BASEMENT WATERPROOFING
Problematic Basements
BASEMENT ODORS
Musty smells in your basement are usually caused by mold or mildew, which thrive in damp, dark locations. When humidity levels are high, these conditions develop. In fact, it only takes 24-48 hours for mold to grow on damp surfaces. Even if water leaks are uncommon, your home's air quality can be affected. Approximately 40% of the air you breathe on the first floor of your home is circulated from your basement, so keeping it mold-free is important. Your home is your castle and a big investment, as such, you will want to do everything you can to protect it. Whenever homeowners think of renovation projects, usually it's repainting their home, or remodeling their kitchen or bathrooms. Rarely do they think of waterproofing their basement to prevent flooding, but stray water that finds its way into your basement will decrease the value of your home. Probably the biggest benefit of basement waterproofing is having a mold free basement. A well-ventilated and dry basement will protect your health and well-being. Fortunately, there is a permanent solution for these kinds of problems. Contact TCM for your free on-site inspection and professional assessment of your water issue.
Solution: The first step is to lower the humidity by running a dehumidifier. If this doesn’t improve the air quality, contact a waterproofing contractor to get information concerning interior water control.
MOLD & MILDEW REMOVAL
Air moves upward, therefore mold in the basement means mold in the upper levels of the home. 40% of the air you breathe on the first floor is circulated from your basement, so it is important to keep it mold-free. It only takes 24-48 hours for mold to grow on damp surfaces. Mold is toxic. It is hazardous to your health and causes asthma, sinus infections, and allergies.
Solution: Since mold grows wherever there’s moisture, sometimes a dehumidifier is an easy solution because it will reduce indoor humidity. Other times, if a water intrusion problem exists, it needs to be addressed by contacting a waterproofing contractor.
EFFLORESCENCE
When water enters the porous surfaces of concrete block walls, it may leave behind mineral deposits, causing a white powdery coating. The most common water source causing efflorescence is condensation within a wall. By looking at the location of the substance, you will have a good idea of its source.
Solution: Applying a combination of warm water and white wine vinegar has been shown to eliminate efflorescence. If the issue is persistent, Dryshield, a type of waterproof wall panels, can be installed to encapsulate the wall. This is a cost-effective, permanent solution.
INCORRECT GRADING
Many basement water issues are caused by a bad grade or gutters/downspouts not working properly. It is important that the soil next to you home slopes away from the structure to avoid water pooling in the yard and finding its way into the basement. This is an area of preventive maintenance for all homeowners. Adding positive grade or an exterior drainage system might be the solution for your wet, soggy yard.
AND MUCH MORE!
Crawl Space Encapsulation
Exterior Drainage Systems (French Drains)
Trench Drains
Exterior Drainage
Many basement water issues are caused by a bad grade or gutters/downspouts not working properly. It is important that the soil next to your home slopes away from the structure to avoid water pooling in the yard and finding its way into the basement. This is an area of preventive maintenance for all homeowners.
Solution: Adding positive grade or an exterior drainage system might be the solution for your wet, soggy yard.
Having draining issues outside your home? TCM spans across a number of home interior and exterior solutions for you! Just give us a call or fill out a contact form and we will get you fixed up in no time!
Trench Drains
If you have a doorway or stairway that leads to the outside, the installation of a trench drain is an excellent way to catch any water that may enter from the outside. It is a half round pipe with a grate that fits on top of it. The grate is flush or just below the floor and diverts excess water to the drain.