Mold in basement

Mold can build up in basements and other wet areas causing cause health problems that can be felt immediately or have a long-term effect after excessive water damage. Thus, it becomes important to dry and clean the area as quickly as possible as well as remove unhealthy microorganisms from the air.

Causes for mold in basement

The problem of mold occurring in a basement is a common one for many homeowners. The basement is the foundation of a house and if this is poorly protected, water can soak up into the concrete, causing cracks and weakening the home's support. Using a waterproof spray and drainage board can prevent moisture from soaking up into the concrete. Since the basement handles water from roof runoff and drains water from above and below the ground, the problems get reinforced without a proper waterproofing system. In such cases, the foundation can crack under hydrostatic pressure (the force a standing fluid, such as water, exerts on the foundation walls).

Solution for preventing mold infestation in basement

A proven method of waterproofing the foundation or basement while also allowing the water to drain away from the home is by applying a waterproof asphalt coating to the foundation walls and by attaching a drainage board to the foundation. The result is two-part system that gives the foundation a strong defense against water problems.

Steps to a DIY waterproofing to prevent mold in basement

The top of the footing needs a coating of waterproofing spray before the foundation wall is set. This coating prevents water from wicking its way up through the footer and into the home. For this, the foundation walls and surface needs to be clean, dry and free of debris before the asphalt coating is applied and the plumbing/electrical lines need to be completely sealed prior to spraying evenly and consistently. The final step is to install a proper drain at the side of the footer to drain any bulk water away from the foundation. The common method for waterproofing foundation walls is to apply a damp-proof coating to the walls. This seals all gaps in the concrete without using a drainage board and although this is a simpler and cheaper method, it does not provide adequate protection from moisture buildup. As a result, it can lead to leaks, cracks and a buildup of mold. So, it is advisable to go in for the best and most affordable solution as soon as a mold in basement problem is detected to help deter mold while ensuring that the basement stays dry all year long.

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