You spend lots of time and money taking care of your home, so be sure to protect your investment by preventing minor moisture problems from growing into major problems that can cause structural damage to your home. Leaky basements can also lead to mold, which causes many health concerns including allergic reactions, agitated asthma, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and skin. A basement waterproofing company in Baltimore can identify and fix the cause of basement moisture problems. The first step is identifying the signs of moisture problems in your basement. Here’s what to look for.

Musty Odor

If you notice a musty odor in your basement , chances are good that your basement has moisture problems. This smell is the result of the decay process associated with mold, mildew, and dry rot. Even if signs of wetness and mold are not visible, a musty odor may be an indication of dampness. Contact a basement waterproofing company in Baltimore to identify the cause of the musty odor.

Condensation

During the humid months in Baltimore, look for signs of dampness or sweating around the bottom of the walls in your basement. Also look for sweating water pipes and condensation on windows. Damp spots on walls will turn block or concrete walls a dark gray color, which may be an indication of poor drainage around your home’s foundation. If you notice any of these signs, hire a professional to waterproof your basement.

Dry Rot

Although dry rot is typical on wood surfaces, it can also appear on walls, clothing, and other surfaces. Dry rot often appears as a brownish-black fungus growth. When dry rot occurs on wood surfaces, it can cause the wood to decay. Contact a basement waterproofing company before significant structural damage occurs as the result of dry rot.

If your basement has sprung a leak, these wet conditions can become more than just a minor nuisance for yourself and your family. A leaking basement can create the ideal conditions for mold and bacteria to thrive. When your basement becomes overrun with mold, you and your family may be exposed to a variety of health problems such as allergies, respiratory illnesses, or skin irritations. In addition, individuals who have compromised immune systems may be at greater risk for contracting serious illnesses.

To protect your family from the dangers of a leaky basement , it is important to schedule basement waterproofing and mold remediation for your home. A company that provides mold remediation in Baltimore can keep your family safe from mold. With routine mold removals and water damage repair, you will be able to rest assured that the conditions in your basement are not compromising the health of your family.

Your sump pump is one of the most important parts of your basement. In the event of basement flooding, your sump pump will send water safely out and away from your home. Along with basement waterproofing, scheduling a sump pump installation is one of the best ways to protect your home from water damage. A company providing basement waterproofing in Baltimore can install a quality sump pump system for hoe home. With a new sump pump, you can eliminate the need for costly foundation repairs down the road. To highlight the benefits of contacting your local basement waterproofing company today, here is a look at how sump pumps work.

Sump Pit

When your sump pump is installed, it will be placed in a specially designed sump pit. As water enters your basement, it will flow directly into the pit. Once the pit fills up with enough water, the sump pump will be automatically activated. During your sump pump installation, your technician will create a sump pit that is designed for the specifications of your basement.

Float Activator

In order to know when it is time to start pumping, a sump pump is equipped with a device called a float activator. This floating component is installed inside the sump pump. Once water enters the pump, the activator will begin to float and rise. As the float activator rises with the surface of the water, it will switch on the pumping mechanism inside your sump pump.

Centrifugal Pump

Your sump pump relies on a phenomenon known as centrifugal pumping in order to deliver water away from your basement. Once the sump pump is switched on, it will begin to spin with rapid motion. This spinning action will create enough pressure to send water through a pipe and out of your basement. With a new sump pump installation, you can rest assured that your home will be protected from the dangers of basement water damage.

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.