Mold is a common problem in basements, especially those that are dark and damp. Mold itself is a fungus that grows quickly in humid, moist conditions. The problem is that once mold establishes itself in your basement, it is incredibly hard to get rid of. The presence of mold causes a slew of health problems that include asthma, congestions, infections, allergies, and rashes to name a few. So, we’re here to provide you with some pointers on how to prevent mold in your basement.
1.) Monitor Humidity Levels
A basement with high levels of humidity provides the perfect environment for mold to grow. To help mitigate this, you have to ensure the humidity levels in your home are within acceptable levels. To determine the humidity level of your home, use a hygrometer. If the humidity level reads 45% or more, your basement is highly conducive to mold growth.
2.) Ensure that Water is Directed Away from Your Home
The boundary surrounding your home has to be sloped in a way so that when snow and rain fall, their runoff is directed away from the house. If your boundary is not sloped, moisture can begin to pool around your home which leads to increased moisture and leaking problems. In scenarios like these, mold growth is practically inevitable.
3.) De-clutter Your Basement
Having too many objects in storage in your basement can block air flow and reduce ventilation. Also, keep in mind that stored clothing and books are food for mold and mildew. Everyone’s basement is formatted differently, so try your best to store books and clothing in a place where they don’t have direct contact with the walls or floor.
4.) Use a Dehumidifier
If you have high moisture levels in your basement, it’s in your best interest to purchase a quality dehumidifier. Not only will it help alleviate your initial problem, but it will continuously keep humidity levels in check throughout your basement.
5.) Remove Humidifying Factors
Word to the wise, be sure all of your basement appliances, like your dryer for example, exhaust outside of your basement. If all of the dryer air is venting into the basement, humidity levels can rise very quickly. Try to steer away from carpet and wood floorings within your basement too. If one of these floor types is in your basement, do your best to replace them.
These are just a few of the methods you can employ when fighting basement mold. Do your research and see what works best for your situation. If your basement mold problem has gotten entirely out of hand, Moldguys is here to help! Call us at 781-910-5029, or fill out our online contact form!
