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Tips for Residential Waterproofing in Fairfax, VA

Virginia homeowners want to keep their basements dry to prevent water damage, mold from growing, or foundation damages. Homeowners can complete some waterproofing tasks themselves, but they often hire contractors to help with Residential Waterproofing in Fairfax VA. Follow these suggestions to help keep basements free from water damage. Downspouts Keeping water away from basement walls is key to a dry basement. Install downspout discharge lines that extend away from the foundation and out into the yard. Homeowners could even have these discharge lines drain into an underground dry well. The gutter systems were installed to direct rain away from the house, but the gutters do require periodic maintenance to keep them operating optimally. If the gutters are not adequately maintained, they will fill with debris and the water will merely pour over the side and saturate the ground near the foundation. Be sure to keep the gutters clean and free from debris by cleaning them annually or installing gutter guards. Grading Homes should have soil that slopes away from the house. This will reduce the amount of water that builds up near the foundation and prevent leaking. Most homes are built in this manner but, over time, the slope can change through time, landscaping, or even home improvement projects. Simply adding a few inches of soil near the foundation line will help the yard slope away from the house. When adding landscaping, be sure the top of the landscaping soil is at least six inches below the top of the foundation. Install a Sump Pump A sump pump will collect the water in the home and pump that water outside to keep it away from the house. Check to see if gutters, downspouts, and grading will solve the problem before going to the expense of adding a sump pump. Once a sump pump has been installed, be sure to keep it properly maintained so it will operate correctly. Some homeowners install a second sump pump if they find the first one is running almost continually. Where to Find Help The suggestions above are all things a homeowner can do themselves or by hiring a contractor. Browse our website for more information about residential waterproofing in Fairfax VA or to request a free inspection and...

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Signs of a Leaky Basement in Natick, MA

Basements can offer homeowners a useful space to store items and if they are fully finished, they can even serve as valuable extra living space. However, they can only serve these purposes if they are kept dry and clean and even minor leaks can cause substantial water damage. Read on to find out about a few common signs of a Leaky Basement in Natick MA to determine whether there are steps that must be taken prior to refinishing or using a basement. Mold is Present Mold only grows in areas that have excessive moisture and insufficient air exchange, so if there is mold growing in a basement, it’s a sure sign that water is infiltrating. Mold can cause substantial property damage and even potentially severe health problems, especially in households where one or more residents have existing allergy problems. Most molds emit a strong, earthy odor, which should not be ignored even if no visible signs of mold are present. Cracks in Concrete Concrete cracking occurs naturally over time and should be addressed in a timely manner to avoid leaks. If the foundation is waterproofed, any cracks that develop will be denied an entry point. If the basement has not been waterproofed, though, these cracks can be a source of leaks. Water Stains When water stains are beginning to appear high up on basement walls it is often symptomatic of an underlying runoff problem. The source of this runoff infiltration must be determined in order to prevent further damage before the waterproofing treatment can be completed. A basement waterproofing expert will be able to determine the root cause of a leaky basement in Natick MA prior to beginning treatment. Improperly Patched Tie Holes Poured concrete foundations feature tie holes, which are left behind after the steel rods or wood used to hold the foundation in place are removed. If these are not properly patched, it can lead to weak spots, which can lead to the infiltration of water into the basement when it floods. Visit website to learn about the different techniques and methods that basement waterproofing contractors use to identify and repair these and other serious issues to get started...

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Actions a Waterproofing Contractor in Boston, MA will Take

A home that has a basement has a very useful space for a number of different purposes. Some people use basements for storage areas, others for rental spaces, or to create more living space for the home. However, the usage of a basement can be severely limited by moisture issues. It’s in these situations a homeowner may need to touch base with a waterproofing contractor in Boston MA to get a better handle on the moisture problems their basement is experiencing. Creating a Moisture Free Basement Any time that finishing products are used in a basement, such as insulation, drywall, carpeting or any type indoor furniture, controlling the moisture in that space will be essential. Because basements are subterranean spaces, moisture issues are inherent, but there are ways that a basement can be made as waterproof as possible to create an area that is free from excessive humidity or leaks. Surrounding Issues Many times, solving a basement moisture issue has little to do with the basement and more to do with contributing factors such as the grading of the property around the basement walls or something as simple as a gutter system. Gutters move water away from home, and if the gutter system isn’t working properly, this water will pool around the exterior walls home and eventually be absorbed into the soil. This is typically where leaks will come from through basement walls. Wall Problems However, even with minimal and acceptable amounts of water absorption into the soil, if the basement walls have been compromised because of years of moisture exposure, the walls themselves may have to be reinforced with waterproofing materials in order to solve any moisture or humidity issues. A Waterproofing Contractor in Boston MA may use epoxy to seal cracks. Epoxy is a paint-like waterproof sealant applied to the walls. They may also choose waterproofing membranes to act as a moisture barrier on the exterior of basement walls. If your basement is experiencing water incursion issues, you’ll need a waterproofing contractor to determine the scope of the problem and to figure out how to solve it. If you need to schedule an in-home inspection, or you simply want to learn more about what waterproofing contractors can offer you, you may want to browse our website for more...

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4 Basic Things About Foundation Repair

Uneven, severe cracks or a bowed foundation these are all signs that your foundation is in need of repairs. Here are a few basic things to know before you look for Foundation Repair in Fairfax: Don’t DIY it It’s true enough that some foundation problems require only an easy fix. But if you don’t know enough about repairs, it’s your first time to do so, and you’re only relying on online tutorials and how-to videos to guide you through it, don’t take the risk. It would be better for you to book the services of companies like Apex Waterproofing to fix those problems as soon as possible. Check for signs Learn to recognize foundation problems. For instance, if you there are cracks in your floor or interior sheet rock, your floor seems bloated or bulging, or your exterior doors seem misaligned along with your windows and garage doors, then those are all signs that you’re in dire need of professional help, says the Home Advisor. Look for Foundation Repair in Fairfax as soon as you see any of these happen. Get started on research When it comes to hiring Waterproofing Contractors, you want to make sure you cover the basics. It won’t do a bit of good to hire the first Waterproof Repair service you find nearby or close to you. Instead, consider the reputation and experience of the company. Does the company have more than enough experience as well as trained experts to get the job done right? What kind of reputation does the company have? Read reviews With social media channels making it easy for people read up about reviews and complaints about products and services, it makes sense to always check for feedback online before you hire Waterproofing experts. Once the company’s credentials and those of its staff check out and you’ve read through those reviews, you’ll have a better idea of which team to hire. Tweet us on...

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Crawl Space Encapsulation Can Improve Your Home

Crawl spaces are typically dingy, dirty and out of sight. But that doesn’t mean that they don’t need to be maintained. Crawl Space Encapsulation Charlotte NC is an important service you may want to consider. A sealed crawl space has many benefits and can prevent problems down the line. Dry Otter Waterproofing can encapsulate your crawl space. Their experts will perform a free home inspection and offer you recommendations for your in home solutions! They will give you a FREE estimate for your sealed crawl space, creating a tailored plan just for you and your home. If you’re thinking about consulting a nearby waterproofing company, consider these reasons for crawl space encapsulation. Improve the Air Quality of Your Home Many people don’t know that up to 50% of the air flow in your home can come from the crawl space. Crawl Space Encapsulation NC helps to ensure that you are breathing fresh, clean air. Moisture and mildew build up in your crawl space can exacerbate allergies and asthma. Energy Efficiency Did you know you can save on heating and cooling by having an encapsulated crawl space? Sealing your crawl space can make your home more energy efficient. The price you pay for sealing your crawl space is nothing compared to the savings you could accumulate on your energy bill! Storage Space If you have a sealed crawl space, you will be able to safely store your personal items there. Even the biggest homes can fill up with things, and it’s always nice to have an additional area to keep your belongings. If you are trying to find a company close to you to fulfill your crawl space encapsulation needs, look no further than Dry Otter Waterproofing. You can schedule your free home inspection today by calling 704-966-1771. Their trusted experts are sure to assist you with all your crawl space...