A hidden water leak can cause serious damage to the structural integrity of your home. If your crawlspace or basement is leaking, you may not notice the problem until serious damage has occurred. By scheduling basement waterproofing serving Baltimore, you can prevent the risk of water leaks in your home. A company offering basement and crawlspace waterproofing can assist you with crawlspace encapsulation and black mold removal . By scheduling these services, you will have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your home is fully protected from water damage. Read on to learn more about identifying the signs of a water leak in your crawlspace or basement.

Musty Smell

When your crawlspace or basement is experiencing a leak , you may notice a moldy or musty smell when you enter these areas. Leaking water can create unpleasant aromas in indoor spaces. In addition, water damage can also develop into a mold problem. If you find that your basement or crawlspace has an unusual smell, it may be time to schedule waterproofing services.

Mold Growth

Black mold requires damp conditions in order to grow and thrive. If your basement or crawlspace has a water leak, you may find black mold in these spaces. When you find black mold in your basement, it is highly important to schedule both mold removal and waterproofing services. By clearing up your mold, you can protect yourself and your family members from the risks of black mold exposure.

Damaged Walls or Flooring

To identify a water leak in your crawlspace or basement, you can also look for signs of damage on your walls or flooring. When your basement has a hidden water leak, you may notice stains or cracks on your basement walls. In addition, you may notice that your flooring is buckled or discolored. A basement waterproofing company can identify the source of the damage and restore your home to peak condition.

You probably don’t spend much time thinking about your home’s crawlspace. However, the crawlspace is actually one of the most important parts of your home. That’s because crawlspaces often houses main support beams, utility lines, and other important elements which can become damaged due to excessive moisture. Cracks in the foundation, soggy insulation, evidence of wood rot, and musty odors are all signs that you should hire a crawlspace waterproofing company in Baltimore to prevent serious moisture-related problems. There are many reasons why your home’s crawlspace has moisture issues, including:

Leaky Pipes

Your crawlspace likely has a lot of water pipes running through it. If these pipes start leaking, they can create a serious moisture problem. Standing water in a crawlspace can lead to a number of problems, including mold and mildew growth. After your plumber identifies and repairs any leaky pipes, contact a mold remediation company in Baltimore if you find evidence of mold or mildew growing in your crawlspace.

Water Seepage

Another cause of standing water and resulting moisture problems is water seepage. After a period of sustained rainfall, the water table around your home could rise to the level of your crawlspace. If your crawlspace isn’t properly waterproofed, significant amounts of water can seep into the space and damage wood support beams, plumbing, and electrical wires.

Outdoor Air

Believe it or not, but the air itself may also be contributing to moisture problems in your crawlspace. As outdoor air enters the crawlspace, it cools down and increases the relative humidity. For example, if air enters the crawlspace at 90º and cools down to 75º, the relative humidity can jump from 60% to 95%. Basement and crawlspace waterproofing can protect your crawlspace from problems due to humidity 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.

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 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.

Mold spores are a common allergen that can cause symptoms such as wheezing, a stuffy or runny nose, itchy eyes, and a rash or hives. Preventing mold allergies requires analyzing the exterior and interior of your home to prevent mold growth or schedule mold remediation to address an issue as soon as possible.

This video discusses how to prevent mold allergies. Keep the area around your home clear of debris and standing water. Fix leaks and schedule water damage repair to address any moisture that may have entered your home. Make sure areas such as bathrooms and laundry rooms are well ventilated, which will prevent them from becoming dark, dank, and moldy.

Crawl space and basement waterproofing can prevent leaks from causing mold growth and mold allergies in your home. If you do find mold in your home, contact a mold removal company in Baltimore immediately.