One of the biggest problems with basements is that they tend to be cold and moist which leads to mold. Basement mold is not only ugly but it is also dangerous to both children and adults by contributing to allergies and asthma. Any basement remodelling ideas you have should address the mold factor and work to make sure it does not become a problem.
Many basements are made of concrete and are of course on the bottom floor sometimes even buried in the earth. This presents a problem of keeping that basement space warm and dry as concrete does let in moisture. If you can figure out a way to eliminate the moisture and keep the basement warm, mold will have a much harder time of forming. Mold typically is not a problem in warmer climates and does not grow in dry places.
Probably the best way to make the basement floors warm is to have radiant heat installed. This is easier if your house is new and still under construction. There are two kinds of radiant heat, hydronic and electric. Hydronic radiant heat involved warm water through tubes under the floor and electric radiant heat involves electrical wires much like your toaster. If your house is already built, electric radiant heat is by far the easier of the two to install.
Installing electric radiant heat is a great basement ideas because it kills two birds with one stone. Not only does it make it very difficult for mold to grow but it also does a great job of warming the basement. Keeping your basement warm at least a couple of hours a day will most likely prevent basement mold from forming.
Sealing your basement from the elements is another way you should be protecting yourself from mold and other harmful effects that can seep in. Make sure all openings are caulked and that there is proper ventilation around the foundation. You need to make sure that water does not form around the house and that there are gutters that move the water away from the basement foundation. Again, the idea is to make everything as dry as possible year round.Make sure that there is proper ventilation in your basement and that the air is not stagnant. Stagnant air will contribute to moisture forming and keeping your basement warm and dry is the objective. Depending on the condition of your basement and what type of basement remodelling ideas you have will determine the amount of money and effort needed to make it what you have in mind. For more information on basement mold, please see black mold removal.
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Mold is a fungus that grows on moist or damp places. Mold spores grow very rapidly in areas of excessive moisture including leakage that could have occured in roofs, pipes, walls, plant pots or areas where flooding has occured. Other products such as paper, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood products that could be sitting in your garage or basement provide conducive growth environments for molds. Source: http://www.blackmoldremovalsupport.com Mold can be identified by its musty smell or color including black mold, blue & pink mold. While most mold is harmless, some black molds can be toxic & have health implications including mold poisoning.
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