ImageHeader
  • Home
  • Services
    • Commercial Property Damage Restoration
    • Fire Damage Restoration
    • Water Damage Restoration for Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
    • Mold Damage Remediation
    • Professional Biohazard Cleanup
    • Emergency Board Up
  • Our Team
  • Customer Reviews
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Report a Loss
  • Contact Us
basement mold removal Mt. Laurel New Jersey

The Simple Secret to Preventing Basement Mold

Posted by Kristine Allcroft, PhD 
· April 17, 2017 
too late for preventing basement mold

Mold growth after water damage to this home in Philadelphia, PA

 

 

too late for preventing basement mold for this Moorestown NJ homeowner

water damage leads to mold growth in the Moorestown, NJ home

 

prevent basement mold by drying water damage fast

Basement mold caused by burst water heater water damage that wasn’t dried fast enough

What’s all the fuss about moldy basements?

Quite simply because mold can make you sick!
 

This year we celebrate the 12 year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s landfall. The death and devastation from that event continues to haunt us all.

But, there were many lessons learned – not the least of which is that mold infestation can make you sick – if not remediated promptly.

And, not just a “little sick,” either.

In his 2009 article discussing “Sick Building Syndrome” Ritt Goldstein says:
“Several studies have provided evidence for the association of cancer in humans with inhalation of aflatoxin contaminated dust, e.g., lung cancer or colon cancer…elevated risks for liver cancer and cancers of biliary tract.”

And, the author has provided a long list of references at the end of his article with links to support this statement (in case you want to research the information on your own)

The research evidence continues to grow linking a LOT of serious health issues and diagnoses to mold exposure. (See our blog on surviving illness caused by mold here)

So the real question is, how can you prevent the growth of health threatening mold, especially in your basement?

Here’s the simple secret to preventing basement mold:

Mold can’t grow without water.

Therefore, preventing water damage and buildup of excess moisture is the key to preventing basement mold growth!

At PuroClean Emergency Recovery Services we’re all about prevention.

And to help you do that, here’s your short list of 9 tips to control water and moisture so that you can prevent mold from growing in the basement of your home or work environment:

  • 1. Keep the humidity levels in check – especially in Summer.

    Ideal humidity levels in your basement should be below 45%. To do this, use a dehumidifier. Remember to install the kind that has it’s own pump so that it can drain automatically into a sink or sump pump. That way you won’t have to run downstairs and empty the bucket – or worry about it if you forget.

  • 2. Don’t grow plants inside the basement.

    Plants increase humidity levels and provide organic material mold loves.

  • 3. Keep your basement clutter free!

    Clutter disrupts the free flow of air in your basement and traps humidity. And this makes it the perfect breeding ground for mold.

  • 4. Use only plastic storage boxes & bins.

    The cellulose and glue in cardboard provides the perfect growth medium for mold when it gets damp!

  • 5. Say ‘No’ to wood!

    Make sure that you’re not storing wood in your basement or your crawl space. Wood makes an ideal food for mold to grow

  • 6. Use an exhaust fan to vent stale and humid air out and let fresh air in, especially if you have a newer home that is rated for energy efficiency.

    Newer energy-efficient homes with finished basements might be easy on the electric bill, but they’re hard on ventilation and air flow. When damp, humid air gets trapped in basements, it fuels mold growth.

  • 7. Insulate water pipes.

    Cold water pipes cause condensation. When water collects on the exterior of cold water pipes, it increases the chance mold will grow

  • 8. Use gutter extensions

    That way water drains water away from the foundation of the house so storm water won’t flow into your basement.

  • 9. If you do have a flood in your basement – no matter what the source (i.e., burst washing machine supply hoses, burst water heater, over the ground flooding) get it dried quickly!

    It won’t dry on its own fast enough!
    And, if it’s not dried within 72 hours, bacteria and mold will grow.

    If you need help with water damage in order to prevent basement mold growth, don’t wait. Call the experts! 877-750-7876
    It’s the best way to prevent illness from mold growth!

See this You Tube video for more information from Settlers Home Inspections.

Save

Related Posts

  • What to do about Winter Weather Water DamageWhat to do about Winter Weather Water Damage
  • Always expect the unexpected . . .
  • October is Fire Prevention month!October is Fire Prevention month!
  • grill fires: steps for safety on Memorial DayGrill Fires: How to avoid becoming a statistic this summer
  • PuroClean Emergency Recovery Services helps victims of recent storm damage
  • Pennsylvania & New Jersey Expert Mold RemediationExpert Mold Remediation: No Time For Failure!
  • How much would it cost if you had a flood in your basement?How much would it cost if you had a flood in your basement?
  • smoke odor removal Sewell NJAfter the Fire: The Science of Smoke Odor Removal
  • What store managers and property managers need to know about burst pipesWhat store managers and property managers need to know about burst pipes
  • help for families of hoarders in Philadelphia and Southern New JerseyHelp for Families of Hoarders in Philadelphia – Part II
  • because PuroClean Emergency Recovery Services cares about indoor air quality and World Asthma DayWorld Asthma Day
  • Should I Be Worried About Dead Mold Spores?: This article explains why killing mold with bleach and other fungicides is not a practical approach to mold removal. Dead mold spores cause health problems.Should I Be Worried About Dead Mold Spores?

Share this:

  • Tweet
Categories : Homeowner Tips, Mold removal New Jersey, Mold removal Philadelphia
Tags : New Jersey mold remediation, Philadelphia mold remediation, prevent mold damage, prevent toxic mold growth, tips for homeowners
Previous Post →
← Next Post

Recent Posts from the Blog

30 Tips To Get Your Home Ready For Winter!

December 12, 2017
30 Tips To Get Your Home Ready For Winter!: Are you ready for winter? Here are the top 30 tips to get your home ready PLUS 10 ways to reduce energy costs. Learn more!

Top 30 Tips To Get Your Home Ready For Winter! Winter is just around the corner and in some places has already arrived. PuroClean is proud to serve consumers and business owners in the Philadelphia and Southern NJ areas. One of our goals is to educate and inform our visitors about mold, fire, water, bio-hazard, […]

Read article →

Why Do Christmas Trees Cause Illness?

November 28, 2017
Why Do Christmas Trees Cause Illness?: Do you get sick soon after your Christmas tree is in the home? This article explains why. We also provide you with 8 Xmas tree fire safety tips. Learn more!

Your Christmas Tree Is Not Only A Fire Hazard, But Can Also Make You Sick From Mold! PuroClean is dedicated to informing our customers about mold and the health related concerns it causes. We are also passionate about fire prevention, which is particularly important during the holiday season because of the fire hazards posed by […]

Read article →

Top 10 Tips To Prevent Electrical Fires!

November 14, 2017
Top 10 Tips To Prevent Electrical Fires!: This article give you 10 tips to prevent electrical fires. Plus, we explain how a thermal imaging inspection could identify potential electrical problems!

Ten Tips To Prevent Electrical Fires, The 2nd Largest Cause! One of the core services that PuroClean offers to residents in Philadelphia and Southern NJ is fire and smoke restoration. Our team has helped many home and business owners restore their properties after experiencing a fire or smoke event. PuroClean has so many satisfied customers […]

Read article →

How to Avoid A Clothes Dryer Fire?

October 31, 2017
How to Avoid a Dryer Fire?: Did you know that approximately 15,500 fires are started by clothes dryers each year? This article explains why dirty dryer ducts are a fire hazard and what you can do to protect you and your family.

What Is The Number One Reason Clothes Dryers Are A Fire Hazard? One of the core services that PuroClean offers to residents in Philadelphia and Southern NJ is fire and smoke restoration. Our team has helped many home and business owners restore their properties after experiencing a fire or smoke event. PuroClean has so many […]

Read article →

Concerned About Mold In Schools?

October 17, 2017
Concerned About Mold In Schools?: There have been several high profile stories about mold in schools in Philadelphia and Southern NJ. If you have questions, we have answers!

Got Questions About Mold In Schools? We Have Answers! “Once school started again, he was having breathing issues; he didn’t have any issues over the summer. This is their health and they have to breathe this in. Every single day that they are there, six hours a day that they are at school. I don’t […]

Read article →
PuroClean Emergency Recovery Services
For Immediate 24/7 Response in the Greater Philadelphia and Southern NJ Region, Call 877-750-7876.
Services: Commercial Property Damage Restoration · Fire Damage Restoration · Water Damage Restoration
Mold Damage Remediation · Professional Biohazard Cleanup · Emergency Board Up
Our Team · Customer Reviews · Frequently Asked Questions · Report a Loss · Contact Us
Copyright © 2011-2022 by PuroClean Emergency Recovery Services. All Rights Reserved.
Site Credits