Most homeowners already know that mold is a type of fungus that thrives in shady, dank, wet, and dark conditions. With that considered, it only makes sense for some of the most commonly known breeding grounds to be basements, cellars, and crawlspaces. Mold Removal CT
Along with bathrooms and closets, there aren’t many more areas of the home that provide such ideal growing conditions. Although it might not be a surprise to find mold festering in shady areas on decks and grout in showers, it will be a major disappointment.
Why Mold Grows In The Basement
Being that mold is a living breathing fungus, it cannot find more ideal growing conditions than what most basements provide. Even when going the extra step and insulating and finishing a basement doesn’t always guarantee a future mold-free environment.
This is especially true when condensation and humidity levels aren’t properly monitored. Unfortunately, taking the extra time to insulate and finish a basement doesn’t always guarantee a future mold-free environment either.
Given that it takes high humidity, combined with oxygen, and food for mold to grow in basements. When you think about it, mold is not much different than other living creatures.
Even with limited prior exposure, picking up on the unpleasant, damp, and musty smell of a home infested with mold will be apparent.
Basement Mold Prevention Tips
Discouraging mold growth might be as simple as inducing freezing temps in combination with the strategic placement of ultraviolet lighting. Correcting humidity levels, inducing cooler temps, placing UV lights, or even adding ventilation will all be futile without first identifying other underlying mold growth contributors and eliminating them.
What Causes Mold Growth In Basements
It could be any number of conditions contributing to your particular basement mold growth, but some of the most common include:
- Foundation leaks and cracks
- Leaky water and sewer pipes
- Insufficient insulation
- High humidity with restricted ventilation
- Previous flood or water leak damage
- Leaky exterior doors or windows
- Standing water
- Poor drainage
- Improperly installed guttering
Basement Mold Growth Prevention
Mold is something that is best dealt with before it becomes a problem. Prevention might seem simple enough and it sometimes can be as simple as correcting humidity levels and adding ventilation. Some scenarios might require tracking down and eliminating the source of the excess moisture.
Despite what some will have you believe, removing mold and preventing its growth are two entirely different things. Maintaining adequate humidity levels in combination with a cool, dry environment is key to prevention.
From there, all it takes is a vigilant eye, to ensure that those environmental conditions remain in a state that prevents growth.
Removal Of Basement Mold
Removing mold is not only a different endeavor; it’s a far more dangerous one. When one considers the fact that some mold growths are natural, it only makes things that much more confusing. Removing some mold growths might not only be unnecessary, but it could potentially cause more harm than just leaving it alone.
Since spores become airborne, with the potential to spread, removal must be approached with safety in mind. Turning to the experts at Mold Removal CT might seem more like a splurge than a necessity. However, it is the only way to prevent unnecessary mold exposure.
Always Practice Safety
Getting a serviceman out to the home today without spending a fortune might seem like an act of congress, but it’s the best, safest, and most efficient option when dealing with mold. Given the general wait time and prices, it only seems reasonable for most DIY homeowners to attempt mold removal themselves.
No professional in good mind would recommend doing so because of the potential worsening or spreading of the growth. As was already established, the mold might not even be removed.