How to Identify the Root Cause of Mold Growth in Basements

No one likes the sight or smell of mold, particularly if they are sensitive to allergens or have preexisting health conditions. Sometimes despite multiple efforts to prevent or remove mold, mold continues to appear, making it one of the most frustrating things to deal with when cleaning the home.

The average homeowner may handle minor mold removal by themselves, but professionals should handle extensive mold removal. All Nation Restoration, North Austin is a locally owned, full-service water damage restoration company specializing in cleanup and restoration when water, mold, fire, or chemicals damage the home.

What is Mold?

Mold grows and spreads through tiny spores that cling to natural materials such as fabric, wood, and drywall. The spores that survive and thrive do so because they find an ideal breeding ground.

Mold is attracted to warm, damp, and dark spaces, and the warmest, dampest, darkest area of any home is usually the basement.

How Does Mold Grow and Spread in Basements?

Moisture buildup happens naturally in basements due to condensation, leaky pipes, and humidity in the air. There is not enough air circulation, cooling, and sunlight in those warm dark spaces to allow damp areas to dry.

Basements are not high-traffic areas, and they are generally not heated or cooled like the rest home. Differences in warm and cold spaces in the house lead to condensation forming on surfaces, creating areas of dampness. Not heating and cooling correctly also dampens natural wood, paper, and cloth materials.

Low-traffic basements also mean that dampness and mold can go unnoticed for quite a while, developing into a bigger mold removal problem.

Mold and Health Issues

The amount of mold in a home or space is inversely proportional to that home or room’s clean indoor air quality. In other words, as mold increases, air quality decreases.

Poor air quality can be potentially harmful to household members. Poor indoor air quality and mold can lead to increased fatigue and less energy. With time, this can impact and degrade a person’s overall quality of life.

How to Spot and Eliminate Mold

Examine warm, dark spaces for signs of dampness, water buildup, or water damage, including leaky or broken pipes. Look inside and below the surface of wood products, drywall, cardboard boxes, cloth furniture, and clothing. If you see evidence of mold, like black spots, soft drywall, or discolored stains, call a mold removal company immediately.

Professional mold removal begins with discarding damaged items and cleaning the remaining space thoroughly. More extreme cases of mold, particularly in areas where mold spreads to more than ten cubic feet, should be handled by experts in mold remediation and water damage restoration.

Mold Prevention with All Nation Restoration, North Austin

Once cleaned or before mold develops, it is essential to prevent mold growth.

Clean regularly. Check for dampness and clean air filters regularly.
Cool the basement with an air conditioning system and use a dehumidifier.
Add additional ventilation to allow for proper airflow.

If mold is not visible, but mold damage is suspected or extensive, it is best to call the professionals.

A five-star rated mold removal company with over 11 years of experience handling damage restoration, All Nation Restoration, North Austin is licensed, insured, and certified to handle mold removal and mold remediation.

Contact All Nation Restoration, North Austin, at (512) 934-8180 for emergency water cleanup and mold removal. Service areas include Austin, Cedar Park, Manor, Pflugerville, Round Rock, and surrounding areas.