Common Mold in Basements and What to Do About Them
Mold is a type of fungi that can grow anywhere it finds oxygen, moisture, and organic material. It tends to thrive in damp, humid areas, making your basement or crawl space a prime space for growth. Mold growth is a common problem for homeowners, with statistics showing at least 47% of residential homes present signs of infestation.
Mold isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a broad term used to categorize a range of microorganisms. Homes can be infested with different types of mold. Knowing and understanding the common mold types in basements and other areas of your home and the problems they can cause can help homeowners determine the best course of action. Here, Dry Tech Waterproofing, a trusted mold remediation company, offers additional insight into tactics for identifying the mold growing in your home.
Common Types of Mold in Basements
When discussing the various molds you can find in your basement, it’s important to first acknowledge the categories mold can fall under:
- Allergenic: These types of mold are not toxic but can trigger allergic reactions.
- Pathogenic: These can result in illnesses in people already weakened by other causes.
- Toxigenic: The most dangerous family of molds known for creating their own toxins that can lead to serious health problems.
Common types of mold you may find in your basement include:
Chaetomium
Chaetomium is an allergenic mold that commonly grows in homes experiencing water damage from flooding or water leaks. The mold looks white and fuzzy in its initial stages of growth but darkens over time.
Stachybotrys (Black mold)
Stachybotrys chartarum and Stachybotrys chlorohalonata are known by most as toxic black mold. You can find both species in damp areas of the home with too much moisture, such as a basement bathroom. Stachybotrys can be very dangerous if not handled properly and, therefore, should only be removed by a trained professional.
Alternaria
Alternaria is the most common type of allergenic mold found in homes. In most cases, this type of mold causes allergic reactions in people and can also trigger hypersensitive conditions such as a fever or asthma.
Ulocladium
Another common allergenic household mold, Ulocladium is typically in wet places, including condensation-prone windows, as well as appliances like the washer. While it’s not as dangerous as black mold, Ulocladium is colored black and must still be handled carefully.
Aspergillus
Considered pathogenic, the spores of this type of mold can be found in the air. Aspergillus can cause severe infections in people with compromised immune systems. While some members of the Aspergillus genus are non-toxic, they can still cause allergic reactions, respiratory irritation, lung infections, and asthma.
How to Identify Mold Growth
In some cases, basement mold may be difficult to spot, depending on where it’s growing. That doesn’t mean it still isn’t a cause for concern, and homeowners should leave it unaddressed. There are other ways to identify the growth of mold, such as:
- Damp odor: Homeowners can rely on their noses to identify mold growth. The fungus produces a notorious damp, musty, or earthy odor, making it one of the biggest giveaways.
- Damaged foundation: While not a direct sign of mold growth, damaged or cracked foundations help create the environment necessary for mold growth as they allow moisture to enter your home.
- Peeling paint: You can often find mold in damp pockets underneath bubbling, cracking, or peeling basement walls.
Consider Professional Mold Remediation
When it comes to mold in your basement, don’t take any chances. Instead, call the pros at Dry Tech Waterproofing. Our mold remediation services go beyond removing existing mold growth. Using proven methods and the best technology and materials, we identify the source of the issue to prevent future growth from occurring. Our team has served Pennsylvania’s tri-state area for over 25 years and is standing by to handle all your basement waterproofing needs.
Contact us today to learn more about our professional mold remediation in the following service areas, as well as our 0% financing, lifetime warranties, and free estimates.
