3 Ways to Determine if Your Finished Basement Has Mold
A finished basement adds usable space to the home whether it be for recreation, a kid’s play area, or organized storage. It also can bring an unexpected bonus to potential homebuyers. An unfinished basement is typically easier to detect mold. Finished basements, however, present a greater challenge as mold can be hidden behind your drywall, paneling or other finished surfaces.
Here are a few tips to determine if you have mold without ripping apart your finished basement:
- If you have had a prior basement seepage issue, there is a good chance you might have mold. Mold requires water intrusion and organic material for it to grow on (such as your drywall, paneling or wood framing / studs). If you are concerned about your mold levels, you might want to have a mold test.
- Check the floors, baseboards, and finished walls of the basement for streaks, stains or patches that appear slimy and/or are colored black, green or white with orange spots. Also, look for stains with a yellowish tint. Under ideal conditions it can take between 24 to 48 hours for mold to germinate and grow. Typically, the spores begin to colonize in 3-12 days and become visible in about 18-21 days.
- Notice any constant and strange odors in your basement? Mold has a strong musty, earthy, damp and tangy smell especially when confined to one area in your home. The mold smell comes from the microbial volatile organic compounds that mold releases as it grows. You may also notice dormant allergies or aggravated asthma. Mold is a very common allergen. If you are suffering from allergies while at home or specifically in your basement, then there is likely hidden mold.
Mold can wreak havoc in a home. If it is present in your finished basement you need to take action! Mold is not only unsightly; it is also bad for your health. Removing mold can be a tough venture but it can be done. There are many do-it-yourself ways you might want to consider for smaller amounts of mold. If you have health concerns – especially if you have high(er) mold levels - it is most advisable to consult with a mold removal or remediation company.
One important thing you can do to keep from experiencing seepage, and ultimately mold, in your basement is by waterproofing it. Waterproofing your basement before finishing it can help prevent mold, mildew, and also get rid of that musty smell. This should be the first step you take before hanging drywall and all the other tasks that go into finishing a basement. Finding the source of seepage after your basement is finished can be difficult but not impossible. Waterproofing companies can waterproof your basement after the fact. Making sure a quality waterproofing company is a part of your remodel team is essential. To protect your investment schedule a free consultation with us today.
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