Mold in basement

Do you have mold in your basement? Mold can build up in basements and other damp areas causing sudden health problems or cause long-term illnesses after excessive water damage to your home. Therefore it’s very important to clean surfaces and dry areas as quickly as possible to remove unhealthy microorganisms from the air, and also from preventing further mold buildup.

The causes of mold in your basement

The problem of mold occurring in a basement is a common one many homeowners face. The basement is the foundation of a house, and if not adequately protected, water can soak up into the concrete, causing cracks and resulting in a weakening of the home’s support. Using a waterproof spray and drainage board can prevent moisture from seeping into concrete. Due to the fact the basement handles water from roof runoff, and drains water from above and below the ground, problems begin to arise 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 your home’s foundation or basement and also allow the water to drain away from the home is by simply applying a waterproof asphalt coating to the foundation walls. Attaching a drainage board to the foundation should also be considered. The final result is a two-part system that gives the foundation a strong defense against water problems.

Do-it-yourself waterproofing to prevent mold in basement

The first step of the waterproofing project is applying an even and consistent coating of waterproofing spray on the top of the footing before the foundation wall is set. This protective coating prevents water from wicking its way up through the footer and eventually into the home. Foundation walls and surrounding surfaces should be clean, dry and free of debris before applying the asphalt coating. Also the plumbing and electrical lines should be completely sealed prior to spraying. The final step is to install a proper drain at the side of the footer to drain any excess water away from the foundation.

Homeowners, typically, apply a damp-proof coating to the foundation walls as a common method for waterproofing these areas. This process seals all gaps in the concrete without requiring attaching a drainage board. Although this is a simpler and cheaper method, however, it does not provide adequate protection against moisture buildup. As a result, it can cause leaks, cracks, and a buildup of mold. Once you have detected a problem of mold in basement, it is advisable to consider the best and most affordable solution immediately to ensure the mold buildup is eliminated and your basement stays dry all year long.