5 Tips to Prevent Basement Mold

Microorganisms find favorable conditions for growth in enclosed spaces like basements, which are generally dark and cold. Frequent but often underestimated, the problem of basement mold could cause serious health issues, in particular severe allergies. So how do you prevent mold from growing in the basement?

Regulate the Humidity Level and Keep the Room Dry

Because mold needs moisture to grow, you can stop it by monitoring the basement’s humidity level and keeping it dry. To do this, you need to find any source of moisture and mold and eliminate them by thoroughly cleaning the affected areas with white vinegar or bleach. To clean mold-prone surfaces larger than 30 square feet, we recommend consulting a specialized company to prevent illness. To dry the air and prevent new mold growth, also consider using a dehumidifier, which removes excess water in the air.

Improve Ventilation in the Room

Like humidity, condensation also leads to mold growth. Because forgetting to aerate the basement is not uncommon, mold can peacefully take hold. To prevent its growth, improve ventilation by opening the windows when the weather’s cool and dry and closing them when the weather’s hot and humid. If you have small windows that do not allow sufficient air flow, regularly use a fan.

Insulate Leaky Pipes

If the plumbing in your basement has any leak that drips water inside the room, moisture spots will gradually lead to mold accumulation. To fix this, call a plumber as soon as possible and insulate the pipes with foam tape in the meantime.

Cut Back any Plants near Exterior Walls

Some organic material inside or even outside your basement walls could be responsible for mold growth. In fact, these microfungi have a strong tendency to grow on or alongside plants. To limit risks, consider pruning plants growing near exterior basement walls and remove those that might prevent the ground from drying out after rain or snowmelt. For these steps to be effective, your walls need to be very well insulated.

Don’t Pile Snow Against Exterior Basement Walls

During and after snow storms when you clear away the snow, you might end up pushing it toward the exterior walls of the house. However, it’s better to find another spot for your snow piles to prevent mold growth on your basement walls as well as near the windows. In case of heavy snowfall, you can also help prevent mold growth by using window covers (transparent plastic) for the basement, which stop snow from getting close but still let light through.

If you recently have had water damage or did in the past and mold has made a home in your basement and you cannot deal with it yourself, seek professional cleaning services. This will prevent health risks for you and your family.