Skip to main content
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.

get a free estimate
Find Your Local Contractor

All products and services are provided exclusively by local contractors within the Basement Systems Network.

To ensure professional installation and superior service we carefully created an international network of over 350 trusted basement contractors.

Featured States: Alabama, Georgia, Kansas & Michigan

Your Local Dealer is

Systèmes Sous-sol Québec

Or select a state or province to get started

FL TX NM AZ AK CA NV UT CO OR WA ID HI OK MT WY ND SD NE KS MN IA MO AR LA MS AL GA SC IL WI MI IN OH TN KY NC WV VA PA NY ME NH RI DC MD DE CT NJ MA VT SK AB BC YT NT NU PE NL NB QC ON MB NS

Areas Served

Find Local Dealer
Free Quote