Posts made in August, 2022

How to Prevent Mold in New Construction? 

Mold can be extremely annoying to new construction projects and property owners. Aside from not having the chance to sell your house without the right remediation, there is also a risk of different health problems in a property filled with mold. Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem. 

Obviously, if mold is already present in your property, the best way to get rid of it is to hire a Mold Removal Colorado Springs company. These professionals can thoroughly examine your property for mold and immediately get rid of it once they find it. 

However, we all know that prevention is better than cure. That’s why it is best to prevent the growth of mold in the first place rather than repeatedly hiring a mold removal company. Today, we are going to share with you a couple of tips to prevent mold in new construction. 

Organic matter, water, and heat produce ideal conditions for mold to thrive. In addition to that, there are a lot of vulnerable materials susceptible to growing mold and other plant life. If you are building a new house, here are a couple of things you should consider: 

Tend to or Get Rid of Any Sources of Humidity 

Drying-in is not often enough to eliminate moisture and mold can still thrive inside a property. Typically, this occurs whenever you introduce a new moisture source to the property. For example, you’ve got to utilize water to do the job if you remodel your home and you want to get rid of the drywall or the asbestos. Waiting for the water to evaporate and then continue the project is one way of going about this new moisture source. However, you may want to utilize a couple of dehumidifiers during the renovation if you are on a tight schedule.  

Dry Out the Materials 

A lot of properties include things that get damp during the snow or rain. For instance, subfloors and wooden frames have a tendency to carry moisture after a rain or snow. These materials will then release the moisture indoors while you are drying the property in. The moisture will get inside the wood and mold will soon thrive after that. That is why you always have to ensure you provide these materials time to dry out. Start the dry-in process after you are certain that there isn’t moisture anymore inside. 

Dry the Building In 

When it comes to ceilings, floors, and walls, waster can be a bad enemy. Drying a building is the ideal way to stop water from causing mold to thrive. To make things simple, you’ve got to seal the building envelope. This will help you prevent water from getting through. There are a couple of methods to do this. This includes: 

  • Sealing all openings around doors, windows, and other places. 
  • Installing windows that are water-tight. 
  • Utilizing water-tight siding on the exterior of your property.  
  • Installing a water-tight roof. 

If you follow the steps mentioned above, you’ve got higher chances of preventing the growth of mold in your newly constructed property. 

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How to Prevent Soil Erosion from Damaging the Foundation 

When the elements gradually wear down the topsoil, soil erosion happens. This will result in the underlying earth becoming exposed. But, this naturally occurring phenomenon can worsen in places affected by agricultural overproduction or deforestation. People also get rid of the root system that is holding the topsoil whenever they get rid of the trees and crops. Exposed soil quickly erodes and loosens during windy periods or heavy rains.   

You need to call a professional foundation repair Colorado Springs if you think that soil erosion might be threatening your house. These professionals can check your home and suggest the ideal thing to do.  

Here are several ways that you can do to lower the risk of soil erosion. 

Piles, Meshes, and Nets 

In more severe occasions, professionals might have to install protective barriers or covers to keep soil in place. However, this method is only appropriate when the soil is too rocky or loose to use other methods, or the gradient is extremely steep for traditional stepped terraces or retaining walls.  

Piles, meshes, and nets come in a huge range of selections. This includes: 

  • Anchored soldier pipes – This is a much more rigorous form of the retaining wall.  
  • TECCO mesh – A much more flexible type compared to rock drapes. 
  • Rock Drape – This is a highly malleable steel net that stops debris from falling. 
  • Shotcrete Facing – A concrete compound that’s sprayed to hold the soil in place.  

You shouldn’t attempt to install nets or meshes by yourself. Only licensed experts can conduct these slope stabilization methods since they’ve got the right training and tools.  

Stepped Terraces 

In this technique, the professionals will install small retaining walls at steady intervals. After that, they’ll level the ground at every successive layer. This will generate a sequence of stepped terraces. This is a similar method used by the farmers whenever you plant rice in the mountains.  

Because every successive layer needs to be analyzed carefully, this isn’t also a Do-It-Yourself job.  

Retaining Walls 

This is a protective wall placed at the slope’s bottom. This will stop the soil from falling down. The retaining wall, after being anchored, contradicts gravity’s force and holds the whole slope in place.  

Again, this isn’t a Do-It-Yourself job. Aside from being risky, you are also required to have certain tools that are designed specifically for this job.  

Proper Landscaping 

Tactically planting grass, trees, and bushes around your house are one of the most successful steps in avoiding erosion. You can also utilize gravel, mulch, and rocks to cover exposed patches if you are living in an area suited poorly for planting.  

Fortunately, you can do this on your own. However, you really have to consider proper placement.  

  • The roots will not be able to control the level of moisture that surrounds your house if you plant too far away. 
  • On the other hand, the roots can eat into your foundation if you plant too close. This will cause long-term damage. 

In addition to that, this landscaping technique is ideal for areas that have a flat surface.  

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