Expert: Dave Johnson - 8/5/2007

Question
QUESTION: We have mold in the basement,because the old below grade windows/wells leak and the red brick motor is falling out.Can a home owner fix this 10 years of mold.Iv'e clean and painted before but windows frames are gone and floor is wet.I can't aford big money projects

ANSWER: Hi Tom,
Unfortunately, there are no cheap ways to correct this problem.
However, I think if you replaced the window frames a little at a time, (or bricked them up) repointed the bricks with new mortar, and try to get as much moisture stopped from entering, you wouldn't be spending a lot of money at once.
From the outside, there may be things you can do as well, like waterproofing with mortar and maybe even using some ice and watersheild.
Also, if you are getting a lot of moisture upstairs, you may want to install a de-humidifier in your basement.
Please ask if you want more ....

Good luck,
Dave

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I through that the windows needed to stay? How would be the best way to repoint all the mortar,would the area fall down,would you start at the bottom we have a ledge 3'inside and 3' tall.What would be the best mortar for this wet problem? I could only do a little at a time I work 14hr a day on my job. How would you get the crumbling mortar out without that red brick fall down.Would i need to use bleach/water mix before I start,I don't know how to get started.Thanks for your help

Answer
Hi Tom,
If the bricks are really soft and starting to dust, clean the area you plan to start on and then apply a masonry sealer.
Then you can rake out loose mortar with anything you can find. All the mortar doesn't have to come out, just the first 1/2 to 1 ". then mix a bag of sakrete mortar mix ( or something equal) and point them up with a pointing trowel and a joining tool.  Doing it this way you only need to do as much as you have time for and can start anywhere.
If there is significant leaking, I would try and stop as much of that as possible FIRST.
I have used a product called "water plug" mixed really dry to plug leaks. And I have even held a handfull of dry waterplug against a running leak and made it stop!!
Dave