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Home Foundation Repair: Five Signs You May Need Mold Remediation

Your home foundation’s structural integrity is crucial for your home and your lifestyle. 

However, home foundation issues can lead to water infiltration, creating a perfect environment for mold growth. Mold damages your property and poses health risks to you and your family. ***

So, here are five signs that indicate you may need mold remediation or home foundation repair:

  1. Persistent Musty Odor. This is one of the most common signs. A damp, earthy smell may be detected in certain areas of your home such as the basement or crawl spaces may be an indication of mold. Even if you can’t see any visible signs of mold, the odor alone suggests that there may be hidden mold colonies present, likely caused by moisture seeping through foundation cracks.
  2. Visible Mold Growth. Mold can appear as black, green, or brown patches on surfaces such as walls, ceilings, or floors. Pay close attention to areas where moisture is likely to accumulate, such as around pipes, windows, or damp basements. If you see any mold growth, it’s crucial to take immediate action to prevent it from spreading further.
  3. Water Stains or Discoloration. These stains may indicate a water intrusion problem, which leads to mold growth. These stains appear as dark patches or yellowish-brown discoloration.
  4. Allergic Reactions or Respiratory Issues. Mold spores can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues, particularly in individuals with sensitivities or pre-existing respiratory conditions. If you or your family members experience frequent coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, or worsening asthma symptoms when spending time in certain areas of your home, it could be a result of mold growth.
  5. Cracks or Leaks in the Foundation. Leaks provide an entry point for moisture, leading to mold growth. Inspect the foundation walls, floors, and basement for any visible cracks or signs of water infiltration. Pay attention to areas where water pools or drips, as this can create a conducive environment for mold. If you notice any foundation issues, contact a licensed home foundation repair contractor to inspect the property. 

Mold growth is a common consequence of home foundation issues, and it poses serious risks to both your property and your health. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above take immediate action. Mold remediation should be an integral part of your home foundation repair to ensure the long-term stability and safety of your property. 

Consult with a professional home foundation repair contractor and a mold remediation company to assess the extent of the problem and develop a comprehensive plan to address both the home foundation issues and mold growth. By taking proactive steps, you can protect your home, preserve its value, and safeguard the well-being of your family.

M. Taylor Enterprise can inspect your home foundation and recommend repairs, if needed to prevent future mold growth. They can also work with a mold remediation team to make sure that your foundation is sealed. Call (301) 649-3406 or email matt@mtaylorenterprise.com for a free consultation.

We serve the Montgomery County, Maryland area.

*** You can find out more about mold and the health hazards it poses at the Health Line website.

Five Reasons You See Mold in Your Basement

One of the worst things that can happen to your home is to get a mold infestation. I have seen many homes that have it and it’s scary.

It’s scary because not only does mold smell bad and look horrible, it’s also a threat to the health of the homeowners. Once the mold is discovered, it needs to be removed as quickly as possible as it will only get worse.

Mold starts as a spore floating around the home. Mold spores are always present and can never be totally eliminated. Mold will not survive if it is allowed to sit. When water is added to it, the mold begins to grow. Mold has tentacle-like arms (hyphae) which spread and tangle as it moves along the surface. Basement mold has a fuzzy or slimy appearance. 

It then develops and grows when water gradually runs down from the roof and downspouts into the ground around your home foundation. It will run out of room and begin pooling. Eventually, the water breaks through basement waterproofing or through the cracks in the foundation. The basement will flood and cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage.

So, before the worst-case scenario comes true, you can detect the signs of mold:

  1. Musty smell: This one is the most obvious. You will smell a strange and unpleasant odor. The stronger the smell, the worse the mold growth. It can be located near the damp area in the household.
  2. Rust: This means there is excessive moisture in the house. It also means that this is the perfect environment for mold to grow.
  3. Water damage: Mold is a given if you have had water damage. Water can be absorbed which makes it damp, creating another environment for mold to grow. During winter, indoor condensation leads to higher humidity, which helps mold grow. 
  4. Walls have bubbles: Mold may form bubbles on the walls. You will find this mold in bathrooms, the basement, and near windows. It may be from a leaky pipe or window seal. 
  5. Health issues: This is the worst sign and the one that tells you that mold has gotten out of control in your home. As a result of breathing mold spores every day, homeowners may develop allergies. They may have nasal congestion, watery eyes, or a nagging cough. The skin may also itch or have tingling sensations. It may also be flaky and dry and lead to hives. Mold spores may migrate to the lungs becoming asthma. 

Mold should never be ignored. It will not go away unless it has been removed by a mold remediation company. If you detect any or all of these symptoms, contact a basement waterproofing contractor for a consultation. 

M Taylor Enterprise can inspect your home foundation to see if you have any mold issues. Call our home foundation and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or matt@mtaylorenterprise.comWe will do a free consultation, make recommendations then do any needed repairs done quickly and efficiently. 

We serve Montgomery County, MD, parts of Prince Georges, MD, and Howard County, MD.