Mold in basement

5/18/2016 at 6:33:39 AM

Hi Suleman,

Your first line of defense against a wet basement is to ensure the building systems that manage water are working properly. For example; are your ease troughs are clear from obstruction and your down spouts are directing water away from your home. Grading can also often be an issue, so make sure your grading is directing water away from the home.

Are you sure you have dug deep enough to uncover the weeping tile?

You will need to contact a basement waterproofing outfit to have a look at options if in fact there is no weeping tile. There are options and they should be able to assess the different factors and give you a good recommendation.

When dealing with mold, be careful. If there is more than 10 sq ft of it you should call an environmentalist in to test the air quality of your home and the type of mold. Also using products like bleach to clean mold can cause the mold to react and release micro toxins into the air. Look for products that are specifically designed to eliminate mold.

I hope some of this information helps and you can get to the bottom of this issue.

5/19/2016 at 2:13:01 PM

Hi Suleman,

First you need to address and limit the amount of water coming up against the foundation by checking the eaves trough and more importantly the downspouts. It is strongly recommended you make sure the downspouts are extended at least 4 to 6 feet away from the foundation to an area that is sloping away from the house.

Next you need to dig down to the footing. The weeping tile is to be located on top of the footing against the foundation after which it will be covered by gravel. You may not have dug down deep enough if you stopped when you found gravel.

You should inspect the foundation for damp-proofing or water-proofing materials that should be present on the foundation wall.

It is likely that there is a crack or series of cracks allowing the water easier access through the foundation. You need to locate and identify this situation.

Everything up to this point can be completed by a qualified basement waterproofing contractor.

As for the mold you should get air quality samples to determine what type of mold is in your house and if the mold has spread to other parts of your home such as through the air ducts. This should be preformed by a certified indoor air quality consultant.