Mold In Basement
How To Tell If You Have Basement MoldPhew…what is that strange smell in the basement? If your basement has a musty smell, you may have basement mold on your hands. While it isn’t a major health threat, it can damage your home and cause some health problems. What is basement mold? How can you tell if you’ve got it, and how do you get rid of it if you do? Mold is a fungus that consumes organic materials, such as wood, leaves, and so on. Like most varieties of fungus, mold thrives in damp, humid places. There are many areas in your home that are vulnerable—mold can grow on wallpaper, carpet, insulation, and tiles in the ceiling. The most likely place to find it in your home is the basement. Many basements are unfinished and have no central heating and air conditioning system. They also tend to be damp due to leaks. All these elements combine to create an ideal problem area in the home. While not all molds are immediately visible, the best place to start looking is along the surfaces in the basement. Are there black and white specks along the bottom of the walls? How about behind the shelves? Even if you don’t see it, mold can be hiding in various places. The most common locations are the backside of wallpaper and tiles and under carpeting. It is advisable that you wear protection to avoid coming in direct contact with mold or breathe mold spores. There are ways of reducing the chance of problematic mold issues. First, control excess moisture inside the home. Mold thrives on wetness, so make sure there are no leaks in your roof or pipes. Make sure there is proper ventilation, especially along the walls. Try not to sit big things against the wall—pull them out a little. Sometimes the best defense is truly a strong offense. If your furniture or carpet should happen to get wet, be sure to properly dry them out within a day or two. Anything allowed to remain damp will create the perfect breeding place for mold. What should you do if you find or suspect mold? It may be time to pull in a certified professional who is trained in mold removal services. The pros have the knowledge to perform a comprehensive inspection and assessment, and the equipment to rid your home of this troublesome nuisance. Untreated mold can cause allergy symptoms and other mild to moderate health issues. It is important to stop it in its tracks before it causes further damage to the construction of your home. Whether it’s basement mold or elsewhere, grab a phone book and search the yellow pages for businesses and estimates on an evaluation.
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