Maj Sandeep A
Facility Manager, Emrill Services LLC, on site at Downtown Burj Dubai
How is fungus formation on glass wool based, fabric covered acoustic panels removed?
I have a small theatre, wherein the acoustic panels on the walls are made of glass wool boards covered with synthetic fabric. Probably due to humidity (though it should not occur in an airconditioned environment), the panels have suddenly developed some sort of fungus-like sporadic growth. There is no malodor to support this, but the nevertheless, stains have appeared. We have tried using all regular cleaning agents so far, but with no success. Can anyone help me in this regard, to advise of any tried methods/agents?
Answers (9)
Do you know the manufacturer of the panels, most of these types of panels are now mildew resistant. by sporadic fungus growth is it black in one area or on all the panels. You can and should have it tested. For your customers and staff safety.
There can be a single or multiple reasons.. Could there we mositure seeping in to the wall through a leak and wicking out.
I think you first have to identify the problem (source) have someone help put together an actions plan ( test controls).
If it is one are where mositure is coming in from behind take a piece of aluminum foil adhere it to the fabric surface pind or tape then in the morning see if there is residual moisture.
Clarification added 11 months ago:
Is all the mold horizontal ? Does any of the AC piping run over the area and the pipes be sweating, if uninsulated. A timeline ould also be helpful new building, older building when did it show up. Where there any changes in climate controls.
Clarification added 11 months ago:
By is the mold hoizontal I just mean is the mold only on the panels vertically or is ther spotting anywhere else ceiling corners. The other problem is even if you find a cleaner sometimes special UV lights can be you still have to find the original cause.
Freek B
Enthousiastic, adventurous, creative, hands-on, visionary, experienced people manager and Human Kinetic Technologist
Have you tried vinegar?
Ahmad A
Director of Operations
Best Answers in: Commercial Real Estate (1), Facilities Management (1)
Maj,
How old is the mold, did it penetrate the work to the base? if not you need to hipa vacuum the wool and then apply an anti micro bale agent and dry while reducing humidity. Moreover you need to seal off the area so that the Mold/fungus does not spread to other areas. If you need more assistance please let me know.
In order to limit your liability exposure, get the situation reviewed by a mold/remediation services provider in your area. Check the yellow pages for listings. You may have to spend some money upfront for the treatment, but in the long haul, you realize savings and avoid potential lawsuits(assuming your theater is based is based in the US).
Clarification added 11 months ago:
If your theater is located outside the US, I would still have the situation reviewed firsthand, by a mold expert to get a comprehensive recommendation to your problem.
Hugo O
Business Value Consultant and Owner at ProfIT Solutions
Best Answers in: Project Management (1)
Hi. An interesting tip is that fungus die at hot temperatures. During a storm, a simulation center with a 20 computer cluster on out Medical University got humid and developed some fungus on the walls. They cleaned beforehand and managed to put the heat on to max for 24 hours and solved the problem. Here in Monterrey, we are used to have temperatures near 40 C (104 F), so it's not a problem to do that. Good luck.
I would suggest that the glasswool has absorbed some moisture whih has travelled through the thickness and appeared on the synthetic fabric. Try a solution of vinegar and water 1:10 and spot-check on an inconspicuous area, however I would also remove a panel and investigate behind the glasswool to determine the cause and rectify. Should the cleaning fail I would recover with a hardier fabric
I had some luck with enzyme based cleaner. The type you can buy in a pet store to remove animal urine smell. There are several on the market. Obviously check the product in a small area first.
Another option is to rub borax into the panel, leave for a few days and then vacumn. Again test in a small area.
I used these techniques to remove fungus/mildew from inside my car. It took several trys but eventually worked.
Good luck!
Maj
you can contact Pter Lytle, who I am suggesting below. The products he sells will certainly address the problem and improve overall air quality. You may need to spend some time with him in regard to the square footage and cubic footage of the facility in question. Ask him specifically about RCI related products.
I am sure he will have no problem shipping to you either.
Links:
David G also suggests this expert on this topic:
John M
AVP Operations Mumbai at Jones Lang LaSalle
Best Answers in: Facilities Management (4), Purchasing (1), Personnel Policies (1), Staffing and Recruiting (1), Business Development (1), Quality Management and Standards (1), Computers and Software (1)
Glass wool is an excellent moisture retainer and has been found in laboratory experiments to hold moisture for up to 16 days. As dust gathers due to continuous usage along with the high humidity content in the conditioned space, provide the right conditions for growth of fungi and mold.
Also check for any kind of leakage behind the panels that could be a cause of the high moisture content.
The growth of mold/fungi could be reduced to a great extent if the root cause (moisture source) is taken care of.
To remove the mold already on the panels, vinegar could be used. A good source of heat could be used to remove any residual moisture from the panels before putting them back into place.
