If your home’s basement or crawlspace waterproofing is not up to date, you will probably have to deal with a flooded basement in Linthicum Heights at some point. Although prevention is of course preferable to damage control, there are still steps you can take to avoid health hazards and structural damage to your home after flooding occurs. The three steps below are essential when coping with flooding in your basement.

Water Removal

Homes that are not equipped with sump pumps can flood, and once the water gets into your basement or crawlspace, it can be difficult to remove. Several days after the flood, when there is no longer a visible layer of water, the walls and flooring will still be very damp. Because of poor ventilation, it is virtually impossible to remove all the moisture without a professional-grade basement or crawl space dehumidifier. Even if your basement hasn’t flooded yet, it’s a good idea to invest in a smaller dehumidifier to protect it from condensation.

Mold Remediation

Mold can begin to grow just a few days after water gets into your basement. After a flood, you should call a mold removal professional as soon as possible to check to see if this fungus has begun to spread anywhere in your basement. Once a mold colony has sprung up, it can be very difficult to remove. Though not every species of mold is toxic, many release spores than aggravate allergies and cause other respiratory problems.

Damage Control

Any carpet, furniture, or cardboard boxes that got wet during the flooding should be examined by a water damage restoration professional. Unfortunately, you may have to throw many of these items out, especially if the flood resulted from a backed up sewer or storm drain. You should also have your foundation inspected, as flooding can cause structural damage that can compromise the integrity of your home. After you have recovered from the flood, install a sump pump and talk with a professional about other basement waterproofing strategies to prevent it from happening again.

If your Baltimore basement has not been waterproofed, you should certainly expect to face expensive repairs at some point in the future. When mildew grows in your basement and the wood or drywall begins to rot, you may need to schedule mold remediation treatments or even foundation repairs.

The most cost-effective solution is to prevent these problems before they occur by waterproofing your basement. Professional services such as those we offer at Storm Waterproofing LLC can help keep water out of your basement, prevent water that does get in from doing extensive damage, and make sure that the basement drains instead of flooding during the most intense rains.

We offer complete external waterproofing, including trench digging and French drain installation, sump pump installation, crawl space encapsulation, and internal basement waterproofing. This range of important services helps prevent foundation damage and avoid the conditions that lead to wood rot and mold and mildew growth in your basement.

Because the area has so many older houses, homeowners in and near Baltimore are seldom surprised to find mold in their basements. But this harmful fungus is just one of the many problems you can experience when your basement is leaky . Basement water damage can cause extensive, near-catastrophic damage that is difficult and expensive to repair. Walls can rot, and if water gets into cracks in concrete or stone, it can compromise the structural integrity of your home, including the foundation. Besides mold, other signs of water damage include:

Discolorations on the Basement Ceiling

If you are unsure whether or not your home has a waterproof basement, go downstairs and inspect the exterior walls and the ceiling. Turn on all the lights and check the color of the paint or wallpaper. Splotches of discoloration or fading are telltale signs that you have leaks, and that water is seeping into the walls and foundation of your home.

Bumpy Textures on the Walls

Beneath the paint or wallpaper, the walls in your basement may be drywall or wood-framed, especially if you have a newer home. When you have inadequate basement waterproofing, the walls can absorb water, which causes them to swell and contract unevenly, leaving behind bumps and pockmarks. Run a gloved hand along the wall, gently, to check for smoothness.

Crumbling Wood Details

Wooden details, such as baseboards, crown molding, and window frames, are especially susceptible to water damage and will begin to rot very quickly if they are near the source of leaks. Look and feel for damp or crumbling wood to reveal water damage in the basement or attic.

Musty Smells and Damp Odors

If you scrub the mold from your walls, but still notice a musty smell or any type of unpleasant odor a few days later, you likely have a leak and water damage somewhere in the basement. Only professional mold remediation can totally eradicate this harmful fungus. The smell might also be coming from rotting wood in window frames or other structural elements of your home.

Many homes have sump pumps in Baltimore. If yours does not, you should consider having a professional install one as part of your basement waterproofing strategy . A sump pump can protect your home from basement mold growth, foundation damage, and other types of water damage. When combined with other appliances such as crawlspace dehumidifiers, sump pumps can remove almost all the excess moisture from your home.

As water in your basement flows into the sump basin, the pump will activate and begin to drain it away safely, preventing a flooded basement. To see how these sump pumps work and how professionals install them, watch this video.

When you own your home, there are many maintenance tasks and chores for which you are responsible. One of the most important is ensuring that your basement is waterproof. Fortunately, it is easy to identify a reputable company offering basement waterproofing serving Baltimore . Depending on the age and condition of your home, there are several different types of waterproofing that your basement may require. Learn about them below.

Interior Waterproofing

As you might expect, interior waterproofing focuses on the walls and ceiling inside your basement. The goal of this type of waterproofing is to keep the usable space inside your basement free of water and mold. If the walls in your basement are unpainted, you can have concrete waterproofing coatings or silicate-based concrete sealers applied to prevent water from getting in. Be sure they are finished with waterproof paint for extra protection.

Interior Basement Drainage

Interior drainage is not exactly a type of waterproofing—it is a supplement to other waterproofing services. When there is water in your basement, it can stagnate and cause mildew to grow, making mold removal necessary. Interior basement drainage helps remove water that enters during heavy rains or flash flooding, preventing damage from occurring. Depending on the design of your basement, sump pump installation may be necessary to ensure complete drainage.

Exterior Waterproofing

This is the most comprehensive and effective form of basement waterproofing. The two types above treat the symptom: water in the basement. This treats the problems: uneven grading and inadequate drainage. To truly prevent your basement from becoming damp and to keep water from damaging your home, you need to have a team of professionals excavate a ditch all around your home, down to the foundation level, and install proper drainage. This can also include putting a waterproof coating or panels next to the foundation, and installing French drains. Once you have proper drainage in place, your basement will truly very waterproof. For more complete protection, you should consider combining all three types of waterproofing: have professionals install exterior drains and a sump pump, then apply interior coatings.

Water in your basement can be more than just a minor nuisance. When you neglect basement waterproofing for too long, black mold can form in your basement or crawlspace. If you or a loved one is exposed to black mold, you could be at risk of developing serious health problems. Some of the health hazards of basement flooding and mold include allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and skin irritation. By setting up basement waterproofing serving Baltimore, you will be able to protect yourself and your family from the health hazards of basement flooding. Along with basement waterproofing services , you may want to also schedule mold removal for your home. These services will completely eliminate the health risks associated with flood water in your basement or crawlspace. A highly rated contractor serving Baltimore can ensure that your home is completely safe to be occupied by yourself and your loved ones.

While mold may seem like it is simply an unsightly problem in your home, this nasty substance can actually pose a serious health threat to you and your loved ones. By scheduling mold remediation, you will be able to improve your indoor air quality and eliminate the health problems that are associated with mold. A company offering mold removal near Baltimore can provide you with expert mold cleaning services. To highlight the importance of scheduling mold remediation at the first sign of a problem, here is an overview of some of the health problems that are associated with mold in the home.

Allergies

Black mold can cause a variety of allergy symptoms. When mold spores are present in your indoor air, you may experience allergic reactions, such as sneezing, coughing, or wheezing. In addition, black mold can cause itchy, watery eyes, or even a rash on the skin. If you or a loved one is experiencing allergy symptoms indoors, you may want to consider scheduling a mold removal service.

Asthma

Asthma is a serious health condition that can be triggered by black mold. Black mold releases its spores into the air of your home, creating an irritating environment for any person with asthma. If there is black mold present in the home of an asthma sufferer, it is of the utmost importance that remediation services are scheduled. By removing black mold from your indoor spaces, you can help alleviate asthma symptoms at home.

Infections

Persons with compromised immune systems can also be at risk of infection when mold is present in the home. For example, mold spores can trigger serious lung infections and other health problems. In addition, mold can put you at greater risk for developing infections on the skin. To ensure that your entire household is healthy and happy, you should be sure to schedule mold removal at the first sign of a problem.

Your basement is vulnerable to water damage due to flooding or plumbing leaks. To eliminate the dangers of basement flooding, it is a great idea to schedule basement waterproofing services. During basement waterproofing, a technician will apply a specialized product, known as a concrete sealer, to the surface of your basement walls. This product will completely protect your basement from water damage.

If you are seeking to waterproof a basement near Baltimore, be sure to get in touch with a highly rated basement waterproofing company. By scheduling professional waterproofing services, you can rest assured that your home and foundation are protected from water damage. To learn more about the steps of basement waterproofing, be sure to watch this video.

A hidden water leak can cause serious damage to the structural integrity of your home. If your crawlspace or basement is leaking, you may not notice the problem until serious damage has occurred. By scheduling basement waterproofing serving Baltimore, you can prevent the risk of water leaks in your home. A company offering basement and crawlspace waterproofing can assist you with crawlspace encapsulation and black mold removal . By scheduling these services, you will have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your home is fully protected from water damage. Read on to learn more about identifying the signs of a water leak in your crawlspace or basement.

Musty Smell

When your crawlspace or basement is experiencing a leak , you may notice a moldy or musty smell when you enter these areas. Leaking water can create unpleasant aromas in indoor spaces. In addition, water damage can also develop into a mold problem. If you find that your basement or crawlspace has an unusual smell, it may be time to schedule waterproofing services.

Mold Growth

Black mold requires damp conditions in order to grow and thrive. If your basement or crawlspace has a water leak, you may find black mold in these spaces. When you find black mold in your basement, it is highly important to schedule both mold removal and waterproofing services. By clearing up your mold, you can protect yourself and your family members from the risks of black mold exposure.

Damaged Walls or Flooring

To identify a water leak in your crawlspace or basement, you can also look for signs of damage on your walls or flooring. When your basement has a hidden water leak, you may notice stains or cracks on your basement walls. In addition, you may notice that your flooring is buckled or discolored. A basement waterproofing company can identify the source of the damage and restore your home to peak condition.