Insulation MOLD

[tskills10]

This may have been covered else where, but I didn't find it. I'm gutting a bathroom and came across black insulation in the attic. Was wondering if this would be black-mold. And if so any suggestion on dealing with? I know remove all that I can, but what do I need to do to keep it from coming back.

None of the bathroom was done in green board, so I will be fixing that. So looking for recommendations. Thanks

 

[Jackfre]

For one thing I would look at your attic ventilation. Doing the proper re-model with the right materials will or should rectify the problem.

 

[Rob_b]

First, mold is only going to attach itself to something that it can feed from, usually it will be a drywall compound or paper, something that is an organic product. Insulation usually doesn't fit that bill. I would suspect it is an air movement issue that made the insulation dirty. If it is in fact mold, then carefully remove that insulation, soap and water scrub it down and let dry thoroughly. If it were mold, I would expect to see it on the drywall and wood all around but that wood looks clear.
Whatever you do, use PPE to protect yourself while working around it...just in case

 

[retDAC]

Your pic is blurry but I have seen 20 year old attic insulation that was/had turned gray.

 

[nehog]

First, mold is only going to attach itself to something that it can feed from... Insulation usually doesn't fit that bill...

It is possible that the bonding agent (glue) in the insulation is what is feeding the mold.

 

[philjafo]

Air flowing through insulation carrying dust will turn it dark, dirt can then feed mold.

 

[ratdoggy]

How old a house? I had rock wool in my old house that looked like that. BTW I don't see anything on you wall studs that looks moldy.

 

[tskills10]

The house was built in 1969. There was a small amount of mold on the drywall behind the tile. But I haven't found any mold on the studs or any of the drywalls.

 

[Red Goat]

Need a clearer picture but that looks like rock wool to me...kind of a mottled black/gray color.

 

[jack stand]

The mold is an indicator of moisture, and in your wall this is your "dew point". Where your warm (heated) air is making it through your insulation on it's way outdoors in the winter. This may be a bathroom condition with the added humidity in this space, but more likely it is throughout the whole house, typ. with 1969 const. You might stuff as much foam insulation in the wall as you can, I think that it is generally accepted that 2" of foam will solve this. (against the outside sheathing). Not too many choices with a 4" wall.

 

[tskills10]

Red Goat, sorry not going to get a clearer pic. The area that the earlier pic was taken now looks like the below pic. Not sure what rock wool is, but it seemed to be black insulation. I removed all the insulation that looked even close to being black. And like I mentioned earlier I haven't found any mold on any of the studs or joists, so I'm thinking I may be OK. I may spray some bleach on the area just as a added measure. I'm also going to seal up some of the extra passages with some expanding foam.

Thanks for the thoughts and advice, this is why GJ is a great place.

 

[kc0rpm]

You need to make sure to put a vapor barrier between the drywall and insulation. That will mitigate any air movement and is usually required by code anyways

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[jack stand]

Check out the copper vent pipe!

 

[D.J.]

Should it be run through the double plate at the top of the wall like that? Looks like their is nothing structurealy holding that area together.

 

[cdecker]

At the very least, I would put a couple of those nail on plates to protect that vent pipe, so a screw, nail, etc.. doesn't accidentally puncture it when hanging your drywall back up. I realize its only a vent, but condensation, rain water, etc. could still cause problems, and the plates are cheap. Now is the time to do it. Just my opinion...