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Basement Mold
6/8/2018 (Permalink)
The basement. In many homes, it is the one room that is used the least. With little to no sunlight, and little ventilation, this room is also susceptible to mold growth. Even finished basements are a good candidate. Mold can make a home anywhere in your house, but basements offer the best environment for it bloom.
The best line of defense is preventing the living conditions mold needs to stay alive. In order for mold to thrive, it needs an organic food source, oxygen and moisture. Below is a list of items to keep an eye out for to keep mold and mildew at bay:
- Leaks: since a lot of plumbing goes below the house, leaks are very common in the basement. Foundation leaks happen after years of wear and tear, and clogged drains or downspouts can divert water to the basement windows causing the water to well up and eventually leak into your basement.
- Flash floods: When this happens, it will cause water to rise in the soil and against the basement’s foundation.
- Sump Pump Failure: Most basements have sump pumps, sump pumps divert any water that accumulates around the foundation. These can fail if there is a power failure, or if they aren’t regularly maintained. Serious water damage can occur if a sump pump fails.
- Water Heater Failure: Even a small leak from a water heater can create enough moisture that may lead to mold. If it fails completely, it can cause flooding.
If you notice mold or water in your mold basement, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Tacoma! Our certified technicians have the tools and the training to help you.