Turning a Damp, Moldy Basement Into a Safe Living Space
When it comes to basement spaces, moisture and mold are some of the most common — and often overlooked — problems homeowners face.
Earlier this year, FreshGuard was contacted by a young family who had just purchased an older home in need of renovation. While they were excited about moving in, they quickly realized that the basement was in poor condition: damp, musty, and unusable. They dreamed of making the basement a clean, functional space — but first, the underlying problems had to be addressed.
Every Basement — and Every Customer — Is Different
One of the first things we’ve learned at FreshGuard is that no two basements are alike — and more importantly, no two customers’ goals are alike either.
Some homeowners want to turn their basement into an extended family living space. Others want to create a home theater or gym. And many simply want to make the space safe and functional again — whether it’s for storage, laundry, or housing utilities.
That’s why the intake step of every project is critical. We always take the time to listen:
- What does the customer envision for the space?
- What is the budget?
- Are there time constraints?
- What level of finish and protection makes sense for their situation?
Our goal is to recommend the right solution — not the most expensive one.
Sometimes, "good enough" is absolutely the perfect solution — and we are always transparent about that. We never push unnecessary treatments or upsell work that doesn’t match the customer’s needs.
Basements — Why They Are Often a Larger Investment
Another thing we always explain to customers is that basement restoration projects are naturally more complex and often a larger financial commitment — due to:
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The structural nature of below-ground rooms
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The presence of rising damp and hydrostatic pressure
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The materials and methods needed to deliver long-term protection
That’s why FreshGuard is committed to working flexibly:
- We offer installment payment options to help customers spread the cost
- Where it makes sense, we break the project into phases — making it more manageable both practically and financially
In this family’s project, this phased approach was exactly the right solution.
How We Approach Basement Assessments
At FreshGuard, we treat every basement project as a chance to not only fix immediate issues, but also ensure the space remains dry and healthy for years to come.
When we arrived, we carried out a thorough inspection using:
- Advanced moisture meters — to accurately measure moisture levels in the walls and floors
- Infrared thermal imaging — to locate hidden cold spots, moisture buildup, and leaks behind surfaces
This technology allows us to see beyond the surface — a critical step before any restoration work begins.
What We Found
During our inspection, it became clear why the basement had stayed damp for so long:
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The old plaster on the walls was trapping moisture and preventing the underlying brickwork from breathing.
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Hidden mold growth was discovered beneath the plaster and on parts of the floor.
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Ventilation in the space was insufficient, contributing to persistent dampness and poor air quality.
Phase 1: Preparing the Basement for Restoration
Because this was a larger project — and because the family was also managing a full home renovation — we agreed that a phased approach would be best:
🔧 Phase 1 of the project:
✔ Removed all old plaster to let the original brickwork breathe again
✔ Cleaned and treated every surface to eliminate mold spores
✔ Left the space to dry naturally before returning for sealing
This allowed us to ensure that the space was properly stabilized before applying any new waterproof coatings or finishes — giving both the family and our team full confidence in the long-term result.
Phase 2: Drying, Cleaning & Preparing for Final Sealing
After completing Phase 1, we left professional-grade dryers running in the basement for two weeks. These dryers worked continuously to extract the excess moisture from the space — and there was a lot of water trapped in the structure.
When we returned for Phase 2, the difference was immediately noticeable:
Gone was that damp, musty smell — the space already felt fresher, cleaner, and healthier.
In Phase 2, we focused on the next critical steps:
✔ Removed the remaining plaster residues to fully expose and clean the brickwork
✔ Completed a final surface cleaning and wall preparation
✔ Applied a repair plaster layer across all exposed brickwork — this helps stabilize the surface and prepares it for waterproofing
✔ Paid special attention to sealing the wall-to-floor joint (kimnaad) — a key point of vulnerability in most basements
By the end of Phase 2, the basement was fully prepped for the final phase of restoration.
What’s Next — Phase 3: Final Waterproofing & Floor Sealing
When the family is ready (they are currently progressing with the rest of their home renovation), FreshGuard will return to complete Phase 3:
✅ Apply a full layer of cement-based waterproof coating to the walls — to permanently block both rising damp and lateral moisture
✅ Install a waterproof mortar layer on the floor — for a fully sealed, dry basement
✅ Perform final checks and moisture readings to ensure the space is fully protected
By taking this project step by step, and allowing proper drying time, the customer can be confident that the final result will be long-lasting and fit for their future needs.
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