Is It Mineral Staining or Mold in My Basement?
If you have a basement, often times you may see discolorations of fluffy build-up on the walls. The first thing that usually comes to mind is “we have mold” but that isn’t always the case.
An active problem in basements is efflorescence, also known as mineral salts. You may see discolorations including white, green, tan, yellow, brown, or grey colored crystalline powder on the walls and covering the mortar between block joints. The efflorescence is created due to moisture. As the moisture evaporates, it leaves behind mineral staining.
When checking your basement for mineral staining, efflorescence may have the characteristics of a fibrous or spiky substance, fluffy cotton, fiberglass, white powder, or a crusted or fuzzy appearance.
The bad news is efflorescence isn’t picky about the type of material it affects. Mineral salt residue leaches out of stucco, concrete stone, brick, concrete and stone. The good news is it is not mold but it is a red flag that wet conditions are present that could lead to a moldy basement.
As there are different kinds of mineral salts including vanadium, nitrates, chromium, and chlorides, to find out what type is in your basement and how to treat is best determined by a professional. That’s what we do at Stern Mold. Our experienced technicians test the substance in your basement to determine if it is mineral salts or mold.
If water seepage is causing a problem with efflorescence that could lead to mold, you’ll want to have your basement inspected as soon as possible. Contact our staff for any questions, information, or concerns about mold problems and to schedule a free mold inspection and price quote.