Basement Mold Removal and Prevention

Basement mold is a common problem making basement mold removal and prevention an extremely important topic for homeowners. Unless you are constantly in your basement it is likely to remain dark most of the time. Also, most basements, because they are below ground level, have a higher humidity level than the rest of your home. Higher humidity means more moisture is present. Water Mold Fire Restoration wants you to be aware of the fact that mold is more likely to grow in dark, moist environments.

Once mold gains a toehold in your basement it can be difficult to eliminate. Mold has been proven to be the cause of many health issues such as asthma, skin rashes, and other types of allergic reactions. Mold gives off a musty, earthy odor that you can smell, often before you can actually see it.

Basement Mold Prevention

Mold, like every other living organism, needs water to survive and grow. Controlling humidity and moisture is the most important factor in stopping mold in its tracks and keeping it from becoming a problem in your basement.

The first thing you should do to prevent mold in your basement is to eliminate any water leaks. Fix any leaking plumbing connections that may be dripping slowly. Check the connections on your hot water heater to make sure there are no slow leaks. Look at the overflow pan underneath it for any standing water that may indicate a problem with the hot water heater itself. If your washer and dryer are located in the basement, check the water line connections on the washer, both ends of the water supply lines, to and from the washer to ensure that they tight and not dripping. Any water drips or leaks will add to the overall humidity in your basement.

Speaking of laundry, never hang damp or wet clothing in the basement to dry. This will also add to humidity levels that you are trying to lower. Another place to check is the exhaust vent line on your dryer. Damp air coming out of the dryer should always be vented to the outside, never into the basement or laundry area.

Consider the amount of “stuff” you store in your basement. Too much clutter will reduce the free flow of air as well as restrict overall ventilation. Keep the things you do store up off of concrete floors and away from concrete walls. Try not to store books, paper, or cardboard in your basement. Paper and cardboard attracts moisture and damp paper and cardboard attracts mold.

Consider insulating water pipes. Water pipes, especially cold water pipes, are prone to condensation. Insulating them will help eliminate this problem and help control humidity.

Installing a dehumidifier can be a great benefit. Dehumidifiers are not all that expensive and will help maintain lower humidity levels in your basement.

Basement Mold Removal

Mold remediation, especially when having to deal with large amounts of mold is best left to professionals. You should only attempt mold removal yourself if it covers less than ten square feet. The health dangers of mold exposure and accidentally allowing the mold to spread to unaffected areas are why hiring a professional remediation company is a smart move.

The following steps should be taken when removing mold from your basement:

1. Always think about personal safety first. Wear protective clothing, gloves, eye-protective goggles, and a N-95 rated respirator or dust mask.
2. Set up containment to keep from spreading mold spores throughout your home. Containment should include negative air pressure by using a HEPA air filtration device.
3. Remove the mold along with any contaminated porous materials like drywall, carpet, and fabrics then bag them for safe disposal.
4. Use a HEPA vacuum to capture any mold spores that become dispersed during the removal process.
5. Damp wipe any remaining structural materials using an antimicrobial cleaner or a biocide.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 over the next two 24-hour periods.
7. Properly dispose of the contaminated materials that were removed.

Mold remediation is a complicated project that must be done using a very specific process. You must have personal protection equipment. You must not only be capable of using specialized equipment, but also have access to it. This s why it would be a smart decision to contact Water Mold Fire Restoration at 800-905-0277. Our mold remediation teams are nationally certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) and will safely and completely remove mold from your basement. They are available 24/7. For additional information you can also contact us via email at help@watermoldfire.net.