One of a homeowner’s biggest archenemies is mold. Mold in walls or floors can cause huge headaches, and repairs can cause a great inconvenience and a large blow to the budget. While mold can grow almost anywhere, the basement is one of the most common places in a home. This is due to the high potential to accumulate excess moisture that a basement holds. Outside moisture that seeps through the foundation and moisture from inside contribute to high levels of humidity in the basement. Here are some steps you can take to prevent mold and potentially save a fortune in mold remediation costs down the road:
1. Waterproof Your Basement
Ensuring your basement has waterproof protection provides a great level of protection from mold growth on the inside of your home. There are various things you can do to ensure moisture from outside does not penetrate basement walls:
- You can install French drain systems.
- Keep gutters clean of leaves and debris to help prevent clogging.
- Ensure downspouts are extended far from the home to ensure moisture does not go directly to the foundation.
- Plant shrubbery around your property that soaks up excess water.
- By grading your lawn to move water away from your foundation.
These are all great ways to help prevent leakage and high humidity levels inside your basement.
2. Repair Leaks and Cracks
Since moisture entering the basement from outside is a high contributor to mold formation, one of the first things you should do is eliminate any seepage or leaking in your basement walls. Once you notice cracks in the walls, you should make plans to repair them ASAP. Another way moisture can leak into your walls is through leaky pipes. Leaky pipes are common when pipes aren’t installed correctly or they have expanded over time and no longer connect tightly. It can be difficult to realize that a plumbing leak is causing mold until it is too late. However, you can avoid this issue by regularly inspecting your pipes for leaks or bad connections.
3. Utilize a Dehumidifier
By installing a dehumidifier in your basement, you can help reduce humidity levels and prevent mold growth. You dehumidifier should have enough capacity to work effectively. You’ll need to know your basement’s square footage and moisture level. You may find out that you need more than one to prevent a moldy basement.
At American Eagle, we use the Santa Fe Classic Dehumidifier. Ranked as one of the most energy-efficient residential dehumidifiers on the market, the Santa Fe Classic Dehumidifier eliminates mold and mildew problems in large, humid basements and crawl spaces. We also look into how to deal with crawl space mold.
4. Professional Mold Control Services
The goal of any mold control project is to prevent mold growth and reduce the risk of damage and health concerns due to mold. Different mold problems require different types of treatment.
Mold removal is often considered a short-term solution for a long-term problem. It is highly recommended that you research all of your options before committing to a treatment type. What may seem cost effective in the short term may end up costing more in the long term. One of the biggest differences between mold removal and remediation is the fact that mold removal is practically impossible. Microscopic mold spores exist naturally everywhere, inside and out. No company can completely remove all mold but an experienced company can properly control it with high-quality mold remediation.
Call Mold Removal Services In Maryland
At American Eagle Services Incorporated, our team of experts are certified and trained in the science of mold growth. We are prepared to take on any remediation project your home or business needs. Our mold remediation techniques focus on controlling mold levels and ensuring your property is safe and protected from damage mold can cause.
Every mold situation is unique and will require a personalized solution. Contact American Eagle today for an evaluation. You can also read how to prevent basement mold with waterproofing.
