Is this mold?

Search this thread

Last Updated:
Dec 27th, 2020 6:52 pm

Tags:

this

SCORE
+1
1
0

Reply to ThreadReply

Search this thread

Dec 25th, 2020 6:22 pm

Jesbui [OP]: Newbie; Mar 11, 2012; 3 posts; 1 upvote

Dec 25th, 2020 6:22 pm

Is this mold?

Bathroom is being renovated, and the insulation is moist with black spots. Could it be mold?
Should it be replaced even if it isn’t?

Images

Last edited by Jesbui on Dec 27th, 2020 6:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.

9 replies

Dec 25th, 2020 6:32 pm

DoorCrasher: Deal Fanatic; Nov 21, 2013; 7482 posts; 7989 upvotes

Dec 25th, 2020 6:32 pm

if it is wet, from the pic black spots is likely mold. I would not take any chances and replace. But first you should find the source of the water infiltration if any

+1

Dec 25th, 2020 6:42 pm

eldiablo: Deal Expert; Feb 24, 2007; 15087 posts; 2678 upvotes

Dec 25th, 2020 6:42 pm

That bottom plate looks like it is completely covered in mold. I would start with the check of the roof/ice shield and any water penetration from the exterior.

+2

Dec 25th, 2020 7:55 pm

mollytp: Newbie; Jan 3, 2009; 96 posts; 35 upvotes; London

Dec 25th, 2020 7:55 pm

yeah thats mold . replace it

+1

Dec 25th, 2020 8:10 pm

Rick007: Deal Addict; Oct 14, 2010; 1579 posts; 1036 upvotes; Barrie ON

Dec 25th, 2020 8:10 pm

It sure looks like mold, and it should be removed and replaced.

The horizontal board on that wall, and the small hole in the drywall suggests that you had a tub/shower in that location.

The good news is, that since the mold is midway in the wall, it looks like the moisture didn't enter from the exterior (roof or walls), but probably right through the tiles, because they didn't use the proper cement board and waterproofing procedures during the initial install.

When you remove the old insulation, try and verify that the water didn't start from higher up. Also confirm if that is regular drywall, or special waterproof/resistant type.

+2

Dec 25th, 2020 9:32 pm

fdl: Deal Fanatic; Dec 5, 2009; 5740 posts; 3568 upvotes

Dec 25th, 2020 9:32 pm

Rick007 wrote: ↑ It sure looks like mold, and it should be removed and replaced.

The horizontal board on that wall, and the small hole in the drywall suggests that you had a tub/shower in that location.

The good news is, that since the mold is midway in the wall, it looks like the moisture didn't enter from the exterior (roof or walls), but probably right through the tiles, because they didn't use the proper cement board and waterproofing procedures during the initial install.

When you remove the old insulation, try and verify that the water didn't start from higher up. Also confirm if that is regular drywall, or special waterproof/resistant type.

I could be wrong , but If the moisture entered through the tiles , I think the wood would be covered in mold too.

+2

Dec 26th, 2020 2:06 am

Fantastical: Deal Addict; May 23, 2006; 1428 posts; 445 upvotes; Vancouver

Dec 26th, 2020 2:06 am

Don't think it cost much to replace insulation when you have already opened everything up.

I think all houses have mold to a certain extent....especially wet areas such as bathroom...

+1

Dec 26th, 2020 9:25 am

Bianco13: Deal Addict; Jan 23, 2015; 1217 posts; 728 upvotes; Woodbridge, ON

Dec 26th, 2020 9:25 am

eldiablo wrote: ↑ That bottom plate looks like it is completely covered in mold. I would start with the check of the roof/ice shield and any water penetration from the exterior.

Bottom plate is not visible. What you're seeing is the black gasket that wraps the plate.

+2

Dec 27th, 2020 9:47 am

Xbowop: Member; Feb 11, 2016; 221 posts; 243 upvotes

Dec 27th, 2020 9:47 am

Looks like mold
Replace insulation. Find source. Open up more drywall if it looks like there's mold behind it and replace that as well

+1

Dec 27th, 2020 6:52 pm

Jesbui [OP]: Newbie; Mar 11, 2012; 3 posts; 1 upvote

Dec 27th, 2020 6:52 pm

Thank you so much everyone for your expertise!

I’ve uploaded additional photos, so I hope that helps. The bottom isn’t mold, but some sort of black film barrier.
Our contractor said the insulation isn’t moldy and the discolouration is from that black film barrier. However, I still don’t feel comfortable leaving it as is, and would rather have it replaced.

Reply to Thread

Top

Thread Information

There is currently 1 user viewing this thread. (0 members and 1 guest)