USG Moisture, Mold, and Construction Practices Repairing Water-Damaged Building Systems - Manual

What should you do if your wallboard has mold? This document discusses the conditions necessary for mold
growth and provides basic repair steps and contains additional information on mold.
Conditions Necessary Mold consists of microorganisms that can, under the right conditions, find a suitable environment in which to
for Mold Growth grow and survive on building materials. The best way to address mold is to make sure that building materials do
not get wet before installation and are not exposed to moisture inside the finished building.
When building materials get wet, mold may grow. Condensation, pipe leakage, roof and window leakage, and inci-
dental splashing can cause building materials to become wet.
In all situations, immediately identify and address the source of moisture to prevent re-occurrence of the problem.
Repair Use caution when evaluating and repairing water-damaged building systems. Do not investigate or begin repairs
unless you are qualified to do so and understand the potential risks involved. Where mold growth is extensive,
a qualified independent construction professional should assess the situation and help develop and implement a
plan that addresses each of the following:
– Eliminating the conditions for mold growth
– Cleaning mold from surface of material(s)
– Removing damaged material that cannot be cleaned
Elimination of Conditions: Focus efforts on removing the conditions that cause mold growth. In the cases of leaking roofs, ceilings, walls,
Keep It Clean and Dry or plumbing problems, repair the source of the moisture immediately. In a flood situation, follow the American Red
Cross and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) guidelines for the safe return to affected areas.
Once you
eliminate the conditions for mold growth, begin cleaning, repair, or removal.
Cleaning or Removal: This is a very complex question, and proper investigation and research is critical. This document provides a
Which is best? small portion of the information necessary to evaluate the situation along with additional reference information.
Cleaning Clean, Dry, Disinfect
If cleaning the surface of the materials is your decision, proper scrubbing removes surface mold. Once conditions
for mold growth have been removed, the following procedure is suggested to remove mold growth and staining:
– Use appropriate protective equipment
– Mix detergent and potable water in a clean container
– Use detergent, bleach and potable water for stubborn stains (follow manufacturer’s instructions for use of cleaning
supplies; never mix bleach and ammonia, or other cleaners if contents are not known); provide adequate
ventilation with use of bleach
– Scrub areas that exhibit growth and staining
– Rinse with water—don’t soak the gypsum board while cleaning and rinsing
– Allow gypsum board to dry and inspect for visible growth and staining
– Repeat as necessary until affected areas are clean
Moisture, Mold, and
Construction Practices
Maintenance
Repairing Water-Damaged
Building Systems