Protect Your Basement: Preventing Mold in the Basement
Condensation in the basement poses a risk to health, the integrity of your home and your personal belongings. Moisture breeds all sorts of nasty molds and bacteria. These harmful organisms can get into your respiratory system and in the framing of your home. It can also cause the premature decay of any items you have stored in the basement. There are steps you can take to prevent condensation moisture, mold and bacteria.
Attack the many causes of a humid basement, one at a time. Follow these steps on preventing mold in the basement.
Seal All Basement Pipes
Most of the hot-water pipes are probably already sealed, but you can also cover the cold-water pipes. Hot-water pipes are insulated for safety; so you don’t touch a hot pipe, but insulating every pipe reduces the amount of moisture wicking off the pipes into the air. You can buy foam sleeves at a home improvement store, apply them and seal them with duct tape. The joints and turns in the pipes will have exposed areas.
Pick Up Duct Mastic or Sealant
Sealing the ducts that come from your air-forced heating and cooling systems can reduce the amount of moisture in the basement. Most heaters use humidifiers that can become leaky into the ducts. Duct tape will wear away. Mastic and sealant will seal the vents for a long time.
Dehumidifiers Can Work Wonders on Moist Basements
These machines work to take the moisture out of the air, for a price. The electricity to run one of these machines can become expensive, but it may be worth it. You can turn the dehumidifier off on a pleasant day and open a door or a window to increase circulation.
Waterproof The Basement, Then Insulate It
This is where professional come into your basement and use a variety of techniques to reduce the moisture seeping through the walls. A combination of drainage and sealants will be used to minimize ground water getting in through the walls.
Condensation occurs when warm air hits a cold surface, creating a sheet of water on your items. You can prevent that by making the basement a uniform temperature. When the air and surfaces are the same temp, the water will stay suspended in the air. And the water will be minimal with all precautions taken.