Signs There May Be Mold Growing in Your Basement

Your home’s basement can serve many purposes ranging from a simple space where you can do your laundry and store your Christmas decorations to the ultimate entertainment room. But, whatever you use your basement for, it is also the space that is most susceptible to mold.

This is because sitting on your home’s foundation, the basement is the place in your home where water is most likely to seep into. Mold can grow gradually, so it can be easy to miss the signs – but in order to protect your property and your family, it is best you know what those signs are and inspect for them on a regular basis. So, how do you know if mold is starting to grow in your basement? Here are the three main signs to be on the lookout for.

Musty Smell

Are you greeted by a dank, musty odour whenever you venture down into your basement? That could be an indication that seen or unseen moisture is lingering behind walls or under the flooring. And where there is standing moisture, mold is not far behind.

While basements are typically not known for being the best smelling parts of your home, they shouldn’t smell unpleasant either. If they do, you might want to start inspecting for areas where moisture may be finding its way into your home.

Water Stains

Every once in a while, it is a good idea to inspect your basement for water stains. No doubt you’ve seen those light brown stains in ceilings before – they are not something you want to have in your basement.

If you see brownish water rings or if you notice that exposed wood as stared to become soft or rot, that’s an indication of moisture. These areas are at risk for mold developing.

Dark Spots

While clusters of dark mold spots are the last thing you want to see on your basement walls, flooring or ceilings, it is something that you cannot afford to miss if they are there. Seeing clusters of dark spots on the walls or ceilings means that mold has started to grow. At this stage, the mold can be quite serious because once it is visible, it means that water has been sitting in your basement for quite some time.

If you do notice signs of mold, it is important to have it dealt with sooner rather than later. Like most things, the earlier you can address mold growing in your basement the easier and less costly it will be to deal with. And if that isn’t enough reason to deal with mold promptly, consider the fact that some types of mold can pose serious health concerns for you and your family.

So, if you notice moisture or mold in your basement, it is best to have it removed as soon as possible by a professional. Better yet, be proactive and make sure that you have your basement waterproofed before moisture and mold become a problem.