Your basement and your health

I can often tell there is a problem the minute I step into a house- I can smell the mould. It’s a sure sign of a wet basement and it poses consequences for the health of you and your family.

For me, health concerns deserve equal, if not greater, assessment with economic considerations to enhance the importance of deciding to thoroughly and properly waterproof. The presence of moisture in your basement encourages the growth of mould and mildew. Early warning signs include increased humidity, smell and dandruff-like wall or floor efflorescence. Moulds, mildew, bacteria and fungi all thrive in the damp, humid conditions of most leaky basements. In fact, they need water to survive. Not all can readily be seen. They can cause unsightly stains, damaged paint, wood, drywall and fabrics, allergies, and illness.

One of the worst culprits is black mould. Household mould and mildew substantially exacerbate breathing problems that may exist and can contribute to the development of such sensitivities. CMHC, Health Canada and Agriculture Canada studies have concluded that respiratory problems are more common in damp and mouldy homes. When they’re cleaned up and repaired, people feel better. The key to removing the irritants is removing the water or dampness. They cannot grow without it. Corrective contemporary waterproofing techniques are the clear solution. Toronto’s City Wide Group can mitigate the dangers and eliminate the water source by effective waterproofing your basement.