Mold can grow in any room in the home, but the basement is one of the most common areas in the home to find it. Here are a few Q & A’s about mold in the basement and what you can do about it.
Q: Why are basements such prime areas for mold growth?
A: Mold grows in areas of high humidity. Many homes have washers and showers in the basement and both can leak, increasing the humidity levels. Basements don’t get as much fresh air, light, or foot traffic as the rest of the home so it’s easy for mold to grow undetected.
Q: What’s the best way to stop mold from growing in my basement?
A: It’s impossible to remove all the spores from the air, so the best way to stop basement mold is to keep humidity levels as low as possible. Use a dehumidifier, repair any leaks promptly, and use a wet/dry vac to clean up standing water.
Q: I found mold in my basement. Can I do mold removal myself?
A: It depends on the situation. If the mold is on one item, such as a towel that got too close to a leaking pipe, you probably do not have a major problem. Throw the item in a trash bag, and then place it in an outdoor container so the rest of your home will not be exposed. Clean the area with a disinfecting cleaner.
For a larger area, professional cleaning may be required. Black mold is toxic and trained professionals should handle mold remediation of any size. Mold remediation costs vary depending on the extent of the infestation.
If you find mold at your home or commercial property in Alexandria, VA or Washington, DC call the experts at ServiceMaster NCR. Black mold and visible mold over 10 square feet (about 3’x3’) should be remediated by a qualified contractor trained and certified in mold remediation and following the EPA and/or BSR-IICRC S520 Standards and Guidelines. With over 30 years’ experience, we are available 24 hours a day to respond quickly to stop mold before it can damage your property and your health. Our highly trained technicians use InstaScope® pre/post testing to find mold in hidden areas and Trifect® remediation to remove it without damaging the structure.
