Mold, no matter where it grows, can pose a risk for the well-being of those in the area and the foundational stability of the property. The repercussions of letting the mold spread in your residential or commercial property are threefold. The consequences of a delayed call to a basement mold removal service will only increase, and these include the following disastrous outcomes:
- Firstly, mold growth results in stains and a rancid odor in the primary spot, and it can spread to the surrounding areas quickly if not dealt with promptly.
- Secondly, once the mold spreads, this microorganism becomes a culprit for the onset of numerous diseases, specifically related to allergies, irritation, and respiratory problems.
- Finally, where there is mold, the very core infrastructure of your property will begin to rot when the mold gets in deep within the walls. Ultimately, the base of the property will become weak over time.
When to Call in a Professional Mold Removal Team For Your Basement?
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At Servmold of Dallas, we understand that homeowners and property owners don’t always want to pick up the phone every time they have a mold problem. Sometimes, you may be able to get rid of the mold by yourself. But that’s only the removal part, not a complete remediation process. Read more about our steps to remove mold here.
Suppose the mold has overgrown to dangerous extents, and you need the inspection professionals to handle it. In that case, we can solve any mold issue immediately, even if you’re calling at the last minute and you’ve no other choice.
Why Is There Mold in Your Basement?
Mold doesn’t need a lot to grow. There’s a high chance that your dark, damp basement already ticks all of the boxes for the ideal environment to let mold grow and even spread in that area. If you’re curious about the triggering causes of these episodes, check whether your basement is a victim of any of the following:
- Moisture: Water damage isn’t the only provoker of mold growth in a basement. Basements are the part of your home that usually contain moisture, especially if you live in a humid area. Combine the moisture with poor ventilation, which is typical for basements, and you have the entire foundation for mold growth laid out already.
- Water Leakage: A minor crack in the pipes in your home is a recipe for water damage, eventually leading to mold growth. Two of the most common reasons for pipe leaks are that the plumbing in your home is decades old or needs repairs due to delayed maintenance. Another source of water leakage is the rise of water tables, i.e., water levels under the soil. When this happens, your basement is the first area bound to get flooded, especially if it’s below the water table level.
- Flooding: While there is a susception of mold growth when there are leaks and moisture in your basement, there’s absolutely no doubt if flooding occurs and the water damage is extensive. Toilet burst, pipe leakage, faulty water heaters; there are several causes for flooding.
- Storms and Pump Failures: A storm could happen anytime, anywhere. To protect their property, many homeowners and commercial owners have installed sump pumps. This way, the water moves away from the property in case of a flood. With a pump failure that could be due to several reasons, the property may get flooded, thus, causing mold growth in the basement.
What can you do if your property has recently faced any of the above issues? The best decision is to get it checked for mold. While you may not see it since mold isn’t always visible, a professional can adequately test your basement and tackle the situation if there is mold growth.
Types of Mold Hiding in Your Basement
Contrary to popular belief, ‘mold’ isn’t only a singular microorganism. Instead, it has several varieties that can make an abode in your basement.
The first classification between mold types is allergenic mold and mycotoxin mold. As the name suggests, allergenic mold can cause allergies and irritation, but that too in only extremely sensitive cases. Mycotoxin, otherwise known as black mold, is highly dangerous due to its toxic nature for those living in the area.
Here are common types of molds you might notice in your home:
- Aspergillus: If you’ve seen dark green spots on walls or ceilings of your basement, it’s aspergillus. The most common mold type growing in interior spaces, specifically moist and humid areas, is aspergillus.
- Fusarium: Properties that fall prey to any water damage, i.e., leakage or flooding, will pave the path for the growth of fusarium mold, a deadly fungus. Unlike aspergillus, this yellow fungus can breed in a non-humid climate and that too speedily.
- Cladosporium: A blackish-brown or gray-green colored mold that lives in condensed areas, both outdoors and indoors. Keep a lookout for this mold growing on walls, ventilation units, or floor carpeting. While it’s not toxic, this mold can cause several allergic reactions.
- Stachybotrys: Stachybotrys thrives in consistently dark and damp places, so basements make the ideal base for the growth and spread of this mold. Stachybotrys is the renowned ‘black mold’ that you need to protect your home and your family from as soon as you identify the signs of it.
Unclear or can’t correctly identify the type of mold growing in your basement? Call a Basement mold remediation service, and they can help you out, from identification to cleaning and sanitization.
How Can You Get Rid of Mold in Your Basement?
You might find some DIY techniques to remove basement mold or mold in attic removal; we’ve listed a few below as well for your guidance. However, a DIY mold project may cause more complicated issues later on if you don’t get it right.
Plus, the first thing you need to do before even starting at the mold is to fix the primary issue if you haven’t. So, if there’s water damage or moisture in your basement, resolve that issue first and foremost.
Next, you can use the following methods to try and remove mold yourself if you’re not up for calling the professionals just yet.
- Vinegar: Our ancestors would’ve sworn by the many advantages of using vinegar, one of which is a homemade cleaner. Not only does vinegar leave squeaky clean, but it can also be helpful in terms of removing mold. All you’ve to do is spray vinegar directly on the mold and wipe it off after 5 minutes.
- Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide, i.e., something used to kill or suppress the growth of fungi. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water, and it acts like magic for removing the mold instantaneously. Spray it on the primary surface and scrub the area well.
- Grapefruit Seed Extract: Another item in the list of natural fungicides is grapefruit seed extract. The citric acid in this fruit acts as a mold remover AND repeller, i.e., it prevents the possibility of a second mold growth incidence. Once again, mix it with water, spray, and wipe. Repeat the process until no mold is left behind.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide acts similar to bleach, thus, decomposing mold, but without the release of toxic fumes in that area which happens in the latter case. Add this non-toxic substance to water and make a mixture to spray on the mold spot.
- Borax: Borax is a chemical substance. When sprayed directly on mold increases their pH value, it makes them more alkaline and consequently inhibits their growth since mold requires an acidic environment. Ensure you’re mixing one part borax with four parts water to make the solution.
- Bleach: While bleach isn’t the safest option to use in a house, it is one of the most preferred due to its availability and effective method. The best thing about bleach is that it’s a quick process, but it removes existing mold, eliminating the risk of mold regrowth. However, do not use bleach on materials it is not recommendable for, e.g., porous materials.
- Concrobium: Concrobium is a mold removal spray approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). While it’s as effective a treatment as a non-toxic chemical can be for mold removal, to the extent that even the experts use it instead of bleach, it can be expensive.
- HEPA Approved Vacuum: HEPA vacuums are increasingly efficient, much more than a usual vacuum machine. HEPA vacuums have been manufactured to remove 99% of the particles in the area, including those that are the size of microns. Therefore, these machines are one of the best options for removing mold and mold spores as well as preventing regrowth.
Preventative Measures for Mold Growth in Basement
While you can’t completely eliminate the possibility of mold growth in your basement, there are specific steps that can decrease the likelihood of it happening and keep your home mold-free:
- Double-Check Sources: Monitor the sources that can cause water damage in the area, which in return causes mold growth. Stop the source immediately if you notice any water damage, moisture, or signs of mold growth. Clogged sewage systems, plumbing issues, faulty pumps are only some of the sources that we often ignore.
- Proper Ventilation: With appropriate ventilation, your basement will remain dry instead of gradually becoming damp because of overlooking ventilation. Install and maintain ventilation units annually, if not monthly.
- Humidifier for Extra Precaution: You can’t stop the humidity when you’re living in a city where humidity levels do rise. Regularly monitoring humidity levels within your home and installing a dehumidifier to decrease the levels can prevent mold growth.
- Strengthen the Foundations: In cases such as a rise in water tables, you need a solid foundation surrounding your property to prevent the damage, which could otherwise get worse, especially with cheap materials. Dry gypsum wall and wall primers refortify the structure of your home.
- Filter the Air in Your Home: Technology is eons ahead of where we used to be a few decades back. With technology came the easiness of several complications, including filtration and cleaning the air inside your home. You should filter and clean it every week with the help of a negative air pressure machine to remove germs, bacteria, dust, and mold spores.
Repetitive mold regrowth means there’s a severe mold issue in your basement. In this case, a professional service can help you out and remove the mold properly so it doesn’t come back.
Most Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Mold Growth in Basements
- Can mold growth harm you in any way?
Yes! Don’t delay getting mold removed once you notice it in your home because it can cause health issues and weaken the structure of your house. If you feel any mold toxicity symptoms you should see a doctor right away!
- Does mold grow on basement walls and ceilings?
Mold doesn’t need a lot to grow. As long as your basement ticks preferable climate conditions and a damp spot, mold growth remains a risk, no matter whether your walls are made of concrete or wood.
- Is mold removal service expensive?
There is no set range for mold removal services. Some cases only need a few hours of work, while others are cases of extreme infestation and require more work. Explore the market or contact Servmold of Dallas, and our team will provide a free estimate according to the details.
Servmold of Dallas is Here to Take Action Whenever You Have a Mold Problem
We’re here to serve our clients to the best of our abilities, including having the experts at our mold remediation company, tools, and experience necessary to resolve any mold problem.
Sometimes, it’s best to call the professionals, especially if you can’t remove the mold correctly. Consider picking up the phone if it was a toilet leakage, extensive flooding, or in a spot that’s inaccessible.
Servmold of Dallas has expertise under the belt and proven testimonials that will make you rely on our services and trust us for a mold remediation experience like no other! We take every step necessary to ensure your property is as good as before the mold infestation when we leave it. Plus, we don’t do it like the amateurs, so you won’t have to worry about mold regrowth either.
