When you are getting your home ready for the fall season, you may want to consider setting up basement waterproofing services . If your area is hit by a major rainstorm, basement waterproofing can provide your house with a solid line of defense against flood water. A company that offers basement finishing and sump pumps in Baltimore will be able to install quality basement waterproof materials around your property. Along with waterproofing your basement, you can help prevent flooding by learning about some of the common causes of basement water damage. Read on for a look at the top three ways that water can get into your basement.

Through Foundation Cracks

Cracks in your home’s foundation can make your basement particularly vulnerable to flooding. As your foundation ages and settles over time, its concrete slab may form tiny cracks or fissures. Even if these cracks are not visible to the naked eye, they can let significant amounts of water into your basement space. To prevent water damage and soggy carpets, you will want to repair any damage to your foundation.

Under the Slab

Many basements sit on a concrete surface that is commonly known as a slab. If your plumbing develops a slab leak, the pipes that run underneath your basement and foundation may start to flood your home with water. A company that offers basement waterproofing services will be able to locate the source of your slab leak and provide you with top quality repair services.

From the Downspouts

You may be surprised to learn that the quality and condition of your roof can create basement water damage and flooding. If your roof’s downspouts are improperly placed, they may force water into your basement when it rains. Similarly, clogged gutters can also create basement flooding issues. To help prevent the damaging effects of flooding to your basement, you will want to have a team of waterproofing professionals identify any potential problem areas throughout your property.

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.

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.

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.

If your home features a crawl space, it’s probably been a while since you last paid it much attention. These cramped areas often go ignored due to their size and lack of accessibility. If you suspect that your crawl space is causing issues for your home, then consider crawl space encapsulation in Baltimore to address some of the common problems seen in these structures.

Mold

Because of their location, lack of air flow, and vulnerability to water accumulation, crawl spaces are a common site of mold growth in homes. When mold is left to accumulate in your crawl space, it can spread to other areas where it can cause damage to your belongings and even lead to health problems for your family. One purpose of crawl space waterproofing and encapsulation is to prevent moisture from getting into the space from any source or surface. This process involves the installation of a crawl space vapor barrier, and sometimes the use of a dehumidifier. Protecting your crawl space against mold growth can help prevent the need for mold remediation in the future.

Air

The heating and cooling of your home can account for a significant amount of your overall energy costs. If your crawl space isn’t encapsulated, there is a good chance that the conditioned air of your home is penetrating your flooring, entering the crawl space, and being vented to the outside. This lack of insulation can account for an increased energy bill as your HVAC unit is forced to work harder and more often to cool and warm your home. Crawl space encapsulation is a simple way to reduce your energy costs by sealing part of your home against air leaks.

Pests

Many crawl spaces can be easily accessed by a variety of animals and insects. When you leave your crawl space untreated, it can become a breeding ground for termites, rodents, snakes, raccoons, and other pests that may make their way into your home or cause damage to its structure. Choosing to encapsulate your crawl space helps to prevent unwanted visitors from taking up residence in your home.

Homes that have not been treated with crawl space waterproofing in Baltimore are vulnerable to problems associated with water accumulation. Because of their location and lack of accessibility, a pipe leak that’s depositing water into your basement can easily go unnoticed. When left unchecked, leaky pipes can result in a series of issues for your crawl space.

Moisture attracts pests and, sensing a source of water, a crawl space suffering from a plumbing leak is likely to draw everything from termites and ants to raccoons and snakes. Also, the moisture can damage the wood, insulation, and other materials of the structure, causing them to require repair or replacement. Water accumulation can also result in a foul odor that can make its way into your home, as well as the growth of mold.

If you find that your crawl space has standing water or is very humid, it’s important to check your plumbing for leaks that may be the source of the issue. To avoid future problems, consider crawl space waterproofing services for your home to provide a crawl space vapor barrier and help prevent the need for mold remediation.

If you’re dealing with a wet or flooded basement in Baltimore, then there are several reasons why you should consider sump pump installation or basement waterproofing services . A wet basement can affect your health and cause damage to your home.

Growth of Mold

Mold loves to grow in damp locations that have little airflow. If there is high humidity level or water in your basement, this makes it a prime place for harboring mold. Even if they do spot mold in them, it’s common for people to ignore damp basements because they assume that the mold is harmless and will remain where it is. Unfortunately, mold can be damaging to structures, and its spores can easily become airborne. As these spores make their way around your home and through your ventilation system, they can begin new colonies in other areas of your home and cause health problems for your family.

Potential for Flooding

If your basement is anything but dry, then it may have a high potential for flooding in the future. Moist basements can be the result of poor drainage on your property that is allowing water to collect around your home’s foundation and accumulate on the sides or beneath your basement, leading to a buildup of hydrostatic pressure. If a heavy storm hits your area, you may find that your basement has flooded because of a weakened foundation, the walls or floors are cracked, or too much water has collected beneath your home.

Damage to Structures

Besides the destruction that mold can cause, water in your basement can lead to other issues. The excess moisture can cause wooden furniture to soften and decay, and this applies to your home’s structure as well. Decaying wood not only impacts your walls and floors, but it can also attract a variety of pests that can cause a significant amount of damage. Additionally, moisture can deteriorate the foundation of your home and create more ways for water to get into your basement. At the first signs of a wet basement, you should call your local waterproofing company.