Trask Research, Inc. - Mold Problem Solving

Mold Remediation on the Roof

By Matt Yurina, 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 infestation

Before starting any mold remediation project you’ll want to get a P100 respirator, gloves, goggles and protective clothing (Tyvek suit or something else that will cover all skin). If disposable clothes are not available, you’ll want to wear something that you can wash well once the job is done. An enzyme based mol d c leaner like Oxy Mold was designed for safe use in washing machines, and is excellent in getting mold out of cloths. Second you’ll want to dry out the area and surfaces as much as possible. A dehumidifier will always be helpful in removing moisture from the air, an d c ontainment areas may need to be set up to keep mold spores from contaminating other areas of the building.

Mold on Roof (interior attic)

A mold infestation in or under the roof can be difficult to remediate, but the project can be made far easier by confirming the complete extent of the infestation. In roof mol d c ases it’s very, very important to do Mold Testing. If there’s mold on the roof there’s high probability that there’s a leak, and if not, there will be if the mol d c ontinues to grow.

At this point be sure the contaminated area is being kept dry. If a roof leak can not be fixed immediately then it should be temporarily covered/sealed so that moisture can not enter. A dehumidifier can be extremely useful in removing moisture form the air. You’ll always want to try and keep humidity below 50%. Without dehumidification, proper ventilation and time will be needed to dry out these areas.

It may be necessary to remove ceiling tiles, insulation, and even plywood if it’s been infested for long, but the idea is to open up these moldy areas so you can remove what mold you can and treat the surfaces with a fungicide. Leaving possibly contaminated places untested or untreate d c an result in continuing, even worsening mold problems. Once the full extent of the infestation is known and all moisture sources are recognized, you’ll want to remove as much of the growth as possible, wrapping insulation, drywall, or other unremediatable surfaces up in 6 mil polyethylene (Ziplo c b ags will be sufficient in many cases).

Once the area is dry, apply the Oxy Mold MX-501™ concentrate to the entire area at least twice, giving the area twenty-four hours to dry in between. The MX-501 can either be sprayed or fogged. It can also be sprayed onto shingles without worry of harming them, loosening them, etc. In many cases spraying is sufficient, but if there’s any indication that the mold has produced spores (i.e. the area smells musty or moldy), then you’ll want to apply the fungicide with a cold, air based Fogger. Give the place time to dry after the second application, and then look into checking your work with post testing. If the tests come up clear and the mold problem is solved, then it’s safe to rebuild, repair the leak, and apply a coat of Protex 63 fungicidal sealant. This can provide up to five years of strong protection against further mold growth.

Visit the Attic mold remediation instructions for complete steps on treating attics.

Mold on Roof Top (exterior)

Rooftop mold is common in humi d c limates when trees surround the home. Roof shingles are treatable with the Oxy Mol d c leaner, either by very careful pressure washing, or just pump spraying if the pressure will damage the shingles, to remove the visible mold, dirt, grime, etc. If the growth extends below the shingles then the shingles will need to be removed and replaced.

Once the visible mold is gone the area should be sprayed down with at least two coats of Oxy Mold MX-501 fungicide concentrate. This will kill the roots of the mold and any lingering mold spores.

The last step is to prevent future mold growth. Apply a coat of Protex 63 to the roof. It’s an industrial strength fungicidal sealant that can provide years of protection against microbial growth. In severely damp area, it may be necessary to apply a coat of Protex 63 every couple years to keep a strong seal on the roof.