Keeping Your Basement Dry and Mold Free

9/26/2018 (Permalink)

Owning a home means seasonal upkeep is a mandatory. SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County suggest homeowners focus on improving drainage and preventing ground water intrusion, both runoff issues that occur this time of year. SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County has tips for you to stay dry and give you peace of mind.

As you might guess, preventing ground water intrusion starts outside of your home. It’s easy to think that installing a sump pump, basket or drain tile is the only way to combat water issues indoors, however outside the home is where your real maintenance should begin. The quality and placement of your gutters, as well as the grading around your home, and crawl spaces in your home have the most impact for prevention. 

Gutters and downspouts work wonders in clearing out water runoff when properly installed. Without gutters having extensions, water can concentrate in the same areas, causing damage over time. Without downspouts, water will concentrate in the same areas outside your home, eventually seeping in. After proper installation, water should end up six to ten feet from your home. If at all possible, place these downspouts where the ground slopes away from your home.

Grading around your home, in simple terms, means that you want water to flow in the opposite direction of your house and foundation. Sometimes the solution is as easy as piling and arranging your landscaping with dirt to change the direction, other times you will need to dig a trench or install an underground drain system.

Also, check your home’s crawlspace to be sure that water isn’t seeping in. Many homeowners never pay attention to their crawlspace because it is out of sight, therefore out of mind. Often it’s a good idea to install a moisture alarm in a crawlspace to alert you when moisture is present.

If you find that you have water in your basement or crawlspace, it’s important to call a professional restoration company for a comprehensive assessment. Often people only are concerned about squishy carpet, unaware that water can intrude the wall cavities and insulation inside the wall. If not properly addressed and dried, mold can grow in the wall cavity. Additionally, ground water can be contaminated with bacteria from the soil as a result of animal, bird and rodent feces. This means that water damaged materials may need to be removed and discarded, and a disinfection process should be used in clean-up. 

Water Intrusion in your home or Business? Contact the professionals here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County today. 502.241.6861

SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby also proudly serves Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties.