How to Get a Free Mold Inspection in Indiana
Basements are a staple of Indiana homes, but they often hide a silent and dangerous problem: mold.
Many people think mold in basement areas is completely normal and to be expected; this is a falsehood. While basement mold is common, it certainly is not normal or healthy, especially black mold.
Learn more about this issue and how a free mold inspection helps create a safer and healthier home.
What Causes Basement Mold?
The biggest threat to your property is moisture. Mold needs three things to develop and thrive: excessive humidity, water in your basement, and a food source (materials like wood or paper). Odds are your basement has these in spades, especially due to its underground location and proximity to damp earth. Plus, mold loves to make its home in dark, secluded spots away from the human eye.
What Does Mold Look Like?
Oftentimes, however, mold in home areas can grow in plain sight.
You might notice it on or behind painted walls, drywall, insulation, carpet, concrete walls, paper, cardboard, fabric, and wood.
It can be fuzzy or slimy, and it appears in virtually every color of the rainbow—from lighter shades of white, pink, and yellow to dark patches of green, brown, and black.
Signs of Mold In House Areas
Along with discoloration, other signs of mold growth in your home include pungent or musty smells, peeling wallpaper, bubbling paint, warped materials, soft or rotten wood, and uneven flooring.
What Are The Different Types of Mold?
Along with mold’s diverse appearance, many different types of mold exist, as we explored in our “Dealing With Dangerous Mold In Your Home” article. They include Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, and the most common and deadly of all, Stachybotrys chartarum, also known as black mold.
What Does Black Mold Look Like?
As its name suggests, black mold appears black in color, but it can also have a greenish tint. It can form a series of small splotches in a concentrated space, or cover a significant area of basement walls or floors. Black mold typically grows in heavily flooded or continuously wet areas.
The Effects of Black Mold
While many types of mold are not health hazards, black mold is another story. Stachybotrys chartarum is a toxic mold affecting sensitive individuals with conditions like asthma or COPD, or those who are immunocompromised. Signs of exposure and sensitivity to black mold include nasal congestion, itchy and red eyes, coughing, trouble breathing, rashes, headaches, and fatigue.
Swiftly identifying, removing, and preventing mold are the keys to improving living conditions and quality of life.
How To Get Rid of Mold In Basement Areas
Many resources advise the use of chemicals like bleach, dish soap, or white vinegar. While these solutions—not mixed together, of course—offer temporary relief, they do not stop mold from returning. Plus, you risk exposure to harmful toxins with DIY clean-up efforts.
You must attack mold at the source; get rid of moisture, and you get rid of mold. If there are signs of mold in basement areas, you can benefit from basement waterproofing solutions.
While they are tailored to meet your home’s repair needs, a comprehensive system includes interior drainage and a sump pump to intercept and remove water, a wall vapor barrier to prevent moisture intrusion, and a dehumidifier to control humidity levels and improve indoor air quality.
Contact Indiana Foundation Service for a Free Mold Inspection
Some of the systems we mentioned above are available at big-box stores, but DIY installation does not guarantee a dry or mold-free basement. Your home and family deserve moisture management solutions you can trust.
Central and southern Indiana homeowners just like you rely on Indiana Foundation Service, our more than 30 years of expertise, compassionate customer care, lasting solutions, and long-term warranties to protect their homes. You can experience the same excellence and peace of mind by contacting us to schedule a free mold inspection. That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re up against and how to handle signs of mold in your home.
Mold in Basement FAQs
Although mold has a distinctive smell, musty odors in your basement do not always indicate the presence of mold growth. Other sources include plumbing issues and damp or damaged materials like wood and cardboard.
Certain types of mold, like black mold, release toxins that can worsen or lead to respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and flu-like symptoms when inhaled. Prolonged exposure can worsen chronic illnesses, such as asthma. It’s important to address the source of moisture problems with effective basement waterproofing to prevent the recurrence of mold. Contact Indiana Foundation Service today to schedule a free inspection.
DIY solutions often only address surface issues, overlooking underlying moisture problems. It is highly recommended to seek the assistance of a mold remediation specialist immediately. Contact Indiana Foundation Service for a free inspection and a comprehensive moisture management solution.
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Holly Richards-Purpura
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