Every homeowner will have to deal with musty and acrid odors in their home at some point, and while the odors themselves are unpleasant enough, they may also be indicators of something equally unpleasant, the growth of mold or mildew in your home.

Excess moisture is a common problem in basements and crawlspaces, and it may be the result of outside influences such as weather or inside problems such as plumbing issues. Either way, studies have shown that as much as 50% of the air in a home comes from the basement or crawlspace, contributing to poor air quality and uncomfortably high humidity levels. The end result may be warped hardwood flooring, mold growth, as well as swelling of millwork and cabinetry.

It’s not easy to do, but it is important to keep humidity levels in your home low to prevent these problems from occurring. Humidity levels above 50% usually result in mold and mildew growth, as well as bacteria and other allergens that can affect your health.

Mold is quite common in nature. In fact we encounter and even inhale mold spores almost daily. The problem is when they begin growing in indoor environments, where the concentration of mold spores in a given area is extraordinarily high. The physical problems associated with mold may be as mild as slight allergic reactions such as sneezing, runny nose or watery eyes. Or they may be more serious such as respiratory problems, neurological disorders, or lung disease.

The most common tool for lowering humidity levels in your basement is a dehumidifier, a device recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency, American Lung Association, and American Medical Association.

High-capacity dehumidifiers, such as the ones from Santa Fe, are the most energy efficient on the market and are designed to effectively operate in the cooler temperatures of a basement or crawlspace. The units help maintain the structural integrity of your home, inhibit mold growth and improve the indoor air quality of your home by removing odor-causing moisture.

Of course, any mold growth of considerable size should always be removed by a qualified professional. Too many homeowners make the mistake of assuming that it is enough to simply kill the mold. This is not the case. The environment has to be treated to make it unsuitable for mold to grow, effectively preventing its return. The area will have to be dried, cleaned, disinfected and sanitized, with proper lighting and ventilation to prevent the return of the infestation.

For proper mold remediation, you need to call your local water damage restoration company. Mold is the number one by product of water damage, and your IICRC certified provider will offer mold removal and treatment as one of their many services.

For prompt, efficient mold treatment, call your local IICRC certified water damage restoration provider today for a free estimate or phone consultation.

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