6 Things You Need to Know About Basement Mold
Does your basement have a distinct odor like that of mold or mildew? Mold and mildew smells are often described as smelling like an old, wet mop or a similar odor to clothing that was once wet and then dried. That stale, old musty smell may be more of a nuisance or it may be mold that is growing as a result of a previous flood or leak in your home that was improperly dried out. Perhaps your basement took on water at one time, either from heavy rains that got into your home or from a leak inside of your house. Here's what you need to know about basement mold.
1. Basement mold and mildew can develop after just 1-2 days of flooding or water damage if the area is not properly dried out. Properly drying water damaged areas include removing carpeting, carpet pads, and baseboards that can trap water; replacing or treating saturated drywall; and removing not only water but moisture from the air with a high quality dehumidifier. It's also important to consider neighboring rooms that may have excess moisture due to the water problem.
2. Even without flooding, basements often provide an ideal breeding ground for mold growth. Your basement could be at risk for mold and mildew growth if it is:
>> Damp and dark
>> Has reduced air flow
>> Has excess moisture
>> Prone to flooding
3. You should be concerned about mold in your basement even if you do not spend much time there. Experts agree that 40% of the air you breathe comes up from the basement and/or crawlspace. This is known as the ‘Stack Effect’ and refers to the upward movement of air into and out of your home.
4. If your basement has excess moisture the best way to prevent mold growth is to install a professional-grade dehumidifier. A good quality dehumidifier will allow you to maintain a relative humidity within a certain range so that mold does not grow.
5. If you find mold, the CDC generally does not recommend testing to determine the species of mold that is present. Allergic reactions to mold will vary depending on their tolerance for the levels and types found in the home. They do recommend you clean or remove the mold depending on the amount found. You can read the FAQ’s on mold on the CDC website.
6. You don’t have to undergo major demolition and reconstruction to remove mold growth in your home. Consider a mold abatement approach that includes an inspection, treatment with an anti-microbial, a sealer, and finally a high quality dehumidifier to prevent future mold growth.
