Wondering what are the signs of basement mold and how you can prevent mold growth? Read on to find out!
The basement of your house is often the ideal place for mold to grow. This is because it has poor airflow, is hardly ever cleaned, and has a vast storage of organic material that is highly susceptible to mold growth. It also often has unnoticeable wall and floor leaks which lead to moisture – ideal conditions for mold growth.
Once there is a water leak in your basement, some varieties of mold will grow within two days of the leak. If it goes unnoticed, basement mold will quickly grow and begin to affect other areas of your house as well.
Signs of Basement Mold
The clearest sign of basement mold is a strange moldy or musty smell. Due to the stagnant air and lack of proper airflow in the basement, strange odors can quickly build up in it. However, if you do smell this musty smell, then immediately check your basement for mold growth.
Mold growths often appear in clusters of tiny black spots or white thread-like molds. At times, they are gray-green or even grayish brown. Basically, any strange looking spots on your basement walls combined with this musty smell are clear indications of basement mold.
The best way to prevent the growth of mold in your basement is to minimize moisture. Regularly check your entire basement for any signs of dampness and water leaks. Make sure to fix any water issues that you can see in your basement such as condensation, leaking pipes, or a leaking ceiling.
Here are some ways to prevent basement mold:
Fix the Broken Pipes
Make sure to repair any broken or leaking pipes and joints that you find in your basement as the water dripping from these pipes can cause moisture, which will eventually lead to basement mold.
Fix the Leaking Basement Walls
If you see water seeping in through your basement walls, then make sure to get your basement professionally waterproofed. Alternatively, you can apply a sealant to the floors and walls of your basement to prevent the water from getting in. You can fill up the cracks and gaps by using a waterproof filler.
Keep a Check on the Humidity Levels
Make sure to keep the humidity level in your basement below 55% at all times. You can do this by using a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity in your house. Additionally, you can make sure that there’s proper circulation of air in your basement. Doing all of this will ensure that humidity isn’t the cause of mold growth in your basement.
Regularly Clean Your Basement
When it comes to cleaning your house, make sure that you don’t skip out on your basement. Use a HEPA vacuum to thoroughly vacuum our basement. Do this at least once a week to prevent the growth of mold in your basement.
Landscape the Ground
Water buildup in the ground around your basement can also cause water problems and moisture to seep through the floor and into your basement. This is especially true if the ground is sloped toward your house. If you invest in landscaping the ground around your house so that it slopes away from your basement or simply digging some drains to allow the water to move away from your basement should do the trick.
When you spot or even suspect mold growing in your basement, make sure to hire a professional to take care of it to prevent it from spreading any further.
