My Basement Wall Has Developed This In Recent Months This Is A Shared Wall Of A Twin Home But This Part Of The Wall Extends Past The Neighbor’s House And I Believe There Is Water Sitting On The Side Of The House Is This Mold
This is likely a combination of mold and efflorescence. Efflorescence occurs when moisture migrates through the concrete, picking up minerals along the way. Once the moisture reaches the surface, the water evaporates, leaving behind the mineral deposits. Because this is a product of water movement, often a small amount of mold growth is present as well. If the concrete wall is unfinished/uncovered, it will typically dry out on its own. However, youll need to fix the issue if you plan on finishing out this wall with framing, insulation, etc. The wall will inhibit dry out and lead to mold and rot damage to the framing.
Preventing moisture migration through a concrete foundation wall is accomplished by a combination of the following. 1.) redirecting downspouts away from the home. 2.) Installing a waterproof membrane on the interior side of the foundation wall. 3.) Installing an interior footing drain and sump pump at the base of the foundation wall.
What Are Some Mold Remediation Actions
There are some basic actions you can take in stopping mold before it gets away. Some suggested steps are:
Most forms of mold are relatively harmless to humans unless youve had prolonged exposure or have a sensitivity like mold allergies. The exception is a black, toxic mold called Stachybotrys chartarum that can be lethal under some circumstances. Stachybotrys appears as a dark green to jet black mass of dots. If your mold colony looks like that, make sure you take personal precautions in handling this pathogen.
Recommended personal protective equipment for handling all moldy products should include:
Protective clothing like disposable coveralls or old clothes that can be discarded
Dust mask or for black mold, wear an N-95 rated respirator
Gloves like rubber or surgical, disposable types
Goggles that fit tightly around the eyes to guard against splash
Identifying and cleaning up after experiencing a mold problem is not a pleasant experience. Despite the possible health hazards, mold remediation can be time-consuming, not to mention extremely expensive. Some mold infestations are so severe, occupants are forced to move out and then struggle with insurance companies to compensate them for repairs to the damage.
Can A Small Portable Oil Diffuser Be The Cause Of Mold In The Corner Of The Ceiling Above Location Of Diffuser
No, but the particulate released by the diffuser can certainly cause staining on the ceiling. As indoor air quality specialists, were a bit uncomfortable with diffusers . Youre pumping something unnatural into the air and subsequently breathing it. The oils themselves may be natural, but the inhalation of them is not. Use good judgement and dont overdo it.
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How Mold And Mildew Affect Your Home
Mold needs to consume something to survive, and its perfectly happy eating your house if you let it. Some molds and mildews are fond of the cellulose in the paper backing on drywall, insulation and wallpaper. Others have a ravenous appetite for the glues used to bond carpet to its backing. Left unchecked, mold eventually destroys the parts of the drywall, wallpaper and carpet it attacks.
But many molds just like to feast on the every day dust and dirt that gather in the perpetually moist regions of your house. They wont destroy your house, but they can sure make it look, feel and smell bad. Mold can mar your walls with white spider weblike growths or clusters of small black specks. It creates the smell we often refer to as musty. This white mold in a basement can be slippery and dangerous when it grows on damp basement stairs. Molds rarely go so far as to rot wood or do structural damagetheyll leave that to their fungal cousinsbut they can wreak plenty of havoc. We cant overemphasize that mold needs moisture to get established, grow and reproduce. Mold problems and longstanding moisture or high humidity conditions go hand in hand. To conquer mold, you must also conquer moisture problems. Fig. B shows common hangouts for mold and some steps you can take to minimize its growth and the damage it inflicts.
Cleanup And Removal Methods
The purpose of cleanup is to eliminate mold and remove contaminated materials. Killing mold with a biocide is insufficient, since chemical substances and proteins causing reactions in humans remain in dead mold. The following methods are used.
Equipment used in mold remediation includes:
- Moisture meter to measure drying of damaged materials
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Use Fans To Send Moisture Outside
If your home has kitchen, bathroom or window fans that vent the moist air outside, use them when you cook or take a shower. If you do not have fans, open a window when you cook or shower, cover pots when cooking, and try to take cool, short showers. Dry clothing on a clothesline outside or use a clothes dryer that vents air outdoors.
Figure C: The Smart Way To Get Rid Of Moldy Building Materials
The key to removing moldy materials is containment and thoroughness. Seal off the area. Create a crude air lock door to contain spores and dust by covering the opening with a sheet of poly slit in the center, then cover that with another sheet or flap. Wear a respirator and work slowly and surely. Double-bag or wrap all materials, then wash all remaining hard surfaces with a 1/2 percent bleach solution and let dry.
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Where To Check For Mold In Your Kitchen
From long-forgotten leftovers in the back of your fridge to the not so easily forgotten dishes that pile up in the sink, there are ample surfaces for mold to take up residence in your kitchen. The added levels of humidity from using the stove and running hot water from the sink can cause kitchen mold to grow quickly. Some of the most common places to check for mold in the kitchen include:
Preventing Mold On Glass Window Panes
Can mold grow on glass?
The glass panes of windows are not organic and should not cause the formation of mold. However, if the glass panes have not been dusted regularly, it can lead to mold inside the window pane.
Additionally, if moisture is trapped between the double panes of a window, this can cause mold between glass panes. Specifically, mold can in fact grow on windows and usually, moisture accumulates there if your window seal is broken. At this point, you may need to consider getting new windows installed because you cant clean between the window panes.
Moisture often collects between the glass panes of a double-paned window or on the indoor side of a window pane. The warm air indoors is cooled when it comes into contact with the cooler window panes, causing condensation. These double paned windows tend to look cloudy or foggy when condensation forms between the panes.
You can prevent the formation of mold on window panes by keeping the glass panes dry and dust free. Additionally, you can reduce the condensation on window panes by reducing the humidity indoors by using a humidifier.
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Common Culprits That Cause Mold In Homes
- Flooding can bring a huge amount of water into your home, causing severe water damage and possibly mold growth within 24-48 hours. Calling a professional restoration company immediately after the disaster is your best chance of mitigating water damage and preventing mold growth.
- Increased humidity can occur in homes in many ways humid weather, continuous rain, cooking, showering, etc. To help prevent mold growth in your home, make sure your house is well-ventilated and keep the humidity below 55 percent.
- Insufficient ventilation leads to increased humidity, and thus, to mold growth and other problems like indoor pollution. Make sure to open doors and/or windows when practical and to use fans as needed.
- Leaking pipes are a common problem in homes and must be fixed immediately. Oftentimes, leaks are hidden from view, such as inside walls, so make sure to inspect walls for water stains regularly.
- Roof leaks are also a way for water to seep into your home and cause mold. If you see water stains on the ceiling, check for water damage in the attic and have your roof inspected and fixed as soon as possible.
- Condensation occurs when warm moisture-laden air comes in contact with cold surfaces. Condensation can be visible on walls, windows, concrete floors, or metal pipes. Reduce condensation by adjusting the humidity in your home.
- Basements provide excellent mold growth conditions due to poor ventilation, cooler temperatures , and frequent water leaks and flooding.
Is This Mold If So What Do I Need To Do And How Can I Prevent This From Happening Again This Is In My 1st Floor Dining Room Directly Above This Room Is My Laundry Room Which Has Tile Flooring I Dont See Water Damage In The Floor
Yes, this looks like mold growth. Its likely from a slight leak from the laundry room above. If you dont see damage on the floor, it is coming from the supply or drain lines in the wall. Id check for leaks around the shutoff valves . I also would check the drain line where the waste pipe goes into the wall.
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Hi We Are Looking Into Purchasing This Home In Vt Sellers Say This Addition Was Put On In 2007 No One Has Lived In The Home For 3 Years They Believe The Mold Was Caused From High Humidity And No Dehumidifier Ive Been Researching And Everything I Read Says Not To Use Recessed Lights On Cathedral Ceilings There Is A Newer Metal Roof But I Do Not See Any Soffits Or Vents The Downstairs Now Has Mold On The Furniture And Walls But I Can Wipe It Of With My Hand Any Suggestions Thanks
The mold growth is quite heavy for humidity alone. Its possible, but it would require an extraordinary amount of moisture i.e. long term water leak below. It would be highly unusual for a vacant home to accumulate this much mold growth without an active water/roof leak.
One possibility is dripping from condensation in the roof assembly. An unvented metal roof with can lights below can become completely saturated. In severe cases, this can drip down onto the ceiling. Note, this would only occur in an occupied home. Either way, I recommend identifying the type of insulation they used. Also, make sure the can lights are AT rated. Additionally, look for rubber gaskets on the trim rings. This case is significant enough to warrant a professional inspection.
How To Prevent Mold On Window Sills
Exactly what kind of mold grows on window sills? Window sills in most houses are either made of wood or aluminum. While mold requires the presence of organic matter and humidity to grow, it can be found on both wood and aluminum window sills.
The mold uses the organic matter present in household dust for sustenance. On aluminum sills, the mold around windows causes dust to settle and combines with moisture, creating the perfect environment for mold.
So, what causes mold around window sills? Mold around window sills is commonly caused by dampness trapped in small crevices in or near the perimeter of the window, creating spores of mold and mildew. On wooden sills, the mold and mildew grow on the wood substrate as well.
In order to prevent this, you can paint wooden sills using a high gloss paint that protects the wood. Make sure you regularly dust your window sills as well, particularly when its been damp.
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Who Is Most At Risk For Health Problems Associated With Exposure To Mold
People with allergies may be more sensitive to molds. People with immune suppression or underlying lung disease are more susceptible to fungal infections. Individuals with chronic respiratory disease may experience difficulty breathing. Individuals with immune suppression are at increased risk for infection from molds. If you or your family members have these conditions, a qualified medical clinician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment.
For Help Find The Causes Of Mold In Your Home
If youve got a mold problem in your home and arent sure what caused it or how to prevent a problem from recurring in the future, we recommend consulting with a mold remediation professional. A trained and experienced professional will visit your home, inspect the areas affected by mold, explain the conditions necessary to remedy the problem, and advise you on what you can do to prevent future problems. Many mold remediation professionals offer free in-home consultations, so you have nothing to lose by making an appointment. Even if you want to take care of cleaning up a mold problem yourself, you can benefit from some professional advice about the molds removal and how to prevent future problems. To find professionals offering free in-home consultations in your area, just follow the link.
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I Have A 3 Story Home With An Attached Garage Off To The Side Which Has It’s Own Roof Above And Inside My Garage I’m Seeing Mold In Two Different Areas But No Water Stains At All Any Clue Why
Mold in a garage is fairly unusual. Are you seeing mold on the ceiling or somewhere else? What region of the country are you located in?
If the mold is on the garage door, its due to condensation from excess humidity in the winter. Installing a low-CFM constant flow bath fan in the exterior wall will solve the problem.
If the mold is on the ceiling, I recommend investigating it as a roof leak. Mold due to condensation is very unusual in the garage because there is typically no moisture source .
I Heard About Toxic Molds And Black Molds That Grow In Homes And Other Buildings Should I Be Concerned About A Serious Health Risk To Me And My Family
There is always a little mold everywhere in the air and on many surfaces.
Certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins . Hazards presented by molds that may produce mycotoxins should be considered the same as other common molds which can grow in your house. Not all fungi produce mycotoxins and even those that do will not do so under all surface or environmental conditions.
Mold growth, which often looks like spots, can be many different colors, and can smell musty. Color is not an indication of how dangerous a mold may be. Any mold should be removed and the moisture source that helped it grow should be removed.
There are very few reports that toxigenic molds found inside homes can cause unique or rare health conditions such as pulmonary hemorrhage or memory loss. These case reports are rare, and a causal link between the presence of the toxigenic mold and these conditions has not been proven.
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We Discovered Mold In Our Ac And Had An Ac Company Do A Full Duct Cleaning And Install Uv Lights In The Duct System We Had Found Mold On Our Clothes In Our Drawers And On Our Walls However They Were Barely Visible After The Duct Cleaning Was Completed I Went Upstairs Where We Usually Never Go And Looked At The Shower Ceiling To Find This I Smell An Off Smell In That Bathroom Upstairs Right Above The Bathtub And I Am Very Afraid That This Mold May Have Penetrated The Walls At This Point Can You Please Tell Me If This Is A Bigger Issue Than Just Mold Caused By High Humidity I Sprayed It With Concrobium And It Appears To Have Gotten Rid Of It For Now
Based on your description, this certainly sounds like humidity/condensation based mold growth. You need to lower the humidity levels in your home. In your climate , humidity reduction is typically accomplished by your air conditioner. If you dont have A/C, I highly recommend adding it to your home. If you already have air conditioning installed, the unit is either undersized or failing to strip the humidity from the air. Higher a competent HVAC contractor to evaluate your system. Duct cleaning and UV lights are not a long term answer. Those should not be necessary. I recommend hiring a different contractor to evaluate the system. If the system is properly sized and installed correctly, it should have no problem preventing mold growth in your home.
Causes Of Mold On Outside Of The House
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