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Photograph:using a hole cutter to explore a building wall for hidden moldFAQs on Hidden Mold Contamination
Q&A on how to use Wall / Ceiling Test Cuts to find hidden mold reservoirs

Questions and answers about using test cuts to detect hidden mold in walls, ceilings, floors.

This article series discusses how, why, when, and where to make wall test cuts to find and test for hidden mold contamination or growth in buildings.

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Questions and Answers on test cut openings to look for hidden mold

Toxic black mold, in this case Memnoniella echinata, exposed by removing apartment drywallThese questions and answers about dealing with hidden mold in ceiling or wall cavities were posted originally at HIDDEN MOLD in CEILING / WALL CAVITY - you will want to read the diagnostic and cleanup suggestions given there.

On 2018-04-24 by (mod) - when do we know enough to call for professional mold remediation?

Even with the incomplete inspection, you already have enough information to require professional mold remediation project that project should not be completed nor could it possibly pass clearance without addressing the other areas of suspect mold.

On 2018-04-18 by Anonymous

Would like to add that I asked the landlord for the test results to have my children tested for their allergies and asthma and they have put in writing that they have "decided not to share this information at this time" so I am paying out of my own pocket to get some results.

I don't want to waste my money now if the spores are dormant. I am in NJ. Need some clarification as soon as possible, if you would be so kind.

I currently have an interior mold inspection scheduled for tomorrow, but now I am unsure if I should reschedule.

After much fighting and involving the board of health, the landlord hired a mold remediation company to open my living room wall (small wet area on the wall) and they found over 60sq ft of mold.

They refused to open the bedroom walls because there was no evidence of water damage, but the team leader admitted he could smell it in the bedrooms, but could not get authorization to open the walls. It is obviously noticable during the summer, and currently there is no musty odor.

Would the test yield different results now rather than the summer when it is more humid? Or will spore counts and types still be detectable tomorrow?

On 2018-04-14 by (mod) - not likely to find mold growing in ammonia

David you're not likely to find mold growing in ammonia; that odor might be from urine. Try first cleaning the toilet and floor around it.

On 2018-04-14 by David James

I smell a strong ammonia type odor in my bathroom I thought I had mold growing in it for into the wall and I cannot see it take a note polity drywall on the inside exterior wall ceiling I don't see any but the smell is very prevalent I had this phone a Jason ceiling I got above it and put out black insulation and kill it with

On 2018-04-14 by (mod) - Can new technology detect mold hidden behind walls and ceilings? Do Pigs have Wings?

Dal

I'm not sure what technology you refer to, but bottom line, NO instrumenbt can reliably detect all important hidden mold contamination.

Absence of evidence like moisture or MVOCs is NOT evidence of absence of a mold contamination issue.

Beware the magic bullet. Someone who places profit before your health and safety and far ahead of your wallet may tell you otherwise.

The time has come,' the Walrus said,

'To talk of many things:

Of shoes — and ships — and sealing-wax —

Of cabbages — and kings —

And why the sea is boiling hot —

And whether pigs have wings.'

- The Walrus and the Carpenter, Lewis Carrol - excerpt

On 2017-10-04 by dal

Can new technology detect mold hidden behind walls and ceilings

Question: can photos of a wall exterior tell us if there is mold on the cavity side?

(Feb 15, 2016) jleu said:
I have reddish-brown specks on the drywall in a closet, is there a way to tell if there is mold on the cavity-side by looking at photos?

Reply: no

No, Jleu. Try a small test cut in the most-suspect location.

Question: can hidden mold cause skin boils and nose bleeds?

(Mar 23, 2016) Connie gamblin said:
I've had problems with mold in my back room in the past I e also have had boils, skin problems and nose bleeds frquently since I've lived in this house which I did not have these problems before

Could hidden mold be causing theses skin boils one nose bleeds I've had since I've lived in this house which I had previously hD black mold in back room all my floors are concrete

Reply:

Connie

I'd start by

- asking your doctor for advice on any possible relations between health complaints and living environment

- finding and removing the mold, and fixing the cause of its growth ( a leak or moisture trap); more than 30 sqft. merits professional cleaning

- understanding that "black mold" is a misleading fear; there are harmless black molds and harmful indoor molds of other colors. So looking for just "black mold" is a mistake.

Question: mold on the back of paneling

(Nov 16, 2016) Kathy D. said:
Some water had leaked thru basement window (sill is ground level &a dirt has been hand graded now to flow away from window) and went behind paneling.

We pulled off ruined paneling piece and there is black & brown, fuzzy mold in between wall studs and whatever type of non porous insulation there is over the concrete block! Will Concroblum Mold Control kill this?

I don't want to get area too wet. Please help ASAP as this happened 1 week ago. I have piece of large cardboard propped against opening cause it's scary looking!

Reply:

Kathy:

If you think there is more than 30 sq.ft. of contiguous moldy material then it's appropriate to hire a professional to determine the extent of cleanup needed and to hire a separate independent professional to do that work. Meantime simply use masking tape or duct tape to tape the cardboard or paneling closed.

You can of course start right away on the project of fixing outdoor defects that are causing leaks into your home.

See MOLD / ENVIRONMENTAL EXPERT, HIRE ? for advice on making that decision.

More photographs and examples of mold growth on drywall are found at MOLD on DRYWALL or Sheetrock®.


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