Mold in Basement

Mold in basement is one of the most common areas for mold to occur. Mold is a fungus and as a living organism it requires water and something to feed on in order to grow. Mold in basement is common because these conditions are easily met, in fact it is harder to keep a basement dry.

You can typically find mold in basement by the sight or smell. If you thing you have mold in basement then you should identify where the water is entering the basement. Often water can enter a basement from clogged gutters or poor yard drainage. Even without cracks in your basement walls, pressure can still push water inside.

The best way to avoid mold in basement is to quickly fix and water leaks or spills. Try to have any water problems fixed and completely dry within twenty-four to forty-eight hours in order to keep your basement as dry as possible. Direct water away from the house so that it doesn’t leak into the basement. Ascertain whether or not the house is higher than the land around it—a slope will direct water away.

When you notice water on basement pipes or windows you should dry the surfaces and work quickly to reduce humidity. When there is a lot of water it can be a sign of high humidity. You may also need to purchase a humidity meter in order to monitor your basement humidity levels and keep it under sixty percent.

If you have dryers in your basement then make sure they are vented outside, since the moisture from drying clothes can stay in the air and encourage the growth of mold. The same applies to any showers you may install in the basement, have an exhaust fan to pull the moist air out of the bathroom while the shower is still running.