Do You Have A lot of Basement Mold?
Is your home at risk for basement mold growth? Well, let’s be real here. Every home is different, and many different factors can play into why a certain home is more susceptible to mold growth. Sometimes it can be hard to determine if your home is in need of professional services, and the price of professional solutions or potentially waterproofing your basement can certainly be an effective de-motivator. So what do we do?
Use a Thermohygrometer
Well, an effective do-it-yourself way to determine whether your home is ripe for a mold infestation is to check your home’s relative humidity using a thermohygrometer. You can purchase one online or at your local home improvement store, and most of them will run you anywhere between $50-$100.
Using a thermohygrometer is generally pretty simple; just turn it on and you’re good to go. I would certainly read the instructions to make sure it’s calibrated properly before use. Take a look at this video to get a feel for the modern digital thermohygrometer:
What you’re going to want to do is take a measurement of the relative humidity in every room in your basement, or in a few different areas if it’s all open. The EPA recommends relative humidity remain between 30%-60% throughout the year. The American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends your indoor relative humidity be no more than 35%. Certainly the lower the number the less chance there is for basement mold to grow.
If you notice your indoor relative humidity pushing the 60%+ mark, check for leaks in appliances, and make sure windows and doors are properly sealed. In addition, make sure foundation cracks are sealed and moisture isn’t allowed to enter your foundation elsewhere. If all else fails and you aren’t able to identify the source of the moisture on your own, contact us and we’ll send one of our expert inspectors out at no cost to you.
Way past the point of no return? Learn how to spot treat black mold in your basement.
Click here for more resources on mold from the EPA.
Jeff’s passion for basement waterproofing can be traced back to his early days at Everdry Waterproofing. He spent significant time working in every department not only to learn and improve but to help those who worked with him advance both personally and professionally.
Jeff has worked in the Waterproofing industry for 35 years, gaining experience in marketing, sales, service, and installations. As a seasoned basement waterproofing professional, he is passionate about advancing his knowledge in waterproofing and developing his team. In addition to basement waterproofing, he is also a board member for a non profit that educates and protects consumers against unethical business practices. Outside of the office, Jeff enjoys travel, music, and time with his wife of 36 years and his two sons.
