[Churchfixer]

I have a mold problem on cinderblock walls that I need to fix and would like to take care of it myself. I have to obviously take care of what is happening outside the building so that the moisture doesn't get to the areas that have problems, but what can I do about the inside walls. I have been told about Drylock paint, which is supposed to be used on bare cinderblock to prevent moisture from coming through. I am concerned that where there has been mold pesent, if I scrape those walls and use Drylock, will the mold come through it or will that take care of my problem? Can I just paint over the are I used the Drylock on with regular wall paint? Any info in this area will be greatly appreciated.

[RickJ]

1. It's best to remove mold gently, without scraping, so the spores to not get scattered. Spraying with bleach is the best thing to kill it.

2. Do NOT paint over Drylock. If you do, then you can never apply Drylock again, as it will not penetrate the paint.

... so kill the mold and do another coat of Drylock. That will take care of you for X period depending on how serious the issue that caused it is.

[Churchfixer]

Thank you so much for the info. I kind of suspected that the bleach would be a possible solution. I did not know about not being able to paint over Drylock. I'll give it a go and hope that does it for the inside of the walls. Bigger job will be dealing with what is happening outside the walls. Thanks again!

[skiberger]

Is the "mold" on the cinder block white? If so you don't have mold you have efflourescents. This is lime within the block that is pushed through the block pores from moisture. If you were to scrape off the "mold" with your fingers it will have a chaulky feel to it. You can scrape this off with a broom and then use Drylock to help seal the blocks.
One thing you need to try to do is prevent the water/moisture from entering the block. It is common to see the efflourescents in the corners of the foundations where there is poor gutter drainage or where porches/patios join the house and the water just sits against the foundation the seeps into the block.

Mold doesn't grow on concrete/cinder block. Mold is common on paper, books, wood, carpet, fabrics, etc.

[Churchfixer]

WOW - that must be what it is. It isn't really black mold, but does have a greyish look to it. It does have a chalky feel to it. Now at least I feel a little better that it isn't actually mold. I will take care of it as suggested, but I know my biggest task is ahead trying to remedy the cause of the moisture. Thanks so much for the information and your timely response!

[dporteron]

What is the black furry stuff on my cinderblock that has leached through the paneling and wallpaper?

[skiberger]

dporteron, That may be mold if its on wallpaper and paneling. Can't tell you w/o seeing and testing it.
If you have moistrue seeping into the foundation then into those materials, check your outside grading along the house and make sure all gutter downspout leaders drain away from the corners of your foundation.

[dporteron]

Thanks skiberger. I have an inspector coming tomorrow and have already sent a sample off to the lab, also looking into the grading issue. Appreciate the quick reply

[skiberger]

Good deal.
Can you post back your findings and results? It will help a lot of people on this topic.