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What would cause mold on ceilings?

Mike Kapur
Certified Mold Assessor & Home Inspector, Sonic Home Inspections
Mike Kapur is a home inspector and the owner of Sonic Home Inspections, a home inspection company in Westchester, New York. With over 15 years of experience in pre-inspecting properties, Mike specializes in mold, radon, asbestos, lead, water, and air quality testing as well as hazardous materials, pest, infrared, and general home inspections. Prior to founding Sonic Home Inspections, Mike worked pre-inspecting apartments. Mike holds a BS in Accounting from Queens College and is a Certified Mold Assessor in the state of New York.

Mike Kapur

Certified Mold Assessor & Home Inspector, Sonic Home Inspections

Expert Answer

When hot air rises and cools off quickly, this leaves moisture on the ceiling that allows mold to grow. Investing in quality insulation can help prevent this from happening.

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Question

Can mold in your house make you sick?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Mold is more likely to cause problems if you have allergies or asthma. Most commonly, you might notice a runny nose, difficulty breathing, coughing or sneezing and you should limit your exposure to the mold if you have any of these symptoms. Reactions more severe than this are rare. Typically, a small amount of mold is not very dangerous.

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Question

If the mold is on drywall, does it need to be replaced?

Community Answer

It depends on how deep the mold has grown. If you can, use a wide spackling knife and scrape the paint, and if no mold shows at the lower layer, then you do not need to replace, just clean off the mold. However, if you find no end to the mold, it is likely feeding on the drywall and the drywall needs to be removed completely.

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Question

Whom do I call for mold in apartment rental?

Community Answer

The landlord is responsible for the property's maintenance. Follow up with a letter to document the request. If the landlord is unresponsive, contact your city's health department to schedule an inspection. This is a code violation.

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The plumbers say there is no leak in the attic, but mold keeps appearing on the kitchen ceiling. What do we do next?

Community Answer

It sounds like you have a bit too much humidity in that particular room. I suggest getting either a vortex type fan for the kitchen, or, if that doesn't cut it, you might have to invest in a dehumidifier.

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Question

We recently discovered dark brown mold hanging on our ceiling in two separate rooms. While wiping it down, a hole was created and a million bugs fell out. Please help me with this?

Community Answer

It may not have been mold. Brownish spots on the ceiling can be fluids (gross, I know) from the bugs. We had a wasp problem a while back, and the exterminator asked if there were any brown spots on the walls or ceiling, explaining that this is a sign of infestation. I suggest you call an exterminator.

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I have black, hairy mold growing on the ceiling on my back porch. What can I do?

Community Answer

Spray with water, then gently scrape off. Maybe you should call a building mold specialist to see if there is another problem going on as well.

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I had a leak in the bathroom shower, and water dripped from the bedroom plasterboard ceiling, which is stained. I fixed the leak. Should I replace the plasterboard or just clean it and repaint?

Community Answer

Check the integrity of the plasterboard. If it appears damaged or moldy, replace it. Ensure that it's dry and still has its integrity.

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Is there anything I can do while waiting for roof repair if there is mold?

Community Answer

You can spray any of the above solutions and let them sit. This will kill the existing mold, and hinder the growth of new spores. The color may be unsightly, but the danger to your health is reduced.

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What should I do if I don't have proper ventilation in the room with mold?

Community Answer

Use a freestanding fan to create good air flow in there while you clean it (and while it dries). Air it out regularly after that to stop it from becoming a problem again.

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Are small black spots on my ceiling mold?

Community Answer

Most likely, yes. Black, green, brown or orange mold is common in humid areas.

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