For anyone who has dealt with a flooded basement – not uncommon in Nebraska with our frequent flash flood warnings—removing the water is only the beginning. Standing water, for even a short amount of time, can have serious consequences.
One of the most serious consequences is mold.
Mold can grow quickly and on all kinds of surfaces given the right environment. Its spores can attach to drywall, carpeting, fabric, wood and more. One inch of water can give off enough humidity that mold begins to grow.
Mold can affect both your home and your health. Mold spores irritate eyes, nose, skin and airways. It can cause pneumonia-like inflammation of the lungs. Mold can especially harm those with asthma or other respiratory issues such as cystic fibrosis.
The worst part is that mold often grows out of sight. It can be found inside walls, behind baseboards, and move through cracks. When things get wet, especially in an already humid basement, you have to be aware that mold could be growing and you just don’t see it yet. Crawl spaces are also commonly wet spaces that when not sealed, can be a great place to house mold.
So, how can you tell if you have mold?
Signs that you might need mold removal
- You are experiencing allergic symptoms, such as scratchy throat, runny nose, sneezing, headaches and aren’t sure why
- You smell a musty odor but don’t see any obvious mold
- There have been plumbing leaks or water issues in your home
- You think you see mold but are not quite sure if it is mold
How to prevent mold from ever growing in your home
The best way to combat mold is to block out any moisture from entering your home. Since water most commonly enters through the basement due to cracks in the foundation walls or the floor, basement waterproofing is very important to keep you protected!
BDB Waterproofing uses the SafeBasements™ products because they are proven to be highly effective in removing water from basements and keeping them dry. SafeBasements™ Waterproofing systems are designed to work in conjunction with radon mitigation systems to make your basement a dry and healthy environment.
Another crucial area to keep dry is your crawl space. Mold and bacteria can easily grow in damp crawl spaces. Water in your crawl space can also cause sagging floor joists, which weakens your floors and your home’s support by rotting the wood. Deteriorating wood may also attract unwanted pests, such as termites and mosquitoes.
BDB Waterproofing uses a proven crawl space encapsulation system to create a fully waterproof area beneath your house. We install durable vapor barriers on walls and liners on floors. We also install sump pumps when needed. These products will help to seal off the crawl space to keep out moisture, humidity and unwanted critters.
Crawl space encapsulation and basement waterproofing are well worth the time and expense. It’s a great investment in the health of your family, as well as the health and value of your home. Call BDB Waterproofing today at 402-779-3165 or contact us online to get a free evaluation and estimate.
