Basement mold growth is more common than you’d think. In fact, it is quite possibly the best breeding ground for mold due to its naturally dark and damp environment. Below you’ll find some of the most common reasons for mold growth in your basement to occur.
Excessive Moisture in Basement
For growth, mold requires oxygen, moisture, and organic material to begin the process. Basements tend to have an excessive amount of moisture, often due to condensation or leaky foundations.
The condensation in your basement is usually a result of an appliance stored somewhere in the area the condensation is found.
Leaks in Basement Piping
Frequent leaks are quite common inside basements. One of the most common causes of basement leaks is a faulty or damaged foundation. Years of wear and tear can cause even the best-built foundation to eventually leak.
Not only just wear and tear, but natural causes can also contribute to leaky foundations. It’s possible that hydro-static pressure, caused by the soil’s higher than normal rising water table underneath the foundation, can lead to a leaky foundation as well.
Additionally, a basement with windows can sometimes allow water to accumulate in the window wells. This is sometimes the result of a drain being clogged and can lead to leaks.
Basement mold growth is an imminent possibility for any basement suffering from just one of these leak problems.
Flash Floods Leading to Basement Mold
Flash floods can cause high amounts of water to build up in the soil. This, in turn, can result in leaks and flooding against your basement’s foundation.
This falls under the same situation as the previously mentioned hydrostatic pressure which can cause basement leaks or even flooding. Created moisture and standing water that is left untreated can and will lead to rapid mold growth in your basement.
Failing Sump Pump
Nearly all basements have a sump pump. If that sump pump should fail, you are more than likely looking at some serious water damages.
It is the job of a sump pump to collect extra water accumulating around your home’s foundation and distribute it elsewhere and away.
Lack of maintenance or power failure can lead to your sump pump failing. If your sump pump is currently active, then this could indicate that your basement is suffering severe water leaks.
Failing Water Heater
Even a small leak in your water heater can cause standing water and moisture in your basement which may eventually lead to mold.
Additionally, a complete water heater failure will often cause significant flooding that results in standing water and damage to floors and walls. This only serves to further accelerate the growth of mold and mildew in your basement if not quickly cleaned and properly dried.
Poor Ventilation
One of the most common causes of condensation in your basement is due to poor ventilation. Over time, the condensation creates moisture build up and a high level of humidity. When the air is not allowed to vent and circulate properly it can then lead to basement mold.
These are just a few of the common causes of leaks in basements. Whatever the cause of a leak or excessive moisture in your basement, not keeping a cool, dry, environment can put your basement at risk of mold or black mold growth.
It always pays to be well prepared for whatever the future brings. This is also why you should have a restoration company you know and trust. Mission Restorations has experts in fire, water, and mold restoration. If ever in need of services, don’t hesitate to call the best damage restoration team in Charlotte and its surrounding areas at 704-727-2000.
