Wateproofing: 10 Tips to Keep Mold Out of Your Basement
Whether you have transformed your basement into a home office, a gym, or a reading nook to get away from it all, waterproofing is key to preventing mold from gathering in the dark corners.
Not only is mold unsightly, but it also causes health issues, and the contamination that starts on the lower floors can quickly spread to the rest of your home. Protecting your home’s foundation from water damage won’t do you much good if you have mold growing in your newly renovated personal space.
Luckily, there are a few ways that you can prevent mold from building up in your newly renovated basement. In this blog, you’ll find five of the top ways to prevent mold in your basement.
1. Monitor Humidity Levels
Living in a waterproof home isn’t always possible, as humidity, leaks, and even storms can cause water to pool in your basement and other areas of your home.
One way to prevent the mold from developing in your basement after waterproofing is by monitoring your humidity levels. High humidity levels provide the perfect space for mold to form. You can purchase a tool called the hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels. When you take a reading, if the level is above 45%, then there’s a chance that mold may already be taking root in affected areas.
2. Check for Water Leaks
Mold loves to gather anywhere that’s wet or damp. Be on the lookout for signs that you have water leaks in your basement. Even if you’ve taken all the precautions by using waterproof laminate flooring, it’s still important to check regularly for leaks.
Also, if you haven’t already done so, it’s best to look for ways to channel water away from your home after heavy rain or snow.
Look for and repair leaks as soon as you find them to prevent mold from growing. The less moisture you have to reach the foundation and your basement, the less chance you’ll have to develop a mold problem.
3. Insulate Basement Water Pipes
It’s important to insulate all the water pipes in your home, but especially in the basement, where you don’t go as often. While installing waterproof vinyl plank flooring in your basement will help if the pipes burst, water can still seep into your walls, under the flooring, and into your foundation.
Coldwater pipes in your basement tend to form condensation. Insulating those pipes help keep that condensation from forming.
4. Keep the Basement Clutter-Free
The more congested your basement is, the more apt it is to trap humidity and develop mold. Too many large objects, boxes, and clutter prevent the air from flowing freely through the room.
Refrain from storing clothes and books in your basement because they are known to be breeding grounds for mold. Not only will mold destroy the foundation of your basement and eventually your home, but mold can also make you and your family sick and cause diseases that can be fatal.
If you must store books and clothing in the basement, make it minimal, and store them away from the walls and off the floor.
5. Use Synthetic Carpeting
If you decide to put carpeting in your finished basement, it’s best not to install the plush type with padding, rubber flooring, or natural fibers. Instead, opt for synthetic carpet, which doesn’t gather mold spores.
It’s still possible to get that cozy, plush feel under your feet with synthetic carpet because many brands use recycled materials. The best thing about synthetic carpet is that it doesn’t feed mold spores that can ruin all the hard work and time you put into getting your room just the way you wanted it.
6. Don’t Store Firewood in the Basement
While it’s tempting and convenient to store your firewood in the basement, where it’s easy to access on those bitterly cold winter mornings, it’s not a good idea. Firewood is a perfect breeding ground for mold. It’s better to store your firewood in an airy place that is open for the best results.
7. Don’t Grow Plants Indoors
While there’s nothing wrong with decorating your finished basement with plants, it’s best to stick to the artificial ones. The moisture from real plants will promote mold growth, as well as the respiration real plants, give off.
8. Keep Damp Laundry Out of the Basement
Once again, while it’s tempting to keep the dirty laundry in the basement, or you already have your washer and dryer down there, it’s best to keep the damp laundry out of the basement.
The one thing you don’t want to do is hang your wet laundry on a clothesline in the basement, as many homeowners do. The excess moisture from the drying clothes can easily promote mold growth, causing you serious problems in the future. Take your drying laundry upstairs for the best results.
9. Use an Exhaust Fan
One of the best ways to keep mold from growing in your basement is to use an exhaust fan in the room. This circulates and allows the stale, humid air to get out resulting in fresh air only.
It’s also a good idea to open the windows and doors whenever possible. Not only does that allow the moisture to escape, but it also allows fresh air in and is better for your health in the end.
10. Use Mold-Reducing Paint
When painting your walls, pick mold-reducing paint. You can still pick the colors you love; this will help you reduce the chance of mold forming on your walls.
Get Started on Waterproofing Your Basement Today
Waterproofing is the quickest way to ensure you can fight off mold growth. These are 10 of the best tips out there to help you prevent mold growth from happening to your newly finished basement. Contact us today for waterproof solutions for your basement, crawlspace, and home that you can trust.
