If you have mold in your basement, you should have it removed immediately. But sometimes it can be difficult to tell if you have mold or what type it is.
So in this post, we’ll explore the different kinds of mold in basements. We’ll also talk about what you should do if your home has these molds.
What Causes Mold To Grow?
Molds can cause terrible allergies, histamine problems, sneezing, coughing, and more. Black mold can even be deadly in some conditions, so it’s important to understand how to keep mold from growing.
Usually mold grows because basements are dark and damp. These are two things that mold loves. Deficient leaks and lack of air flow create a safe haven for fungi and mildew to spread.
How Mold Affects Your Basement
Mold can get into your HVAC ducts, your shoes, your clothing, beloved belongings, and more. It can cause organic materials to decompose and become unusable.
Mildew vs. Mold
Mildew and mold are similar, but mildew is a specific type of fungus. Mold is a microscopic fungus that has filaments. Mildew is usually gray, white, or light brown.
The mildew stays on the surface of areas. It can even appear powdery with a bad smell. Mold on the other hand is typically green or black with a musty smell.
In reality, there are hundreds of thousands of mold varieties. Some of them are more benign, while others are very threatening to your home and your loved ones.
Mold can cause immune system problems, allergies, and trigger existing health conditions. That being said, let’s talk about some of the most common types of mold you’re likely to encounter in US basements.
Basement Mold Types
White Mold
This powdery mold turns from gray to green to white. Its color depends on the surface that it’s growing on. This mold likes areas like drywall or old wallpaper.
If you see peeling wallpaper, then it could be white mold.
Green Mold
Green mold is actually a collection of various mold species. Green mold is very dangerous because it can cause pneumonia or inflammation in the lungs.
If somebody has asthma, green mold can cause them an allergic reaction.
Black Mold
Black mold is toxic and potentially deadly. However, black mold can be hard to find at first. It can easily hide in corners and small cracks.
So, it’s important to have professional mold specialists inspect your home for signs of black mold and remove it if necessary. Toxic black mold in basements is nothing to mess around with.
When To Test Your Home For Mold
You should have your home tested for mold at least once a year, if not more. The reality is that mold only needs a few days or weeks to grow, but if left unchecked, it can start to multiply.
It becomes even more difficult to remove at that point and more costly. Not to mention the health effects you’ll suffer in the meantime.
Prevent Mold With Basement Finishing
At the end of the day, mold can rear its ugly head in any kind of home. But this is particularly true in humid areas like basements, especially when not finished correctly.
The best way to eliminate the musty mold smell is to get your basement finished. That way you can ensure that you’re not dealing with any of the damaging side effects of this nasty fungus.
Mold Prevention and Basement Specialists
A proper finished basement is the real solution to making sure mold doesn’t occur again. The specialists at R&S Basements can provide you with a basement finish that keeps air fresh, dry, and mold-free.
So reach out to the best Cumming basement finishing company now. Love your basement, and breathe easy.
