Mold is one of those things every homeowner worries about, especially here in Baltimore where moist conditions create the perfect environment for mold. In addition to the natural moisture in the air, basement leaks and plumbing emergencies can also lead to or speed up mold growth in your home. In short, there are lots of things that can happen that can result in mold, so it’s important that you know how to contain mold growth until professional mold remediators arrive to deal with your house mold problem.

• When you discover mold in your home, the first thing you need to do is contact a professional mold remediation company in Baltimore to schedule a time for an inspection
• If you discover a leaking pipe near the mold, shut off your water and contact a plumber or ask your mold remediation provider if they have the tools to fix plumbing issues
• During the summertime, when weather permits, it’s a good idea to open up windows and doors in your home to help dry out your home and stop the spread of mold until the remediation company arrives to assess the issue

A leaky basement might not seem like a big deal, at least not at first, but overtime even a small basement leak can cause thousands of dollars in water damage or worse. Basement leaks are a problem for homeowners throughout the country, but they can be particularly destructive and prevalent in a moist and humid climate such as Baltimore. Fortunately, there are companies that can fix water damage, seal up your basement, and prevent future leaks from causing you any more trouble. Before you contact a basement waterproofing company , you might be interested in learning more about some of the reasons why basements leak in the first place. If so, read on.

Damaged Windows

If your basement has windows, be sure to check the seal around the frame to make sure water is not leaking through cracks, holes, or rotting sections of wood. Again, these leaks on their own might not cause major concern at any single time, but the cumulative water damage over many months or years of leaking can result in water damage that can cost a lot more to fix than simply addressing the leak when you first notice it.

Foundation Cracks

Your home’s foundation is under an immense amount of pressure from the soil and water table surrounding your home. Over time, this pressure can cause cracks in the floors and walls of your basement that can let water in. If you notice any cracks in the basement walls or floor, contact a basement waterproofing company that offers foundation repair services to fix and seal the cracks before any more water leaks in and causes any more damage.

Poor Drainage

Water pooling around your home can also result in basement leaking, so make sure that no water is pooling after a rainstorm or when you water your lawn. One common drainage issue that waterproofing companies fix is downspouts not pointing away from the foundation. This is a simple fix that can prevent major basement water damage and foundation issues later on.

Hiring a basement contractor for crawlspace waterproofing near Baltimore can save you time, money, and stress. Crawlspace waterproofing significantly reduces your risk of a flooded basement, water in your basement, and mold in your basement. Here is a look at some of the most common and effective options for waterproofing a crawlspace.

Foundation Repair and Concrete Sealing

The most basic methods of crawlspace waterproofing are foundation repair and concrete sealing. Frequent water leaks and progressive water damage can cause cracks in your home’s foundation and walls. A basement contractor can repair the damage, protecting the safety and structure of your home. Concrete sealing provides a barrier between your wall and moisture. This prevents water damage, and also prevents the growth of mold in your basement or crawlspace.

Crawlspace Encapsulation

Another key element of crawlspace waterproofing is crawlspace encapsulation. Crawlspace encapsulation insulates your home from moisture, thus preventing water in basements and crawlspaces. During crawlspace encapsulation, your basement contractor will seal off the floor of your crawlspace with a polyethylene crawl space vapor barrier. He will also seal off vents leading to your basement, and install a crawlspace dehumidifier to cut down on the humidity and moisture levels in your crawlspace. He may also replace or upgrade the insulation in your crawlspace to further waterproof it and prevent pests from entering.

Sump Pump Installation

Once your crawlspace waterproofing is complete, your basement contractor will proceed with a sump pump installation or sump pump replacement. A sump pump will prevent you from suffering from a flooded basement or water in your basement in the future. Sump pumps efficiently pump water up and out of basements or crawlspaces, delivering the water to areas far from your home’s foundation. They can also be installed in high-risk areas to prevent water from entering your basement from the outside. Once your sump pump installation is complete, talk to your basement contractor about necessary maintenance to prolong the sump pump’s lifespan and reduce your need for replacement.