Does anyone know a substance I can put down (inside a wall) to prevent mold?

Question

I have a leak inside a wall and cannot get to the moisture so I would like to find something that I can put inside the wall to prevent mold from forming

Answer 1

If you don't stop the leak, you will always have water problems.

That having been said, there is risk of mold, mildew, algea & Water Rot

So go about this properly. If it is an under the land-line (I forget he professional, actual term for below ground) then you need to have it dug out, french drained & whatever else to correct it

Mold is simply only a part of the problem in the example you are giving

Not to mention that you could get in serious legal trouble if you sell a house with this condition & not disclose this problem

Contact your homeowners insurance & see if this is something they will help you with the cost of repairs

Answer 2

Mold spores are everywhere. Nothing you can do, short of putting a radioactive source inside the wall (not recommended), will permanently keep the mold from coming back. You have to keep moisture out so the mold will not grow.

First, you must fix the leak to remove the source of the water.

Then remove any insulation and, if possible, all drywall or plaster that is contaminated with mold. If you can't remove the drywall or plaster, then generously apply a strong solution of bleach and water everywhere to kill the mold.

Allow to dry thoroughly. Even to the point of hanging a low-wattage light bulb (40 to 60 watts) in the wall cavity. Or blow warm air in the wall to dry everything.

There are several paint additives which can be added to oil or latex paints which will kill mold and fungus and prevent regrowth for 5-15 years. Mil-Kil is one brand. You could paint with a good quality primer with that additive to get some measure of long-term protection.

Good luck.

Answer 3

"A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home"
Hidden Mold

* Suspicion of hidden mold
* Investigating hidden mold problems
* Cleanup and Biocides

mold growing on the back side of wallpaperSuspicion of hidden mold

You may suspect hidden mold if a building smells moldy, but you cannot see the source, or if you know there has been water damage and residents are reporting health problems. Mold may be hidden in places such as the back side of dry wall, wallpaper, or paneling, the top side of ceiling tiles, the underside of carpets and pads, etc. Other possible locations of hidden mold include areas inside walls around pipes (with leaking or condensing pipes), the surface of walls behind furniture (where condensation forms), inside ductwork, and in roof materials above ceiling tiles (due to roof leaks or insufficient insulation).

Investigating hidden mold problems

Investigating hidden mold problems may be difficult and will require caution when the investigation involves disturbing potential sites of mold growth. For example, removal of wallpaper can lead to a massive release of spores if there is mold growing on the underside of the paper. If you believe that you may have a hidden mold problem, consider hiring an experienced professional.

Cleanup and Biocides

Biocides are substances that can destroy living organisms. The use of a chemical or biocide that kills organisms such as mold (chlorine bleach, for example) is not recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup. There may be instances, however, when professional judgment may indicate its use (for example, when immune-compromised individuals are present). In most cases, it is not possible or desirable to sterilize an area; a background level of mold spores will remain - these spores will not grow if the moisture problem has been resolved. If you choose to use disinfectants or biocides, always ventilate the area and exhaust the air to the outdoors. Never mix chlorine bleach solution with other cleaning solutions or detergents that contain ammonia because toxic fumes could be produced. Click on the image below for a larger 300dpi JPG file.

Please note: Dead mold may still cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is not enough to simply kill the mold, it must also be removed.
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/hiddenmold.html

Answer 4

If you can't stop the leak and do away with the moisture there is no way to stop mold from growing.

Answer 5

kitty litter works well. Or stick a low-watt light bulb on a cord down a hole in the drywall. When it dries, patch the hole and paint it over.

Answer 6

Bleach.

Answer 7

there is a paint that is anti-mold........slather that on thick and you'll NEVER have mold there again!