Questions tagged [mold]
Preventing, identifying, or treating mold infestations in the home.
354
questions
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2answers
32 views
Should I put a moisture barrier between a single ply of pressure treated (PT) plywood and a second non-PT ply when constructing a shed?
I am building a shed. The floor consists of 4x4 PT runners, 2x8 PT girders, and 3/4" PT Plywood flooring.
Anytime in the past, when I have laid PT lumber next to non-PT lumber, there is mold/...
7
votes
7answers
4k views
I've moved into a new apartment for a while. Is this mold? Is it safe to continue live here?
I've moved into a new apartment for a while. Lately, I found these molds on my things. Is it safe to continue living here? Do you think a dehumidifier will solve this problem? I don't want all of my ...
0
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2answers
47 views
Need to know if this is mold?
I’m being told this is not mold that it is just dirt.
There was a leak as well as a smell to this.
Would like to know if this is mold?
0
votes
1answer
41 views
Can I use dehumidifier to tackle mouldy bathroom
we had a new bathroom built as an extension about 20 years ago. It didn't have any wallpaper or anything on it for a while, just the exposed brown plaster. It was painted using water based paint a few ...
0
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0answers
55 views
If a dirty Merv-13 Furnace Filter is still passing air does that mean it is still catching allergens like mold spores?
I built a DIY air filter by fitting a Merv-13 air filter inside a cardboard box. It's held in place by wood strips cut and glued to the box and I cut a hole for a 200mm case fan with a 12v power ...
-1
votes
2answers
48 views
Can I use an unplugged freezer as storage if I leave it open overnight? [closed]
My concern would be moisture buildup/mold. But if I leave it open overnight, maybe that would be enough to prevent mold?
0
votes
2answers
21 views
Vapor barrier on heated entertainment shed
i am building an 8x10 entertainment shed with a loft for kids to hang out and have sleepovers in, i will be heating it. I have tyvek and t1-11 it is on 4x4 skids on top of the Concrete patio and has 3/...
0
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1answer
41 views
How to prevent mold in ceiling below upstairs bathroom
TLDR;
Had previous mold issues in kitchen ceiling due to frequent leaks from upstairs bathroom.
Source of leaks resolved to the best of our ability, but long term permanent fix probably some years out....
0
votes
1answer
53 views
Raised black line in basement drywall
Does anyone know what this is?
My best guesses are either some type of mold or something insect related. This is on drywall in a finished basement connected to an exterior wall. I live in Chicago, in ...
2
votes
2answers
59 views
Do I need to remove tub to fix the subfloor? [closed]
I had hired a flooring company to replace vinyl with new tiles. When they removed the underlayment, it turned out there was some mold on the subfloor near the tub (see pics). The flooring guy said ...
0
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2answers
48 views
When removing siding with a mildew smell, and then replacing it, should I wrap the house in something airtight first?
I have a home built in the late 1960s in Massachusetts. The prior owner covered the house with vinyl, which was not done with care. Water gets behind the vinyl. The cedar wood clapboard and trim is ...
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2answers
44 views
Is this black mold/wall damage fixable without professional help?
Renting an apartment, had a bad flood last year, restoration company came and left (and forgot about) an industrial fan for 6 weeks, afterwards they said everything should be fine. Bookcase was not ...
0
votes
1answer
17 views
Prevent *minor* leak from kitchen faucet base
I noticed a small amount of mold (or mildew) on the dry wall under my kitchen sink. I don't know how long it's been there, or how long it's taken it to get there, but I cleaned it up with some ...
1
vote
1answer
62 views
Safe & chemical free way to clean AC coils?
My ac system last had regular maintenance/inspection 9 months ago. Normally I have it done every 6 months but due to coronavirus the company I have a warranty with isn't honoring their warranty. And ...
1
vote
2answers
128 views
Why is my new pine fence turning black? Can I stain right over it without creating a bigger future headache?
We put in a new pine fence about 2-3 months ago.
(Southern Yellow Pine, from Lowes. They called it “Severe Weather Pressure Treated Pine”)
I have been trying to stain/seal it for the past month and a ...
2
votes
1answer
37 views
Shower grout moisture prevention coating
I am wondering if there is a coating, seal, paint or whatever product that I can apply to the grout between shower tiles to prevent mold?
The junction between the shower tiles of my shower pit has ...
0
votes
3answers
49 views
Mold growth in home
My home is a mold catastrophe. My fiancé was sick for a year and we got an air quality test and it tested the highest level. I started ripping the house apart and found that there was mold in three ...
0
votes
1answer
54 views
How to paint a small bathroom with very poor ventilation?
Amateur here, just trying to do his best.
How to paint a small bathroom with very poor ventilation?
I imagine I'd want a paint that seals the paint behind it (which has been prone to a little mold), ...
0
votes
1answer
62 views
White mold or fungus on PT lumber
I'm building a wooden fence and have a number of 4x4 pressure treated lumber stacked neatly in my garage. I've been pulling posts from the stack as I work on the fence over the last 4 weeks. When I ...
0
votes
0answers
47 views
Condensation on HVAC, mold on joists/subfloor in basement
I have heavy condensation on the plenum and supply line near an exterior wall/window in my unfinished basement. I have mold and moisture on my subfloor and joists just in this 3 sections. I sealed up ...
0
votes
2answers
67 views
Does the mold on this bathroom panel look like it can be washed off?
I previously asked this question
Is this mold or some other substance?
Anybody know what material the bathrooom side panel is and does it look like the moldor whatever substances can simply be washed ...
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1answer
41 views
How should I contain mold contaminated items?
I previously asked this question
Is this mold or some other substance?
where I discovered some mold behind a bathroom panel. The sensible thing to do would be to just throw the mold contaminated ...
0
votes
3answers
73 views
Is this mold or some other substance?
My bath tub side panel was not sealed and it seems water has been splashing in causing some damage.
I always thought mold would have to smell musky however the damage doesnt smell musky. I previously ...
0
votes
0answers
39 views
Rot or mold on the underside of deck
Anyone know what this stuff is?
Had boards similar looking to these on our deck two months back, ripped the bad boards out, but the neighboring boards acquired the same ailment since then. Ripped ...
0
votes
2answers
30 views
How to properly re-caulk this shower?
The caulking in my shower was old and had some mold stains, so I removed it and am planning to re-caulk. After removing the old caulking, I noticed that parts of the removed silicon (the ones removed ...
0
votes
1answer
39 views
How to determine if damp smell, marks, cracks, mould, on internal walls is from; rising damp : condensation or other
I live on the ground floor of an art deco complex, with 2 apartments above me.
We have lived here for almost 13 years and have never had a problem with damp / mould issues....other than our bathroom ...
1
vote
2answers
84 views
Bottom few inches of drywall got wet, but wall looks fine. Do I have to replace that drywall?
So my basement bathroom backed up, and some water (mild sewage too I guess) spilled to floor, and made its way under the wall. I have sprayed enough mold killer, and Clorox to kill an elephant, and ...
0
votes
3answers
97 views
Humidity levels in new basement are high
I'm currently living in a new build in Ottawa Ontario for which I took possession in February 2020 ( I've been here for about 5 months ). The humidity levels in my basement have gone gangbusters in ...
0
votes
2answers
75 views
Do these pictures suggest mold is growing behind walls?
Seeking advise on mold.
This wall isn’t hard, feels kind of soft to knock. Do u know what material it is and can mold hi through it?
You can see in the pics I peeled it and it just revealed more ...
0
votes
2answers
44 views
Mold in tub caulking
I have mold/mould in the caulk/grout of my tub. Before I go about re-caulking it, I want to try killing it.
I've seen sources say to use vinegar or bleach but are these sources correct? I've also seen ...
0
votes
1answer
54 views
If mold is pushing cracking through paint, does it mean its inside the wall?
Image is not real but a rough idea of whats happening. As you can see the paint is cracking because mold is growing behind it and pushing out. If the mold was coming from the room I imagine it would ...
0
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2answers
36 views
Looking for feedback on prep & paint plan for moldy wood siding
I'm getting ready to paint my cabin this summer and I was hoping to get a reality check on the order of sequence. I've painted houses inside and out before but they were new, and this is a bit ...
0
votes
1answer
12 views
Can moisture travel through a microporous filler and fuel mould growth?
I would like to use this product to fill holes due to it bring good for sensitive people: https://auropaint.co.uk/product/natural-wall-filler-no-329/
However it says that it is micro poros which ...
1
vote
1answer
62 views
How should I clean mold from studs?
I found a water leak behind my refrigerator. It was about 3 feet wide a 1 foot high. I pulled the drywall and I'm running a blower and dehumidifier in the kitchen.
The studs have some mold on them. ...
0
votes
1answer
27 views
Can mould be leaking through pipes cracks/holes?
I know that mold is definately leaking through some of the deep holes in my flat. You can see brick in the holes as well as space for air to travel.
Can pipes with cracks and holes behind them also ...
0
votes
1answer
39 views
Do you need to do a damp test?
I have mold smells coming from the various hole in my flat. My landlord inspected the property and said we can't see it but are willing to cover all the cracks and holes for you.
I said you can't see ...
1
vote
0answers
41 views
Why is the bathroom ventilator constantly running?
Recently due to an outdoor smell which is making me ill I've had to close all my windows in my small 1 bedroom flat.
I now notice the bathroom ventilator is constantly running whereas before it used ...
0
votes
1answer
31 views
Metal roof over mold, lichens, moss
I want to install a metal roof over my single layer shingle one on my unheated garage. It has mold and MOSS and lichens. Can I put a metal roof over mold and moss and lichens?
1
vote
2answers
68 views
consumer-grade modified atmosphere storage?
I hope this is the best forum to ask this question on:
Where we live, mould is basically inevitable on anything that we put into storage for more than a few weeks, esp. on sensitive things like shoes....
0
votes
0answers
31 views
How to diagnose damp coming up through cracks?
I'm suspecting that my flat may have a damp and mould problem coming up through cracks etc and into my airspace. I definitely know in one room there is damp underneath the floorboards though I ...
0
votes
0answers
48 views
Can this cabinet piece be repaired?
I had damp and mold develop behind kitchen cabinets.
The mold penetrated all over a backboard and I got rid of it. Then there is this bottom surface. You can see it’s all gone black. The ...
0
votes
1answer
40 views
Does primer normally separate in to different colors, or is this mold growing in it?
I have two five gallon buckets of Sherwin Williams PVA Drywall Primer & Sealer which is about a year and a half old. One is a partial bucket and the other is sealed and has never been opened.
I ...
0
votes
0answers
81 views
How worried should I be about mold/mildew in my water softener tank?
My wife and I moved into a home that had been rented for a while. Looks like lots of maintenance has been deferred to us, including the water softening system.
We noticed some mold in the tank during ...
1
vote
0answers
24 views
Sealing/resurfacing exterior concrete retaining wall
I have a 3 ft concrete retaining wall that runs across our backyard. It collects a lot of black mildew with white spots. Is there a sealant or other surfacing material that I can use to help keep ...
0
votes
4answers
78 views
Store Refrigerator, Keeps Doors Open How Often
I plan to store refrigerator in my residence unplugged. I cleaned it well with all soap, 409 and disinfectant, and left doors open to dry out for few days.
They recommend to keep Doors Open for long ...
0
votes
3answers
85 views
Why do unused Refrigerator Appliances Grow Mold, while unused Cabinets and electronics don't?
I have a refrigerator that I thoroughly cleaned out and washed with soap/baking soda, and let thoroughly dry. They always recommend to keep Doors Open for long term refrigerator storage.
This prevents ...
12
votes
4answers
2k views
What should I do about mold in a new build?
I bought my first place in December, five months ago. It's a new 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom condominium in San Francisco CA, and they finished construction in October 2019.
Over the last few days, other ...
0
votes
1answer
90 views
How do I remove black mold from area of laundry machine where water won’t reach?
I noticed some black mold in my laundry machine. Unfortunately, this area seems to be in between the glass part and the plastic and I can’t fit even a fingernail in to remove it (even water can’t ...
2
votes
1answer
54 views
Do I need to remove mould from plywood before treating?
I have a shed base on piers topped with plywood that was finished last Winter and covered up to help protect from the elements.
However some water made it through (or general dampness of being ...
2
votes
2answers
54 views
Do I need to remove this enclosed shower and check for mold?
My wife and I just bought a house, and I noticed after using the shower, there were black specs all over the shower floor. There is a seam where the bottom part of the shower joins with the wall ...
