Mold in Basement Walls

Our Answer

<p>John, the answer to your question is yes — mold could be growing behind the drywall but I’m not hearing anything that tells me a major destructive investigation is warranted.  You could pull off some outlet covers, or registers or anywhere else you can get a peak behind but I would not recommend a major mold witch hunt.  First, a one-off leak like you’ve described doesn’t usually cause a major mold problem.  Sure, it can happen but if you have a leak, fix it and then move on, you often dont have the sustained moisture necessary for a major mold infestation.  Also, I’m always suspicious when people say the "smell" mold.  Its not like mold has a distinctive odor.  They could just as likely be sensing the dampness since they dont ever ventilate the space. </p>
<p>I will point out however, that drywall wasn’t the best choice for basement walls.  There’s a product called <a href="http://www.buildgp.com/densarmorplus-high-performance-gypsum-panels" target="_blank">DensArmor which is a wall board</a> with a fiberglass face, instead of paper.  Since the fiberglass is not organic, it can’t grow mold.</p>
<p>Before you go any further, I’d suggest that you install a <a href="http://www.santa-fe-products.com/product-solution/" target="_blank">good quality dehumidifier</a> in that area to really dry things out. Check out those from <a href="http://www.santa-fe-products.com" target="_blank">Santa Fe. Products</a>.  I have one on my basement and it makes a bug difference, even though we also have all the exterior drainage set up correctly.  I’m attaching the video I did with them recently.  Hope this helps!</p>
<p>Tom Kraeutler</p>