Replies

1. 
   DANL | Jul 04, 2004 11:35pm | #1

   I'd say that just like rot, fungus need moisture to grow, so you probably do have a moisture problem. There are probably recipes out there for what to treat it with, but I'd say get rid of the moisture first.

2. 
   SonnyLykos | Jul 05, 2004 12:00am | #2

   You have a potential serious problem, especially if you have a resperatory problem.

   Check this site for more info:

   http://www.doctorfungus.org/

3. 
   DanH | Jul 05, 2004 01:52am | #3

   I'll bet you it's efforesence, not fungus.

1. 
   SonnyLykos | Jul 05, 2004 02:00am | #4

   Dan, I'll bet your'e right, now that I think about it.

   Grinder, if it feels powdery when dry, it is efforesence. That is the salts in cement, drywall, anything with a cementious basis that comes to the surface when evaporation takes place. As the moisture migrates to the surface, it pulls those salts with it and deposits them on the surface of the substrate.

   It still means though, that there is a moisture problem - water getting into the interior area from outside.

   Tape a small piece of glass or mirror to the wall near the floor for 24 hours. If when you remove the glass, there is condensation on it, water either in the form of water or vapor is intruding into the area. Hydrostatic pressure combined with capillary action thru any crack or other openings and BINGO - a moisture problem exists.

4. 
   Shavey | Jul 05, 2004 03:56am | #5

   Check the downspouts around that general area, they may be dumping water in such a way that it is just seaping in towards the foundation.Also make sure the gutters are working properly and not clogged up causing them to over flow. Also extend the down spouts out and away from the building as far as possible. One last trick that i know of is to build a cement apron 4`` deep and 18 `` wide around the perimeter of the house that tilts away from the foundation,but butts up to the foundation....when pouring new cement always make sure the surface of the wall is damp so the cement will bond to it.....when i moved to the place i`m at  there was no downspouts no apron and a good foot of water in the basement, i used all the methods that i just told you about and now it is as dry as can be down there,

   Best of luck,

    Shavey