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Science Forum Index » Materials Forum » black mould in transparent silicone sealant
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| Guest |
 Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2003 12:22 pm |
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Over the years in two houses we have had problems with black mold growing
into our silicone shower sealant. The sealant continues to function, but the
mold looks unsightly. It may be killed by fungicides or bleach but cannot be
displaced.
At our previous house I removed the strip of sealant (with difficulty) and
replaced -there was no subsurface damage. I think the mold is aspergillus
niger, but I can't think why it should want to penetrate an apparently non
porous substrate.
Any thoughts as to how to get rid of the staining, or preventing mould
penetration in a future application.
I am quite happy to live with it, but my wife wants action.
Regards
David T |
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| Mark Thorson |
| Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2003 12:37 pm |
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davidtaylor1@onetel.net.uk wrote:
Quote: I think the mold is aspergillus
niger, but I can't think why it should want to penetrate an apparently
nonporous substrate.
I doubt the mold is penetrating the substrate. I suspect the
mold is secreting the coloring matter, which is being absorbed
into the silicone. Among polymers, silicone ranks highly
in permeability. |
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| mullens |
| Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2003 6:30 pm |
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davidtaylor1@onetel.net.uk wrote:
Quote:
Over the years in two houses we have had problems with black mold growing
into our silicone shower sealant. The sealant continues to function, but the
mold looks unsightly. It may be killed by fungicides or bleach but cannot be
displaced.
At our previous house I removed the strip of sealant (with difficulty) and
replaced -there was no subsurface damage. I think the mold is aspergillus
niger, but I can't think why it should want to penetrate an apparently non
porous substrate.
Any thoughts as to how to get rid of the staining, or preventing mould
penetration in a future application.
I am quite happy to live with it, but my wife wants action.
Same here ! I tried coating it with toothpaste in the hope that the flouride
would kill the fungus - but it either washed away or dried out and the black
colour of the mould stayed ! Perhaps its specific to UK brands. My sealant was
white. |
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| Mike D2 |
| Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2003 7:59 pm |
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Try improving your ventilation or removing excess moisture...mold loves
dark, damp areas.
<davidtaylor1@onetel.net.uk> wrote in message news:3f368f89@212.67.96.135...
Quote: Over the years in two houses we have had problems with black mold growing
into our silicone shower sealant. The sealant continues to function, but
the
mold looks unsightly. It may be killed by fungicides or bleach but cannot
be
displaced.
At our previous house I removed the strip of sealant (with difficulty) and
replaced -there was no subsurface damage. I think the mold is aspergillus
niger, but I can't think why it should want to penetrate an apparently non
porous substrate.
Any thoughts as to how to get rid of the staining, or preventing mould
penetration in a future application.
I am quite happy to live with it, but my wife wants action.
Regards
David T
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| RThomp7367 |
| Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2003 8:11 pm |
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Guest
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Quote: Over the years in two houses we have had problems with black mold growing
into our silicone shower sealant. The sealant continues to function, but
the
mold looks unsightly.
Silicone sealant, by itself, will not support the growth of mold or mildew.
The reason mold grows on sealant used in the shower is the soap film that
builds up on the surface of the sealant - which does support mold.
The solution is to use silicone bath tub caulk. This is one case where the
product is not simply a marketing driven re-label of standard silicone. Bath
tub caulk contains a mildew suppressant that permeates the overlaying soap film
and prevents the mold. It really works!
RT |
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| Gordon Couger |
| Posted: Sun Aug 10, 2003 9:51 pm |
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<davidtaylor1@onetel.net.uk> wrote in message news:3f368f89@212.67.96.135...
Quote: Over the years in two houses we have had problems with black mold growing
into our silicone shower sealant. The sealant continues to function, but
the
mold looks unsightly. It may be killed by fungicides or bleach but cannot
be
displaced.
At our previous house I removed the strip of sealant (with difficulty) and
replaced -there was no subsurface damage. I think the mold is aspergillus
niger, but I can't think why it should want to penetrate an apparently non
porous substrate.
Any thoughts as to how to get rid of the staining, or preventing mould
penetration in a future application.
I am quite happy to live with it, but my wife wants action.
Regards
David T
Try using a decent caulking compound made for sealing tubs instead of
silicone and sealing with the proper sealant after it dries several weeks.
Gordon |
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| mullens |
| Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2003 3:17 pm |
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RThomp7367 wrote:
Quote:
Over the years in two houses we have had problems with black mold growing
into our silicone shower sealant. The sealant continues to function, but
the
mold looks unsightly.
Silicone sealant, by itself, will not support the growth of mold or mildew.
The reason mold grows on sealant used in the shower is the soap film that
builds up on the surface of the sealant - which does support mold.
The solution is to use silicone bath tub caulk. This is one case where the
product is not simply a marketing driven re-label of standard silicone. Bath
tub caulk contains a mildew suppressant that permeates the overlaying soap film
and prevents the mold. It really works!
Thanks,
I have seen tubes of "caulk" - I'll check these out.
Richard |
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