Why Basement Mold Thrives in Summer
During the summer months, mold thrives when the warmer temperatures and higher humidity seeps into basements that aren’t properly sealed. Warm temperatures accelerate mold growth, while poor ventilation causes stagnant air to create an ideal environment for basement mold to flourish. This combination makes basements particularly susceptible to mold infestations during the summer months.
The Different Types of Basement Mold and their Risks
There are several different types of basement mold commonly found in the summer. Understanding the risks for each type and how to spot the signs will help prevent damage to your home and health.
- Aspergillus commonly forms powdery or fuzzy spots that can be black, green, yellow, white, or blue. It often appears in circular spots or irregular patches, growing in clusters on damp walls, ceilings, or organic materials like wood and paper. If the basement mold you discover is Aspergillus, you are at risk of respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Cladosporium typically appears as dark green, brown, or black spots with a suede-like texture. It often grows in clusters on surfaces like walls, ceilings, and fabrics, particularly in damp or humid areas and can form round or irregular patches. Cladosporium basement mold triggers allergic reactions, asthma, sinus infections and can cause skin rashes and eye irritation.
- Stachybotrys generally appears as dark greenish-black or completely black patches that form irregular, blotchy clusters. It has a slimy texture and grows on materials with high cellulose content, such as wood, paper, and drywall. This basement mold produces mycotoxins that can cause severe respiratory problems, chronic fatigue, headaches, and even neurological issues in extreme cases.
- Penicillium often appears as blue or green with a velvety or powdery texture. It grows in fuzzy, patchy clusters on surfaces like walls, fabrics, and food, especially in damp or water-damaged areas. Penicillium can spread quickly, covering large areas with its characteristic colorful spots and is known for causing allergies, asthma, and lung inflammation.
- Alternaria can be identified by its dark green, brown, or black spots with a velvety or hairy texture often forming circular or elongated patches. Alternaria is commonly found on walls, tiles, windows, and other surfaces prone to moisture buildup, spreading rapidly and sometimes giving off a musty odor. It is commonly associated with allergic reactions, asthma attacks and prolonged exposure can exacerbate respiratory conditions.
Contact MSR Restoration for a thorough mold inspection, to reveal the type of mold infestation and how to remediate it.
Safe and Effective Basement Mold Removal Techniques
Mold removal projects covering ten square feet or less are appropriate for homeowners to tackle themselves. With a thorough and diligent plan of attack, here are the steps to attack your basement mold problem:
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment like a face mask and gloves whenever you are working in the contaminated area.
- Contain loose spores by taping plastic around the basement mold area, turn off the HVAC system and ventilate to the outside.
- Clean up any standing water with a wet/dry vacuum and use fans or dehumidifiers to dry the area.
- Thoroughly wipe surfaces with mold remover solution that is certified by the EPA to kill any basement mold and act as a mold growth inhibitor.
- When the remover solution is dry, clean the area with a water and dish detergent mixture before applying a mold sealant to the affected area.
Summer-Specific Strategies for Prevent Basement Mold
Once the mold has been removed, you can prevent its return by ensuring that water is kept out of the basement. First, check that your gutter system‘s downspouts direct water away from your home. Seal dryer vents, and fix any leaking pipes and foundation cracks. Even if there are no visible cracks or water drips, use dehumidifiers during the summer to maintain a dry environment and prevent basement mold.
When to Call a Professional: Signs You Need Expert Help for Basement Mold
Basement mold is a problem that should be addressed as soon as it is discovered. Be sure to reach out to MSR Restoration if the mold you discovered is over ten square feet or if the mold returns even after you have taken all of the cleaning steps outlined above. It is even more important to call a professional if the mold has caused structural damage or is causing health problems, or it has reached your HVAC system and is being spread throughout your home. The experts at MSR Restoration are happy to assist you with advice or explore your options to keep your basement mold free.
