Unfortunately, concrete and cement surfaces are not mold-proof. If conditions are right, mold can grow on this hard, rough surface.
While hard surfaces like concrete seem impermeable, they can be quite porous. Spores can quickly take hold and multiply if conditions are right. Without professional remediation and prevention measures, mold can quickly become a large problem in your household.
What Does Mold on Concrete Look Like?
On concrete or cement surfaces, mold will often appear as black, green, brown, or white. It may look like staining, or it might be fuzzy or raised. Sometimes, mold will look like algae or moss.
Over time, mold will break down the material it’s growing on. Assuming ideal mold-growing conditions are maintained, and the mold remains unmitigated, surfaces like concrete can quickly become compromised.
Efflorescence vs. Mold
Not all staining is caused by mold. For example, efflorescence is a white deposit left behind on surface materials when water evaporates and is often mistaken for a white mold. Efflorescence can be dissolved or wiped away while staining from mold would need to be scraped or scrubbed off the concrete.
Related Topic: How to Identify Mold and What to Do About It
How to Get Mold off Concrete
If you suspect mold on cement or concrete in your home, contact a professional remediation service provider. Mold is not only difficult to remove, but it can be a danger to your health. Further, without professional water damage restoration, you run the risk of repeat mold growth.
After you’ve discovered mold on a concrete surface, we recommend:
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Sealing off the room (if possible).
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Contact a mold removal professional, like your local Rainbow Restoration.
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Notifying your insurance company.
Once our team has arrived at your home, we’ll:
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Inspect the area and confirm the presence of mold.
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Contain the space and begin the mold removal process.
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Ensure the space is completely dry and address the underlying cause of the mold (often plumbing, drainage, or high humidity).
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Apply a penetrating concrete sealant to prevent a recurrence.
Related Topic: How to Seal a Concrete Floor from Moisture
How to Prevent Mold on Concrete
Take steps to prevent mold growth on concrete and cement surfaces inside your home, including slab foundations and block walls. Common precautions include:
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Preventing water seepage: Have your foundation inspected. If water is infiltrating your home through the basement floor or walls, consider professional sealants and fillings.
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Directing roof runoff away from your home: Make sure your home is equipped with gutters. Keep them clear and make sure that they are effectively directing water away from the foundation of your home.
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Redirecting water away from your foundation: Flooding and excessive rainfall can put pressure on your foundation. Consider landscaping that directs water away from the base of your home. If problems persist, consider measures like French drains.
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Keeping surfaces clean: Clean surfaces are less likely to play host to mold spores. Keep the concrete surfaces in your home clean.
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Monitoring your basement, crawlspace, and garage for signs of water damage: Mold can’t grow without a source of moisture. Be vigilant and engage in professional water damage restoration at the first sign of damage.
Always Choose Professional Mold Remediation
While hard surfaces seem impenetrable, when conditions are right, even poured concrete, concrete blocks, and cement can host mold. If you suspect mold growth at your property—on any surface—don’t try to deal with it yourself. Contact a local mold remediation expert for help.
For mold removal, remediation, and prevention services you can rely on, choose Rainbow Restoration. Request an appointment online or call (855) 724-6269 to learn more.