IS YOUR FAMILY'S HEALTH AT RISK? Dampness and moisture
in your basement can cause airborne molds to flourish, jeopardizing the health of your entire family. It can also cause itchy
eyes and sinus problems, often mistaken for allergies. Information on mold and moisture in your home, including health effects
and symptoms, can be found at MN Department of Health (click on link). The most important step in solving a mold
problem is to identify and correct the moisture SOURCES that allowed the growth in the first place.
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The University of Minnesota Extension Service has an
excellent publication entitled "Moisture in Basements: Causes and Solutions", (click on link).
This publication offers descriptions and illustrations of the most common sources of basement water problems, as well
as steps to correct them. Some of these repair methods, such as re-grading and installing gutters and downspouts may
be "do-it-yourself" techniques that can save you thousands of dollars. It often makes sense to try these lower-cost
methods first, to see if they will correct the problem, especially if you have no plans to finish your basement.
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Mold and Moisture Damage in Previously Finished Basement
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| Address water problems BEFORE you finish your basement! |
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Mold Requires 4 Things
to Grow: Mold
Spores (always present in indoor & outdoor air) Nutrients (contained in most building materials, dust &
dirt) Temperature
Between 40-100° F Moisture
(the most practical condition to control)
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Common Symptoms and Effects of Mold Exposure: Headaches Burning,
itching, or watering eyes Nose and throat irritation Persistent cold-like symptoms Dizziness Nausea Muscle cramps and joint pain Sensitivity to odors
More Serious
Symptoms Can Include: Memory Loss Problems focusing or concentrating Chronic fatigue Tremors Heart palpitations Shortness
of breath Serious swelling in legs, feet, or torso Problems during pregnancy, or miscarriages Cancer
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We install a poly vapor barrier
on the interior walls to prevent the tranfer
of moisture on
future basement finishing materials. This is the key to keeping your basement dry!
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TIP: Of the four factors
contributing to mold. moisture is the one thing you can control. Protect your home . . . . and your family's
health . . . . by addressing moisture problems before they become serious health issues.
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