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mloomba · Jul 2, 2009, 09:27 PM

:)I am buying a house and there is some moisture in the basement utility room on the wall about 2 " from the floor and has some white staining and also there is some past moisture on the floor and The inpector said nothing to worry as that is not black and it is not mold. He did write in the report to monitor. What is the next step we should follow.

Munish

tickle · Jul 2, 2009, 11:52 PM

Buy a de humidifier. You would be surprised how much moisture they take out of the air.

Tick

21boat · Jul 3, 2009, 12:03 AM

The white staining is effervescence on the block. This is caused by a masonry wall being wet enough to leach out the salts form the block.

Water is getting there often for this to happen. Check out grades. Leaking gutters and downspouts.

Other then that the wall in that area can be painted with a drylock paint to stop the air from hitting the block and causing this chemical reaction. Of course this also can trap mostiure IN the wall more.

Drylock paint and what tickle stated will help a lot here..

ballengerb1 · Jul 3, 2009, 11:01 AM

Is this a poured concrete foundation wall or block? My experience is that any wet wall will grow mold within 48 hours of getting and staying wet.

speedball1 · Jul 3, 2009, 11:19 AM

Have you considered installing a french drain, (see image) and piping the water away from your walls? Do you need more information? Regards, Tom

tickle · Jul 3, 2009, 11:23 AM

Hi tom, throwing my iron in the fire again. I have had a wet basement for years because we are below the water line. Three years ago had a flood and had to have renovation in the basement. Good local company did the work which was paid for by insurance (they waived my deductible because I didn't want 'the sky is the limit' sort of thing, just new panelling and old tile up and painted floors.
They didn't find any mold when they took of the old panelling (maybe because we had always run a dehumidifier down there?? ). We don't have condensation and don't want it because I store boxes down there, about a foot above on shelves.

I don't know, just putting this in here. I love the french drain idea but hubby doesn't do anything like this and I do what I can. You know me, interested in just about anything going on here, even plumbing posts, and sometimes I do have the right answers.

Kindest regards

Tick

speedball1 · Jul 3, 2009, 03:34 PM

You're input is always welcome Tick. Cheers, Tom