While you may not realize it, serious risks to your health may be lurking in your home's basement, namely mold. Even if you don't notice symptoms of mold issues affecting your family now, a mold problem can crop up at any time, and failing to take preventative action can impact your health later on.
Fortunately, the experts at Premier Basement Waterproofing can help. We provide homeowners in Boston with solutions that prevent mold from ever growing in the first place. Below, we share the benefits of these services for your health and safety.
What Risks Does Mold Present to Your Health?
The first step in preventing and mitigating issues related to mold is understanding what they are and how they can impact you. Mold presents unique health risks to both humans and pets alike, including:
1. Respiratory Issues
Respiratory issues are the most commonly recognized signs of mold exposure. Mold can affect the respiratory system and cause flare-ups of related conditions like asthma. Because of this, people with such conditions should take action to prevent mold from growing in their homes in order to manage their symptoms.
2. Skin Irritation
Your skin is your body's largest organ. If it is exposed to environmental elements, like mold it can present symptoms like itching or visible rashes. While cortisone cream and moisturizer can help ease skin irritation from mold, preventing exposure is the most crucial aspect of treating symptoms.
3. Allergic Reactions
Mold allergies are common, affecting around 10% of the general population. If you notice that you are experiencing allergic reactions like sneezing or a runny nose in your home, it may be a sign that you have mold in your basement. Preventing mold growth can help to alleviate these symptoms by reducing your exposure to these triggers.
4. Eye Irritation
Your eyes are the most sensitive organs in your body. When exposed to irritants like mold, they can water or itch. So if a quick trip to grab decorations or laundry is always turning into a crying session or if sitting by certain air vents always causes eye redness, it may be a sign of mold exposure.
How to Prevent Mold From Growing in Your Basement
Once you understand the risks mold presents, you are ready to take the next step in preventing it from growing in your home. These steps can include:
1. Clean Up After Flooding Occurs
Boston's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and its snowy winters make it particularly susceptible to flooding. If not handled promptly, water damage can lead to mold growth in just 1-2 days. To prevent mold from growing after a flood, you should:
- Assess the damage thoroughly
- Remove any standing water
- Discard any unsalvageable items
- Dry out the affected area completely
While you may be comfortable cleaning your basement yourself, it is best to hire a professional restoration company to make sure you fully mitigate the risk of mold.
2. Use a Dehumidifier
Mold thrives in moist environments, so controlling moisture levels in your basement prevents it from growing. One way to do this is by using a dehumidifier. These machines can help keep your basement's humidity at a safe level to both prevent mold growth and improve indoor air quality.
3. Install a Drainage System
Drainage systems work to keep water out of your basement, thereby preventing the conditions that could lead to mold growth. Popular basement drainage options among homeowners in Boston include:
- French Drains - Trenches filled with perforated pipes that move water away from your foundation.
- Drain Tiles - Pipes with small holes in them allow water to flow through while keeping debris out.
- Footing Drains - An underground system that relocates water from a lower point outside your foundation.
- Sump Pumps - A pump that removes standing water from basements or other spaces that have flooded.
If you're not sure which drainage system is right for you, a basement drainage expert, like those at Premier, can walk you through your options and help you find the perfect solution to suit your property.
4. Waterproof Your Basement
Waterproofing your basement is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of both water damage and mold growth. Sealing cracks and applying waterproofing solutions are among the most common ways to do this.
If you need help waterproofing your basement, reach out to a professional, like those at Premier. They can recommend solutions based on your specific needs, including the size of your basement and its risk of flooding.
What to Do if Mold is Growing in My Basement
If you notice mold in your basement, you should act quickly to remove it. While you may feel comfortable doing so yourself, it is not recommended due to the health risks involved. Instead, you should work with a professional restoration company as they have the skills and expertise to completely and safely remove mold.
Explore Premier's Mold Growth Prevention Solutions
Along with damage to your belongings, mold can present risks to your health. Fortunately, Premier Basement Waterproofing offers effective solutions that are designed to keep your basement dry and free from mold.
We leverage our two decades of expertise to help homeowners in Boston prevent mold growth from occurring. To learn how we can help you keep mold out of your basement, contact us online or call us at (844) 548-3379.
Prevent Mold Growth With Premier Basement Waterproofing
If you want to prevent mold growth in your basement, Premier Basement Waterproofing can help. For over 20 years, we've provided basement moisture control solutions to homeowners in Boston. Contact us today to start exploring your mold growth prevention options, including dehumidifiers and drainage systems.