Alleviate Allergies by Averting Mold
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According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, an estimated 50 million Americans have allergies. Mold has a negative affect on a person’s health, but can be debilitating to those affected by allergies. In the home, one of the most common sources of mold is the basement. Mold growth exacerbates allergies and can cause wall damage, but is preventable with the proper wall insulation. Before buying or building a home, find out how the basement will be built and insulated.
The Problem:
Traditionally, conventional concrete foundations stand directly behind interior insulation. Most do not realize that moisture from typical concrete can penetrate insulation causing mold. This means a diffusion retarder between concrete and insulation is needed. Retarders, however, are rarely used. Since insulation does not directly access the outside, retarders are falsely deemed unnecessary. Mold can grow so rapidly that hiring a professional is the only way to remove and repair the damage. In the end, traditional interior insulation is an expensive, irritating allergen.
As previously stated, diffusion retarders are rarely utilized in this style of interior insulation. The only layer of protection provided with this method is a thick, plastic shroud. This cover is not installed between the concrete and insulation—where it would be most effective. Instead, the shroud protects insulation from moisture within the home; however, most moisture seeps into a basement from the outside. This causes insulation to mold from the outside in. The plastic cover only hides the destruction of the underlying wall. A plastic membrane on the inside of your home is virtually useless.
The Solution:
There is a solution to the problems associated with conventional insulation. Surprisingly, traditional concrete is not the only option when a foundation is built. A concrete that utilizes a lower water to cement ratio is available. This style of concrete has a reduced permeability. It is not susceptible to moisture penetration because there is less water in the material itself. Also, since the concrete does not lock in moisture that causes mold, insulation lasts significantly longer and allergies are not agitated. Low water concrete keeps foundations dry and preserves insulation.
Low water concrete should also be used in basement flooring. This concrete stops moisture rising from the ground and virtually eliminates humidity. Improving air quality alleviates allergies and helps prevent mold growth. An auxiliary drain should be used in conjunction with this concrete. This drain is installed in the wall/floor’s base to prevent build-up of excess water outside. Providing an escape for water around your home prevents land from being saturated with water. This tool is another layer of protection against moisture that ruins homes and aggravates allergies.
In the past, basements have been musty, damp and moldy. Traditional interior insulation is ineffective at preventing the growth of mold in basements. This mold will not only damage your home, but will have a negative affect on your wellbeing. If you have allergies, these effects may be even more detrimental. Proper wall insulation can save your walls and your health by creating dry basements. Don’t allow your contractor or realtor to offer you a basement with sub-par insulated concrete.
"Diseases 101: Asthma Statistics & Allergy Statistics." American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology . American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology , 2010. Web. 12 Jul 2010. <http://www.aaaai.org/patients/gallery/prevention.asp?item=1a>.
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