Mold question?

[ccurrins]

Would anyone report this as possible mold and further investigation recommended?

[Chris D. Duphily]

Unless you are 100% sure it is dust, Yes.

I'd recommend treatment of "mold like substances" and repairs to help prevent future growth.

[Scott Gilligan, CMI]

The pictures you posted do not show much detail and it is hard to see what is going on. I don't see staining on the sheathing or on the roof framing, but it could be the pictures not conveying the appropriate information. I assume you are talking about the gray fuzzy stuff on the sheathing? Here are a couple of questions for you:

What kind of insulation was present in the attic space?
Where does the dryer vent discharge?
Is there any indication that the dryer vent might have discharged into the attic space previously?
Is the attic ventilated properly?
What was the temperature and humidity levels?

If you have marco shots of the substance you are questioning, we might be able to give you a better clue.

[Barry Adair]

we just did this last week, again, déjà vu

[ccurrins]

Originally Posted by sgilligan1

The pictures you posted do not show much detail and it is hard to see what is going on. I don't see staining on the sheathing or on the roof framing, but it could be the pictures not conveying the appropriate information. I assume you are talking about the gray fuzzy stuff on the sheathing? Here are a couple of questions for you:

What kind of insulation was present in the attic space?
Where does the dryer vent discharge?
Is there any indication that the dryer vent might have discharged into the attic space previously?
Is the attic ventilated properly?
What was the temperature and humidity levels?

Hip roof, limited soffit vents on sides only. Three static vents. Bath vents and whole house fan discharge in attic. A lot of rain recently, nothing wet inside. The roof covering (shingles) or semi-new. The majority of damage is on the north side, with no soffit vents. I'm not sure if it is from humidity in attic, or old sheathing damage from exterior. Unable to determine presents of moisture barrier.

[ccurrins]

Originally Posted by badair

we just did this last week, again, déjà vu

Missed that one, just what I needed. I hate to alarm someone if there is nothing there.

[James E. Braun, CMI]

Originally Posted by ccurrins

Would anyone report this as possible mold and further investigation recommended?

I would.

[Linas I. Dapkus]

Originally Posted by jbraun

I would.

Ditto.

[Barry Adair]

ditto³ and remove the obvious source of moisture

[Jason Yost]

I would definitely agree that a further inspection should be performed. I would recommend a third-party accredited inspector with the capabilites to not only take samples, but to provide you with an analytical report with protocol; in that way you may walk away from the experience empowered by the inspection and not left with incomplete information and contractor controversy. Stay away from inspectors that perform their own remediation (this is a conflict of interest); make sure to get a good warranty; and check references and insurance. The IAQA (iaqa.org) has a good resource of information on CMI, CIE, CIEC and their PRO.FILEs (information on volunteer work, education, credentials, etc. as reviewed and approved by a third-party); and, the AmIAQ (iaqcouncil.org) has a list of not only board-awarded individuals, but those with insurance as reviewed by the Council to perform that kind of work.

[Jason Yost]

I suppose, given I am not a member of the NACHI, I should explain my credentials to give this advise: I am a four-time board-awarded Indoor Environmental Consultant with over sixteen years in the Industry. I am an author, business owner, and practicing Indoor Environmental Consultant. I've listed my information in the format of a IAQA PRO.FILE that can be accessed at any time by anyone for more information on specifics regarding me (SolutionsIEC.com - 'about us').

[Keith R. Braun]

The 'grey fuzzy stuff' appears to be the remnants of overspray from when the insulation was blown in. (Note no use of baffles at the eaves)

[Darren Spencer]

I wouldn't recommend it out for further investigation, I would add the service to my inspection.

[dbucknavich]

Originally Posted by Jason Yost

I would recommend a third-party accredited inspector with the capabilites to not only take samples, but to provide you with an analytical report with protocol; in that way you may walk away from the experience empowered by the inspection and not left with incomplete information and contractor controversy.

Jason,

Not trying to be argumentative, just curious. By "analytical report with protocol", do you mean a step by step process for remediation? Isn't that an entirely different certification, and why would an inspector have knowledge of that? The lab I work with performs that service and I recommend that they use them, but I have to trust the remediator for something right? And who should know better than them on the remediation process. I have to assume they earned their designation in their field the same way I did, and to discredit them should give anyone the right to discredit myself throughout the testing process.

The obvious aspects of the process consists of;
A) eliminating the source
B) removing or cleaning contaminated surfaces and material
C) perform post testing

But the details are far beyond my scope, and my scope includes inspecting and testing. So why should I rely on myself to provide the detailed protocol, if that is in fact what to you are referring?

Thank you

[Mark E. Northrup]

Christopher
First mold is not prejudice it will grow on any surface that has food moisture and oxygen. And it does not appear to be on the rafters or the insulation just the sheeting. It looks like the insulation is sticking on the lower portion of the sheeting but no where else. This is common on blown in insulation. I do see what looks like black staining on the sheeting. Does it continue under the rafter if it does most likely it was there before the sheet was nailed in place. Mold will get on the rafter and sheeting. Since I see a bath fan venting into the attic. Where are the black spots related to the bath fan duct.
I don’t see baffles on the lower end of the roof. Which when the house fan is running I bet some of the insulation is moving around also. I do see what looks like a cracked rafter.
In my opinion I would call out the bath fan venting into the attic and note staining on the sheeting (If it does not go under the rafter) but no moisture if that is the case. Recommend further evaluation and correction as needed by a licensed contractor.
When you see this look for other signs of moisture intrusion. Kitchen stove/ bath fans venting into the attic, leaking roof, leaking pipes etc.

Good hunting