Toxic mold can grow and spread quickly, sometimes before you even notice that it’s begun. It is a silent danger that is oftentimes not seen until it’s become a widespread issue. Mold likes to grow in dark, damp places, which is why it’s recommended that you waterproof your basement before this becomes a concern. Prevention is the best way to defend your home from the potential threats that water and moisture can cause. The health issues associated with toxic mold can be mild to severe, depending on the health and age of the people living in your home. To prevent toxic mold from taking over your basement, here are a couple of ways you can waterproof your basement.
Have Your Basement Professionally Inspected
One way to find out how moisture and leaks are getting into your basement is to hire a professional to inspect it for you. Trained experts can quickly find the source of water entry, which then enables them to lay out your available options for getting rid of the issue. You can try inspecting the basement yourself, but there may be areas that you overlook.
Use a Dehumidifier to Reduce Humidity
The humidity in your basement can be caused by various factors. By using a dehumidifier, you can help combat the problem. Of course, it’s recommended that you find the sources, so that the humidity can be reduced, if not eliminated. The relative humidity of your basement should be at or below 50 percent. A dehumidifier can give you more control over the humidity level of your basement.
Seal the Cracks and Holes in Your Foundation and Walls
Small holes and cracks in your foundation can allow moisture to enter into your basement. You can have your foundation repaired by a professional to ensure that all areas are properly sealed. Any damage to your walls can also be plugged and sealed with cement and sealant. You can have compounds applied to your basement walls to seal up the pores, which too can let in moisture.
Have Drainage Systems Installed Inside and Out
If your problems don’t deal with excess moisture, you can have heavy leaks fixed by repairing the cracks and holes and having drainage systems installed to prevent these issues from reappearing. Drainage systems can be installed by a professional on the inside of your basement and along the outside of your exterior. For the inside of your home, you can have a sump pump installed. This will draw out any water that causes a flood in your basement during a storm or plumbing issue. On the outside of your home, you can have water diverted from the base of your home. Different methods can be applied, such as window wells, to keep the water from your basement windows. Others include downspouts, gutter systems and draining systems.
In order to keep mold out of your home, you have to focus on expelling moisture and keeping it from re-entering your property. With these tips, you should have no problem with getting your basement waterproofed.
