One of the biggest problems with basements is that they tend to be cold and moist which leads to mold. Basement mold is not only ugly but it is also dangerous to both children and adults by contributing to allergies and asthma. Any basement remodelling ideas you have should address the mold factor and work to make sure it does not become a problem.
One of the best way to make your basement floors warm and to eliminate wetness is to have radiant heat installed. This is easier if your house is new and still under construction. There are two kinds of radiant heat, hydronic and electric. Hydronic radiant heat involved warm water through tubes under the floor and electric radiant heat involves electrical wires much like your toaster. If your house is already built, electric radiant heat is by far the easier of the two to install.
If you have an issue with basement mold and basement dampness, another one of your options is to look into basement dehumidifiers. Basement mold will ruin your basement and present real health problems as well. Keeping your basement dry is very important for many reasons and one way to accomplish this is to buy a dehumidifier that will keep your basement free of moisture. A dehumidifier can be found at almost any home improvement store as well as online if you want one delivered right to your door.
Buying a cheap basement dehumidifier is a great investment and one of those basement ideas that you should do if you have any problem at all with wetness. Running a dehumidifier year round or part of the year will mean a higher electricity bill but you can get many dehumidifiers that are energy efficient and the extra output won't be too bad. Having a slightly higher electricity bill is a small price to pay for a dry and healthy basement.
Sealing your basement from the elements is another way you should be protecting yourself from mold and other harmful effects that can seep in. Make sure all openings are caulked and that there is proper ventilation around the foundation. You need to make sure that water does not form around the house and that there are gutters that move the water away from the basement foundation. Again, the idea is to make everything as dry as possible year round.
Making your basement a year round dry basement is the first step in making that room below your house into whatever dream room your desire.
It started when I decided to renovate my basement. I was full of amazing ideas and I was feeling really creative. I gathered the aid of a some friends in cleaning out the boxes of old ornaments, books, and clothing. That's when I came upon it.
In a dark, gloomy corner, hidden behind a pile of boxes. Nasty, disgusting, basement mold. It was black and greenish, and had already begun to cause damage the wall. I found it in a couple of other places as well.
I was mortified. My first thought was about the horror stories of how mold can cause breathing troubles and other serious complications. I have little kids and didn't want them to get sick.
After that, I was concerned about the cost of getting rid of the basement mold. After I went through my occasional cursing therapy, I did some research on how to take care of the mold once and for all. This is what I found.
Before you do anything else, find all of the mold in your home. Thankfully, just those few spots in the basement were affected. My friends unenthusiastically came over to help me clean up.
After looking fabulous in gloves and face masks, we were ready for the bank robbery. Just checking to see if you are paying attention.
All jokes aside, it's crucial to use gloves and face masks because the spores of the mold can bring on breathing issues, and other complications.
We made a solution of bleach to clean up all of the areas which were affected. Once you get the basement mold cleaned from all of the surfaces, you're ready to move on.
You really should take care of any moisture problem. If not, the mold will keep coming back. Evil little creatures, that mold. So, one of the best ways to deal with your moisture problem is to seal your basement floor.
Concrete is porous in nature, moisture can seep in through the floor and cause basement mold to grow. I had some professionals do this for me to make sure it was done right. Sealing the concrete also helps the concrete to stay stronger and last longer.
After that, I invested in a dehumidifier for our basement. This keeps out any excess moisture, which can be present even the driest of climates. I also had someone inspect my basement for leaky pipes or fixtures.
This can be a huge source of basement mold. I installed insulation inside the walls that were known for condensation.
I was also given the advice not to install carpeting in my basement, because carpet is so absorbent that it will soak up moisture and possibly grow mold as well.
I chose to go for a nice concrete stain instead. So, the mold is gone and once again, I can sleep well at night.
If you are considering remodeling your basement, or have noticed any mold down there, use this advice to get rid of the contamination of mold, and to prevent it from coming back. Good luck, and I hope I haven't frightened you too badly!
Both Bruce Lipski & Amy G are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Bruce Lipski has sinced written about articles on various topics from Disease & illness, Interior Design and Gas Prices. Do you want to learn more about ? If so, please visit my website. Bruce Lipski's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.
Amy G has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Real Estate and Family. Amy G is a stay at home mother and homemaker. Visit her website - to discover more fun basement tips and ideas.. Amy G's top article generates over 2400 views. to your Favourites.