The Main Causes of Basement Mold and How to Get Rid of It

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Mold is present in many homes, and as long as you have a humid environment in your home, mold can grow in yours too. 

There are health risks associated with molds, such as sickness and even death. Basement mold is prevalent because many people have basements that are damp, humid, and warm. 

If you want to protect your home and the health of your family, don’t ignore your basement. Mold that starts in the basement can spread, and any water damage or damp areas will give the spores a place to grow. Mold is a fungus, and it can be tough to get rid of. 

Basement Mold 

There are a lot of myths about basements and waterproofing

The reality is that if done the right way, waterproofing your basement won’t break your budget. Paying for expensive medical bills and mold removal can cost much more. 

The Causes of Basement Mold 

Basement mold is caused by having humid or wet conditions in your basement. Mold needs moisture in order to grow, though it doesn’t always have to be warm. Even in a cooler environment, mold will grow if there is moisture it can live on. 

The reason why your basement leaks can be due to a lot of factors. The age and settling of the basement can create weaknesses. The type of soil around your house can trap water against the foundation, causing it to eventually leak. Even the grade of your yard could trap water against the foundation and cause leaks. 

Cracks in your foundation are a huge reason why water will get in. Any crack, no matter how small, can allow water to flow freely into your basement. Since your basement is underground, the water will not evaporate very fast, and it will remain wet for a period of time long enough to encourage mold to grow.

How to Protect Your Basement 

The first step to stop mold from growing on a wall, or the ceiling of your basement, is to stop water from getting in. That requires waterproofing, and it can be done in several ways. This also brings in the do-it-yourself vs contractor options. 

Do It Yourself

One step a lot of people suggest is to caulk the cracks in your foundation. This can help to prevent water from reaching the basement, but it is a temporary measure. If you have foundation cracks, you can slow the water entering, but you will need professional repairs and equipment if you want to stop it. 

Another thing you can do is to paint your basement with waterproof paint. This paint will help prevent moisture from seeping through the wall. This is sometimes described as “weeping.” While this paint is effective, again, it will not stop all water from getting in. 

Another way you can help protect your home without hiring anyone is by controlling runoff. Precipitation in the form of rain or melting snow must not be allowed to pool up against your house. Make sure that your gutters drain far enough away from the house to prevent leaking.

Contracted Waterproofing

Contractors who specialize in waterproofing and water restoration have training and experience on their side. They also have the proper tools and resources in order to make sure the job is done right. This will help limit the chances that you will have a problem for a long time in the future. 

1. Foundation Crack Repair 

Foundation repair can help not only remove the cracks that are allowing water in, but it can also make your basement look nicer. If you choose to hire a service for foundation repair, remember that the fix will not be temporary like caulking. 

2. Crawlspace Encapsulation

Another key thing that can be done by a contractor is crawl space encapsulation. Having your crawl space encapsulated will create a vapor barrier. This barrier will prevent water from entering your home and keep things nice and dry. 

3. Armored Basement Waterproofing

Armored Basement waterproofing helps protect your basement from the dread of mold. They do this by going through an exhaustive list of places where water can get in and fix them. They also install sump pumps to prevent water from building up in case there is a leak. 

Anyone of these steps by itself is not enough, because water can be a vicious enemy. That is why armoring your basement against water requires multiple steps and full awareness of the problem. Having a professional waterproofing of this level will make sure that you don’t have to combat mold for years to come. 

4. Landscaping and Excavation

Another contracted service that you may require is a landscaping service. This is used when the grade of your home is incorrect, and water is allowed to pool up against your foundation. The yard of your home should be graded so that water runs away from the home and not towards it. 

Cost of Mold Removal

The average cost to remove mold is over $2,000. This expense can come at any time, and leaving the mold in your basement, walls, or home is not an option. Having a waterproof basement is one of the largest and most important steps in preventing expensive mold removal.

Your House, Your Investment 

Your home is where you live, raise your children, and enjoy your free time. Armored Basement Waterproofing is a company with twenty years of experience in the waterproofing business. Don’t let water risk the safety of your investment and the health of your family.  

Armored Basement Waterproofing is here to help you. Take away the stress of being at the mercy of the weather and groundwater. Protect your large appliances like water heaters and anything else you may have in your basement. 

The water inside your home causes all kinds of problems, not just basement mold. Water damage is both expensive and can force you to make extensive repairs to your home. 

If you live in Baltimore, MD – Arlington, VA – or anywhere in between, contact us to begin protecting your basement against the threat of water.

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