A wet basement or crawlspace can have disastrous results on a home’s foundation. What’s worse is that this moisture can cause a slew of dangerous health effects related to mold: according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 100% of all types of mold have the potential to cause some health effects. This can be minor to severe and even death in some rare cases. And with the spring season in full bloom, you may have more trouble than usual keeping your basement dry due to the excess moisture that comes with the season. But with our tips, you can be well on your way to mold removal and prevention. Here are just a few smart ways to keep your basement dry during the spring seepage season.
Repair Foundation Cracks
Hopefully, you won’t have any major cracks in your basement’s walls or foundation, but smaller cracks can be repaired. Typically, the easiest way is with caulking. Just apply caulk to foundation cracks as well as sidewalk and driveway cracks to prevent excess water from making its way into your home.
Check Landscaping
Landscaping actually plays a large role in your basement’s potential for moisture buildup and mold growth. Plants should be placed a minimum of two feet from the foundation and low enough in the soil so as not to direct water toward the foundation. Plus, your home should have a downward slope in order to direct water away from the foundation.
Basement/Crawl Space Moisture BarrierFinally, as a more significant investment into your home’s foundation and structural integrity, a moisture barrier is one of the best ways to maintain a dry basement that’s free of mold and mildew. There are a number of basement and crawl space barriers and encapsulation systems that can work to dehumidify the space and prevent moisture completely. Though it may be a bit late in the season to make the most of their effects for this spring, it’s always ideal to get prepare your home far in advanced to provide additional protection and ensure a dry basement year round.
With these tips, you can ensure a dry basement all season long. For more information about waterproofing your basement, contact Dry-Tek Environmental.
