With spring in the air, more and more cases of flooding are likely to be reported across Richmond, VA. These cases of flooding not only result in water damage and structural damage, but they also can lead to the growth of mold and mildew in the home.
Left unchecked, mold spores from the basement may float into your indoor air, leading to various respiratory issues. Waterproofing your basement provides one of the best ways to prevent mold by preventing floodwater, leaks, high humidity, and musty air in your basement.
What causes basement moisture?
Basement moisture can be caused by many things including;
- Heavy rains: Downpours can cause basement flooding, especially if the ground near your home is poorly graded.
- Leaks in the basement: Even the best-built foundation may be prone to leaks from years of wear and tear, causing a wet basement.
- Sump pump failure: A faulty sump pump fails to do its work of draining water out of your basement, potentially leading to flooding.
- Poor ventilation: This is one of the most common causes of condensation in the basement. Eventually, this condensation creates moisture buildup, which triggers mold growth.
Since mold flourishes in wet, humid, and dark conditions, the above issues make the basement the perfect breeding ground for many types of mold. It is crucial that you rectify these issues to prevent mold growth and the spreading of spores.
Basement waterproofing provides an excellent way to stop water from entering or flooding your basement and goes a long way in mitigating mold growth.
How does basement waterproofing prevent mold?
Basement waterproofing protects your foundation and the integrity of your home by preventing the growth of mold. It does this by rectifying all the problem areas in your foundation and waterproofing them to prevent any water or moisture from entering your basement.
Interior Basement Waterproofing
These systems comprise of solutions and measures that you can take to keep water out of your basement from inside your home. They’re often used to remedy moisture issues after existing problems such as cracks or leaking pipes have been identified.
If you’ve got cracking, leaking walls that lend themselves to water in your basement, an interior drainage system is your most important line of defense in preventing flooding. Special drainage channels will be installed in your basement’s sub-floor to catch seeping water from the walls and floor. This water is then directed to drain into a sump pump system, which then pumps the water out of the basement and away from your home’s foundation.
Dehumidification
Another important step you need to take is conditioning the air in your basement. Even if you address the leakage with interior drainage, you still could be dealing with high humidity and moisture in your basement. Having a reliable dehumidifier will be able to control moisture and humidity while reducing odors and the potential for mold growth, as well as clean and filter the air in your basement.
Exterior Basement Waterproofing
Basements get wet because of unresolved issues on the outer part of your home. A quick inspection of the exterior can reveal some of the factors that contribute to a wet basement. Start by checking and installing gutters and downspouts to direct water away from your foundation.
Sometimes, exterior waterproofing may require excavating the soil surrounding the foundation of your home or grading your yard to direct waterway from your foundation. It’s a labor-intensive activity that’s best left to basement waterproofing professionals.
Your home is a big investment, so protecting it should be your #1 priority. Waterproofing your basement ensures it stays dry, and at the same time, it prevents the growth of mold. Ultimately, your structure will remain strong for a long time.
In case of mold in your basement, reach out to a basement waterproofing professional in Richmond, VA, to protect your investment. We’re happy to provide you with a free basement waterproofing estimate, but first, schedule an inspection with one of our experts.
