Do You Have Basement Mold?

By Amy G

Beware… if you are easily frightened, you would be better off not reading this article. Just a short time ago, I discovered something hiding in my home… just waiting for the opportunity to take over.

It started when I decided to remodel my basement. My head was spinning with these amazing ideas and I was feeling really imaginative. I enlisted the aid of a few family in cleaning out the boxes of old ornaments, games, and clothing. That’s when I came upon it.

In a dark, gloomy corner, hidden behind a stack of boxes.

Nasty, disgusting, basement mold. It was black and greenish, and had already began causing damage the wall. I discovered some in a couple of other places as well.

I was mortified. The first thoughts that popped in my head were about those horror stories of how mold can cause breathing troubles and other serious complications. I have small kids and do not want them to suffer from the mold. Then I worried about the expenses of getting rid of the basement mold.

After I went through my usual cursing fit, I did some research on how to take care of the mold. This is what I found.

First things first, and that is to find all of the mold in your house. Thankfully, only those few spots in the basement were affected.

My family came over to help me clean up, thankfully. After playing dress up with gloves and face masks, we were ready rob the bank. Just checking to see if you're paying attention.

All joking aside, it is important to use gloves and face masks due to the fact that the spores of the mold can bring on breathing issues, and other complications. We make a solution of bleach to clean up all of the areas that were affected.

Once you get the basement mold cleaned from off the surface, you are ready for the next step.
You really should take care of any moisture issue. If you don't, the mold will keep growing back. Evil little creatures, that mold.

One of the best methods to deal with your moisture dilemma is to seal your basement floor.
Concrete is porous in nature, moisture can sneak its way in through the floor and cause basement mold to grow. I hired some professionals to complete it for me to make sure it was done right. This also helps keep the concrete stronger and last longer.

Then, I researched and bought a dehumidifier for our basement. This keeps out any excess moisture, that can even show up the driest of climates. I also had someone check my basement for leaky pipes or fixtures.

This can be a huge source of basement mold. I added insulation inside the areas that were known for condensation.

I was also told not to install carpeting in my basement, because carpet is so absorbent that it will soak up moisture and possibly grow mold as well. I decided to go for a nice concrete stain instead.

So, the mold is gone and once again, I can sleep well at night.

If you are considering finishing your basement, or have noticed mold issues down there, use these tips to get rid of the contamination of mold, and to prevent it from growing back. Good luck, and I hope I haven’t frightened you too badly.

Visit Basement Ideas to discover more fantastic ideas and simple ways to finish your basement.

Basement Waterproofing Solutions

Basement flooding is a major problem for many homeowners. Although waterproofing your basement may initially seem expensive and perhaps even unnecessary, keep in mind that in most cases, repairing damage caused by water will cost more than waterproofing your basement.

InsuranceStandard insurance policies do not always cover basement flooding. If you live in a high risk area, purchasing full coverage insurance against flooding should be considered. Keep a detailed inventory of the contents of your residence and take photos of the rooms as it will prove extremely valuable in the event of a flood or major water leak.

Make sure your insurance policies and related records are in a safe location and easily accessible should the worst happen. Too often, homeowners will keep their valuables in a safety box that they store in the basement, which is usually the first part of a house to be flooded.

Basement waterproofing 101Surprisingly enough, many home foundations are not
waterproofed. Because concrete absorbs water, moist earth around an unprotected foundation will cause dampness in a basement. Basement waterproofing will not only prevent humidity, but will also protect your home's foundation, a critical step in maintaining your home's value, as well as an important measure in preventing serious water damage.

Basement waterproofing is generally not recommended as a do-it-yourself project. This is one task best left to reputable professionals; moreover, insurance companies may refuse to pay a flooding claim if your waterproofing was not done by professionals. Ideally, basement waterproofing should be done during the construction stage.

Some temporary solutionsA common foundation waterproofing method used by homeowners is the application of black tar; however, it is not recommended as it is a short-term solution. It will dry out, crack and allow seepage within five to eight years. Tar can be effective as a damp-proofing method, but it is not recommended as waterproofing material.

If you do choose a do-it-yourself waterproofing method, opt for the application of a rubberized liquid membrane, which is essentially the same material that automobile tires are made of. The liquid membrane is quick drying, inexpensive and generally easy to apply with a roller, sprayer or trowel. However, particular attention should be paid to consistency during the application.

Black moldMold is a good indication that your basement has leakage or condensation problems. If mold exists in your home, your basement may have cracks in the walls or the floor, improperly installed or a lack of footer tiles, leaks from sweating basement pipes and/or basement windows. Black mold grows where there is dampness or water damage and is considered a serious health concern.

When to Consult a ProfessionalBasement waterproofing can minimize water infiltration and prevent its growth. If mold is a problem, it is best to consult a professional to waterproof your foundation. Other factors to consider are the climate and landscape of the area.

Herb Mansfield is a master plumber in the province of Quebec, Canada. He has over 35 years experience in the plumbing field. He is now lending his expertise to the Sump Pump Info

Dry the Basement Before Transforming It

By David Faulkner

Underground rooms are best if they do not contain any leaking that lets the wetness come in and cause harm to anything of value kept here. You definitely do not want the water to harm the betterment of the home or the people in it.

While the amount of the land value is going up quickly and individuals have to make sure that, they use whatever space they can in the best way available. Underground rooms are available for many different things just like any of the other space in the home, and are not a crazy idea to use it for a trendy and remodeled living room or possibly a toy space for the children. They have become more than hidden storage areas.

Transformations and water-sealing experts meet with different thoughts from the homeowners about what the underground room can be used for. These homeowners had the opportunity to by vintage homes because new homes being constructed have already zoned in on this available space.

The younger buyers are ready to buy a home they can change in ways to accommodate many different things. This is evident in the ideas and thoughts on how to transform the basement.
Nevertheless, it becomes necessary for the beginning job that needs to be accomplished when you decide to make your underground room into a new room. The main idea is to begin with a good base stone for the home. Any cracks or crevices in the base wall will give the opportunity for wetness to find its way into the underground spaces.

Keep in mind that this room is ordinarily wet and allows elevated amounts of humid weather that causes issues. Cement is, by nature, absorbent and if not sealed correctly, makes it easy to have a damp basement. This is normal for seasonal rain.

It is wise to watch the water supply lines closely for any leaks. This will give you a better chance of catching them quickly and not having a large amount of cash to spend. Knowledge lets us know that where the home is located can also contribute to the constant dampness. There have been times when the wetness was a result of a neighbor having leaks in the water pipes or drains.

It has been shown that Thoroseal use in the underground space results in harm because it allows the water to be caught inside the bricks. The problem worsens when the Thoroseal and the existing bricks were taken out of the home. Other homes showed damp winters and wet moldy summers.

Altogether, it is easy for you to transform your basement if you are able to do so. With the wrong water sealing technique, the job will be for nothing. Talk to a professional about providing you with a complete report before going further.

You can also find more info on basement finishing and the basement finishing.

Basementremodelinghelp.com is a comprehensive resource to get help in home basement improvement.