| Moldy Wet Basements |
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You may have a wet basement even if there are
not puddles of water in the corners. If the humidity
level of the air in your basement is above 60% you
have a wet basement when it comes to whether or
not it is a healthy environment. Too much moisture
in the air will promote the growth of mold. Mold
spore are in the air everywhere. Mold requires
moisture to grow so the first step to mold
eradication is to eliminate excess water. There are
a number of steps to a dry and cozy basement.
The first step is to ensure that there is no water
coming through the concrete walls or floor. This
may require concrete sealing and installing
perimeter drain tiles. Next you will need to insulate
the outer walls so that there is a vapour barrier
and insulation between the living space and the
cold concrete. How difficult each of these steps
are, will depend on the age of the house and the
climate in your area. They are worthwhile since
you do not want a wet basement. A dry basement
increases the resale value of your home by many
thousands of dollars.
A good air exchanger is the next effective measure
for you to take. Even in cold climates, you need to
have fresh air coming into your house in all zones
of your home. There are air exchanger units
designed that will take some of the heat out of the
exhausted air and use it to pre-warm the fresh air
supply. If these steps are not enough to change
your wet basement into a dry one then you will
want to install a dehumidifier with a humidistat.
You can have a timer in the circuit so that the
dehumidifier does not run when the basement is
being occupied so the noise will not be
bothersome. Remember it is easier and less
expensive to keep the basement dry and prevent
mold growth than it is to eliminate mold later.
not puddles of water in the corners. If the humidity
level of the air in your basement is above 60% you
have a wet basement when it comes to whether or
not it is a healthy environment. Too much moisture
in the air will promote the growth of mold. Mold
spore are in the air everywhere. Mold requires
moisture to grow so the first step to mold
eradication is to eliminate excess water. There are
a number of steps to a dry and cozy basement.
The first step is to ensure that there is no water
coming through the concrete walls or floor. This
may require concrete sealing and installing
perimeter drain tiles. Next you will need to insulate
the outer walls so that there is a vapour barrier
and insulation between the living space and the
cold concrete. How difficult each of these steps
are, will depend on the age of the house and the
climate in your area. They are worthwhile since
you do not want a wet basement. A dry basement
increases the resale value of your home by many
thousands of dollars.
A good air exchanger is the next effective measure
for you to take. Even in cold climates, you need to
have fresh air coming into your house in all zones
of your home. There are air exchanger units
designed that will take some of the heat out of the
exhausted air and use it to pre-warm the fresh air
supply. If these steps are not enough to change
your wet basement into a dry one then you will
want to install a dehumidifier with a humidistat.
You can have a timer in the circuit so that the
dehumidifier does not run when the basement is
being occupied so the noise will not be
bothersome. Remember it is easier and less
expensive to keep the basement dry and prevent
mold growth than it is to eliminate mold later.