by: Chad Kimball
Does your basement ever flood? Is your basement ever damp? If so, you
may need to inspect your basement for mold, and possibly remodel it to
remove the mold.
You may suspect hidden mold if your basement smells moldy, but you
cannot see the source. You may know there has been water damage, but not
think there is mold. Mold may be hidden in places such as the back side
of drywall, behind wallpaper, or paneling, the top side of ceiling
tiles, underneath carpets and pads, etc
|
Mold could also be hidden around leaking pipes, or pipes that
are constantly covered with condensation. Heat and air
conditioning ducts also can hide mold that can affect your
family.
You may want to hire an experienced professional when
investigating in your basement for mold, because sometimes when
looking for mold, spores can be released that are dangerous for
your health. You would be amazed at how many mold spores can be
released when pulling off basement wallpaper.
How To Kill Black Mold In Your
House |
|
|
Conventional construction materials used in basement
remodeling and basement construction in the past are perfect for mold
growth. Since they frequently contain wood and paper based products,
they provide a great food source for mold, as well as soaking and
holding water for long periods of time.
Here are some tips for preventing mold growth in your
basement:
1. Control mold growth by acting quickly when water leaks or spills in
your basement. Make it a goal to have any basement leaks or spills to be
completely dry in 24-48 hours.
2. Make sure the ground outside your home slopes away from the building,
so water is directed away from the house instead of collecting and
leaking into the basement.
3. Purchase a humidity meter at the hardware store, and keep basement
humidity below 60 percent.
4. If you see a lot of condensation on your basement pipes or basement
windows, work fast to reduce humidity and dry those surfaces. Lots of
condensation can be a sign of high humidity in your basement.
5. Run a dehumidifier in your basement. It will do wonders to pull
moisture out of the air, preventing mold growth.
6. Make sure clothes dryers are vented outside of the basement, not
inside. The moisture from drying clothes stays in the air and can
encourage basement mold growth.
7. If you have a shower in your basement bathroom, install an exhaust
fan to pull moist air out of the bathroom while the shower is running.
8. Cover cold surfaces like cold basement water pipes with insulation to
prevent basement condensation.
9. Increase the temperature of your basement. Hot air can hold more
moisture without causing condensation on basement surfaces.
10. Use fans to keep the air moving. A well ventilated basement will be
less likely to become moldy.
About The Author
Chad Kimball
If you are considering basement remodeling or basement finishing, did
you know you can create your new basement out of mold resistant
materials? Breakthrough technology has created mold resistant basement
finishing systems so you never have to worry about mold again. Visit
http://www.impressivebasementsystems.com for details.
|
