Making the Most of your Basement

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Summer Humidity and Basement Mold

 

Why Should I Waterproof My Basement?

For most of us, our home is our #1 investment — and not just in terms of money. A home is where we raise our family, lay our head at night, and create memories with friends and loved ones. That’s why it’s important to protect your home — your investment — with an effective basement waterproofing system. Without it, a home is susceptible to leaks, floods, rot, mold, pests, and much, much more.

Protect Your Home and Increase It’s Value
An interior basement waterproofing system will not only protect your home from the unpredictability of Mother Nature, it will also increase the overall value of your home. Studies show that a wet basement will deter potential homebuyers more than nearly any other home ailment. So whether you plan to live in your home for the rest of your life or hope to sell in the near future, waterproofing your basement is of the utmost importance!

Diagnosing and Repairing Leaky Basements
Basements can leak and cause damage in a number of ways. Cracks in the basement floor or walls, leaks through hatchway doors or basement windows, bursting washing machine hoses, or leaky water heaters can all cause serious damage to one’s home. Fortunately a Missouri basement waterproofing specialist can help you to avoid such disasters. How?

He or she will visit your home, locate all leaky spots in your wet basement, and quickly and professionally make the necessary repairs. This may include repairing cracks in foundation walls, sealing pipe penetrations, or installing a perimeter drainage system and sump pump. Our patented drainage systems work automatically and will not clog with dirt or debris. The sump pumps we install are self-draining and have a battery backup pump, protect your home from leaks and/or potential flooding if you lose power.

Crawl Space Woes? We Can Help!
Many Missouri homes have crawl spaces, which can be particularly susceptible to leaks, humidity, and water damage. Contrary to popular belief, crawl space ventilation is not a cure. Our basement waterproofing specialists have years of experience with crawl space encapsulation. If your crawl space is home to mold, mildew, and rot, it’s time to fix the problem before it’s too late. A certified Missouri basement waterproofing specialist can repair your wet crawl space in a few simple steps, which may include sealing crawl space vents and doors, installing a sump pump system, lining the floor with a waterproof plastic liner, or installing a self-draining crawl space dehumidifier.

Choose Experience, Quality, and Affordability!
Our Missouri basement waterproofing specialists have years and years of hands-on experience. Locally owned and operated, our contractors are recognized in the community for high-quality, affordable work. We will work within your budget to customize a basement waterproofing system that’s perfect for your home. Our interior basement waterproofing systems are not only half the cost of exterior systems; they also take just one or two days to install.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact a Missouri basement waterproofing specialist for basement waterproofing in Lake Ozark, Columiba, Kansas City, and other surrounding areas. Protect your investment, your home, and your family with a quality basement waterproofing system today!

Basement Waterproofing Can Save You Money on Insurance

Over the years, the cost of homeowners insurance can really add up. And when you tack on flood insurance, the price gets even higher. A great way to feel protected from heavy rains and potential flooding is to hire a Missouri basement waterproofing specialist, who can professionally and affordably waterproof and seal your basement. Waterproofing not only protects your home, it also protects your wallet. Think of basement waterproofing as a great investment that will pay for itself in a matter of years, because a well-protected, sealed basement will result in lower homeowners and flood insurance rates for years and years to come.

The Basement Waterproofing Process

1. Locate the Leak: The first step in professional basement waterproofing is to locate the leak(s). In many cases, leaks originate from basement windows or cracks in the wall, and can be repaired in a couple of hours. If water is leaking from a crack in the basement floor, a perimeter drainage system and self-draining sump pump is an effective and hassle-free solution. A sump pump can also collect and re-direct water from leaking basement hatchway doors to the outside of your home, where it cannot cause damage. Other common sources of basement leaks include pipes, which can be quickly sealed using a special polyurethane polymer, faulty water heaters, humid crawl spaces, and bursting washing machine hoses. A certified Missouri basement waterproofing specialist can diagnose and repair all of these common basement leaks.

2. Work within Your Budget: We know and respect the purpose of a homeowner’s budget, and that’s why our Missouri basement waterproofing specialists will create a basement solution that’s right for your home and your finances. Our patented drain systems, sump pumps, dehumidifiers, and sealing agents are effective and affordable. In fact, our interior basement waterproofing systems cost half the price of other exterior waterproofing systems; yet our systems are equally effective at protecting your home from leaks and floods.

3. Waterproof and Seal your Basement: As previously mentioned, some basement waterproofing repairs take as little as two hours to complete. Others — such as French drain systems, foundation waterproofing, or crawl space encapsulation — can take one or two days. Regardless of the task at hand, our certified technicians will complete the job quickly, cleanly, and effectively. When we’re finished you can rest assured that your basement is protected from leaks and flooding. Never again will you need to stress out and worry during a heavy rainstorm!

Don’t Wait, Protect Your Basement Today!
If you’d like to speak with a certified basement waterproofing contractor in MO about leaky basement walls, floors, windows, or pipes, the time to act is now. Who knows? Your basement waterproofing solution may be as simple as a self-draining basement dehumidifier, which can drastically reduce humidity and eliminate basement mold and mildew growth. A basement dehumidifier not only makes the air in your home healthier to breathe, it also protects the structure from rot. So don’t wait — act today and ensure that your home is fully protected from leaks with a customized basement waterproofing system!

Why Every Homeowner Needs a Sump Pump

Many homeowners might ask why they need a sump pump saying that their basement has never flooded, their home’s foundation is rock solid, it’s a waste of money. Truth is if a homeowner has a basement, that basement needs a sump pumpbefore the need for one comes flooding in.

Sump pumps save homeowners thousands of dollars by protecting the basement itself and subsequently the house, the furnace, perhaps laundry facilities and stored items. Anyone who owns a structure that has a subterranean level, either a basement or crawl space, needs a sump pump. In addition to relieving flooding conditions, sump pumps also help keep basement humidity low which in turn lowers the possibility of mold and mildew build-up. A wet basement is a breeding ground for additional problems such as strange odors, peeling paint, rust, and cracked floors and walls.

Sump pump installation today often includes a battery back-up system for those homeowners who have electric sump pumps. Your basement waterproofing contractor will explain the reasons for this back-up system, most importantly a loss of power possibly with disastrous results. Even in a flooded basement, the back-up system continues to function with the ability to pump water out of the house for several hours without an electric power supply.

Professional installation of a sump pump protects the homeowner’s investment and the value of the home. It assures the work is completed accurately and with the best interests of the homeowner taken into consideration. Hiring a basement waterproofing company to install the sump pump is critical to the outcome of the job.

Take note of these points when deciding on a basement waterproofing contractor:

• Experience and skill. Check the number of years the contractor has been in business and the reputation gained in the area. This involves asking about certification, licenses and association memberships. What is the training procedure for employees? Are they bonded and insured? Homeowners want to feel comfortable about the workers in their home.
• Quality Products. Sump pumps are available in many types, sizes and prices. Determining the best product to do the best the job in your home requires professional input. Because of their specialty, basement waterproofing contractors have the knowledge to choose the correct and highest quality product for the job.
• Written estimates and warrantees. Verbal agreements should be avoided. A basement waterproofing company will provide a written estimate that includes the cost of materials and labor, a detailed description of the work to be done, and the timeframe to complete the job.
• References. Ask for references of jobs in process or recently completed. Checking references is one of the best ways to learn about your prospective contractor. Take the time to call them and the Better Business Bureau as well to check for any unresolved complaints.
• Compare. Standard practice involves getting estimates from three different contractors to compare costs, material quality, and financing if necessary. Beware of companies that require a large upfront payment; the initial deposit should be minimal.

Don’t ignore the necessity of having a sump pump installed in your basement. Be prepared for water problems, protect your home, and gain peace of mind.

SST Basement Systems specializes in sump pump installation in Ontario. Visit them online for a free sump pump installation estimate in Sault Ste. Marie, Kenora, and Thunder Bay, and other surrounding areas.

Lower the Risks, Raise the Gains: Insulate and Encapsulate Your Crawl Space

Studies have shown that repaired crawl spaces have important benefits for homeowners. Advantages are often overlooked simply because crawl spaces are often overlooked as a crucial part of a house.

By remedying a wet basement and restoring a crawl space with proper insulation and encapsulation you will see significant changes in your home.

Here are just a few advantages to encapsulating your crawl space:

By remedying a wet basement and restoring a crawl space with proper insulation and encapsulation you will see significant changes in your home.

Here are just a few advantages to encapsulating your crawl space:

1. Increased overall comfort. You’ll gain extra square footage for storage, assured that items will stay dry and rust-free, clearing up living spaces and making them more usable for daily activities. You’ll also notice that floors in the winter won’t feel as cold and the house won’t seem as muggy in the summer. Add this up and your family’s lifestyle sees improvement without the need for major additions and remodeling.
2. Lower energy bills. A repaired, well-insulated crawl space increases energy efficiency while the opposite, an uninsulated and dirt floor crawl space, creates moisture and damp air throughout the house. That makes the air more difficult to heat and cool, forcing your HVAC systems to work harder and longer, waste energy and, as a result, waste your dollars.
3. Reduced health risks. Damp, dark musty crawl spaces are ideal environments for the growth of mold and mildew. The resulting mold spores feed on dirt, dry leaves, dust and other materials; since the natural air flow in a house is bottom to top, the air with mold spores combines with air in the upper parts of the house and is taken in by family members. Poor air quality can lead to various unhealthy symptoms including allergies, nasal and sinus conditions, respiratory issues, and skin and eye irritations. Contamination concerns from pests, termites, and rodents which inhabit dark, damp environments are another health risk.
4.  A safer home. The foundation your house stands on is comprised of the walls that enclose the crawl space. If those walls are exposed to prolonged wet, damp conditions, the foundation walls may become compromised and structural damage occurs. This of course creates an unsafe house and could also incur failed home inspections. Moisture also causes hardwood floors to buckle, creating another safety hazard in the living areas.
5.  Higher home value. A dry, clean safe crawl space signals value and secure investment in the future. It’s an example of homeowners caring about their house, all of its spaces, not just the furnished and decorated living areas. That’s a positive sign to prospective home buyers that they are looking at a well-cared for house, and becomes a strong selling feature. And because moisture problems have already been resolved, future expenses for buyers have been avoided.

In the final analysis, crawl spaces are simply another essential part of the home that require the same attention given to other areas, both interior and exterior. The impact and benefits of a dry, insulated and repaired crawl space will be felt for years to come by every homeowner. When your crawl space is working to its full potential, your home will finally be working together as one system.

SST Basement Systems is your local wet basement and crawl space repair company. They provide crawl space repair in Ontario, including Sault Ste. Marie, Kenora, and Thunder Bay, and other surrounding areas.

Why Is Basement Waterproofing Important?

Most likely, your home is your biggest investment. To protect that investment, it’s important to maintain all areas of the home, including the basement. Whether your basement is a fully-renovated home office or TV room — or if it’s simply a place for storage and half-empty boxes — keeping a Kingston basement dry is vital for the health of both your home and your family.

Why is Basement Waterproofing Important?

There are many reasons why basement waterproofing is important. For starters, a damp basement is often home to mold and mildew. These fungi can lead to numerous health issues for both humans and pets, including breathing problems, allergies, eye and skin irritation, headaches, and fatigue.

A wet basement can also lead to troublesome and expensive structural issues, such as rotting wood. What’s more, many pests and rodents thrive in humid, damp environments. Employing effective basement waterproofing techniques will help keep your basement dry, healthy, and safe. It will also help to eliminate that unpleasant musty smell that permeates your basement and all the things kept there (e.g. furniture, clothes).

Certified Basement Waterproofing Companies in Kingston

The number one secret to effective basement waterproofing in Kingston is finding an experienced, reputable basement waterproofing company offering top-notch products and service. Patented, time-tested basement waterproofing products are key to keeping any Kingston basement dry and healthy year-round. So don’t settle for just any basement waterproofing contractor offering the cheapest rates. Instead, look for professional, certified basement waterproofing companies in Kingston. In the end, you’ll be very glad you did!

Popular Basement Waterproofing Products in Kingston

From flooring, walls, windows, gutters, dehumidifiers, washing machines, and water heaters, there are numerous basement waterproofing products available for Kingston homeowners. Let’s take a quick look at two popular basement waterproofing products.

1. Basement Dehumidifier: Perhaps the easiest and most affordable basement waterproofing product, an energy-efficient dehumidifier helps remove moisture from the air. Reducing moisture and humidity from the air not only stifles mold and mildew growth, it also helps reduce that “musty basement” smell.

   When shopping for a basement dehumidifier, be sure to purchase one that’s both energy-efficient and self-draining. Energy-efficiency is important for obvious reasons — you can run the dehumidifier 24/7 without worrying about it drastically increasing your monthly energy bill. A self-draining basement dehumidifier comes highly recommended because it requires no effort on the part of the homeowner. The dehumidifier can remove more than 100 pints of water every day, and expel it automatically, without the homeowner having to empty a collection tray several times a week.

2. Perimeter Drainage / Sump Pump System: When it comes to protecting your home from leaks and flooding, you’ll need more than a basement dehumidifier. That’s why many Kingston homeowners turn to perimeter drainage and sump pump systems. Interior basement perimeter drainage systems collect excess water and direct it towards a sump pump, which then expels the water outside and away from the home. Interior perimeter drainage systems can be installed in one to two days and cost half the price of exterior drainage systems.

When shopping for a sump pump, be sure to ask your Kingston basement waterproofing contractor about installing a battery backup pump. That way, you’ll be 100% protected from water damage and flooding even if you lose power during a severe storm.

McInroy Basement Systems specializes in basement waterproofing in Kingston and surrounding areas. Visit them online for a free basement waterproofing estimate.

Choosing Your Foundation Repair Method

Does your Belleville, ON home show signs of sagging floors, bowing or buckling walls, and foundation cracks? Do such foundation problems make you question the safety, stability, and/or overall resale value of your home?

Foundation problems can be a serious source of stress and financial worry for Belleville homeowners. Fortunately, however, there are affordable, certified foundation repair contractors that can permanently solve foundation problems without breaking one’s budget. Continue reading to learn the four common steps involved in Belleville foundation repair.

Step 1: Find a Certified Foundation Repair Contractor in Belleville

Though it may sound like a daunting task, finding a certified foundation repair contractor in Belleville doesn’t have to be. You can begin the search online and compare contractors’ rates, services, and customer reviews that way, or you can ask your friends, neighbors, and co-workers for recommendations. In the end, you’ll want to hire a Belleville foundation repair company with extensive knowledge and experience in foundation repair, along with affordable rates and trustworthy contractors.

Step 2: Inspect for Foundation Problems

Once you’ve found the best foundation repair contractor in Belleville, it’s time to get to work! The first step is to conduct an extensive home inspection, pinpointing areas of your home needing foundation repair. Fixing these trouble spots will return your home to its original position and increase your home’s overall value.

Step 3: Discuss Effective & Affordable Solutions

Once the inspection is complete, the Belleville foundation repair contractor will sit down with the homeowner and discuss any problems they found. Together, you can come up with an effective solution that fits within your budget. Popular foundation repairs include:

• Wall Anchor Systems: If your foundation walls appear to bow or buckle inward, it means they’re unable to handle the weight or pressure being applied to them. This may be caused by a variety of reasons, including hydrostatic pressure, the type of soil around the foundation, temperature conditions, and how deep the foundation reaches. Buckling walls will eventually crack and leak water. If ignored, they may even collapse. Belleville foundation repair contractors can install wall anchor systems that will not only stop inward wall movement, but even restore the walls back to their original (straight) position.

• Foundation Piers: Foundations settle naturally over time, but settlement problems can occur when the soil under a foundation cannot support the home’s cumulative weight. Foundation settlement problems can result in cracked walls and drywall, titled chimneys, uneven doors and windows, and much more. To repair foundation settlement problems, Belleville foundation repair contractors can install stabilizing foundation piers. These sturdy steel piers can resist both long-term pressure and corrosion, and lift the foundation back to a stable and worry-free position.

• Crawl Space Supports: Although a crawl space is not a “lived-in” and usable part of your home, it still needs to be protected and maintained. One common foundation problem in Belleville is when the floors above a crawl space begin to sag or sink. This is often due to a lack of crawl space supportive structures, moisture damage/rot, or sinking supports. To solve this problem, Belleville foundation repair contractors can install crawl space supports. These work to quickly and effectively restore the structure. If the sinking floors were a result of rot or mold, the contractor can also encapsulate and dehumidify the space.

Step 4: Receive a Free, No Obligation Estimate

The final step in Belleville foundation repair involves receiving a free, no obligation estimate from your chosen contractor. If the price is right, you can then implement the suggested foundation repairs and give your home a much needed “pick-me-up!” (No pun intended.) Don’t wait until it’s too late — research Belleville foundation repair contractors today!

McInroy Basement Systems specializes in foundation repair in Belleville and other surrounding areas. Visit them online for foundation repair estimate.

Is your Connecticut basement wet enough?

Basement Waterproofing: Go Pro or DIY?

 

Aqueous Basement Systems, a Seatlle basement waterproofing expert,  explains the challenges involved in waterproofing a basement and why DIY solutions are not the best option. 

“Choosing Between DIY And A Professional Waterproofer

Few forces can damage a home in quite the way that water (and its partner mold) can. The continuous, periodic, soakings that comes with a wet basement has the potential to ruin virtually everything stored there, including:

• Appliances (Furnaces, Washers, Dryers, Etc)
• Furniture
• Stored Items (Photos, Books, Clothing, Etc)
• Finishing Materials (Carpet, Wallboard, Studs, Etc)

…and much, much more. On the other hand, if you waterproof that flooded space, you gain an entire floor of your home back. You can finish that into more living space, or you can begin to use it again to store valuables.”

Read the rest of this article in their blog: http://bit.ly/A78Jr7