While there are many moisture intrusion points in every home, basements and crawlspaces are the most humid, damp, and moisture intrusion prone areas of the household. Basement and Crawlspace areas receive little or no sunlight and ventilation compared to the rest of the home. Therefore moisture in these areas is less likely to evaporate on its own. All basements and other below grade living spaces should have active dehumidification equipment running, set between 35-40%. When humidity gets any higher colonization or growth can occur.
Moisture problems can be attributed to improper or outdated waterproofing or often in a foreclosed home a basement that’s been flooded from a backed up or powerless sump pump. This excessive moisture can cause many problems and is the reason why the basement is the most common place in the home where mold is found.
Common signs of a basement moisture/mold problem are black or green discoloration on any material (especially drywall) peeling paint, white, fuzzy calcium deposits on block wall (efflorescence), fuzzy growth on wood or paneling, and of course standing water.
When moisture enters the basement space, it creates an environment conducive to mold growth because of the typically fluctuating temperatures and the naturally existing airborne spore, which is the small amount of mold in the air we breathe.
Mold usually colonizes first on porous surfaces such as carpeting, drywall, cardboard, and overhead framing. The “spore” or seed stands out in three dimensions like a layer of dust and can be any variety of colors, especially when it’s on the framing. This spore releases mycotoxins that cause the foul odor associated with mold. Your body can sense these toxins and commonly attempts to reject it through coughing or sneezing.
The major causes of basement mold are:
The major causes of crawlspace mold are:
Whatever your particular scenario might be REO Mold Solutions will help you identify the source, extent of damage, and determine a permanent remedy.