How can my friend remediate extreme water damage in their grandparents’ basement closet before moving into the apartment?
Asked by Kerim Tanrıkulu 
3 months ago
Last Updated: August 29, 2024
Hey, so I found this closet in my friend’s grandparents’ basement that has some serious water damage. It’s pretty bad, but the rest of the basement is like a whole separate apartment. My friend doesn’t really have another option but to move into the basement, even with this issue. Any ideas on how to fix this? I know just using bleach on the outside wall won’t solve the problem behind it. I’m stumped, so any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
What’s on the other side of the wall? Are there any nearby downspouts? It’s pretty common for water to seep into the house when it’s against the foundation. Extending the downspouts might help. If the gutters are clogged and overflowing, that could lead to excess moisture at the foundation. I would recommend reaching out to a waterproofing company and/or a mold remediation company just to be safe.
Taking another look at the pictures, is the first one showing drywall? If yes, it should be removed. The carpet also needs to be replaced.
Confirms that the first picture shows drywall
Doesn’t know what’s hidden behind the wall, but if removing the drywall is necessary, we’ll discover it
Replied affirmatively.
Consider using either Mold Armor or Concrobium products to eliminate and prevent the mold, along with a mold-killing primer before painting. However, it’s vital to remove/scrape away anything soft or loose, and properly treat the affected materials and structure to ensure complete removal before applying a temporary solution. Dealing with mold should not be underestimated, as mold-related illnesses can have serious consequences.
The drywall needs to be cut away, and the studs should be cleaned with a mixture of detergent and water. Use a rough brush like a steel wheel to scrub them. Allow it to dry completely. Then, spray the area with a mixture of bleach and water. Make sure it dries completely before repairing the drywall. It’s important to keep the wall open until the moisture issue is resolved
You might also want to consider removing that carpet too.
Made an excellent point – I was actually going to suggest the same thing!
I would also recommend using white vinegar instead of bleach. White vinegar is a much more effective mold killer and preventative measure compared to bleach.
And definitely consider ripping up the carpet to see what’s underneath – if there’s padding, it could be holding moisture and potentially harboring unseen mold.
Has the basement flooded? Do we know what caused the water damage? Finding that is key.
They will need to remove and replace what appears to be drywall in the first picture.
That’s pretty straightforward and absolutely necessary. Again, if that is drywall, replacement is a must.
The cinder blocks seem to have peeling paint at the bottom. I’m not sure about that.
Of course, the carpet must be removed and replaced. 👍
Na Shanks I think it flooded once and the broken pipe was repaired. Not certain about anything else.
Remember, the carpet and pad replacement doesn’t need to be high-end. Just something soft enough for the toddler to play and chill on. 👍
Na Shanks, I appreciate the clarification that this is only a closet. Thank you!
I was actually thinking that the carpet outside the closet may be affected and require replacement. 👍
There seems to be a leak behind that area. The best approach would be to remove all the damaged drywall (wearing a respirator) and investigate the issue. Sleeping close to mold can be very harmful to the lungs and brain. If your friend is staying there, it’s important to act quickly. You can also purchase a mold testing kit from Amazon or Home Depot.
If the walls are made of concrete, it might be a good idea to pull up the carpets and check underneath. CLR and vinegar are more effective than bleach. I recommend avoiding bleach altogether.
Is well aware of the seriousness of the situation, not just for herself but also for her 5-year-old. We are exploring all possible solutions to address this issue, as her elderly family member may not have the resources to handle it.
Remove everything contaminated with mold. Disinfect the basement wall with bleach. It’s not safe for them to stay there with that amount of mold…it will seriously impact their health and lead to more problems. They can live without drywall and carpet. Just tear it out. If there is insulation behind the drywall, that needs to go as well. Consider putting up foam board (even if it’s just leaning against the wall) after cleaning the wall. Keep a dehumidifier running constantly.
Now has the dehumidifier. I made sure to warn her about the dangers of living in a moldy environment. We need to address it as soon as possible!
Wears respirator masks when clearing out items.
I’ve heard the same advice about avoiding bleach, but many recommend using mold cleaner or vinegar instead. Do you know what caused the water issue? I had a similar problem in a house with a chimney behind a closet that needed caulking, and that solved the issue.
Says that bleach is effective on hard surfaces, but not on porous ones. Vinegar is great for porous surfaces like 2x4s, and mold cleaners are also effective. There are different options available to help kill mold spores or slow them down, such as using UV light bulbs.
Cover the doorway with plastic and tape it off, then put on your Tyvek suit, goggles, N95 mask, and rubber gloves. Remove any porous materials from the closet and dispose of them in a contractor bag. Clean all surfaces with TSP and make sure to discard all safety gear before leaving the sealed area. You might need to wash the surfaces multiple times with TSP.
Absolutely, , I totally understand!
This is amazing!
After stopping the leak and removing the mold, try using white vinegar. It can help prevent some of the mold from coming back. I personally used it in one of my bathrooms a year ago, and it’s still mold-free.
Cut out the affected drywall carefully. Find the source of the leak and repair it. Thoroughly clean all surfaces and give the area enough time to dry completely. Replace the Sheetrock. Considering it’s inside a closet, you might want to keep the area exposed for a while to ensure the mold is completely gone.
Start by removing the drywall and carpet since they’re beyond repair. Clean up the mold, use fungicide, and consider replacing the wood framing in the wall. Find and eliminate the source of water to prevent mold from returning. It can be costly, but fixing drainage issues or waterproofing the exterior can help. If needed, install a sump pump and Radon gas removal system. Improving ventilation and humidity levels is also crucial before renovating the basement.
Remove the drywall, carpet, etc. and then spray a mixture of 25% bleach and 75% water on the studs. It may take up to 2 weeks for the mold to die off and dry out.
Be cautious of companies trying to scam you by overcharging for unnecessary services like using fans, dehumidifiers, and plastic. It’s not worth paying 5k for BS.
The probable reason for clogged gutters and downspouts is…
A professional will also be equipped with a moisture detector to check for areas with higher than normal humidity.
Reach out to the landlord and the village regarding this issue.
Get in touch with the landlord and the village to address this problem.
The mold is problematic but due to the location, it’s an easy solution. Eliminate the carpet and pad, baseboards, drywall, and clean the studs. Seal the door (or cover it with plastic or both) and place a fan and dehumidifier inside. Monitor daily to ensure it’s drying and not becoming moldy again. For urgent needs, seal off the closet and use an air purifier in the rest of the downstairs (and possibly small ones next to the beds). Replace air purifier filters weekly until it’s repaired and for a week or two after.
Go outside and take a look around, Locate the source of water. Pay attention to the orientation of the land, gutters, etc. Make sure water flows away from the house. Avoid using bleach! It will just anger the mold. Peroxide, borax are better options. Get rid of anything that is in contact with the moldy wall such as drywall, carpet, etc. It’s essential to have a dehumidifier in the basement. Once the water is diverted away, the basement is dehumidified, and all moldy material is gone, you can start fixing it with drylock paints, etc
That’s mold that is black, everything needs to be removed
The drywall should be replaced and investigate what’s happening behind it. Is this an exterior wall? It could be a cracked foundation that needs to be fixed from the outside. If there’s a pipeline somewhere, it needs to be checked. Before doing that, put on a mask and gloves, spray the drywall with water, and cut it out.
Also, visit a store and inquire about the best mold treatment to eliminate it first in other areas. ‘t forget to remove the carpet, baseboard, and molding.
Use a dehumidifier and spray everything with vinegar, then wipe it down. Figure out where the moisture is coming from
That wall needs to be removed and replaced, try to find the source
It’s a good idea to remove the drywall before moving into the space, at the very least.
Looks like there is water accumulating in the block due to exterior/interior drainage issues or water overload from downspouts pouring water right next to the foundation. You can observe the accumulation inside those hollow blocks. It will require a complete perimeter subfloor waterproofing drainage system and installation of new sump and/or downspout lines. I used to work for a company where I did this kind of work daily for 6 years.
Maybe grandparents should consider contacting their home insurance about this possible serious mold issue.
Take action immediately and contact your insurance provider for remediation assistance.
It seems like the issue may be related to insurance, possibly caused by downspouts, drain tile blockages, or improper grading outside.
Pointed out that it’s the basement wall.
Mentioned that her insurance doesn’t include mold unless it resulted from a covered incident.
I’m focused on eliminating the source of moisture. That’s the sole reason for the presence of mold.
Insurance policies typically only cover sudden or accidental incidents, such as a toilet overflow or freezing pipes. However, ongoing issues like seepage are usually not covered. For instance, issues like improper downspouts are the responsibility of the homeowner, not the insurance company.
Every insurance claim is unique. Every insurance company is unique. They have not yet identified the cause. Just seeking assistance in resolving the mold issue. Contacting insurance is worth a try. It’s a good starting point.
Hey , I’ve been in the insurance industry for many years. I work with over 15 different insurance companies. Calling insurance can really impact you negatively.
Filing a claim for something that may not be covered or could be denied is not ideal.
Having a $0 paid claim on your insurance history can affect your policy renewals. Having too many claims can impact your ability to keep your current insurance and find new coverage.
It’s definitely something to think about before reaching out to the insurance company.
Hey , it’s getting late. Make sure you get a good night’s rest. 👍🏻
Hey , hope you’re doing well! 🙃
Bleach doesn’t actually kill mold; it simply removes the color. Opt for hydrogen peroxide or a mold-killing product instead. Exercise caution when removing mold and it’s best not to have anyone living there until the issue is resolved. The first step is to eliminate the existing mold and identify the source of the problem. It might be as simple as waterproofing the interior of the external wall. The situation may appear worse than it is due to the duration of the problem.
THIS!!!!! ^^
If you have drywall, remove it and replace it. The block wall should be fine if you bleach it. Apply water sealant and then paint. I recommend taking out all the carpet and putting in new flooring.
Is the apartment up to code and has it been inspected? The landlords are not supposed to rent it out in that state.
It’s the grandparents’ property, not landlords.
If they are renting space, then they are landlords.
She didn’t inquire about that.
Hey, just to clarify, Emily pointed out that they never actually mentioned that it’s being rented. They simply said it will be lived in.
Hey, so Emily mentioned that it’s actually her grandparents’ house where her granddaughter will be living. It’s more of a temporary situation rather than being rented out.
If she stays in that environment with mold, it can seriously harm her health. Even after the wall is taken down, there will still be spores and mycotoxins in the air, spreading everywhere. I suggest checking out Mold & Toxins: Healing Your Home and Body for detailed instructions before getting started. They offer comprehensive guides.
Might need to call a mold removal specialist. Using just bleach might not be enough.
Try spraying it with white vinegar instead. Avoid using bleach as it releases toxic fumes. Then cut out about a foot all around the mold. Investigate the root cause, fix any leaks, allow it to dry, and then replace the drywall. Remember, mold can be harmful and potentially lead to health issues. Alternatively, consider hiring a professional team to handle the remediation process.
Why is there drywall on only one wall while the rest is painted concrete?
It’s just a closet, who knows lol
What material is used for this wall? Is it an exterior wall? Let’s take out this section, but make sure to wear a Tyvek suit and a respirator that is rated for mold. Let’s see what’s hidden behind that wall. Remove any mold present! Identify the root cause of the moisture issue. Address the underlying problem leading to the moisture. Apply a fungicide specifically designed for mold remediation. Avoid using bleach! I’ll say it one more time, Tammie… No bleach! Consider renting a heater/fan to speed up the drying process. You can find them at Home Depot or other tool rental places. Make sure to thoroughly dry it out. Finally, rebuild or replace the wall
The only way to keep this problem from returning is to address all the damage. You can temporarily fix it by cleaning with bleach and using a dehumidifier, but it will come back, guaranteed. Take my word for it.
Build up the outside wall with dirt or rocks to create a slope away from the house. Replace the drywall as mentioned before, and also use theroseal (now called master seal) on the cinder block.
I concur, this area is definitely not suitable for living, that section of the drywall must be taken out and replaced entirely, and the origin of the leak needs to be addressed. It might also be essential to clean the studs (in case of mold) or consider replacing them (a structural engineer would likely need to be consulted for this). Additionally, removing the carpet and the baseboards underneath is recommended.
Wow, that sounds really serious. A robust dehumidifier and air purifier could help, but it’s crucial to identify the root cause and consider removing everything to resolve the issue completely. My heart goes out to this individual. I once lived in a place where black mold was lurking behind the walls and I got very ill. I was bedridden for almost 2 weeks without understanding why.
Mildew can be eliminated with white vinegar, unlike bleach.
Reach out to your insurance provider