What Causes Mold to Grow & How Basement Waterproofing Near You Can Help!
Whether your home is brand new or decades old, mold can quickly become a serious problem when moisture is present. Basements are especially vulnerable; any water intrusion can create the perfect environment for mold growth. Lucky for you, American Waterworks is the best wet basement contractor in the upper Midwest.

We proudly provide expert waterproofing services across Minnesota, North Dakota, Western Wisconsin, and Northeast Iowa - serving communities like Rochester, Fargo, Minneapolis, Mason City, St. Cloud, Moorhead, Brainerd, Mankato, Forest City, Eau Claire, and La Crosse. With the right protection in place, you can keep your home dry, healthy, and prevent future mold growth.
What Is Mold and How Is It Caused
Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp, warm, and humid environments, spreading quickly once the moisture is present (Agency, 2025a). You may be wondering why does mold grow? Mold reproduces by releasing tiny spores into the air, which can travel throughout your home and settle on moist surfaces, where they begin to grow and break down matierals to survive (Agency, 2025a). Mold problems are almost always linked to excess moisture. Whether it's a leaking pipe, a weeping wall, or a flooded basement, mold can take hold when these issues go unnoticed or unresolved. Once spores land on damp areas like walls, ceilings, or insulation, they can spread rapidly and become difficult to control (Agency, 2025b).

In addition to being an eyesore, mold can cause serious health risks. Mold exposure can lead to a range of health concerns, including (Centers, 2024):
- Allergy-like symptoms such as a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, burning eyes, or skin irritation
- More severe reactions for individuals with asthma
- Increased risk for those with weakened immune systems or chronic lung conditions
Stop the Water and Prevent Mold Growth
The key to mold control is moisture control. By stopping the water intrusion, you stop the source that feeds mold growth (Centers, 2024). Whether it's a leak, seepage, or flooding, addressing the source of moisture is the first and most important step. After fixing the issue, dry any affected areas within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth (Centers, 2024). For long-term protection, American Waterworks offers reliable basement waterproofing solutions near you to help keep your home dry, preventing further mold growth.

Elite Waterproofing Services In Your Area
At American Waterworks, we provide top-notch water in basement repair solutions with professionally trained crews. Whether you're in Mankato, Grand Forks, Decorah, Sparta, or Worthington, we ensure your home stays dry and protected year-round.

Our WaterGuard interior basement perimeter drain system is designed to tackle basement water issues effectively. Unlike traditional systems, it prevents clogging from soil and sediment. Installed along leaking or weeping walls, it directs water from the interior drainage system to the sump pump, safely moving it away from your home.

The TripleSafe Sump Pump offers the ultimate protection with three layers of defense. Capable of handling heavy water volumes and functioning even during power outages, it's a vital asset to any basement water control system. Mold grows when the humidity is above 60%. By adding the AprilAire dehumidifier, you will keep the relative humidity between 50-51%, eliminating the risk of mold growth.

CleanSpace provides an efficient way to waterproof basement walls. The 100% waterproof, microbial vapor barrier covers uneven surfaces with ease and is installed using permanent fasteners. CleanSpace prevents water vapor from entering your basement walls and channels water towards the perimeter drain, keeping your space dry and safe.
Protect your home and stop mold before it starts. With a dry, secure basement, peace of mind is within reach. Connect with one of our Design Specialists and claim your FREE, no-obligation estimate today!
Citations:
Agency, E. P. (2025a, September 25). What Is Mold?. EPA. https://www.epa.gov/mold/what-mold
Agency, E. P. (2025b, September 25). Why is mold growing in my home?. EPA. https://www.epa.gov/mold/why-mold-growing-my-home
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, September 26). Mold. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/about/index.html