Basement Mold

Published by: Elizabeth Gormley
Published on: 2010-01-10 15:26:13

    The dank, musty odor of a basement may seem normal to many, but in fact it is a sign that dangerous mold may be growing.  Mold is a serious problem, even in low-traffic areas like the basement, because of the health ailments it can initiate for you or members of your family.  Just because the spores are at the underbelly of your home doesn’t mean it can’t seriously affect you.  Fluey symptoms, internal pain, itching, and wheezing are common signs of mold growth.  Gone undetected for too long, the spores will multiply and give you an expensive, sickening problem that can be avoided with caution and proper prevention.
    It may seem impossible to keep moisture out of the basement.  Water leaks inside from the elements or even slightly faulty plumbing.  Any small seep or drip in your home’s foundation can be the catalyst for the formation of spores.  In the case of an unfinished basement, inspect drywall on the walls and ceiling.  Both sides should be checked if possible, in the case of removable panels.  Pay close attention to basement areas under the bathroom and kitchen.  Are there water stains?  Beams of wood and pine boards are porous and breeding grounds for mold.  Take care to examine ceilings on the exposed side of subflooring from the floor above.  Your basement is probably used as storage space.  Do you see any signs of drips or saturation on cardboard boxes?  Or on the cement floor?
    Furnished basements may be carpeted, and fabrics are a potential mold reservoir.  Inspect chairs and couches, from the underside to beneath the cushions.  Dampness of any fabric in the basement is a sign that mold will come, if it is not already there.  Are there books stored in the basement?  Mold reproduces fast on moist paper.  Try not to keep clothing in the basement.  Fabric suitcases and stuffed animals are susceptible.  Check everything from felt pool tables to wood ping-pong tables.
    Fiberglass insulation in the basement may be a source of mold.  Even if the insulation looks clean, there may be water stains on the wall or ceiling that have developed.  Moisture pools inside of fiberglass and some strains of mold are difficult to detect with the naked eye.
    Your best bet might be to hire a professional for the most thorough basement mold inspection.  A mold consultant or mold remediator can perform on-site vacuum tests for the non-visible types of mold that can affect your health.  Particularly in the case of purchasing a new home, or selling an old one, doing your basement mold homework can be overwhelming.  The untrained eye can miss spots or overlook key areas.  Basements are intricate spaces, often dark and damp, vulnerable in all areas to mold.


Back to All Disaster Restoration Articles