Everything to Know About Basement Mold

With water damage typically comes mold. Basements are the most susceptible part of a structure to water damage; therefore, basement mold is unfortunately prevalent. Fortunately, there are a plethora of solutions to the problem of basement mold.

Keep in mind, for mold to thrive, it only needs moisture and space to grow on. Once a room has been exposed to water, it takes about two days to mold to form. It’s crucial to rid dark and poorly ventilated areas of any moisture as soon as possible to avoid mold. There will always be mold spores present in a home; it’s impossible to eradicate them completely. The spores won’t turn into mold if they have nowhere to sit, and there is not a sufficient amount of moisture. When there is water and material to grow on, it will grow arms or hyphae and spread, destroying the material it’s on. It will be slimy to the touch and fuzzy in appearance. Here is everything you need to know about basement mold and how to avoid it:

How Mold Affects Different Materials

It is essential to know what material(s) your basement is made up of in order to avoid and prevent mold. Here are some of the most common materials and how mold affects them:

Drywall

Drywall has wood particles and fibre particles, so it’s an excellent surface for mold to grow and feed on. The professionals at Crackmasters can drill a hole in your drywall and stick a tool through it to determine if mold is growing behind it. If there is mold, you may have to replace portions of the drywall replaced.

Wood

There is likely a significant amount of wood in your basement, whether it’s framing, flooring, furniture or items you’re storing. This material has pathways in it for mold to grow within, so it is very vulnerable in a wet basement. Mold can break down wood and cause structural problems to the framing and flooring and impact the entire house.

If you notice any moisture in your basement, move all wood furniture and items to a better-ventilated space where they can dry faster. Seal items in plastic bags to stop the spread of mold to the new area.

Fabrics

Fabrics in the basement, such as on furniture and stored items, are porous, so they are just as vulnerable to mold growth as wood. Like wood, items remove any fabric items in plastic bags and dry in a ventilated area. If possible, you can place anything like towels and clothing in the washer and dryer to prevent mold’s growth and spread.

Carpeting

We never recommend having carpeting in a basement as it is porous like fabric and is highly susceptible to mold growth from cracks in the house’s foundation. If flooding or wetness occurs in a carpeted basement, it will need to be professionally cleaned but, more likely, taken out and replaced.

HVAC

If you have an HVAC duct running through your basement, check and clean the drip pan regularly to ensure there is no basement mold forming inside it. Due to its condensation and lack of ventilation, an HVAC duct can become a breeding ground for basement mold.

Drains, Pipes and Faucets

Basements typically house most of the drain, pipes and faucets for the systems in your home. Monitor these spots for leaks as they are likely to provide an excellent home for mold.

Health Risks of Basement Mold

Mold in your basement can be detrimental to all the patrons of a home’s health, especially children, older people and anyone with a compromised immune system. If ingested, inhaled or touched, mold can cause the following issues:

• Irritated eyes
• Blurry vision
• Sore throat
• Nausea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Rash or skin irritation
• Coughing, wheezing or other respiratory issues
• Neurological issues
• Heart issues

Types of Basement Mold

It’s important to be able to identify the different types of mold that can be found in your basement. Here are some of the most common:

White Mold

If you’ve ever seen food go bad, it is white mold forming on it. It can also be found on water-damaged materials.

Green Mold

Green mold is also frequently found on food that is rotting. It can easily travel in the air throughout your home and cause allergic reactions or asthma attacks.

Black Mold

Black mold is one of the most common basement molds you can find in a basement. When it grows, it sometimes releases toxic mycotoxins that can cause some of the above health risks if ingested. This type of basement mold is typically found on walls, carpets and wood framing in a basement.
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If you notice ANY mold in your basement, contact Crackmasters immediately, and we will get clean it up immediately and prevent any health risks for you and your family members. To avoid basement mold, we offer basement waterproofing in Mississauga, Oakville, Brampton, Etobicoke, Burlington, Acton, Milton and Georgetown. However, if it’s too late and mold has formed in your basement, we will repair it promptly, professionally and economically. Contact us or get a free quote for all of your basement waterproofing and basement crack repair needs!