Basement Waterproofing and Mold Considerations

Given the nature of a basement space and that it is under the Earth, avoiding water or dampness completely is extremely difficult. The key is to prevent the problem as best you can so that you don't find yourself in a costly situation where water has completely covered your newly finished basement. There are many products available that offer temporary fixes to seal your basement but in reality you need to start at the core of the problem. Before finishing your basement, be sure to inspect your foundation walls for cracks and leaks. If you notice any dampness this can be a problem especially once those walls are covered with drywall and more difficult to get to.

Reduce the Chance of Basement Leakage - Exterior Foundation Walls

There are some simple steps you can take to help ensure that your basement isn't prone to leaking. The first is to take a look outside of your basement at the exterior foundation walls. Ideally you want to slope the earth away from your foundation walls so that water does not travel towards your home and instead flows away from it in the event of a rain storm. Another thing to consider is your gutter downspouts. If they are pointed directly at the walls you'll have a greater chance of water entering the home. Make sure your gutters and downspouts remain clog free and that they also drain away from your home. In addition, if you have a sprinkler system, make sure the sprinklers are not spraying excessive water directly at the foundation walls. In general, the less water that is going towards your home at all times the better.

Mold in your Basement

Mold is a type of fungus that can grow and pose health risks to you and your family. Even though mold is nearly impossible to avoid one hundred percent, there are things you can do to make sure you down have excessive amounts of mold growing in your new basement space. To reduce the chances of mold outbreaks, you must first understand what makes it grow. The key ingredients for growth are water and moisture, warm temperatures, oxygen and a an organic food source. If you can avoid all four of these elements you will greatly reduce the risk of mold growing in your basement. Many basement finishing companies offer finishing systems designed to reduce mold by featuring moisture resistant paneling, non-organic building materials (so as to cut of mold's food source), and waterproofing solutions to apply to the foundation walls to keep moisture out. In consulting with a professional, be sure to ask what products they offer that will make your new basement as mold resistant as possible.

How Can I Spot Mold in my Basement?

It can sometimes be quite difficult to spot mold outbreaks in your basement. The main reason is because some molds are invisible and can be odorless. Other mold outbreaks will be quite noticable and will appear in a variety of colors accompanied by a musty scent. One of the most dangerous of molds is what is referred to as black mold or Stachybotrys Chartarum. This type of mold does not grow on concrete or tile but thrives on damp wood or paper surfaces. If you feel you have any sources of mold growing in your basement or any other rooms of your home, it is highly advised to have a professional test your home. Breathing it into your lungs over extended periods of time can cause serious illnesses that can put your family in danger. Bottom line: don't mess around with mold in your home!

Need Additional Help?

If you'd like some professional assistance to make sure you avoid water and mold problems in your basement, we offer free basement price quotes from local basement and waterproofing professionals. Our service is free and there is no obligation to continue once you receive your estimate. Oftentimes you can save a lot of time and hassle by speaking to a knowledgeable professional first.