Why is Moisture - Mold in My Basement?

By Jess Alvarez


Do you have water damaged stored items, a musty smell, or a growing stain-like
spot(s) in your home? These are indicators of moisture intrusion.

The #1 destructive issue to a home and its' contents is moisture intrusion. Excessive moisture in a home creates an atmosphere that promotes wood rot, deterioration of building materials and MOLD (mould) growth! A few facts about mold. Mold spores (seeds) are all around us. In order for a mold seed to grow, it needs the proper environment, such as food, proper temperature, & moisture. Food for some types of mold is cellulose (wood) materials. Most homes are built with wood materials. Temperature ideal for growth of some molds coincide with our comfortable temperature range. The only thing to eliminate or control is MOISTURE, the third element for mold growth. Most mold spores are beneficial to us. We eat them (cheese), breathe them, drink them. Some kinds of mold spores are allergens for some environmentally sensitive people. For people sensitive to molds, it is essential to have a dry home. A home is our refuge, keeping it dry eliminates many, & various issues . Mold is not the problem, moisture intrusion is the problem.

It rains. The ground becomes saturated with rainwater. Your home, with a basement was not intended to be a boat. OK, maybe a leaky one . . . This also applies to crawlspaces! Unless there is flowing spring under your home, there are some simple solutions that may help eliminate moisture problem(s).
The grade or slope of the area near the foundation is critical. A positive slope, by design, will shed rainwater, lawn sprinkler water, or water used for washing your car, away from the foundation. Most soils next to the foundation are settled, covered with mulch or rocks and plants for landscaping. This condition results in a negative slope or grade funneling rainwater toward the foundation which finds its way into your home. I've not yet seen a concrete wall or floor that does not have cracks. This provides a path for moisture intrusion. Solution? Provide a path for water to drain away from the foundation. If required, build up the soil near the foundation to divert moisture away. Typically, a 6 inch of drop at 10 feet from the foundation is recommended. What if the land around the home is flat? A "swale" may be option. A "swale" is a slight depression in the area around the structure, sloped away to provide a drainage system for water. In this situation, a landscape contractor is the best option since specialized tools will be needed to attain the proper drainage slope.

The second most critical item? A properly functioning gutter & downspout system with a minimum 6 foot downspout extension to move rainwater away from the foundation. Properly functioning? Correct slope of the gutters to allow proper drainage. And yes, that also means keeping the gutters clean! When the system does not operate or not properly designed, rainwater from the entire roof can dump near the foundation. Again, this promotes moisture intrusion. In my opinion, keeping moisture/water in its proper place is by far the most important home maintenance consideration.

Homes are complicated. Homes have hundreds of components. When working properly together, they provide a safe, comfortable space to live. Hundreds of home components will wear over time. This is why regular, scheduled maintenance is so important. Just like changing the oil in your cars' engine, this action prolongs the life of the engine, so does proper maintenance of a home. If you do not know, do not want to know, or do not want to do maintenance, have someone do it. Ask for references & hire a qualified handyman. This will save you money, time, & the aggravation of something breaking down at the most inconvenient time.

You do not have to be selling or buying a property for a home inspection. Performed by an experienced, trained, professional home inspector, a home safety/maintenance inspection will provide you with information of the true condition of your home. Of the deficiencies identified, safety items should take priority. Major defects, then small deficiencies that can become major defects, such as a small leak in a drain, are next. With a written home safety/maintenance inspection in hand, it's your call, what gets immediate attention, and what can wait a few weeks. Prioritize your safety deficiencies and maintenance tasks to be completed. Providing a safe, dry, healthy home for you and your family is fundamental.

Jess Alvarez is the owner of "A Plus Home & Building Inspections, Inc."
815-941-2345. An advocate for all clients delivering the best inspection service, period. Provides you peace of mind when buying your home!

Experienced in the building sciences; building, remodeling, inspecting. I invite you to visit the website http://www.aphbi.com for additional information.

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http://knkhomeimprovements.com --is the place for help with your do-it-yourself home improvements. Contact us for a bit of free information. at knkhomeimprovements.com/services

Drywall Water Damage Repairs

By Steven Panzullo
Water damage to drywall is a common result of plumbing and roofing leaks, but is a home project that should take priority. When trying to spot water damage, look for discoloration, bulging, sagging, and cracks. Water can easily drip and run along interior pipes, so look for damage on both the walls and ceilings, and do not be surprised if you find damage further away from the leak. If you are aware of water damage, it is important to address the problem immediately; once drywall is wet, it is the ideal environment for mold and mildew and can quickly complicate even a small project.

If the only damage found is small cracks, the water damage may be a relatively easy fix. Ready-mixed spackling compounds are ideal for this situation and are easily applied with a putty knife. A strip of fiberglass mesh tape can provide a structural patch to the area to which the putty can be applied. A larger repair requires more structural work.

The first step in repairing larger portions of water damaged drywall is to remove all of the compromised material. Depending on the level of damage, the drywall may already be crumbling or a jigsaw or drywall handsaw may be needed to cut away the damage. As the material is removed, be on the look-out for signs (and smells) of mold and mildew. Any drywall with mold or mildew cannot be saved and all other surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned.

Before repairs begin, it is also important to let the damaged area completely dry. To maximize air flow to the area, it is best to use a high-intensity fan and, when possible, a dehumidifier. The area should dry for at least twelve hours to ensure that the leak has been fixed and that the area is moisture free.

Water damaged drywall can be repaired with a patch - a replacement piece of drywall that is carefully fitted and blended into the existing wall to be unnoticeable. Water-resistant drywall is now available and is the best option when repairing a water damaged area. A new piece of drywall is cut and fit into the opening.

If it is a large hole, a plywood backer board will be necessary. The backer board should be fastened onto the studs to provide a structure to hold the new piece of drywall. The drywall patch should be fastened (screws or nails) into the hole. The joints (edges) of the patch should be taped using paper or fiberglass drywall tape and covered with drywall mud. Once the mud is cured (24 hours), the joints should be sanded to ensure the wall surface is flat and smooth for painting. Any imperfections in the patch or joints will still be visible when painted, so attention to detail is essential throughout this part of the process.

While it is easy to overlook water damaged drywall through the more pressing project of finding and fixing a plumbing or roofing leak, it is not a problem that will go away on its own. The time and money it may cost to fix is well worth it when compared to the potential structural and health consequences.

Steven is an expert in the field of search engine optimization, internet advertising and has posted this article. Steven has optimized keyword San Diego Drywall for a client's website. Drywall Water Damage is the target keyword. Steven can be reached for questions about Search engine optimization, article marketing and person to person sales. 1-866-552-7830
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