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Do you have mold in your basement?
If there is one single room in every home that tends to be prone to mold, it’s the basement. Basements are dark, cold, and often have leaks from the outside. This leads to a lot of issues, primarily mold. We’ve all been in basements that had that telltale musty, moldy smell. Sometimes, you might even see the mold growing up a wall.
What is the best temperature for mold growth in basements?
Mold loves temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees F, a little bit of moisture, some tasty surfaces to feed on, and plenty of room to grow—all of which the average basement supplies readily.
What does black mold look like in a basement?
It is blackish and has a distinctive musty odor. It is found in areas that are wet most of the time, have low light, and a high amount of moisture. If you aren’t sure of the type of mold growing in your basement or home, it is wise to seek out a local expert to identify the particular mold spreading through your home.
How much does mold remediation cost in a basement?
Most professional mold remediation jobs will cost between $500 to $6,000 or more depending on the size of the area and the depth of the infestation. Most basement mold remediation services will cost on the higher end of the spectrum.
Is mold in basement common?
Mold can grow anywhere it can find oxygen, moisture and organic material, and it's particularly happy in damp, humid areas of the home — so it's no surprise that mold in the basement is a common problem for homeowners.
Is basement mold a problem?
Basement mold is a common problem that can cost thousands to remove. Avoid getting mold in the first place with these preventive steps. While mold can grow almost anywhere, the basement is one of the most common places homeowners find it.
What happens if you have mold in your basement?
Not only does mold rot drywall, but it can also lead to serious health issues. If you have asthma or allergies, mold can cause eye irritation, cough, congestion, and skin irritation. More serious health issues from mold exposure include fever, coughing up blood, nose bleeds, vomiting, and even liver damage.
What percentage of homes have mold?
1. If you're wondering what percentage of homes have mold, the answer is around 70%. This is a terrifying statistic for homeowners.
Will a dehumidifier help with mold?
Reduce Mold and Mildew A dehumidifier is designed to reduce the moisture level in the air by extracting the excess water. By doing so, dehumidifiers can help prevent the growth of mold and mildew and improves the indoor air quality of your space.
How much does it cost to remove mold from a basement?
between $500 and $3,000Most professionals charge between $500 and $3,000 for mold removal in your basement. That range goes up if the growth is behind finished walls or wood paneling. The cost to seal your foundation, between $2,250 and $7,100, can prevent future issues.
Is it safe to live in house with mold in basement?
The CDC, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warns about the dangers of living with mold in the home: Respiratory tract symptoms that include coughing, wheezing, and swelling of the throat. Those who have asthma and allergy problems are especially at risk.
How do you tell if there's mold in my basement?
Top Warning Signs of Mold in the HomeA damp or musty smell. If you smell a damp, musty, or earthy odor, you might have a mold problem. ... Black spots or stains. ... Peeling wallpaper or paint. ... Damp, humid basement. ... Condensation on windows and pipes. ... Allergies and health problems.
How do I stop mold in my basement?
What can I do to Protect My Basement and Home from Mold?Avoid organic materials such as fiberglass, wood, wood products and paint. ... Instead of wood framing, plywood and drywall, opt for inorganic materials such as steel studs or luxury vinyl flooring.More items...•
Does every old house have mold?
“Every house, every environment has mold spores.” It becomes an issue when the concentration of mold spores in a home is greater than what is found outside. Mold needs three conditions to thrive: an ideal temperature, a source of food and moisture.
What kills mold permanently?
Bleach kills virtually every species of indoor mold that it comes into contact with including mold spores which leaves a sanitized surface making it resistant to future mold growth.
What states have the most mold problems?
According to the relative hazard-ranking model developed by the American Risk Management Recourses, Florida ranked #2 in this category. Texas ranks #1, and following Florida is Oklahoma, South Carolina, Nevada, Arizona, California, South Dakota, Tennessee and Kansas.
Mold Prevention
A common misconception about mold is that only dated and old homes are at risk of having it. In fact, mold growth is common and it’s not limited to old houses. This is true for new houses too, and there are several reasons why mold infestation can also occur there.
Mold Treatment and Removal
Are you currently dealing with a mild or severe case of mold infestation? Mold removal is both challenging and dangerous, but not impossible. Although you may want to employ some DIY home solutions, mold is not something to take lightly.
Most Common Types of Mold
There are three types of mold found at home: allergenic, pathogenic, and toxigenic. While all three pose health risks, the pathogenic and toxigenic types are best handled by specialists. Research shows that mold can cause several respiratory conditions, including asthma, in children.
Keep the Dangers of Mold at Bay
With enough knowledge of the different types of mold, the last thing you’d want is to welcome them into your home. There is nothing more important than your health and safety. It’s important to protect your home, and in turn, you and your family.
Where Does Mold Come From?
Mold is everywhere in the environment, including the outdoors as well as inside your home. Mold spores float in the air like pollen in the spring. All that is required for mold to grow is a food source and sufficient moisture. Food sources abound in a basement and include building materials, furniture, and cardboard boxes.
How Do I Prevent Mold?
Since you can’t eliminate all of the mold spores from the air and you can’t remove all of the building materials and contents from your basement, the only practical way to stop mold from growing is to eliminate or control the moisture source.
How Branch Environmental Can Help
If you have seen or suspect that you have mold growing in your basement, Branch Environmental can inspect your basement to determine the extent of the problem, identify the moisture source, develop and implement a solution, or walk you through the process if you choose to tackle it yourself.
Different Classes Of Mold Species
There are several species of mold, and they can all be divided into groups. Let’s study them one by one.
Acremonium mold
This type of mold produces harmful toxins and is known to change in appearance as time passes. In its initial stages, it starts as a tiny moist mold, which later transforms into a powdery form.
Alternaria mold
This is the most popular type of allergenic mold known to humans. It has a velvet texture and has brown or dark green hairs.
Aspergillus mold
This mold type is a common feature in many homes in America. They are characterized by long spores which can form thick layers.
Aureobasidium mold
Here’s another allergenic mold that you can find in your basement. They can grow behind tight corners like the back of the wallpaper, and even on wooden surfaces.
Chaetomium (Black Mold)
This mold starts with a grey or brown color before eventually turning black. And they can be found in basements with water damage.
Cladosporium mold
This allergenic mold species is hard to keep away from, being that they can grow in warm and cold environments. They can be found in cupboards, floorboards, fabric, carpets, and other upholstery.
What temperature does mold grow in a basement?
Mold loves temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees F, a little bit of moisture, some tasty surfaces to feed on, and plenty of room to grow—all of which the average basement supplies readily.
What is mold made of?
Mold (sometimes called mildew), is a type of fungus. It’s made up of small organisms that send out tiny spores to reproduce when they find somewhere wet. These spores can attach themselves to clothing, hair, shoes, or just travel on the wind — and you encounter them throughout your day, mostly without noticing.
What color is mold?
Indoor mold doesn’t necessarily look very menacing. It comes in all colors from white to green to black. You might have heard about “black mold” (a name that sounds pretty terrifying), but in truth that type of mold isn’t the most common one found in homes.
Is mold bad for you?
Along with being pretty unsightly, certain molds can pose major health risks. Some people are sensitive to mold as an allergen, and it can cause anything from eye and throat irritation to asthma or more serious illnesses in those with compromised immune systems.
Why do basements have mold?
Bad ventilation can cause condensation to build up in rooms. In a basement, this means that you might end up with cold, clammy areas prone to mold. Check your pets. Sometimes, the reason for mold deals with pets. Many pets, including unneutered cats and dogs, will spray urine on walls in order to mark territory.
Why is mold in my basement recurring?
More often than not, mold cases are caused by long-term issues like a slow leak or a poorly ventilated basement. These tasks below can help reduce the problem from recurring: Have a plumber take a look at everything in your basement. If you had repeated floods in your basement, an inspection by a plumber is a must.
What to do if you have a flood in your basement?
If you had repeated floods in your basement, an inspection by a plumber is a must. You might have a leak you aren’t aware of. Should this be the case, the mold will continue to form as long as the leak is present. Get a dehumidifier. If it’s a matter of excess moisture in the air, a dehumidifier can help reduce it.
How much does it cost to get rid of mold in basement?
This is not a cheap service, even if the area that it’s affected is pretty small. Most professional mold remediation jobs will cost between $500 to $6,000 or more depending on the size of the area and the depth of the infestation. Most basement mold remediation services will cost on the higher end of the spectrum.
What is mold in a house?
Mold is a living organism that feasts on the stuff in our homes—food, furniture, books, everything. If you have small items or papers that have been affected by the mold, you should remove them immediately. In most cases, you will be best off clearing out the entire room affected by mold.
How to get rid of mold in a bathroom?
Check to see the mold growth. Spray a mold-killing spray on the mold, and start scrubbing. Remove any items damaged by the mold. Fix any fixtures that have been damaged by mold. Address the problem that caused the mold in the first place. There’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it.
How long does it take for mold to grow in a basement?
When left in a cold, dark, and damp area, it’s possible for mold to start growing in as little as 24 to 48 hours. The longer the area remains damp, the more likely it is that mold will grow there. This is why it’s so important to make sure that your basement avoids too much moisture and doesn’t get any leaks.
Why is mold growing in my basement?
Flooding is one of the significant reasons for mold growth in the basement. Floods cause massive amounts of water to build up, leading to hydro-static pressure. This, in turn, leads to leaks, moisture, and the resulting mold growth.
How to get rid of mold in basement?
Hydrogen Peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a handy and non-toxic solution for getting rid of mold in your home and basement. Mix with water and then spray on the affected floors and walls. Allow it to sit on the mold for ten minutes, and then use a scrub brush to scrub off the mold and mildew.
What does black mold smell like?
It is blackish and has a distinctive musty odor. It is found in areas that are wet most of the time, have low light, and a high amount of moisture. If you aren’t sure of the type of mold growing in your basement or home, it is wise to seek out a local expert to identify the particular mold spreading through your home.
What is the best way to get rid of mold in basement walls?
Before using tea tree oil, mix the oil with water and then shake well to ensure the solution is mixed correctly.
How to get rid of mold in house?
Vinegar is a great household cleaner that can also be used for removing mold. To be specific, ensure you get white vinegar when thinking of using this solution. Simply pour the white vinegar over the mold and allow it to sit between two to five minutes. You can then wipe off the mold with a cloth or sponge.
What are the different types of molds?
Molds can be divided into two categories: 1 Allergenic 2 Mycotoxin/black
Why does my basement have a leak?
Leaks. Leaks can occur due to burst piping or faulty foundations. Sometimes, this is due to aging and infrequent maintenance. Hydro-static pressure caused by a rise in the soil water table will also create a leak in the foundations – leading to basement leaks. Water heaters can also leak sometimes.
