Moldy Basements

Why: Mold thrives in damp, humid environments like basements and crawl spaces. Once it starts growing, it can spread quickly and damage your home while affecting the air you breathe.

Mold can:

• Damage wood, drywall, insulation and flooring

• Create musty odors throughout your home

• Lower your home's Value

• spread to other areas if left untreated

Health Effects

Exposure to mold may cause:

• Sneezing and coughing

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Eye, nose and throat irritation

• Worsend asthma or allergies

• Headaches in some individuals

Children, older and those with allergies or weakened immune systems may be more sensitive to mold.

Where to Look for Mold

Mold often hides in places homeowner's don't check regular.

• Behind finished basement walls

• Around windows

• Under carpeting or flooring

• Behind stored boxes or furniture

• Near sump pumps and floor drains

• Around plumbing leaks

• On wooden joists and rim joists

• Inside crawl spaces

How to Spot Mold

Signs you may have mold in your basement:

1. Fix leaks as soon as possible

2. Keep indoor humidity below 50%

3. Use a dehumidifier

4. Waterproof your basement

5. Make sure gutters direct water away from your foundation

6. Improve ventilation

7. Keep basement belongings off the floor

How to Get Rid of Mold

If mold:

• Covers a large area

• Keeps coming back

• Caused by flooding or ongoing water intrusion

You'll need to solve the moisture problem first. Otherwise the mold is likely to return.

Mold is a symptom, not the root problem.

The real issue is excess moisture. Cleaning mold without fixing the water source often means it will return. A dry basement is the best defense against mold and helps protect both your home and your family's health.