If you’ve recently suffered a flood in your home, you might be facing a hidden threat, especially if your home wasn’t professionally restored. You could have moisture hiding deep within your walls, just waiting to begin growing mold. Moisture can do a lot of damage to your basement. In fact, moisture can invite mold growth, cause paint to peel and it can even lead to wood rot. Moisture can be tough to find. You might not even realize you have a problem until the damage is done. Here’s a quick way to identify a moisture problem, as well as some instructions on how to prevent moisture damage in your basement.
Identify the Moisture
Don’t just assume that a lack of visible moisture means you don’t have a problem. Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there. Moisture can hide in your basement for quite a while before it causes damage. Follow the instructions provided here to find the moisture that might be hiding in your basement.
Directions
- Tape a few sheets of aluminum foil to your basement walls.
- Be sure the aluminum foil is secured on all edges.
- Allow the foil to hang in your basement for about a week.
- Carefully remove the foil and check the back for signs of moisture.
Call the Professionals for Cleanup
If you discover moisture in your basement, it means the flood wasn’t properly cleaned up after. You’re going to need a water damage restoration company. They’ll come out and remove all the water, and residual moisture. They’ll also take care of any mold remediation you may need to have taken care of. Once they’re done with the cleanup, you’ll the problem is resolved.
Waterproof the Basement
The best way to protect your basement from moisture and water damage, is to waterproof it. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on the waterproofing either. If your basement walls are constructed from concrete, or concrete blocks, you should apply a waterproof sealant. You’ll need waterproof sealant, a paint roller, and a disposable paint pan. Apply a thin layer of sealant to the basement walls and floor, and allow them to dry overnight.
