Mold Damage in a Mooresville's Basement

4/27/2019 (Permalink)

Carpets and Walls Can Be Damaged by Mold Growth

If water isn't pumped out or otherwise removed quickly from a house, the conditions for mold growth rapidly become favorable. Basements are a near perfect settings for mold colonies to grow. The moisture level is higher than the rest of the house thanks to below ground excavation,  exposed plumbing and, in many cases, the presence of a clothes washing machine adds to the problem.  

All this results in an increased chance for mold damage in Mooresville homes. With over four decades in the restoration business, SERVPRO also knows that basements are not occupied nearly as often as other rooms in a house, so any leak or puddle in an out of the way corner tends to go unnoticed. 

If this has occurred in your home, call us immediately. Mold growth can be dealt with quickly if it hasn't spread too far. Our technicians can clean small patches by hand using anti-microbial chemicals to kill the mold and then wipe it off of furniture or other surfaces. Please do not try to use bleach to clean a mold patch. If the fungi are dry, they can vacuum them up using specialized equipment and air filters to capture the spores before they escape into the atmosphere. Air scrubbers are excellent devices for this spore removal.

Mold that has grown into carpets or walls may require that the affected items be discarded. Carpets will need to be cleaned or replaced. We use an extensive number of anti-fungal cleaners that can kill the mold without damaging the color or nape of your carpet. If what we pull up is a standard, commercial carpet it will probably be more costly to clean it rather than purchase a new one. 

With the cleaning completed, our restoration team will use heaters designed to be drawn across the carpet to dry it. This specialized equipment does not burn or otherwise damage the fibers. As this is being completed, other technicians will set up dehumidifiers to draw out the excess moisture from the air to prevent mold from beginning to expand and grow again. 

If the basement walls are concrete or stone, technicians will clean them using the same chemical agents. If the room has been finished with paneling or drywall, these panels may have to be replaced in the severest of circumstances. Drywall, in particular, is vulnerable to both water and mold damage. Even a small amount will crumble the affected panels, causing more work and cost. 

If you have found or are worried about mold damage in your basement or other parts of your home, the sooner you deal with it, the better. Call us today at (704) 872-7466 for one of our inspectors to start the process. SERVPRO of Iredell County is here to help you return your home and life back to normal. "Like it never even happened."