Basement Humidity is Perfect for Mold Colonies in Belford, NJ

Challenge

Recently, I got a call from a new client in Belford, NJ who mentioned that they had small spots of mold growth on the ceiling in their basement. One of the most common causes of mold in a basement is due to condensation and humidity build-up, but I won't be able to determine the cause of the mold until I do a full inspection. I put on my personal protective equipment, took out my hygrometer and conducted my inspection. Turns out that the cause of mold growth in the basement was due to high humidity levels. The average humidity levels in a home must be kept between 30-45% in the colder months and 45-55% in the warmer months. Mold can start to grow if the humidity is above 55%. If mold is allowed to grow, it can lead to severe damages to property values and health issues. In addition to mold growth, high levels of humidity will also enhance the growth of allergenic dust mites and health-compromising bacteria.

Solution

I treated the mold with an antimicrobial solution called MAPS. MAPS stands for Mold Abatement Polymer Solutions and is specially-designed to kill mold and prevent it from coming back. It’s broken down into two components — MAPS 1 and MAPS 2.  MAPS 1 is an EPA registered antimicrobial solution that targets the mold on its DNA level and kills it instantly. After I sprayed it, I waited 30 minutes and wiped the mold covered surfaces.  Once everything has been sanitized I then applied MAPS 2. MAPS 2 is a polymer sealant containing a synergistic balance of time-released antimicrobial ingredients. Once it is applied it encapsulates the existing dead mold and prevents any future mold from growing. After MAPS 1 and MAPS 2 has been applied mold cannot grow on any treated surface and remains active to fight mold for years.

We also installed a SaniDry Sedona dehumidifier to keep the humidity level low. Mold and mildew flourish when the humidity level gets above 55% and the Sedona dehumidifier will keep the home below 55% Relative Humidity — so mold won’t stand a chance and dust mites will die off!