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More than 27 million homes in the U.S. have crawlspaces. And even though they’re exceedingly useful for extra home storage, it’s absolutely essential to keep them protected and dry to avoid the possibility of water and mold damage. According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), 100% of all types of mold have the potential to cause some health effects. This can be minor to severe and even result in death in some rare cases. That’s why many homeowners are investing in crawl space vapor barriers to keep water out. Here’s part one of our homeowner’s guide to installing a crawl space vapor barrier. Do You Need Extra Crawl Space Insulation For Your Home? Before investing in any type of crawl space dehumidifier or basement waterproofing system, you need to determine your home’s needs. In order to ascertain whether or not your home’s basement or crawl space has a problem with accumulating excess moisture, look at the pipes and concrete walls that surround the space. If they’re wet to the touch or even have gathered a small amount of moisture, it’s a sign that you’re experiencing a common problem that does require a solution such as a crawl space vapor barrier. […]

More than 27 million homes in the U.S. have crawlspaces, and experts estimate that about 30% of American homes have basements as well. But whether you have a crawl space or basement in your home, it’s important to keep it dry, and to understand why it needs to stay dry. Wall-vented crawl spaces cannot maintain relative humidity below the 70% threshold; therefore, they routinely experience condensation and mold growth. If you have a crawl space or basement, keeping it dry is essential. Here’s part one of our homeowner’s guide to understanding the benefits of basement waterproofing. Remove Odors First, many basements that aren’t adequately waterproofed have a distinct stench of moldiness or mildew permeating from their walls. This musty smell can be very unpleasant and deter you from wanting to go into the area at all. Removing this odor alone can help to improve the basement or crawl space’s functionality, and a dry basement won’t have this mildew smell at all. Remove Pests If you’ve ever dealt with a wet basement, you may also be familiar with the many pests that always seem to find a way to enter and make your basement or crawl space their new home base. This is […]

Over 20 million houses in the United States still have crawl spaces. It’s a term you may hear fairly often, but might not fully understand. A crawl space can refer to a variety of unfinished areas of your home, but in this article we’re going to focus on one particular type of crawl space: that small, spiderweb-filled space between the ground and the raised first floor of your home. Usually, it’s no more than 3 feet in height, hence it can’t be entered standing and is aptly named a crawl space. Why are they a big deal? Well, basements and crawl spaces are notorious places for unwanted moisture to creep in and cause trouble. Crawl spaces are more worrisome because they’re obnoxiously small areas that tend to sink to the bottom (get it?) of the home maintenance list. Neglecting them can cause health and structural issues that’ll have you wondering how you could’ve avoided mold removal or foundation damage in the first place. There are two common ways to prevent moisture from collecting in ground floor crawlspaces, crawl space encapsulation and crawl space sealing. However, many homeowners are confused about the differences between these techniques. We’re here to clear up confusion […]

Of all homes with basements, over 98% will experience some type of water damage. Many homeowners have invested in a crawl space drain system or another type of basement or crawl space waterproofing method in order to ensure stability with their home’s foundation. Of course, if you’re considering a DIY job, it’s imperative to be aware of and avoid some common mistakes that can lead to your project’s downfall. Here’s part one of our homeowner’s guide to avoiding some common basement waterproofing mistakes. Not Ensuring The Space Is Moisture-Free Before Starting It shouldn’t come as a surprise that many homeowners take on the challenge of waterproofing or installing a basement or crawl space insulation system only after their home has sustained some type of water damage. That being said, it’s absolutely essential to make sure the space is completely dry before starting your project to avoid trapping water in between layers of your waterproofing system. Furthermore, even small amounts of water and moisture can cause health issues when left unresolved: according to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), 100% of all types of mold have the potential to cause some health effects. This can be minor to severe and even death in some […]

Of all homes with basements, over 98% will experience some type of water damage. That’s why many homeowners are very preoccupied with ensuring that their basement or crawl space stays dry. A wet basement can cause all sort of problems regarding home and health, including mold. According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 100% of all types of mold have the potential to cause some health effects. This can be minor to severe and even death in some rare cases. Fortunately, there are a number of steps you can take to help ensure that your basement remains as dry as possible year round. Here’s part one of our homeowner’s guide to maintaining a dry basement. Use Dehumidifiers Dehumidifiers are just one effective moisture removal strategy. While they aren’t ideal for initial basement waterproofing, they’re typically implemented once your basement or crawl space is mostly dry to help keep control of the humidity level. Depending on the size of your basement, you may need to invest in multiple dehumidifiers, but this technique works — as long as you make sure to keep the dehumidifiers emptied and running. Consider Water Resistant Paint Water resistant paint is a great way to prevent what’s […]

Most homeowners think that keeping a dry basement or crawl space is all about working from the inside. While this is largely true, there are also many homeowners that don’t fully realize the effect that your home’s landscaping can have on the moisture level of your basement or crawl space. But by taking some simple steps, you can maximize your landscaping’s water flow efficiency, keeping your basement as protected as possible. Here’s part one of our two-part guide that will explore some of the best ways to landscape your yard so that it helps with keeping your basement dry. Leave a gap Plants should be placed a minimum of two feet from the foundation and low enough in the soil so as not to direct water toward the foundation. Similarly, when making sure your landscaping is properly mulched, make sure to leave a six inch gap and keep all mulching materials away from your home’s siding. This helps to prevent the otherwise likely possibility that the moisture will wick up from the bed of the mulch and start to rot the siding of your home. It’s okay for mulch to come into contact with block or brick, but contact with […]

When it comes to basement water damage, some signs are obvious, e.g., mold, mildew, musty odors. Others are more discreet, like bugs. It’s not that homeowners aren’t concerned about seeing bugs in their homes, but many are completely unaware that the presence of certain bugs is a surefire sign of moisture damage, and catching them early can prevent a number of issues. Seeing a basement bug or two is no big deal. But if you’re seeing these creepy crawly bugs in your basement or crawl space, you’re most likely experiencing water problems. Centipedes Again, seeing one centipede in your basement or crawl space doesn’t mean you need to enter full panic mode, but if you’re seeing them consistently, you should be a bit concerned. You’ll have to be diligent when looking for them, though, since these hundred-legged bugs come in many shapes and sizes. They’re carnivorous, but they have tiny jaws, so they can’t do any real damage. Keeping your basement dry is the best way to prevent these critters from making their way into your home, but maintaining a clean home overall is also an ideal prevention method. Sow Bugs You may not recognize the name of these bugs, […]

Of all homes with basements, over 98% will experience some type of water damage. Homes with sump pumps are especially vulnerable to basement flooding, and while it’s always ideal to invest in reliable basement waterproofing services, there are a number of steps you can take to keep your basement dry using your yard. That’s right — nothing but your home’s landscaping. Here are just a few household gardening ideas that can help keep your basement or crawl space dry. Think Tall First, it’s important to keep in mind while trying all of these ideas that your plants should be placed a minimum of two feet from the foundation and low enough in the soil so as not to direct water toward the foundation. With that in mind, experts recommend planting taller plants with deep roots that can absorb enough water. But be careful — if you grow plants with large leaves, it may cause the soil to become hard and baked after a period of drought. When that happens, the water can flow downhill and into your basement. Don’t Neglect the Porch/Patio If you have a porch or patio, it often helps to cut back on rainwater and flooding to […]

If you’ve determined you need a solution for cutting down on humidity and moisture in your crawl space, your head may be spinning as you look up the many various options available to you. Be aware that some traditional methods just don’t cut it. For example, a wall vent in a crawl space. Wall vents consistently have condensation and allow for infiltration of moist soil and mold growth because they cannot maintain relative humidity below 70%. Here are some more effective methods for keeping your crawl space dry. Vapor Barriers A vapor barrier is a simple sheet that when installed properly can make your crawl space water resistant, locking out moisture. In the best case scenario, quality vapor barriers will almost completely waterproof the space while also being durable enough to handle traffic in the crawl space from homeowners or services without being damaged. Dehumidifiers For the most part, you’ll want to avoid using an electronic as a long-term solution for moisture in a crawl space. It’s more appropriate for some basements, for example. Workers updating or repairing your crawl space may use a dehumidifier as a temporary means of emptying the crawl space of excess moisture in the air. […]

Mold in your home can be sneaky, but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Plenty of health problems can occur when you have certain kinds of mold growing in your home, especially the types that thrive in damp basements and crawl spaces. If you are experiencing any of these three health problems and you just can’t figure out why you may need mold removal services. Worsening Asthma You probably won’t develop brand new asthma from molds found in your home, but anyone who has a touch of asthma, to begin with, will find that mold exacerbates their symptoms. Get a mold test done if you find that you’re using your rescue inhaler more often or that your formerly exercise-induced asthma is popping up at times when you’re at rest. Chronic Allergy-Like Symptoms If you’ve never experienced seasonal allergies before, or you’re experiencing symptoms outside of the typical times of year you expect them, you may be experiencing irritation due to mold. Sneezing, itchiness, and an irritated throat for extended periods of time (seemingly without a cold or flu) should be investigated. Not everyone is so sensitive to house molds that they have an allergy-like reaction to them, but it’s something to consider especially […]

Though some basements have no problem staying dry as an unbuttered biscuit, many, if not most, basements have water and moisture issues. In fact, over 98% of all homes that have basements will experience some type of water damage. Floods happen and are often unavoidable, but you can still take steps to keep your safe basement from more subtle, slow-building water damage. Often, the same steps that improve basement moisture issues also help your basement recover more quickly from an unpreventable flood. The first step for solving basement moisture issues is recognizing the warning signs. Here are a few signs that your basement might be prone to moisture problems and flooding: Pooling Water at Ground Level If you look out the window and see a puddle of water in your yard near the base of your house, it might be time for a trip to the basement, and then to the hardware store. If you have a leaky hose, overstuffed and dirty rain gutters, or a driveway with improper drainage, water can begin to pool near the edge of your home. As water drains through the soil near your home, it is more likely to end up in the basement. […]

Of all homes with basements, over 98% will experience some type of water damage. And while there are many signs of water damage, recognizing specific details in the foundation of your home can help you to potentially discover the issue before it expands and becomes even costlier when it comes to waterproofing. Here are just a few changes with your home’s foundation that are often indicative of the start of moisture and water damage.   Color Changes   Color changes are one of the most noticeable signs of water damage in your home’s foundation. Finished basements with water damage may have wallpaper that’s peeling, fading, or is otherwise discolored, even slightly. Take note of the texture as well — if the wallpaper starts to feel gritty or you notice other changes in texture, water damage could be in the early stages. In an unfinished basement, look for a white and salty substance, called, efflorescence, which will appear on the walls of the foundation. This indicates how high the water level has risen around the basement.   Odor   According to the Mayo Clinic 93% of Chronic Sinus Infections have been attributed to mold, and most of the time, mold and […]

Mold is nasty, and that’s no myth. According to the EPA, all types of mold (100%) have the potential to cause health complications, from minor effects to death in some rare cases. Beyond health problems, mold can cause unpleasant smells, unsightly damage, and can even lower your property value.   Myths surrounding mold likely come from individuals who don’t want to believe just how bad mold can be. Unfortunately, mold issues are often even worse than they appear. Here are three myths about mold that you shouldn’t believe:   Myth #1: Bleach Kills Mold   This myth is disturbingly common and definitely false. Unfortunately, bleach only kills a handful of types of live mold, and is ineffective at eliminating mold spores. Bleach is also useless on porous surfaces, meaning that mold which has penetrated wood, carpet, and wallpaper won’t be harmed by the substance. In fact, OSHA and the EPA advise homeowners against attempting mold removal with bleach, since the chemical poses its own health risks.   Myth # 2: You Don’t Need to Worry About a Little Mold   Unfortunately, this myth is also not accurate. In many cases, significant amounts of mold can be present without being visible. […]