Mould on Ceiling, Porus Asbestos Roof?

Hi all. My Brisbane IP is starting to get heavy mould on the ceiling. The house is not all closed up, there's no aircon and this has only become a problem over the last few years. I've had different tenants in so I think it's something to do with the super 6 asbestos roof starting become porus rather than poor tenant upkeep. Any ideas or prevous experiences?

 

Is it in multiple locations?
Have you checked for wet areas in the roof?
If you have insulation that is wet the mould will just keep appearing.

 

Is it a house? if so...

1. Add a Whirly bird on the rood...2-3 big one will do...esp near the bathroom area or where the "mould occurs" this will provide better ventilation and less heat.

2. Exhaust fan ( Doesn't work that well IMHO)

3. Add security screen or fly screens ...this will encourage the tenant to open the windows...



If it's a Unit...

- you may have a over crowding issue ( common in metro areas etc...)
- Some water issue in the building
- Ventilation issues

 

Poor ventilation and moisture fuel mold growth. It's particularly bad in poorly ventilated bathrooms ime

 

What about getting a dehumidifier? has anyone done that?

I've got mold problems too, i believe mine are due too a hole in the tile roof, which ive since had repaired. Instead of using a mold removal specialist company and paying thousands for them to remove every piece of atmosphere, i contacted end-of-lease cleaners who had done this type of work before. For a fraction of the price i had them go through and tirelessly clean out wash down remove all mold. 5 months later my mold has returned which suggests the damp is there to stay. I'm considering getting whirly birds installed but would prefer to know the extent of the damage/damp so i can accurately gauge costs. This was supposed to be cheap rental for me but the R&M is blowing out every year.

Any more suggestions?

 

Re paint with mould protection paint.

 

Ok thats an option albeit a pricier one. Mick how many whirly birds do you think for a standard small size 3br 1bth single level home, i was thinking 1 maybe two? i like your idea of putting one closer to the bathroom

 

In some of these older Brissy homes (depending on vintage) the ceilings are horsehair plaster and I've had mould issues too with one of my IPs here. Have repainted in anti-mould paint over the years but it still re-appears. Last time I had them cleaned and reminded tenants to stay on top of it, report to PM and I'll get it rectified. A whirly bird might be a good idea though....

 

The installer will advise you, but generally speaking every 70 sq meters in living space you need 1 ( BIG one...not the small one) + if you have a VERY high ceiling you need +1 extra.

So i would say 2 for a 3 bedroom single level home.
- one near the bathroom
- One of the TOP of the peak of the roof. ie the highest point.

Tip: make sur they install it so it faces the backyard...not the front. Else you will see this huge W bird sticking from the outside lol

 

Great advice thanks mate

 

Maybe with all the local rain,check to see if there is any bottom top section ventilation ,because a lot of those pre 70's super66 roof sheets would be way past their use,and maybe would not stand up too a insurance claim from my experience ,these vents don't have to be powered just normal gal breather vent for less the 10 bucks each..imho..

 

Kill mould with vinegar. Bleach clears it away but doesnt kill the spores. No need to buy expensive anti mould paint. Read recently you add bleach to paint, it was a painters tip. Proportions, cant recall, but sure you can google the answer

 

Thanks all.
The mould is over most of the ceiling, spread evenly but more dense on the north side of the house. So it doesn't look like the roof is leaking in one spot.
There's fly screens so the windows can be opened.
Oddly enough the only place mould free is the bathroom and toilet. The enamel paint must be doing a good job.
From memory it is horse hair plaster ceiling.

 

Thanks Mick C ,will make some enquiries for installing the whirly birds. Cheaper than replacing the roof especially if it's not the problem.
Willair, what are breather vents? It's a weatherboard house if that helps. Also if you could enlighten me as to the insurance issues with a super66 roof that would be great.

 

My advice is put in the insulation 'bradford bats'. Im not sure if they are still called that but hope you understand what I mean. They are a few inches thick and layed out in squares in the roof. Years ago I had an extremely bad mould problem. After I put in the bradford bats in the roof the problem is so much better. After many yrs its only just come back. Im thinking of putting more up there. Got to be sure that they dont lay over the lights as its a fire hazard. I would also install the wirlybird and paint with the anti mould inhibitor paint for sure....