6 Warning Signs You Have Mold In Basement

How to safeguard your home – Exploring the dangers of mold in basement

Mold spores can enter basements through vents and windows. They need a little moisture to grow. Basements are areas prone to moisture, creating an ideal environment for mold growth. However, mold growth in the basement is a serious concern that weakens your structure’s integrity and affects your family’s health. We have listed some warning signs to help you identify and address mold in the basement.

Mold Patches On Walls Or Ceilings

• Dark stains or patches on walls and ceilings of the basement are important indicators of mold growth. The discoloration can be in different shades and colors; black and brown are the most common colors. Mold can also grow on walls in green, grey, white, blue, and yellow patches.

A close inspection of the stain’s texture can confirm the presence of mold. Mold can be easily smeared. It is slimy, soft, and fuzzy to the touch. Dabbing mold with a few drops of diluted bleach is a quick method for determining mold growth. If the bleached stain lightens, it is mold. In contrast, a stain that remains dark is likely due to dirt.

Structural Degradation

• Mold thrives in the presence of organic substances like wood, drywall, and insulation. As it spreads deeper within these structures, it endangers the structural integrity of your basement. The mold on your basement floor can erode the underlying materials, resulting in decay, distortion, and the potential onset of structural damage.

This deterioration can influence the stability of your home’s foundation, giving rise to safety concerns. Therefore, it is advisable to schedule frequent and thorough basement inspections to mitigate the risk of structural damage.

Peeling Wallpaper

• If you have wallpapers in your home that seem to be bubbling or peeling, moisture and mold may be growing underneath them. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity occur, especially during the hot months. These changes result in the formation of condensation on the backside of wallpapers. The wallpapers become loose because of the trapped moisture.

This gives mold a perfect opportunity to grow and spread. Sometimes, peeling is also caused by other factors, such as improper application. But if it occurs in combination with other signs of mold growth, hiring professionals for an inspection is better.

Unpleasant Musty Odors

• One of the common signs of mold growth is the presence of a musty, stale odor in the home. Mold releases microbial volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and pungent chemicals, including aldehydes, benzenes, carboxylic acids, and terpenes. The mVOCs and pungent chemicals mix to give off an unpleasant odor that intensifies over time.

Exacerbating Asthma

• According to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), mold is one of asthma’s most common indoor triggers. Airborne irritants, including mold spores and mVOCs, can exacerbate asthma and allergy symptoms.

The following symptoms may worsen in areas with mold growth:

• Nasal congestion or sneezing
• Watery, red, and itchy eyes
• Shortness of breath
• Scaly and dry skin
• Wheezing

Frequent Fatigue And Headaches

• The presence of mold in the basement increases the risk of toxins exposure. Mold toxins such as mycotoxins contribute to the development of sick-building syndrome. Poor air quality in enclosed spaces leads to a health condition known as sick building syndrome (SBS).

SBS is associated with various nonspecific symptoms, but the general symptoms include headaches and fatigue. The symptoms are triggered a few hours after entering the area affected by mold growth. The symptoms usually improve within a few minutes after leaving the building. Waterproof your basement to prevent mold growth and other moisture-related issues. Book an appointment with Crack X. We make sure your basement is waterproof and in optimum condition before you start your finishing project. Call us at (877) 727-2259. Crack X is a civil structures repair company in Maine and New Hampshire.