Mold is a small living organism that can be found indoors in places like the basement, shower areas, and near heating or cooling systems. It can also thrive in damp or shady outdoor areas or around decaying plant materials.
Mold in the basement looks like irregularly-shaped stains or specks that are green, brown, white, black, or orange. The color depends on the type of mold growing in your basement and starts growing as fuzzy white fibers and becomes powdery or fluffy over time.
Types of basement mold to look for
There are two common types of mold growing in your basement.
Toxigenic Molds
This type of mold produces small toxic molecular substances known as mycotoxins that are airborne and spread as mold spores. Mycotoxins can cause serious health problems when ingested over time.
Below are some examples of toxigenic molds.
| Type | Definition |
|---|---|
| Black Mold | Scientifically is known as Stachybotrys Chartarum; black mold is toxigenic but can cause allergic reactions. It has a slimy texture with a slightly furry greenish-black appearance. Black mold growth is rampant in areas with excess humidity over a long time. |
| Aspergillus | This mold has long flask-shaped spores, which form thick layers that create chains of mold growth. Aspergillus has over 100 species, making it difficult to pinpoint the specific color that it can appear in. It can be toxic and can cause allergies in some people. |
Allergenic Mold
It’s the type of mold that causes allergic reactions, and it’s the one you are most likely to find in your basement. It may be harmless in small quantities and affects a person depending on their ability to tolerate different allergens.
The table below discusses the main types of allergenic molds you are likely to find in your basement.
| Type | Definition |
|---|---|
| Alternaria | Alternaria is the most common type of allergenic mold in the world. It has dark green or brown hairs with a velvet texture and mainly grows in damp areas. Alternaria spreads fast; therefore, you need to implement measures to kill mold immediately after it is identified. |
| Cladosporium | This type of mold can grow in both warm and cold conditions. Cladosporium can be green or brown with a suede-like texture. Although it is not toxic, Cladosparium should not be handled directly because of its ability to irritate the skin and lungs. |
| Penicillium | Penicillium has a characteristic green or blue surface with a velvet texture. It is mostly found in basements affected by water damage and can quickly spread from one area to the next hence the need to deal with it immediately. |
What Factors and Conditions that Influence Growth of Mold in Your Basement?
Mold growth is not random it requires a set of conditions. These conditions include:
- Mold spores
- Humidity or moisture
- A source of food or something to grow on
- Oxygen
While there are many reasons why mold grows on surfaces, the main reasons are:
Water leaks
The main cause of mold growth in the basement is water leaks from pipes and the roof. The constant supply of water and moisture, as well as the layer of drywall and insulation that is around most pipes and roofs, creates a conducive environment for mold to grow.
Flooding
Accumulation of a lot of water raises the humidity in the basement and makes the dry areas dump. This makes your basement significantly more susceptible to the growth of mold.
HVAC System
If left uncleaned for too long, your HVAC system creates a conducive breeding area for mold in your basement. Condensation inside and around HVAC ducts causes a moisture source that accelerates mold growth and could cause significant problems in parts of your HVAC units.
Poor Ventilation
Very poor ventilation in your basement causes the moist air to stagnate, thereby making room for mold to grow. The poor ventilation also raises the temperature of the basement making it a safe haven for mold growth.
How to Prevent Mold in the Basement
Although mold removal is possible, preventing mold growth is easier and more economical. You can do this by:
Ensuring the Basement is Properly Ventilated
An adequately ventilated basement dramatically reduces the chances of mold growth. This is because having air circulate continuously will prevent condensation, which makes the mold unable to grow.
Insulating the Basement Walls and Pipes
Regularly check basement pipes for leaks and insulate them using pipe sleeves or fiberglass to prevent condensation, which occurs due to a difference in temperature in the pipe and air.
Avoid Drying Clothes in the Basement
Drying clothes in the basement increases the humidity levels. However, when the weather outside is not favorable, the basement is often turned into laundry rooms for drying clothes. In this case, ensure that the basement is adequately ventilated.
How Do You Identify Mold Infestation in the Basement?
The two main ways you can identify mold growing in your basement are by noticing:
Take Note of Dirty Smells
If you are bombarded with an unclean and earthly smell when you enter the basement, molds are highly likely to be present. Mold has dirty or musty odors, which are easily noticeable.
Perform a Visual Inspection
Understanding the physical characteristic of mold helps you to perform a successful mold inspection. Before carrying out the inspection:
- Wear a mask and rubber gloves
- Ensure the room is well lit
- Move or remove large furniture items that could be hiding basement mold spores
- Improve air circulation by opening windows
Therefore, if you notice a change in the color of your walls, floor, or ceiling in the basement, which are unsightly, this could be an indication of the growth of mold
How to Treat A Mold Problem in the Basement
The most common and effective DIY way to treat mold growth is by using hydrogen peroxide, which is non-toxic.
It is also relatively easy to use because all you have to do is mix it with water put it in a spray bottle and spray it on the affected areas. Then, allow it to sit for about 10-15 minutes, then using a scrub brush, scrub off the mold from the affected areas.
Certified mold experts could remove mold in a fraction of the time while ensuring the highest level of safety.
Follow the steps below to find a top-rated mold inspector to visit and take a look and advise. It is free to use this tool.
- Scroll to the top of the page and enter your Zipcode·
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