The basement is the most vulnerable place to get mold due to its dark and humid environment. Mold can develop as a result of moisture that comes from indoor or outdoor. You have to prevent moisture from getting in if you want to prevent mold in your basement. The following are 3 tips on preventing mold in the basement after water damage.
1. Extend the Downspout and Build a Slope
Rainwater is a major cause of flooding in the basement. Rainwater often flows down from the roof onto the ground and then into the basement. To prevent this, you can extend your downspout and build a slope on your ground to allow the water to flow away. This can be done by heaping soil to create a slope on the ground. The downspout can be extended to the lawn area. Rainwater can also get in through the windows of your basement. Windows wells can be installed to prevent rainwater from entering. You have to check your windows wells to make sure they can drain properly. You can spray a hose of water towards the windows wells to check it.
2. Clear the Gutter and Downspout
Every now and then, you need to clean your gutter and downspout from leaves, stones, flowers, and other garbage that accumulate in it. If the gutter is not clear, the water will be dumped directly on the foundation. When the gutter is clear, the water will flow smoothly down the downspout and away from the foundation of the house. It prevents the water from dripping onto the siding and causing wood rot. It also keeps your basement dry and mold free. Clearing a gutter is an easy job that can be done with a ladder and bucket. It is less messy when the gutter contents are dry. You can hire a plumber to clear the gutter and downspout if you feel it is dangerous for you to do the job.
3. Waterproof the Exterior Wall of the Basement
You can waterproof the exterior wall of your basement to prevent water from entering. Waterproofing of exterior wall is suitable for concrete and mason walls. The plumber has to dig around the basement wall to build a drainage in gravel. The main purpose of the gravel is to relieve the hydrostatic pressure so that the water can smoothly reach the footer drainage system. After that, he will install a dimple board to deviate the water away from seeping into the wall. The advantage of exterior basement waterproofing is that the work is performed outside and the people in the household are not disturbed in any way. It is up to you to install sump pump in the drainage to discharge the excess water just in case. You can prepare a backup sump pump just in case the main sump pump fails.
