Hello
I have a question regarding an old moisture damage. I am renovating an old farm where the residential house is from the 18th century. When we tore down the paper ceiling that was put up in the 70s, we found an old moisture damage. It was covered with plastic, and then they had put up the paper on top of it.
I am now wondering if we should remove all the old roof boards that are damaged, or if it is enough to cover it with some type of paper and put the new roof on it. My builder says it can be covered and just put new, but the thing is, he is under time pressure and I don't really trust what he says.
I don't really feel good knowing that there are (old) mold spores in the ceiling of the bedroom.
Is there anyone who can reassure me or give me the right advice?
Thank you in advance.
I have a question regarding an old moisture damage. I am renovating an old farm where the residential house is from the 18th century. When we tore down the paper ceiling that was put up in the 70s, we found an old moisture damage. It was covered with plastic, and then they had put up the paper on top of it.
I am now wondering if we should remove all the old roof boards that are damaged, or if it is enough to cover it with some type of paper and put the new roof on it. My builder says it can be covered and just put new, but the thing is, he is under time pressure and I don't really trust what he says.
I don't really feel good knowing that there are (old) mold spores in the ceiling of the bedroom.
Is there anyone who can reassure me or give me the right advice?
Thank you in advance.
Hello!
It can be a bit tricky. If the raw boards/roofing boards are just a little damp, they will actually dry out from below (provided the ventilation is satisfactory). But if they have been damp for a long time and are in poor quality, perhaps rotten and moldy, you should definitely replace them! My opinion is that you should replace everything that is damaged! It doesn't take long and doesn't cost much if it's just a few lengths of boards. The risk is also that the mold (and moisture) has spread down into the rafters/other parts of the building, and then my advice is also to contact someone who can check fungal growth and conduct an inspection! Also, check if the insurance covers this. It might also be a good idea to check the ventilation of the attic space!
What seems to be a small mold damage can have spread to a large part of the construction. I am personally a professional construction carpenter and have experienced that a small moisture/mold damage that needs to be fixed on a house (e.g., a dormer) quickly grew into a much larger project when it turned out that walls/floors etc. around were also infested with mold fungus. Then you have to replace everything! So if you are unsure, don't hesitate to oppose the craftsman and insist on checking and being completely sure. Not all craftsmen either care, have the time, or really know what they are doing all the time.
Here is some information about mold and moisture damage online.
* http://www.dinbyggare.se/communicate/artiklar/article.aspx?id=5285
Obviously, it's difficult for me to give advice without having seen the damage myself. But if you are unsure about your builder, you can always contact another craftsman who can come and look at the damage. This should be done free of charge as part of a quote. They can look at the damage and the extent and give a price suggestion if they were to fix it.
Ps. Even if the moisture dries out, the mold remains! Mold never disappears by itself.
Best regards
It can be a bit tricky. If the raw boards/roofing boards are just a little damp, they will actually dry out from below (provided the ventilation is satisfactory). But if they have been damp for a long time and are in poor quality, perhaps rotten and moldy, you should definitely replace them! My opinion is that you should replace everything that is damaged! It doesn't take long and doesn't cost much if it's just a few lengths of boards. The risk is also that the mold (and moisture) has spread down into the rafters/other parts of the building, and then my advice is also to contact someone who can check fungal growth and conduct an inspection! Also, check if the insurance covers this. It might also be a good idea to check the ventilation of the attic space!
What seems to be a small mold damage can have spread to a large part of the construction. I am personally a professional construction carpenter and have experienced that a small moisture/mold damage that needs to be fixed on a house (e.g., a dormer) quickly grew into a much larger project when it turned out that walls/floors etc. around were also infested with mold fungus. Then you have to replace everything! So if you are unsure, don't hesitate to oppose the craftsman and insist on checking and being completely sure. Not all craftsmen either care, have the time, or really know what they are doing all the time.
Here is some information about mold and moisture damage online.
* http://www.dinbyggare.se/communicate/artiklar/article.aspx?id=5285
Obviously, it's difficult for me to give advice without having seen the damage myself. But if you are unsure about your builder, you can always contact another craftsman who can come and look at the damage. This should be done free of charge as part of a quote. They can look at the damage and the extent and give a price suggestion if they were to fix it.
Ps. Even if the moisture dries out, the mold remains! Mold never disappears by itself.
Best regards