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Reasons to Waterproof Your Crawlspace
You may not spend too much time thinking about crawlspace waterproofing in Baltimore . However, although it is quite discreet, your home’s crawlspace is a vital area that contains its main support beams, utility lines, and water pipes. Keeping this space clean and contained through crawlspace waterproofing, also known as crawlspace encapsulation, can prevent moisture-related problems from spreading throughout the rest of your home. Read on to learn some of the main reasons for waterproofing your crawlspace.
Keep Excess Moisture Out
Your crawlspace may house older water pipes that could be prone to leakage. Leaky pipes in a vulnerable crawlspace can often turn into a raging moisture problem. Likewise, water seepage can pose a problem for crawlspaces that have not been encapsulated. Water seepage arises from excess rainfall, which can in turn cause the water table in your area to rise. If the water table meets the level of your crawlspace, this excess water can cause harmful damage to your crawlspace that has resounding impacts throughout your home.
Keep Pests Out
Crawlspaces that are left unsealed are prime real estate for unwanted pests. Snakes, rodents, termites, and even larger animals such as raccoons can easily find their way into your crawlspace and wreak havoc on your home’s most vital parts. If your crawlspace is experiencing excess moisture, it is even more likely to attract pests such as termites, who flock to water-saturated wood. Prevent these problems through professional crawlspace waterproofing or encapsulation.
Keep Mold Out
Like many pests, mold also thrives in dark, moist areas. A crawlspace with excess moisture is one such environment. One of the worst things about mold is that once it starts to spread, it can easily contaminate your floor, insulation, and interior walls. Mold spores that have originated in your crawl space and spread throughout your home can also create health problems for certain individuals. Keep mold out and prevent multiplying problems by hiring a professional to waterproof your all-important crawlspace. If you already have mold in your crawlspace, a professional can also perform a mold cleaning service.
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How a Wet Basement Can Affect Your Family
If your basement always seems to be damp, it can make it difficult for your family to enjoy the space. You should hire a company to do basement waterproofing for you. Storm Waterproofing LLC can prevent you from having to deal with a flooded basement in Baltimore and allow you to start enjoying your basement space.
When your basement is damp, it will often smell like mold and mildew. It will also make it just about impossible for you to store anything of value in it. You won’t be able to spend time as a family in a basement that’s wet, and you will likely have higher energy bills due to the lack of basement waterproofing. Water and air will both be able to seep into and out of the space as they please. To start making the most of your basement, you should waterproof it and do basement finishing. When you decide that you are ready to take those steps, Storm Waterproofing LLC will help you get rid of the water in your basement once and for all.
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What are the Differences Between Mold and Mildew?
Mold and mildew are often mentioned in the same breath, and they actually have quite a few similarities. They both grow in moist areas, and they both strike fear in the hearts of homeowners who use techniques like mold remediation to get rid of them. But they also have many differences. Storm Waterproofing LLC can identify them for you and help you decide whether or not you need to have home mold remediation in Baltimore .
One of the biggest differences between mildew and mold is their appearances. Mildew is a surface fungi that is typically either gray or white, and it can be removed from your home by scrubbing it with a brush and a household cleaner. Mold, meanwhile, is usually black or green and, when it appears in your home, it will likely not be contained to one place. Mold can spread quickly, so mold remediation must be used to take care of it. Mold cleaning is a delicate process that must be done properly to eliminate mold once and for all. When you call on Storm Waterproofing LLC for assistance with a mold or mildew problem, we will work to get rid of it for you right away.
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Signs That Your Home’s Foundation Needs Repair
The foundation of your home is obviously very important to it. Without a strong foundation, your home will deteriorate over the years and, eventually, you will see signs that will show you that it’s time to have foundation repair done. One way to avoid the need for foundation repair is to have basement waterproofing done. Basement waterproofing serving Baltimore will help protect your foundation and keep it strong. If you choose not to have it done, here are some of the things that you make start to see as a result of your weakening foundation.
Uneven Floors
Have you noticed that the floors in your home suddenly feel like they are sloped? This is one of the ways you will be able to tell that you need to have foundation repair. When your home shifts due to your failing foundation, the floors will become uneven in different parts of your home. Your floors should be level at all times, and if they’re not, then you know that you have a serious problem. You should have an engineer come to your home to take a closer look at your situation.
Cracks in Walls
Cracks in your walls can be caused by things other than just your foundation, but if you notice several cracks in your walls throughout your home, chances are you have a problem with your foundation. These cracks will form over time as your foundation fails and, while you can cover them up temporarily by painting over them, they will return before long. Have your home’s walls examined right away if you find that there are cracks in them that are getting worse.
Doors and Windows That Don’t Open and Shut Easily
When your home needs foundation repair, you will usually find that the simple task of opening and closing a window or door is difficult. Foundation issues will affect the alignment of doors and windows and make it almost impossible to use them normally. Basement waterproofing and foundation repair will help to prevent damage to your home that comes along with foundation issues.
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A Look at Crawl Space Encapsulation
Is the crawl space in your home dark, damp, and musty? If so, it could be a problem waiting to happen, and you should consider having crawlspace waterproofing done to help avoid problems related to moisture and mold. Watch this video to see how crawl space encapsulation in Baltimore can help keep your crawl space safe.
Crawlspace waterproofing is important because it will limit the amount of moisture that is able to make its way into your crawlspace. Crawlspace encapsulation takes things a step further by keeping out moisture as well as harmful gases that come up through the ground. Once you have laid down the proper crawl space vapor barrier and had the space encapsulated, you will be able to use your crawl space for storage and know that your crawl space is safer than it was before.
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How to Protect Your Foundation
The foundation of your home can become damaged in many ways, including storm damage, damage from the root systems of nearby trees, and damage from water runoff or pools of water near your home. If you live in an area that gets a lot of rainfall, you should contact a foundation repair company in Baltimore to ensure that your home’s foundation and basement are protected from water damage.
Watch this video to learn more about how to protect the foundation of your home. Danny Lipford, a home improvement expert, discusses proper grading around your home, as well as a few other tips.
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What Causes Foundation Problems?
Foundation problems can be very serious. In fact, depending on the extent of the damage, a problem with the foundation can pose a threat to the overall structure of your home. Your foundation may need to be evaluated by a foundation repair company in Baltimore if you notice uneven floors, cracked ceiling or walls, cracked chimney bricks, and sticking doors or windows. Your foundation repair provider will likely need to address one or more of the following causes to prevent foundation problems in the future.
Plumbing Leaks
Water from plumbing leaks is one of the leading causes of foundation problems , especially for homes with crawlspaces. Even if your home’s plumbing doesn’t run through a crawlspace atop the foundation, a leak in the sewer drain can cause the soil to shift due to excessive moisture. If you suspect that your sewer line is leaking, contact a plumber and then contact a foundation repair company to check for any resulting damage.
Poor Drainage
Improper drainage is another leading cause of foundation failure in Baltimore. Constant pools of water in concentrated spots can cause the soil to settle and compact, creating uneven support for your home’s foundation. Poor drainage may also cause water seepage into your home’s basement or crawlspace, which is why you should have these areas waterproofed as soon as possible to prevent mold, mildew, and other types of water damage.
Inferior Ground Preparation
It’s also possible that the ground was not properly prepared before the foundation was installed. Slab-on-grade foundations depend on the uppermost soil layers to provide bearing capacity to support the structure and keep the foundation stable. Unfortunately, there’s not a whole lot you can do to prevent this as it’s up to the home builder to let the soil settle before construction. While you can’t reverse poor ground preparation and foundation construction, your foundation repair company can prevent any further damage.
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The Home Buyer’s Guide to Foundation Problems
Many homes in the Baltimore area suffer from problems with their foundations. In most cases, foundation issues are caused by construction errors, poor water drainage, or both. When buying a new home, look for indications of stress and soil movement. If the current homeowner indicates that foundation repairs were made in the past, ask for copies of the scope of work, engineer’s report, and warranty. If the company that provided the foundation repairs is no longer in business, know that you will be on the hook for any repairs should you buy the house and need foundation repair in the future.
Watch this video for more information on home foundation problems and what to do when buying a home that has undergone foundation repairs in the past. In Baltimore, look for a company that provides basement waterproofing in addition to foundation repairs so you can bolster your home’s foundation while also preventing mold, mildew, and structural problems relating to moisture and basement leaks.
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How Dry Soil Can Lead to Foundation Problems
During the summer months, dry soil can lead to major foundation problems in your home. When soil dries out, it can compromise the stability and safety of your foundation. To eliminate the need for foundation repair during the summer, you can install a soaker hose for your foundation. A company providing foundation repair serving Baltimore can offer you a full range of foundation repairs. In addition, your basement waterproofing experts can provide you with flood damage repair during the wet winter season. To take a closer look at how dry soil can lead to foundation problems, watch this video from KMBC 9 News Kansas City.
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How Water Can Damage Your Household Foundation
While your home foundation may seem like it is incredibly strong and durable, your foundation is actually susceptible to the damaging effects of water. During heavy rainfall, water can seep and flood into the areas around your foundation, causing major damage. To prevent the need for major foundation repair service , you may want to consider basement waterproofing. If your foundation has already been damaged by water, it may be time to contact a company that provides foundation repair in Baltimore. With quality foundation repairs, you can preserve the quality and safety of your home. Let’s take a quick look at how water can damage your household foundation.
Saturated Soil
When soil is exposed to heavy amounts of water, it begins to expand. The foundation of your home is surrounded entirely by absorbent soil. As the soil begins to saturate and expand from water, it will put large amounts of pressure on your home foundation. Over time, this pressure can result in cracks, damage, and breaking.
Shifting Masonry
Water can also damage your foundation by shifting the masonry of your home. When your foundation is installed by your contractor, it is poured directly into the earth. The cement components of your foundation may begin to shift and crack when they are exposed to water and expanded soil over an extended period of time. You may notice that your foundation has shifted or rotated out of place.
Dropped Foundation
If your home is in need of extensive foundation repairs, you may notice that your home has dropped or shifted out of position. With extreme water damage, your foundation may settle into cavities that have been created by water deep underneath the earth. When your foundation drops, this issue can also cause damage to the structural integrity of your entire home. At the first sign of foundation problems, be sure to set up a foundation repair appointment right away.