What are the signs of mold contamination inside ductwork?

Signs of mold contamination include a persistent musty odor and black spotting on walls where internal mold growth has penetrated through the drywall.

How is mold inside ductwork treated?

Professional treatment involves identifying and correcting the source of moisture, visually inspecting the ductwork with specialized tools, physically removing the mold, applying EPA-approved fungicides, and infusing the entire ductwork system with an aerosol mold and mildew inhibitor.

Why is it important to address water and mold in ductwork?

Active growing mold releases millions of airborne reproductive spores. These spores, especially from certain mold types, may produce physical symptoms when inhaled. The HVAC system can spread these toxic airborne spores throughout the home, affecting indoor air quality and health.

How To Deal With Water And Mold In Ductwork

Water in ductwork leading to mold growth

Water and mold in ductwork have a definite cause/effect relationship. Here's how and why that may be a concern for homeowners:

Moisture is the key ingredient that activates dormant mold spores.
Because ducts are usually routed through areas of the house like the attic or crawl space, they may be exposed to water from chronic roof leaks, dripping plumbing or other subtle sources that escape notice by occupants.
In a humid climate, water vapor condensing out of air passing through ductwork can also deposit moisture inside ducts.
Certain HVAC components integrated into the ductwork airflow that are typically damp—particularly the A/C evaporator coil—are also likely focus points for mold contamination.

Concerns about water and mold in ductwork are well-founded. Active growing mold releases millions of airborne reproductive spores. In certain mold types, these spores contain mycotoxins that may produce physical symptoms when inhaled, ranging from allergic reactions to chronic illness. Because the HVAC blower circulates the entire air volume inside the house through ductwork multiple times every day, toxic airborne spores released inside ducts can be effectively spread throughout the home by the system airflow.

Here are typical steps a professional utilizes to resolve water and mold in ductwork:

First the source of water/moisture must be identified and corrected.
Because most of the total span of ductwork installed inside a home is not readily accessible, visual inspection must be performed by a qualified mold remediation company with specialized tools and training to examine the entire extent of the system.
At locations where growing mold is verified, it must be physically removed from ductwork. EPA-approved fungicide is applied to disinfect affected duct surfaces as well as related components such as plenums, coils and drip pans. HEPA-filtered vacuums are also utilized to clean spans of ductwork where spores may accumulate.
After the cleaning procedure, aerosol mold and mildew inhibitor may be infused throughout the entire ductwork system.

If you suspect water and mold in ductwork inside your home, only a qualified mold remediation specialist can accurately confirm the problem and offer proven, effective solutions.

Rytech Restoration's Emergency Service Locations

Find your local Rytech Restoration below by clicking and expanding the state where your property is located. Live specialists are standing by, ready to answer your questions and dispatch a certified technician to your door.