If you discover mold in the basement of your Brewster home

4/6/2018 (Permalink)

The basement is a place in the home that has the ideal conditions for mold growth. Basements are usually more humid than the rest of the house, have condensation and often have water leaks and seepage. Additionally, there is a lot of clutter in basements and they are not frequently visited, allowing mold to go unnoticed.  Follow these steps to reduce the risk of black mold in your basement.

1. Stop water from entering the basement: Mold cannot grow without moisture and can grow from even a small water leak. You can slope the land away from your home in order to redirect water if you notice leaks or puddling around the exterior.  Do an inspection of your gutters and downspouts to make sure that they are functioning and pointed away from the house. Consider having your Kent basement sealed to keep water out.  
2. Reduce the humidity: You can check humidity levels using a hydrometer. Check the levels seasonally, as humidity levels often rise in warmer weather.  Try to keep your humidity levels under 60% - with 30% being ideal. Using a home dehumidifier can effectively reduce levels. Many basements have a floor drain that can be used with a dehumidifier. Purchase a dehumidifier that is capable of draining the water vertically into a sink if your basement doesn't have a floor drain.
3. Organize your space: Love to store your unused items in the basement? Keeping your items organized and in plastic bins and off of the floor can help in reducing the risk of a mold infestation. Porous materials such as clothing, carpeting, books and cardboard boxes can dampen easily and be a perfect breeding ground for mold spores. We do not recommend carpeting in the basement if there is any moisture. 

 If you notice mold in your Garrison basement, call the SERVPRO of Putnam County office at (845) 228-1090. We can start the remediation process and make your home safe again