Mold in Basement

The two things that mold needs to grow in a space is moisture and a material to grow on. Once materials are exposed to water in a flood or a variety of other circumstances that lead to the need for water damage repair, it only takes less than two days for mold to begin growing.

This is why it is so important to dry any moisture-ridden materials as soon as possible. In a dark and poorly ventilated area like a basement, it can be particularly difficult to accomplish. Because of this, you have to take action quickly to avoid basement mold.

Mold can grow and thrive on almost any material in your basement.

If you have ever walked downstairs to see water coming into the basement after rain, you are not alone. A wet basement is an extremely common problem. Sometimes heavy rainfall or a great deal of snow melting very quickly can oversaturate the ground around your home and leak into your basement.

When water is constantly being dumped from the roof and downspouts into the ground near your home, it will eventually run out of room and start to pool. The force of this water can be so powerful that it breaks through basement waterproofing systems installed or cracks in the foundation and causes basement flooding.

Wood can be found in your basement in the form of wood framing, flooring, furniture, and any variety of items you could be storing there. Wood is another vulnerable material to mold growth since it also has pathways in it for mold to bore into and grow. It is another material that you should be worried about as it may not survive basement mold.

If mold on wood framing is not cleaned up properly, it can grow into a very serious and expensive issue for you.

This is because if left to spread on unfinished wood, mold can eventually break down the material causing structural problems in your basement. Similar conditions occur when wood flooring is involved. Mold growth can also hide on the underside of the planks making it harder for you to discover.

Fabrics show up in basements on in all sorts of places such as couches, upholstered chairs, padded desk chairs, stored clothing, towels, etc. Fabrics are also porous, meaning again they are more vulnerable to significant mold contamination.

Anything that can be brought outside to air out more quickly should be removed from the damp basement and taken there. Some fabrics like clothing and towels can be easily tossed in the washing machine on a special cycle to get mold out, but fabrics on some chairs and couches may be permanently damaged and need to be replaced.

Carpeting a basement is always risky since basement flooding or wetness is always likely if something goes wrong with a pipe or a new crack forms in the foundation. Carpet handles mold growth most similarly to fabric. If it cannot be properly cleaned, it will need to be taken out and replaced.

Basements often have HVAC ducts running through them, which are also likely places for mold to appear. Be sure to regularly check the drip pan, because if it is left uncleaned for too long it can be a breeding for basement mold. Condensation can form along the inside and outside of the HVAC ducts providing a moisture source for mold.

This is particularly problematic in the basement sections of the HVAC system since the room typically has very poor ventilation and the condensation does not dry as quickly as it needs to. Thus, creating another source of basement mold.

The typical basement is also the location of many pipes, drains, and faucets for your home systems. These could be related to a variety of purposes including general basement drainage, washing machine and dryer, wet bar, or a bathroom. Again the recipe of moisture and little ventilation makes these areas likely spots for mold growth, so frequently monitor them.

As mentioned above, mold growth can come with a significant amount of health risks. The damp and dark nature of basements with the added element of sometimes getting very little foot traffic, mold in the basement can be trouble. It is often mistaken for mildew. It’s good to know the differences between mildew vs mold.

The people most vulnerable to health problems when exposed to mold are children, older individuals, and those with weak immune systems.

Getting rid of mold in the basement can vary in difficulty depending on the materials affected, but no matter how large or small the contamination you need to remove it all as soon as you possibly can.

Before you begin cleaning, make sure to properly protect yourself with full coverage clothing, rubber gloves, and a respirator if needed.

If the clean up is more extensive you will likely need to call in professionals, who will come in with head-to-toe protection before entering the contaminated area. Basement mold removal cost will vary depending on how large the infestation is and the type of materials affected. On average, the cost of mold removal is between $1,200-$3,400.

As long as the area is wet, mold is still very much alive and growing. Be sure to dry the area before you begin the cleanup. This process can be sped up by bringing in fans and dehumidifiers into the basement.

Don’t forget to clean the HEPA vacuum!