rawdealmonty

Thanks Kurt, I appreciate the advice. I probably don't need a test then. Believe it or not there doesn't seem to be a lot of useful information out there on the subject. Thanks for looking at the pics. I wasn't even sure if this was mold. I didn't expect to find any based on house history. What is in the pics is really all there is, I'm not concerned its serious then. Couldn't agree with you more on the HGTV stuff, actually I've never even seen the network. My guess is the reason for the emphasis placed on inspections now is because of the DIY movement of the housing boom. Unfortunately, most contractors do so much wrong too, which makes intelligent and capable homeowners like me believe that I might as well do it myself. For example, truss uplift can be found in every home in my area built in the last 25 years. If the builders would just use the clips that the truss manufacturers recommend, the top plate would float and the ceilings would be fine. Unfortunately, the builders don't understand the engineering of the truss and screw the top plate into the bottom chord "the way we always have" and as a result the ceilings crack and the nails pop with every change in season. Anyway, do you recommend another method than using rigid foam in the rim joist? Do you know of a better way that won't trap moisture. Thanks Kurt. You ARE a very serious gardener.

Thanks for your input Marc. Can you confirm that what is in the pics is mold? If what I've done is sufficient, that's peace of mind enough. More curious about having a test done for what I can't see.

Hmm, not having luck uploading a pic. http://postimg.org/image/bwtsz1aa5/ http://postimg.org/image/u7f40i6h9/ http://postimg.org/image/b9uw9ide5/ http://postimg.org/image/3xymvg9xp/ http://postimg.org/image/c9udwp7bh/ http://postimg.org/image/ggf8c16x9/ http://postimg.org/image/7rnhqv1vx/

I've been clearing out my basement and simultaneously have been getting sick- congestion, headaches. It may be coincidence as my kids expose me to much when they get sick from school/daycare. Also, I get sinus infections for as long as I can remember. I live in a 24 year old Townhouse in Eastern PA that I've been in since new. I've been clearing out the basement, which has been used for storage to make it into a playroom. Nothing fancy; I intend to Drylok and paint the cinderblock walls, insulate the rim joists with rigid foam/spray foam, and spray paint the ceiling joists. I removed fiberglass batt insulation from the rim joists, paper side toward the firewall/plywood side and discovered what looks like mold on the joist and firewall. I'm surprised to see this as it isn't exceptionally moist down there and the majority of it is on or near the joists close to the common wall to my neighbors on both sides and not near the exterior walls. I have a dehumidifier down there, but have not always run one. Based on the pictures can someone tell me if this is mold? Last week I sprayed two applications of Moldex to it with a pump sprayer just in case. I intend to sand the rough spots, prime and spray paint the wood for a modern unfinished ceiling. Also, I've been scrubbing the cinderblock with white vinegar mixed with hot water to reduce the efflorescence for the Drylok. I've been wearing a respirator when down there, but it's a 3m one intended for paint, I'm not sure if it's sufficient for mold. This week I'm also going to check the attic as well. At one time there was a leak from our ridge vent. The roofing contractor that replaced our shingles said the wood was good and didn't need to be replaced, but I want to be sure. Any suggestions are appreciated. We are also going to search out a local environmental testing & remediation co, but I wanted to get feedback here first. Thanks!