Mold in Concrete

From Wiki
Revision as of 21:57, 16 December 2009 by Woobles (Talk | contribs)

(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)
Jump to: navigation, search

Mold in concrete can happen to anyone in any area where concrete was use in the construction of a structure or a building and design. Depending on the type of mold, serious health risks to you and your family and their health can become a real concern. In many cases mold will start to grow in such a small tight out of the way area, that the unsuspecting home owner is completely unaware of the danger. Inside walls, basement, crawl spaces, bathrooms and air vents are all areas where mold and fungi are most likely to form.

Fortunately, for the home owners, concrete mold on concrete sidewalk or concrete driveways is usually easier to detect rather that mold in your attic or basement. Concrete mold will usually start to form where water has begun to puddle as a result of the sub surface or the pad of the concrete has shifted, giving way or in some cases if a heavy piece of equipment has driven over or been parked on a concrete pad for an extended period of time. This will cause a concrete pad to shift or crack forming a low spot where water will form causing mold and fungi to grow.

Mold is a serious threat to humans and pets alike. Mold spoors can cause serious health risks and should be properly treated as soon as the problem has been detected.


Mold on concrete formed around your home can make its way into your home causing more damage to the structure costing more money in remediation coast and repairs. Not to mention the serious health risks especially associated with persons living in the home that is susceptible to repertory problems such as allergies or asthma. Mold can also cause rashes, headaches and other flu like symptoms with little visual signs of the actual mold.

There are several types of mold living in our world that appear in many different forms and colors. Black mold is probably one of the most controversial and talked about molds we live with. It can appear as black spotty splotchy rotting form. A mold feeds on whatever it is attached to consuming anything that is degradable such as fabric, wool, wall paper, carpet and padding.

Basements and more prone to attract mold generally speaking than any other part of your home due to the face that they are just typically damper then the rest of the home. Basements are usually underground and the walls will as a general rule will absorb more moisture then the upper levels of the home. Basements are more prone to leak water through access points that were initially installed during the construction phase of the home to facilitate an entry passage for electrical service, water lines and sewage lines. If the entry areas were not sealed properly during the construction phase, water can seep through tiny openings causing mold and fungi to form in these areas. Water pipes leading into the home can also sweat and cause moisture to build up.

Dehumidifiers are always a safe alternative. You can purchase a humidity monitoring system fairly cheep at a local hardware store to properly monitor your home. If you do suspect mold or find mold or fungi in your home, call an approved inspector immediately and have the area inspected and treated. If the mold is left untreated, the cost of mold remediation can cost several thousands of dollars. Home owner’s Insurance policy companies are adding clauses to their policies protecting the insurance companies against neglect by the home owner. Some policies have large deductibles if they are willing to pay the claim.

Most concrete molds and other types of household molds can be remediated and treated with little effort if the mold and cause are identified in a timely manner. Remember the basement is the most common area of concern. If you do find mold in your home always get at least 3 estimates from different approved mold remediation contractors. Make sure to look them up with the “Better Business Bureau” don’t take the word of one contractor, do your research and make sure that the company is reputable. It will pay off in the long run and possibly save you months of aggravation and thousands of dollars.

By Bradley Skierkowski