Preventing Basement Mold
Mold can sometimes be hard to find in your basement. This is especially the case if you do not use your basement often. Black mold, which is a dangerous type of toxic mold, hides out in dark places that people do not check often. The places where black mold generally are found are in crawlspaces, foundation cracks, and crevasses. The mold will stay there until it will grow so much that it may cause structural damage, or worse health problems.
Mold in your basement is pretty easy to prevent and here are a few ways that you can keep mold out of your basement.
* Look out for appliances that give off moisture. Stoves and clothes dryer give off a lot of moisture, as the create steam. If not vented the steam will not be able to escape and it will go into your ceiling and walls. If a moisture-producing appliance is being used often it will be spitting out that moisture to the same space. This can create conditions that will cause mold in your basement.
* Invest in a humidifier. If you have a very large basement it may even be a good idea to buy two humidifiers. The basement is probably the most humid place in your home, because it is below ground. The humidifier does not need to be running all day, but if it runs for a few hours a day it can help reduce moisture in your basement. This will make it harder for mold to take hold on your ceilings, floors, and walls.
* If you have either faucets or a shower in your basement you should vent them. You should at least open windows and use a fan to blow the moist air out of your basement.
* Fix pipes that are leaky. If you have efficient plumbing it will keep moisture in your basement in check. Mold has all the food it needs in your basement with the wood and drywall. If your pipes are leaking it can give a supply of water, which the mold will need to survive and flourish.
* Make sure not to over water your plants. If you do have plants in the basement do not water them so water will spill over onto the floor. Basement mold thrives off a wet floor.
* If your basement has cold surfaces cover it with insulation. This includes covering pipes and walls. Without having insulation cold surfaces can create moisture, which will only bring about mold.
* Use sealant for basement windows. This will make sure that the windows will be airtight. This will reduce the risk of moisture in your basement.
* Regularly check your basement’s relative humidity. A good humidity monitor will only cost around $30. When you monitor your basement’s humidity be sure that the relative humidity is always about 55% or less.
* If there is dirt and grime in crawlspaces cover the dirt and grime with plastic. You also have to make sure that the crawlspaces are ventilated well.
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