Conquering Basement Waterproofing & Mold

Signs of Basement Mold 

Different types of mold can appear as black, green, or gray. Sometimes, it also can appear as pink or yellow stains along your basement wall. When mold is fully formed, it will also release an earthy smell. 

Some homeowners say the smell is awful. If you have carpets or linen, you may notice stains on these materials. All these are telltale signs that mold is developing in your basement. Take action fast before it becomes a health hazard. 

Mold and Moisture — What Next? 

Mold is harmful to your health. Don’t take any mold-related issue lightly or waste time. Take action the moment you notice signs of mold in the basement. While it’s possible to clean the walls, it’s best to leave all mold remediation to experts specializing in mold removal. They will rid your home of any visible growth and fumigate your basement. 

If you wake up to a flooded basement, remove your furniture and carpets as fast as you can. These have the propensity to get wet and encourage mold growth. Tear out any part of the basement that has a serious mold infestation then replace it with new materials. 

Your local mold removal expert can eliminate any mold growth and stop its spores from spreading. As well as cleaning the walls, they will suck out spores from the air using HEPA vacuum cleaners. Don’t worry about the musty smell. Your contractor will deodorize your basement to remove any awful smell. 

After cleaning up the basement, waterproof it. This is where experts like Indiana Foundation Service will come to your aid. 

Best Ways to Curb Mold and Moisture 

Unless you deal with the wetness or moisture in the basement, you will keep experiencing bouts of mold. Wet and damp conditions encourage these microorganisms. You should do everything you can to dry out the basement and keep moisture out of it. 

Get a hygrometer and measure the humidity levels. If it’s more than 50%, the right thing to do is to install an energy-efficient dehumidifier. Talk to us if you need help with the sizing. We can help you choose and install a functional unit that will dry out the air and remove dust particles. 

If your home sits in a flood zone or an area with flooding potential, make sure you have a properly functioning interior drainage system and have a sump pump installed at the lowest section of your basement. Keep testing your sump pump to ensure it is operational. You don’t want surprises. 

Grading your yard also helps prevent backflows, especially during rainy weather. Walk around your home and check whether the ground slopes away. You may have to do some landscaping so water won’t collect around the perimeter of your home and flow into your basement. 

Don’t forget to check the foundation. It’s an area that also has the potential to make your basement damp and moldy. Ask your local basement and foundation repair contractor to check for cracks along the foundation walls. Seal any visible cracks or openings before they hurt your basement. Such crevices will keep letting in water. Remember, even the smallest of cracks can mutate into costly cracks. 

We do encourage you to install a thick vapor barrier along your basement walls. This plastic goes wall to wall and extends to your perimeter drainage. It will help deter moisture and prevent mold growth. 

Fix any leaking pipes that run through your basement, then insulate them. Such pipes can cause moisture problems and set the stage for mold. Watch out for discoloration, leaks, and water pools in your basement. Don’t forget your basement windows. These can also let water into your basement. Seal and cover them well so water won’t collect and leak into your basement. 

If you suspect that your basement is developing mold due to leaky pipes or other reasons, contact Indiana Foundation Service for a free basement repair inspection and quote. We’re happy to answer all your mold-related questions and resolve any moisture issues before they hurt your basement. Our repairs are fast and affordable, and our basement crew is friendly and helpful.

Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.