Trask Research, Inc. - Mold Problem Solving

Mold Remediation on Boats

By Matthew Yurina, Sr. Mold Inspector & Remediator

CONTAIN- the mold from spreading into uncontaminated areas;

KILL- the mold;

REMOVE- the dead mold and materials used for remediation; and

PROTECT- the cleaned out area against future mold infestations.

Boats are probably the most susceptible things in the world for mold growth for one simple reason: they spend most of their existence in water. Boats that remain in the water all year around suffer humidity and spray from lakes or oceans. Any organic or cellulose based surface (wood, upholstery, sheetrock, etc.) that remains damp for more than 24 hours is potential food for mold.

Before entering any area infested with mold or mold spores, be sure to have a P100 respirator. This will protect against 99.97% of mold spores. One should also wear gloves, goggles and protective clothing.

Figure out the full extent of the mold growth and get all moldy surfaces completely dry; then you’re ready to perform the actual remediation. Infested porous materials like drywall and insulation need to be removed up to three feet from the physical mold growth. Treat the nonporous surfaces with the Oxy Mold™ Mold and Mildew Stain Remover, and use a brush or scrapper to take up as much of the growth as possible. Put the mold into Ziplo c b ags or wrap it up in 6mil polyethylene and remove it from the area carefully without spreading spores around.

Carpet or upholstery with visible mold growth on it should be thrown away also. If the carpet or upholstery has no visible growth and is just suspected of having spores trapped in it, you’ll need a steam cleaner to apply Oxy Mold MX-501™. The steam cleaner will push the fungicide much deeper into carpet than spraying or fogging. You’ll need to apply the fungicide at least twice, allowing the surfaces to dry for at least 24 hours in between applications. For wood, metal, fiberglass, etc. surfaces on bass or speed boats with no cabins the best way to apply a fungicide will be with a pump sprayer.

A fogger is recommended to apply the MX-501 if the air inside any boat interior is contaminated with mold spores, and the boat is empty of personal items or has been gutted. Use the Impact Cold Foggers in areas no larger than 15 x 15 feet at a time, hitting each area for 30-45 minutes. The atomized Impact will kill airborne mold spores and odors and lay a mist down on all non porous surfaces to kill visible mold.

Once the mold has been removed and the areas have been treated with a fungicide, you’ll want to conduct post testing (clearance testing) to be sure that the mold is dead. This is essential in boats because they get damp easily, and even small amounts of moisture can start mold growing again if live spores are still present. It’s recommended to do at least one indoor air sample test, and up to two or three swab surface tests (around the area where the mold growth was the worst) to be sure the mold has been effectively removed.

Only after you have proof that the mold is indeed dead should you do any reconstruction or repainting. Since boats are exposed to moisture all the time, it will most likely be necessary to retreat with the MX-501 on a regular basis, every 1-3 months, to provide long term prevention against mold.