If your basement is wet or damp, it can be considered a safe haven for mold growth. It provides the two things mold needs to grow – dark spaces and damp areas. If you have had any type of water damage in your basement, even minor damage, it is important to get an inspection and possible basement mold removal as soon as possible. There are a few steps you can take yourself to start the process, but in the end, it is always best for a professional to handle the problem.
Get Rid of the Water
The first step to ridding your basement of the harmful substance is to determine where the water is coming from. It is impossible to stop the growth of mold without stopping the water infiltration in the first place. If you are unsure about where the water is coming from, enlist the help of a professional who is trained to find hidden water leaks. The common culprits are full-blown floods, leaking pipes and high levels of humidity.
Testing
Once you have determined the water problem and fixed it, it is time to check for mold. There are various kits you can buy yourself, but they do not typically offer the same results as a professional inspection would. The best way to test for the presence of the toxic substance in your home is through sending samples to a laboratory for analysis and identification. All areas of your basement and air ducts or registers should be thoroughly tested.
Contain and Treat
Once the areas of mold have been indentified, they need to be contained to prevent further infestation throughout your home. Once it has been contained, all areas should be properly treated or removed. A professional for basement mold removal will know the exact techniques that will put your family in the least amount of risk for exposure, while fully removing any presence of the toxic substance from your home. Once it has been removed, a professional can give you advice regarding how to prevent it from coming back by fixing the areas in which the water originated.
Having water and mold problems in a basement can be overwhelming for a homeowner. Rather than trying to tackle the problem on your own, it is best treated by a professional for basement mold removal who can carry through the proper steps, including ridding your home of the water, testing for mold and proper containment and treatment.
