If your basement recently flooded and has already shown signs of mold growth, you are probably concerned about the possible health risks it poses to your family. However, while the health of your loved ones is a priority, you should also be aware of a couple of potential issues the mold can have on your home's wooden infrastructure. 

1.  Weakens the Integrity of the Wood

When your basement's support beams, floorboards, and other wooden structures are exposed to flooding, the constant exposure to increased dampness can already start the process of weakening and rotting the material. However, mold can potentially speed up this process if allowed to remain.

As mold spreads, the wood underneath the fungal growth remains wet. Because it never dries out, the wood fibers are more prone to breaking down faster. However, to compound the problem of consistently wet wood, the mold also released mycotoxins that absorb into the fibers. These byproducts of the growth will break down the wood faster, which will then speed up the rotting process.

If not attended to by a professional, the softening and rotting of the wood will decrease its structural integrity. This can then weaken your home's infrastructure can cause problems in the future, such as bowing or even partially collapsing floors.

2.  Creates an Attractive Environment for Termites

As if the weakening and rotting of the wood are not enough, mold can also lead to another serious issue for your home's infrastructure. Its growth can also create an environment that is highly attractive to termites in two ways.

First, because the wood is already damp and softened, the termites will be lured by an easy meal. They will also have an easier time tunneling through the wood to make their nest, which means they can set up their home in your basement faster and get to work on destroying the structures.

Second, mold further contributes to attracting termites to your basement's wooden structures by making the material taste wonderful to the termites. The same mycotoxins responsible for quickly breaking down wooden fibers also make the wood tasty for the termites. This improved flavor will only encourage them to tunnel faster and feast on the wood, creating a serious breakdown in your home's infrastructure.

If your home's basement was recently flooded and mold has already started growing, it is not only putting your family's health at risk but also your home's infrastructure. Contact a mold remediation service to have them inspect your basement and discuss your options for getting rid of it.

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