ᐅ Mold in the Basement: Moisture From Below or Condensation Issue
Created on: 9 Aug 2021 11:40
T
Tassimat
Hello everyone,
Yesterday, I discovered a mold issue in my basement, as shown in the attached photo.
The wall is an exterior wall in a heated basement room that I use daily. The area around the baseboard is about 1.5m (5 feet) below ground level. In front of the baseboard, there was a cabinet and moving boxes placed very close to the wall, so there was almost no air circulation, although the room has large windows (mostly kept closed).
I haven’t had time yet to expose the area further, but I am wondering whether the problem is caused more by water coming from below or by water condensing on the cold exterior wall? It seems like water from below, but the opposite exterior wall in the room shows no signs of this issue, and it was not obstructed. Also, there shouldn’t be any water pooling outside the house, since the slope runs away from the building and there is a terrace above that area, which also directs water away.
What is the best way to determine the source of the mold problem? What should I look for when exposing the area? Do you have any tips?
Thank you very much
Tassimat
Yesterday, I discovered a mold issue in my basement, as shown in the attached photo.
The wall is an exterior wall in a heated basement room that I use daily. The area around the baseboard is about 1.5m (5 feet) below ground level. In front of the baseboard, there was a cabinet and moving boxes placed very close to the wall, so there was almost no air circulation, although the room has large windows (mostly kept closed).
I haven’t had time yet to expose the area further, but I am wondering whether the problem is caused more by water coming from below or by water condensing on the cold exterior wall? It seems like water from below, but the opposite exterior wall in the room shows no signs of this issue, and it was not obstructed. Also, there shouldn’t be any water pooling outside the house, since the slope runs away from the building and there is a terrace above that area, which also directs water away.
What is the best way to determine the source of the mold problem? What should I look for when exposing the area? Do you have any tips?
Thank you very much
Tassimat
Schimi1791 schrieb:
Hydrogen peroxide should (also) work against mold. It has a much less intense odor. Effective in the short term,
but not sustainable.
I use benzoic acid as a saturated solution in isopropyl alcohol (70%).
Simply spray the walls with it; this prevents new mold growth for several months.
Benzoic acid was even used in food in the past, so it is relatively harmless.
However, as an aerosol, it should not be inhaled because it can cause coughing fits.
Always wear respiratory protection and allow the solution to take effect!