Last week I received a call from a gentleman who said he was caretaking a friend’s home. He said he stopped by the home and when looking through the living room window he noticed the ceiling was almost black. I made an appointment to meet with him.

On arrival at the home and after exchanging social graces we entered the home. He was right, the ceiling and walls were turning black. During our conversation he told me his friend had removed the cellulose insulation with the intent of re-installing 2 1/2-inch foam insulation; however, he ran out of time during his vacation and decided to do it in the spring. He reduced the internal heat to 55 degrees, turned off the water and departed for New Mexico.

When inspecting the attic I noticed the cellulose baffles had not been removed. There was about 1/2 inch gap between the lip of the baffle and the attic roof sheathing.

This fact restricted air flow into the attic. Because the interior temperature was above freezing (59 degrees), moisture wicked through the exterior of the home into the interior, vapor pressure (humidity), driven by the heat, forced moisture through the drywall ceiling into the attic. Due to the reduced airflow into the attic, moisture and heat became trapped creating an atrium effect. Because we have been going through a freezing and thawing process, the attic released its trapped moisture onto the exposed drywall ceiling. The heat and moisture fed the fungal growth in the home.

Fifty years ago this would have not been a problem because our homes were not air tight; however, today’s homes are built tight and a mistake like this will prove costly for this home owner.

Folks, today’s homes are becoming more and more complicated. We are using sophisticated materials, electronics, and plumbing to create an environmentally balanced space to live in. What may seem as a minor error in judgment can prove to be very costly. Please, when in doubt, take the time to check it out. Consult an indoor environmental professional who will try to answer your questions over the phone or make an appointment to physically examine the problem. If he/she has to come to your home, it may cost a few bucks; however, that advice will save you thousands in unnecessary repair costs.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (208-255-2266) or toll free at 1-877-311-NWES. E-mail them to nwees@hughes. net  or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St. , Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed do?  For more information about Ed’s company, check him out at NWESINC. COM.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is the president of  Northwest Executive & Environmental Services, Inc.