Moldy Fireplace

ssla

I don't know what's going on with my fireplace, it molds along where the wall meets the brick. I thought that something was leaking somewhere, but roof if not leaking. Also I had a mirror hanging above the mantle and the fireplace "wall" molded, dark black mold, as well as the mirror, any suggestions??? Please!!!

AtlanticWBConst.

On what floor level is this fireplace? Basement or 1st floor?

It really sounds like the brick and the home structure have settled over time and have slightly separated from each other, and outside moisture may be coming thru that area that you describe as:

Check into that area.

__________________
- Build Well -

ssla

It's on the 1st floor, it's a ranch style house

ssla

Oh it was built in the '60's

Brik

Are you sure its mold and not just soot or dust?

Mold needs moisture. Moisture can come from leaks or from condensation. If you have no leaks, and its not soot or dust, then you have condensation. Condensation is cause when you get warm and cold coming together.

First clean the mold off with bleach solution. Done. Then just dry dehumidification and see if it comes back or not. Air conditioning is also dehumidification FYI.

Oh, and you can get a moisture meter to check for moisture. Cheap ones are not too accurate but probably sufficient for your purpose.

Here is a good enough one for $20
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=2757

ssla

I have bleached it off several times, with it only returning . We have never used the fireplace so I know it's not soot or dust. Do we need to remove our fireplace?

joewho

Probably don't need to remove the fireplace. But removing the drywall and having a look back there might be a good idea. Could be something behind the drywall attracting and holding moisture.

Paint won't solve this problem.