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    jkennedy99's Avatar
    jkennedy99 Posts: 36, Reputation: 3
    Junior Member
    		  
    #1

    Sep 8, 2007, 07:04 PM
    Is this mold?
    I was in my basement today, which is unfinished. The exposed wood is covered with a pastic sheet. I noticed on some of the boards there is a black film. Is this mold? It has been humid where I live and maybe the plastic over the wood created a mold growth situation? If this is mold, do I simply scrap it off, or should I treat it with something? Thanks, Joe.
    skiberger's Avatar
    skiberger Posts: 562, Reputation: 41
    Senior Member
    		  
    #2

    Sep 9, 2007, 08:41 PM
    More than likely it is mold/mildew. The plastic is keeping moisture in and not letting the joist breath.
    Why is there plastic over the joist? Dirt floor?

    You can clean it off with a diluted bleach solution.
    jkennedy99's Avatar
    jkennedy99 Posts: 36, Reputation: 3
    Junior Member
    		  
    #3

    Sep 10, 2007, 06:41 AM
    The basement is poured concrete. There was plastic all the way around the joists in the basement when I moved it. I just thought is was for a protection. Sounds like I should tear that plastic down. Thanks for the help, Joe.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #4

    Sep 10, 2007, 07:17 AM
    You should remove that plastic from the joists. I'd also try to vent the basement or add a dehumidifier. You can just scrap off mold. You can make a 1:3 mix of bleach and water or buy a professional mold/mildew spray. Spray liberally and allow to air dry.
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