White Mold on Concrete
Have you discovered what appears to be white fuzzy mold in your basement? If so, you’re not alone. It’s common for white mold to grow on the concrete surfaces in a basement because of the high moisture levels often present in that area of the house. Even if there aren’t any large openings in your foundation walls, the relatively small amount of water that enters through hairline cracks (along with any moisture resulting from humidity and condensation) is still enough to support mold growth.
White Mold vs. Efflorescence
When you come across white fluffy stuff on a basement wall, or white fuzz on a concrete floor, it’s easy to assume that it’s white mold. However, that’s not always the case. In many instances, what appears to be white mold is actually something known as “efflorescence.” Efflorescence is a type of residue that’s left behind when water evaporates. When water moves through concrete—such as when a foundation initially cures or when water enters through a basement wall—it brings along salt and other minerals. Water can evaporate, but these minerals cannot. So, once the water reaches the surface of the concrete and evaporates, it leaves behind a mineral coating that resembles crystal-like white mold.
Fortunately, there’s a simple way to tell whether the white substance in your basement is efflorescence or white mold. Just spray some water on the area and wait to see whether the white matter dissolves. If it does, it’s probably efflorescence. If it doesn’t, chances are good that it’s white mold.
Why It’s Important to Contact a Specialist
If you believe that you have white mold in your home, you should strongly consider hiring a mold removal specialist. Mold can lead to various health issues and can even cause structural damage to your home, so you’ll want to have it removed as quickly as possible. Although some people are able to remove mold on their own using at-home techniques, a professional mold removal company can ensure that all mold growth is eliminated. Once the mold is gone, you’ll also require the services of a basement waterproofer to remedy the underlying moisture issues and prevent mold growth from reoccurring in the future.
Even if you’ve determined that the white substance on your concrete surfaces is efflorescence and not mold, it’s still a good idea to hire a basement waterproofing contractor. As noted above, efflorescence appears when water moves through concrete. So, if you’ve spotted it in your basement, it likely means that you have some sort of moisture problem that needs to be addressed.
Basement Waterproofing Professionals Serving Northeast Wisconsin
If you own a home in Northeast Wisconsin, you can rely on ABT Foundation Solutions, Inc., for professional basement waterproofing services. We’ve been serving customers in this area since 2002 and we have experience with a wide array of waterproofing techniques. We’ll work with you to determine which of these methods is best suited to your specific needs. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation at a date and time that’s convenient for you.