The Moldy Basement

Almost all homeowners with basements need to deal with mold.

Almost all homeowners with basements need to deal with mold. Keeping moisture out of your basement is an almost impossible task. Leaks often result from cracks in the joints of the walls and floors. You will see mold and mildew cause damage to your basement structure, as well as any items in the basement if moisture is not quickly removed. You can tell you have mold in your basement if it smells musty or you see mold.

How Does Mold Form? Areas that retain moisture have a tendency to allow molds to form and grow. You will see the growth of mold in walls, floors, and basement carpeting if any moisture seeps into the basement. Mold can grow quickly, forming in any moisture that is left in your basement for more than a day.

Preventing Mold Growth The only way to prevent the growth of mold is to fix moisture problems as mold is capable of growing on any wet surface. You need to apply a waterproofing coating to your walls and floors since they are the most susceptible to moisture. You must keep things dry, sometimes with the use of air cleaners and heaters, to prevent mold from taking over. You have the least possibility of mold growth in the areas that are the driest. To prevent the re-growth of mold in an area you have already cleaned it is a good idea to disinfect the spot and dry it out as quickly as you can.

Removing Mold You need proper equipment and gear in order to safely remove molds from the surface of your basement walls and floors. You should always wear gloves and eye protection and immediately wash the clothes you were wearing. You can reduce the spread of airborne mold spores by dampening the area prior to cleaning it. While it will not work for all surfaces it is generally a good idea to scrub the area with detergent. The best thing to do with a moldy carpet is to throw it away. Carefully disinfect the entire area after the mold has been removed. Dry the cleaned area as quickly as possible. If there is not enough natural ventilation to allow for quick drying consider using a dehumidifier or heater.

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