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As you've learned from the previous article, there are stages of remodeling that don't all involve the fun creative part of picking out the colors for the wall and its complementary tiles.
Some of the stages, like mold remediation, can be down-right boring.
However, if you don't consider waterproofing, you will have problems with mold, mildew, and other bacteria.
The key is to reduce the amount of water in the concrete and the air.
Because most basements are situated on concrete slabs, the first and ultimately most important step to remodeling your basement is waterproofing and mold remediation.
Foundations are the highest source of water problems in a home.
Because of its porous nature, concrete actively draws in water accumulating up to 14-18 gallons of water per day.
You may have noticed a mildew smell or discolorations on the walls.
Mold remediation is necessary to rid the area of excess dampness which creates ideal living conditions for mold, fungi, and bacteria.
Understand that remediation is not simply washing the wall.
In order to permanently rid the area of mold, the conditions have to be altered.
That means no more water.
To achieve this commonly the drywall and framing is removed and a thick polyethylene sheet is placed as a barrier against the wall running under the floor.
This guarantees protection against further water through the wall.
The studs and sheetrock are then rebuild free of mildew, mold, or fungi.
There are other ways to assist in maintaining a water-free basement once the mold remediation has occurred.
Your sump pump needs to be maintained and kept in good working condition.
It should be kept covered and sealed with silicone caulk.
All air conditioning ducts should be insulated and condensing units should be periodically cleaned with chlorine.
While some companies suggest dehumidifying units, these are often just a mask for the cause of the situation.
Not only do these units run use a large amount of energy, many of them can be messy to maintain and clean.
They have to release the water into the air as heat which in turns causes for a higher air conditioning bill.
Some types still require you to dump the excess water.
Dehumidifying units also use chemicals which can cause deterioration to the concrete.
Similarly on the outside of your house, flowerbeds, especially the rich, moist soil, need to be kept away from the foundation itself.
The yard may have to be re-graded to prevent sloping which runs water towards the house.
You can diffuse problem area of the yard which may be too low for proper drainage by installing French drain piping which run out to storm drains and the street.
If you have crawl spaces, they need to have their soil covered with a heavy sheet.
Gutters must be installed properly and downspout extensions are highly recommended.
Basement remodeling can be fun and very profitable if done correctly and with a little forethought.
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