Whether it’s a new house or an old house, basements are vulnerable to musty odors. These odors may be very unpleasant. Your usual cleaning methods may not be enough to get rid of the foul smell. Those musty basement odors may be caused by mold overgrowth.
Molds and Mildew in Basements and Crawl Spaces
Molds thrive in warm, moist, or humid environments. A basement can be a perfect place for molds to grow. Molds are most likely to appear during warm damp months in spring and fall, although they may be present year-round in damp climates. Most often there is a source of water damage that starts the problem.
The following are sources of basement moisture that may cause mold growth:
- flooding
- leaky roof
- plumbing leaks
- backed-up floor drains
- dampness in crawl space
What are Molds?
Molds are tiny living organisms. They live pretty much anywhere, indoors and out. For molds to grow, they need a food source. In a basement this could be the wood, the wall and ceiling surface, or even dirt floors. If the surface stays damp or wet, the molds grow and digest whatever they are growing on. To reproduce, molds let loose tiny spores into the air. Wherever these airborne spores land they begin to grow and feed.
Allergic Reactions to Mold
Some people become very allergic to mold spores. If your allergies seem to last year-round instead of just during “pollen season,” it’s possible you have a mold allergy. Molds may cause a variety of allergy symptoms. They can also trigger asthma episodes and other serious reactions.
The following are symptoms of mold spore allergy:
- headaches and migraines
- nasal stuffiness and frequent sneezing
- watery or itchy eyes
- wheezing or difficulty breathing
- fatigue
- skin irritation or rashes
Reducing and Removing Basement Molds
Once the mold begins to grow, it will continue to thrive unless the moisture problem is resolved and the surface is thoroughly dried out. For basements, a proper drainage system is essential. It might also require improved ventilation of room and crawl spaces. An exhaust fan vented to outdoors can help to remove humidity.
Follow these steps for mold removal and remediation:
- Identify the area and range of mold growth.
- Clean all visible mold from the surfaces.
- Apply a miticide to the area to kill mold spores.
- Use an inhibitor to prevent regrowth.
Most important is to reduce the moisture levels that can cause the molds to grow. It may be necessary to remove some of the wall or ceiling surfaces to get rid of the mold growth. In some severe mold situations, it may be necessary to bring in professional mold remediation specialists.
Ways to Prevent Mold Allergy Problems
People with mold allergies should probably not have bedrooms in the basement. But there are some things that can help lessen the severity of mold spore levels. Use a gauge to monitor the relative humidity. In times of high humidity, run a dehumidifier or use an air conditioner. Trap mold spores in a special air-conditioner filter. Kill airborne molds with a HEPA room air cleaner or air sterilizer machine.
Molds may grow in areas that you cannot see, such as behind the drywall. If you can smell a musty odor, there is likely to be mold growth. You might become accustomed to the odor and not notice it, but people who don’t live in the house will smell it. Even though your house is clean, it may seem dirty because of the musty odor. For a cleaner home and improved health, take care of any mold problems as soon as they are spotted.
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