Small scale mold issue in basement

[rebeccapal]

Just bought a duplex in Toronto. Previous owner has done some reno to the basement and we recently found out small scale of mold starts growing on the crown moulding on the floor. The basement unit is vacant right now and we have potential tenants coming in every day.

We plan to follow the cmhc guideline on how to clean small scale mould. But shall we hire a mold inspector to do some testing and fixing? If yes, any recommendation?

 

[brentdavies]

Mold area under a 100 square feet can be done by the owner. You may have a mold issue with the drywall. Bleach and water can remove the surface mold, but if the drywall is mouldy on the back side, then the mold will return.

Act quickly and keep the area clean and dry. The mold is a result of water from ??????

 

[kornel]

QUOTE (brentdavies @ Jul 26 2010, 12:10 AM) The mold is a result of water from ??????

I found this to be key. I had some minor mold in my primary residence and also used the CMHC guide to get rid of it. It kept coming back because the source of the mold wasn`t fixed (in our case it was ineffective insulation in the attic). If you don`t fix the source, then you`re likely going to keep wasting your time removing it periodically so more work for you, inefficient, and maybe bad for tenant relations when they see mold growing once you do get it rented out.

Some useful links:
This one you might already have: http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/maho/yoho...mo/momo_001.cfm


Another one: http://www.toxic-black-mold-info.com/moldsigns.htm

Hope this helps.

P.S. A dehumidifier is great for discouraging mold growth by ensuring good humidity levels, and make sure you wear protective mask and clothing when cleaning the mold.

 

[rebeccapal]

Thanks Kornel and Brent.
We still need to find out what`s the cause of the mold. It started at the crown moulding of the wall next to the neighbor in the next house (in a semi). That could be a possible reason.

We have someone come by and took a quick look and suggest to take out wall section 2inch above the crown moulding across the affected area to check insider. Is it reasonable procedure that we have to do?

Thanks for your advice.

 

[housingrental]

To clarify:
The mold is on an interior wall that backs onto your neighbours interior wall, correct?
Is this on the main floor of a two story home?
Is there a bathroom anywhere near by on the floor above?

 

[dplummer]

It may be less expensive in the long run to hire an inspector who has moisture probes and thermal imaging as to tearing out building material to explore.

Doug

 

[TheVancouverLife]

Suggest you contact a building inspector who can come with a moisture detector and run it along the entire wall to pinpoint the source of the moisture.

It could be a leak from anywhere that is making it`s way to your crown moulding (no pun intended)

It is most likely a bathroom or kitchen leak next door or above.

Find the source and rectify it asap before it becomes a big mould problem.

Hope this helps...

Alan