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A Look at Mold Allergies
Mold live everywhere, and spores of mold or other fungi are in the air around us more than we think. If you have an allergy that doesn’t end when seasons change, you may be allergic to these airborne mold and fungal spores. The symptoms of mold allergy are similar to the symptoms of other allergies, such as sneezing, congestion, dry skin, and runny nose. The difference is that people with mold allergies experience allergy symptoms year-round.
While most outdoor molds become dormant during the winter, indoor molds can spread and reproduce all year long given the right environment. If you are constantly sneezing and sniffling inside your home, contact a mold remediation company in Baltimore to inspect your home for mold. If you see areas of mold growth, leave it to the professionals. Mold removal can be dangerous, especially if certain types of toxic mold are growing in your home. You may also need to hire a basement waterproofing company to prevent further mold growth.
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Tips for Preventing Basement Moisture Issues
Leaky basements can lead to a number of problems in your home, including waterlogged belongings and structural issues. The biggest concern, however, is mold. Prolonged exposure to mold can cause a number of adverse health effects, many of which can be serious and even life-threatening. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prevent basement moisture issues in the future. In addition to waterproofing your basement, the following tips will help keep your basement nice and dry.
Install a Sump Pump
The best line of defense against a wet basement is a sump pump. These devices are installed in the lowest part of your basement where water naturally collects. The sump pump then pumps the water outside and directs it safely away from your home. And if you already have a sump pump, make sure it is in good working order. Fixing a broken sump pump isn’t cheap, but it’s a lot cheaper than water damage repair.Keep Water Out
A sump pump will remove any water that gets into your basement, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take steps to keep water out in the first place. First, check your gutters. Make sure they are clean and that the downspout directs water away from your home instead of pooling it around the foundation. You should also make sure that your landscaping is sloped away from the foundation wall. Plants should be placed at least two feet from the foundation and low enough in the soil so as not to direct water toward the foundation.Wet basements create many problems, including mold. Mold spores can cause a wide range of health issues, so waste no time in contacting a basement waterproofing company in Baltimore to keep your basement dry. If you notice mold growth in your basement, hire a mold remediation company to remove the threat and keep your family safe.
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Understanding Household Foundation Problems
Many homes in the Baltimore area have foundation problems. These problems can be very serious and may pose a threat to the overall structure of your home. Construction errors and poor water drainage are the two most common causes for foundation issues, but a wide number of factors can also be to blame. In the following article, we will look at the reasons foundations fail, the signs of foundation failure, and how to repair your foundation to prevent further problems and to protect your property.
Types of Foundations
There two primary types of foundations. Home in warm, dry climates frequently have a slab on grade foundation, which is simply a layer of concrete poured down over smoothed soil. Pier and grade beam foundations are also popular. These foundations feature a perimeter concrete support beam and interior support piers.Causes of Foundation Problems
Soil expansion and contraction is behind almost every foundation problem, but the causes of soil movement can vary. Extremely dry weather, overwatering, and poor construction techniques are three of the leading causes of soil expansion and contraction.Signs of Foundation Failure
Cracks in the drywall that look jagged or run off at a 45-degree angle are usually indicative of a foundation problem . Door and windows that stick are also an indication that the house has shifted. You can also look for cracks in the floor if you have a slab-on-grade foundation. You should also check for cracks above doors and windows outside of your home, and for horizontal cracks across the foundation.Foundation Repair
Uneven floors, cracked walls, and sticking doors are all signs that your foundation needs to be repaired. A foundation repair company in Baltimore can evaluate your foundation, find out what the specific causes are, and recommend the right solution to protect your foundation in the future. You may also need to waterproof your basement while you are at it to further protect your home’s foundation. -
A Homeowner’s Guide to Basement Waterproofing
A damp basement can turn into a major disaster for your home. Even a small amount of water in your basement can cause damage to your home’s structure and may lead to the growth of mold and mildew that can cause a string of health problems for your family. Basement waterproofing is the only way to prevent basement flooding and avoid the need for water damage repairs and mold removal. In this infographic, Storm Waterproofing LLC explains what to expect from the basement waterproofing process. Contact us for basement waterproofing in Baltimore , as well as mold remediation, foundation repair, and crawl space waterproofing. Don’t let basement leaks turn into costly nightmares for your family and friends—share this important information with them.
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Preventing Mold Allergies
Mold spores are a common allergen that can cause symptoms such as wheezing, a stuffy or runny nose, itchy eyes, and a rash or hives. Preventing mold allergies requires analyzing the exterior and interior of your home to prevent mold growth or schedule mold remediation to address an issue as soon as possible.
This video discusses how to prevent mold allergies. Keep the area around your home clear of debris and standing water. Fix leaks and schedule water damage repair to address any moisture that may have entered your home. Make sure areas such as bathrooms and laundry rooms are well ventilated, which will prevent them from becoming dark, dank, and moldy.
Crawl space and basement waterproofing can prevent leaks from causing mold growth and mold allergies in your home. If you do find mold in your home, contact a mold removal company in Baltimore immediately.
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Recognizing Signs of Basement Flooding
Whether you’ve ever had to make water damage repairs in your basement or you’re simply concerned about its susceptibility to flooding, it’s important to learn how to recognize the signs of basement flooding. In a carpeted basement, look for signs of water damage to your carpeting, such as damp or discolored areas. A cement floor may show signs of cracking or crazing, while hardwood or tile may buckle when exposed to moisture. Also check the walls of your basement for signs of water damage: dark areas, peeling paint or wallpaper, buckling paneling, and rusted nails or other metal
components. Mold and mildew are also signs of basement flooding; molds can spring up literally overnight, causing both cosmetic damage and putting your family’s health at risk. If you do find mold as a result of basement flooding, schedule mold remediation services in addition to flood damage repairs. Flooding of basements and crawl spaces is a common issue in the Baltimore area. You can prevent basement floods by contacting an experienced professional specializing in basement or crawl space waterproofing in Baltimore.
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A Look at Your Basement Waterproofing Options
The process of waterproofing protects your entire basement from future leaks and floods. Basement waterproofing will prevent water damage to your belongings, increase the overall value of your home, and reduce the likelihood of needing foundation repairs . There are many ways to keep your basement dry and free of mold and water damage; keep reading to check out your basement waterproofing options in Baltimore.
Repair Gutters and Downspouts
In many cases, water seeping into your home through your foundation comes from damaged or improperly-maintained gutters and downspouts. Making the necessary repairs to your home’s gutter and downspout system will thus prevent stormwater from collecting around your foundation, where it will eventually find its way into your basement.Add a Perimeter Drain
If the ground around your home is not adept at absorbing water or your home is built near a local water source, a perimeter drain can help to keep your basement dry. A perimeter drain will funnel away any water in the ground near your home before it can seep into your basement and cause a flood.Increase Basement Insulation
In some cases, water damage in your basement is caused by condensation that occurs due to insufficient insulation. Adding insulation or improving the quality of the insulation in your basement can thus prevent condensation from causing moisture that damages your belongings and encourages mold growth.Make Foundation Repairs
If your foundation has already been damaged by flooding, your basement will not stay dry until you have made foundation repairs. Repairs to your foundation will address any cracks in your foundation that allow water to enter your home. Making foundation repairs will also solve any problems you have been experiencing as a result of foundation damage, such as sloping floors, cracked ceilings or walls, and sticky doors or windows.If your basement is in need of water damage repair, make sure to consider basement waterproofing as part of the overall solution. Waterproofing will prevent future damage so you can enjoy peace of mind in your Baltimore home.