Having a wet, musty, moldy basement is a problem that is too common in homes across the country. Most basements are either used for storage, are finished for a specific purpose or are used for both meaning either people or valuable items are there. These tips below are to help prevent moisture problems in the basement that can lead to mold growth.
Diagnosing the Problem is first:
A wet basement can be caused by two sources: high indoor humidity that condenses on cold surfaces or water that seeps in from outside. The best way to determine which of the problems it could be is to tape a sheet of aluminum foil to your basement wall and check it after a few days. If moisture has condensed on the outside of the foil, your problem is excess indoor humidity. If moisture has accumulated on the wall behind the foil, water is leaking in from outside.
6 common causes of basement moisture:
An Interior Water Leak
Ineffective Grading
Missing or Defective Gutters and Downspouts
Cracks in Your Foundation
Poor (or Missing) Drain Tile and Sump Pit
Condensation
Reduce Excess Indoor Humidity in the Basement
Seal leaky ductwork and dryer vents that run through the basement. For long-term results, use foil tape, not duct tape.
Insulate exposed plumbing with foam insulation.
Add an exhaust fan to the basement bathroom and make sure everyone uses it when they shower.
Keep the basement windows closed during humid weather.
Run a portable dehumidifier to decrease basement humidity.
Insulate the basement walls to prevent water condensation. You’ll want three layers – 3/4-inch rigid insulation, 1 1/2-inch rigid insulation and NOTE: Don’t insulate the walls if water is leaking in from outside, or this will create a mold problem behind the insulation.
Prevent Water from Leaking into the Basement
Increase the slope of the ground around your house to guide rainwater runoff away from the foundation rather than toward it.
Add gutters if you don’t already have them and extend downspouts, so they deposit water four to six feet away from the house.
Plug up holes and cracks in your concrete foundation walls with hydraulic cement. This expands as it sets to seal up the leaks for good.
Paint on a waterproof coating to fill porous concrete or masonry foundation walls. The goal is to fill every pore to create an unbroken waterproof membrane, so brush in every direction and add a second coat for good measure.
Install a sump pump to remove flood water that rises toward the foundation floor. This upgrade can do wonders for preventing a flooded basement.
Install drainage tubing below the basement floor to work in tandem with your sump pump.
Install drainage mats on top of the concrete basement floor and below the carpet or other finished flooring material.
Mold in the basement is a common problem, but by understanding how to identify problem areas and prevent and control mold growth, you can avoid the potentially costly and unhealthy spread of basement mold. If you do find mold or exceeded amounts of moisture in your basement, let your friends at Blue River Restoration be the ones to get your basement back to the way you want it, mold free.
