Black mold from damp or wet basement walls

Black mold is a potentially major health risk for many families who have basement water damage problems.  And believe it or not, in many cases people who have black mold in their basements might not even realize that the mold exists at all.  Over the years, we have seen many examples of black mold, mildew and other health risks forming on basement walls because of improper basement waterproofing.  Luckily, you can usually get rid of black mold on your basement walls with some simple preventative maintenance.

Black mold and mildew on wet or damp basement walls poses a health risk because particles of the substances could get into the air, and if breathed in can cause irritation and even infection in human lungs.  Mold and mildew love damp, warm conditions, so wet cinder block or concrete basement walls are perfect for black mold to grow.  Also, in many instances, a family’s basement is only used for storage and is not paid much attention to.  This allows black mold and mildew to grow undetected sometimes for years before anyone realized there is a problem.

Mold and mildew on your basement walls is usually very obvious, but you should also be sure to have a look behind any panelling, boards, shelves, and other obstructions that may be hiding your basement walls from sight.  This is especially true in older homes where sections of the basement walls may have been hidden from sight for many decades.  You may be surprised to discover mold behind that old appliance or obstruction, but luckily it is relatively easy to get rid of.

Make sure that you purchase specially made cleaning solution for killing mold and mildew and thoroughly scrub the wall free of mold.  You can then apply a special paint that is made with mold-killing substances mixed in, which will prevent the mold from growing back again.

If you do have basement mold or mildew, this may be a sign that your basement is not properly waterproofed.  If water is seeping through your basement walls, this means that hydrostatic pressure on the outside of your foundation is causing unnecessary damage. It may be necessary to do some maintenance to your footer drains or repair any cracks and other damages to your basement walls.