Had to rip up the basements floor because i found dry white mould. The mould was thin paper like. I was able to peel it off like skin. I did not find any dark colored mould. Is this white stuff dangerous? Now that the wood flooring is off, I have painted the cement and repaired some cracks. What else do I need to do?
Answer:
You would need chemical analyses to determine whether the mould is hazardous or not. You'll prevent a lot of this sort of thing by creating better ventilation down there than you've had int he past. One of the ways you'll be able to do that is with a system I've been suggesting to people for some time and it works in most cases: Cold air holds more moisture than warm air and is, therefore, heavier. As air cools, it falls and keeps falling until it reaches the lowest level in the house. It cannot fall beyond the basement floor and that is where it has to be collected and pumped outside before that moisture gets a chance to condense in order to get rid of the moldy, musty odour and/or avoid it in the first place. A booster fan (250 CFM +) is available as a ‘pop in’ unit to fit 4”, 5” or 6” round heating duct. This can be installed in a totally separate duct line that is at least six feet from the nearest heat source. A timer on it will ensure that it operates only during the night (9pm to 9am) so cold, moist air it pumps out is not replaced by air that brings in even more humidity from outside. All joints and seams in the duct are taped and sealed for maximum efficiency and rather than a heating-type grill it should be a return air-type grill. To avoid having to core another hole in the foundation wall, this system can be vented, via a “TY” through the clothes dryer vent. Because none of the doors in the house go all the way to the floor, cold, moist air should find its way to that grill.
