a difference) - the paper is supposed to act as an air / vapour barrier and should be on the warm side of the attic floor - in other words against the drywall. It also appears that you may need more - current minimums are R50 - that would be about 14"+ of fiberglass.

I don't see any evidence of exhaust fans from washrooms or kitchens - there should be insulated ducts going out through a proper roof vent for each fan. This deals with the humidity at the source and doesn't leave much to escape into your attic. Your roof deck plywood appears to be delaminating from all of the moisture.

If all of the attics in your complex are the same, you should definitely get your condo board involved as this is a huge problem (expensive) waiting to happen.

Can't wait to see opinions from other contractors!

Good Luck with it!

Jim Kuzma

Kettleby Handyman Services

4/11/2012 at 7:25:46 AM

Thank you for your help, I appresiate.

Seem to have a ventilation problem, will try putting a few pictures.

4/11/2012 at 7:26:30 AM

another pic

4/11/2012 at 7:27:17 AM

more photo

4/11/2012 at 7:27:59 AM

an other pic

4/11/2012 at 7:34:04 AM

I forgot, how to remove the mold, is javel water is OK?

4/11/2012 at 7:47:17 AM

In one of the photo we see some white dots on the plywood, is it a sign that water was leaking into the attic. they maybe wait to long to redo the roof ?

4/12/2012 at 3:51:13 PM

Looks like active mould to me, be sure to use masks, goggles, gloves, and fully clothed covering your head. Be careful not to cut yourself or call in a pro, you will never get all of it unless you remove the insulation and throw it all away. There are companies that specialize in this and can give you an estimate.

I think your health may be more valued than the cost and effort required.

What is your plan to keep it from returning?

4/13/2012 at 7:14:35 AM

The condo manager call a company specialise in this kind of problem. they say that they will need to take out all the insulation to see where is the problem and take care of it. They will use dry ice to kill all the mold.

Good news, look like the condo will pay for it.

5/30/2012 at 2:23:28 PM

As today no news yet, still waiting.