Mold can be dangerous, but there are ways to prevent it.
You should call an expert if you discover mold in your basement as it can cause serious health problems if you’re living upstairs.
In addition, you should take action to prevent mold growth in your house.
Mold is more than a cosmetic issue. It hides in the dark, damp places. Overgrown mold can also damage your home.
In the natural world, mold does its job very well. It breaks down organic matter.
Mold is a fungus and is released as tiny spores that flow through the atmosphere.
These spores can enter your home in several ways such as through cracks in the foundation of your home.
It also grows on walls, ceilings, floors, furniture, carpets, clothes, shoes, windows, doors, and even fur babies!
Why The Basement?
Mold is found in basements because it’s dark, damp and there’s lots of stuff for it to grow on.
It also doesn’t get cleaned as often as other parts of the house, so it can stay hidden for a long time. It’s important you check your basement regularly for mold growth so you can deal with it.
Basement rooms vary greatly depending on what they’re used for. Some are simply used for excess food storage, while others are partially finished.
A finished basement could be used as a living space or a laundry room. Moldy basements are common in unfinished areas.
Another cause of mold is excess moisture. Moisture can seep into concrete block walls when they aren’t sealed up well.
A waterproofing material should be applied to the exterior of the wall before the dirt is replaced. This prevents water from entering the wall and mold from developing.
Finished basements should stay dry and free of moisture.
Mold growth can also occur when there is too much humidity, and if the water is left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems.
A professional basement mold inspection is required to determine whether there is any type of mold growing in your basement.
Basements are generally cool because they’re below ground level. Moisture builds up if there’s too much water coming into the basement.
If your basement has a small flood it can cause damage to items stored in there. Moldy items should be removed and dried out. Moisture-damaged areas should also be cleaned up.
Spreading
Mold in basements can be harmful to you, your family, or your home if not dealt with.
In some cases, black mold in basements can even spread up into the rest of the house. White mold in basements can also be dangerous.
You should open up the basement door to let more air flow into the basement which will help reduce the growth of mold.
Reducing airflow in the basement can help prevent mold growth.
Opening the basement door each time someone enters or exits the house causes mold spores to be carried throughout the entire house.
If the basement door stays closed, the mold won’t get out of control. Mold on walls in the basement can also damage the structural integrity of the home.
Mold grows best in dark, damp areas.
Water leaks, windows, showers, floors, etc., are perfect breeding grounds for mold which can, in turn, cause damage to your home by ruining the paint, cracking the ceiling, warping the frame, rotting the foundation, and causing stains on the wall.
Once you see the first signs of mold, you need to get rid of them right away. Mold spores enter walls and weaken them.
Mold grows on wood. Mold feeds on wood and causes damage that requires costly repairs.
Health Issues
In the natural world, molds are usually harmless unless they get into your house. When mold starts growing indoors, it causes allergies and irritations.
You may feel ill if you come into contact with it or inhale it.
Some people are actually allergic to mold and may get red eyes, runny noses, skin rashes, and sneezing.
Mold allergy attacks can happen right away or over time depending on the person. Asthma attacks caused by mold are very dangerous.
So, what should you look for when trying to identify different molds?
Colors
Mold is usually invisible but sometimes it appears as white spots or stains. White mold can be found on wood surfaces, wallpaper, paint, and plaster.
It can also grow on paper products such as books, magazines, newspapers, and envelopes.
Black mold can spread by spores. It can also get into people’s lungs, eyes, noses, throats, and mouths.
Exposure to black mold can lead to respiratory illnesses, allergies, asthma attacks, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue.
Eliminating mold
Preventing mold in basements requires removing moisture from the air, and keeping the humidity down. Using a dehumidifier can help control moisture.
Mold should be cleaned as soon as possible. Bleach can be used to kill mold. You need to use a 50/50 mix of bleach and water.
Crawl spaces should be vented to prevent mold growth If you have a big mold problem a professional mold removal company can help you identify the right solution for your situation.
Effective removal is very important because if there is any moisture left behind, then the mold will come back.
You should also try to get rid of the source of the water, such as leaky pipes.
Costs
Mold removal costs vary based on the size of the mold problem. Professional mold remediation services will cost more than DIY methods.
Home Remediation Costs: Sealing Foundation Cost: $2,100 – $6,000. DIY Mold Removal Cost: $50 – $300.
In Summary
So yes, if mold is present in the basement then it can affect the upstairs of a house.Mold can grow anywhere in your home.
Basements are often affected by water damage or humidity problems.
These conditions allow mold to grow quickly. Mold spores can easily spread throughout your entire home.
You should clean up mold as soon as you notice it. Mold Testing is vital to determine whether or not there is mold in a home.
A professional can help identify the source of the problem, and even remove the mold before it becomes a bigger problem.