Mold Removal - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

saskflames69 · 08-01-2011, 10:34 PM

I need to know how to remove a small patch of black mold that has accumulated between the baseboards and drywall.. it doesn't cover a large area but we still haven't checked beneath the carpet. Should I call a mold specialist or is it possible to remove it on your own?

By the way, this is in a basement with no previous history of being flooded. I think it's from a leaky pipe that got fixed over a year ago but we just discovered it today.

EDIT: We cleaned it up, checked under the carpet, no signs of mold there. Just to be safe we called in a guy to come tomorrow and check it out.

Rathji · 08-01-2011, 10:38 PM

I honestly can't remember where I heard this (maybe it was here on CP with a mold problem I had once), so take it with a grain of salt.

If the leak was fixed and hasn't recurred and you can remove all forms of external mold (including carpet) then I think leaving the possible of mold inside the wall alone is the safest thing to do.

Bill Bumface · 08-01-2011, 11:09 PM

There is a special cleaner that you should use on the framing and any other wood in that area, I can't remember the name off the top of my head.

Also, clean a good ways beyond the visible mold.

puckluck · 08-01-2011, 11:20 PM

I'd call a professional.

When my basement flooded and mold formed there was so much that we missed that we found after tearing up the drywall.

I think a professional can assess the situation better and let you know if there is any mold forming in places you didn't know without having to tear stuff apart (or keep the tearing apart to a minimum)

afc wimbledon · 08-02-2011, 12:51 AM

I would pull out the dry wall and the insulation underneath to a foot or so either side of the mold and the leak (I am assuming the leak is above the mold in the same basic area) essentially uncover the area, it gives you a chance to see how far the moisture has gone, let it dry out (summer is good weather for this) then replace the insulation, put on the vapour barrier, tack tape and drywall, it is a very easy job even over a fairly large area.

Drywall is just a big bloody sponge you will likely find moisture over quite a ways and it is best to get it out.

Shin Pad · 08-02-2011, 01:24 AM

Mould can grow due to moisture - it doesn't necessarily have to be a leak. If there was no leak, I would suspect that you have condensation on the back side of the drywall, which is causing the mould. The condensation could be caused by lack of vapour ######er or a vapour ######er which isn't sealed properly or has holes in it. If you have determined that the vapour ######er (polyethylene sheet), behind the gypsum board is the problem, make sure you fix it before you replace the gypsum board in that location. Also, make sure you have sufficient insulation behind the vapour ######er (on the cold side).

Another place that the moisture could be coming from, is through the floor slab - at the perimeter where it meets the wall. It could just be moist migrating from the soil below, or you could have water coming in at that location. This could be a result of having a high water table around your house (unlikely), or maybe the weeping tile around the house is plugged and you have rain water or melting snow, which isn't draining properly around your house.

So, if you have mould, make sure you determine the cause before you do any repairs.

Oh - to kill mould, bleach is very effective.

To Be Quite Honest · 08-02-2011, 02:52 AM

Mix borax and water. Rub on the paste and once it is COMPLETELY dry vacuum it all up. The mold should vacuum up with the borax. This worked really well for my bathroom.

DuffMan · 08-02-2011, 08:17 AM

I use this for all of my mold removal needs...

You can get it anywhere.
Like someone else said though, if it was in your drywall, you might just want to replace it.

DuffMan · 08-02-2011, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by To Be Quite Honest

Mix borax and water. Rub on the paste and once it is COMPLETELY dry vacuum it all up. The mold should vacuum up with the borax. This worked really well for my bathroom.

I'd be worried about the mold making it through your vacuum filter, and then just getting spread around from the exhaust.

Kybosh · 08-02-2011, 08:23 AM

There is a very good chance that you'll have to replace the drywall, vapor barrier and insulation. Depending on where the problem is, you might have a problem with moisture or maybe a small crack/leak in your foundation. It would be a pain, but getting a professional to scope it out might save you a lot of headaches in the long run.

saskflames69 · 08-02-2011, 02:11 PM

It's not on the visible part of the wall, only the small area that was covered up by baseboards 2 inches tall. Would it still be worth it to check behind the wall?

afc wimbledon · 08-02-2011, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saskflames96

It's not on the visible part of the wall, only the small area that was covered up by baseboards 2 inches tall. Would it still be worth it to check behind the wall?

I would, if the mold is an indication that moisture has leaked down the wall then the area above is just as effed up and will have mold just you can't see it yet.

To Be Quite Honest · 08-02-2011, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DuffMan

I'd be worried about the mold making it through your vacuum filter, and then just getting spread around from the exhaust.

Mold will be dead. If your vacuum sucks... I mean if your vacuum blows, and it is a concern then don't do it. However, it worked fantastic. Mind you this was on tile and not drywall.

Also borax underneath your garbage bag if you have a garbage can. Keeps any smell at bay.

Borax mixed with cornmeal is a great way to get rid of ants.

Snort Cocaine? Try Borax! Work wonders for that buzz you've been looking for!

BurningYears · 08-02-2011, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by To Be Quite Honest

Mold will be dead. If your vacuum sucks... I mean if your vacuum blows, and it is a concern then don't do it. However, it worked fantastic. Mind you this was on tile and not drywall.

Also borax underneath your garbage bag if you have a garbage can. Keeps any smell at bay.

Borax mixed with cornmeal is a great way to get rid of ants.

Snort Cocaine? Try Borax! Work wonders for that buzz you've been looking for!

Bill Bumface · 08-02-2011, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by To Be Quite Honest

Mold will be dead.

Dead mold and spores flying around is the part that is bad for your health

To Be Quite Honest · 08-02-2011, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

Dead mold and spores flying around is the part that is bad for your health

lol...

saskflames69 · 08-02-2011, 05:34 PM

We called the Got Mold? guy, they're so backed up right now they may be 4 or 5 days. Would putting a dehumidifier in the room release spores? And I looked at photos of mold damage online and they're much worse than what I've got.

killer_carlson · 08-02-2011, 07:19 PM

hmmmmmm

I'd be wondering if it should be called "rot" instead of "mold".

saskflames69 · 08-02-2011, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

hmmmmmm

I'd be wondering if it should be called "rot" instead of "mold".

It's mold. All that residue on the left is very light mold and that black patch is black mold.

dustyanddaflames · 08-02-2011, 09:52 PM

I used bleach on our curling rink back home, mixed in with water. Within 10 minutes the mold has disappeared and the paint had looked like it had a fresh coat on it. You'll have to search the internet for the mixing strength, but it really worked well.