Basements are notorious for being humid and dark, with reduced foot traffic—perfect conditions for basement mold growth. As a result, there's a higher risk of mold growing in the basement than in any other place in your home.
Mold is a fungus that grows in moist areas with low light. It can also be dangerous to humans—it can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems.
It's essential to take steps to avoid basement mold from developing by making sure your basement remains dry and well-ventilated. The tips listed below will help keep your basement dry and prevent mold from developing!
Several factors contribute to basement mold growth: poor ventilation, high humidity levels, and excessive moisture or water on the walls. Without the timely removal of these environmental factors, mold will continue to grow and thrive.
Mold will likely grow on any surface that is wet or dampened with water or soaked with water-based liquids such as leaky pipes. As a result, basement mold can grow out of control without the necessary precautions and remediation measures.
Additionally, high humidity can lead to mold growth on furniture such as couches and chairs. Basement mold can also thrive on basement walls or furniture that have been dampened by condensation of water vapor.
Basement mold remediation should begin as soon as basement activity has been identified to prevent it from spreading and infiltrating the rest of the house. Implement consistent basement ventilation after your mold remediation professional takes care of the problematic mold growth.
Some basement mold can also be potentially dangerous to humans—it can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Mold identified as hazardous to human health should be taken care of as soon as possible by a professional.
Some of the symptoms of mold exposure include:
A basement space will not necessarily become uninhabitable due to basement mold. Still, without proper mold remediation, the risk may restrict your basement activities, or you may lose the ability to use the basement space altogether.
Several common leak sources can lead to basement mold. These include leaking pipes and appliances, cracked foundation walls, and improperly sealed basement windows and doors.
If you notice any leaks in your basement, it's essential to fix them as soon as possible. Take extra caution when water damage affects your furniture and drywall—these materials are more likely to host basement mold.
If you're unsure where the water damage is coming from, call a water damage professional to inspect your basement for leak sources and measure moisture levels.
Black mold is a type of mold that's often associated with adverse health effects. While all molds can cause allergic reactions or respiratory problems, experts consider black mold especially dangerous. So if you think you may have black mold in your basement, it's essential to take immediate action to remove it.
Just like typical mold strains, black mold can grow on any damp surface, so it's essential to keep your basement dry and well-ventilated using the above tips. If you notice any signs of black mold, call a professional immediately to remove it.
Mold remediation is the process of removing mold from an area. Mold professionals do this by removing and replacing the affected material before thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing the area.
For example, basement mold remediation experts often remove affected drywall, flooring, subflooring, insulation, and furniture. Then, they address the moisture source before killing the excess mold spores in the basement.
Mold remediation should only be performed by a professional, as it can be dangerous if not done correctly. Several precautions and extensive safety gear are required, so nobody suffers adverse health effects.
When basement mold starts to grow, it can be hard to tell where the water is coming from in the space. If you notice any signs of mold or if your basement has a musty smell, call in a professional for help with mold remediation as soon as possible.
Remember that basement activity may be restricted or lost altogether without proper basement mold removal!
Professionals should only perform mold remediation—instead of homeowners making it a DIY project—because many precautions and safety gear are required. For those of you living in or near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Living Solutions Construction has mold remediation experts ready for your call! Reach out via our contact page so we can schedule your free quote!
