Yesterday, we removed a baseboard (actually to fix a floorboard joint). During this, we discovered mold. We then immediately removed all other baseboards (MDF) and unfortunately found several more spots. In total, there are 10-12 baseboards affected. The photos show one baseboard that is most severely affected. There are also baseboards where only a small spot (about the size of a fingernail) can be seen along the entire length.
All affected areas are only on exterior walls. Since we have been ventilating well and the mold is not located at the top corners but only on the baseboards (and not in the plaster or wallpaper, as far as we can tell as laypersons), we believe the issue was caused by moisture from the screed due to the vapor barrier ending under the baseboards.
I have already spoken to a master painter who has had special mold training. He suggested removing the baseboards, spraying both the baseboards and the wall with an anti-mold agent, allowing it to dry, and then reinstalling the baseboards. According to him, having a specialist company treat the room with a fogger or other methods would just cause unnecessary costs. He considers the affected area too small to justify involving a specialist company.
Are there any experts here who could, based on experience, at least point me in one direction (specialist company / do-it-yourself)?
The house was built in 2017 and was handed over to us in summer 2017. Mold was found in the living room (ground floor), children’s room (upper floor), bedroom (upper floor), and guest room (attic - very minimal). No mold was found in the office in the attic. The floor in the attic was installed 2-3 weeks later than in the rest of the house. Perhaps this explains the lower level of contamination there.
All affected areas are only on exterior walls. Since we have been ventilating well and the mold is not located at the top corners but only on the baseboards (and not in the plaster or wallpaper, as far as we can tell as laypersons), we believe the issue was caused by moisture from the screed due to the vapor barrier ending under the baseboards.
I have already spoken to a master painter who has had special mold training. He suggested removing the baseboards, spraying both the baseboards and the wall with an anti-mold agent, allowing it to dry, and then reinstalling the baseboards. According to him, having a specialist company treat the room with a fogger or other methods would just cause unnecessary costs. He considers the affected area too small to justify involving a specialist company.
Are there any experts here who could, based on experience, at least point me in one direction (specialist company / do-it-yourself)?
The house was built in 2017 and was handed over to us in summer 2017. Mold was found in the living room (ground floor), children’s room (upper floor), bedroom (upper floor), and guest room (attic - very minimal). No mold was found in the office in the attic. The floor in the attic was installed 2-3 weeks later than in the rest of the house. Perhaps this explains the lower level of contamination there.
