Dampness in your basement is a bad enough problem on its own, but it’s twice as bad when the dampness results in mold on basement walls. Being exposed to mold isn’t healthy for anyone of any age, allergy sufferer or not. While some people don’t exhibit any adverse symptoms due to mold exposure, others may develop respiratory problems, nasal congestion, sore throat, coughing, and skin irritations. Many mold spores are extremely tiny which means you can breathe them deep into your lungs without realizing it. In order to keep your home healthy for your family and maintain its resale value, you need to know how to detect and remove mold from your basement walls.
Obviously, if you can see mold growing on your basement walls, you know you have a problem. However, not all mold is easy to see. Usually it’s safe to assume that if there is a musty smell, mold is present. Even a small amount of mold can make the environment unsafe for young children, senior citizens and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions. It can also cause you to develop a mold allergy which will make you much more susceptible to the unhealthy side effects. In the best interests of everyone living in your household, you have to find a way to eliminate the mold problem.
The American Society of Home Inspectors statistics show that 60% of all American homes have moisture in the basements. Of this number, 38% are at a risk for developing basement mold. Having a wet basement is enough to send your home value tumbling and mold will make it unattractive to prospective buyers. Mold will grow on anything organic that you have in your basement which includes things like carpeting, drywall, ceiling tiles, wood, cloth, paper and cardboard. Obviously, if you attempt to raise the resale value of your home by finishing your basement, the mold problem (if pre-existing and not taken care of) is only going to worsen.
