When dealing with fungus a lot depends on where it is and how wide-spread it is. Bleach is effective and lemon-scented bleach is less offensive, but you should have good ventilation, open all windows and doors in the basement and use rubber gloves. I have found it easy to apply with a sponge. This will effectively kill the mold for a long period, but you must get rid of the source of moisture to fix the problem.
Both wet and dry rot are caused by fungi that originate in wet timber. Wet and dry rot are more serious. If there is any evidence of wood rot, you should take steps to repair it immediately. Fungus spreads by spores. Use a fungicidal preservative to kill remaining spores. Wire brush the masonry, then apply three liberal brush coats to all timber, brick, or plaster within 6 feet of the infected area. Two coats of fungicide are required. Follow the directions on the label. Getting rid of the mold and fungus in serious cases, may aloso involve ripping out the walls/ceiling rather than just a quick clean up. Tilex and Drylok are two good products to use when dealing with this type of problem.
If you have problems with wall fungus it’s explained in Section Q of The Home Waterproofers Manual – Home Waterproofing A to Z. However, what looks like a very serious and expensive problem may not be. Once it’s explained, it’s common sense. You’ll wonder why the water proofing contractor doesn’t talk about it. If there’s an inexpensive way to fix the problem, they usually won’t tell you. Don’t put yourself at the mercy of high priced waterproofers.
You can save thousands of dollars and many headaches by learning what is going on first. Often what looks like an expensive and serious problem may not be. Once the problem is explained, solving it is just common sense. I’ve used the knowledge I’ve put in The Home Waterproofers Manual – Home Waterproofing A to Z every day to fix water problems. It will work for you too.
But remember, when dealing with salesmen, in the waterproofing business it’s “buyer beware”. Most get a percentage of the sale and don’t consider it their job to save you money. They charge as much as they can. If they see a problem that can be fixed at low cost, or one that has a simple solution, they won’t mention it, but will only talk about “preventing serious damage” and try to scare you into signing a big contract.
