If your house has a basement, you probably know that it can be rather damp compared to other rooms in your home, especially if it’s unfinished. Homeowners who rarely enter their basements, or those who use them primarily for storage, tend to be unfazed by a little dampness. However, moisture can be a real issue because it allows mold to grow, among other things. Moisture is of particular concern if you plan to create more living space, which will require waterproofing your basement. Before you embark on a costly renovation project, you should know what measures you can use to prevent moisture in your basement.

Stop Water from Entering

There are many ways to stop water from entering your basement. Firstly, make sure that your downspouts are in good working order. To increase their efficiency, extend them so that they are draining rainwater at least 10 feet away from your house’s foundation. Secondly, create a waterproof basement by sealing any concrete or gaps in it. Since concrete is porous, it can absorb a great deal of water. And gaps around egress windows or doorjambs can allow water vapor to enter. Lastly, inspect and maintain your plumbing. Leaky pipes or drains can cause a big problem. If you suspect faulty plumbing, call a professional immediately.

Install a Perimeter Drain

A perimeter drain is another safeguard against unwanted water in your basement. They are very useful because they divert rising groundwater away from your foundation. To ensure their effectiveness, keep perimeter drains clean and protect them from damage.

Invest in a Sump Pump

If your basement is below the water-table line or if you routinely experience flooding during the rainy season, install a sump pump. Not only is it a good preventative measure, but it also gives you piece of mind that your basement will not flood while you are asleep or away on vacation or business.

Go High Tech

There are several gadgets on the market that can prevent water intrusion by detecting leaks in pipes or from rainwater. By using sensors within valves or on the floor, these devices can sound an audible alarm, shut off power or valves, or alert you via email or text message when unwelcomed water is present. A basement waterproofing company in Baltimore can tell you more about the latest advancements in waterproofing technology.

If you live in a home with a crawlspace in Baltimore , you need to ensure that your crawlspace is effectively waterproofed. Crawlspaces are humid and full of moisture, which can cause a host of problems for your home if they are not waterproof. Your crawlspace is out of sight and easily neglected, but it has a significant impact on the air quality in your home, your health, and your home’s energy efficiency.

Prevent Rodent and Pest Infestations

Water and moisture in your crawlspace can damage the wood and ruin your insulation, which attract rodents and other pests. Rodents can enter your home through very tiny holes and gaps, and they love to make nests out of pieces of insulation. A crawlspace that is poorly maintained provides the perfect environment for wildlife and bugs, who can then enter your home and cause further damage. A clean, moisture-free environment that is sealed will prevent such vermin infestations.

Prevent Mold Growth

The humid, moist environment of your crawlspace is perfect for mold growth. Mold can cause respiratory problems, bacterial infections, and can contribute to a number of other illnesses, including asthma and pneumonia. Mold can also cause mycotoxins, which are very harmful to humans and animals, and can lead to neurological issues and even death. Waterproofing your crawlspace will eliminate the moisture and humidity that can cause the harmful growth of mold.

Lower Your Heating and Cooling Costs

Moisture and humidity in your crawlspace can damage the floor insulation in your home, which can raise your energy bills considerably. This insulation helps prevent unconditioned air from entering your home, or heated air from leaving your home. When it is damaged, it becomes ineffective, resulting in an air conditioner or heating system that has to work longer and harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. If your crawlspace is waterproofed and your insulation repaired or replaced, you will notice that your energy bills are significantly decreased.

A basement that hasn’t been waterproofed is subject to water damage, which can lead to mold problems, foundation problems, and expensive repairs. If you live in an area that gets heavy rainfall, or one that experiences freezing temperatures that can cause basement pipes to burst, you should invest in basement waterproofing in Baltimore .

Keep Your Gutters Clean

If your gutters are clogged, they will begin to overflow even during a light rainstorm. Over time, these overflows will pool up around the foundation of your home, eventually leaking into your basement and causing water damage. In heavy rainfalls, clogged gutters will quickly cause flooding and damage to your home’s foundation and basement. Remove leaves, twigs, dirt, and other debris from your gutters to ensure the smooth flow of water through them. Then install leaf guards and downspout extenders that will direct water at least ten feet from the foundation of your home.

Change Your Yard’s Slope

The grade, or slope, of the ground around your house plays a significant role in how water flows during a rainstorm. During light rain, most water is absorbed into the earth, or evaporates from surfaces. But during a heavy rain, the water will collect in pools or run down slopes. If the ground around your house is sloped towards your home, this means that the water will run down the slope directly into the basement of your home. The soil or dirt around your home should be pitched at a slope of at least ¼ inch per foot, allowing water to drain away from your home instead of towards it. Add soil to your yard if necessary to create the correct slope away from your home.

Maintain Your Trees

Some trees have an aggressive root system that can cause problems with the foundation of your home, leading to cracks, holes, and damage through which water can enter your basement. Shade trees should be planted at least 20 feet from your home to prevent their roots from damaging your foundation. Smaller trees should be planted 10 to 15 feet away.

A basement with leaks can cause numerous problems in your home, including water damage, a water source that attracts vermin, and mold infestations. While many of these problems will be costly to repair, vermin and mold infestations can seriously damage your health. If you live in the Baltimore area, find a basement waterproofing company near Baltimore to avoid these health risks.

Certain rodents and other small wildlife are drawn to dark spaces that provide shelter and a source of food and water. A leaky basement can not only cause water damage that may provide holes that allow this vermin to enter your basement, but the leaks can also provide the vermin with a source of water that encourages them to stay put. Animal droppings and fur can cause a lot of health problems for you and your family. If rats, possums, or raccoons start visiting your basement, you may subject yourself to animal bites and animal-transmitted illnesses.

Mold infestations are equally dangerous. Mold can cause respiratory problems, allergies, asthma, bacterial infections, and pneumonia. It is particularly dangerous for babies, young children, the elderly, and anyone else with a compromised immune system. Mold can also release very harmful mycotoxins, which can lead to neurological issues and even death.

In Linthicum Heights and near Baltimore, you may have heard other homeowners talk about waterproofing their basements. There are many different terms that professionals use to talk about both basement waterproofing strategies and the consequences of inadequate waterproofing.

When you hear the term “water table,” it refers to the level where soil and materials below ground are saturated with groundwater in the vicinity of your home. Flooding can happen when surface tension causes the water level to extend above the water table. A “sump pump” is a device that pumps excess groundwater out from a pit below your basement. This water can enter via “water seepage,” that is, by oozing through the soil. Basement finishing requires adequate waterproofing, for which professionals may dig a “drywell,” which is a gravel-filled hole where water drained from sump pumps can go. To prevent water damage in your crawlspace, you may hear a professional talk about “crawl space encapsulation,” which essentially seals this area off from water penetration.

Effective basement and crawlspace waterproofing uses a variety of strategies to keep these below-ground level areas of your home dry and mold-free.

If have had a flood recently due to inadequate basement waterproofing, you should contact a professional who offers mold removal near Baltimore as soon as possible. When you clean out the basement or crawlspace yourself, it is almost impossible to completely remove all mold as thoroughly as a mold remediation professional can.

Certain types of molds can pose extreme health hazards, beyond the usual respiratory problems and allergies that regular mold can cause. Mold removal is especially important if you have black mold growing in any areas of your basement or crawl space. Watch this video to learn about the dangers of black mold, and you will understand the importance of prompt black mold removal.

If your home’s basement or crawlspace waterproofing is not up to date, you will probably have to deal with a flooded basement in Linthicum Heights at some point. Although prevention is of course preferable to damage control, there are still steps you can take to avoid health hazards and structural damage to your home after flooding occurs. The three steps below are essential when coping with flooding in your basement.

Water Removal

Homes that are not equipped with sump pumps can flood, and once the water gets into your basement or crawlspace, it can be difficult to remove. Several days after the flood, when there is no longer a visible layer of water, the walls and flooring will still be very damp. Because of poor ventilation, it is virtually impossible to remove all the moisture without a professional-grade basement or crawl space dehumidifier. Even if your basement hasn’t flooded yet, it’s a good idea to invest in a smaller dehumidifier to protect it from condensation.

Mold Remediation

Mold can begin to grow just a few days after water gets into your basement. After a flood, you should call a mold removal professional as soon as possible to check to see if this fungus has begun to spread anywhere in your basement. Once a mold colony has sprung up, it can be very difficult to remove. Though not every species of mold is toxic, many release spores than aggravate allergies and cause other respiratory problems.

Damage Control

Any carpet, furniture, or cardboard boxes that got wet during the flooding should be examined by a water damage restoration professional. Unfortunately, you may have to throw many of these items out, especially if the flood resulted from a backed up sewer or storm drain. You should also have your foundation inspected, as flooding can cause structural damage that can compromise the integrity of your home. After you have recovered from the flood, install a sump pump and talk with a professional about other basement waterproofing strategies to prevent it from happening again.

If your Baltimore basement has not been waterproofed, you should certainly expect to face expensive repairs at some point in the future. When mildew grows in your basement and the wood or drywall begins to rot, you may need to schedule mold remediation treatments or even foundation repairs.

The most cost-effective solution is to prevent these problems before they occur by waterproofing your basement. Professional services such as those we offer at Storm Waterproofing LLC can help keep water out of your basement, prevent water that does get in from doing extensive damage, and make sure that the basement drains instead of flooding during the most intense rains.

We offer complete external waterproofing, including trench digging and French drain installation, sump pump installation, crawl space encapsulation, and internal basement waterproofing. This range of important services helps prevent foundation damage and avoid the conditions that lead to wood rot and mold and mildew growth in your basement.