Is your home scheduled for crawlspace encapsulation in Baltimore? If so, then continue reading to learn what you can expect from this process.

Evaluation
To begin the crawlspace waterproofing process, a contractor will come and inspect the area. During this evaluation, he examines your crawlspace for weak points that may allow water to get in and will then provide you with any recommendations that he may have. Once the inspection is complete and the contractor has gone over your options and his recommendations, you can choose to go ahead with the encapsulation process.

Sealing
If you decide that crawlspace waterproofing is right for your home, a team will arrive at your home on a prearranged date to encapsulate the area. The first step in this process is to install a vapor barrier. To do this, the team covers the room’s walls with a transparent plastic material that is tough and long lasting. The plastic is then sealed in place and a drainage mat is laid on the ground to protect the plastic by providing a drainage path for any moisture that gets beneath it. Then, more plastic is placed over the drainage mat. All the plastic is placed so that any separate pieces overlap by a foot or more, and the seams are then sealed close with waterproof tape.

Insulation
Once the vapor barrier is in place, the team begins the installation of insulation. The walls and the door are covered with an insulating material to help seal out any external elements. The team also ensures that the door is airtight at this stage.

Conditioning
The final step in the crawlspace encapsulation process is to condition the air, which is necessary because the room is now sealed off from both the outside and the rest of your home. There are a few ways in which this part of the process can be completed, with the optimal choice being crawlspace dehumidifier installation, which helps ensure that the room doesn’t become too humid. Once a system for conditioning the air is in place, the encapsulation process is complete.

Have you noticed that you have standing water in your basement? A wet basement or crawlspace can indicate that you are at risk for water damage, which can lead to mold growth and even pest problems. Moisture in your basement or crawlspace may be a result of a cracked foundation, an issue that poses problems for your health as well as your home’s structural integrity. Basement waterproofing in Baltimore can help get rid of moisture problems under your house so your mold problems improve. Read on to learn more about fighting back against water in your basement and crawlspace.

Telltale Signs

Even if you haven’t had a flooded basement, it is still possible that you have too much moisture down there. Look for dark spots or streaks on your basement walls, ceilings, and floors. If you see such markings, it can mean there has been excessive water in the area. Don’t forget to check around the outside of your home for similar marks, as even if the water problems are currently relegated to the exterior, they can eventually make their way inside. When you have a waterproof basement, you won’t see any of these signs of moisture.

Standing Water

Sometimes, the signs of moisture in your basement or crawlspace will be much more evident in the form of standing water. After it rains, water should drain away from your house. However, if you see standing water around your foundation, it means you do not have the proper drainage set up. That water can eventually seep into your foundation and cause cracks, and may work its way into your basement, too.

What to Do

Basement waterproofing is an excellent choice for keeping your home free of moisture. If you have a crawlspace, consider waterproofing this area as well. By waterproofing these areas, you’ll greatly reduce the chances of mold growth and make your home a more pleasant place to reside. Crawlspace waterproofing also helps prevent damage in your home such as peeling paint, flooring damage, and damage to other household possessions.

If you’re dealing with a wet or flooded basement in Baltimore, then there are several reasons why you should consider sump pump installation or basement waterproofing services . A wet basement can affect your health and cause damage to your home.

Growth of Mold

Mold loves to grow in damp locations that have little airflow. If there is high humidity level or water in your basement, this makes it a prime place for harboring mold. Even if they do spot mold in them, it’s common for people to ignore damp basements because they assume that the mold is harmless and will remain where it is. Unfortunately, mold can be damaging to structures, and its spores can easily become airborne. As these spores make their way around your home and through your ventilation system, they can begin new colonies in other areas of your home and cause health problems for your family.

Potential for Flooding

If your basement is anything but dry, then it may have a high potential for flooding in the future. Moist basements can be the result of poor drainage on your property that is allowing water to collect around your home’s foundation and accumulate on the sides or beneath your basement, leading to a buildup of hydrostatic pressure. If a heavy storm hits your area, you may find that your basement has flooded because of a weakened foundation, the walls or floors are cracked, or too much water has collected beneath your home.

Damage to Structures

Besides the destruction that mold can cause, water in your basement can lead to other issues. The excess moisture can cause wooden furniture to soften and decay, and this applies to your home’s structure as well. Decaying wood not only impacts your walls and floors, but it can also attract a variety of pests that can cause a significant amount of damage. Additionally, moisture can deteriorate the foundation of your home and create more ways for water to get into your basement. At the first signs of a wet basement, you should call your local waterproofing company.

Mold is one of those things every homeowner worries about, especially here in Baltimore where moist conditions create the perfect environment for mold. In addition to the natural moisture in the air, basement leaks and plumbing emergencies can also lead to or speed up mold growth in your home. In short, there are lots of things that can happen that can result in mold, so it’s important that you know how to contain mold growth until professional mold remediators arrive to deal with your house mold problem.

• When you discover mold in your home, the first thing you need to do is contact a professional mold remediation company in Baltimore to schedule a time for an inspection
• If you discover a leaking pipe near the mold, shut off your water and contact a plumber or ask your mold remediation provider if they have the tools to fix plumbing issues
• During the summertime, when weather permits, it’s a good idea to open up windows and doors in your home to help dry out your home and stop the spread of mold until the remediation company arrives to assess the issue

In order to avoid water in your basement, which will eventually lead to mold in your basement, it’s important to invest in basement waterproofing in Baltimore . Waterproofing your basement can reduce your risk of costly mold remediation, foundation repair, mold cleaning, and other services associated with a flooded basement. Here is a look at some of the ways that you can solve the problem of a flooded basement.

Determine the Source of the Water in Basement

Before you can begin waterproofing your basement, you must determine the source of your wet basement. A flooded basement may be the result of a heavy storm, a burst pipe, or a damaged appliance like a water heater, washing machine, sink, or shower. If water in your basement is the result of plumbing problems, you should turn off your home’s water main to stop the flooding and reduce the risk of further damage.

Hire an Experienced Basement Contractor

Next, you need to hire an experienced basement contractor to begin the basement waterproofing process. If there are cracks or holes in your walls due to water damage, your basement contractor can repair them. He can then apply plaster or concrete sealer to waterproof your basement and prevent future leaks and damage. He may also recommend crawlspace waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, and installing a crawl space dehumidifier if your basement’s crawl space is at risk for flooding or water damage. If your basement contractor discovers mold in your basement, he can perform household mold remediation, black mold removal, and mold cleaning services.

Invest in Sump Pump Installation

The final step in waterproofing your basement is sump pump installation or a broken sump pump replacement. Without proper sump pump maintenance, your sump pump may stop working effectively, resulting in a wet or flooded basement. A new sump pump installation will ensure that water is pumped up and out of your basement or crawl space. This means that even after a heavy storm or plumbing problem, you won’t suffer from water in your basement or a flooded basement.

At Storm Waterproofing, LLC, our experienced and knowledgeable basement contactors near Baltimore can assist you with basement waterproofing, crawlspace waterproofing, and mold remediation. The skills and services offered by our waterproofing company are the result of three generations of waterproofing experience. Our basement contractors are licensed, bonded, insured, and offer a lifetime guarantee for their mold removal, crawlspace encapsulation, foundation repair, and waterproofing services.

We offer comprehensive basement waterproofing and crawlspace waterproofing services that can fully protect your home from flooding, water damage, and mold growth. Our basement waterproofing services include foundation repair and concrete sealer. If we discover the growth of mold in your basement, we offer professional, safe household mold remediation and mold removal. We can also provide sump pump installation, sump pump maintenance, and sump pump replacement.

Our crawlspace waterproofing services include crawlspace encapsulation using a crawlspace vapor barrier. We also repair and replace insulation, and install sump pumps and crawlspace dehumidifiers. We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques for all of our waterproofing services. We can give you a free estimate for the scope and cost of services, and also provide 24/7 emergency services for flooded basements or crawlspaces.

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.

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.

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.

Prolonged exposure to toxic black mold can give rise to a number of unpleasant symptoms, some of which can be quite serious and even life-threatening. Unfortunately, early symptoms of black mold exposure mimic regular allergy symptoms. The health symptoms most commonly associated with early exposure to black mold include runny nose, itchy eyes, throat irritation, and sinus irritation. Headaches, shorter attention span, and dizziness are more serious conditions and usually develop after much longer exposure to black mold.

Watch this video to learn more about the symptoms and health risks associated with black mold. If you suspect that you are exposed to black mold inside your home, contact a mold remediation company in Baltimore as soon as possible. The sooner a mold removal company removes the black mold from your home, the better off you and your family will be. The mold removers may recommend some preventive measures, including basement waterproofing.