Advice on Preventing Mold in Your Basement Drywall

Basement drywall can be quite vulnerable to mold. In many cases, it is not possible to remove mold from the drywall in your basement; the only solution is to remove the basement drywall. Naturally, you want to prevent your basement from becoming so infested with mold so that removal is necessary.

Many homeowners don’t know what to do to prevent mold from gaining a foothold. In general, you should keep humidity and moisture as low as possible. Employ the following techniques to do so, thus preventing mold from infesting your basement drywall.

Strategies

There several things you can do to prevent the growth of mold which require minimal effort. You should avoid storing paper or food in humid areas. Additionally, you should be aware of other potential sources of moisture, such as clothes left in the washing machine and potted plants.

Dehumidifiers

If your basement is particularly humid, a dehumidifier may be just the thing to keep the drywall free of mold. Before you purchase a dehumidifier, keep in mind that an air conditioner can remove a great deal of humidity. If you have an air conditioner, try it first before making any new purchases.

In many cases, dehumidifiers consume a great deal of power. If you have had problems with electrical appliances using all of your power in the past, plan accordingly to avoid electrical problems.
If you decide that a dehumidifier is a solution to your problem, install it according to its instructions. Put it to the lowest setting and turn an increase it as needed. You should expect to leave your dehumidifier running.

Maintenance

Sometimes, mold in your basement drywall that refuses to go away can be an indicator of a bigger problem. Perpetual mold can mean you have a problem with your plumbing such as a leak in your pipes; however, there is a wide variety of problems that can lead to high humidity or moisture. If you suspect you have one of these problems, you should check your home thoroughly for signs that something is wrong, so you can locate the disrepair and fix it.

Check your pipes for rust; it is a sign that you have a leak. Mysteriously high water bills are another indicator, as is the sound of water when you are not using it. Also be on the look for discolored, damp, cracked, or otherwise water damage walls, floors, and ceilings. Keep in mind that some of these problems can be symptoms of either a leak in your roof or problems with the rainwater drainage system. If you locate the problem and cannot fix it, or you simply cannot locate the problem, consult a professional.