LEAKY BASEMENTS AND MOLD: What You Need to Know

What Is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that grows from microscopic spores floating through the air. These spores thrive in damp, dark environments—like a wet basement. All mold needs is moisture and a food source, such as dust, drywall, or fabric, to begin growing.

While not all mold types are harmful, some—like Stachybotrys chartarum (commonly known as black mold)—can lead to serious health issues if left untreated.

Health Risks of Mold Exposure

Mold exposure affects everyone differently, but it’s especially dangerous for:

• People with asthma or respiratory conditions
  
  

• Children
  
  

• The elderly
  
  

• Pregnant women
  
  

• Anyone with a weakened immune system
  
  

Common Symptoms of Mold Exposure:

• Nasal congestion and sinus pain
  
  

• Watery or itchy eyes
  
  

• Skin rashes and irritation
  
  

• Wheezing or shortness of breath
  
  

• Sore throat and coughing
  
  

• Frequent headaches or dizziness
  
  

• In severe cases: fever, memory loss, and long-term respiratory issues
  
  

Repeated or long-term exposure to mold spores can increase sensitivity and potentially result in permanent health problems. Mold can also spread throughout your home via your HVAC system, meaning the issue won’t stay isolated to just the basement.

Don’t Ignore the Signs

If you notice any of the following, it’s time to act fast:

• A musty or mildew-like odor
  
  

• Visible mold patches on walls or floors
  
  

• Peeling paint, bubbling drywall, or condensation
  
  

• A general feeling of dampness in the air
  
  

Avoiding the basement won't solve the problem—mold spores travel easily through ventilation systems, putting your entire household at risk.

What Can You Do?

1. Remove visibly moldy materials like old insulation, cardboard, or drywall. Always wear a tight-fitting mask and gloves.
   
   

2. Ventilate the area and try to reduce humidity levels (below 50%) using a dehumidifier.
   
   

3. Most importantly, fix the underlying cause of the moisture—this is where professional help comes in.
   
   

Euro Parging Can Help

At Euro Parging, we assess your basement’s water infiltration issues and provide tailored, long-term solutions to eliminate moisture and mold risks. Our experienced team offers:

✅ Foundation waterproofing
✅ Crack repair and parging
✅ Drainage system evaluations
✅ Mold-resistant materials
✅ Honest advice and fair pricing

Request Your Free Basement Inspection Today

Protect your health—and your home’s value—by addressing moisture issues before they escalate. Let our team at Euro Parging help you restore a dry, safe, and mold-free basement.

📧 Email us at europarging@gmail.com
📍 Serving Ottawa and surrounding communities