• Common Causes of a Leaking Basement

    One thing no homeowner wants to have to deal with is a wet basement. Unfortunately, sometimes a basement leak is inevitable. What causes water in basement or crawl space areas? We’ll look at some common causes, as well as tips for basement repair.

    • A leak in the plumbing is a relatively easy fix. When your basement is leaking, repairs can range from simple to cost prohibitive. On the simpler end of things is leaky plumbing. Check for water on the ceiling or walls under your bathroom or kitchen because that’s a common sign of a leak. Maybe you have a cracked pipe, or maybe a leaking shower, toilet, water heater, or washing machine. Whatever the cause, repairing your plumbing leak may fix your basement water problem.
    • The problem inside your basement could be fixed with some outside adjustments. Are your gutters clogged or leaking? Do your downspouts carry water far enough away from your house? Is the grade around your foundation sloped correctly? Any of these problems can direct water toward your foundation, where it can make its way into your basement. Keep water away from your foundation and you may be able to avoid a costly basement leak repair.
    • Your window wells could be letting in water. Properly installed and maintained, window wells are a boon. In fact, they can even be instrumental in diverting rainwater away from your foundation. If a window well doesn’t have a drain, though, or becomes clogged with leaves and debris, it could end up causing your basement to leak. Make sure your window wells have drains that are working correctly, clean out any debris, and consider installing window well covers to keep leaves, lawn clippings, and other materials from clogging them.
    • Something may be cracked. Concrete floors often crack, letting water seep into the basement. Even a hairline crack in the foundation can let in moisture. And if you’ve got poured concrete walls, they can crack too. Repair any cracks immediately, sealing the surface to prevent seepage. Be careful to ascertain the cause of the cracks and address it, or you risk it happening again.
    • The pressure may be too much for your basement to handle. Your basement is under different types of pressure. There’s hydrostatic pressure, from the water found underground, and then there’s lateral pressure from the dirt all around your foundation. Either of these types of pressure can exert undue force on the foundation, causing it to develop cracks. If this is happening to your house, it may be time to call in someone with plenty of experience to waterproof your basement.

    At Storm Waterproofing, we’ve been solving and preventing basement problems for over 20 years. A family owned and operated waterproofing company founded by a third generation basement waterproofing expert, we provide exceptional basement waterproofing services in the Baltimore, MD area. If you’re looking for a company that will keep your home dry, healthy, and safe, using state-of-the-art waterproofing techniques, call or contact us today.

  • Benefits of Crawl Space Encapsulation

    If you’re like a lot of homeowners, you may not think too much about your crawlspace. You should, though, because what’s in your crawlspace can impact the air quality throughout your home. In fact, according to the EPA, 60 percent of the air on your first floor has already traveled through the crawl space, picking up microbes and particulates along the way. Ready to learn more about crawl space encapsulation? Read on to understand why it’s a good idea.

    First, let’s define crawl space encapsulation. Encapsulation involves sealing off and insulating the crawl space, in order to protect it from water vapor, pests, and inclement weather. This is done by adding a heavy-duty polyethylene barrier to your crawl space, similar to the lining of a swimming pool. Once the barrier is in place, the space is sealed, and a dehumidifier can be used to regulate the moisture level in the crawl space. The crawl space is not the only underground area that could benefit from this process. If you live in an old home or are planning to finish your basement, encapsulation of that area is a smart move. Today, though, let’s just consider the crawl space.

    • Encapsulation improves your home’s air quality. It keeps mold, mildew, and bacteria from seeping into your home from the crawl space, keeping the air your family breathes clean and safe. Encapsulating your crawl space also gives you better control over your home’s humidity levels and reduces musty odors.
    • A clean, dry crawl space doesn’t support mold growth. Reducing moisture makes an area less hospitable to mold. What’s more, because the crawl space is encapsulated in non-organic material, there’s no place for mold to gain a foothold.
    • Encapsulating the crawl space discourages pests. Insects and rodents prefer damp spaces and find getting around the barrier nearly impossible. In fact, there are even pest-specific barriers available.
    • If you want to store things in your crawl space, encapsulation is a must. Once encapsulated, your crawl space will be a safe, clean, dry environment where you can safely keep your belongings without worrying that they’ll be damaged.
    • When you encapsulate your crawl space, you save money on energy costs. You could see a decrease in your energy bills of up to 15 percent per year once you seal the crawl space!
    • Encapsulation protects your home’s structural integrity. As long as your crawl space is exposed to moisture, your house is exposed not only to destructive pests, but also to decay and rot. Encapsulating the space affords your home’s frame and foundation some important protection.

    At Storm Waterproofing, we know how to solve and prevent crawlspace and basement problems. A family owned and operated waterproofing company founded by a third generation basement waterproofing expert, we’ve been providing exceptional basement waterproofing services for over 20 years. If you’re looking for a company that will keep your Baltimore, MD area home dry, healthy, and safe, using state-of-the-art waterproofing techniques, call or contact us today.

  • How Unsealed Crawlspaces Attract Pests

    If you’re like many homeowners, then you want to do what you can to protect your house from damage. However, crawlspaces are areas of the home that are often ignored but could benefit from crawlspace waterproofing services. Crawlspaces can provide pests with easy access to your home, allowing them to enter and damage the building’s structure. Continue reading to learn why you should consider crawlspace encapsulation in Baltimore if you want to protect your home from pests.

    When a crawlspace isn’t sealed, it can give critters like rats, mice, raccoons, opossums, termites, and cockroaches an easy way to access your home. Crawlspaces can be attractive to these pests because they are often cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter due to your home’s air conditioning. Also, these spaces are prone to excess moisture, and water will always be attractive to pests and animals. Finally, the excess water in a crawlspace can cause wood in the structure to rot, making it highly attractive to termites. For these reasons, scheduling crawlspace waterproofing services and installing a crawlspace dehumidifier is an excellent way to help protect your home.

    Insulation company for crawl space encapsulation

  • What to Expect During the Crawlspace Encapsulation Process

    Is your home scheduled for crawlspace encapsulation in Baltimore? If so, then continue reading to learn what you can expect from this process.

    Evaluation
    To begin the crawlspace waterproofing process, a contractor will come and inspect the area. During this evaluation, he examines your crawlspace for weak points that may allow water to get in and will then provide you with any recommendations that he may have. Once the inspection is complete and the contractor has gone over your options and his recommendations, you can choose to go ahead with the encapsulation process.

    Sealing
    If you decide that crawlspace waterproofing is right for your home, a team will arrive at your home on a prearranged date to encapsulate the area. The first step in this process is to install a vapor barrier. To do this, the team covers the room’s walls with a transparent plastic material that is tough and long lasting. The plastic is then sealed in place and a drainage mat is laid on the ground to protect the plastic by providing a drainage path for any moisture that gets beneath it. Then, more plastic is placed over the drainage mat. All the plastic is placed so that any separate pieces overlap by a foot or more, and the seams are then sealed close with waterproof tape.

    home insulation

    Insulation
    Once the vapor barrier is in place, the team begins the installation of insulation. The walls and the door are covered with an insulating material to help seal out any external elements. The team also ensures that the door is airtight at this stage.

    Conditioning
    The final step in the crawlspace encapsulation process is to condition the air, which is necessary because the room is now sealed off from both the outside and the rest of your home. There are a few ways in which this part of the process can be completed, with the optimal choice being crawlspace dehumidifier installation, which helps ensure that the room doesn’t become too humid. Once a system for conditioning the air is in place, the encapsulation process is complete.

    If you’re looking for crawlspace encapsulation in Baltimore, call or contact us today.

  • Common Signs of Basement Mold No Homeowner Should Ignore

    Mold can cause health problems for your family and lower the value of your property, and the basement is one of the most common areas to find signs of this problem. If you’re wondering if you need household mold remediation near Baltimore, then watch for the following signs of basement mold that shouldn’t be ignored: Black mold in basement

    Muggy Air

    Homeowners sometimes assume that basements are supposed to feel damp and humid. While having high humidity levels in your basement might not be out of the ordinary for your area, moisture in the air plus the lack of air flow that is typical of basements can create the perfect atmosphere for mold to take hold. If your basement is humid, then there is a chance that you have a mold problem.

    Musty Odors

    Mold can be easy to identify by smell and if your basement has even a hint of a musty odor, then you are probably facing the early stages of a mold problem and should address the issue as soon as possible. To help prevent the mold from spreading and affecting the rest of your home, consider scheduling mold remediation and basement waterproofing services.

    Health Issues

    Does anybody in your household suffer from allergies, breathing problems, or other health issues while they are inside the house? If so, there is a chance that they are having a reaction to mold in your home. Health symptoms that worsen while indoors and subside outside of the home are a common sign of a mold issue and indicate that you should have your home checked for mold.

    Patchy Spots

    Sometimes, detecting mold in your basement can be as easy as sighting the fungus. If you’re concerned about mold, then give your basement a onceover. Look at the ceiling, behind furniture, and on the walls. If you can see patches of a brown, black, green, pink, or white substance anywhere in your basement, then there is a good chance that it is mold growth. Do not disturb the area and contact a contractor about mold remediation and basement waterproofing.

  • Black Mold and Your Family’s Health

    When your home has a mold problem, scheduling mold remediation is important not only to protect your property but to ensure the health of your family, as well. Watch this video to learn about the importance of black mold removal in Baltimore in safeguarding the health of your household.

    When your home needs mold remediation, some of the symptoms that your family may experience include itchy and watery eyes, a runny nose, throat irritation, coughing, sneezing, worsened sinusitis symptoms, and asthma. A few severe symptoms associated with black mold exposure include dizziness, decreased attention span, and headaches. If you have black mold in your home, see a doctor about your symptoms and schedule black mold removal services.

  • Getting Real About the Dangers of Basement Mold Growth

    If you’re like many homeowners, it’s possible you don’t go into your basement all that often. You may avoid your basement because of the way it smells or feels, but a flooded basement in Baltimore is not something that should be ignored. Whether you have a small or large amount of moisture in your basement, it can quickly turn into a significant mold issue. Basement waterproofing can help prevent the damage that mold causes, including health issues and structural problems. Keep reading to learn more about the dangers of basement mold growth. black mold signs

    Smells

    Many people associate cool air with basements, but a dank or musty odor can be a sign of a problem. Mold in the basement gives off an unpleasant odor that is fairly easy to identify—but much more difficult to eradicate once it’s there. If you smell what you believe is mold in your basement, professional home mold remediation may be necessary to thoroughly deal with the problem. Mold can hide under your floors, in walls, in ceilings, and in drywall, making it difficult to get rid of on your own. While you might be willing to live with an unpleasant smell, there are other consequences of mold growth that are much harder to ignore.

    Structural Damage

    Your home is one of your biggest investments, and it’s up to you to make sure it is properly maintained for your family’s health and safety. If you have mold in the basement or in your crawlspace, it can create issues in other parts of your home. Mold grows and spreads rapidly, and can cause major damage if it is not dealt with properly. It can damage floorboards, walls, and insulation, making mold remediation a major undertaking.

    Health Concerns

    If you’re not convinced of the dangers of mold yet, consider its effect on your health. People who have allergies may experience more severe symptoms in the presence of mold, including skin and respiratory issues. Those who are dealing with compromised immunity are particularly susceptible to mold exposure. Basement waterproofing is one step in improving the health of you and your family.

  • Understanding the Water Table

     

    There are a few different ways that water can get into your basement. A flooded basement can damage your home’s structure and cause mold to grow, which can affect your health. When you have a waterproof basement in Baltimore , you’ll be protecting your home against the different possible causes of basement moisture. Watch this video to learn about the benefits of basement waterproofing and the water table.

    When there is a lot of rain, especially over an extended period of time, it can saturate the ground and raise the water table. If you are not ready for this change, it could lead to major problems in your basement. As the water table rises, water can force itself into small cracks in your foundation and make them bigger, and lead to a flooded basement. Take the proper measures with basement waterproofing to prevent damage from a changing water table.

    For more details contact us today!

  • The Link Between Leaky Basements and Bad Health

    Do you know why basement waterproofing is so important? There are a few reasons to call your basement contractors in Baltimore to learn more about sealing off your basement and crawlspace from moisture. A leaky basement can create a number of problems with your home’s structure, such as damage to floorboards, walls, insulation, and the need for foundation repairs. When there is moisture in your basement, it also brings up health issues for you and your family. Mold growth in the basement causes a dank odor, one of the telltale signs that you have a leaky basement. If you or someone in your family has started to have unexplained allergic reactions, it could be due to mold. Mold can cause allergies or exacerbate existing ones, and may also aggravate asthma. Itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose, and skin irritations are also common as a reaction to household mold. By taking care of the mold in your basement through home mold remediation and basement waterproofing, you can improve your family’s health and quality of life.

    Wet basements can lead to health problems

  • Fighting Back Against Basement and Crawlspace Moisture Problems

    Have you noticed that you have standing water in your basement? A wet basement or crawlspace can indicate that you are at risk for water damage, which can lead to mold growth and even pest problems. Moisture in your basement or crawlspace may be a result of a cracked foundation, an issue that poses problems for your health as well as your home’s structural integrity. Basement waterproofing in Baltimore can help get rid of moisture problems under your house so your mold problems improve. Read on to learn more about fighting back against water in your basement and crawlspace. how to waterproof basement and crawlspace

    Telltale Signs

    Even if you haven’t had a flooded basement, it is still possible that you have too much moisture down there. Look for dark spots or streaks on your basement walls, ceilings, and floors. If you see such markings, it can mean there has been excessive water in the area. Don’t forget to check around the outside of your home for similar marks, as even if the water problems are currently relegated to the exterior, they can eventually make their way inside. When you have a waterproof basement, you won’t see any of these signs of moisture.

    Standing Water

    Sometimes, the signs of moisture in your basement or crawlspace will be much more evident in the form of standing water. After it rains, water should drain away from your house. However, if you see standing water around your foundation, it means you do not have the proper drainage set up. That water can eventually seep into your foundation and cause cracks, and may work its way into your basement, too.

    What to Do

    Basement waterproofing is an excellent choice for keeping your home free of moisture. If you have a crawlspace, consider waterproofing this area as well. By waterproofing these areas, you’ll greatly reduce the chances of mold growth and make your home a more pleasant place to reside. Crawlspace waterproofing also helps prevent damage in your home such as peeling paint, flooring damage, and damage to other household possessions.