Foundation cracks are going to appear in your basement, and they are normal. The type of crack you have however could be a problem. Almost every single home that has a buried concrete foundation will develop cracks in the walls or floor slab. Properly identifying the cracks and repairing properly is key.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you should always check for inside leaks first when trying to identify the cause of moisture in your basement. A water leak can come from numerous places: a shower, a sink, a toilet, a washing machine, a dishwasher, a bad pipe, just to name a few. Sometimes, if the moisture in your basement is located on the ceiling or walls beneath a bathroom or kitchen, an interior water leak is to blame. Find where the moisture is located and determine if something in that area is leaking.
Moulds are organisms which are neither plant nor animal. They are part of the fungi kingdom. Unlike plants, moulds do not get their energy from the sun through photosynthesis. In fact the sun’s ultraviolet light inhibits mould growth. Moulds also digest or “eat” the material they are growing on. The role of mould is to break down decaying organic matter such as dead plants, leaves or dead animals.
Basement or crawlspace mould is often the result of a source of moisture — leaky foundations or condensation from appliances are typical culprits. One of the first steps in the prevention of basement mould is to ensure that your basement is free of any moisture and doesn’t support a damp, humid environment where mould can thrive.
If you own a home it is likely you have a basement or a crawlspace. In that basement or crawlspace it is also likely that you have a sump pump system installed. If you are unsure then perhaps take a look around your basement or crawlspace floor. It’s hard to miss. Look for a hole in the concrete with a pipe and a cord sticking out of it. Some look primitive and nasty and some look like a finely installed piece of equipment.