What to do when you find mould in your basement

Finding mould in your basement can be very unsettling for any Niagara area homeowner. While it doesn’t look very nice, there are also a few other issues with mould in your basement. If you find any mould in your basement from moisture gathering there, here’s what you need to do in order to get rid of it and make sure it doesn’t come back. 

Identify the cause

Just as it’s important to remove the mould from your home, it’s also important to understand the cause of it so that you can make sure it doesn’t come back. One of the biggest (and most common) causes of mould in the basement of a home is the weather. When the weather gets warm and everything thaws, many basements flood or get a little moisture in them. This standing water is a prime environment for mould growth in a home – especially if there is carpet in the basement and all the water cannot be totally removed. 

Identifying mould

If you think you have mould in your basement, you can purchase a test kit to confirm that what you have is mould. It’s also important to identify the type of mould you have. There are generally two types: allergenic and Mycotoxin (which is also better known as black mould). Allergenic moulds are a nuisance, especially for people who are very sensitive to them, but they don’t actually pose any danger to your family (although they should be cleaned up as soon as possible). 

On the other hand, black mould is considered hazardous and should be removed immediately as it poses a severe hazard to your family and even your pets from breathing it in. 

Regardless of what type of mould you have, it is highly recommended that you remove it from your home so it doesn’t continue to grow. 

How to treat and remove mould 

There are a few different ways to treat mould and remove it from your home. The method used also depends on the type of mould, as black mould will (usually) require professionals to come in and remove it. 

In some cases, you can use essential oils, as some of them have antimicrobial properties. Bleach is also a common product used to remove mould – especially black mould – from a home as it will kill all the mould and any spores present. It’s important, though, that you are careful about where you pour the bleach as it can ruin carpets and other fabrics. You'll also want to wear a respirator-type mask to avoid inhaling fumes and the mould spores you are removing.

Preventing mould from coming back

Mould is a product of a wet environment, so if the basement of your home is damp, you may want to find ways to make it drier – like with a dehumidifier. If there are leaks or cracks in the foundation of your basement, then you may want to have a professional from Foundation Fix come in to repair them so that your basement stays dry. 

For professional basement repair to help keep mould out of your Niagara home, contact us today.