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Basement & Crawl Space Glossary

Organic Matter

Finsihed Basement

Total Basement Finishing uses only inorganic materials in their basement finishing products so they never rot or grow mold.

Organic Matter (or organic material) is matter that has come from a recently living organism; is capable of decay, or the product of decay; or is composed of organic compound.

The following things all contain organic matter and therefor susceptible to mold, mildew, and decay:

  • Drywall
  • Mold-Resistant Drywall
  • Wood
  • Chipboard
  • Plywood
  • Cardboard
  • Cloth
  • Carpeting
  • Leather
  • Fiberglass
  • Many forms of insulation
  • Many types of glue
  • Many types of paint
  • Paper
  • Wallpaper
  • Books
  • Photo Albums
  • Holiday Decorations
Because humidity makes its way into the basement through the concrete in the foundation walls and floor, we recommend that you avoid using or laying anything organic on concrete basement walls and floors, as it will soon accumulate moisture and begin to mold, rot, mildew, and create foul odors.

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