Can Air Duct Systems become Contaminated with Mold?
Yes. Air duct systems can become contaminated with mold. Duct systems can be constructed of bare sheet metal, sheet metal with an exterior fibrous glass insulation, sheet metal with an internal fibrous glass liner, or made entirely of fibrous glass. If your home’s air duct system has had water damage, first identify the type of air duct construction that you have. Bare sheet metal systems or sheet metal with exterior fibrous glass insulation can be cleaned and disinfected.
Yes, air duct systems can become contaminated with mold, either by supporting mold growth inside (e.g., from a dirty or clogged air conditioning pan, due to over-humidification of system, etc.) or by being a means of circulating and distributing spores from one location to other parts of the home.
Ventilation and a duct systems can become contaminated with mold. (CAUTION: older duct systems may be asbestos insulated.) If your home’s air duct system has had water damage, first identify the type of air duct construction. Sheet metal systems, or sheet metal with exterior fibrous glass insulation, can be cleaned and disinfected. If the system is sheet metal with an internal fibrous glass liner, or are made entirely of fibrous glass, the ductwork normally will need to be removed and discarded. Ductwork in difficult locations may have to be abandoned. If you have other questions, contact an air duct cleaning professional, or licensed contractor. After I’ve cleaned everything as thoroughly as possible, can I still have mold odors? Odors can persist. Continue to dry out the area and search for any hidden areas of mold. If the area continues to smell musty, you may have to clean the area again. Continue drying and ventilating the area. Do not replace flooring or begin rebuilding until th
