Keeping your home dry is the secret to avoiding mold problems, and as with most things in the house, it all starts with the foundation.  If you’ve got a wet foundation or basement, you’re going to have a hard time keeping any other parts of the home dry.  So here are some things to keep in mind to maintain a dry foundation.

Gutters and downspouts:  The biggest threats to a foundation is water collecting around it outside.  If you notice water collecting around your house check nearby gutters and downspouts to make sure they’re not leaking or overflowing.  If they are, clean or fix them as soon as you can.

Terrain grade:  By the same token, the ground around your house needs to be graded away from the house, so that it’s not bringing back the water you’re working so hard to draw away.

Check your plumbing:  If everything’s okay outside, start looking inside to make sure you have no plumbing leaks.  Another potential problem is condensation.  If you notice water drops on your pipes, you may need to insulate them.

Use a dehumidifier:  Once you’ve checked everything inside and out, if you still notice a damp basement, you can use a dehumidifier to keep things dry.

If you’re worried about a wet foundation and whether you have mold growth, contact us and we’ll come do an inspection.  We’ll also be happy to walk through any potential problems we see.