I was taking care today of some mold that started developing in the
attic by spraying it waith a solution of 1-part bleach and 5-parts
water... and I realized that may not be a good idea.
Our attic is filled with some off-white loose-fill insulation, and for
all I know bleach could cause some kind of reaction and create heat.

Is that possible?

(I took some of the insulation and put it in a bowl with some straight
bleach and have left it outside with a thermometer to see if something
happens.)

I probably won't sleep well tonight, thinking that right above my head
there's a proto-fire developing. I don't know exactly what kind of
insulation it is. It's cottony, fiberous, off white.

Thanks for any feedback!
Liam

wrote in message
oups.com...
I was taking care today of some mold that started developing in the
attic by spraying it waith a solution of 1-part bleach and 5-parts
water... and I realized that may not be a good idea.
Our attic is filled with some off-white loose-fill insulation, and for
all I know bleach could cause some kind of reaction and create heat.

Is that possible?

I would think it's unlikely with all that water.

Read your bleach bottle its 97-98% water, All you will do is kill the
mold even in concentrate.

It probably a cellulose base with a fire inhibitor. The worst thing that
will happen is it will take forever to dry out if the attic is unventilated
or lacks adequate ventilation. And, that's probably the case in lieu of the
mold presence.
You might vent the bathroom vent elsewhere than the attic BTW.
--
Jonny
wrote in message
oups.com...
I was taking care today of some mold that started developing in the
attic by spraying it waith a solution of 1-part bleach and 5-parts
water... and I realized that may not be a good idea.
Our attic is filled with some off-white loose-fill insulation, and for
all I know bleach could cause some kind of reaction and create heat.

Is that possible?

(I took some of the insulation and put it in a bowl with some straight
bleach and have left it outside with a thermometer to see if something
happens.)

I probably won't sleep well tonight, thinking that right above my head
there's a proto-fire developing. I don't know exactly what kind of
insulation it is. It's cottony, fiberous, off white.

Thanks for any feedback!
Liam

If it is really white - could be a fiberglass "blowing glass". As Jim
points out - you have to get better ventilation to get rid of the
mositure or you will have big problems other than mold. Venting
bathroom exhaust into the attic is a no no. Mold won't grow without
moisture. Spraying it with bleach is not a solution.

Is something vented to the attic - maybe a bathroom vent?

If you are over insulated and it is blocking the ridge vent along outside
edge of roof that will cause the moisture I have seen cases were a power
vent either electrical or mechanichal has had to be installed to get rid of
moisture in an attic even during cold winter months.
makes ure all you vent areas are open in attic area and as others in group
have suggested check to make sure a bathroom ordryer etc ventis not dumping
oisture into the attic.
Biggest wrry about spraying the bleach in the atic would be making sure it
is kept away from all electrical boxes lights and fittings. very lite chance
it would react otherwise

"butch burton" wrote in message
oups.com...
If it is really white - could be a fiberglass "blowing glass". As Jim
points out - you have to get better ventilation to get rid of the
mositure or you will have big problems other than mold. Venting
bathroom exhaust into the attic is a no no. Mold won't grow without
moisture. Spraying it with bleach is not a solution.

Is something vented to the attic - maybe a bathroom vent?

Got any downlights?

Nick Markowitz wrote:
If you are over insulated and it is blocking the ridge vent along outside
edge of roof that will cause the moisture I have seen cases were a power
vent either electrical or mechanichal has had to be installed to get rid of
moisture in an attic even during cold winter months.
makes ure all you vent areas are open in attic area and as others in group
have suggested check to make sure a bathroom ordryer etc ventis not dumping
oisture into the attic.
Biggest wrry about spraying the bleach in the atic would be making sure it
is kept away from all electrical boxes lights and fittings. very lite chance
it would react otherwise

Thanks, to all repliers!
I'll have to go back up and check, but I'm pretty sure there's an air
duct going from the bathroom vent out.
No, the mold seems to be coming from moisture coming from a joint in a
PVC pipe leading to the bathroom plumbing.
Looks like I'm going to need to get that repaired.

Thanks for all the advice and feedback!
Liam

Two links you might find helpful re your moldy insulation. IMO it
should be removed and replaced. the water could actually help more
mold to grow.

http://www.cal-iaq.org/mold0107.htm

http://www.askthebuilder.com/344_Mold.shtml