How To Know If Your Basement Is Water Damage Free?  Fenton, MI

It isn’t uncommon for homeowners to want to convert their basements into living spaces. Finishing your basement is an easy and cost-effective way to increase the square footage of living space in your home. Waterproofing is one of the first steps that homeowners take to make their basements habitable. However, there is much more to be concerned about than water seepage. In this blog, we discuss various factors to consider when choosing basement systems to ensure that your basement is safe to live in.

Hazards In Your Basement 

While basement systems are primarily designed to prevent basement flooding and other water damage issues in the basement, they also help to create a safe environment in the basement by keeping various other hazards at bay. Some of the hazards you should be aware of when choosing basement systems for your basement include:

• Mold and mildew

This is a common problem in moist basements. Mold infestations often occur as a result of water seepage as well as high levels of humidity in the basement. Mold spores produce mycotoxins that can cause various health problems.

You can prevent the occurrence of mold and mildew in your basement by investing in basement systems that are effective at keeping water out of the basement. Not only should the systems be effective at preventing flooding but also at keeping humidity levels down. Consider including a dehumidifier or a ventilation system in your basement system to maintain healthy humidity levels.

• Radon

Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the soil. This gas can rise through the soil and penetrate your foundation. High levels of Radon in your basement can result in various health problems. This radioactive gas has been linked to the development of various forms of cancer. It is, in fact, the second leading cause of lung cancer and is responsible for over 21,000 deaths annually linked to lung cancer.

You can keep Radon at bay by ensuring that your basement system includes the installation of a gas barrier. The gas barrier will keep Radon out of your basement and help ensure a safe environment.

• Noxious soil gases

Aside from Radon, there are various other noxious gases that occur in soils and can penetrate your foundation. These include methane. These gases not only result in bad smells in the basement but can also be dangerous to your health. Accumulation of gases such as methane can even result in the risk of an explosion.

Installing a gas barrier will help to keep these gases out of your basement.

Want to create a living space in your basement? Consult a professional basement waterproofing contractor to ensure you create a safe living space.

Contact the Professionals at Basement Cracks & Leaks Today! 800-639-1131

5 Tell-tale Signs That Your Home Needs Basement Waterproofing Michigan

Basement waterproofing is an important step toward making the basement healthier and more functional.  A basement that is dry and well-ventilated can be used as a laundry room, living space, and more.

By waterproofing your basement, you also avoid the unpleasant basement odors that are common in many homes. Keep in mind the fact that if your basement has a high level of indoor pollutants, these contaminants can spread into other spaces in your home through doors and floors.

Another reason to do basement waterproofing is to maintain the structural integrity of the basement’s walls. Water and moisture can cause notable damage to your basement’s walls and thus affect the rest of the building. Here are some telling signs that your home needs basement waterproofing.

1. Dampness or Moldy Odors in the Basement

If your basement is persistently damp or has a musty smell, this is a sign that it has a high level of moisture. The moisture could be seeping in through the basement’s walls or floor. A recent case of flooding in the basement can also cause this space to have a musty smell. Basement waterproofing will help seal any cracks on the basement walls or on the floor, thus eliminating the seepage of water into the basement.

2. Visible Growth of Mold

Musty smells are associated with the growth of mold in damp areas. Apart from the presence of a moldy smell in your basement, you may also experience visible signs of growing mold. These include black, white, green or brown patches on wooden surfaces, ceilings and other areas. If you see these signs, you need to call a basement waterproofing company.

3. Patches or Pools of Water on the Basement Floor or Walls

Water can seep into your basement through the floor or walls if these surfaces are porous or have cracks. You can see the water as patches on the walls or small pools on the floor of the basement.

4. Signs of Efflorescence

Efflorescence is the movement of dissolved salts through porous materials such as bricks, concrete, stucco or other building surfaces. The salt is eventually deposited on the surface of the material, and will appear as a greyish or white material when water evaporates. If your basement has signs of efflorescence, it needs to be waterproofed. 

5. Wall and Floor Cracks

Moisture and water can seep into your basement through cracks on the floor and walls of the basement. Therefore, it you spot any cracks in the basement, you should contact a professional basement waterproofing contractor.

Contact the Professionals at Basement Cracks & Leaks Today! 800-639-1131

Wet Basements: How to Prevent Water and Moisture Damage Fenton, MI

There are several causes of wet basements, such as a burst pipe, drainage problems, poor home design, etc.

Wet basements can be a serious problem for homeowners because they can cause damage to the house and its contents. In order to prevent this from happening, as a home owner you should take the necessary steps to fix the wet basement.

What are the Different Types of Basement Waterproofing Options?

It is essential to know the different types of basement waterproofing options in order to make the best choice for your home.

There are many different types of waterproofing options that you can choose from. The following are some of the main ones:

• Exterior waterproofing
• Sealants and epoxy injections
• Interior drainage

How to Prevent Water and Moisture Damage

Water seepage/entry is one of the most common causes of wet basements. As a homeowner, it is important to know how to prevent water and moisture damage in your basement.

As mentioned above there are three major ways of preventing water and moisture damage to your basement. These are:

1. Epoxy injections and sealers

These are meant to be a temporary solution especially where the cracks are small or the home owner doesn’t have a budget for a more permanent fix. However, epoxy injections and sealers should not be applied over painted walls or on walls with efflorescence.

2. Exterior waterproofing

This is a more long term fix and involves digging around the foundation to expose the source of the leakages. The foundation is then waterproofed using polymers and waterproof membranes. This is a more expensive approach and takes more time. It should be done by an experienced foundation repair contractor.

3. Interior drainage

This is a way of waterproofing the foundation from the inside. It involves the use of things like a sump pump and a French drain system. Most homeowners consider this method the best as there is no major digging around the foundation and it is more cost effective.

Conclusion

If your basement floods, it is vital to get the area cleaned up as soon as possible. The sooner you can start the cleanup process, the better for you and your family. Do this with the help of a professional basement contractor. An experienced contractor can easily find the root cause of wet basements and fix it once and for all.

Contact the Professionals at Basement Cracks & Leaks Today! 800-639-1131

Ventilate Your Basement Without Impacting Your Basement Waterproofing Solutions Fenton, MI

Basement ventilation is a controversial topic. Some people will tell you not to ventilate your basement while others will tell you ventilation is important for your entire home including your basement. Basement ventilation is important as the conditions in your basement have an impact on indoor air quality in the upper levels of your home. However, those against ventilation argue that ventilation will compromise basement waterproofing.

If you’re concerned about ventilation and basement waterproofing, it is best to consult with a waterproofing contractor. Contrary to popular belief, these contractors don’t only focus on installing waterproofing systems. They also ensure other factors that affect the health of your basement are considered. They can therefore be of great assistance in determining the best way to ventilate your basement and ensure that it remains clean and dry.

Here’s how a professional contractor can help.

1. They will help you seal your windows

Natural ventilation is one of the best and cheapest ways to ventilate your basement. It’s as simple as throwing your basement windows open. However, windows in the basement are one of the most common entry points for moisture in the basement. A professional contractor will help you ensure you can ventilate your basement without allowing excess moisture into the space. They can help you with a selection of windows and their installation. They will seal the windows for you to prevent penetration of moisture. They can also install window wells and drainage systems to keep excess moisture out.

2. They will help you select a ventilation system

Natural ventilation may be a great option in the summer when the weather is good. However, you can’t throw open your windows when the weather is bad. You will need to find an alternative to ventilate your basement. Professional contractors can help you determine the best option for your home. They will guide you through the options available in the market and help you select and install a system that meets your needs. A whole home ventilation system will ensure air circulation within the entire home including the basement without compromising basement waterproofing.

3. They will help you select a dehumidifier

While circulation of air helps to improve the quality of air in your basement, you may need to go a step further to reduce the levels of humidity in your basement. A humidifier will remove the moisture in the air and reduce it to healthy levels. A professional contractor can help you select a humidifier with the right features and the best size for your needs.

Are you grappling with how to ventilate your basement? Talk to your basement waterproofing contractor for guidance.

Contact the Professionals at Basement Cracks & Leaks Today! 800-639-1131

Common Ways to Fix Wet Basements Fenton, MI

Wet basements are not desirable in any home. A wet basement is an indication that water is seeping through the foundation of your home. This can cause notable damage not only to the basement but also to your entire home.

Wet basements are also associated with the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. And when mold grows in your basement, it will damage your property and cause a number of health issues including allergies, respiratory illnesses, sneezing, and general discomfort.

Signs of wet basements include damp spots on the basement walls, pools of water on the floor, efflorescence, musty smells, mold growth, peeling paint, dry rot, rust, and warped paneling among others. When you spot any of these signs, you need to contact a professional basement waterproofing contractor so that they can help you waterproof the basement and do other repairs to fix the problem.

Here are 5 dependable things that a professional contractor will do to solve the problem of a wet basement.

1. Waterproofing the Walls of the Basement

Water seeps through the walls of your basement when the walls are porous. Cracks on the walls of the basements can also cause moisture and water to pass through the walls and enter the basement. A basement waterproofing contractor will help you by sealing the cracks and pores on the basement walls to eliminate the percolation of water into the basement.

2. Fixing Gutters and Downspouts

One of the reasons that can cause water to enter the basement is faulty or incorrectly positioned gutters and downspouts. Also, the downspouts may be dumping roof water too close to the foundation. A technician will solve this problem by fixing the gutters and downspouts and adding gutter extensions so that roof water is dumped far away from the foundation.

3. Installing French Drains

French drains are drainage systems that are used to prevent surface and groundwater from penetrating the foundation. French drains are commonly installed during the basement waterproofing process to guide surface and groundwater away from the foundation and the basement.

4. Fixing Water Leaks

One of the things that could be making your basement wet is an interior or external leak. Fixing these leaks will help keep the basement dry. Therefore, a professional waterproofing contractor will examine your home for any leaks near the foundation and in the basement.

5. Landscape Grading

The slope of the land around your home determines how often water reaches the foundation. A good contractor will help you grade the land around the foundation so that it slopes away from the foundation https://basementcracksandleaks.com/contact-us/to eliminate the accumulation of water near the basement.

Contact the Professionals at Basement Cracks & Leaks Today! 800-639-1131

3 Key Benefits of Installing a Sump Pump with a Battery Backup System Fenton, MI

Flooding causes notable damage to homes in the United States and other places across the world. Even if your home is not located in a flood plain or an area that is prone to flooding, the house could be affected by heavy rains. During heavy storms, surface runoff can flow into your home at a higher rate.

Another problem that you are likely to encounter during heavy storms is power outages. It is estimated that if your home has no power for just five minutes or your sump pump fails for the same amount of time, your home will be filled with more than 90 gallons of floodwater. If the flooding continues for more than one hour, your home will be filled with more than 1000 gallons of water, which will cause notable damage.

Fungus and mold are also likely to grow in your home within 24-48 hours after an event of flooding.

You can avoid the problem of flooding in your home by installing a sump pump with a battery backup system. Here is what you need to know about a sump pump with a battery backup system and the key benefits that you will get by installing this equipment.

What Is a Sump Pump with a Battery Backup System?

A sump pump with a battery backup system is a system for backing up your home’s sump pump. The equipment is installed next to your primary sump pump. The battery backup sump pump has a float switch that is set higher than that of the primary pump, so it will detect when the primary pump is not functioning and turn on automatically.

The battery backup sump pump also detects when AC power fails and switches on automatically.

Benefits of a Sump Pump with a Battery Backup System

1. Offers Protection Against Water Damage

When you install a sump pump with a battery backup system, you significantly reduce the risk of water flooding your home and causing damage.

2. Has Its Own Power Source and Turns on Automatically

A sump pump with a battery backup system has its own battery system and turns on automatically when there is a power outage or when the main sump pump fails. These features enable the device to function and pump out water even when there is no AC power or when the primary sump malfunctions.

3. Provides Extra Help for the Sump Pump

Heavy rains or snow melt can increase the amount of water reaching the main sump pump and overwhelm it. Sump pumps with battery backup systems detect when the water level is too high and turn automatically, thus helping the primary sump pump.

Contact the Professionals at Basement Cracks and Leaks Today! 800-639-1131

4 Tips For Fixing Wet Basements Michigan

Wet basements are not only uninhabitable and smelly; they also pose a health risk and negatively affect the value of your home. Mold, which is associated with damp conditions, causes respiratory illnesses and damages different types of structures and surfaces including floors, ceilings, drywall, and many others.

Additionally, if your basement is constantly wet, you can experience water damage on the basement walls and floor. Seepage of water through the basement’s walls can also cause bowing of the foundation.

Getting rid of any moisture or water from your home and finding a solution to the cause of the problem is therefore one of the most important things that you can do to protect the health of your family and safeguard the value of your home.

Working with a professional basement repair contractor is the best way to ensure that any work that you do on the basement is a success. Let’s look at some of the things that a professional contractor will do to fix wet basements in your home.

1. Fix Gutters and Add Gutter Extensions

You could be experiencing the problem of wet basements because your gutters and downspouts are faulty or positioned incorrectly. Faulty or incorrectly positioned gutters and downspouts will cause rainwater to be dumped too close to the foundation.

When this happens, water may seep into the basement via the basement walls. Over time, increased hydrostatic pressure from the soil that anchors the foundation may also cause the foundation walls to bow.

A competent technician will help you by fixing the gutters and downspouts correctly and adding gutter extensions so that water is dumped far away from the foundation. They can also install underground drainage pipes to help drain and dump gutter runoff further away from the foundation.

2. Repair or Install Footing Drains

A footing drain is an underground pipe that drains water away from a building’s foundation. A professional basement repair contractor will assist you by checking your footing drain to determine whether it needs to be unclogged, repaired, or replaced. If none has been installed, the technician will install it.

3. Sealing The Basement Walls

If the problem of wet basements is due to porous basement walls, a technician will fix it by sealing the walls. In addition to sealing any cracks on the basement’s walls, the technician will also apply other waterproofing measures like reshaping the landscape to help prevent water from coming into contact with the basement walls.

4. Install A Sump Pump

A sump pump comes in handy if your basement is prone to flooding. A professional technician will help you install a sump pump to get rid of any water that gets into the basement.

Contact the Professionals at Basement Cracks & Leaks, Metro Inc. Today! 800-639-1131

How Your Basement Floor Influences the Type of Drainage Used Fenton, MI

If you’re looking into basement waterproofing for a leaking basement, you will come across various options for waterproofing. Many of the waterproofing solutions available are effective especially when used as part of a system that consists of two or more waterproofing solutions. However, your waterproofing contractor will need to inspect your basement in order to determine the best waterproofing solutions to use.

Several factors will influence the contractor’s decision on which drainage system your waterproofing system ought to have. One such factor is the type of floor in your basement. Below, we discuss some of the most common types of basement floors and the best drainage options for each.

Concrete Floors

This is one of the most common types of floors in basements for new construction houses. They often consist of poured concrete footers onto which foundation walls are built. The concrete floor is then poured between the foundation walls.

French drains offer a great solution to protect basements with concrete floors. The concrete near the wall can be broken safely to install the drain over the footer. Concrete can then be poured over the drain.

Dirt floors

Dirt floors are common in unfinished basements as well as crawlspaces. In these cases, the drainage should be placed next to the footer. Geo channels are often used in basements with dirt floors. They feature a layer of carbon fiber material that lies over the drains. This material is vital for filtering our rocks, dirt and

other debris that may enter the channel and cause clogging.

Monolithic floors

These floors are constructed by pouring the footer as well as the floor at the same time. As the name suggests, the monolithic floor consists of a single piece. The walls of the foundation are then built over the floor. Baseboard drainage is used in these situations. This is because it is too risky to break up the floor near the wall. You may end up damaging the footer.

Baseboard drainage looks like a regular baseboard when viewed from the front. However, from the side, you will find that it is hollow. This allows water to flow through.

It is important to discuss the many options available to you when waterproofing your basement. This will ensure that you choose the best solution for your basement. Speak with an experienced waterproofing contractor. They will recommend the best option for your basement.

Contact the Professionals at Basement Cracks & Leaks, Metro Inc. Today! 800-639-1131