Mold can grow anywhere in the home, but the basement is one of the most common places it is found. The high moisture levels in the basement make the room prone to mold, but you can take precautions to keep the fungus out of your home.
How Mold Grows in the Basement
Mold seeps through the foundation, where it meets indoor moisture. Hidden water leaks often contribute to the extra moisture in the basement -and provide a breeding ground for mold.
Basement Mold Prevention in Madison
Experts recommend taking the following precautions to keep mold out of your basement.
Repair Leaks and Cracks
Inspect the basement walls. If you notice cracks, repair them with sealants. Hydraulic cement works best to repair cracks but is one option that will quickly seal those cracks and prevent water seepage.
Inspect the pipes in the basement as well. Plumbing leaks often go undetected long enough to cause mold. A watchful eye can catch issues before they become out of hand. Tighten any loose pipes with plumbers tape and call a plumber if you spot leaks.
Exterior Waterproofing
Exterior waterproofing goes a long way in preventing indoor mold growth. Install products around the home to soak up excess water so it does not reach the basement or the foundation. French drain systems, gutters, and grading systems effectively help move water away from home, keeping the property safe.
Use a Dehumidifier
Running a dehumidifier in the basement helps control humidity levels and prevents mold growth. Choose the right size dehumidifier based on the basement’s square footage and set it up right away to protect your property.
Insulate Your Water Pipes
Properly insulated pipes reduce humidity levels and moisture which cause mold growth. Additionally, uninsulated pipes can freeze and burst during the winter, leading to even bigger problems.
Avoid Plants
Plants are a food source for mold, so as much as decorating with them might sound great, it’s best to avoid them in the basement. Plants absorb moisture in the air, which is great in the living room, kitchen, and other non-humid areas but a nightmare in a basement.
Install MaxxBarrier
SCC is the ONLY MaxxBarrier authorized dealer in the state, giving you confidence the product works the way it should. Unlike other methods, the polymer sealant protects your basement against moisture, preventing mold problems.
Southern Crawl Space offers moisture control services, including basement and crawlspace
waterproofing, drainage system installation, and vapor barrier installation. SCS guarantees to fix your moisture issues permanently. Our trained team of technicians utilizes only the best solutions for your basement or crawlspace. We are proud to offer LumberKote™ and MaxxBarrier™ waterproofing sealers by WatsonSeal. We are Alabama’s ONLY Watson Seal Authorized Dealer.
If you have a service request, give us a call. We will happily provide a free inspection and service estimate.
