How to Deal with Mould and Mildew on T-Bar Ceilings

Mould and mildew are not only unsightly but can also pose substantial health risks and cause long-term damage to your property. These issues often occur on T-bar ceilings in commercial buildings and basements. 

Maintaining a clean and safe environment necessitates promptly addressing microbial infestation. Today, we'll share some tips to prevent mould and mildew on the suspension system to keep your space healthy and attractive. 

Differences Between Mould and Mildew

Mould

Has a slimy, fuzzy texture. This texture is caused by mould spores' complex hyphae (thread-like structures) that extend into the material they colonize. 

• Depending on the species and surface, it can be black, green, blue, or red. 
• Spore pigmentation and the organic materials they break down cause colour variation.

Growth Patterns

Mould colonies form irregular patches which can grow quickly. It is difficult to remove because it penetrates porous materials like wood, drywall, and fabrics. Hyphae can burrow into these materials, weakening them and making cleaning insufficient. This deep growth requires complete material removal.

Causes

• Moulds thrive in damp, dark, and poorly ventilated environments. 
• Organic materials like wood, paper, and dust feed them. 
• It can release spores into the air, perpetuating the cycle and contaminating more.

Mildew

Mildew looks powdery or downy because its spores are finer and simpler. It causes white or gray patches on plant leaves, fabrics, and other moist surfaces.

Growth Patterns

Grows on damp, flat surfaces, and does not penetrate material. It grows uniformly and can spread over large areas, but it is less invasive. Its infestations usually cause less structural damage.

Causes

• Thrives in humid, poorly ventilated rooms such as bathrooms and basements.
• Can grow on inorganic surfaces if they stay damp for long periods. 
• Though mildew is easier to clean, its presence can indicate ventilation or humidity control issues that must be addressed to prevent recurrence.

Common Causes of Mould and Mildew on T-Bars

Other Causes

• Condensation. When warm, moist air meets a cold T-Bar ceiling, condensation occurs. Poorly insulated areas with large temperature fluctuations are prone to this. 
• Flooding. Ceilings can retain moisture after visible water is removed. This residual liquid presence can be hard to detect and cause microbial infestation long after flooding. 

Visual and Moisture Inspections



Doing Visual Inspection

This includes checking roof tiles for discolouration, stains, and unusual spots. Check for fuzzy patches or growths, which indicate fungal activity. Common moisture traps include:

1. Ceiling corners
2. Near air vents
3. Areas beneath pipes or HVAC systems

Visual inspection requires good lighting. Standard room lighting may not reveal all the details in dimly lit rooms. 

• For best results, inspect during daylight hours and use flashlight to inspect shadowed areas.
• Visual inspections focus on what you see, but the right tools can help you spot problems. 
• High moisture readings can indicate microbial infestation even without visible signs.

During Moisture Inspection

To inspect your ceilings, you can place meter probes on or into the tiles to measure liquid presence. Mould growth is likely if the ceiling moisture level is above 12-15% for most building materials.

• Thermal imaging is used to measure surface temperatures. Wet materials retain heat differently than dry ones, and these temperature differences may indicate liquid presence. 
• Special cameras can detect cold spots on T-bar ceilings that may indicate leaks. This helps find moisture behind ceiling tiles that a visual inspection may miss.

To prevent these fungi from growing, keep indoor humidity below 60%. During the moisture inspection, measure humidity in the T-Bar ceiling room. If humidity exceeds, improve ventilation or use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture.

Tools and Materials Needed for Inspection and Remediation

Checklist for Inspection

1. Moisture Meter. Helps to find hidden moisture in ceiling tiles and adjacent designs. Early intervention is possible by identifying mould-prone areas before visible signs appear.
2. Infrared Thermography Camera. This detects ceiling temperature anomalies. Non-invasive inspections with infrared thermography can identify problem areas without damaging the structure.
3. Hygrometer. This measures room humidity, which is essential to assess fungal growth.
4. Flashlight. A strong flashlight is needed for a thorough visual inspection, especially in low-light areas. It highlights ceiling tile discoloration and stains.
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Fungal spores are dangerous, so wear gloves, masks, and goggles. This also prevents cross-contamination.

Checklist for Remediation

1. Commercial Mould and Mildew Cleaners. These cleaners are tailored to the job. They deeply enter the surface to kill fungi and prevent regrowth.
2. Scrub Brushes. Cleaning surfaces with scrub brushes removes microbial infestation. Stubborn growths can be scrubbed away with stiff-bristled brushes, thoroughly cleaning the surface.
3. Disinfectants. After cleaning, disinfect any remaining spores with a disinfectant. This step ensures complete sanitization and prevents regrowth.
4. Sealant. Widely used to prevent moisture penetration. This prevents water from penetrating ceiling tiles. 
5. Dehumidifier. After remediation, a dehumidifier is a great option to lower room humidity. Lower humidity reduces fungal growth, preventing future issues.

When to Consider Professional Remediation Services

Indicators for Professional Help

Extent of Infestation

Professional remediation is recommended for infestations over 10 square feet. Large infestations are more complicated to contain and remove without proper equipment, and spores can spread during cleanup. 

Health Concerns

Consult professionals if building occupants have:

1. respiratory issues
2. allergic reactions
3. unexplained illnesses

Fungal contamination can cause allergens and toxins that worsen health issues, especially in preexisting conditions. A thorough remediation service can reduce the health risks of prolonged exposure and contact.

Structural Damage

When moisture-induced growth has penetrated and compromised the ceiling structure, professional services are needed. Removal and replacement of damaged materials may be necessary to ensure building safety. 

Professional Services Offered

Professional remediation usually begins with a thorough inspection. This includes visual assessments and advanced spore detection methods like air quality testing. 

Safe Removal

• Safely removing contamination requires specialized equipment and expertise. 
• In larger infestations, professionals use containment to prevent spore spread during removal. 
• They also have industrial-grade cleaning agents that work better than OTC products.

Restoration

• After removal, professionals can restore structural damage. 
• This includes replacing ceiling tiles, repairing damaged structures, and preventing mould and mildew growth. 
• Restoration ensures long-term protection by making the affected area safe and habitable.

Prevention Measures

Protect Home Structure With Reliable Construction 

Mould and mildew on ceilings require proactive treatment. Keeping these issues at bay and ensuring a safe environment requires regular maintenance and effective prevention strategies. If you have serious infestations or structural damage to your ceilings, it is best to have professionals handle the demolition and restoration. 



Vancouver Steel Stud Framing offers expert demolition and construction services in Canada. We can rebuild your damaged ceilings using hot dipped galvanized steel, bolt slot, and other sturdy material options to ensure structural integrity. We create a suspension system that match the current style of your room. 

Frequently Asked Questions