DEAR TIM: We have a L-shaped basement storage area under our front porch. There's a metal ceiling in this space that supports the concrete porch slab above. There are no cracks in the concrete porch. This space has no ventilation and everything stored in this area becomes damp and then moldy. We installed a small […]
Jason Paragon, lives in a house in Columbus, OH that appears to have a concrete block foundation. He's also got some mold inside. Here's Jason's story and he's sticking to it: "I have a serious mold and water problem in my basement. I had an EverDry contractor come in and do a free quote of $20K […]
Preventing Mold Growth in Basements DEAR TIM: Our full size divided basement has mold growing on the west side of the wall, as well as the south side on the other end of the basement. The basement has two sump pumps, one on each side of the basement. The basement does not leak water. We've […]
Shona, who lives in Herfordshire, England, had to get rid of her builder who was not dealing with the mold on her walls. "I have excessive mold on plastered brick walls. I have removed most of the detached molding plasterwork back to the brick to find crumbling mortar and damp brick. I'm in a rented […]
Quick Column Summary: Tar paper or 6 mil plastic vapor barrier Leave an air gap to avoid mold Video link Charles Gregoire is perplexed up in Ottawa, the capital of Canada. "Confusion on whether to use tar paper or 6 mil plastic. In repairing a 64" section of an existing basement interior wood framed dry […]
Quick Column Summary: Flooded, drywall damaged How high up do you replace Make it easy on the drywall finisher Add extra electrical outlets now Ms. Lisa Reynolds, who works for the Federal Department of the Interior in Colorado, had her offices flood with water. Heck, I'll let her tell you the rest: "Our office suffered […]
Quick Column Summary: Basement with water issues and mold Is it the builders fault Building code is for the minimum standard Research and detailed planning is required David Fern has lots of water and mold in his basement. He's one unhappy customer and wants to know who should have paid to make sure this didn't […]
Quick Column Summary: Add wall insulation to balloon framing Based on where you live...no You need that opening to allow water vapor an escape Ruth Hendrickson, who lives in Lincoln, MA wrote to me with a very fascinating question: "My wood frame house built in 1927 has wood shingles outside and plaster over rock lath […]
Painting stucco might not be the best idea to cover up or remove black stains. The stains could be caused by mold or mildew. A good cleaning with oxygen bleach might clear up your stucco.
Condensation, water vapor, moisture and water damage are catalysts for mold growth. Mold can be toxic and cause serious health problems. Search these excellent articles and sites for information on mold, mold removal, mold prevention and clean-up.
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