If this is not mold what is it?

Andy Jarchow · 08-06-2010, 02:14 PM

Hello all,

Not sure what this would be. At first glance it looked like mold but was gray and powdery. It was above the finished portion of the basement only. Is this product familiar to any of you? What can this be if it’s not mold? Is it some kind of spray on sealer, noise barrier…???

mk

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**John Kogel** · 08-06-2010, 02:31 PM

Looks like a kid was playing around with spray paint.

Mitchell Toelle · 08-07-2010, 05:01 PM

In the last picture, looks like there is wall texture material overspray over the top of the gray. You said the gray was powdery. Do you have a pic of you swiping it away with a finger or something? That might help some in determining what it could be. Maybe not. Spray paint overspray (gray or any color) can have a powdery feel to it if shot from a far enough distance.

**Eric Barker** · 08-07-2010, 06:36 PM

It's a sprayed material, what it is I don't know nor would I give it much attention or make mention of it in the report.

Andy Jarchow · 08-07-2010, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by Mitchell Toelle

In the last picture, looks like there is wall texture material overspray over the top of the gray. You said the gray was powdery. Do you have a pic of you swiping it away with a finger or something? That might help some in determining what it could be. Maybe not. Spray paint overspray (gray or any color) can have a powdery feel to it if shot from a far enough distance.

Hi

It rubbed off and left a powdery residue on my finger. It looked like it may have been sprayed on but I was not sure. I couldn't think of any rhyme or reason for it so I recommended it be checked out.

I was thinking maybe there may have been an issue in the past that had been taken care of or dryed up mold of some kind. The specialist took a look at it and said he didn't think it was mold but didn't really know what it was. Just curious.

Thanks all for your help

mk

**Eric Barker** · 08-08-2010, 06:48 AM

Mold wouldn't leave an untouched space like this.

Andy Jarchow · 08-08-2010, 07:12 AM

Originally Posted by Eric Barker

Mold wouldn't leave an untouched space like this.

Good point! I will remember that.

**H.G. Watson, Sr.** · 08-08-2010, 09:11 AM

WAG: Gypcrete or similar floor leveling compound, Concrete or acrylic patch filler, ooze, spray or splash or dirt.

Perhaps original or with repair. Near window or other opening might have been troughed through, buckets passed or pumped via hose, or similarly splashed/sprayed, Might have come from above via opening at time. Could have been activities from above or below.

Another WAG: Sooting or carbonization.

Obviously has been some movement between OSB and below.

Hidden/restricted access in-use receptacle in ceiling(? wall?) cavity, blackened insulation, exposed kraft picture is concerning.

Dan Kuznitsky · 08-08-2010, 11:27 PM

Originally Posted by Mike Krueger

Hello all,

Not sure what this would be. At first glance it looked like mold but was gray and powdery. It was above the finished portion of the basement only. Is this product familiar to any of you? What can this be if it’s not mold? Is it some kind of spray on sealer, noise barrier…???

mk

It almost looks like someone voided the pressure in a can of spray paint with the nozzle off of the can.

**Jerry Martin** · 08-09-2010, 02:08 AM

Originally Posted by Dan Kuznitsky

It almost looks like someone voided the pressure in a can of spray paint with the nozzle off of the can.

We use a moisture meter when there is a question about mold. Any readings under 20% does not support mold activity. It does not look like any mold I have ever seen but there are many species of the Poria strain so I don't know for sure. A moisture reading would help determine if it is active or not if it is mold.