Did you just sense a musty smell in your basement? Immediately call a mold removal expert for mold inspection and remediation.
Small amounts of invisible mold exist all around us. It can be on surfaces, your clothes, and in the air. They should be harmless until allowed to grow and proliferate. Mold needs moisture and organic matter to spread around and invade spaces. Mold spores are microscopic and will settle anywhere. When these spores come into contact with humidity and moisture, mold growth becomes inevitable.
Since basements are prone to flooding and aren’t properly ventilated, they provide a perfect breeding ground for mold. If you suspect mold presence and fail to act promptly, it can soon become a health hazard for you and your family. The best approach is to prevent basement mold. To be able to do that, you should be aware of its underlying causes. So, let’s get started!
Causes of Basement Mold
Flooding
Whether it’s a storm or an internal pipe burst, any amount of flooding will end up in your basement since it’s below ground level. The floodwater that accumulates in the basement will not just leave your floors and belongings wet but also increase the humidity level in the space. Within 48 hours, the standing water can trigger mold growth. That’s why it’s critical to take action immediately.
Clogged Gutters
Over time, roof gutters will collect a lot of debris, including fallen leaves, which clog them, causing the rainwater to overflow. This water often seeps into the basement.
Pipe leaks
Leaking pipes are among the most common causes of basement mold, especially when they’re located behind basement walls and are hidden. Pipe leaks result in an endless supply of water into the basement, and since pipes typically have a layer of insulation and drywall around them, they set up an ideal environment for mold infestation. As soon as you come across visible signs on ceilings and walls, call your local mold removal company because a lot of damage is already done behind the walls.
Poor Ventilation
An improperly ventilated basement space allows stagnant, moist air to translate into mold growth. Moisture from steam rising from bathing, cleaning, and cooking gets into the air and settles onto the dirty filters of the HVAC system. Moisture and dirt set up the ground for mold growth. Mold can also grow in the vents and around bathroom fans.
Contact Your Local Mold Removal Company
If you’re located in Oregon City, rely on STOP for efficient mold inspection and removal. We’ve been addressing mold invasions for over four decades and thus offer highly qualified mold remediation services. Our mold cleanup process includes three major steps:
- Mold inspection to identify the full scope of the damage.
- Preventing cross-contamination by containing the mold-infested area
- Identifying and eliminating the source of mold invasion
- Effective cleanup of contaminated material and visible mold colonies
For emergency mold remediation, contact STOP at your earliest.
