How to reduce mold in your basement

1/22/2015 (Permalink)

Basement mold problem in Carbondale, Pa.

For many homeowners, moisture problems in basements are an everyday situation. While many consider this to be a nuisance and a financial burden, it needs to be regarded as something far more serious. When basements are finished off to be used for living, office, or bedroom areas, moisture problems are not only annoying and uncomfortable, but can lead to significant health concerns. Mold and mildew can grow in damp carpets and behind the walls. Finishing a basement without resolving moisture problems beforehand will inevitably lead to health problems for your family and major repair costs in the future.

Remedial steps to alleviate health hazards must be absolute. Remember that any mold growing in your house, even if it isn’t in a living area, poses an eventual long-term health risk. The best approach for dealing with basement moisture problems, then, is to identify, and then block the source of the problem.

• Sources of moisture in the basement

First, the simplest approach is to remove any source of moisture which might be present in the basement, such as humidifiers and stove tops. Any kind of cooking in a closed space will increase moisture. All bathrooms and clothes dryers must be properly ventilated. Any cause for warm and humid conditions must be eliminated. This includes keeping windows closed in the summer, when hot and humid air can flow inside. If a cold cement floor meets warm, moist air, the floor will become slick with moisture.

• Moist air seeping inside

We’ve known since childhood that warm air rises. This can cause a kind of vacuum effect in the home. As a result, warm and moist air will be drawn into the house, seeping into the basement through cracks in the foundation and porous concrete. A sub-slab depressurization system is the ideal solution to this problem. This will draw moist air lurking under the slab, reducing the amount of vapor entering the home. It will also control the seepage of radon and other soil gases. Cleaning away old mortar and cracks, and filling with fresh mortar, will also help. Check your duct system for air leaks, and avoid too much clutter in the basement, which would impede proper air flow. If there is a sump pump in your basement, make certain that it has an airtight cap, or it, too, will draw damp air inside.

• Soil saturation

If water is leaking into the basement, it may be because the ground surrounding your home is saturated. Eventually, the water has to go somewhere.

Review all grading around the house, and check that all gutters and downspouts are dispersing rainwater effectively, and far enough away from your foundation. Make sure that the ground slopesaway from the house. Sloped concrete walkways will redirect runoff. Downspouts should have extensions of four to six feet beyond the house.

Dehumidifiers are a popular method for reducing the effects of humidity in a basement, but it is an imperfect solution, at best. They can, in fact, exacerbate the problem. As the air dries, moisture may be drawn into the basement more rapidly. This often results in efflorescence, a powdery build-up on concrete and other surfaces.

• Plumbing and DIY remodeling mistakes

Sometimes, homeowners can be their own worst enemy. If you are finishing your basement, remember that walls must be dry before installing insulation. Slab floors must be warm and dry before they can be carpeted. Finally, check all plumbing, particularly pipes from water heaters and central air conditioners. A tiny leak will lead to a huge problem. Your home is your castle. Keep the moat outside.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre premier mold remediation company.  Disaster are why exist and should you experience one call us immediately. On all mold estimates we will offer free estimates. Serving all of Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne and Wyoming counties.