Finding Hidden Mold Behind Wallpaper

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Article Title:

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Finding Hidden Mold Behind Wallpaper

Article Description:

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Hidden mold behind wallpaper is a common occurrence.

Understanding why it develops and what to look for can help you

discover it before it has grown into a big moldy problem.

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476 Words; formatted to 65 Characters per Line

Distribution Date and Time: 2008-09-09 11:48:00

Written By: Ray

Copyright: 2008

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Finding Hidden Mold Behind Wallpaper

Copyright © 2008 Ray

ENView Inspections

http://www.enviewonline.com/

Most are familiar with Stachybotrys, the “toxic black mold”,

which is common to water damaged gypsum wallboard. Stachybotrys

mold requires high moisture availability, known as water

activity, to develop. Optimal mold growth is achieved at .98

water activity, which is a lot of moisture. Black moldy patches,

powerful moldy odor, and lots of water, usually make this mold

hard to miss. The real danger of hidden mold is the ability for a

small mold problem to develop into a large and expensive one

before being noticed. Wallpaper can help to make that possible.

Wallpaper is more than a decorative wall covering. In fact, any

large surfaced item or treatment added to a wall, such as

bookshelves, paint or wallpaper, can alter the vapor and thermal

performance of a wall. This knowledge is particularly important

for the perimeter walls of the home, but should be a

consideration for some interior walls, as well. A well designed

wall will slow the progression of moisture through the wall and

yet allow it to pass through before trapping moisture and

allowing conditions that will permit mold or water damage to

develop. Many wallpaper types impede moisture migration at the

most crucial location, the coldest surface of the wall. The

obstacle also makes possible a higher water activity in the

underlying wallboard that leads to hidden mold growth.

Long before the distinctive odors and black splotches of

Stachybotrys manifest to any notable degree, other more insidious

molds may develop. Some mold thrives in climates with very little

water activity. Such mold growth can be extensive before obvious

external clues develop. However, there may be clues. Look for

very faint red, yellow, blue or purple stains that might be

mistaken for a fruit juice stain. The mold stain can be small and

circular, large and streaking, or a combination. Such

observations will require further scrutiny to determine if there

is mold growth under the wallpaper. Look closely for these stains

to be associated with areas where the wallpaper has lost

adhesion. Mold needs adequate nutrition to survive. Wallpaper

adhesive can make excellent mold food and bubbles may appear

where the wallpaper no longer sticks. If you see bubbles, but not

stains, a more invasive approach is needed. With your wallpaper

repair kit handy, use a razor blade to cut the wallpaper and

inspect for underlying mold growth. Anything other than clean

wallboard is suspicious. Mold can be many colors and even

colorless.

Once you have discovered hidden mold, it’s time to determine to

what extent the mold has developed. Determining the moisture

source is paramount in estimating the size of the damaged area.

You may find that the damage is small and limited to an area

around a leaking window, air conditioning unit or associated with

a vent blowing cold air directly onto the area. Or, something

more serious may have developed.

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Ray promotes better indoor living through his expert

Environmental View of indoor environments. While helping

occupants improve their indoor air quality, he shares years

of mold inspection experience and investigative secrets with

clients and readers. More can be learned from ENView at

http://www.enviewonline.com