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Signs That Your Foundation Could Be Failing
Your home’s foundation is essential for the building’s function and durability, and it is responsible for holding the house up, sealing out moisture, insulating the interior, and providing stability. To catch small problems before they turn into major ones, watch for the following signs that could mean you need foundation repair near Baltimore :
Poor Air
Have you noticed that the air in some parts of your home seems earthy, musty, or damp? If so, then you may have an insulation problem due to gaps in the foundation. This type of issue typically occurs around floor joints and can lead to mold growth and higher utility bills. While sump pump installation and basement waterproofing may help this issue, foundation repair might be necessary as well.
Sticky Doors
Have you experienced trouble opening and closing your windows and doors? This issue sometimes develops when your home’s frame becomes warped due to a failing foundation.
Cracked Walls
Have fracture lines appeared anywhere on your home’s interior or exterior? If so, then there is a good chance that your foundation needs attention. This warning sign occurs when sinking or moving earth causes the building’s structure to stretch and crack. When left untreated, this foundation issue can cause a wall to bow inward and eventually collapse.
Distorted Floors
When a home needs foundation repair, the evidence can sometimes show in the flooring. If your floorboards are warped or if they are no longer flush with your interior walls, then the foundation may be losing its stability.
Water Damage
Among the leading causes of a failing foundation is poor drainage. When water gets trapped around your home instead of draining outward, it can cause harm to the structure. Also, if you notice that the drainage around your home has lessened, this can indicate that the foundation is allowing water to drain downward and accumulate around your home. Signs of water damage can include stains on walls, mold growth, warped floors, and musty odors.
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Does Insurance Pay for Basement Flooding?
Basement floods can cause serious damage to your home and can result in a need for mold remediation, basement waterproofing , and more. If you’re dealing with a flooded basement in Baltimore, watch this video to help determine if your insurance will cover the repairs.
The first factor to consider is if you had the insurance before the flooding. If you only attain coverage later, then the flood damage is not likely to be covered. Second, if the flooded basement was the result of a natural disaster, such as a tornado or hurricane, then you probably need specific flood insurance. However, if the problem was due to a burst pipe, for example, then insurance should cover the damage if flooding is part of your homeowner’s insurance policy.
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How Mold Can Contribute to Poor Health
People often dislike the idea of having mold in their home because it looks unattractive and smells unpleasant. However, mold can cause additional issues for your family that can potentially affect their health. If you know or suspect that your home has mold, then there are several reasons why you should consider mold removal near Baltimore .
Health problems caused by exposure to mold can range anywhere from mild to major. Some common symptoms that sensitive individuals experience around mold include sneezing, coughing, wheezing, watery eyes, and rashes. Mold can also trigger asthma attacks in people with asthma, and toxic varieties can cause severe issues such as hallucinations, seizure, confusion, and memory loss.
If it turns out that you do have mold in your home, then there are several steps that you should take. First, have your home inspected and tested for mold to gain more information. Next, conduct any necessary fixes to reduce the moisture level in your home, such as crawlspace waterproofing or sump pump maintenance. Finally, contact a mold remediation company about professional mold removal services.
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3 Ways That Excessive Moisture Can Harm Your Home
A common problem that basement contractors serving Baltimore see in homes is a wet basement. Whether it’s due to poor property drainage, a leaky pipe, or a lack of air circulation, too much moisture in your house can lead to several problems.
Moisture promotes mold.
When your home has too much humidity, this can encourage mold growth. Having a small amount of mold in your home is not unusual, but if it manages to spread, this can cause health problems for your family and affect your home and its contents, such as the furniture, carpeting, and walls. Most molds thrive in areas that are damp and dark, meaning that excess moisture in your basement could lead to problems. To help avoid the need for mold remediation, consider getting basement waterproofing if there is water in your basement of if its air feels muggy.
Moisture attracts pests.
Rats, mice, cockroaches, and ants are all attracted to locations that can provide them with water. This means that if your home has excessive moisture, these pests can be drawn to the structure, and when rodents and insects set up their home in yours, this can lead to several types of damage. Mice and rats can chew holes through your walls, get into your food containers, and leave feces and urine throughout your house. When bugs decide to colonize your home, they can be both a nuisance and a health hazard for your family.
Moisture damages materials.
When your home’s air is too humid, the excess moisture can cause damage to a variety of materials. Water in the air can condense on your walls and windows, potentially leading to mold growth or rippled wallpaper. You might also find that your stored clothing and linens become musty and that areas of your home smell of mildew. Additionally, if wooden structures of your home are consistently damp, they can begin to rot and attract termites, which in turn can cause further harm. If you suspect that your home has too much moisture, consider hiring a professional to determine if your home need better drainage or waterproofing.