In addition to the laundry room and bathroom, the basement is one of the areas that are prone to mold growth due to the level of moisture found in this part of the room. Water damage from leaking pipes and floods, inadequate ventilation and a lack of dehumidifying mechanisms also compound the issue of basement mold.
The thing about mold formation in the basement is that it can easily go unnoticed for a long time. People hardly go to their basements and as such, they are only likely to notice mold growth after it has spread extensively. If not attended to, mold in the basement can cause extensive damage to the entire house or building.
Check for the Smell
One immediate way to detect the presence of mold in your basement is the characteristic odour of mold growth. Some types of mold are also immediately visible on the walls and on the ceiling. Before setting out to eradicate mold, it is important that you protect yourself with gloves, goggles, a protective suit and a respirator. Prolonged exposure to mold can heighten asthmatic reactions, cause nasal stuffing and other respiratory irritations.
Moisture Sources
As you look for mold in your basement, the first place you want to go is to any sources of water or moisture. These areas are very likely to attract mold growths. Look at areas where there are pipes or potential leaks in the ceiling. Because mold can grow on any organic item, it is a good idea to check every item in the basement to spot mold growths. Items prone to mold growth include wooden furniture and boxes, cartons, paper drywalls, carpets and any wooden structures that constitute the basement.
Mold Inspectors and Mold Testing Kits
Some molds are not always visible. It might be a good idea to employ an expert service contractor to inspect and test for mold in the basement. These professional inspection and testing procedures will come in handy in detecting hidden molds that may otherwise go unnoticed. Mold inspection and testing specialists will sample both the surfaces and air spores to detect the presence of mold growth.
You might have come across mold testing kits that claim to help you detect molds on your own. The truth is that these kits may not be as effective and may not offer you the solutions you are looking for. Indeed, there is mold everywhere and as such, mold-testing kits will always read positive for molds. This means that these kits may not be as accurate in detecting the extent of mold or even identifying the presence of hidden mold. A convenient alternative is an expert mold inspecting company.
Keeping Molds Off the Basement
To keep the basement free from mold, take extra care to keep it dry always. Possible sources of moisture include floods, leaking pipes and ventilation faults. After a flood, it is advisable to remove all items from the basement and allow them to dry. Ask a professional repairer to install fiberglass drywall to keep mold from forming a result of porous walls. Additionally, installing dehumidifiers to ventilate the room and to keep the humidity levels can work wonders for your basement.