Effects of Mold in a Basement

No one enjoys discovering that they have a previously unnoticed mold problem. The appearance of green and black spots creeping up from the corners of a room are not only unsightly, they are unhealthy as well. Yet what if this problem is only in your basement? Could that cause an issue as well? The answer is an unfortunate yes.

Structure Damage:

Mold thrives in damp areas. It requires moisture to survive. If you have mold cropping up in your basement, chances are you have or had a leak at some point. Check pipes, drains and drip pans to see where the issue may be originating from and try to get it repaired.

If left alone, mold will continue to feed on available organic material such as clothing, wooden support beams and your drywall. Structural damage from mold should be arrested and repaired as soon as possible.

Spreading Spores:

Mold travels through the air; that is how it spawns and finds itself a new home. If you take a moment to consider the air flow present in your home, you will realize that the simple act of running your air conditioner or heater is creating just another opportunity for that basement mold to move around and spread throughout your home.

Health Hazards:

In a home that has had time to establish itself, the inhalation of mold spores can lead to some fairly serious health issues over time. A few of the more common symptoms include runny eyes and nose, sore throats, congestion and fatigue.

Some of the more serious effects can be asthma episodes, bleeding in the lungs and migraines. Always check your home for potential mold infestation and act quickly to eliminate any colonies found.