[Greenbuilding] mildew remediation

[George Tremblay]

An acquaintance in southern RI suffered substantial mold/mildew problems
in the wake of torrential rains and consequent flooding in this region
last Spring.  The damage has been repaired in all areas of their home
except the attic, where there may have been some leakage, and where there
has certainly been a longstanding moisture problem.  This is a standard
split level ranch, with partial cathedral ceiling and otherwise what was
intended to be an unheated attic.  As we all know, these attics are often
subject to a lot of air leakage, and this one is neither well sealed from
the conditioned space, nor well ventilated.  The homeowner needs to either
create the proper vented, unconditioned attic, or switch to an
unventilated roof assembly.  There is no ductwork in the attic, so they
could reasonably go with either option.  Here, though, is the question I
want to pose to you: if they were to choose an unventilated attic and
spray closed cell foam against the interior of the roof sheathing and
around truss chords, is there any need to treat the heavily mildewed
sheathing first?  If so, any suggestions about appropriate treatment?  The
homeowner is being deluged with conflicting recommendations from moisture
remediation outfits.  One contractor recommended complete replacement of
the 8-year-old asphalt shingle roof, which does not appear damaged but
they would replace the mildewed sheathing at the same time.

Thanks, as always, for any advice.

George Tremblay
Troy, NH


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