The minute we see mold in basements we begin to worry that it is a type of black mold – also known as toxic mold. This is the most common species of mold that will thrive in this area and is the most dangerous. When left to grow unchecked spores can be released through the air and as we breathe them in we will have trouble breathing along with other health symptoms.
There are two ways in which we are able to inspect the basement for mold. The first is to conduct a test at home. These usually cost around $10 for the test and then an additional $30 or more to send it off to the lab. The best places to find an accurate sample of the mold is to look on the water pipes, walls, and even the ceilings. Any area in the basement that appears to get large amounts of moisture.
Unfortunately for many of us we will not recognize the problem until it has spread through the majority of the basement. For quicker results on basement mold inspection you should consider hiring a professional service. This will make it easier and faster to determine where the mold is and to remove it before the mold spores have a chance to spread to other areas of the home.
Professional mold removal services will use infrared technology for the mold colonies that are not easily visible to the naked eye. When you are not able to see them this usually means that they have not yet spread and are still a minor problem.
Once you know where the mold is it is possible to remove it yourself or hire the professionals to do the dirty work for you. When you do it yourself make sure that you cover every area of your skin with thick clothes and wear a face mask. The minute you start to mess with the basement mold it will release spores that will become airborne. Because of this you also have to cover each of the vents and shut off the ventilation system.
There are many products that you are able to purchase which will kill basement mold. If you notice that the mold is severe or if it is black mold than skip this step and call the professionals to remove it. They have special equipment that will remove every inch of it safely.
A basement mold inspection should be done every few months or even years. It really depends on how the basement was constructed and how well you take care of it. It will also depend on the climate that you live in and whether or not it will receive large amounts of moisture no matter how much you try to prevent it.