How to Keep a Mold Free Basement?

     A basement can be a favorable place for mold to form since it tends to be soggy and moist, with no exposure to sunlight. The standard reason for mold development in basements is a water issue, for example, flooding or leaking pipes. Condensation forms because of cold temperatures and high temperatures is additionally another normal cause for mold to grow. The most ideal approach to manage mold is to stop it from the beginning and keep it from spreading. Unless you have a waterproofed basement than you should check your basement pipes to always make sure they aren’t leaking. If your pipes leaking and it takes you a month or more to finally realize you have a pipe leaking this will cause humidity to build up in your basement and will allow for mold to start growing. If you see any signs of humidity, condensation, or water in your basement you should buy a hygrometer to take a reading of the humidity in your basement. If it reads over 60% you look into getting a dehumidifier for your basement. The key to dehumidifiers is to not go to your local hardware store and buy a regular dehumidifier, you’re better off getting a commercial dehumidifier like a Sanidry unit. These will help keep your basement dry and slow the spread of mold.

     Also your house should be built in a way that rainwater flows away from, not toward, your house’s foundation. Your gutters and drainage pipes should likewise be pointed away from the house, and ensure that no source of water is deposited near the basement. You can also dig drains to channel the water away from your house. The best way to prevent mold from forming in your basement is to waterproof your basement and to still use a dehumidifier. With these two systems in place your basement should never have water just sitting in your basement or in your air, leaving you with a dry healthy basement.