Picking up the Pieces

A damp basement with a musty odor can be concerning. Not only may you have some mold or mildew concerns that are health hazards, but moisture, mold, and mildew can impair the structural materials of your home. You don't want a house structure that is compromised by deterioration or have concerns every time you breathe air in the basement. Waterproofing and vapor barrier options are a must for protection. Here are a couple of things to consider when fixing these problems within your home.

Treat Any Mold

Test the space for mold. Before you start the waterproofing process, you want to treat any mold that can be found on or in these areas: insulation, ventilation ducts, HVAC appliance filters, drywall, carpeting and padding, and the foundation. This can be done with a topical agent. Professional ventilation cleaning is highly recommended if there are mold concerns, to kill mold in the ducts and prevent it from spreading around the home. Once the home is mold-free you are ready to protect it from future problems.

Apply a Waterproof Barrier

The different areas in the basement may need different treatments for waterproofing. For the concrete foundation, you will want to do the following:

• Clean the concrete
• Get the proper safety gear
• Create a dry space to work
• Apply a coating composed of polyurethane, rubberized asphalt, or thermoplastic
• Ventilate the space for fast drying

If you don't feel comfortable doing this work on your own, pay a licensed contractor to come to the house and do it for you. Waterproofing service providers can go over the plan and details. The contractor will be able to complete the project quickly and safely for you, and you know that it will all be done properly to protect your home.

The waterproofing material shouldn't just go on the inside of the foundation, but also on the exterior of the cement if possible. The wet soil around your home may be causing a lot of moisture issues inside the basement.

Interior ventilation improvements may also be necessary. Consider adding a dehumidification system. These can stand alone, or you can get options that attach to your heating and cooling appliances. Check for concerns like plumbing condensation or pipe leaks as well.

You don't want to smell mold and fear that you are breathing in toxins every time you are in your basement or worry about these problems spreading throughout your home. Get the space cleaned and protected today.

Contact a local service, such as Central Penn Waterproofing, to learn more.