Basement Mold Remediation Services

Don't let basement mold take over your home

Mold needs moisture to survive, and the troublesome microorganisms get it in abundance in the dark and dank basement environments.

Once an infestation takes hold, mold will grow at a rapid rate and multiply. Hence it is imperative to get rid of mold from your basement through a proper and safe remediation process to prevent its recurrence.

Basement mold is essentially mold found in your home's basement for various reasons, such as lack of ventilation, leakages, flooding, and many more. If you have ever walked in your basement and experienced stuffiness in your nose or started coughing, then this is an indication of the presence of mold. If you have noticed some unsightly black spots or white fuzz, then chances are you have mold growing in your basement, and it is time that you remediate it.

With most basements only in seldom use, it can spread undetected mold for weeks or even months. As mold grows, it eats away at materials such as wood, walls, and ceilings causing structural damage that requires costly and time-consuming repairs.

The Stack Effect

Having mold in your basements can also affect the living area upstairs. Mold spores are carried from the basement to the upper-level rooms through the "Stack Effect." During this process, warm air rising within the house leaves through the loft, attic, or upper levels, causing a vacuum at the lower levels. This vacuum pulls the air-containing mold spores from your basement into the other areas of your home.

The quicker you handle the situation, the less damage it will cause.

Is the mold in your basement dangerous?

There is nothing more frustrating and dangerous than living with black fuzzy patches all over your basement. Besides the musty smell that could creep into your living space, mold spores in your basement pose a severe threat. They can cause numerous health issues through inhalation and skin contact. Untreated mold can spread further, causing damage to the foundation of your home.

As per the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), mold can be irritable to your eyes, nose, throat, and skin causing allergies. Inhaling mold spores or coming into contact with mold can result in shortness of breath and respiratory illness. This is especially dangerous for people who have asthma and with pre-existing health conditions.

Besides being dangerous and posing a risk to your health, black molds in your basements can compromise the basement's structure, the foundation, and the entire building. Newly finished basements where the mold feeds on leftover building and packing materials are vulnerable. Without proper remediation, black molds continuously feed on these materials creating havoc on your healthy living.

How to get rid of mold in your basement?

You can quickly get rid of mold yourself using common household cleaning agents like vinegar and baking soda if it affects an area less than 10 square feet or slightly more. However, if the mold growth covers a larger area and is severe, it is recommended by the CDC, and the NIEHS is to hire a professional to remediate mold from your basement.

Our professional mold mitigation service will analyze the severity of the problem and remediate the mold thoroughly to prevent its recurrence.

Our team of experienced IICRC certified mold experts is committed to ensuring your basement is free from mold. We use effective procedures and a systematic approach to fix moldy basements without causing the molds to spread to other areas in your home, nor causing any discomfort to the family members.

Our basement mold abatement service includes inspections, moisture mapping to determine moisture source, thermal imaging to identify all wet areas, mold detection, and removal, along with recommendations of preventative measures for the future.

How much does it cost to remove mold from the basement?

The cost to remediate basement mold will range from $500 to $5,000, depending on various factors such as the amount of mold growth, location, and techniques used. Click here to know the factors used to estimate the cost for a mold removal/remediation project.

To provide you with an exact cost, our expert will conduct a free inspection to determine the kind of mold you are dealing with and how best we can help you remediate it. After examining your basement, we offer a budget estimation at no hidden cost. We will also suggest and fix the source that causes the mold to grow, such as drywall repair, fixing leaky roofs, sealing the foundation, and repairing the floors.

Click here to know more about our basement mold remediation process and cost.
For a FREE inspection and estimate, call (619) 222-3056.

What are the signs of mold in your basement?

There are many ways to know if there is mold in your basement. Sometimes, the most obvious sign is by its smell. Molds are mainly known for their wet, musty odor that resembles a damp and dirty old rag. Check out the dark corners of your basement or under the stairs for this odor.

The next step in detecting mold in your basement is to look for signs of mold growth in highly susceptible areas of your basement. Mold likes to grow in dark, damp, and constricted spaces. Places that are often not very easily accessed or cleaned.

Look at places that are usually hidden from sight. For instance, around vents and pipes, behind wallpaper or panels, and even behind drywall. It is important to check under carpets, behind furniture, or storage boxes that you have in your basement as well. It is also crucial to check heating ducts and the air conditioner as mold can often grow near them.

What causes mold in your basement?

A basement is one of the most viable breeding grounds for mold in any building. The dark, damp, and humid conditions of a basement allow molds to multiply without being noticed.

The most common cause of mold growth in basements is moisture. It could be liquid water from a leaky pipe or condensation from high humidity, or it could be due to a flood.

Among several causes, some of the most common causes of basement mold as suggested by CDC and NIEHS are:

• Poor ventilation:

  The stagnant air due to poor ventilation in your basement is a breeding ground for mold. Due to the basement being below ground level, fewer ventilation outlets cause poor ventilation.

• High humidity:

  Basements tend to have high levels of humidity, which is generally persistent. It is especially relevant if you live in an area where the climate is humid or near large water bodies such as a lake.

• Flooding:

  Water from flooding can take up to several weeks to dry, which gives enough time for mold spores to spread and grow. It is essential to dry your basement thoroughly after a flood.

• Leaking pipes:

  One of the most significant causes of mold growth in the basement is leaky pipes. Small, unnoticed leaks can often cause much damage due to the moisture they leave behind, attracting spores causing mold growth.

• Condensation build-up:

  Condensation build-up can occur when there are temperature fluctuations. Such fluctuations occur during the winter and can lead to the growth of mold. Condensation can gather on windows, metal pipes, concrete, and even walls and floor tiles.

Several other causes, such as drainage backups and HVAC leaks, support mold growth in your basement.

How to prevent mold in your basement?

The best way to prevent your basement from being infected with black mold is to reduce moisture and humidity. Repair all sources of moisture, leakages like broken pipes or open seals on floors and walls. It is also essential to prevent any longstanding water or flood.

You can also control basement mold by regularly cleaning your basement. Move any boxes or items on the floor to check for moisture or dampness and immediately fix any leakage. Here are some tips to prevent mold growth in your basement:

• Make sure to always use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in warm weather, to combat the humidity.
• Ensure that any leaks or drips are fixed as soon as possible and that they are dried up well.
• Prevent condensation build-up by keeping the basement warm when cold outside and ensuring walls, floors, and windows are insulated.
• To ensure no spores take hold, make sure to dry any wet areas within 24 to 48 hours thoroughly.
• Ensure that you have adequate ventilation, whether through a ventilation system, windows, or exhaust systems.
• Ensure that all plumbing, such as sinks, tubs, and others, are correctly sealed.
• Make sure to discard unused items and often de-clutter as mold can grow on any surface, including paper, clothing, and wood.
• Do not store any damp things in the basement, such as carpets, clothes, or paper.
• Avoid installing carpeting in your basement as mold tends to grow under the carpet.
• Do not keep plants in your basement; the soil in your potted plants can also cause mold spores to spread in your basement.
• Call an EcoFMR mold expert on (619) 222-3056 if you perceive any musty smell but cannot identify mold in your basement. We do not just remediate; we also give you professional advice on keeping molds away from your basement.

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