Mold Behind Basement Wood Paneling
Mold has the ability to grow in a number of different places and includes behind paneling, especially basement wood paneling. The only thing necessary for mold to grow is moisture, a little darkness, and some humidity. This explains why it is so common to find behind these places in the basement.
Mold Can Be Dangerous
Mold has many different species, with the majority of them being a health risk. Those that are at risk are capable of causing health issues, and they also have the ability to do damage to a home.
The following is just some of the health conditions that can be caused by mold:
- Issues with sleeping
- Allergies
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Problems with memory
Should you feel that your home or business may be the host of mold, do not hesitate. You do not want to continue putting off treating mold behind paneling because it continues to spread. Once it spreads throughout the property, it can be airborne and affect more areas. This can cause damage to the interior walls or structure, costing thousands to repair. Therefore, it is important that you call the number on our website to setup a free estimate.
The Many Colors of Mold
Although the most common color of mold is black, there are many different colors of mold behind basement wood paneling.
The following are some other colors of mold:
- White mold
- Orange mold
- Green mold
- Yellow mold
- Purple mold
- Red mold
Different Reasons Mold Growth Occurs
Keep in mind that mold would not be able to grow if there were no source of moisture. That is why it is crucial to have any moisture sources in your property repaired fast to prevent the mold from quickly spreading throughout the property and causing expensive water damage. Your home can have many other issues arise from mold growth, one of which is as dry rot.
The following are common causes water damage and mold growth:
- The roof leaks
- Pipes bust or leak
- Liquids get spilled
- Regular moisture released into the air, for instance, the shower.
- Tub and or shower overflows
Good Way to Check for Moisture
They sell moisture meters for those who are interested in keeping up with your home’s moisture sources. This meter will also help to locate where a moisture source is coming from. However, it may not be of help in some cases, such as a home that has structural problems and has been accumulating water over a period of time to the point that it has built up. To be on the safe side it would be to your best interest to hire a professional in restoration, like us to resolve your issues.
If your home has ever suffered any water damage in the past, a moisture meter can even benefit by checking to be certain all of it has dried up, this would be a good way to know if your home still has mold growing since then. Of course, if you prefer, you could call in a plumber to check for leaks or a leak detection company.
What To Do When Finding Mold Behind Wood Paneling
At anytime you notice mold within your home or business, assume the worst as it can be harmful to your health and your family’s health as well and call our website using the contact number listed on our site. A professional will be able to assist in removing it. Waiting can result in damages not only to your home but also to your health and your family’s health.
However, keep in mind that not seeing any mold means that your home and property are mold free, there is always a chance that mold may be present, including your health being affected by it. Now that you know more on the subject you will know what to do if you should see mold around your home or business and if you are not sure, get it tested!
How The Pros Remedy Mold
Pro’s use many methods for overcoming mold issues, below are some of them.
Ensure Moisture Is Dried
As stated earlier, moisture helps mold grow. Therefore, drying any wet spots is always the first step.
Clean Using Special Anti-Microbial Spray
A special spray can be used if mold has been caught early enough. A common mistake by homeowners is to use bleach or other household cleaners to eliminate mold, but these chemicals can cause mold to release harmful spores.
Eliminate Areas That Are Non-Salvageable
In the event mold has taken over the area too much to salvage, the professional may suggest demolishing and replacing the affected section. Although effective, this tends to increase overall cost and time, making mold prevention or early treatment more efficient.
Filtering Mold Out The Air
Have you had mold issues for a while? Then your air ducts are probably contaminated. A professional might suggest using an industrial HEPA filter throughout the process to help eliminate toxins in the air. To ensure the safety of you and your family, we recommend ordering the HEPA filter, because it also helps with allergens.
Double Check Moisture
Because moisture is so important to get dry, a professional might suggest a second round of drying or encourage a longer duration. During this step, dehumidifiers, fans or other devices may be used. If you’re having water damage restoration done, it can be complicated.
Checking Other Spots for Mold
Did you or a pro find mold behind baseboards? If so, there is a high chance that mold will be found in another area of the building. This is because airborne mold spores spread and grow dark, humid, moist areas. It is referred to as a snowball effect as it’s only a matter of time before it expands. A mold testing kit may find other areas, but the best approach is a professional inspection.
Keeping An Eye On It
To ensure the mold is gone for good, you should always monitor the area over time. This also helps you detect mold growing back so you can take quick action. This is a sign that the underlying cause was not properly corrected. If you did this yourself first, it is highly recommended that you hire a professional.
Avoiding New Growth
Once your mold problem is taken care of, you need to work on avoiding new growth in the future. To do this, avoid moisture or water damage when possible in your commercial building or home. Locations to watch include bathroom baseboards or other areas that tend to get wet.
Have you found signs of mold behind wood paneling? Give us a call to contact a professional about your problem no matter where you are in the U.S.