My Georgia Home - When Your Basement Needs Mold Remediation

Oh, I love my Atlanta, Ga. home! But, I don’t love the humidity or the dirt that gets tracked in via the basement, especially when it rains. Wait! Is that mold? How do I get rid of it? What should I do? Don’t panic! Portofino Capital Group can help rectify that.

While unsightly, as well as being problematic, the presence of mold can cause ongoing issues and is quite invasive. From respiratory-related health issues to damaging your drywall and home, signs of mold definitely require swift care and remediation.

Did you know that, as per the EPA, a small amount of moisture can cause the growth of mold spores? Especially when you combine that with a basement’s low airflow. This guide is meant to help you know how to respond and when to call in a professional if you believe that you have discovered mold in your home and basement.

What Causes Mold To Form In Your Basement?

When dampness and mold spores combine, they start to grow and work to destroy the area that the mold is growing on, like untreated wood or natural fibers. Mold naturally forms when the climate and atmosphere work to break down organic debris, resulting in tiny mold spores.

There are various types of mold, and each can be identified by its characteristics and where it’s located. Normally, condensation from your HVAC unit, beneath overhead pipes, or basement walls that are not properly sealed is the most likely place to find the source of the mold.

How Do I Test For Mold In My Basement?

If you’re not confident in identifying mold, your best course of action would be to call in a professional like Portofino Capital Group, who offers moisture intrusion analysis, or forensic repair which will assist in addressing the likely sources of mold in your basement.

If you suspect that you may have mold, you need to take care of it immediately. Some mold can pose a serious threat to your health, so all mold should be removed, regardless of the type of mold or its health risk, according to the CDC.

What Are Some Common Kinds of Basement Mold?

According to The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), there are five common types of mold:

• Cladosporium — Generally brown, but can be gray or black. This mold type frequents soil as well as organic materials across the world and has a somewhat slower growth.
• Penicillium — This type of mold is normally white or green, and is utilized in the manufacturing and development of penicillin. This type of penicillium is also common globally.
• Aspergillus — This fungus is mostly tolerable and populates indoors as well as outdoors. Nevertheless, there have been rare cases where the fungus has caused an infection known as Aspergillosis. This infection can be detrimental if you already have a compromised immune or respiratory system.
• Alternaria — This mold is capable of causing severe infections in people with underlying health issues, although cases are typically rare. This mold is also black, olive, or brown, and grows quickly.
• Stachybotrys chartarum — The infamous and harmful black mold, Stachybotrys chartarum is unquestionably the greatest common household mold. It has a black to a greenish color, grows quickly, and is known for flourishing on building materials. For instance: wallpaper, drywall, gypsum board, and wood.

Step 1: Locate the Mold

Immediately locate and terminate the cause of the moisture, if at all possible, to prevent further mold growth. Additionally, depending on the issue, you may need to undertake substantial repairs in order to deter moisture. Professionals can help rectify the issue if they are:

• Leaking Pipe
• Window or Doorway Crack
• HVAC System Condensation

Step 2: Remove All Molded Material

If a small amount of mold has caused damage to a limited area of fiber or other soft material such as:

• Carpeting
• Replaceable ceiling tiles
• Wall material that isn’t load-bearing

You can simply throw out and replace the moldy material. Here are some safety items that you will need:

• Disposable Gloves
• Protective Eyewear
• Disposable Dust Masks
• Potentially Some Protective Clothing (to eliminate tracking mold elsewhere in your home).

Step 3: Clean the Mold if It’s On a Fixed Material and Unmovable

You can use a bleach solution of one cup of bleach per gallon of water or professionals to clean and eliminate the mold. Products and tools you’ll need to get rid of mold in basement areas

• Bleach
• Sponge
• Spray bottles
• Eye protection
• Stiff-bristled brush
• Disposable gloves
• Mold stain remover
• Dusk mask or respirator
• Cleaning bucket with measuring marks

If you’d rather use less harsh chemicals for mold removal in your basement, fortunately, there are natural ways that you can accomplish this task. Keep in mind that these methods should be considered as preventive methods, as the only way to truly locate and rectify all mold is to hire skilled professionals in mold remediation, moisture intrusion analysis, or forensic repairs. Fortunately, there are several natural and less harsh products to clean mold away.

For instance, baking soda, as well as vinegar, are acidic and may be utilized to assist in killing mold spores and scrubbing away the mold.

For Half Water/Vinegar Solution:

1. Use equal parts of water and vinegar.
2. Spray the solution directly onto the moldy area.
3. Allow the solution to sit overnight and soak in the mold.
4. The next day, scrub the treated area with soap and water.

For the Baking Soda

1. Create a paste-like scrub using 50% each of water and baking soda.
2. In a spray bottle, combine two cups of water with two tablespoons of baking soda.
3. Spray the mold solution on the impacted areas prior to scrubbing.

Although the above-mentioned methods are generally beneficial in the removal of mold in your home’s basement. Again, keep in mind that only a professional can completely locate and remedy mold issues in your home’s basement.

When Should A Professional Be Called?

With the techniques listed in this guide, most basement molds can be curbed. However, a major problem within your wall’s pipes, an unseen moisture leak, or even a flood may cause a major growth of mod. Mold specialists are your best bet if you’re dealing with mold.

Bottom Line

You can use these preventive and cleaning techniques to rid your basement of mold along with remedying the moisture issue, discarding unsalvageable material, and some elbow grease.  If you want the job done right the first time, and you want to feel confident that the mold has been remediated, contact us today. The professionals at Portofino Capital Group look forward to helping you.