Are you concerned that mold clusters may have started to sprout up in your basement? Or are you worried that your basement may not be water-tight enough to prevent future mold growth?
Mold is more dangerous in your home than you may imagine. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent it from taking root in your home. If clusters are already present throughout your home, mold remediation specialists in your area can help you remediate your basement, and local basement waterproofing experts can help you protect yourself against future infestations.
Why Does Mold Flourish In Basements?
Why does mold take root in damp basements? Put simply, mold loves nothing more than a damp, dark place to grow. When it has access to organic materials like your drywall, carpet, or excessive moisture, then it will start to grow.
When you leave your basement or crawl space un-waterproofed, you make it a perfect garden for mold of all sorts.
How Can Mold Impact Your Health?
While not all molds will negatively impact your health, most can. If there’s mold growing in your home, you may find yourself having more allergic reactions to your environment than normal. In more severe cases, you may have trouble breathing, even if you hadn’t been diagnosed with asthma in the past.
Unfortunately, many homeowners won’t notice themselves reacting to mold in their basement. Mold starts to impact homeowners’ health gradually. If your eyes start to itch, you begin to cough more frequently, or you seem to be getting sick with more regularity, it may be time to call in a professional.
What Symptoms Give Away Mold Growth?
If you don’t act to waterproof your basement, you may find yourself dealing with mold clusters sooner rather than later. Luckily, mold does give itself away. If you’re hunting for symptoms of mold growth throughout your home, you’ll want to keep a close eye out for:
- Cracks in your walls and floors
- Leaks
- Standing water
- Water damage
- The smell of rotting wood or excessive mustiness
- Warping doors and window frames
- Higher electric and water bills
- Pests
You’ll note that many of these symptoms are also indicative of basement or foundation damage. While you’re hunting for mold, considering bringing in one of Cleveland’s professional basement repair contractors so they can conduct an inspection of their own. They may be able to point out some mold hotspots that you might otherwise overlook.
How Can You Prevent Mold Growth In Your Basement?
The easiest way to keep mold from taking root in your home is to waterproof your basement. That said, there are other steps you can take to help your waterproofing measures protect the rest of your home.
The best ways to stifle mold growth include:
- Cleaning your gutters regularly
- Investing in dehumidifiers to limit your basement’s humidity
- Frequently cleaning your air conditioner’s vents and ducts
- Quickly sopping up any standing water in your basement
Be sure to discuss the waterproofing measures that you have at your disposal with a local professional, too. Some of your best options will include:
- Interior drainage
- Sump pumps
- Vapor barriers
How Can You Remediate A Moldy Basement?
If you find mold in your home, you’ll want to do what you can to get rid of it as quickly as you can. The best way to do so is to reach out to a professional in your area. However, if you want to take steps on your own time, you can.
More often than not, home remedies like baking soda or vinegar can stifle the growth of mold in your home. However, if you don’t mix these home remedies carefully, you may rapidly find yourself dealing with a significant mess. In some cases, you may even pull together ingredients that are deadly when combined.
When in doubt be sure to explore your basement or visible foundation for potential signs of mold. Consult a professional before taking on any DIY steps toward remediation, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Worried that a leak in your basement may let mold grow throughout your home?
