What Can You Do to Clean Black Mold That is Growing on Concrete?
Mold not only make your concrete look terrible, but it is also a health and safety concern. Black mold is a disturbing fungus with black and green colors. It greatly thrives in shaded, damp regions that experience moderate temperatures. It is imperative to note that black mold, which is scientifically referred to as Stachybotrys atra, can grow on anything in the world, and yes, that includes concrete.
Mold can occur in small areas, and in such cases, you can handle this problem easily. If it occurs significantly, it would be advisable to get professional assistance from service providers that do concrete cleaning. Here are some ways to know more about the black mold on concrete and efficiently deal with this menace.
How Does Black Mold Occur on Concrete?
Moisture and food are the main factors that cause mold to grow on concrete. Indeed, the concrete is not the food here, but it is the small layer of dust that stays on the surface that offers numerous nutrients. However, wet conditions can result in mildew and black mold growth on the outdoor concrete, such as the patios, driveways, and steps.
This type of growth happens in areas that are either damp or shaded. You may have come across a driveway with several cracks and is significantly dotted with black mold. With its crannies, nooks, and pores, concrete is one of the best incubators of black mold. Keep in mind that humid and wet weather accompanied by warm temperatures enhances the growing conditions.
How To Eliminate Black Mold From Concrete
Fortunately, removing the black mold from the concrete is much more manageable than from a carpet or furniture. The best way is to clean and scrub the affected areas with a powerful mold-removal detergent or simple water and household bleach solution.
Ensure that you are scrubbing belligerently and continuously to get down into the concrete pores where most of the black mold is hidden. Allow the bleach solution or detergent to soak in for a moment to make sure that all the black mold is eliminated. When you are done scrubbing and letting it soak for some time, you can go ahead and rinse with a power washer to eliminate the entire solid biological substance out of the concrete.
Also, there are questions on whether vinegar is an excellent substance to use to get rid of the black mold. It is imperative to note that some people work with vinegar to eliminate black mold; however, you have to be cautious that vinegar is acidic and could erode your concrete’s top cement or sealer. It is a great idea to spruce up your concrete once you are done removing the black mold from the concrete, and you can do this by adding color or an overlay to renovate your concrete entirely.
How To Prevent Future Black Mold From Growing
It is highly advisable to seal the concrete with a high-quality acrylic sealer designed for the exterior purposes. Allow the concrete to dry before sealing for at least three days in conditions where it is sunny and has not rained. Most professionals advise working with a solvent-based sealer to enhance waterproofness, especially considering the warm and humid vulnerable conditions. It would also be essential to inspect for cracks in the concrete that can collect water and result in mold growth. Make sure to fill these cracks with the help of a concrete repair agent.
