Many Pennsylvania and New Jersey residents struggle with mold in their basement. Many people don’t know there are strategies to prevent mold and it begins with understanding “why am I getting mold in my basement?”
In this article, Moisture Science Environmental will answer frequently asked questions about basement mold to help our local residents with basement mold solutions. If you have a question about basement mold, get in touch with MSE today!
Why Does My Basement Get Moldy?
Before you can know how to best treat or prevent mold in your basement, you need to understand why basements get moldy.
Mold spores are around us all the time, they thrive and reproduce into a large mold colony under the right conditions. Certain environments are a hotbed for mold growth because they consist of 3 main circumstances:
- Damp and Dark: Basements are mainly used for storage which helps mold grow undisturbed. Unfinished basements are particularly at risk as this is the least visited area of the home and this allows mold growth to go unnoticed.
- Humidity: Moisture-laden air is heavier than regular air, and since the basements are typically the lowest point in our homes, that is where it settles. Also, foundation walls very often are the source of moisture intrusion. This can come in the form of actual water penetration or in the form of vapor pressure.
- Source of Food: Mold loves to feed on cardboard (boxes), clothes, papers, etc. Anything that is not made of plastic, metal, or glass is a potential nutritional source for mold.
A majority of PA and NJ basements tick all of these boxes and require basement mold remediation.
Call Moisture Science today: (609) 314-3528
How to Prevent Mold in Basement?
The key to controlling mold in your basement is to control the moisture. Here are 5 tips for reducing moisture to prevent mold in the basement.
1. Properly seal the walls and windows and regularly check your basement and crawl space for leaks or cracks in the foundation.
If any are located, repair them immediately. Moisture Science Environmental offers foundation restoration services in NJ and PA.
2. Declutter and clean your basement frequently.
This will not only help you discover if mold is growing but will also disrupt any mold spores from growing and thriving. If you require basement mold remediation, MSE can help.
3. Store items in sealed plastic bins rather than cardboard boxes.
Cloth, paper, and cardboard are excellent food sources for mold. Keeping them out of your basement, or at least storing them in plastic bins will prevent mold spores from finding those objects.
4. Use a dehumidifier to keep the relative humidity below 55%.
Having a dehumidifier with a built-in pump is virtually maintenance-free as the unit does not require emptying.
These objects can help pull moisture out of the air in your basement and make the environment less ideal for mold. Don’t forget to check the dehumidifier frequently to make sure it is working correctly.
5. Ensure HVAC ducts are properly sealed and insulated.
This will aid with unwanted moisture and condensation to keep the humidity at a manageable level.
If you need additional assistance to prevent mold in the basement then contact MSE today.
Can Mold in Basement Affect Upstairs?
Even if you do not frequently spend time in your basement, mold can still have a noticeable impact on your health! When mold is allowed to grow and create large colonies, it will produce more and more spores. Often times mold spores will catch a ride on just about anything to try and find a new place to begin a new colony in your home.
Spores can travel by making contact with our clothing, our pets, or objects we bring in and out of the basement! They also travel in air current, such as with our air vents or with warm air naturally rising from our basement. The more spores that travel out of our basement, the more likely we are to breathe them in. Breathing mold spores can be dangerous. Children, seniors and individuals with asthma are more likely to experience negative effects from excessive mold growth in the basement.
What Do I Do if I Find Mold in the Basement?
If you find a small amount of mold in your basement, don’t panic! As stated earlier, mold is everywhere and a small amount of basement mold is natural. If left unmanaged, mold will continue to grow and may develop issues for your health or home’s structure.
A dehumidifier can also remove the moisture in an area, cutting off an essential resource that the mold needs to grow. These solutions work best for smaller mold colonies so if you are unsure or want assistance from a qualified mold expert in PA or NJ then please contact us today!
Can Mold in a House Be Fixed?
In some cases, basement mold growth can be excessive and dangerous. Try not to feel overwhelmed; the experts at Moisture Science Environmental can help you get it under control. With over 25 years of experience removing and treating mold in basements in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, we will be your local mold remediation vendor.
Trust the MSE professionals to inspect and remediate your basement mold. Contact MSE today!
