• Black Mold and Your Family’s Health

    When your home has a mold problem, scheduling mold remediation is important not only to protect your property but to ensure the health of your family, as well. Watch this video to learn about the importance of black mold removal in Baltimore in safeguarding the health of your household.

    When your home needs mold remediation, some of the symptoms that your family may experience include itchy and watery eyes, a runny nose, throat irritation, coughing, sneezing, worsened sinusitis symptoms, and asthma. A few severe symptoms associated with black mold exposure include dizziness, decreased attention span, and headaches. If you have black mold in your home, see a doctor about your symptoms and schedule black mold removal services.

  • Understanding the Water Table

     

    There are a few different ways that water can get into your basement. A flooded basement can damage your home’s structure and cause mold to grow, which can affect your health. When you have a waterproof basement in Baltimore , you’ll be protecting your home against the different possible causes of basement moisture. Watch this video to learn about the benefits of basement waterproofing and the water table.

    When there is a lot of rain, especially over an extended period of time, it can saturate the ground and raise the water table. If you are not ready for this change, it could lead to major problems in your basement. As the water table rises, water can force itself into small cracks in your foundation and make them bigger, and lead to a flooded basement. Take the proper measures with basement waterproofing to prevent damage from a changing water table.

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  • How Does Water Get Into Your Basement?

    When you are getting your home ready for the fall season, you may want to consider setting up basement waterproofing services . If your area is hit by a major rainstorm, basement waterproofing can provide your house with a solid line of defense against flood water. A company that offers basement finishing and sump pumps in Baltimore will be able to install quality basement waterproof materials around your property. Along with waterproofing your basement, you can help prevent flooding by learning about some of the common causes of basement water damage. Read on for a look at the top three ways that water can get into your basement. Leaking ceiling repair & mold prevention

    Through Foundation Cracks

    Cracks in your home’s foundation can make your basement particularly vulnerable to flooding. As your foundation ages and settles over time, its concrete slab may form tiny cracks or fissures. Even if these cracks are not visible to the naked eye, they can let significant amounts of water into your basement space. To prevent water damage and soggy carpets, you will want to repair any damage to your foundation.

    Under the Slab

    Many basements sit on a concrete surface that is commonly known as a slab. If your plumbing develops a slab leak, the pipes that run underneath your basement and foundation may start to flood your home with water. A company that offers basement waterproofing services will be able to locate the source of your slab leak and provide you with top quality repair services.

    From the Downspouts

    You may be surprised to learn that the quality and condition of your roof can create basement water damage and flooding. If your roof’s downspouts are improperly placed, they may force water into your basement when it rains. Similarly, clogged gutters can also create basement flooding issues. To help prevent the damaging effects of flooding to your basement, you will want to have a team of waterproofing professionals identify any potential problem areas throughout your property.

  • Signs That Your Foundation Could Be Failing

    Your home’s foundation is essential for the building’s function and durability, and it is responsible for holding the house up, sealing out moisture, insulating the interior, and providing stability. To catch small problems before they turn into major ones, watch for the following signs that could mean you need foundation repair near Baltimore : Foundation repair in Baltimore

    Poor Air

    Have you noticed that the air in some parts of your home seems earthy, musty, or damp? If so, then you may have an insulation problem due to gaps in the foundation. This type of issue typically occurs around floor joints and can lead to mold growth and higher utility bills. While sump pump installation and basement waterproofing may help this issue, foundation repair might be necessary as well.

    Sticky Doors

    Have you experienced trouble opening and closing your windows and doors? This issue sometimes develops when your home’s frame becomes warped due to a failing foundation.

    Cracked Walls

    Have fracture lines appeared anywhere on your home’s interior or exterior? If so, then there is a good chance that your foundation needs attention. This warning sign occurs when sinking or moving earth causes the building’s structure to stretch and crack. When left untreated, this foundation issue can cause a wall to bow inward and eventually collapse.

    Distorted Floors

    When a home needs foundation repair, the evidence can sometimes show in the flooring. If your floorboards are warped or if they are no longer flush with your interior walls, then the foundation may be losing its stability.

    Water Damage

    Among the leading causes of a failing foundation is poor drainage. When water gets trapped around your home instead of draining outward, it can cause harm to the structure. Also, if you notice that the drainage around your home has lessened, this can indicate that the foundation is allowing water to drain downward and accumulate around your home. Signs of water damage can include stains on walls, mold growth, warped floors, and musty odors.

  • Tips for Checking Your Sump Pump Function

    Your home’s sump pump in Baltimore plays a crucial role in keeping your basement free of flooding and water accumulation. If it’s been a while since you last performed any sump pump maintenance , watch this video for tips on checking its function.

    First, remove the sump pump pit lid. If you find that your sump pump uses a flexible hose, check it for any cracks and consider replacing it with hard piping to increase its longevity and durability. When looking into the sump pit, if you notice that the water or surfaces are dirty or have a buildup, you can pour about half a cup of bleach or pool shocking chemicals into the water to reduce algae and bug growth.

  • What You Need to Know About Waterproofing Your Crawlspace

    Although basement waterproofing gets most of the attention in America, crawlspace waterproofing can be just as important. In fact, there’s not much difference between basements and crawlspaces except in terms of usable space. Besides that, moisture problems can have the same result in crawlspaces as they do in basements, namely mold and rot. And if there is enough water in the crawlspace and rot gets to the floor joists, your entire home could come crashing down. There are lots of companies in Baltimore that offer crawlspace waterproofing , but you probably have questions you want answered before you call. Here are some important things to know before you do.

    Waterproofing your crawlspace

    Do You Need to Waterproof Your Crawlspace?

    Of course you don’t have to waterproof your crawlspace, but there are lots of reasons you should . As mentioned above, moisture problems inside your crawlspace can lead to mold, which can negatively affect your family’s health and lower your home’s indoor air quality. Crawlspace water damage can also impact your home’s structural integrity, which means neglecting to waterproof your crawlspace can put your home and your family’s safety in jeopardy.

    What’s the Difference Between Waterproofing and Encapsulation?

    “Crawlspace waterproofing” and “crawlspace encapsulation” are two terms used to describe the same thing: Making sure that water doesn’t damage the inside of your crawlspace and cause health and safety problems for your family. Some companies advertise waterproofing, others call it encapsulation, but either way you can count on your crawlspace being nice and dry after the service is done.

    How Much Does Crawlspace Waterproofing Cost?

    One of the most important questions on anyone’s mind when considering crawlspace waterproofing is how much it costs. However, it’s hard to provide you with an accurate estimate here without knowing the specifics of your crawlspace, such as its size and whether it has already suffered water damage. These and other factors can affect the cost, so get in touch with a crawlspace waterproofing company in Baltimore to receive an accurate quote.

  • Spotting the Signs of Mold

    It is important that you are able to recognize the early warning signs of mold in your basement in Baltimore . Without swift, professional mold remediation services, you may be at risk for health problems associated with mold exposure. Your home can also become damaged by mold growth. Mold tends to grow in areas that are warm, humid, and moist, particularly flooded basements or crawlspaces.

    Watch this video to learn how to spot the signs of mold in basements. A basement contractor specializing in mold remediation can use a safe, effective mold cleaning techniques for black mold removal and household mold remediation. You should check for signs of mold in your basement if you have recently suffered from a flooded basement or water in your basement.

  • Preventing Your Basement from Flooding

    Are you trying to avoid having a flooded basement in Baltimore? Flooded basements can cause an array of problems throughout your house, including water damage and an outbreak of mold. One way to avoid a flooded basement is to install a sump pump .

    Watch this video to learn more about preventing your basement from flooding. When considering sump pumps, remember that many of the main varieties of sump pumps run on electricity. This is a convenient option that ensures that your sump pump is usually on. However, if your electricity goes out during a storm, your electric sump pump will fail to run. That’s why you should consider a back-up sump pump that runs on battery power or water power. These sump pumps can help you avoid getting water in your basement during flash flood storms that knock out electrical power.

  • Why You Should Work With Storm

    After a heavy rainstorm, the last thing you want to do is to have to deal with a flooded basement. If you need to hire a professional contractor to waterproof your home or to install a sump pump in Baltimore, you want to be sure that you’re working with a company you can trust like Storm Waterproofing.

    Utilizing state-of-the-art waterproofing techniques, Storm’s skilled contractors specialize in basement and crawlspace waterproofing , mold remediation and removal, foundation repair, and sump-pump installation. They are all fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and offer lifetime guarantees on their work, which are transferable if need be. Storm Waterproofing also offers emergency services, so if a problem occurs in the middle of the night that needs to be taken care of immediately, you can contact Storm 24-hours a day, seven days a week. With over 20 years of experience, you can rest assured that Storm Waterproofing has got your back. Rain water can lead to water damage

  • Reasons to Invest in a Sump Pump for Your Basement

    Sump pumps in Baltimore can help to ensure that your basement stays dry after a heavy rainstorm. They’re particularly useful if you live in an area that is prone to floods or if you’ve had flooding issues in your basement before. By removing unwanted water from your basement, these pumps can help to protect your home from a whole host of problems such as water damage, and mold and mildew infestations. Here are some more reasons to invest in a sump pump for your basement. When you’re ready to purchase one, enlist the help of a trained professional. New sump pump installation

    Reason 1: You Live in Area Where Flooding Is Common

    Whether or not you need a sump pump in your basement is mostly contingent on where you live and where your house is situated. If you’re lucky and you’ve never had to deal with a flooded basement, you’re probably fine without a sump pump. However, if you have moisture issues in your basement or if there has ever been standing water in the space, you should invest in a sump pump. If you’re on a budget, be sure to try other waterproofing methods, such as using a dehumidifier, before resorting to buying a sump pump.

    Reason 2: Sump Pumps Effectively Remove Water From Basements

    If your basement is overly wet, have a sump pump installed. This small pump is usually placed in the lowest part of your home, which can your basement or a crawlspace. It keeps the area under your home dry by pumping out any water—moisture in the soil surrounding your home’s foundation, for instance—that drains into its sump pit. Before you have a sump pump installed, be sure to have your waterproofing professional repair any cracks or damage in your home’s foundation.

    Reason 3: Peace of Mind

    Even if you haven’t experienced flooding yet, you may still want to consider investing in a sump pump if your basement tends to be on the wet side, smells musty, or has signs of mold growth. If water intrusion is an annual issue, you should invest in several pumps, as well as a backup pump that’s water-powered, in case you experience a power outage that renders your main pump inoperable.