Finished basements and protecting against mold.

Finished basements can take a bit of effort, but it is always worth it. Deciding to turn your basement into additional living space can be a great addition to your home. This could be used for that children’s room that you always wanted, or your very own office, or even that den where you can take your friends; the options are endless. You will want this room to be as comfortable as the rest of your house and to make that possible you will need to finish it.

Finished basements can quickly turn into a disaster if all efforts are not made to reduce the risk of mold. This means making sure that there is not any moisture and considering how the room is going to be ventilated. Prior to starting your attempts to create a finished basement you will need to check all over for any leaks or anything else that could be causing moisture to enter your basement. Mold loves moisture and this is why you will often find it in places like basements.

It is sometimes difficult to tell if the dampness in your basement is being caused by condensation or from exterior water. In order to find out you can put some plastic sheeting over the wall and leave for a day or two. If there is water on the inside of the plastic then you will know that it is coming from the outside while if it is outside then you have condensation. If you have external water coming into the basement then you will need to eliminate the leaks; you may even need to install some drains. If you have condensation then you will need to take this into account when finishing your basement and work to eradicate the problem by sealing against it.

Finished basements are an excellent addition to your home. So long as you make sure that your new space is not at risk of mold you will be sure to enjoy it for many years to come. In fact just be using this space and making it mold-proof you could be saving money over the long-run. If you have a basement that is never used it could easily be taken over by mold which could later cost a fortune to remedy. In the past people have needed to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to gut out a house because of a mold infestation.

About the Author:

Charles Boday is a Certified Mold Inspector and Contractor, graduate from Certified Mold Inspector & Contractors Institute. He has worked with some of the countries top scientists seeking alternative poison-free mold remediation techniques. He has testified as an expert foundation witness and is the Author of the books, The Ultra Dry Basement.