Is my insulation moldy?

[jbadjones]

I just ripped off pegboard in my garage that was installed in 1982 when the house was built. So, is this mold or is it just dirt and dust?

 

[SALIV8]

Looks like dirt to me since you can see all the dirty pegboard holes.

whats on the other side of that wall?

 

[jbadjones]

Looks like dirt to me since you can see all the dirty pegboard holes.

whats on the other side of that wall?

That was going to be my next question. On the other side is our pantry/laundry.

If I elected to change the insulation for my peace of mind, does it matter which side the paper facing is directed? I don't intend to remove the drywall in the pantry.

Thank you for your reply!

 

[The Cobbler]

its dirt & dust. no need to replace .
paper face goes to the heated/conditioned side of the wall, so it would face the house

 

[19D2P]

If it is fiberglass, it would need a paper face in order to have "food" to support mold. My bet is dirt which a giveaway of where you have air leakage.

Most companies recommend no paper face. It is an ineffective vapor barrier so you would be better served buying unfaced and putting up a proper vapor barrier.

 

[CombatNinja]

That is dirt. That is why you see it in the pattern of the holes a bit lower and where it was "washing" over the top for 40 years.

 

[toyotadriver]

Agree it's dirt. Look at the studs. No signs of mold there. You have a lot of air leaks in that wall though.

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

The "dots" are certainly a sign of dirt/dust. The areas where the insulation is almost completely black are signs of mass airflow. I'd pull the insulation away from the studs and look for plumbing pipe(s), electrical runs, or other penetrations in the wall, studs, and plates. These penetrations should be sealed with "fire caulk".

I certainly don't know how a house could have been built without a firewall between the garage and finished/conditioned space. Regardless, Do Not Put That Pegboard Back Up!!! You should install 5/8" X-type drywall, taped and bedded.