Not 1,000, not even 10,000, but over 100,000 mold species call Planet Earth home. About a thousand of these known fungi grow in the United States.
Molds are everywhere; in the soil, plants, water, air, and indoors. Although they can grow anywhere inside buildings, they are particularly fond of basements. These underground areas, after all, are prone to moisture build-up.
While you can’t eradicate all mold spores indoors, you can prevent mold growth. The key is to control indoor humidity levels; mold can’t grow without moisture.
Below, we’ll enlighten you on how to prevent mold in your basement, so read on.
Regularly Check Your Basement’s Humidity Levels
Scientists say indoor relative humidity (RH) levels above 70% to 80% are ideal for mold growth. Therefore, you’d want to keep your basement’s RH level below that range, preferably under 60%.
The easiest way to track indoor RH levels is through a moisture meter, also called a hygrometer. It’s an inexpensive device, about $50 or less, that you can get from a hardware store. It can tell you how humid your basement is, or any other room in your home, for that matter.
Schedule Regular Plumbing Inspections
According to this guide from Armoredbasement.com, about 6 in 10 U.S. homes have moisture problems. Leaky plumbing systems, in turn, are some of the most common culprits behind such woes.
Even worse, leaky pipes don’t only promote mold in basements; they also lead to spikes in water bills.
You can prevent such problems (and the mold growth they cause) by having a plumber check your system once a year. They use tools like thermal and infrared cameras to look for possible leaks. They can also check your pipes for weak points and fix them before they burst or even start leaking.
Your local plumber can also insulate exposed pipes, which are more prone to bursting. At the same time, they can replace old insulation to reduce the risk of pipe rupture.
Never Delay Fixing Plumbing Leaks
Hire a licensed plumber ASAP if your hygrometer’s reading comes back over 60%. It signals an existing leak, especially if accompanied by damp surfaces or wet spots.
Even if you don’t see visible mold growth, have those plumbing leaks fixed ASAP. If you don’t, it won’t take long for mold spores to turn into disgusting colonies.
Ventilate to Remove Moisture
Ventilation can help reduce indoor moisture by extracting moist air from the basement. Fresh outdoor air then replaces the damp air.
If your basement has windows, use them to your advantage and open them to ventilate regularly. Check your local air quality before doing so, as you don’t want to let polluted air into your basement.
Dehumidify the Basement
A dehumidifier may be better if your area is prone to poor outdoor air quality. This device sucks in air, extracts water vapor, and then expels the now-drier air. You can pair this with one or two fans to help the air move around instead of getting stuck.
If you use your basement often, consider getting it a portable air conditioner. Like all other AC systems, these smaller units also cool the air by removing its heat and moisture.
Invest in Basement Waterproofing
Inspect your basement ceilings, walls, and floors for cracks and holes. If you find any, seal them with epoxy or hydraulic cement as soon as possible. Don’t forget to do the same with your exterior walls; they might let water seep into your basement.
After that, apply a waterproof coat on your basement surfaces. This can help them repel water better.
Get Water Sensors for Your Basement
Water sensors are moisture-sensitive devices. They monitor spaces that should otherwise be dry for the presence of moisture. If they detect water, they sound an alarm or notify you through text.
Water sensors won’t prevent flooding. However, they’re helpful since they can warn you of a possible basement leak or flood. That then allows you to address the water source immediately, which, in turn, can help prevent mold.
Keep Your Gutters Clean and Clear
Clogged and damaged gutters can cause rainwater to overflow. In that case, the overflowing water can head straight to your home’s foundation. Or, it might trickle down your external walls to your basement.
Also, remember that clogged gutters can attract pests, including mosquitoes. That’s all the more reason to inspect your gutters and clean them regularly.
Keep Your Yard Grading Positive
If your yard has positive grading, it means your home sits slightly higher than the yard itself. Think of it as a slight incline; your home is on the higher end while the ground slopes downward.
Positive yard grading is beneficial as it uses gravity to channel water away from your home. As a result, less water can seep into your external walls, foundation, and basement. This can help keep your basement dry, lowering the odds of mold growth.
You can verify your yard’s grading with a couple of stakes or disposable chopsticks. First, insert one into the ground (about an inch would do) beside your home’s foundation. Next, grab a ball of yarn or string and tie one end onto the lowest part of the stick so that the knot touches the ground.
From there, walk about 10 feet away toward the street. Poke the other stick into the ground and tie the other end of the yarn around it.
Position a line level in the middle of the now-taut string. Then, adjust the knot on the second stake until the line is level.
Get a ruler and measure the distance between the second knot and the ground below it. If it’s six inches or more, great, as this means you have positive yard grading. If not, consider hiring a professional landscaper to grade your yard right.
That’s How to Prevent Mold in the Basement
You must remove excess moisture to prevent mold in your basement or any room in your home. To determine if you have moisture issues, use a hygrometer. This way, you can monitor your home for high humidity levels.
Don’t forget to fix leaky pipes and cracks in your basement and external walls. Ventilate and waterproof your basement, and mind your gutters and yard. All of these steps can help keep your basement free of mold growth.
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