In case you haven’t noticed, it’s been raining. A lot. Excessively. With flooding and heavy downpours ravaging the area recently, I thought it was a good time to deliver DIY basement tips to keep the area dry and mold free (in some cases, as much as possible). Lets get down to business:

Simple Preventative Measures

Be sure to follow the following simple preventative measures to keep your basement safe, dry, and mold-free:

  • Proper drainage
    • Make sure roof water flows properly into your gutter system
    • Be sure discharge lines are ran properly to the storm sewer
    • Be sure there aren’t any negative grades around your home
  • Common areas of water intrusion
    • Window wells need to be sealed and free of debris like leaves, acorns, pine cones, trash, and sticks
    • Door ‘trench’ floor drains need to be able to easily flow
    • Sump pumps
      • Must have the right pumping capacity for your home’s size
      • Must be inspected at least one time per year
      • Sump pump needs to have a secure cover to keep out kids, toys, pets, and so on
  • Don’t waste money on consumer grade dehumidifiers
    • Too expensive
    • Energy efficiency is sub-standard
    • Use the Basement Doctor’s SaniDry professional grade dehumidifier and air filtration miracle machine
    • 4 times the water removal of consumer grade dehumidifiers
    • Filters your home’s air
    • Can connect to your home’s HVAC system
    • It’s like a dehumidifier on steroids

Basement Flooding

Basement flooding is devastating, but you need to be sure that you follow the following tips to make sure as little damage as possible is done to your home:

  • Call your insurance company immediately
  • Use a reputable company which has trained, experienced emergency services techs ready
  • If there is a pipe break, turn off water supply (if possible)
  • If sewage is involved call a professional ASAP (do not try to clean it yourself!)
  • Dry out basement within 48 hours to reduce the risk of mold
    • Extract (remove) water
    • Remove contaminated contents
    • Place air movers in affected areas
    • Don’t return contents until they are verified mold free
    • Test air if there is a musty smell
  • Mold Concerns
    • Can cause many allergy problems
    • Respiratory disorders
    • Cancer
    • Very destructive to the contents and structural integrity of your home
    • Bleach does not kill mold

Mold Growth Measures

Mold growth isn’t just ugly, it can also be damaging to your family’s health. Mold can cause: breathing problems, sinus infections, eye and skin irritation, headaches, fatigue, and so on. Take a look at the following information to learn more about mold and how it can be tested and cleaned up in your home:

  • Mold grows when three factors combine
    • Water (or excessive moisture)
    • Organic material (clothes, drywall, wood – even paint) is present
    • Mold spores (usually always present)
  • If you suspect a mold problem, the first step is to have an inspection from a reputable company
  • Mold clean-up
    • Remove moisture from material being repaired
    • Isolate area being repaired
  • Mold sampling
    • Perform pre clean-up testing
    • Again, perform after clean-up testing
  • Helpful mold tips
    • If the area is less than 10 square feet (length times width), you might be able to clean it yourself
    • If the area is larger than 10 square feet, call a professional. Safety first!

 

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Don’t forget…IAN BUYS HOMES!!! I am always looking to expand my personal portfolio. If you’d like to meet with me about your property, please submit your inquiry HERE! I look forward to hearing from you!