The dark, damp spaces of basements are susceptible to rampant mold growth. Airflow is limited in confined basement areas, and hidden crevices are often subject to bouts of excess moisture. Under ideal conditions like these, mold tends to flourish in the basement.
What types of mold grow indoors?
Certain molds can be toxic to humans. Mycotoxin molds, for instance, can be toxic to both humans and pets. Allergenic molds, on the other hand, do not feature toxic properties, but may trigger asthma symptoms or be a health risk to people who are allergic to mold.
Aspergillus mold is a common household mold and may be either allergenic or mycotoxin. Walls, ceilings and furniture provide nourishing feeding grounds for aspergillus molds. Where high levels of humidity and condensation exist within indoor environments, aspergillus molds will be found.
Basements equipped with air conditioning units are likely to be infested with Cladosporium mold. A type of black mold, Cladosporium mold grows even in cool temperatures with high condensation levels. Basement window sills and bathroom ceilings are common places where the mold flourishes.
Stachybotrys is a black mold that releases mycotoxins that pose as a danger to people. Given that basements are notorious for being low-light areas with abundant and consistent levels of moisture, Stachybotrys molds thrive there. The mold may be detected through its musty odor.
No matter what type of mold grows in the recesses of the basement, the colonies must be immediately removed. In the case of mycotoxin mold, the task must be carefully handled by professional mold remediation experts. Mold can also be effectively removed via the steps that follow.
High humidity levels encourage mold growth
When is mold most prevalent?
Given that Midwestern cities like Elgin, Illinois, are subject to all four seasons, a mold infestation can develop at any time of year. Mold might grow in ductwork in the summer. In the chill of winter, the basement air is drier; but mold can latch onto spaces inside the walls.
Wooden window frames in the basement can nourish and sustain mold colonies, especially in cold temperatures. A basement with high humidity levels encourages condensation on the windows, which, in combination with the organic food source (wooden window frames), feeds mold spores.
How do property owners detect mold?
A humid basement is a feeding ground for mold. If condensation frequently forms, whether around the windows or along plumbing systems, it is sensible to check for mold. Homeowners who notice a leak in the basement would be wise to repair the leak promptly and examine the vicinity for mold.
Property owners may also test for mold. While mold testing kits are inexpensive, they are highly inaccurate. Reliable results are best found through professional testing. The cost for a mold testing expert ranges from $200 to $1000 and depends on the size of the space being checked.
What steps effectively remove mold?
The first line of defense against mold is to repair or stop the water source. Moisture can invade the basement as a result of high humidity levels, floodwaters or leaks from water pipes or the foundation. When the sump pump fails, a mold disaster is on the brink of developing.
Once the basement is thoroughly dry, clean the air. An air purifier may be used to cleanse the environment of airborne mold spores. Be aware, however, that mold spores can circulate through the basement via the HVAC or air duct systems in the home.
A mold outbreak may be effectively cleaned up with household solutions. White vinegar is ideal for mild cases of mold cleaning. The vinegar may be used on its own without dilution. Simply pour the vinegar onto the mold-infested surface, let the liquid sit for two to five minutes and wipe away.
Another household product that eliminates mold is bleach. While bleach can only be used on non-porous surfaces, like tile and glass, the solution kills mold, is inexpensive and is readily available. Be careful to avoid using bleach on porous materials, like carpets and fabrics.
When faced with an extensive basement mold outbreak, consider treating the contaminated areas with a mold fogging product. Foggers kill mold spores, reduce mold odors and keep future mold occurrences at bay. The sprays are ideal for reaching hard-to-access places in the basement.
After removing the mold, prevent the spores from returning. Mold inhibitors work to control future mold growth. Several types of mold inhibitors are available from local hardware stores and come in the form of spray bottles. Mold inhibitors are also reasonably priced.
Mold remediation crews contain the affected space to prevent further contamination
Vacuuming mold spores with a HEPA (high efficiency particle absolute) vacuum on a regular basis deters mold growth in highly susceptible areas, like the basement. This tactic also works to remove existing mold spores and particles from the basement premises.
Keep the basement dry to prevent a reoccurrence of mold. Adequate ventilation is key to deterring mold growth. Circulate air by running a dehumidifier, keeping windows open if weather conditions allow or using a negative air pressure machine, which filters and removes contaminated air.
Before a nasty mold invasion has a chance to spread in your basement, consult west suburban Illinois’ most reputable mold remediation experts, ServiceMaster of Aurora. Our experienced technicians arrive promptly to your home or business to begin the mold removal process.
Upon a complete evaluation of the mold infestation, ServiceMaster of Aurora crews contain the affected space to prevent further contamination to other rooms on the property. We dislodge and eliminate the mold colonies and remove any unsalvageable materials upon which the mold has latched.
Our trained specialists also identify and repair the water source that led to the outbreak of mold. Rampant mold is a serious issue. Rather than wait for mold to cause structural damage to your property and health concerns for its inhabitants, consult ServiceMaster of Aurora immediately.
ServiceMaster of Aurora offers prompt and professional attention to mold growth of all sizes in residential homes and commercial businesses located in the surrounding communities of Aurora, Elgin, Bartlett, Batavia and Campton Hills, Illinois. Our skilled mold cleanup services are available year-round.
