Basement remodeling is becoming a popular trend in home renovations, with good reason. A finished basement can have a 70% return on investment when reselling a home. From recreation areas to home gyms, there are endless ways to make use of basement real estate. If your family is going to be spending time in your newly finished basement, it is important to make sure the environment isn’t doing them any harm. No matter how nice your new basement design looks, they are naturally dark and damp places that can attract dangerous mold.
Having mold in your basement an affect the entire household, as spores will rise and spread to the rest of the house. When ingested or inhaled, mold spores can cause breathing troubles, skin irritation, or can even be toxic. Mold can also compromise the structure of a wooden home if it spreads to the framework. To protect your home and family, read on for ways to keep your basement mold-free.
Avoid Organic Materials
Mold stays alive through moisture and a food source. By removing the food source, you can minimize the likelihood of mold growing in your new basement. This means avoiding organic materials such as drywall and wood floors. Experienced basement refinishing contractors can provide safe alternatives to keep your finished basement looking homey while staying dry. If your basement is being used for storage, remove any organic materials like newspapers, extra wood, or even clothing. If these things must remain in the basement, store them in airtight containers.
Take a Minimalist Approach
The less space being taken up in your basement, the more airflow the room can have. Increasing airflow to prevent stagnant areas and limiting the number of items in the room that could feed the mold are great preventative options. They also make your basement look larger and more open, so it’s a win-win!
Monitor Humidity Closely
The key to preventing mold is to limit humidity. A great start is purchasing a dehumidifier for your basement to take some of the moisture away, and if possible, run a fan in the room for an hour every day to circulate air. It’s also important to make sure all entrances to the outdoors are sealed and well-insulated and have a ventilation system. When considering basement remodeling avoid things that will hold moisture, such as carpeted floors; try tile instead.
While basement remodeling can be a great home addition for a family to enjoy and increase overall value, it’s important to make sure it’s safe. While it is a contractor’s job to build the basement correctly to protect the inhabitants, it is the homeowner’s job to make sure it stays safe and free of moisture for years to come.