After a heavy rainstorm, the last thing you want to do is to have to deal with a flooded basement. If you need to hire a professional contractor to waterproof your home or to install a sump pump in Baltimore, you want to be sure that you’re working with a company you can trust like Storm Waterproofing.

Utilizing state-of-the-art waterproofing techniques, Storm’s skilled contractors specialize in basement and crawlspace waterproofing , mold remediation and removal, foundation repair, and sump-pump installation. They are all fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and offer lifetime guarantees on their work, which are transferable if need be. Storm Waterproofing also offers emergency services, so if a problem occurs in the middle of the night that needs to be taken care of immediately, you can contact Storm 24-hours a day, seven days a week. With over 20 years of experience, you can rest assured that Storm Waterproofing has got your back.

Sump pumps in Baltimore can help to ensure that your basement stays dry after a heavy rainstorm. They’re particularly useful if you live in an area that is prone to floods or if you’ve had flooding issues in your basement before. By removing unwanted water from your basement, these pumps can help to protect your home from a whole host of problems such as water damage, and mold and mildew infestations. Here are some more reasons to invest in a sump pump for your basement. When you’re ready to purchase one, enlist the help of a trained professional.

Reason 1: You Live in Area Where Flooding Is Common

Whether or not you need a sump pump in your basement is mostly contingent on where you live and where your house is situated. If you’re lucky and you’ve never had to deal with a flooded basement, you’re probably fine without a sump pump. However, if you have moisture issues in your basement or if there has ever been standing water in the space, you should invest in a sump pump. If you’re on a budget, be sure to try other waterproofing methods, such as using a dehumidifier, before resorting to buying a sump pump.

Reason 2: Sump Pumps Effectively Remove Water From Basements

If your basement is overly wet, have a sump pump installed. This small pump is usually placed in the lowest part of your home, which can your basement or a crawlspace. It keeps the area under your home dry by pumping out any water—moisture in the soil surrounding your home’s foundation, for instance—that drains into its sump pit. Before you have a sump pump installed, be sure to have your waterproofing professional repair any cracks or damage in your home’s foundation.

Reason 3: Peace of Mind

Even if you haven’t experienced flooding yet, you may still want to consider investing in a sump pump if your basement tends to be on the wet side, smells musty, or has signs of mold growth. If water intrusion is an annual issue, you should invest in several pumps, as well as a backup pump that’s water-powered, in case you experience a power outage that renders your main pump inoperable.

Mold and mildew exist in every home, and are particularly prevalent in areas where moisture levels are high such as a kitchen, bathroom, basement, or crawlspace. If mold is allowed to grow uncontrolled, it can pose a serious health risk to you and your family. If you’re experiencing symptoms that may be mold-related, or you suspect that you may have a mold infestation in your home, contact a trained professional who specializes in basement and crawlspace waterproofing, mold inspection, black mold removal, and home mold remediation in Baltimore .

The Difference Between Mold and Mildew

Though both are fungi and closely related, mold and mildew are morphologically different. For example, mold can occur in a range of colors that include black, gray, green, red, and orange. Mildew, on the other hand, only occurs in varying shades of white, and tends to grow on the surface of things, which makes it relatively easy to clean up. Mold can grow aggressively into whatever media it’s attached to, and it’s more difficult to get rid of.

Symptoms of Mold and Mildew Exposure

Of the two fungi, mold can be more toxic. Mildew exposure can cause headaches, coughing, sore throat, sneezing, and breathing problems. Mold exposure includes all the symptoms of mildew exposure, and: sinus infections, migraines, allergic reactions, rashes and hives, inflammation and pain in joints, depression, extreme fatigue, pneumonia, and potential death.

Common Types of Mold Found in Homes

There are three types of mold that can be found in homes. The first, and most common, is Aspergillus . It can be found in the soil, growing on fruits and vegetables, and growing on nutrient-poor items such as plastic, glass, and concrete. Aspergillus is the least harmful to your health—people who are sensitive may develop allergic reactions. Cladosporium is another common mold found in homes, and can occur on household surfaces such as wallpaper, carpet, wood, insulation, and HVAC fans. The last, and most dangerous, is the infamous black mold ( Stachybotras chartarum ). Black mold grows readily on materials that have a lot of cellulose in them like gypsum board, paper, drywall, and dust. If you suspect you may have black mold in your home, contact a mold removal expert immediately.

Crawlspace waterproofing is among the most important services that you can schedule for your home. If you are wondering whether your home is in need of crawlspace waterproofing , you may want to inspect your property for the signs of crawl space moisture. There are several signs and symptoms that can point to the presence of excess moisture in your crawlspace. For example, you may notice excessive cracks or other forms of damage to your basement. Additionally, you may find that your home’s foundation appears wet or soggy. When crawlspace moisture is left to sit for too long, you may also find the signs and symptoms of rot or mold. A damp crawlspace may also create unpleasant musty odors throughout your basement space. With the assistance of a company offering crawl space dehumidifier and crawl space encapsulation in Baltimore, you can rest assured that moisture will not affect the safety or condition of your indoor spaces.

When you or a loved one suffers from allergies at home, there could be a chance that your household has a black mold issue. In fact, black mold is among the most common allergens found on Earth. After you schedule black mold removal for your basement, you may notice a relief in many of your indoor allergy symptoms. Some of the common black mold allergy symptoms include respiratory problems, sinusitis, and other health issues.

For help with any mold remediation needs, contact a company offering basement waterproofing and mold removal near Baltimore. By setting up mold removal for your home, you can help to relieve your allergy symptoms. To take a closer look at the link between mold and allergies, be sure to check out this video.