Problem Overview
Our senior estimator and project management team completed exploratory work at a Brooklyn, NY property after concerns were raised about damaged sheetrock in the North bedroom ceiling on the top floor.
The inspection revealed a serious and long-standing moisture problem. Significant mold contamination was found in the ceiling plywood, joists, and insulation. The affected area also showed multiple openings and deterioration along the roof line, which had allowed moisture to repeatedly enter the structure over time.
A NY State Licensed Mold Abatement Supervisor confirmed that the contamination was severe. The mold present included black mold, along with a secondary mold type that had developed in the same continuously damp environment. Because of the depth of contamination, the affected materials could not simply be cleaned on the surface and required full remediation.
Solution and Scope of Work
The first step was full containment of the work area to prevent any spread of spores into the rest of the home. The crew sealed the North bedroom ceiling zone using heavy 6 mil plastic sheeting, creating an isolated containment chamber. Inside this controlled environment, HEPA-filtered negative air scrubbers ran continuously for three days to keep airborne particles at a safe level.
Once the area was stabilized, we removed approximately 35 square feet of ceiling drywall to fully expose the roof plywood and joists. This allowed direct access to the contaminated structural members. A controlled misting process was used to suppress dust and airborne spores during removal work.
The wood framing was then carefully treated. Contaminated material was mechanically removed through controlled grinding and shaving to eliminate mold penetration within the porous surfaces. All waste was securely bagged and sealed before removal from the property. Surfaces that required additional treatment were wire-brushed and sanitized, followed by HEPA vacuum cleaning of all exposed areas.
After physical remediation, all remaining surfaces were treated with EPA-registered antimicrobial solutions and a mold-inhibiting protective coating. This step ensured that any remaining microscopic spores were neutralized and future growth would be prevented. Where ceiling sections had been opened, new R-30 insulation was installed and the drywall was restored to prepare the area for final finishing.
Because the mold damage had been present for an extended period, some structural reinforcement was also required. The affected wood was stabilized using professional-grade wood restoration products, and additional support was added where necessary by sistering new plywood to strengthen compromised sections of the roof structure.
Exterior Waterproofing Work
After addressing the interior damage, the exterior roof section above the North bedroom was evaluated as the source of ongoing moisture intrusion. Waterproofing work was carried out on the North-West portion of the roof using materials compatible with the existing roofing system.
This step ensured that the repaired interior area would not be exposed to future water infiltration. The goal was to eliminate the root cause of the damage, not just the visible symptoms inside the home.
Results
Once the work was completed, all visible mold contamination was removed and the affected structural areas were stabilized. The ceiling system was rebuilt with new insulation and drywall, and the roof section above was properly sealed to prevent further water entry. Indoor conditions were restored to a clean, dry, and structurally sound state.
The home was left free of visible contamination and ready for final interior finishing work. This project is protected by a 40-year warranty with no exclusions, covering both remediation and structural waterproofing work performed in the affected areas.