If you suffer from a wet basement, you are not alone. Approximately 60 percent of U.S. 
homes are plagued by wet basements, and 38 percent run the risk of serious basement mold, according to the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Moisture in the basement is more than a nuisance – it can create the environment for mold to grow and mold spores to spread throughout your home. This can present health problems. So what can you do?
Many people think that their only option is an expensive French or perimeter drain (a trench filled with gravel containing a perforated pipe that redirects groundwater away from an area), or a costly basement makeover with waterproof building materials. Thankfully, there is a way to determine what you really need, before incurring expense: Take an RTK Basement Waterproofing Survey.
The survey will answer important questions that will lead to a solution, such as: Where is 
the water coming from? Why and how is it entering your home? What kind of water is it: condensation, runoff, or from subsurface sources? Once the survey is complete, RTK will suggest options so you can make an informed decision. It might be as simple as waterproofing the exterior foundation or adjusting the slope of the soil near the foundation to direct water away from your home.
Every situation is different as water intrusion comes from a variety of sources and enters your home in various ways. RTK Environmental will help you determine what type of water problem you have, and what the best and most cost-effective engineering solution is for you. Call us today at (800) 392-6468 to find out how we can help.
What does that mean for Turkey Day? Hopefully no flooding. Our parched yards (the soil is hard due to lack of rain and freezing temperatures) are going to meet some wet weather, and that can lead to flooding, and flooding, to mold growth. Here’s how…
Tip 2: Prepare your basement.
The American Society of Home Inspectors
When wet, organic materials, such as drywall, wood, and paper, quickly become fertile breeding grounds for mold — a mold colony can sprout within 24-48 hours. RTK Environmental suggests using moisture-tolerant materials, such as green board and non-porous tile, especially in areas that come in direct contact with concrete, stone, or brick. If you have cracks in these masonry surfaces, patch them with hydraulic cement, which expands as it sets.
Moisture-tolerant insulation protects the inside of your house from wide fluctuations in outside temperature, which often results in indoor condensation. A vapor barrier or rigid-foam insulation can be laid over foundation walls, followed by a metal stud framing and a non-cellulose wall finish. Many professionals recommend extruded polystyrene (XPS). If you choose XPS, please note that it is flammable, and needs to be covered with a thermal barrier, such as USG’s Sheetrock Brand Mold Tough Gypsum Panels.
Before you lay down wall-to-wall carpeting to warm up your basement, consider that can trap moisture and cause mold to grow. Opt instead for breathable materials. Ceramic tile is the best, but can be costly. You can also try vinyl plank flooring, which has a wood-like appearance and can be clicked together, just like laminate. It makes installation easy, and repair equally easy. To make the room cozy, add an area rug rather than wall-to-wall. That way, if the rug gets wet, you can remove it to dry it out.