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How to Treat Mold in Your Basement Prepare the Work Area. Ventilate the room with a box fan with the airflow moving toward the exterior. Dry the Work Area. Use the wet/dry vacuum to vacuum up water. Spray the Mold With Mold Remover. Clean or Encapsulate the Mold. Prevent the Mold From Growing Again.
Is it safe to live in a house with mold in the basement?
Any type of mold in a home can cause serious health issues in those who are at risk but one of the most dangerous types is Stachybotrys chartarum. A basement is also often more neglected than other parts of the house, therefore allowing the mold a longer period to grow undetected. Oct 26, 2011.
Should I worry about mold in basement?
Toxic mold can irritate your eyes, your respiratory system and cause very unpleasant odors in your basement. Mold exposure can lead to allergic reaction symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, itchy eyes, congestion and even skin irritations. Mold will also eventually destroy the things it grows on.
How much does it cost to remove mold from a basement?
Basement Mold Removal Cost The average cost of basement mold removal is between $1,500 and $4,000. Basements tend to get damp, have high humidity, and are common locations for leaking pipes, all perfect conditions for it to take hold and grow. It also grows in basement wood, insulation, and drywall.
Will a dehumidifier help with mold?
A dehumidifier makes the external conditions less welcoming to mold; by removing moisture, they reduce the chances of mold growth. An air purifier, however, removes mold spores from the air, making it harder for mold and mildew to create new colonies.
Can mold in basement affect upstairs?
Does Basement Mold Affect Upstairs? Yes, mold spores growing in the basement can affect the health of people living upstairs. Once mold starts growing it can quickly spread to nearby areas and eventually start to grow in the basement ceiling and into the rest of the home.
Can a moldy basement make you sick?
Mold is a destructive force. If you have a moldy basement, you are at risk for sickness that affects your respiratory system. These include coughs, asthma, nose and throat issues, and shortness of breath. But it doesn’t stop there—you could suffer from physical concerns such as headaches and skin irritations as well.
Can mold grow on concrete basement walls?
Mold growth on a concrete wall due to excess humidity. On it’s own, concrete does not provide a sufficient food source for fungal growth. Therefore, unless the concrete is kept extremely clean, mold growth can occur. Of course, even if the concrete is covered in dust, mold will not grow without sufficient moisture.
Does homeowner insurance cover mold?
Mold coverage isn’t guaranteed by your homeowners insurance policy. Typically, mold damage is only covered if it’s related to a covered peril. Mold damage caused by flooding would need to be covered by a separate flood insurance policy.
Should you walk away from a house with mold?
If your inspector finds the presence of mold during an inspection, you may need to walk away from the house if you don’t have the budget for mold remediation. Mold remediation is often an expensive and lengthy process that most buyers don’t want to be responsible for.
How do professionals get rid of mold?
Mold professionals use expensive, professional equipment such as HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) air scrubbers, HEPA vacuums, commercial-strength dehumidifiers, etc. Regular handymen won’t have that stuff. Some mold remediation companies also do restoration work, just like a general contractor.
Can an air purifier help with mold?
An air purifier can also help in common places for mold in the home like a basement. Though an air purifier can help long term for mold spores in the air, only physically cleaning up the mold and removing the moisture that allowed it to grow will solve a visible mold growth problem.
Why is mold growing on everything in my house?
Roof and foundation leaks, high interior humidity, overflowing washing machines and more severe forms of flooding are common sources of moisture and are what causes mold in a house. Drywall backing, wallpaper, carpet backing, household dust and wood products are commonly attacked organic materials.
How do you get rid of mold in the basement?
Hydrogen Peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a handy and non-toxic solution for getting rid of mold in your home and basement. Mix with water and then spray on the affected floors and walls. Allow it to sit on the mold for ten minutes, and then use a scrub brush to scrub off the mold and mildew.
Will a dehumidifier in the basement help the whole house?
A basement dehumidifier designed to work in low temperatures with proper square-foot and pint rating can work for your entire home. Whole-house dehumidifiers can also be professionally attached to an HVAC system to help keep the humidity at optimal levels in your entire home.
Where should you place a dehumidifier?
Generally, places where you find moisture are the best places to put a dehumidifier. Spaces such as bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and crawl spaces are all locations where excess moisture can be present.
Whats the best dehumidifier for a basement?
Best Overall Dehumidifier: Frigidaire High Humidity 50-Pint Capacity Dehumidifier. Best Value Dehumidifier: Frigidaire Low Humidity 22-Pint Capacity Dehumidifier. Best Dehumidifier for Basements: LG PuriCare 50-Pint Clear Bucket Dehumidifier. Best Dehumidifier with Pump: GE 45-Pint Dehumidifier.
