Removing mold discoloration from attic
#1
08-13-17, 10:49 AM
Removing mold discoloration from attic
I have a different problem and I am apparently unable to post a new thread (I wonder if Linux systems have full functionality), so sorry for the intermission.
I have an attic that used to have moisture problems. I fixed it 8 years ago, basically by removing all plywood under the eaves so that every vent could draw. I went from 2 vents in the house main body to 64 vents, properly installed with baffles to prevent insulation from falling into the eaves, and you can tell that it is bone dry now. Air flows everywhere, I checked it by hanging a daughter's hair to every joist. In fact, there is so much air flow that I had to add 8 inches of insulation 7 years ago, the house was too cold, while also replacing the baffles with longer baffles to hold back the thicker insulation.
But, some of that black discoloration has hung around although the area is vastly reduced. Basically, slight traces of mold all over the attic have disappeared in 8 years, and where it was uniformly moldy, an area of about 50sqft, now I have maybe 6 sqft of patchy discoloration. The wood appears to be solid, as the roof was replaced 4 years prior to when I fixed the ventilation, so the mold did not have time to weaken it.
However, I am trying to sell the house and a perspective buyer decided that that was reason enough not to buy (I am bitter now). My problem is how to eliminate mold crust, not real live mold. It is in a difficult to reach spot so I want to go there ready. Options: bleach, peroxide, vinegar, sand paper, other chemical, although sanding can only be done by hand due to the presence of numerous roof nails punching through. Being only 6sqft, I think i can do it. The next question is how long can I expect before the discoloration disappears.
I have an attic that used to have moisture problems. I fixed it 8 years ago, basically by removing all plywood under the eaves so that every vent could draw. I went from 2 vents in the house main body to 64 vents, properly installed with baffles to prevent insulation from falling into the eaves, and you can tell that it is bone dry now. Air flows everywhere, I checked it by hanging a daughter's hair to every joist. In fact, there is so much air flow that I had to add 8 inches of insulation 7 years ago, the house was too cold, while also replacing the baffles with longer baffles to hold back the thicker insulation.
But, some of that black discoloration has hung around although the area is vastly reduced. Basically, slight traces of mold all over the attic have disappeared in 8 years, and where it was uniformly moldy, an area of about 50sqft, now I have maybe 6 sqft of patchy discoloration. The wood appears to be solid, as the roof was replaced 4 years prior to when I fixed the ventilation, so the mold did not have time to weaken it.
However, I am trying to sell the house and a perspective buyer decided that that was reason enough not to buy (I am bitter now). My problem is how to eliminate mold crust, not real live mold. It is in a difficult to reach spot so I want to go there ready. Options: bleach, peroxide, vinegar, sand paper, other chemical, although sanding can only be done by hand due to the presence of numerous roof nails punching through. Being only 6sqft, I think i can do it. The next question is how long can I expect before the discoloration disappears.
#2
08-13-17, 11:00 AM
Group Moderator
#3
08-13-17, 11:39 AM
I have had good results using a mixture of water and bleach, not full strength as that might damage the wood (per internet reading). And the results are very fast so you should have an idea as to how well this works within an hour, certainly by the next day.
The lost sale is an example of panic and not knowledge of what they are looking at, but you can't convince them otherwise. In fact, now that one has bailed out you and the real estate agent may be obligated to disclose what was there and what you did to resolve the issue. To that end, you might consider bringing in a professional who will not only eliminate the problem but also provide something in writing to prove it. DIY is a gamble.
Bud
The lost sale is an example of panic and not knowledge of what they are looking at, but you can't convince them otherwise. In fact, now that one has bailed out you and the real estate agent may be obligated to disclose what was there and what you did to resolve the issue. To that end, you might consider bringing in a professional who will not only eliminate the problem but also provide something in writing to prove it. DIY is a gamble.
Bud
