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The Steps of Basement Waterproofing
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.
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What Does a Sump Pump Do?
With the winter season fast approaching, now is a great time to schedule basement waterproofing services for your home. During the winter, freezing temperatures and heavy precipitation can cause flooding in the basement of your home. With basement waterproofing services, such as foundation repairs and sump pump installation, you can rest assured that your basement is protected during the winter months. A company offering basement waterproofing in Baltimore can install a quality sump pump for your home. To highlight the benefits of sump pump installation, here is a quick look at how a sump pump works.
Sump Pit
When a sump pump is installed in your basement, it will be placed in a specially designed area that is called a sump pit. In the event that your basement becomes flooded, the sump pit will fill with water. As the water level rises, it will trigger a sensor in the sump pump. After the sensor is triggered, the sump pump will begin moving water safely out and away from your basement.
Centrifugal Pumping
A sump pump uses the process of centrifugal force to pump water out of your basement. Once the sump pump is triggered to turn on, a powerful motor will cause it to spin rapidly. This spinning movement will create a centrifuge, which will cause water to flow up and out of the sump pit. After all of the water has been pumped clear, the sump pump will automatically shut itself off.
Styles of Sump Pump
When you are considering a sump pump installation, you will have a couple of styles of sump pumps to choose from. A submersible pump will be installed deep within the sump pit of your basement. By contrast, a pedestal pump sits above the water line. Each type of sump pump will help to prevent flooding and water damage to your basement during the upcoming winter.
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Keeping Your Sump Pump in Good Condition
A sump pump is a small and relatively cheap piece of equipment, but it can have a huge impact on your home, particularly when it fails. If your home has a basement, the sump pump removes excess water and protects your home from mold, mildew, wood rot, and other problems associated with standing water. Sump pumps can last for up to 20 years, as long as you keep up with manufacturer-recommended maintenance. Watch this brief news clip to learn more about the importance of keeping your basement sump pump in tip-top shape.
If you want to prevent serious water damage to your home, have a basement sump pump installed today. In addition, consider basement waterproofing to keep your basement dry all year long. A basement waterproofing company in Baltimore can ensure the lower level of your home is properly sealed.
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Essential Waterproofing Terminology
There’s a lot to know when it comes to basement waterproofing. Fortunately, there are waterproofing professionals in Baltimore who know the ins and outs of basement waterproofing and mold removal. Still, it helps to know some of the important terminology so you can better communicate with your basement waterproofing provider.
The “water table” is the level below the point where the ground is saturated with water. A “drywell” is a hole in the ground filled with gravel to catch drained water. The term “black mold” refers to a type of toxic mold that can cause adverse health effects in inhaled. When your basement waterproofing professional refers “water seepage,” he is referring to water that has oozed through a porous material. When they need to “excavate” to fix the moisture problem, it means they need to dig and remove dirt.
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How to Tell If Your Basement Has a Moisture Problem
You spend lots of time and money taking care of your home, so be sure to protect your investment by preventing minor moisture problems from growing into major problems that can cause structural damage to your home. Leaky basements can also lead to mold, which causes many health concerns including allergic reactions, agitated asthma, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and skin. A basement waterproofing company in Baltimore can identify and fix the cause of basement moisture problems. The first step is identifying the signs of moisture problems in your basement. Here’s what to look for.
Musty Odor
If you notice a musty odor in your basement , chances are good that your basement has moisture problems. This smell is the result of the decay process associated with mold, mildew, and dry rot. Even if signs of wetness and mold are not visible, a musty odor may be an indication of dampness. Contact a basement waterproofing company in Baltimore to identify the cause of the musty odor.
Condensation
During the humid months in Baltimore, look for signs of dampness or sweating around the bottom of the walls in your basement. Also look for sweating water pipes and condensation on windows. Damp spots on walls will turn block or concrete walls a dark gray color, which may be an indication of poor drainage around your home’s foundation. If you notice any of these signs, hire a professional to waterproof your basement.
Dry Rot
Although dry rot is typical on wood surfaces, it can also appear on walls, clothing, and other surfaces. Dry rot often appears as a brownish-black fungus growth. When dry rot occurs on wood surfaces, it can cause the wood to decay. Contact a basement waterproofing company before significant structural damage occurs as the result of dry rot.
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Health Problems Associated with Leaky Basements
If your basement has sprung a leak, these wet conditions can become more than just a minor nuisance for yourself and your family. A leaking basement can create the ideal conditions for mold and bacteria to thrive. When your basement becomes overrun with mold, you and your family may be exposed to a variety of health problems such as allergies, respiratory illnesses, or skin irritations. In addition, individuals who have compromised immune systems may be at greater risk for contracting serious illnesses.
To protect your family from the dangers of a leaky basement , it is important to schedule basement waterproofing and mold remediation for your home. A company that provides mold remediation in Baltimore can keep your family safe from mold. With routine mold removals and water damage repair, you will be able to rest assured that the conditions in your basement are not compromising the health of your family.
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Understanding How Sump Pumps Work
Your sump pump is one of the most important parts of your basement. In the event of basement flooding, your sump pump will send water safely out and away from your home. Along with basement waterproofing, scheduling a sump pump installation is one of the best ways to protect your home from water damage. A company providing basement waterproofing in Baltimore can install a quality sump pump system for hoe home. With a new sump pump, you can eliminate the need for costly foundation repairs down the road. To highlight the benefits of contacting your local basement waterproofing company today, here is a look at how sump pumps work.
Sump Pit
When your sump pump is installed, it will be placed in a specially designed sump pit. As water enters your basement, it will flow directly into the pit. Once the pit fills up with enough water, the sump pump will be automatically activated. During your sump pump installation, your technician will create a sump pit that is designed for the specifications of your basement.
Float Activator
In order to know when it is time to start pumping, a sump pump is equipped with a device called a float activator. This floating component is installed inside the sump pump. Once water enters the pump, the activator will begin to float and rise. As the float activator rises with the surface of the water, it will switch on the pumping mechanism inside your sump pump.
Centrifugal Pump
Your sump pump relies on a phenomenon known as centrifugal pumping in order to deliver water away from your basement. Once the sump pump is switched on, it will begin to spin with rapid motion. This spinning action will create enough pressure to send water through a pipe and out of your basement. With a new sump pump installation, you can rest assured that your home will be protected from the dangers of basement water damage.
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Tips for Preventing Basement Moisture Issues
Leaky basements can lead to a number of problems in your home, including waterlogged belongings and structural issues. The biggest concern, however, is mold. Prolonged exposure to mold can cause a number of adverse health effects, many of which can be serious and even life-threatening. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prevent basement moisture issues in the future. In addition to waterproofing your basement, the following tips will help keep your basement nice and dry.
Install a Sump Pump
The best line of defense against a wet basement is a sump pump. These devices are installed in the lowest part of your basement where water naturally collects. The sump pump then pumps the water outside and directs it safely away from your home. And if you already have a sump pump, make sure it is in good working order. Fixing a broken sump pump isn’t cheap, but it’s a lot cheaper than water damage repair.Keep Water Out
A sump pump will remove any water that gets into your basement, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take steps to keep water out in the first place. First, check your gutters. Make sure they are clean and that the downspout directs water away from your home instead of pooling it around the foundation. You should also make sure that your landscaping is sloped away from the foundation wall. Plants should be placed at least two feet from the foundation and low enough in the soil so as not to direct water toward the foundation.Wet basements create many problems, including mold. Mold spores can cause a wide range of health issues, so waste no time in contacting a basement waterproofing company in Baltimore to keep your basement dry. If you notice mold growth in your basement, hire a mold remediation company to remove the threat and keep your family safe.
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Understanding Household Foundation Problems
Many homes in the Baltimore area have foundation problems. These problems can be very serious and may pose a threat to the overall structure of your home. Construction errors and poor water drainage are the two most common causes for foundation issues, but a wide number of factors can also be to blame. In the following article, we will look at the reasons foundations fail, the signs of foundation failure, and how to repair your foundation to prevent further problems and to protect your property.
Types of Foundations
There two primary types of foundations. Home in warm, dry climates frequently have a slab on grade foundation, which is simply a layer of concrete poured down over smoothed soil. Pier and grade beam foundations are also popular. These foundations feature a perimeter concrete support beam and interior support piers.Causes of Foundation Problems
Soil expansion and contraction is behind almost every foundation problem, but the causes of soil movement can vary. Extremely dry weather, overwatering, and poor construction techniques are three of the leading causes of soil expansion and contraction.Signs of Foundation Failure
Cracks in the drywall that look jagged or run off at a 45-degree angle are usually indicative of a foundation problem . Door and windows that stick are also an indication that the house has shifted. You can also look for cracks in the floor if you have a slab-on-grade foundation. You should also check for cracks above doors and windows outside of your home, and for horizontal cracks across the foundation.Foundation Repair
Uneven floors, cracked walls, and sticking doors are all signs that your foundation needs to be repaired. A foundation repair company in Baltimore can evaluate your foundation, find out what the specific causes are, and recommend the right solution to protect your foundation in the future. You may also need to waterproof your basement while you are at it to further protect your home’s foundation. -
A Homeowner’s Guide to Basement Waterproofing
A damp basement can turn into a major disaster for your home. Even a small amount of water in your basement can cause damage to your home’s structure and may lead to the growth of mold and mildew that can cause a string of health problems for your family. Basement waterproofing is the only way to prevent basement flooding and avoid the need for water damage repairs and mold removal. In this infographic, Storm Waterproofing LLC explains what to expect from the basement waterproofing process. Contact us for basement waterproofing in Baltimore , as well as mold remediation, foundation repair, and crawl space waterproofing. Don’t let basement leaks turn into costly nightmares for your family and friends—share this important information with them.