Mold Remediation Phoenix
Despite the ExxonMobil gas leak in 2006 that briefly contaminated the area’s wells, Phoenix has remained one of the most desirable neighborhoods for Baltimore area commuters. In fact, as the most expensive neighborhood in Baltimore County, Phoenix boasts some of the best homes in the area as well as the exclusive Hunt Valley Golf Club.
The expensive, well-built homes in the Phoenix area are truly some of the best in the Baltimore region, but even the best homes are susceptible to mold and mildew growth through no fault of your own.
You see, mold and mildew spores are everywhere, inside and outside your home, but they don’t become a problem until they can find a warm, moist place to settle and begin growing out of control. If you basement has excess moisture, it is a perfect breeding ground for harmful mold and mildew.
Where Is The Water Coming From?
If you have mold in your basement, that means you have a water problem in your basement as well. There are three primary ways that water can find its way into your basement, even the best modern concrete basement foundations like the ones in Phoenix homes.
The most common cause of excess moisture is simple condensation. Your homes generate a lot of water vapor that makes the air humid. Taking hot showers, evaporating water during cooking, even breathing: all of these things add to the moisture level in the air. In some homes, especially modern, highly energy efficient homes, the moisture level in the air doesn’t necessarily dissipate.
When that warm, humid air hits the cool walls of your basement, the moisture condenses into pools of water that encourages mold and mildew growth.
Another common cause of excess moisture that can affect even the best homes is cracks and gaps in your foundation. All foundations can develop cracks and gaps due to settlement and long term water damage.
Water normally builds up around your foundation after a storm or due to fluctuations in the water table for other reasons. Under most circumstances, it simply drains away from the foundation, but if there are cracks and gaps in the foundation, the water can find its way into your basement before it has had a chance to drain away.
Finally, your home’s pipes are prone to spring leaks, especially if your home’s water pressure is too high, as it is in most homes. Leaking pipes can create moist environments behind your walls, where mold can grow unnoticed for a long time.
Why Is Mold So Bad?
If you have mold growing in your basement, you’ve probably already noticed one of the first problems with mold—the smell. Mold and mildew creates an unpleasant and unhealthy smell that will only intensify over time. If you notice a musty, mildewy smell, you should contact a company that specializes in mold remediation in Phoenix right away because the smell will not go away by itself.
Even worse, mold and mildew feeds on organic matter, which is present in just about everything in your basement. The wood in your home’s frame, drywall, certain types of carpet, insulation, wallpaper: all of these things and anything else in your basement that is made of wood, cotton, or wool are susceptible to damage from mold.
If you call a company that specializes in mold remediation in Phoenix immediately, you may be able to save some of these items, but with any appreciable time mold can quickly cause irreparable damage.
Last, but not least, mold in large quantities can be harmful to human health. Mold is normally present everywhere, but it doesn’t become problematic until it starts to grow out of control. Once it does though, it can cause nasal and sinus congestion, coughing and wheezing, chest congestion, respiratory obstruction, respiratory infections, headaches, and skin and eye irritation.
Call A Specialist For Mold Remediation Phoenix Today
Mold remediation Phoenix involves three steps. First, the water problem must be repaired by eliminating the moisture source. Second, mold remediation in Phoenix requires isolation of the contaminated areas to prevent the further spread of mold within your home.
Third, all moldy items and surfaces must be cleaned or removed from the home to ensure that all traces of mold are removed from the home, and any unsalvageable materials must be replaced or repaired.
If you suspect you have a mold problem, it’s in your best interest to contact a company that specializes in mold remediation in Phoenix to diagnose and fix the problem before the mold causes too much damage.