Sunday, December 28, 2014

Why Basement Mold Removal Should Not Be Ignored

By Stacey Burt


The group of fungi popularly called mold naturally clean up decaying organic material present in every ecosystem, but are not welcome inside homes. The spores this life form generates can be found everywhere, especially outdoors. When the right conditions exist indoors, populations explode exponentially, staining ceilings and walls with moist, dark, spreading discolorations. Basement mold removal is not only an aesthetic improvement, but also a protective health measure.

People recognize the value of the ecological niche that mold inhabits, but are also aware of the potential health threats it can produce. The fungus normally thrives in warm, dark spaces containing enough organic food sources for survival. When oxygen and water are also available in sufficient quantities, rapid reproduction occurs, and the colony becomes easily visible in less than two days.

Even though new growth is hardly a reason for panic, there are toxic varieties that can pose immediate threats. In more typical cases, healthy people notice temporary congestion or coughing similar to a cold. Those with weak immune systems, as well as infants and the elderly, may encounter more serious symptoms. Irritated patches of skin, chronic wheezing, unusual shortness of breath, and even lung infections can result.

The symptoms usually do not ease until the colony is halted, a process that involves locating and removing all sources of moisture. Most buildings contain materials preferred by these organisms, including wood, fabric, wall paper, and even dust accumulations, but water is the catalyst. Moisture can be present in the air, or come from leaking pipes poor drainage.

Naturally high humidity and poor air circulation indoors both add to its effects. In some cases electrical dehumidifiers can be helpful, and some models perform additional tasks besides controlling or decreasing moisture. They filter out pollen, spores and other inorganic airborne pollution particles. While useful, they cannot solve an infestation on their own.

Finding and fixing small openings in ceilings or walls is crucial, especially in rooms lower than the ground surface. Basements containing water heaters or other appliances are the common sites of small but constant leaks that raise humidity levels to an ideal sixty percent. Improperly ventilated basement bathrooms with showers prevent standing water from evaporating. Until these issues are corrected, regrowth is guaranteed.

Cleaning up mild infestations can become a do-it-yourself job, and commercial formulas or bleaches help finish the task. A long-term mold problem may not respond well to cleaning alone, and some experts stress that replacement of all affected materials provides a better, longer-lasting solution. Because growth often inches upward from the basement, removing food and water sources permanently prevents that silent spread.

If the problem becomes too much to handle alone, hiring a remediation team may be the best solution. Their thorough efforts stops growth immediately, but may need to be followed up with an inspection performed by a specialized basement contractor who can recommend long-term solutions proven effective locally. The presence of this fungus is not only a health hazard, but can also affect the value of a home at resale time.




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