How Do You Get Mold In Your Basement
Mold is a natural way that the environment breaks down organic debris, and tiny mold spores are present everywhere. When mold spores come into contact with a damp surface, they either begin to grow or try to break down the item that theyre growing on, such as natural fibers and untreated wood.
There are different types of mold, but its easy to identify each type once you know their characteristics. Knowing where to look makes it easy to find. Mold will usually grow when there is moisture from HVAC condensation, pipe leaks, or unsealed basement walls. By checking around your HVAC units, under overhead pipes, and along where basement walls meet the floor, you can usually find where mold has settled and started to grow.
Strategies Of Getting Rid Of Mold In Basement
Before embarking on mold removal, its vital to establish the source of the mold to tackle the problem exhaustively. Therefore, its advisable to liaise with a professional who thoroughly inspects ventilation, underground issues, or plumbing to determine an objective way to solve the mold issue.
Nonetheless, its critical to quickly get rid of mold on basement walls to secure the health of your household. You can choose the chemical approach or organic and environmentally friendly solutions depending on the severity.
How To Get Rid Of Black Mold In Basement Walls Floors & Ceilings
Here is a guide on basement mold remediation. We will discuss how to remove white and black mold from basement walls, floors, and ceilings.
Do you know how to remove mold from your basement completely?
One of the biggest problems with basements is that they are prone to be dampened by groundwater, leaky pipes, or standing water from outside.
With all this dampness comes the unpleasant mold, which has been a major concern up for many homeowners in the United States.
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We Have A Problem With A Room In Our Basement It Is Uninsulated And Has A Moldy Smell The Odor Is Worse In The Winter Months My Son Likes To Sleep In The Room
Youll want to focus on two items increasing the temperature and the air flow. Addressing these issues will lower the humidity and the mold growth/musty odor.
Purchase a relative humidity gauge and install it in the basement. Your goal is to keep the RH below 50%. Increase the heat as necessary to lower the RH until youve reached 50%.
The easiest way to increase the ventilation is to run a bathroom exhaust fan. If theres an existing fan in the basement, run it at least 12 hours per day in the winter months.
Its also important to verify whether the basement is suffering from vapor emissions through the concrete slab. This occurs when water vapor moves up through the slab and into the room above. If the basement is carpeted, the moisture can become trapped and lead to mold growth. See our page on basement mold for more info.
Remove Moldy Material If Possible
If the mold has damaged a small area of soft or fibrous material like carpet, ceiling tiles, or wall material thats not load-bearing , you can remove the material yourself and replace it. Just be sure to wear protective eyewear and disposable dust masks, gloves, and possibly protective clothing so you can ensure youre not bringing the mold into your living spaces.
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Spray Basement Walls With Cleaning Solution
Pour your solution of choice into a spray bottle. To remove mold from basement, heavily spritz the surface with the solution. Be sure to let the solution soak in for a while before scrubbing to help get rid of mold youll want to ensure all spores are killed off before taking a bristle brush to the concrete wall. After waiting for about 30 minutes, scrub vigorously with the scrub brush.
How Do You Remove Mold From Concrete Basement Walls
Concrete walls present slightly different concerns. For starters, they are much lower in cellulose compared to finished walls made from wood and drywall, so mold will have to work harder to access food. Unfortunately, basements usually have plenty of dust to keep them well-fed and reproducing. They also present a sizable obstacle to removing existing infestations.
In a standard mold removal operation, the contaminated materials are removed and replaced with fresh ones. Concrete makes that difficult since you cant just take out a portion of the houses foundation. That doesnt mean that mold cant be removed from concrete walls, but rather that it is a job best left to professional mold removal experts.
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Our Basement Cellar Has A Substance Growing On It Is This Mold
Yes, this looks like mold growth. It is quite common for cellars to suffer from mold growth. This is due to the cool temperatures and high humidity. Regularly cleaning the concrete can help . Also, painting the concrete with semi-gloss, mold resistant paint will make it easier to clean. Depending on your climate, a long term solution might involve a dehumidifier or increased ventilation.
Liquid Laundry Detergent And Household Bleach
To clean mold off concrete, begin by cleaning the concrete surface with a hose, removing as much black mold as possible. If the concrete is located indoors, use a sponge to scrub away the mold. A scraper is also an effective tool for removing the mold from concrete.
Keep in mind that though these methods are effective, physically scrubbing or scraping the mold away will not remove the root, which is embedded inside the porous concrete. If the root is still intact, the mold will simply grow back.
Killing mold beneath the concretes surface requires cleaners that can penetrate the concrete. While bleach is effective and kills mold, its surface tension does not make it ideal for soaking concrete. Laundry detergent is a better option.
Create a cleaning solution by mixing a cup of laundry detergent with a gallon of water. Use a sponge or brush to apply the solution to the floor. The detergent will soak into the concretes pores, killing the black molds roots.
Use a scrub brush to ensure the solution penetrates the concrete and to remove the molds roots. When complete, rinse off the concrete with clean water. If outdoors, use a hose. If inside, use a mop.
Repeat this process if any mold is still present. Dry the concrete with a fan until it is completely dry.
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When To Call In A Professional Mold Removal Team For Your Basement
At Servmold of Dallas, we understand that homeowners and property owners dont always want to pick up the phone every time they have a mold problem. Sometimes, you may be able to get rid of the mold by yourself. But thats only the removal part, not a complete remediation process. Read more about our steps to remove mold here.
Suppose the mold has overgrown to dangerous extents, and you need the inspection professionals to handle it. In that case, we can solve any mold issue immediately, even if youre calling at the last minute and youve no other choice.
Most Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Mold Growth In Basements
Yes! Dont delay getting mold removed once you notice it in your home because it can cause health issues and weaken the structure of your house. If you feel any mold toxicity symptoms you should see a doctor right away!
Mold doesnt need a lot to grow. As long as your basement ticks preferable climate conditions and a damp spot, mold growth remains a risk, no matter whether your walls are made of concrete or wood.
There is no set range for mold removal services. Some cases only need a few hours of work, while others are cases of extreme infestation and require more work. Explore the market or contact Servmold of Dallas, and our team will provide a free estimate according to the details.
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Who Is Vulnerable To Mold
Some people are at greater risk of respiratory problems . This includes the following groups:
- Infants and very young children, whose immune systems are still developing.
- People of any age that have mold-specific allergies. This includes anyone who is allergic to mushrooms, penicillin, or other types of fungus.
- Anyone who has a compromised immune system, including the elderly, diabetics, those with lupus, etc.
- People with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory ailments.
I Have A Major Moisture Issue Along One Wall In Basement Particularly Behind Furnace Duct
The white, fluffy substance is efflorescence and the black spotting on the wall is mold growth. Efflorescence occurs when moisture moves through the concrete and deposits minerals/salts on the surface. In a basement, this can be a complex issue. First, I recommend looking at your downspouts and ensure they are moving the water far away from your home. Your goal is to reduce the moisture load in the soil near your home.
If this doesnt solve the problem, youll likely need a sump pump and possibly an interior footing drain. While expensive, they are often the only way to completely solve the problem. In most cases this will involved removing the wall in the problem area so the footing drain can be installed at the very edge of the concrete slab.
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How To Prevent Black Mold In Basement
Once you have it in your basement, it is very hard to get rid of, and it creates problems that may cost you a lot. Your best course is to prevent the problem. Controlling moisture and the humidity level of your basement is most important.If you notice a musty smell, check for moisture. Is water seeping in through the cinder blocks? Do you have a leaky pipe? Is your drywall damp? Are there dark splotches on the walls or ceiling? Fungi grow fast in moist, humid conditions, so do regular checks of your basement if its a space you dont often visit.You may want to invest in a dehumidifier. The cost will be minimal compared to the expense of clean-up and removal. Airflow is necessary, so dont stack items to the ceiling or very close to walls. Use an exhaust fan or open doors or windows when weather permits. Fungi are attracted to organic material, so dont grow plants or store firewood in your basement.
Practical Guide To Basement Mold Removal
Basement is prone to water penetration mainly because of where they are located below the topsoil.
Moisture can cause all sorts of harm to your structure, and a compromised foundation is one of them.
However, thats not the only problem basement moisture can bring your way, it can also lead to the formation of basement black mold!
Here is how to clean mold in basements.
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What Is The Best Product To Remove Mold From Walls
There are multiple products on the market to remove mold, and some are more effective than others. A popular pick is RMR Complete Mold Killer and Disinfectant. Its EPA-registered formula works to kill mold, clean stains and eliminate odors in one simple step. It also serves as a household disinfectant that can kill bacteria and virus particles so that you can find other uses for any leftover product.
Homeowners should always use caution when selecting a product since they may require special protective equipment or ventilation support. Also, some are specifically designed for outdoor mold problems and should not be used in indoor areas. That is especially true of basements, which often have low ceilings and a lack of natural ventilation.
Some families choose a more natural solution, which can also be effective. For example, high-potency vinegar can effectively kill mold even deep inside of porous materials like your basement walls. However, its high acidity can damage some surfaces, making it a poor choice for removing mold on waxed wood, natural stone, waxed wood, aluminum or cast iron.
Get Your Questions Answered
Cheryl Ciecko, AIA, ALA, LEED AP, is a licensed architect who helps homeowners and building professionals create safe homes through online education to prevent mold, water damage, and poor indoor air quality.
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You can find her video masterclasses, online programs, and education subscription options at .
For detailed answers on your specific situation or building project, schedule your appointment for an individual consultation.
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Why Does Mold Grow On Basement Walls
When mold is provided with a dependable food source and adequate moisture, it will begin to feed and reproduce. The most dependable food source for mold is cellulose. It is found in wood and paper-based materials that are abundant in homes.
It also requires high moisture content to grow. Some types, such as Stachybotrys chartarum , require a constant water source, while others can thrive with occasional moisture or high humidity levels. Basements tend to have poor ventilation, allowing humidity or dampness from the surrounding soil to accumulate inside. Coupled with the cellulose found in drywall, insulation backing and dust, this is an ideal environment for mold growth.
Common Causes Of Mold In The Basement
As mentioned above, the main cause of mold in the basement is excess moisture, which is not a rare situation in a basement. Whether that moisture comes from the outside or from the inside, it is very important to get to the root of the problem in order to deal with it and prevent any further complications .
So, where does the moisture, or water in a basement come from? Lets dig deeper.
There are two main sources of water in basements:
Basements are below grade spaces in your home, which means that they are prone to water seeping in from the foundation walls, and window wells. Since these are the lowest parts of the home, gravity dictates that if water is present, it will flow towards the lowest area to settle.
Two frequent causes of water in basements are rain and floods. Without proper grading, gutters and downspouts, rain often flows into the basement creating excess moisture for mold to thrive in. Flooding caused by heavy rains or rivers, provides the right environment for mold growth.
When it comes to sources of moisture inside, we can talk about various causes, from ineffective insulation to excess steam that evaporates and raises the level of humidity . A high level of humidity and condensation creates the perfect conditions for both mold and mildew to spread in your basement.
Did you know?
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Avoid Overloading Your Basement
Both an organic food source and moisture are important for mold to grow. Thats why its very important to cut the food source, along with lowering the humidity level in your basement. There is no better food for mold than the things you keep in your basement such as clothes, books, carpets, food and even the cardboard boxes in which you store all of those things.
Try eliminating everything that you dont need and avoid overstuffing your basement at all costs. Air must be able to flow and it cannot do so if every inch of your basement is covered. If you must use your basement for storage, and you are worried about mold, ensure that everything is properly dried and moved away from the walls. If there is a leak or a flood, take out everything that may have been in touch with water, dry it well and then put it back.
Black Mold On Concrete In Basement
For black mold on concrete in a basement, start by ventilating the area well. Because youll be using bleach indoors, open a window and escape the fumes when possible. Create a cleaning solution thats one part bleach to four parts water and apply it to the concrete. Allow this solution to sit for fifteen minutes before using a wire scrub brush to clean the mold off the surface. Make sure you leave the area while the bleach is soaking to prevent breathing in fumes. Its important to wear protective gear during this process, including rubber gloves and a respirator. After youve scrubbed the area, soak up the cleaning solution and apply clean water. Scrub once more and remove all surface water. Allow the area to dry completely. If your basement area is relatively damp, use a fan to dry the floor quickly.
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Our Flooded Storage Unit
If youve been a long-time follower, you may remember this blog post where I chronicled our first flooding experience. Back then, we were living in a small condo and we rented an off-site storage unit to hold our childhood boxes, Christmas decor, my wedding dress, and more. During an extremely cold winter season, a pipe burst at the storage facility, and all of our items were submerged in feet of water. It was pretty horrendous.
That was a very emotional experience for us both. I had just suffered a miscarriage and I was still recovering, physically and emotionally, and it hit us when we were already down. And seeing all of our memories from our lives ruined, was very difficult. But, we got through it and my mom was even able to salvage my wedding dress from the wreckage. Jan saves the day!
After that, a lot of good, big things happened for us. We bought this housewe finally had success with IVF and then our sweet rainbow baby, Rory, was here about a year later. It was the start of a lot of good for us. So, Im looking at this flood as potentially the start of good things for the Finn family.
