Basement mold is relatively common, but if you take steps to avoid getting mold in the first place, it can save you potentially thousands of dollars in removal costs. If you have a basement in your home, it's essential to keep it free of moisture and humidity to prevent the possibility of mold growth.

What exactly is mold? Mold is also called fungi or mildew and isn't considered a plant or an animal. According to the Washington State Department of Health, over 100,000 types of fungi exist. Fungi are living things that consume organic matter. Here are a few reasons why you don't want mold growing in your basement.

1. Mold Can Be Expensive to Remove

The cost of removing mold can be expensive. It depends on how extensive the mold damage is and if it's a hazardous type of mold or not. There are other related expenses to consider when removing mold, including the cost of the testing to identify the location and type of mold and the cost and time involved with cleaning and removing the mold. Then there is the cost of restoring the area affected by the mold.

2. Mold Can Cause Health Problems

According to the CDC, mold has the ability to cause a variety of health effects or no effect at all. It varies by individual. People with allergies, asthma, immune suppression, or underlying lung disease are more at risk of complications after mold exposure. There have been studies done that show a potential link between early mold exposure causing children to develop asthma.

3. Mold Can Affect the Value of Your Home

Mold can decrease the value of your home. If you ever decide to list your home for sale, your mold infestation could come back to haunt you. Some states require that you disclose to the buyer if your home had a prior mold infestation. Even if it was treated successfully, some buyers might be turned off by this.

What Causes Mold to Grow?

There are a few factors that cause mold to grow in your basement:

• Too much moisture and humidity contribute to mold growth. A good dehumidifier will help reduce the humidity.
• Lack of proper ventilation in the basement can increase the humidity levels and provide the perfect environment for mold to grow.
• Leaking water pipes can introduce a lot of moisture into your basement. Pipes should be inspected regularly to prevent this from happening.
• An ineffective gutter or drainage system can increase basement humidity levels. An effective interior basement drainage system will help keep water out of the basement.
• Not enough natural light can facilitate mold growth. Mold has a more challenging time growing when natural light is present. Fixing this problem may be difficult if your basement has smaller windows.
  
  

How Do You Prevent Mold Growth?

There are many ways to prevent mold from growing in your basement. Have basement waterproofing professionals inspect your basement for any leaks and cracks. Leaks and cracks can allow moisture to seep into the basement. Basement waterproofers can use sealants to fill cracks in basement walls.

Leaky pipes can also contribute moisture to the basement. If you suspect you have leaky pipes, you can try to tighten them or consult a contractor or plumber. Having your pipes professionally inspected regularly will ensure they're always operating properly.

There are ways to help waterproof the outside of the basement. Having drain tile installed outside of your basement will help redirect water away from your home's foundation. A more affordable option is to install an interior basement drainage system. An interior basement drainage system is less likely to clog than drain tile.

If your basement seems damp, consider investing in an excellent dehumidifying system. Dehumidifiers dry the air, help reduce musty odors, and prevent mold growth. Most dehumidifiers are relatively inexpensive.

How Do You Get Rid of Mold?

If you discover mold in your basement, it's crucial to figure out the extent of the mold growth and what type of mold it is. The process could be more involved than just cleaning the surface area where the mold is visible. You should call a professional who deals with mold removal or remediation to deal with the problem properly.

Mold can have a detrimental effect on the structure and value of your home, your wallet, and your health. It's important to be proactive and prevent mold from growing in your basement in the first place. By being vigilant and inspecting your basement routinely, it shouldn't be hard to prevent mold growth. If your basement is damp and prone to mold growth, reach out to us today at Wet Basement Solutions.