Have you ever gone into your basement only to be hit by a wave of musty odors? This might be a sign that mold is growing in your basement, and it’s more common than you think. Since basements are located below the ground, it’s easy for moisture to seep into the walls as it is absorbed by soil. Thankfully, Mount Valley has plenty of basement waterproofing solutions that can prevent mold.
What Causes Mold to Grow in Your Basement?
Mold can only grow in places with high amounts of moisture, and there are a few ways for moisture to get into your basement. Here, we’ll identify a few ways that moisture infiltrates your basement so you can be better prepared as a homeowner.
Leaky Pipes
Plumbing leaks are a problem no matter where they occur in your home, but they can impact your basement even more as water drains into the walls and seeps down below your home. Water can saturate the walls and floors of your basement, causing humidity to rise and providing mold with the perfect conditions to grow.
Mold also requires damaged organic material to survive, so when water causes damage to the wooden beams in your basement walls, mold spores have a field day. If a plumbing leak occurs at any time in your home, make sure to check the basement for water damage.
Hydrostatic Pressure
Another factor that can cause mold to grow in your basement is a phenomenon known as hydrostatic pressure. This natural process describes how water exerts greater and greater pressure as it drains further below the surface. When heavy rain is absorbed into the soil close to your basement, the growing pressure can push the soil against the basement walls.
As the pressure continues to build, it may cause your basement walls to bow outward and crack, allowing groundwater to leak inside. Suddenly, your basement is exposed to moisture and humidity will start to climb – leading to mold growth once again.
Damaged or Faulty Window Wells
Window wells are built as a barrier between basement windows and water (either from exterior drainage or precipitation). However, window wells can be damaged over time without proper maintenance which can spell disaster for your basement. Without the proper protection, water will cause damage to your basement window, potentially breaking down the window frame and allowing moisture to get into the basement.
Mold and mildew can start growing on the damaged windowsill and eventually spread throughout your basement as humidity continues to rise. Make sure your window wells are functioning properly and call a professional to inspect your basement if you notice a damaged or moldy window.
FAQs
Mold growth can cause allergies, disease, and, in the worst-case situation, life-threatening difficulties to breathing. If left uncontrolled, mold can harm you and others living in your home. Not to mention, mold can eventually spread into the rest of your house as spores spread into the airflow, affecting the air quality as well. Moist areas like bathrooms, kitchen cabinets, and behind washing machines might experience mold growth. Call a professional to handle the mold problem in your home.
Don’t try to get rid of mold on your own, even with home remedies like bleach. We recommend contacting a professional mold removal service. Coming into close contact with mold without the proper protection can be dangerous for your health. Plus, using the wrong mold remediation techniques won’t solve the problem and could cause mold to spread more. To keep yourself safe, it’s best to call an expert. Plus, once the mold is removed, Mount Valley can employ basement waterproofing solutions that prevent mold from growing ever again. Safety is always our highest priority when it comes to our customers.
Mold needs two things to grow: high humidity and decaying organic material. In order to thrive, mold needs an environment with a moisture content between 55%-60%. Measuring the amount of humidity in your basement can show you if it’s providing the right conditions for mold growth. Organic materials are present all throughout our homes, including the wood and drywall used to build the walls or ceiling of your basement. When these structures become exposed to high amounts of moisture, they start to decay and provide mold with a space to grow. Waterproofing your basement is essential if you want to avoid mold infestation.
Explore Solutions
Plenty of basement waterproofing solutions exist that can prevent mold growth in the first place. You might consider a basement vapor barrier, drainage system, or dehumidifier. We recommend installing multiple solutions for maximum protection. After all, the less moisture you allow into your basement, the better!
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Dehumidification
Dehumidification will help you keep humidity and dampness in check, giving you a basement that is free from the moisture that can bring about pesky molds and mildew.
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Basement Vapor Barriers
Vapor barriers can serve as both waterproofing measures and aesthetic boons in your new basement, so long as you maintain them with care.
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Drainage Systems
An interior French drain is typically installed along the perimeter of the basement walls and works by channeling water that gets into your basement to a sump a pump system that pumps the water out and away from the structure of your home.
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Sump Pump
Water naturally gravitates toward the lowest point in your home and in most cases, your basement. To keep your basement dry and free from flooding, what you need is to install a sump pump.
Call Mount Valley for a Free Inspection!
Mold looks unsettling and causes health problems that no homeowner deserves to deal with. If you think mold is growing in your basement, or you want to prevent the possibility of mold growth, contact us today to schedule a free inspection of your home. One of our experts will be happy to tell you everything you need to know about basement waterproofing. We proudly serve homeowners in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Savannah. Call us today, and prevent mold from harming you and your home!
