Mold poses many dangers. Left unchecked, it can cause all kinds of problems that must be addressed as soon as possible.
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What is Mold?
You’ve probably seen mold at some point in time everywhere you look. Mold is a living thing that grows in many places. Mold needs to have certain conditions in order to flourish. In general, this means a source of water that the mold can draw on to grow. If you have a basement that has too much water in some part of it, this means conditions are ripe for mold growth in your basement.
Sources of Mold
There are many ways that you can wind up with too much moisture in your basement. Recognizing the issue is the best way to address it. That’s why you’ll want to start by seeing what is going on in your basement right now. Some sources of moisture are obvious while others may be more obscure. If you already have mold, you’ll need to remove the water sources, clean up the basement and then make sure no more water can get inside again. That is the best way to remove basement mold and make sure it doesn’t come back. Another great way is to get a specialist from a reputable place like ‘58 Foundations to do it.
Leaking Pipes
Pipes are a source of moisture in the basement you should not overlook. Many people have basements with pipes that connect it to the rest of the house. When the water starts to leak, this can lead to issues with mold growth. That is why you’ll want to wrap the pipe with insulation. Insulation prevents water from leaking on the floor. As it does, it will remove this source of moisture from the basement floor.
Foundation Cracks
Another issue many homeowners face when it comes to water in the basement and mold growth are problems with the foundation. Your home’s foundation must be in the best shape possible. Over time, cracks can begin to develop. As they do so, this can lead to dampness seeping in from the outdoors. If you have a moldy basement, it’s best to examine your home’s foundation for evidence of any cracks. The cracks need to be fixed as soon as possible. Expandable epoxy and sealants can fix the problem.
Basement Windows
Basement windows allow light and air to enter your basement. But they can also allow rain and snow to enter in as well. That’s why you’ll want to have a close look at your basement windows. You might see evidence of a problem in the form of window wells that have been improperly sealed. Feel the basement windows. If you feel any dampness, this is a sign the windows aren’t properly protected against the moisture outside. A silicone latex-based caulk can help as well as adding new gravel and window well drains. Window well covers can also reduce the amount of moisture that gets inside.
These are a few, easy steps you can take now to keep your basement in great working order.
