How to Get a Free Mold Inspection in Ohio

Your house could be killing you by means of a sneaky, lurking problem: the dreaded “M” word—mold.

Mold in house areas like your basement is common, but it robs your family of a healthy and safe living environment.

Learn how to spot the signs of mold and regain peace of mind and a secure space with a free mold inspection.

Why Is My Basement Moldy?

Many Ohio homes were built with basements—largely due to frost line depth. However, because these areas are mostly underground, they are affected by the surrounding soil and are naturally damp. Without proper waterproofing measures, basements are susceptible to outside air and water intrusion and other problems.

Mold grows when its three needs are met:

Source of air (high basement humidity)
Water source (water in your basement)
Food source (organic materials including wood and drywall)

Additionally, many basements present the ideal location for mold growth because of their dark and secluded nature. Even if some basements are finished, some materials can potentially harbor mold beneath them if they are exposed to moisture.

Signs of Mold in House Areas

Now that you know how and why mold forms, it’s important to know the signs of mold growing in your home. Common symptoms include:

Musty odors
Discoloration on walls, floors, and furnishings
Peeling or bubbling paint or wallpaper
Frequent illness (headaches, allergic reactions)

What Does Mold Look Like?

Mold in basement areas appears in all shapes, sizes, and colors. It can look like small dots, a line of streaks, or a giant blob. Mold can take on a fuzzy or slimy appearance and comes in a wide range of colors, from pale shades like white, pink, and yellow to deeper tones of green, brown, and black.

Additionally, it can be found anywhere, commonly developing on or behind surfaces such as walls, drywall, insulation, carpets and other fabrics, cardboard, paper, and wood.

Common Types of Mold in Home

Mold can be classified into thousands of different types. We covered a few of them in our article, “Types of Dangerous Mold in the Home and How to Protect Against It,” including:

Cladosporium
Penicillium
Aspergillus
Stachybotrys chartarum

Black Mold: Digging Deeper

Stachybotrys chartarum is also known as black mold, one of the most common and most deadly types of mold in home areas like basements.

What Does Black Mold Look Like?

Black mold, true to its name, presents as dark black patches that may have a green hue. It manifests either as clusters of small spots or extensive growth covering large sections of basement surfaces. This toxic fungus thrives particularly in areas with sustained moisture exposure or flood damage.

Health Impacts of Black Mold Exposure

Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) poses serious health risks, unlike many other common household molds. This toxic variety is especially dangerous for individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD, and those with weakened immune systems. Exposure symptoms can include:

Respiratory issues including congestion and breathing difficulties
Eye irritation and redness
Skin rashes
Persistent headaches
Unexplained fatigue
Chronic coughing

To protect your health and living environment, it’s crucial to identify black mold early, eliminate it completely, and take preventive measures against future growth.

How To Get Rid of Mold

While common household products like bleach, vinegar, or dish soap might seem like convenient solutions for mold removal, they only provide short-term results and won’t prevent regrowth. Additionally, attempting DIY mold remediation can expose you to dangerous spores and toxins.

The key to permanent mold elimination lies in addressing moisture control. When mold appears in your basement, professional waterproofing services offer the most effective long-term solution. A complete basement waterproofing system typically includes:

Interior drainage combined with a sump pump to capture and remove water
Vapor barrier systems for walls to block moisture penetration
Dehumidification equipment to regulate humidity and enhance air quality

These customized solutions are designed specifically for your home’s unique needs and conditions, providing comprehensive protection against future mold growth.

Schedule Your Free Mold Inspection Today!

Living in Ohio’s humid climate means your home’s basement faces an increased risk of mold growth. Though commonly encountered, mold in home areas shouldn’t be considered a normal part of your living environment. The solution lies in effective moisture control.

At Ohio Basement Authority, we bring decades of expertise in moisture management to homes across Ohio. Our specialists are trained to identify signs of mold growth and implement strategies to prevent its spread. Let us help protect your family’s health and home. Contact us today to schedule a free mold inspection and begin your home’s journey to becoming mold-free.

Schedule Free inspection

Mold in Basement FAQs

Can a damp basement affect the rest of my house?

Absolutely. The moisture from a damp basement can rise through the rest of your home, causing damage and promoting the growth of harmful molds and bacteria.

How dangerous is basement mold?

Certain types of mold, like black mold, release toxins that can worsen or lead to respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and flu-like symptoms when inhaled. Prolonged exposure can worsen chronic illnesses, such as asthma. Address the source of moisture problems with effective basement waterproofing to prevent the recurrence of mold. Contact Ohio Basement Authority today for a free inspection.

Is DIY mold removal effective?

DIY solutions often address only surface issues, neglecting underlying moisture problems. Enlist the help of a mold remediation specialist immediately. Contact Ohio Basement Authority for a free inspection and comprehensive moisture management fix.

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Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.