For people who cannot obtain field services to inspect and vacuum-test building insulation for problem mold, it is possible to cut and remove a square foot of mold-suspect insulation to be sent as a bulk sample to a forensic lab for testing.
Ensuring you have all the right protective gear on (gloves, goggles and a mask), inspect your insulation. If you notice any discoloration on your insulation such as brown, black, or even pink or orange particles, you are dealing with a dirt or mold problem.
Mold and mildew can threaten the health of everyone in your household. When portions of insulating material harbor mold spores, then you should replace it. Even if the material dries out, mold spores can become airborne and travel to other wet areas of the house.
Over time, given the right conditions, mold can grow in fiberglass. Some forms of fiberglass insulation can be covered or “faced” with paper products. This paper is often a food source for mold and can be a problem if installed directly against wet areas (like basement or crawlspace walls).
Fiberglass, a non-biodegradable substance is resistant to mold. With its sharp, ground glass, mold spores puncture before they can attach to it. Mold can grow on the fiberglass insulation backing, which is made of paper and is a mold food source.
Douse the insulation in a bleach solution (1 cup bleach and 1 gallon hot water) and scrape clean with a wire brush.
Mildew (mold in early stage) and molds grow on wood products, ceiling tiles, cardboard, wallpaper, carpets, drywall, fabric, plants, foods, insulation, decaying leaves and other organic materials. Mold growths, or colonies, can start to grow on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours.
Clearly, spray foam insulation does much more than just insulate. It will control indoor humidity and condensation, and therefore prevent mold from growing and spreading. It will allow for a more balanced operation of the HVAC system in the home, and will save considerably on seasonal heating and cooling costs.
Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions.
Toxic black mold on insulation can also look green or gray in the middle with white edges before it turns black. It is best to hire a professional mold removal company, especially if anyone in the home is sensitive to mold or has a medical condition.
Most mold is unmistakable, but sometimes small or largely hidden growths just make a surface look dirty. A quick test for mold can be done when you dip a swab in diluted bleach (1 part bleach, 16 parts water) and dab it on the wall. If the spot quickly lightens (or keeps coming back after cleaning), assume it's mold.
Fiberglass gets discolored when it filters the air leaking from your house. Over the years, the air leaking from the house, carrying dust and other particulates and moisture, turns the fiberglass black.
Discovering attic mold is a common problem homeowners face. Attic mold growth occurs when moisture and heat combine to provide a perfect environment for mold spores to grow. The presence of these spores can be harmful to humans, especially those with allergies or asthma, and should not be left untreated.
However, the color black isn't unique to Stachybotrys — people often confuse it with similar-colored molds like Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, and Dreeschslera. In earlier stages, black mold may appear more greenish-grey or greenish-black in color with fuzzy white edges.
These symptoms usually first appear 2 to 9 hours after exposure and last for 1 to 3 days. Other affected persons have progressive shortness of breath and cough, as well as weight loss. Work-relatedness may only become apparent over long holidays if symptoms resolve and then recur on return to work.
Each person's body is affected by mold toxicity in different ways. Some experience constant migraines and headaches, shortness of breath, brain fog, fatigue or even depression. Since symptoms differ from person to person, they may not be quickly associated with mold exposure.
When searching for black mold, look for circular-shaped spots that are black, dark green or dark brown. Some black mold can also take on shades of orange or have flecks of white within it. Most of the time, black mold has a slightly furry appearance.
As a result, closed-cell foam insulation is generally considered the best type of insulation that will control moisture and is mold resistant.
As a product, spray foam insulation does not attract mold. And unlike wood or metal, spray foam does not rot, rust, or deteriorate. This means that an area properly sprayed with foam insulation will never become a food source or a hospitable environment for a mold colony.
No matter what type of insulation you have—fiberglass, cellulose, or foam—it can get moldy under the right conditions. Mold is a health hazard and may cause property damage if it spreads. But, if you know what mold on insulation looks like, you'll be able to call for attic mold removal right away.
In some cases, mold in your home can make you sick, especially if you have allergies or asthma. Whether or not you're allergic to molds, mold exposure can irritate your eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs.
Specifically, air purifiers with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters work great at removing mold spores. HEPA filters are considered to be rated MERV 17 or above, which means that the filters can trap more than 99.7% of air particles as small as 0.3-1.0 microns in size.
How Fast Do Molds Grow? Once enough moisture is present, molds can begin to grow in less than 48 hours! Water from leaks, condensation, and poor ventilation can cause a ticking mold time bomb.