• Benefits of Crawl Space Encapsulation

    If you’re like a lot of homeowners, you may not think too much about your crawlspace. You should, though, because what’s in your crawlspace can impact the air quality throughout your home. In fact, according to the EPA, 60 percent of the air on your first floor has already traveled through the crawl space, picking up microbes and particulates along the way. Ready to learn more about crawl space encapsulation? Read on to understand why it’s a good idea.

    First, let’s define crawl space encapsulation. Encapsulation involves sealing off and insulating the crawl space, in order to protect it from water vapor, pests, and inclement weather. This is done by adding a heavy-duty polyethylene barrier to your crawl space, similar to the lining of a swimming pool. Once the barrier is in place, the space is sealed, and a dehumidifier can be used to regulate the moisture level in the crawl space. The crawl space is not the only underground area that could benefit from this process. If you live in an old home or are planning to finish your basement, encapsulation of that area is a smart move. Today, though, let’s just consider the crawl space.

    • Encapsulation improves your home’s air quality. It keeps mold, mildew, and bacteria from seeping into your home from the crawl space, keeping the air your family breathes clean and safe. Encapsulating your crawl space also gives you better control over your home’s humidity levels and reduces musty odors.
    • A clean, dry crawl space doesn’t support mold growth. Reducing moisture makes an area less hospitable to mold. What’s more, because the crawl space is encapsulated in non-organic material, there’s no place for mold to gain a foothold.
    • Encapsulating the crawl space discourages pests. Insects and rodents prefer damp spaces and find getting around the barrier nearly impossible. In fact, there are even pest-specific barriers available.
    • If you want to store things in your crawl space, encapsulation is a must. Once encapsulated, your crawl space will be a safe, clean, dry environment where you can safely keep your belongings without worrying that they’ll be damaged.
    • When you encapsulate your crawl space, you save money on energy costs. You could see a decrease in your energy bills of up to 15 percent per year once you seal the crawl space!
    • Encapsulation protects your home’s structural integrity. As long as your crawl space is exposed to moisture, your house is exposed not only to destructive pests, but also to decay and rot. Encapsulating the space affords your home’s frame and foundation some important protection.

    At Storm Waterproofing, we know how to solve and prevent crawlspace and basement problems. A family owned and operated waterproofing company founded by a third generation basement waterproofing expert, we’ve been providing exceptional basement waterproofing services for over 20 years. If you’re looking for a company that will keep your Baltimore, MD area home dry, healthy, and safe, using state-of-the-art waterproofing techniques, call or contact us today.

  • 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.

    Basement waterproofing in Baltimore

  • How Mold and Mildew Can Affect Your Home and Health

    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 . Mold and mildew build up

    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.

  • How Mold Can Affect Your Health

    Health Effects of Mold and mold symptoms If you notice mold or mildew in your home, you need to have it properly removed right away. Prolonged exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects ranging from mild to severe. If you want to protect your health and the health of your family, hire accompany that provides mold remediation and waterproofing services in Baltimore to get rid of mold and the moisture problems that caused it. Here is a look at some of the ways your health is affected by exposure to mold and mildew.

    Allergic Reactions

    For people who are sensitive to molds, exposure to mold can cause allergic symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing, wheezing, eye irritation, and skin irritation. People with mold allergies may have more severe reactions to mold. If you are experiencing allergic reactions in your home, contact a mold removal company in Baltimore to inspect your home and remove any mold that is irritating you.

    Upper Respiratory Problems

    In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found sufficient evidence to link exposure to indoor mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms in otherwise healthy people. In individuals susceptible to immune-mediated conditions, mold exposure has been linked to hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Other recent studies have suggested a link between mold exposure and the development of asthma in children.

    Other Adverse Health Effects

    More severe health effects may be linked to mold exposure, though further studies are needed. In the meantime, scientists are unsure about the possible link between mold exposure and adverse health effects such as acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage, memory loss, and cancer. While scientists research the link between mold and serious long-term symptoms, don’t take any chances with your family’s health. Contact a mold removal and waterproofing company in Baltimore to get rid of mold and prevent mold from returning in the future.