If you are a homeowner, the smell of moldy, musty odors from your basement can cause you to cringe. If your home has suffered water damage you have to take the time to clear out your water-soaked possessions and then dry out the basement. It is important you do this as soon as possible because letting it linger can certainly lead to the growth of potentially dangerous mold.
Whether your basement has been the victim of flooding and water damage, or it’s simply humid and moist, there are steps you can take to help control and treat small amounts of mold growth.
- Use a mixture of water and detergent to wipe it away. It’s crucial that you completely dry the surface once you’ve wiped the mold away.
- Regardless of the amount of mold, you will want to protect yourself by wearing gloves protective eye wear and perhaps even a medical mask so you don’t breathe in any spores.
- Once you have cleaned up the affected areas, throw away the cleaning materials you used.
- Keep a watchful eye on the area to make certain there are no future incidents of mold growth.
- If you have extensive mold issues, you may need to have your basement waterproofed. In that case, talk with your insurance agent to see if mold remediation and repair is covered by your policy.
This is the best-case scenario! In some instances, you may find that a home needs to be condemned because of the amount of mold. Here are two reasons a structure would be demolished:
- There is structural damage. Mold infestations can rotten wood or walls so safety is the number one reason that houses are condemned. Small dots of mold can be a normal occurrence but once it starts to eat at the wood, walls or carpet, it’s time for a much more complete solution.
- Health can be affected. Some mold is extremely toxic and can have serious health considerations. Black mold is the most toxic of all molds. It is one of the leading carcinogens in the world and also contributes to asthma, bronchitis, respiratory disease, liver problems and more.
One way to avoid mold is to use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to help draw the moisture out of the air. Hardwood or laminate floors are also good options as they may mold less probable.
If your house has been condemned and it needs to be demolished, our team can provide you with the expertise required for a safe tear-down. Give us a call for a quote.