People think that a little mold is not that big a deal. However, a mold problem can appear to be focused in one little area when it is festering behind walls, underneath floors, or behind appliances. Once water enters your basement or crawlspace, mold can appear within in as little as 24 to 48 hours. When it comes to mold inspection, professionals spotting a little mold will realize you may have a bigger problem than you think. That’s why it’s important to not let it start in the first place.
Precautions You Need to Take to Pass a Mold Inspection
In general, to pass a mold inspection, you need to take care of three different parameters in your basement or crawlspace. The level of humidity should be low. The temperature should be on the cool side, as warmth generates a better environment for mold to thrive. Also, make sure to control any aspects that can contribute to a more humid and hot environment.
Keep Water Out of Your Basement
This is your top priority. Without dampness, mold won’t grow. Basements and crawlspaces can be sealed against moisture. Here are a few precautions to take to make sure water doesn’t enter the basement or crawlspace:
Cover crawlspaces with moisture barriers – Put a sheet of plastic down in a crawlspace to keep the natural moisture from the earth from traveling up into your floorboards or joists.
Look into a dehumidifier – If you still have some dampness, add a dehumidifier to the basement area.
Pump out excess water promptly – If your basement is subject to flooding, install a sump pump so that you can pull the water out of the basement quickly, before mold has a chance to grow.
Wrap exposed piping – Pipes have a temperature differential that encourages condensation of moisture in the air. Wrap the pipes and you’ll eliminate that problem.
Maintain a Cool Environment
Keep the air moving – Stalled air can also lead to mold issues. If you want to make sure your basement or crawlspace has the necessary ventilation in it to keep things dry and cool, make sure to add fans and venting.
Don’t vent your dryer into the crawlspace – Home appliances, like a dryer, can end up creating more problems when vented into a crawlspace due to the way they raise the temperature.
Control the Environment
Slope water away from the basement – Grade the property so water runs away from the foundation, not towards it.
Keep your downspouts pointed away from the basement – If you have gutters, rain chains, or spouts, make sure that they are kept free of debris so that they move water away from the home, not into it.
Keep landscaping bare near basement foundation – Avoid heavy bushes or trees planted near your foundation as they can collect water and keep it in an area close to the basement.
If mold has already grown in your basement, contact a mold removal company to first test whether there is indeed mold and if there is, to remove it.
