When you own a home that has a basement, the last thing you want to deal with is a bunch of avoidable mold. There are several reasons why mold grows in dark, damp areas, but leaving it there to spread can cause serious problems with your health as well as the safety and value of your home. In order to make the most of your space you need to know how to prevent basement mold.
In order to prevent basement mold from becoming an insurmountable problem in your home, it is important that you make sure your underground space has proper air flow at all times. Because so much of the basement has direct access with large amounts of water, mold can grow quickly and get out of hand. Keep things nice and dry down there by opening windows, using fans, and allowing doors to be used on a regular basis.
Your fight against basement mold doesn’t stop there. The things in your basement that are wet or spongey have to go as well. These items tend to trap moisture and can actually increase the humidity in your basement, making the space a hot bed for mold growth. Go through your belongings being stored down there and make sure none of them are dampened by liquid. If they are, bring them out to dry or get rid of them altogether. Keeping wet items lying around in your basement is like asking for a mold problem to develop.
You may have a pretty dry basement right now, but if the space is not airtight you could face a mold issue eventually. Having proper insulation helps to ensure that minimal water condensation gathers on windows, pipes, and appliances. A dry basement is a mold-free one, so it only makes sense to prevent that condensation in order to prevent mold. Try using fiberglass insulation or pipe sleeves to keep water from forming on the surface and to help keep mold growth at bay.
Your home and basement are susceptible to mold because they are in direct contact with the elements outdoors. Rainwater is especially treacherous for homeowners, especially when it trickles inside. Be sure that the exterior of your home has adequate gutters and drainage systems and that they are in working order. Basement mold can develop quickly if rain seeps in, so protect your property from the inside out.
For more tips about mold prevention or for basement waterproofing services, contact City Residential Foundation Repair today.
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