Mold growth is common throughout the home in places where wet items sit for long periods of time and where food has gone by. This is usually our own faults and we can prevent it easily.
Trying to prevent mold from growing on the basement walls is one of the hardest things for us to do. In fact it is one of the biggest problems that people will have in their basements. Before you can work to remove it you must first understand what causes it.
Moisture
In order for mold to develop there has to be a large amount of moisture. The humidity and the presence of water are some of the biggest factors. Research shows that the larger and more serious outbreaks will occur when porous materials have been saturated for long periods of time by condensation and water.
The majority of basements have a problem with standing water caused by leaking pipes. Also basements have problems with flooding during certain times of the year. The best way to stop this is to use a dehumidifer.
Stagnant Air
Air circulation is one of the best things that helps to prevent the development of mold because it helps to stop the buildup of moisture. Basements are built below the ground and usually don’t have any windows. One way to prevent this problem is to keep larger pieces of furniture and other items at least a few inches from the wall. This is the best way to get the air to circulate.
Sloping Ground
Some homes are built onto grounds that slope. The slop of the ground will cause rainwater to collect around the outside area of the basement and cause it to leak inside. Try to change the slope away from it to prevent any buildup.