A1 Foundation Crack Repair Blog

If you find that there is mold growing in your home from a wet or damp basement, you need to act fast in order to remove it. However, if you have a mold problem that covers more than a 10-foot by 10-foot area, consider calling a professional.

When dealing with mold removal, be careful, once mold is disturbed it will release mold spores that can cause additional growth, or those spores can lead to health problems.

The first phase of work will be to completely remove drywall and carpet and all other “non permanent” affected items.  Also remove any furnishings that are carrying mold.  It is rare that these items can be saved once they have mold.

Once that is completed, it is time to clean the mold.  Use a cleaning product that is designed specifically for mold removal.  This will ensure that the spores have been killed, and the entire mold organism has been removed.  You must be very thorough, especially in wall and ceiling cavities. 

Remember that mold spores are often invisible.  So, even though the visible mold has been removed from surfaces, the spores could remain in the air for quite some time. It is very important to isolate the area where you have mold from the rest of the house because mold spores are designed to travel in the air until they can find a place to settle which is good for growth.  Mold spores need warmth, moisture, and a food source.  The food source can include wood, drywall, paper, fabrics and other typical household items. 

The next step is to eliminate the moisture and the food source.  The mold cleaning detergent needs to eliminate the food source from the washed surfaces but you also need to lower the humidity levels in the area.  The temperature in the space should be higher than normal because this will promote faster drying.  Be sure to close any windows or doors to the outside as well, so that humidity from the outdoors cannot come in.

The basement or other affected area should have good airflow for several days, so use fans; but most importantly, be sure to have a dehumidifier in this space.  It should be a reliable, powerful unit that will remove moisture from the air into either into a reservoir or a hose running to a drain or sump pump.  With a moisture meter you can regularly check surfaces and materials for moisture content.  Once you are able to get walls and floors to 12% moisture content or less, mold growth can no longer be sustained.

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Sometimes, no matter what, when you live in a flood zone,  your house will flood in heavy rain. I have a friend who lives on a street called Water Row Lane, and last year their neighborhood had to collectively rent the Boston Duck Boats for 2 weeks to transport them from their homes to their cars in a nearby parking lot.

Water, might be good for flowers, plants, and trees, but it’s not so good for houses.

Live in a flood zone?

If you live in an area that has a high flood risk, elevate the furnace, water heater, electric panel, washer and dryer in your home at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.

You should have check valves installed in your home to prevent flood water from backing up your drains.

Have a sump pump installed,  and if you have a sump pump, make sure it’s working and install a battery-operated backup, in case the power goes out.

Clean debris from your gutters and downspouts.

After a flood

Check outside for loose power lines, gas leaks, foundation cracks or other damage. Make sure your porch roofs and overhangs still have their supports. Check your home’s and your out building’s foundations for settling, cracking or undermining. If you see damage, get a building inspector or contractor to check the home before you go inside.

Turn off all electrical switches, even if the power is out.

While the electricity is off, hose down the house to remove any health hazards left by floodwater and mud.

If your furnace or water heater floods, have a technician check them before turning them on.

If your basement is flooded, pump the water out in stages.

Dry out appliances such as washers and dryers before using them. They might need several days to dry.
 
Mold

Mold can produce allergens, and, in some cases, potentially toxic substances that can make you sick, so you need to ensure your home is as mold-free as possible.

Water damage should be taken care of within 48 hours after the incident or mold growth (or worse, bacteria and viruses) will occur.

The best way to prevent mold is to remove wet contents from your home immediately.

Wet items should be cleaned with a pine-oil cleanser and bleach, completely dried, and monitored for several days for any fungal growth and odors.

Dry out damaged rooms by opening windows and using high-pressure fans. If your carpets are damaged, you should strongly consider installing new ones.

Keep the indoor humidity low, ideally from 30 percent to 50 percent. Make sure places of high humidity, such as bathrooms, are well-ventilated. Use a dehumidifier whenever necessary.

Even if you remove the mold, if the water problem (i.e. a leaky pipe or cracked foundation) is not fixed, the mold will come back.
 
Hiring a Contractor

Do the research. Ask friends and neighbors and read reviews. Make sure the contractor can do the type of work needed, foundation and basement crack repair . And check the contractor’s current references.

Check withe the Better Business Bureau, A1 Foundation Crack Repair has an A+ Rating.

Contractors can’t collect more than one-third of payment up-front unless the job requires materials that must be specially ordered. They also cannot demand any payment before the contract is signed.

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When you are faced with a wet basement it can be a particularly heartbreaking sight especially if things are ruined.  The first thing you need to do is dry out the basement and this could be a big task.

How Deep is the Water?
Before you can dry out the basement properly, you will need to get rid of all the water. Where there’s deep standing water, you’ll need a pump to get it out of the house. Rent one from a local rental store or buy one. If there are just puddles of water, a wet-dry vac should be sufficient to take care of the problem. When there’s just a tiny amount of water, a mop and squeegee will be adequate. When the basement is damp but there’s no standing water, open the basement window and use a fan.

Removing Damaged Items
The water will most likely have caused damage to items in the basement even if it’s not immediately apparent. If the basement is carpeted, remove all the carpeting and underlay then throw it away. it is highly unlikely that it can be salvaged.  If there’s a wooden floor with an underlay, take it all up. Take the wood out to the garage to dry and throw away the underlay, since you won’t be able to re-use it. If there’s drywall or paneling in the basement, remove that too. It’s a magnet for mold and mildew. Where there’s been contact with water, you’ll need to replace entire panels and not just sections. Go all the way to the studs. Don’t try to save any of it as this could lead to a moldy, mildewed basement later on.  Take out all the furniture and clothing until the basement is empty. Clothes and covers should be washed then dried.

Drying out the Basement
Even with the water gone, the basement will still be damp. You’ll need to run a dehumidifier for several days to ensure it becomes completely dry. Until the basement is thoroughly dry, don’t attempt to make any repairs or replace items.
If you have a wood floor with no underlay in the basement, inspect for any signs of buckling and replace any planks that need it.

Inspecting the Basement
When the basement has been completely dry for a week, inspect it carefully for any signs of mold and mildew, especially on the wall studs or other porous material. If you see any, replace the item. This is the only way to keep the mold from the basement.

Finding the Source of the Leak
The leak that caused your wet basement could come from any number of sources, such as a burst pipe or a leaking washing machine. However, it could be a crack in the foundation or high water table. It’s important to find the cause of the leak and fix it before you repair the basement. If you’re not sure of the reason, employ a professional to determine the root cause.

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