Green Concerns

No one wants to see a crack in their foundation. That’s a clear sign that moisture has found it’s way into your home. Some of these cracks can be easily repaired with mortar or special hydraulic cement. Other types of water intrusion can be sealed off and water condensation can be fixed by making the wall warmer or the air drier. However, once the moisture problem becomes serious, bigger cracks can develop as well as mold. There are several ecofriendly ways that you can get rid of some kinds of mold but some of the larger problems with this should still be handled by a professional. Be aware as well that all water should be drained as quickly as possible after a basement flood and that structural damage can occur if the water is pumped out too quickly.

If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, after the waters have subsided, begin draining the basement in stages. The tendency will be to want the water out of your home as fast as possible, but it can be a serious mistake to rush that job. It’s best to take it easy here and only drain about one third of the water each day. After you’re done, you might be lucky enough that you only find a mildew problem. Mildew can be fixed with a solution of four to six tablespoons of trisodium phosphate (TSP) mixed with water.

It may be a little surprising, but one of the best ways to get rid of mold is by using a diluted concentration of a common household cleanser, bleach. The procedure goes like this. First, wet the affected area with bleach for about fifteen minutes. Next, wash the moldy area with one part bleach, four parts water, and a touch of non-ammonia detergent. Afterwards, rinse the surface lightly and let it dry. This is a method of getting rid of mold after you’ve taken care of the source of the problem using the techniques listed above. It does little good to get rid of the affected area if  the origins of the problem persists.

Another issue that has become an issue with environmentally minded homeowners is radon gas. It seeps into the basement of your home from soil deposits and can cause very serious health problems including lung cancer. Radon test kits are available in hardware and home improvement stores, but you can do your part to keep this gas out of your home by sealing cracks and seams in the floors and walls. Another good idea is check or replace the vapor barrier around your foundation and install a gas trap to prevent air form getting in through a floor drain.