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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mold live everywhere, and spores of mold or other fungi are in the air around us more than we think. If you have an allergy that doesn’t end when seasons change, you may be allergic to these airborne mold and fungal spores. The symptoms of mold allergy are similar to the symptoms of other allergies, such as sneezing, congestion, dry skin, and runny nose. The difference is that people with mold allergies experience allergy symptoms year-round.

While most outdoor molds become dormant during the winter, indoor molds can spread and reproduce all year long given the right environment. If you are constantly sneezing and sniffling inside your home, contact a mold remediation company in Baltimore to inspect your home for mold. If you see areas of mold growth, leave it to the professionals. Mold removal can be dangerous, especially if certain types of toxic mold are growing in your home. You may also need to hire a basement waterproofing company to prevent further mold growth.

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.