Basement Mold Growth: Everything You Should Know
Have you ever noticed those green-black spots in your basements? Well, this is the most hated thing on walls. It totally damages the aesthetics of the house and living spaces. This not only damages your wall but also creates a smelly environment that’s hard to breathe. There are many reasons why you should remove these fungi and do a proper mold remediation and basement leak repair. So, let’s explore them first.
5 Reasons Why Mold Growth Is Eating Your Health
Respiratory Problems
Usually, this mold produces spores that can become airborne pollutants. This pollutant creates a sharp irritation in the respiratory system when someone inhales it. This can lead to severe coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. If someone has any pre-existing respiratory issues, such as asthma or allergies, mold exposure can exacerbate their situation.
Allergic Reactions
Mold spores can trigger allergic reactions in many people. They can feel some common issues, including runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, skin rashes, and itching. These allergic reactions can be highly uncomfortable and reduce your overall well-being.
Toxic Mold
Some molds, such as Stachybotrys chartarum, produce mycotoxins that are harmful to humans. These molds are highly toxic, and they can lead to more severe health issues. Many people have headaches, fatigue, memory problems, and even respiratory and neurological problems in some cases.
Immune System Suppression
Mold exposure can weaken the immune cells, which will slow down your overall immune system. If you have kids living in such an environment, they will be more susceptible to serious illnesses. On the other hand, it can be deadly for individuals who are already suffering from immune or compromised diseases, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or living with HIV/AIDS.
Infections
In some cases, mold can cause fungal infections in the respiratory or digestive systems. These infections can be far more challenging to treat and may require medical intervention to resolve.
What Causes Mold Growth in Home & Basements?
The main cause is temperature! On rainy days and winters, 15 -26 degrees Celsius is the most favorable temperature for mold growth. Spores of mold are always present in the air. Whenever the spores meet with their favorable conditions to grow, they will start developing their thalloid body. Let’s have a look at some cases that contribute to the growth of mold.
Moisture, Moisture, Moisture
Moisture is the primary factor that creates cooling in the basement and walls. As basements are located underground, they tend to be more humid and prone to moisture intrusion. It can happen due to water leaks, seepage through foundation walls or floors, and high humidity levels. Flooding, plumbing leaks, and inadequate drainage systems can also exacerbate moisture problems.
Poor Ventilation
Air works as the catalyst in the evaporation of water, but the process can be limited with limited natural ventilation. It can lead to bad air circulation, and stagnant air allows moisture to accumulate and creates a conducive environment for mold growth.
Organic Materials
Mold feeds on organic materials like wood, drywall, and cardboard, which are often present in basements. If these materials become damp, mold can easily grow and spread.
Inadequate Insulation
Insufficient insulation in basements can cause temperature differences between the basement and the rest of the house. When warm or humid air from the outside comes into contact with cooler basement surfaces, it starts to condense and eventually creates a favorable condition for molds.
Lack of Sunlight
Mold thrives in dark environments. Basements are typically darker and shaded than other parts of the house, which creates an ideal breeding ground for mold.
Neglected Maintenance
A lack of effective maintenance and inspection of the basement can allow issues such as leaks, cracks, or foundation problems to go unnoticed and unaddressed, contributing to mold growth.
Clutter and Poor Organization
We usually treat our basements as the storehouse. The gathered clutter can obstruct airflow and make it difficult to clean and inspect for mold. It can also create hidden areas where moisture can accumulate and mold can develop.
How To Clean Mold from The Basement?
Materials You’ll Need:
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): Gloves, safety goggles, and an N95 respirator mask.
- Cleaning solution: Use a cleaning mixture of water and mild detergent or a commercial mold cleaner.
- Scrubbing brush or sponge.
- Trash bags for disposing of contaminated materials.
- Plastic sheeting or drop cloths to cover and protect items in the area.
- A vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.
- Fans and dehumidifiers to help with drying the area.
- Sealing material (e.g., waterproof paint) to prevent future moisture issues.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Put on your personal protective equipment to protect yourself from exposure to toxic mold spores. There are many spores that secrete toxins which can be harmful to you.
Step 2: Clean or close off the area where mold is present. Use plastic sheeting or drop cloths to seal off the area and cover any items that cannot be removed. Open the windows if there are any.
You can use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to carefully remove loose mold spores from surfaces. Be sure to clean the vacuum filter and bag or canister afterwards.
Step 3: Mix your cleaning solution (mild detergent or commercial mold cleaner) with water and use a scrubbing brush, wiper, or sponge to clean the mold off surfaces until they are removed completely.
Step 4: Use fans and dehumidifiers to thoroughly dry the area.
Step 5: After the area is dry, consider applying a moisture-resistant paint or sealant to prevent future moisture issues.
Bottom Line
However, doing it by yourself can save a lot of dollars, but it will be best if you call a professional mold remediation company, like BWS Dry. They offer advanced solutions for mold remediation in Lancaster, PA, with other basement solutions, including quality basement leak repair, waterproofing, crawl space repair, foundation repair, and mold remediation. Visit the page for more. If you have any doubts or concerns, you can book a free consultation.
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