Basements are often synonymous to Damp and Shady and places, and this attribution they have, is not based on mere imagery. Basements have a tendency of being soaked up and really damp. These places are actually the base of any building and if not properly ventilated or left open, absorb a lot of moisture from the concrete foundation; evaporation causes indoor humidity and gets the basement its infamous attribute! These actually cause the walls to get flaky and rot in due course. The way out?
1. Ensure proper Ventilation:
Remember that an airy and open basement is always away from risks of such dampening. Ensure that all exhaust fans and windows are in proper condition. Getting the evaporated air flow out is the best way to save your basement.
2. Basement Waterproofing companies:
If you wish to get the best way out of these damps, it is always advisable to hire a Basement waterproofing company which will provide a professional take at the issue and get rid of cent per cent.
3. Using a Dehumidifier:
Placing some dehumidifier (depends on the size of the basement) in the corners is a great way of getting rid of basement dampness. They prevent condensation and help in getting the desired results.
4. Open the basement door once a month:
Remember to open the Continue reading →
If you find mold in your home, it is a good idea to get rid of it as soon as possible, and fix the issues that made the mold grow in the first place. You can do it yourself, or look for foundation repair DC, or foundation crack repair DC to assist you. This article will go over five proper steps to get rid of the mold infestation in your home.
1. Identify the Mold
Several common mold types are pretty harmless, but there are a few that can be detrimental to your health if you disturb it. The most common type of mold that plagues almost every home is called mildew. This is what you find in your shower, grout lines, or damp walls. It starts out as small black spots and can quickly grow into larger colonies. Mildew is a surface mold that won’t damage your home’s structure. If you notice mold on a wooden structure, poke it with a sharp object, if it crumbles or breaks, the rot has set in, and it will have to be replaced. If there is a high concentration of mold, it releases an odor.
2. Look for Moisture
Once you identify the mold infestation; you can begin looking for the source of the water or dampness. If you aren’t comfortable doing Continue reading →
This entry was posted in Mold Remediation on July, 17, 2017
A common problem of every house is a leaning chimney that is not so uncommon to be overlooked by homeowners. Leaning chimneys are the evidence of serious issues such as bricks can easily fall, smoke can leak into home’s interior, snow and rain could seep in leading to water damage and bugs can enter exposed cracks that needs to be addressed immediately.
The leaning chimneys are basically of two types, one that leans away from the house and the other one that leans on or over the house. Some homeowners try to fix this problem themselves but it is only temporary. As leaning chimney is a noticeable sign of foundation failure, at the first sight of damaged chimney, call in a licensed professional.
What is the cause?
The material such as bricks and stones that are used to build chimneys are extremely heavy. Actually, chimneys need specific concrete footing to support all the added weight. This footing along with the underlying foundation supports your home. There are various reasons that cause the leaning of your chimney that consists of:
- The clasps and brackets that hold the upper segments of chimney in place are worn
- The improper size of footing
- Over time, shifting of soil and water causes the cracks in it or crumbles the concrete
- Volatile soil contractions and expansions,
Continue reading →
A person’s house is one of the most valuable assets for him/her. It is valuable not only for its commercial value but also because a person has many memories related to one’s own house. Any major damage to the house may be a catastrophic event for the owner. One of the most vulnerable sections of a house to damage is foundation and basement.
Most people concentrate on the upper part of the house for decoration and maintenance neglecting the foundation. The foundation and lower parts get damaged if their problems are avoided for long. Your house’ foundation, therefore, requires maintenance at regular intervals due to many factors.
Here are the 5 primary things that call for foundation repair in your house.
1. Water
Water is one of the most dangerous things when it comes to foundation damage. Seepage of water makes the foundation walls weak and crack. The concrete gets dampened and frail. These things happen mainly due to heavy rainfall and inadequate waterproofing.
Foundation repair becomes crucial to protect the lower parts of the house. Avoiding these may lead to massive damage.
2. Poor Drainage
Drainage is an important part of any household. Taking away the excess water is crucial to maintaining the house in a proper condition. If the gutters are clogged and downspouts in wrong arrangement the Continue reading →
This entry was posted in Foundation Repair on April, 14, 2017
Waterproofing of the house is an important feature of keeping your house safe from seepage, molds and other problems caused by water.
A crucial part of your house is the basement but it is also the place which is one the most neglected spaces in the entire house. Basements are basically an extra area underneath your house. This is mostly kept for storage and other purposes. Major damage to your house from water can come from this neglected space.
It becomes very important that you identify the signs of probable water seepage into your basement or else damage done to your house can be irreconcilable. Here are the 5 signs that will help you to know the time of waterproofing your basement.
1. Damp Odor
The basement is not one of the most used parts of the house. It is natural to find a dry dusty smell in it. But if your basement is having a dampened sweaty, smell it may be the first sign of water seepage. The smell is the resultant of mold and mildews in your basement. If not visible also the smell signals the probable growing in some nook or corner. This is your warning bell to bring in basement waterproofing contractors.
2. Crack In The Walls and Floors
Cracks are the most widespread signs Continue reading →
Your worst fear… do you need foundation repair?
As a homeowner regular home maintenance is important to keep your home
safe and sound. Part of the job includes inspecting your home regularly
to see if it’s showing any signs of wear and tear. One serious issue that
homeowners worry about is getting a crack in their foundation. But how would you know if
you see
signs you need foundation repair?
Here are some signs you need foundation repair to look for.
1) Having trouble opening/closing windows. – Many times if the foundation settles it can
cause a crack that shifts the foundation of the house. This can cause windows that once
closed and opened easily to get stuck.
2) Seeing cracks on the outside off your home. Did you spot a new crack in exterior of your home?
If so a foundation crack may be to blame.
3) Seeing a shift in your floors. Was your once even floor seem like it has a bump or slope to it?
You may need a foundation repair to fix it.
4) Gaps around door, window and garage frames. If you see a new space, it could be due to a shift
in the foundation or a crack. Time to have a professional check out your foundation so you can be sure.
Continue reading → This entry was posted in Foundation Repair on April, 01, 2017
What You Need to Know About Northern Virginia Flooding Repair
Flooding is, unfortunately, a common occurrence in the world. Flood waters have damaged property and land globally at an incredible rate, destroying property and valuable items at a relentless pace. Anyone can be affected by flooding and its aftereffects. That’s why the need for Northern Virginia flooding repair is so important.
There is actually a range of different types of flooding events. Since it can happen anywhere, there are some different causes for floods. Many floods occur when rivers overflow or when drains and other areas get flooded. You can see flooding occur when man made items break as well, such as busted pipes in a home or when levees break or dams burst. You can witness many of these events on TV, or if you live near them, you might be the unfortunate recipient of these flooding events.
Many times, floods happen due to man’s ignorance or arrogance. We seem to think that we can subdue and tame something as strong as Mother Nature. Many people move into areas that are flood-prone but foolishly think that the flooding will never happen to them. Even a simple rain can cause a flood, and it’s important for homeowners to remember that if you live in a flood-prone area, you will be Continue reading →
This entry was posted in Water Damage on March, 10, 2017
Best Tips on Northern Virginia Water Clean Up
Flooding is, unfortunately, a common occurrence in the world. Flood waters have damaged property and land globally at an incredible rate, destroying property and valuable items at a relentless pace. Anyone can be affected by flooding and its aftereffects. Thus the need for Northern Virginia Water Clean Up.
There is actually a range of different types of flooding events. Since it can happen anywhere, there are some different causes for floods. Many floods occur when rivers overflow or when drains and other areas get flooded. You can see flooding occur when man made items break as well, such as busted pipes in a home or when levees break or dams burst. You can witness many of these events on TV, or if you live near them, you might be the unfortunate recipient of these flooding events.
Many times, floods happen due to man’s ignorance or arrogance. We seem to think that we can subdue and tame something as strong as Mother Nature. Many people move into areas that are flood-prone but foolishly think that the flooding will never happen to them. Even a simple rain can cause a flood, and it’s important for homeowners to remember that if you live in a flood-prone area, you will be experiencing the effects and Continue reading →
This entry was posted in Water Damage on March, 04, 2017
Bathroom Mold Removal Tips That Work!
Rub a dub dub. The morning shower is a wonderful bit of “me” time. A moment away from work, your messy house, and the kids. That is until you open your eyes and see a bit of mildew growing in the corners of your shower. “No biggee” you say. But in the next few weeks that little spot of mold grows. Unfortunately mold and mildew in your bathroom is a common problem. The heat and moisture cause the perfect environment for mold to grow. How do you get rid of this unsightly mess?
Here are mold removal tips to clean your bathroom.
1) Cleaning the moldy areas with bleach, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide will kill nearly any type of mold that it comes in contact with. Let it stay on the moldy surface for an hour. Then rinse with hot water and dry with a towel. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
2) Tea tree oil s a natural fungicide that kills black mold and mildew. Wear gloves when cleaning with this.
3) Borox. Simply mix borax with water in a one cup to one gallon ratio. Use the mixture to scrub the mold until it is removed from the surface.
3) Strip away any badly mold infested grout and caulk. Once mold gets
Continue reading →
Spring is coming! Soon we will find out whether the Groundhog sees his shadow and if it’s six more weeks of winter or if spring is on it’s way. It’s Spring Cleaning time! As the weather warms up outside, it’s the perfect time to head outside for some basic home maintenance.
1) Walk around your home. Look outside at the foundation to see if you can spot any cracks. Also do a visual inspection from the basement to look for any cracks that may appear in walls, especially over doorways, windows, or where walls meet ceilings.
2) Gutter time. Now that the ice and snow is gone, grab a ladder and check your gutters. Make sure they are clear of leaves and debris. Also clear any blockage by downspouts.
3. Look for soil grading issues around your home. Water should be able to drain away from your home. If the sloping has worn away, water will pool and may seep into your home and cause cracks in the foundation.
4. Pest proof. If the thought of spiders running up your wall makes your shiver, you may want to pest proof your home from the outside. To prevent outside pests from entering your home, look for cracks and holes on the
Continue reading → This entry was posted in Foundation Repair on February, 22, 2017
