Mold in the basement not only looks bad but can cause health problems as well. This mold may or may not be toxic, but you certainly don’t want it in your basement. Beyond the possible health problems, mold may cause, it could also mean you have a moisture issue in your basement. If you do have a moisture problem, it could cause structural damage to your home.
Therefore, it is crucial to learn about what can cause mold in basements. This should allow you to prevent mold, thus avoiding the need for mold remediation and repairs to fix the damage that often accompanies a mold problem. So, let’s look at some of the common causes of basement mold.
Plumbing Issues
The drains, pipes, and faucets for many of the systems in a house can be found in the basement. These drains or pipes could be for the basement itself or perhaps a bathroom or washing machine. Whatever they may be for, if they leak, drain slowly, or become clogged, they could easily cause mold to develop in the basement. Any flooding could potentially cause water damage, which could cause mold problems. Or puddles on the basement floor could increase moisture levels in the basement leading to mold problems.
Flooding Outside the Home
Wet conditions outside the home can easily cause problems inside of your house. Melting snow or heavy rains can build up around your home and seep through your basement walls. Eventually, it could cause cracks in your foundation, making matters worse due to flooding. This could cause mold growth, possibly behind your walls, where it is difficult to see. If you suspect you have hidden mold, you should have a professional check for it before it causes serious problems.
Lack of Ventilation
Some basements are not very well ventilated, and this lack of air circulation can increase the chances of mold developing. If a basement develops moisture problems in addition to this lack of reduced airflow, it can create an ideal environment for mold to thrive in. If you’re not sure whether or not your basement has adequate ventilation, you should consider whether or not the basement has rust developing on the pipes, a discolored floor, or a consistently unpleasant odor. These could be signs of inadequate ventilation. Proper ventilation is essential to avoid a buildup of moisture which can lead to mold growth.
HVAC Ducts
It’s common for HVAC ducts to to run behind your basement walls. Unfortunately, this is also a common spot for mold to develop. Therefore, it’s important to keep a lookout for mold in this area. You should check the drip tray on a regular basis as it’s commonplace for mold to grow if it’s not cleaned regularly. Mold also commonly develop on the inside and outside of the HVAC ducts due to the condensation that frequently builds up in these areas. This often happens because basements are too humid to allow the condensation to dry fast enough to avoid mold growth.
It’s important to understand the common causes of mold in basements. This will allow you to deal with any problems inside or outside of your basement that may cause a mold problem. Additionally, if you do find a mold problem, you should be able to deal with it before it becomes a serious issue. This could save you a lot of money on mold remediation.
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For more information on preventing mold or for help with existing problems, call us at 1-800-847-0114 or connect with us on Facebook.
