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Getting Real About the Dangers of Basement Mold Growth
If you’re like many homeowners, it’s possible you don’t go into your basement all that often. You may avoid your basement because of the way it smells or feels, but a flooded basement in Baltimore is not something that should be ignored. Whether you have a small or large amount of moisture in your basement, it can quickly turn into a significant mold issue. Basement waterproofing can help prevent the damage that mold causes, including health issues and structural problems. Keep reading to learn more about the dangers of basement mold growth.
Smells
Many people associate cool air with basements, but a dank or musty odor can be a sign of a problem. Mold in the basement gives off an unpleasant odor that is fairly easy to identify—but much more difficult to eradicate once it’s there. If you smell what you believe is mold in your basement, professional home mold remediation may be necessary to thoroughly deal with the problem. Mold can hide under your floors, in walls, in ceilings, and in drywall, making it difficult to get rid of on your own. While you might be willing to live with an unpleasant smell, there are other consequences of mold growth that are much harder to ignore.
Structural Damage
Your home is one of your biggest investments, and it’s up to you to make sure it is properly maintained for your family’s health and safety. If you have mold in the basement or in your crawlspace, it can create issues in other parts of your home. Mold grows and spreads rapidly, and can cause major damage if it is not dealt with properly. It can damage floorboards, walls, and insulation, making mold remediation a major undertaking.
Health Concerns
If you’re not convinced of the dangers of mold yet, consider its effect on your health. People who have allergies may experience more severe symptoms in the presence of mold, including skin and respiratory issues. Those who are dealing with compromised immunity are particularly susceptible to mold exposure. Basement waterproofing is one step in improving the health of you and your family.
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Understanding the Water Table
There are a few different ways that water can get into your basement. A flooded basement can damage your home’s structure and cause mold to grow, which can affect your health. When you have a waterproof basement in Baltimore , you’ll be protecting your home against the different possible causes of basement moisture. Watch this video to learn about the benefits of basement waterproofing and the water table.
When there is a lot of rain, especially over an extended period of time, it can saturate the ground and raise the water table. If you are not ready for this change, it could lead to major problems in your basement. As the water table rises, water can force itself into small cracks in your foundation and make them bigger, and lead to a flooded basement. Take the proper measures with basement waterproofing to prevent damage from a changing water table.
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The Link Between Leaky Basements and Bad Health
Do you know why basement waterproofing is so important? There are a few reasons to call your basement contractors in Baltimore to learn more about sealing off your basement and crawlspace from moisture. A leaky basement can create a number of problems with your home’s structure, such as damage to floorboards, walls, insulation, and the need for foundation repairs. When there is moisture in your basement, it also brings up health issues for you and your family. Mold growth in the basement causes a dank odor, one of the telltale signs that you have a leaky basement. If you or someone in your family has started to have unexplained allergic reactions, it could be due to mold. Mold can cause allergies or exacerbate existing ones, and may also aggravate asthma. Itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose, and skin irritations are also common as a reaction to household mold. By taking care of the mold in your basement through home mold remediation and basement waterproofing, you can improve your family’s health and quality of life.
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Fighting Back Against Basement and Crawlspace Moisture Problems
Have you noticed that you have standing water in your basement? A wet basement or crawlspace can indicate that you are at risk for water damage, which can lead to mold growth and even pest problems. Moisture in your basement or crawlspace may be a result of a cracked foundation, an issue that poses problems for your health as well as your home’s structural integrity. Basement waterproofing in Baltimore can help get rid of moisture problems under your house so your mold problems improve. Read on to learn more about fighting back against water in your basement and crawlspace.
Telltale Signs
Even if you haven’t had a flooded basement, it is still possible that you have too much moisture down there. Look for dark spots or streaks on your basement walls, ceilings, and floors. If you see such markings, it can mean there has been excessive water in the area. Don’t forget to check around the outside of your home for similar marks, as even if the water problems are currently relegated to the exterior, they can eventually make their way inside. When you have a waterproof basement, you won’t see any of these signs of moisture.
Standing Water
Sometimes, the signs of moisture in your basement or crawlspace will be much more evident in the form of standing water. After it rains, water should drain away from your house. However, if you see standing water around your foundation, it means you do not have the proper drainage set up. That water can eventually seep into your foundation and cause cracks, and may work its way into your basement, too.
What to Do
Basement waterproofing is an excellent choice for keeping your home free of moisture. If you have a crawlspace, consider waterproofing this area as well. By waterproofing these areas, you’ll greatly reduce the chances of mold growth and make your home a more pleasant place to reside. Crawlspace waterproofing also helps prevent damage in your home such as peeling paint, flooring damage, and damage to other household possessions.