Interiors

Basement – why you shouldn’t neglect it

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Oh, that basement! It seems like unimportant part of the house, always last for cleaning. It is like just for keeping old things and clothes. And, that is understandable during dark areas and such a little air-flow, who wants to go there if it isn’t necessary? But, that is a huge huge mistake. Ignoring the basement can lead to some bigger problems. One of them is definitely mold. Basement is perfect place for mold growth.

Why does mold grow in the basement?

Mold requires nourishment, warmth, and moisture in order to grow. Unfortunately, your basement most likely has all three things, which makes it the perfect place for mold growth. A basement can be a breeding ground for mold because it can be damp and humid, with no exposure to sunlight.

Leaking pipes

The usual cause of mold growth in basements is a water problem, such as flooding or leaky pipes. As you already know, moisture is making mold. One of the cause are leaking pipes in the basement. Damaged foundation is often reason why there is a problem with pipe leaks.

Beware of upcoming fall and winter season

If your basement have windows and they don’t seal properly, with rain and snow you get leaking windows which means you get moisture that leads to mold.

Besides leaking problems, there is an issue with poor ventilation

Condensation resulting from cold temperatures and high humidity is also another common cause of mold. The humidity then usually stays high thanks to poor ventilation and no sunlight. Some molds can begin to grow in the basement just from this high level of humidity.

Some of the most common places where mold grows in the basement are:

  • Walls
  • Wall cavities
  • Wooden building frames
  • Ceiling
  • Floor
  • Insulation
  • Storage boxes
  • Furniture
  • Pipes
  • Ducts and vents

The mold may grow in these hidden areas and cause serious damage to your house and health

  • Behind the wooden panels and under the floorboards
  • It can also grow in high areas or tight spaces which are usually not cleaned
  • Leaky toilets or running faucets in the upper floor can also bring the water down into the basement.
  • The basement is prone to flooding and plumbing accidents as well
  • Heavy rains, melting snow, clogged gutters, improper grading or landscaping, and a leaky garden hose can lead to the accumulation of water in the soil around the basement foundation. Hydrostatic pressure pushes this water into the basement through the cracks and spaces between walls and slabs.

Just for remanding – mold is a serious health issue. Mold can cause:

  • Respiratory conditions
  • Asthma
  • Coughing, sneezing, wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Frequent headaches
  • Eye, throat or skin irritation
  • Dizziness, disorientation or mental confusion
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Worsening of allergies
  • Anxiety

by http://www.homelyco.com/

If you have any questions, please ask below!