Dark areas of your home which are also prone to dampness can be the perfect breeding ground for mold. And with our current awareness of the potential health problems arising from mold exposure, keeping it under control is extremely important. Left untreated, it can also do structural damage to your home, so staying on top of mold formation is not only good for you, it’s good for your home, too. While mold can grow in almost any condition, damp and dark areas which are relatively warm can cause it to proliferate quickly. And unfinished basements are often prime targets. If your basement isn’t finished, controlling mold development now means you’ll preserve this area as a potential for livable space later on when you decide to finish it off. Stopping mold formation in its tracks can prevent expensive remediation and repairs later.
Does Your Basement Frequently Get Wet?
Wet basements need to be dried out quickly to prevent mold formation. Open windows and run fans to keep air circulating. The next step is to prevent water from getting in.
If heavy rains often translate into a wet basement at your house, the first thing to check is your gutters. Are they in working order, and do the downspouts extend out at least 4′ from your foundation? Check your gutters when it rains – if you notice water dripping from underneath them, they probably are leaking and need repairs. If you know your gutters are working well, the next step is to consider some landscaping and grading to help water drainage. A landscaper who handles excavation and drainage can suggest landscape changes to help route water away from your foundation. Also check your interior basement walls for cracks or gaps which allow moisture in.
Spray foam insulation can be applied to basement walls; it’s an unappetizing food source for mold particles, so it will hamper development. Also make sure crawl spaces and any wall cavities are well insulated; poor insulation can be a major contributor to mold development as well.
Do Other Areas of Your Home Develop Mold?
If you’ve got mold elsewhere in your home, the culprit could be excessive moisture, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Proper ventilation helps keep mold at bay. Make sure your bathroom exhaust fan is of sufficient capacity for the size of your room. Each bathroom should have a fan. To control moisture in the kitchen, run the exhaust fan over your cooktop when to remove moisture from cooking which involves steam.
If you’ve got severe mold formation in your home, you may need professional assistance to determine the cause of the problem and then correct the situation. Mold is more than an unsightly issue; it’s a health and structural threat, so it needs to be taken seriously and dealt with effectively.
Iron River Construction is a full-service remodeling contractor providing home improvement services including basement finishing, as well as bathroom and kitchen remodeling.
