Basement flooded. Need mold remediation?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We just moved in last year and last night was the first time we has significant water in the unfinished basement. There is usually some dampness after a big storm, but last night was A LOT of water puddling up on the floor. We are airing it all out now and removed any wet boxes. But my co-worker just said we need to get a mold remediation company down there ASAP. Is this true? Will we end up with a moldy basement - or house - if we don't call them in? Everything is almost dry already. Before this the basement was very mildly musty. Not in a bad way. My mother has mold allergies and never had a problem down there before.

Ugh!! I'm ready to move back into our condo!

I can soooo relate to this! I am resenting this house. There is always something…. We moved recently too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DH noticed a lot of water pooling outside of the house near the foundation last night - we will get the gutters checked too?

I would regrade the yard and attach gutter extension to guide water away from foundation. Usually this does not trick. Do not call contractors, because they will sell you the expensive options like jack hammering the basement floor, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We just moved in last year and last night was the first time we has significant water in the unfinished basement. There is usually some dampness after a big storm, but last night was A LOT of water puddling up on the floor. We are airing it all out now and removed any wet boxes. But my co-worker just said we need to get a mold remediation company down there ASAP. Is this true? Will we end up with a moldy basement - or house - if we don't call them in? Everything is almost dry already. Before this the basement was very mildly musty. Not in a bad way. My mother has mold allergies and never had a problem down there before.

Ugh!! I'm ready to move back into our condo!

I can soooo relate to this! I am resenting this house. There is always something…. We moved recently too.

I feel like we have no idea what we're doing and don't want to ruin this house just because we're clueless! Soooo stressful!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DH noticed a lot of water pooling outside of the house near the foundation last night - we will get the gutters checked too?

I would regrade the yard and attach gutter extension to guide water away from foundation. Usually this does not trick. Do not call contractors, because they will sell you the expensive options like jack hammering the basement floor, etc.

Ok. We will need to research this more. Thank you!!

[Anonymous]

You can check the gutters, but you may want to clean them first. If you have lots of tree debris falling, get the gutters cleaned 4-5 times a year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Cement, masonry. And lots of boxes - all that remain are up off the floor. Should I take all of the boxes out? Ugh.

As long as they are completely dry, they can stay.

Ditch boxes for other reasons, though. They attract pests.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DH noticed a lot of water pooling outside of the house near the foundation last night - we will get the gutters checked too?

I would regrade the yard and attach gutter extension to guide water away from foundation. Usually this does not trick. Do not call contractors, because they will sell you the expensive options like jack hammering the basement floor, etc.

Ok. We will need to research this more. Thank you!!

Key is exterior water conveying away from house. Many here have already commented on proper gutter sizes, down spouts leading far away from house and positive grade away from foundation (6" drop over 10'). Sometimes exterior footer french drains are a must, leading to interior sump that runs exteriorly (called daylight). Interior french drains are not what experts recommend.

Don't forget your air conditioner is a great dehumidifier too. So run it now in addition to a purchased one for the basement itself. If you have lights, leave them on for a bit as they heat up the air which helps it dry if your space is small enough. All cardboard and any wood shelves should be gotten out, least spores develop on them but that's my opinion.

[Anonymous]

I hate people who don't hire a professional cleaning company to certify that the cleanup is mold free. I bet you all lie about it when you sell.

[Anonymous]

get these guys, they will fix it from the outside most other companies are liars

http://www.newborg.com/checkbook.html

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hate people who don't hire a professional cleaning company to certify that the cleanup is mold free. I bet you all lie about it when you sell.

Do you have a company you recommend?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hate people who don't hire a professional cleaning company to certify that the cleanup is mold free. I bet you all lie about it when you sell.

You can always have a house inspected and tested for mold before you buy.