Why Mold Keeps Coming Back in Your Basement
Mold in basements is a common problem for homeowners in Northern Virginia, due to our moist, humid climate. It can be frustrating to deal with mold growth in your basement, especially when you spend time cleaning it, only for it to return within a few days. The issue isn’t with how you’re cleaning the mold, rather it’s that you need to start preventing mold at the source by attacking the moisture that lets it thrive. Summit Waterproofing can help, our team of waterproofing experts can provide you with basement waterproofing solutions to keep your home dry and mold-free.
The Nature of Mold Growth
Mold can only grow by spreading its spores, and the spores can only begin growing mold when they land in something wet. Mold needs moisture to survive, and it thrives in environments that are damp, humid, and poorly ventilated. Unfortunately, due to their position below-ground, most basements fit that exact description, especially if the basement is unfinished. Even small amounts of moisture in your basement can trigger mold growth, which is why it’s important to not ignore even seemingly minor leaks.
Common Causes of Persistent Basement Mold
If you keep finding mold in your basement, no matter how many times you clean it, you should check for these common causes:
- Water intrusion: you may have leaks from cracks in your foundation, or just poor drainage.
- High humidity: Northern Virginia’s humid climate makes basements prone to excessive moisture.
- Poor ventilation: stale air allows mold spores to multiply.
- Condensation: Cold basement walls meeting warm, moist indoor air.
Why Cleaning Alone Doesn’t Work
If you are wiping up the mold consistently and still seeing it come back, it’s because surface cleaning only removes visible mold, and doesn’t do anything about the underlying moisture problem. Mold spores spread easily, and will recolonize and begin growing again when conditions are favorable. Unfortunately, over-the-counter mold sprays and DIY fixes often only provide temporary relief, and the mold ends up coming back within a few weeks.
Health and Structural Risks of Recurring Mold
Mold isn’t just unsightly, it can have serious health implications. Mold can aggravate allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues for you and your family members. Mold growth actively eats away at organic materials, and over a long period of time, it can create extensive damage to your walls, floors, and insulation. Mold can also be a sign of a bigger waterproofing or foundation issue that needs to be remediated, such as a leaking foundation or insufficient drainage.
Lasting Solutions to Stop Basement Mold
In order to get rid of basement mold once and for all, you need lasting solutions, not just quick fixes or cleaning. Summit Waterproofing can help, we offer the best basement waterproofing services to help keep water out of your foundation and your basement dry. Our team can also install dehumidification systems that will keep mold out by controlling the humidity in your home year-round. Proper drainage around the home and a sump pump at peak efficiency will help manage water before it seeps into the home.
Best Professional Basement Mold Prevention in Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax
Contacting a professional like Summit Waterproofing Solutions is the best way to deal with persistent mold problems in your basement. Our team of waterproofing professionals have been serving Northern Virginia basements for years, and our team can identify hidden sources of moisture that you may have overlooked. Our long-term fixes, such as drainage systems, sump pumps, and crack repairs go far beyond DIY, and our proven systems and warranties can provide you with peace of mind. Contact Summit Waterproofing Solutions today at 703-291-1516 for a free estimate.