Homeowners can’t always avoid disaster, but there are things they can do to take preventative measures to some extent. Whether it be taking steps to keep the attic clean and free of hazards in order to prevent a fire, encapsulating a crawl space to avoid toxic mold build-up as well as deter critters, or by having a professional come out to inspect all major appliances along with wiring to prevent any damage that might incur if a pipe bursts or a wire begins to spark...homeowners have a responsibility to do these things.
If you are a homeowner with a basement, steps can also be taken in order to keep it nice and dry to avoid a mold or mildew infestation along with pesky wood rot that is more likely when things are continuously damp. If you have a basement that is completely finished, there is even more at risk by having a moisture problem. Not only do you have the wood to be concerned with, but also carpeting, furniture, and drywall.
What do the experts have to say about keeping a basement dry?
Here are some professional tips from Lowes:
Keep your gutters clean. Install downspout extensions to direct rainwater away from the foundation.
Be sure that water coming down the driveway is diverted. The grade should slope away from the house on all sides.
If you have a partial basement that has an adjoining crawlspace with exposed dirt, cover the ground using 6-mil-thick polyethylene sheeting. Overlap the plastic about 6 inches, allowing the excess to spread up the walls, and use bricks to hold it in place. An earthen crawlspace can cause high humidity in the basement and produce a strong musty smell.
To control mildew and odors, spray the basement occasionally with a mild bleach solution.
Vent the clothes dryer to the outside.
Another way to prevent condensation and humidity in a basement is to install an exhaust fan.
By sealing your concrete floors, you can create a moisture barrier that helps prevent damage to your belongings.
Install a dehumidifier and connect it to the floor drain via a garden hose. Check the drain regularly to make sure it remains unclogged. Use hot water and detergent periodically to keep the drain open and control algae growth.
Install a sump pump with a battery-operated backup in case the electricity goes out. You'll need a connection to a drainage system. This project will probably require the help of a professional.
Sitting back and waiting for a monetary or health dilemma to happen due to mold and structural/belonging damage is not advised. If you own a home with a basement, taking action now will save you from misery later on if disaster strikes.
Has your basement recently suffered from water damage or an infestation of mold due to excess moisture? Do you need help from a restoration specialist? Don’t worry—Restoration Certified Specialists, Inc. will take care of you! They have been proudly serving the Santa Rosa, CA and North Bay areas since 1975.
Did you know that mold can live and thrive in your body and make you sick?
As referenced in recent articles, mold is highly toxic and can cause quite a few negative health reactions; although some individuals are more susceptible to having an adverse reaction to mold, such as those with allergies or asthma, there is also such thing as ‘mold illness,’ which is a type of biotoxin illness called Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). Regardless of the type or severity of response, mold is a toxin and we do not want toxins in our bodies.
The experts with the National Integrated Health Associates list the primary symptoms of CIRS, which again are associated with mold illness.
These include:
Eyes/Ears/Nose/Throat Symptoms
Musculoskeletal Symptoms
Lungs/Heart Symptoms
Digestive/Liver/Urinary Symptoms
Nervous/Endocrine/Immune Symptoms
Skin Symptoms
Extremities
Surviving Mold explains why this type of reaction sometimes happens:
Every person’s innate immune system is personal and genetically coded – thus, it works differently for each of us. When the body is faced with a foreign substance, it immediately begins to process that substance – recognize it, determine if it is good or bad, a friend or a foe, and throw it into the antigen presenting machinery that will normally generate an effective antibody response. If the body determines the substance is a foe, it will develop antibodies to bind these substances, called antigens. Normally the next time a non-mold susceptible person walks into a water-damaged building, his antibodies will target the antigen and clear it out fast. That protection from so-called acquired immune responses just doesn’t happen in mold patients.
What should individuals do if they suspect that they have a high level of mold toxicity in their system and are experiencing symptoms?
First and foremost, contact your doctor. Your primary may refer you to an allergist, so if your insurance allows, give them a call and speak to someone to schedule an appointment. They will indeed want to know your symptoms and what you think brought them on. If you are experiencing mold illness, then you have a mold problem somewhere in your home or where you work. Unfortunately, technology continues to be limited and mold toxicity is often difficult to determine; doctors will typically perform a skin, blood, or urine test.
Even though there is a lot of information online about how to naturally (DIY) cleanse your body of certain toxins, it is best to heed an actual doctor’s advice. One very important thing you need to do ASAP if you test positive for mold toxicity is to get out of the environment that has the mold and call professionals and inspect and clean. Do not try to clean it yourself, especially if you are sick.
Dealing with mold is no joke.
Has your home recently suffered from water damage or an infestation of mold due to excess moisture? Do you need help from a restoration specialist to determine if you have a mold problem? Don’t worry—Restoration Certified Specialists, Inc. will take care of you! They have been proudly serving the Santa Rosa and North Bay areas since 1975.
