Mildew in hallway

[Steven Brewster]

Hey guys,

I was asked to help determine the reason that mildew was growing in a hallway (all are interior walls). The walls are wood (sealed) and the ceiling is sheetrock. The return air is located in this hallway. The bathroom does not have a ceiling exhaust fan (two bathers). There is no evidence of roof leaks. A partially finished and conditioned basement is below. The A/C & heating system is recent and appear to be sized properly. Says this happens in the summer time.

The mildew does not appear diffuse but is bothersome to the owners. Did not see any reason that this is occurring except for the lack of moisture removal in the bathroom. Seems like the hallway is the only area affected and connects with this bathroom. Any thoughts??

Sorry no pics, the upload from my computer appear to exceed the 100 kb file size. Any one else having problems with this?

[Joseph Hagarty]

I considered uploading an image as a test after the last posting.

This is the message received....

NACHI Message Board > FAQ vB Code List Welcome, jhagarty.
You last visited: Yesterday at 10:23 PM
Private Messages: Unread 0, Total 0.

Control PanelUsers ListCalendarNew PostsSearch vbmenu_register("navbar_search"); Quick Links vbmenu_register("usercptools"); Log Out

Search Forums
Advanced Search
Quick LinksToday's PostsMark Forums ReadOpen Buddy ListUser Control PanelEdit SignatureEdit ProfileEdit OptionsMiscellaneousPrivate MessagesSubscribed ThreadsMy ProfileWho's Online
Go to Page...
vB CodevB code is a set of tags based on the HTML language that you may already be familiar with. They allow you to add formatting to your messages in the same way as HTML does, but have a simpler syntax and will never break the layout of the pages you are viewing. The ability to use vB Code is set on a forum-by-forum basis by the administrator, so you should check the forum rules when you post a new message.

Below is a list of the vB Codes you can use to format your messages. vB Code List[b], [i], [u]Bold / Italic / Underline[color]Color[size]Size[font]Font[highlight]Highlight[left], [right], [center]Left / Right / Center[indent]Indent[email]Email Linking[url="http://www.nachi.org/forum/misc.php?do=bbcode#url"]URL Hyperlinking[thread]Thread Linking[post]Post Linking[list]Bulleted Lists / Advanced Lists[img]Images[code]Code[php]PHP Code[html]HTML Code[quote]Quote[url="http://www.nachi.org/forum/misc.php?do=bbcode#noparse"][noparse][/url]Stop vB Code Parsing[url="http://www.nachi.org/forum/misc.php?do=bbcode#attach"][attach][/url]Attachment[b]Incorrect vB Code Usage:[/b][list][*][url] www.vbulletin.com [/url] - don't put spaces between the bracketed code and the text you are applying the code to.[*][email]myname@domain.com[email] - the end brackets must include a forward slash ([/email])[/list]

Bold / Italic / UnderlineThe [b], [i] and [u] tags allow you to create text that is bold, italic and underlined.[b]Usage[/b][b]value[/b]
[i]value[/i]
[u]value[/u] [b]Example Usage[/b][b]this text is bold[/b]
[i]this text is italic[/i]
[u]this text is underlined[/u] [b]Example Output[/b][b]this text is bold[/b]
[i]this text is italic[/i]
[u]this text is underlined[/u]


ColorThe [color] tag allows you to change the color of your text.[b]Usage[/b][color=Option]value[/color][b]Example Usage[/b][color=blue]this text is blue[/color][b]Example Output[/b][color=blue]this text is blue[/color]


SizeThe [size] tag allows you to change the size of your text.[b]Usage[/b][size=Option]value[/size][b]Example Usage[/b][size=+2]this text is two sizes larger than normal[/size][b]Example Output[/b][size=+2]this text is two sizes larger than normal[/size]


FontThe [font] tag allows you to change the font of your text.[b]Usage[/b][font=Option]value[/font][b]Example Usage[/b][font=courier]this text is in the courier font[/font][b]Example Output[/b][font=courier]this text is in the courier font[/font]


HighlightThe [highlight] tag allows you to emphasize your text.[b]Usage[/b][highlight]value[/highlight][b]Example Usage[/b][highlight]this text is highlighted[/highlight][b]Example Output[/b]this text is highlighted


Left / Right / CenterThe [left], [right] and [center] tags allow you to change the alignment of your text.[b]Usage[/b][left]value[/left]
[center]value[/center]
[right]value[/right] [b]Example Usage[/b][left]this text is left-aligned[/left]
[center]this text is center-aligned[/center]
[right]this text is right-aligned[/right] [b]Example Output[/b][left]this text is left-aligned[/left]
[center]this text is center-aligned[/center]
[right]this text is right-aligned[/right]



IndentThe[indent] tag allows you to indent your text.[b]Usage[/b][indent]value[/indent][b]Example Usage[/b][indent]this text is indented[/indent][b]Example Output[/b][indent]this text is indented
[/indent]

Email LinkingThe [email] tag allows you to link to an email address. You can include an optional parameter to 'name' your link.[b]Usage[/b][email]value[/email]
[email=Option]value[/email] [b]Example Usage[/b][email]myname@domain.com[/email]
[email=myname@domain.com]Click Here to Email Me[/email] [b]Example Output[/b][email="myname@domain.com"]myname@domain.com[/email]
[email="myname@domain.com"]Click Here to Email Me[/email]


URL HyperlinkingThe [url] tag allows you to link to other websites and files. You can include an optional parameter to 'name' your link.[b]Usage[/b][url]value[/url]
[url=Option]value[/url] [b]Example Usage[/b][url]http://www.nachi.org/forum[/url]
[url=http://www.nachi.org/forum]NACHI Message Board[/url] [b]Example Output[/b][url="http://www.nachi.org/forum"]http://www.nachi.org/forum[/url]
[url="http://www.nachi.org/forum"]NACHI Message Board[/url]


Thread LinkingThe [thread] tag allows you to link to threads by specifying the thread id. You can include an optional parameter to 'name' your link.[b]Usage[/b][thread]threadid[/thread]
[thread=threadid]value[/thread] [b]Example Usage[/b][thread]42918[/thread]
[thread=42918]Click Me![/thread]
(Note: The threadid/postid is just an example and may not link to a valid thread/post.) [b]Example Output[/b][url="http://www.nachi.org/forum/showthread.php?t=42918"]http://www.nachi.org/forum/showthread.php?t=42918[/url]
[url="http://www.nachi.org/forum/showthread.php?t=42918"]Click Me![/url]


Post LinkingThe [post] tag allows you to link to posts by specifying the post id. You can include an optional parameter to 'name' your link.[b]Usage[/b][post]postid[/post]
[post=postid]value[/post] [b]Example Usage[/b][post]269302[/post]
[post=269302]Click Me![/post]
(Note: The threadid/postid is just an example and may not link to a valid thread/post.) [b]Example Output[/b][url="http://www.nachi.org/forum/showthread.php?p=269302#post269302"]http://www.nachi.org/forum/showthread.php?p=269302#post269302[/url]
[url="http://www.nachi.org/forum/showthread.php?p=269302#post269302"]Click Me![/url]


Bulleted ListsThe [list]
tag allows you to create simple, bulleted lists without specifying an option. Within the value portion, each bullet is denoted by the [*] tag.[b]Usage[/b][list]value[/list][b]Example Usage[/b][list][*]list item 1[*]list item 2[/list][b]Example Output[/b][list][*]list item 1[*]list item 2[/list]

[b][url="http://www.nachi.org/forum/sendmessage.php"]Contact Us[/url] - [url="http://www.nachi.org/"]NACHI.ORG[/url] - [url="http://www.nachi.org/forum/archive/index.php"]Archive[/url] - [url="http://www.nachi.org/forum/misc.php?do=bbcode#top"]Top[/url] [/b]




What the ??????

[Paul W. Abernathy]

I think it is harder to attach an image if you use the Quick Reply feature...I am not sure but that is what I found when I tried it.

Hmm.....the image size is limited also on attachments which may cause an error as well.

[Caoimhín P. Connell]

Hello Mr. Brewster:


I am interested in your post from a slightly different perspective; that of a forensic Industrial Hygienist. Which is simply this: Why would you be asked to determine the reason that mildew was growing in a hallway? That is to say, what would lead someone to request that of someone who doesn’t know how to do it?


For example, if I need new deck built, I would not ask my dentist. If I need landscaping, I would not go to the mall and ask a jeweler. Since your post indicates that you are not familiar with performing this kind of work: 1) Why would someone approach you to perform the work and, 2) Why would you agree to perform it?


My question is merely academic in nature. I see that this is your first post, and I apologize if this response surprises you.


Cheers,
Caoimhín P. Connell
Forensic Industrial Hygienist
www.forensic-applications.com


(The opinions expressed here are exclusively my personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect my professional opinion, opinion of my employer, agency, peers, or professional affiliates. The above post is for information only and does not reflect professional advice and is not intended to supercede the professional advice of others.)


AMDG

[A Dan Leleika]

This message has been deleted by jhagarty.



New board same posts!


Some things will never change.

[Patrick Carter]

Caoimhín,

Glad to see you made it over here. I can't answer the question you posed for Steven, but I can give you an idea of why I get these types of requests. It's usually to determine if there is water source feeding the growth or causing the growth such as a leaking roof, condensation from HVAC ductwork, little to no air circulation, or other items that can or may cause the growth to occur. If a source has been discovered, I document my finding on issue found but not on the growth itself just note that there is some sort of growth. I direct my clients to find the specialist that is qualified to determine the growth and remediation.

[Caoimhín P. Connell]

Hello Patrick:


Thanks for the post; that makes sense. Home Inspectors are in an ideal position, more than any other profession, to be able to help homeowners identify moisture issues, regardless of whether they lead to structural damage or microbial growth.


In posing these types of questions, it would be helpful to know the location of the property, since local climate will play a big role in understanding the cause of the growth. Additionally, knowing the type of construction, with an emphasis of the kinds of layers which constitute the walls. Each of these will factor into the migration and accumulation of moisture.


Cheers,
Caoimhín P. Connell
Forensic Industrial Hygienist

www.forensic-applications.com


(The opinions expressed here are exclusively my personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect my professional opinion, opinion of my employer, agency, peers, or professional affiliates. The above post is for information only and does not reflect professional advice and is not intended to supercede the professional advice of others.)

AMDG

[Patrick Carter]

Caoimhín,

Your welcome.

In determining construction type of home would not be difficult to do, since I do that already and determining the layers on an interior wall would not be difficult to report but determing the layers or substrates under an exterior wall might prove to be difficult since I don't do an intrusive inspection. I can see the need for this type of information if posing a question to an expert and we both know what assumptions can lead to. So when I post a question in this regard I will keep what you have suggested in mind.

[Steven Brewster]

Mr. Connell,

To answer your question, I was contacted to determine if there was any moisture intrusion from the attic or elsewhere that could cause the mildew...And no this is not my first post.

I thought I gave a decent description of the home with the exception of the age, sq.', type siding etc.. I guess not!

1960 built, Vinyl over asbestos siding, Vinyl replacement windows, 1X6 plank subfloor/plywood/carpet/, 2" x 4"-16" oc (ext. walls ? insulation) wall coverings, drywall/wood panels, attic insulated wool batt with 5" blown fibr. ontop, soffit-ridge- power roof vents, 3 tab shingles a standard built home in Alabama for the period built. 1400 sq.'

Sorry I cant seem to upload my images. I'll figure it out soon.

Anyway, this home is occuppied by a realtor that asked me to evaluate the roof for leaks. None were found. The only source of moisture I observed was the bathroom during bathing. Just thought I might get some helpful feedback from this forum.

Thanks,
Steven

[Steven Brewster]

Oh by the way, there is an attic fan in this hallway. Please see this link for pictures.

http://www.brewsterhomeinspections.c...isturepics.pdf

[Caoimhín P. Connell]

Steven:

Happy New Year. Thanks for your response and the additional information.

The reason for posing my question was that I didn’t realize you were an home inspector. I saw that, like me, you were not a NACHI member, and I was curious as to why someone would be asked to perform this kind of work “out of the blue.”

I also didn’t realize that the counters on this new page started over, so I thought it was your first post.

Thanks for the clarification!

Cheers!
Caoimhín P. Connell
Forensic Industrial Hygienist

www.forensic-applications.com

(The opinions expressed here are exclusively my personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect my professional opinion, opinion of my employer, agency, peers, or professional affiliates. The above post is for information only and does not reflect professional advice and is not intended to supercede the professional advice of others.)

AMDG

[John Nosworthy]

Steve,
Wow, nice wide paneling pieces. In that last part you mention about the hallway fan, is that the whole-house, with automatic louvers, blow into the attic style ? And didn't you say the return air was in this same hallway. Is there any chance the air path is shortcircuited, moving from the attic into the return air grill. maybe smoke testing might make that easy to witness, if it is ocurring. Is there any discoloration of the underside of the roof sheathing above or around this hallway ? any fold down attic stairs in this hallway ?
just thinking,
john

[Patrick Carter]

Steven,

Just speculating here; but have seen something pretty close to this. Humidity from bath area has attached moisture to pits in wood finish (varnish), and pits in textured ceiling. To talk about wood finishes, varnish does start to deteriorate over a period of time and usually where air bubbles were when first coat of varnish was applied, the finisher sanded the first coat to even out finish and then applies a second coat of finish and so forth. What happens is the area where air bubbles occured from first coat of finish are never even with the second and third coats when applied, small depressions that are not seen especially with lighter colored woods. Moisture can set in these areas and over a period of time can develope growths if poor air circulation exists and does occur primarily during hot humid summer months. I hope this makes sense, I can explain this a lot better when I can draw it out with the different levels (coats) of finish.

[Steven Brewster]

John & Patrick,

Thanks for the input. I am in agreement with both of you that this could be combination of the lack of bathroom venting and the central air intake pulling air from the whole house fan located above the floor intake. The owner says he never uses the attic fan so its going to be removed and he will install a ceiling exhaust for the bathroom. This should eliminate obvious sources of moisture. Since most of this mildew appears in the summer (Rh in summer 60 to 90%) I think the central air intake (in this hallway) is pulling humid air from the attic (whole house fan area).

Is there a spell check here?

Again,

Thanks for the input.
Steven

[John Nosworthy]

Steve,
That's where my thinking was headed as well. Yank the whole-house fan and install a bath exhaust fan that goes outdoors, and see if that doesn't make all the difference. It took me 42 seconds to load this page
john