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Mold. Never a good sign. Don’t ever ignore mold. Mold left alone will only get worse. Here are a few thoughts on how to detect basement mold in Long Island.

Water Issues

If you have water issues in the basement, high humidity, condensation or even a basement flood or leak, then you may have or be developing a mold issue. Mold and water issues go hand in hand. In fact, mold needs water to grow. If you have a damp environment in the basement, you can expect to find mold.

Smell

Fortunately—and unfortunately—mold has an odor. When you smell that musty odor in the basement it is a sign you have mold. If the area isn’t well ventilated the odor will be stronger. Don’t ever ignore stagnant odors in the basement. It is a sure sign that mold is growing.

Moisture

It is important to remember that you don’t need a basement flood or serious water leaks to have a water problem. Condensation, moisture and high levels of humidity can create an environment where mold can grow. If you see condensation on the windows or walls, then it is a sign to watch out for mold. Moisture will make wallpaper and paint peel. Condensation is also common around pipes. Moisture and mold can build up behind walls and under carpet. If you see the signs of moisture but don’t see mold yet it might be growing somewhere you can’t see right now. Check these places for black or green mold growth.

Test For Mold

If you still suspect mold but can’t find it (and don’t want to tear up the floor looking for it) you can test for mold. You can either hire a professional to come in and test your area for mold and mold spores in the air or you can buy a mold testing kit. The testing kits aren’t as effective as a professional mold inspector but you will get a good idea as to if you have mold in the area.

Protect Yourself

Before you go looking for mold, guard yourself against its negative effects with respiratory masks and gloves. If you find a patch bigger than three square feet it is best to call a mold mitigation contractor. Prolonged exposure to disturbed mold spores by cleaning large areas of mold yourself can cause serious respiratory issues.

Prevent Mold

The best practice for dealing with mold once you detect it is to get rid of it and prevent it from coming back. Even if you clean up the mold, it will come back if you don’t deal with the water issues. Basement waterproofing is the best option to deal with the current water issue and prevent water problems in the future. A basement waterproofing contractor can help you determine where the problems are and how to best fix them. One thing is for sure, a dry basement will not have a mold problem.