Is Mold Growing In Your Concrete?

If you live in a humid climate, you may have discovered ugly yellow or green splotches of mold growing on your concrete. It might look gross, but it’s not necessarily a sign that your home is unlivable.

After all, concrete is made from natural materials such as soil and stone. If the porous surface of the concrete is exposed to moisture and has ample darkness at night, it’s only natural that some microorganisms will take up residence there.

This article will introduce you to the different types of mold that can grow on concrete and how to treat them effectively.

Identifying Mold in Concrete

Concrete is an excellent building material, but it’s definitely not immune to the growth of different types of mold. If you discover mold growing on your concrete, you should take steps to eradicate it as quickly as possible.

In addition to being unsightly, certain types of mold can produce toxic substances that can be harmful to people, animals, and other living organisms. Before starting any mold removal or remediation project, you should carefully examine the concrete in question for identifying marks.

You could use a black light to help you see mold spores that are not yet visible to the naked eye. Molds tend to grow in colonies, so you may be able to identify their species based on their appearance, growth patterns, and the smell they produce.

Black Staining From Water Damage

If your concrete is stained with a black substance, there may be mold growth on your concrete. But it could also be a sign of water damage.

If your concrete is stained at the bottom edge of your foundation wall, you need to check for water damage. When water builds up in the footing of your foundation, it can seep up and stain your sub-surface and damage it.

If you notice a black stain in the footing at the bottom of your foundation wall, it is a sign of water damage. Most of the time, this happens when the footing doesn't have enough slope to let water drain away.

If you have water in your feet, it could be a sign of a larger problem. When water enters your footing, it can rot out your sub-surface, which can lead to serious structural problems. To prevent water from entering your footing, you can install a French drain.

Dry-Rot Rotting of Concrete

If your concrete has taken on a brownish-gray coloring and is crumbling or flaky in some places, there may be mold growing on your concrete. But this discoloration could also indicate the presence of dry-rot.

Dry-rot is caused by a group of fungi that feed on cellulose, like the paper and glue used to make concrete. It usually begins in the joints and surfaces of an older concrete structure.

When it affects the concrete surface, it can be hard to distinguish from mold growth. Dry-rot can be treated with fungicides, but it’s best to call in a professional to make sure it’s eradicated completely.

Concrete Discoloration Due to Bacterial Growth

If your concrete has taken on a yellow or orange hue, it may be due to concrete discoloration caused by bacterial growth. Bacterial growth on concrete is a common occurrence in warm, humid climates, and it can quickly become a serious problem.

Bacterial growth on concrete is often accompanied by a strong odor, which may help you distinguish it from mold growth. If you notice signs of bacterial growth on your concrete, you should take steps to remove it as soon as possible since it can quickly become a serious problem.

Types of Mold in Concrete

If your concrete is growing mold, you need to identify the types of mold present before you can treat them. Some common types of mold that can grow on concrete include the following:

Aspergillus

This common mold is usually dark in color. It’s commonly found in food and soil, but it can also thrive in concrete. Aspergillus is known to produce toxic metabolites, so you should eradicate it from your concrete as quickly as possible.

Basidiomycetes

This type of mold usually grows on concrete in the Southeast, Southwest, and Pacific Coast areas. It produces a fruity smell and is commonly mistaken for a termite infestation.

Cladosporium

This common mold is dark in color, and is often found in soil and decaying vegetation. It can also grow on concrete, where it thrives in warm, humid areas.

Penicillium

This mold is commonly found in soil, straw, and decaying vegetation. It can thrive in concrete, where it produces a blue or green color.

Scopulariopsis

This mold is commonly found in soil, decaying vegetation, and plants. It usually appears as a green or black color, and is often mistaken for a termite infestation.

Stachybotrys

This mold is commonly found in water-damaged drywall, wood, and carpet. It can also grow on concrete, where it produces a black color. It is known that Stachybotrys makes toxic metabolites, so it is best to get rid of it as soon as possible. 

How To Treat Concrete With Mold Growth

If your concrete is growing mold, you will need to treat the mold growth before it becomes a serious problem. In addition to being unsightly, certain types of mold can produce toxic substances that can be harmful to people, animals, and other living organisms.

First, you should try to reduce the amount of moisture in the concrete. Areas like the basement or the crawlspace may be the source of excess moisture. You can install a sump pump to reduce flooding and prevent water from seeping into the concrete. You can also install ventilation or insulation to reduce the amount of moisture that is trapped in the concrete.

To kill the mold growing on your concrete, you can also try using a non-toxic, biocidal cleaners. Those cleaners are non-toxic, non-corrosive, and non-flammable. It’s biodegradable and safe for use in sensitive environments such as schools, hospitals, and homes with children or pets. 

Contact A Professional If You Have Discovered Mold In Your Concrete

If you are not sure what type of mold you are dealing with, it is best to call a professional like ZeroMold. They can take samples of the concrete and determine what type of mold is growing. They can also recommend the best course of action for treating the concrete.

You should call a professional if you have concrete that contains a significant amount of rot. They will likely recommend replacing the concrete. They can also help you identify the source of excess moisture in the concrete.

Conclusion

Concrete is an excellent building material, but it can attract mold if it’s exposed to water or has insufficient ventilation. If you discover mold growing on your concrete, you should have a professional remove and clean it off as quickly as possible. 

In addition to being unsightly, certain types of mold can produce toxic substances that can be harmful to people, animals, and other living organisms. If you want to keep your concrete mold-free, you should protect it with a concrete sealer and make sure it’s properly ventilated. Always contact a professional if you have concrete with significant rot or mold.