Question 1

How often do you need to clean your crawl space?

Accepted Answer

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Plan on cleaning your crawl space at least once a year, though twice a year is ideal. During the cleaning, remove any debris or dust and check for potential issues like pest infestations or water damage. The sooner you catch these issues, the easier (and cheaper) it will be to fix them.

Question 2

Is it okay if it rains on underlayment?

Accepted Answer

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As the first layer of water protection for your roof deck and the building materials below, underlayment is designed to prevent water damage, so it’s okay if it gets wet. However, you shouldn’t rely solely on underlayment for protection. If rain interrupts your roof project and you have all of the underlayment down, you’ll likely be fine, but you should install shingles over that layer as soon as possible, as long-term exposure can lead to water damage.

Question 3

Where are the most common places to find mold?

Accepted Answer

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Mold can grow anywhere in your home where there’s moisture that doesn’t dry out, usually in areas that are either not ventilated properly or where moisture gathers continuously. Insulation, drywall, and foundations typically provide mold with areas to grow if moisture is present and does not have a chance to dry out. Some of the most common areas in a home for mold growth include:

Attic
Walls
Bathroom
Crawlspace
Basement

Attic
Walls
Bathroom
Crawlspace
Basement

Question 4

How can I prevent mold after water damage?

Accepted Answer

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Mold and other fungi love moisture, so the best way to prevent mold growth after water damage is to remove as much moisture as possible. First, find the source of the water or moisture, such as a leak or clogged gutters, and correct the problem. Next, remove standing water, vacuum up puddles with a shop vacuum, and run blower fans and dehumidifiers for 24 to 72 hours. Once you've removed all traces of moisture, disinfect the area using either vinegar or bleach to kill any remaining mold spores.

Question 5

Can you finish a basement that leaks?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, you can finish a basement that leaks, as long as you address the leak first. Before finishing a basement, you’ll need to repair any cracks in the walls and waterproof the basement to prevent future leaks. It’s much harder to clean up a water leak from a finished basement than an unfinished one, so preemptively addressing any leaking areas prevents expensive repairs in the future.