How to avoid basement mold

High humidity is the leading cause of mold growth, which generally starts in the basement and spreads.

Luckily, you've got your Flowie water sensor helping you keep an eye on that. Of course there's more you can do to keep your basement safe, dry, and mold-free. The Basement Health Association has helpfully compiled a list of tips:

DEHUMIDIFY YOUR BASEMENT

• All basements—finished or unfinished—should be kept at or below 50% relative humidity.
• Use a dehumidifier if Flowie is reporting humidity near or higher than 50%
• As a related point: DON'T RELY ON BASEMENT EXHAUST
  • Air pulled out of a basement is replenished by air from outside or the upper levels of the house, which may actually have a higher moisture content than the original
    

GET RID OF BASEMENT CARPETING

• Carpet captures biodegradable dust, which is a common below-grade breeding ground for mold
• Consider tile or vinyl flooring instead

NO FIBERGLASS INSULATION IN CRAWLSPACE

• Fiberglass absorbs and holds moisture, which will cause it to lose it's thermal resistance (R-value) and to potentially collapse due to the extra weight
• Fiberglass insulation can also wick moisture, spreading it higher to structural wood components and increasing the chance of rot and mold

FINISHED BASEMENTS SHOULD BE KEPT WARM IN THE HEATING SEASON

• Most people are prone to turning down the heat in the basement if they are not using it
• When air is warming and cooling, it'll actually create more moisture that can lead to mold and mildew
• Avoid unnecessary fluctuations with the temperature. Try to keep the basement consistently warm, even during colder months

UNFINISHED BASEMENTS NEED PROPER STORAGE

• Consider plastic storage containers to help keep your basement dry and your belongings safe
• Cardboard boxes are biodegradable and may lead to mold problems on the porous concrete floor
• If cardboard boxes must be used, they should be off the floor on a metal or plastic shelf