2021: A Year in Basement Waterproofing
- January 6, 2022
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Another year has come and gone, and we are looking forward to all the promise the new year brings. But before we look ahead, let’s take a moment to review our most-read articles from 2021. From basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, and indoor air quality, we’re covering our most popular articles in 2021.
Crawl Space Encapsulation In 7 Steps
If you want to protect your home’s value and your family’s health, you may want to look into crawl space encapsulation. We must warn you that this is not a DIY job, especially if you want it to work as it is supposed to. We can’t tell you how many times we have had to fix problems resulting from someone who didn’t do the job correctly.
Frigid winter temperatures and cold floors are a timely reminder to check on your crawl space. Cold feet means you are wasting money on energy bills and could be a sign that your crawl space is not healthy. A free crawl space inspection can help identify threats to your family’s health and your home’s value. Our fleet of experts is ready to help you gain peace of mind and potentially save you real money in heating and cooling bills.
The Case Against Basement Waterproofing Products Like Paint and Sealers
Putting a sealant on your block wall does not stop water from seeping into the wall from below and from the other side. Over time, that water will evaporate causing efflorescence to build up behind the sealant eventually causing it to crack and peel. And of course, once the moisture level rises and this paint or sealant has failed, your foundation will leak.
We’ve seen all sorts of botched DIY jobs and attempted “quick fixes” over the last 20 years. Sealants and “waterproof” paints are some of the worst culprits. While they claim to keep out moisture, these products are not designed to be long-lasting solutions. They’re like trying to turn off the tap by putting a band-aid on a faucet or sealing a hole in a boat with bubble gum. So while these paints and sealants may seem like an easy solution, they end up costing a lot more in the long run in wasted time and money.
With the relentless threat of water and moisture to homes in the Mid-Atlantic, basement waterproofing provides a water management system that protects your home from water intrusion. Our experts can help address drainage issues and design custom, long-lasting warrantied water management solutions for your basement. Do not remodel the basement of your home without first understanding what you need to do to protect that investment!
Top Signs You Need Basement Waterproofing
Puddles of water, standing water, or a trickle of water are all signs of water intrusion. But before you panic, make sure the water is not from a leaky water heater, washing machine, or burst pipe like a hose bib. If you rule all of those out, you have a foundation seepage problem that basement waterproofing can help solve
Be on the lookout for water stains on the walls or floor as well. If you don’t get down to the basement often, or you just bought a house, stains can be an indicator of water intrusion.
Most people wait to call us until there are undeniable signs of water intrusion, like puddles or flowing water. But there are so many other warning signs that your basement needs to be waterproofed. A damp musty smell, efflorescence, and cracked or bowed basement walls are all indicators that your home may be suffering from foundation seepage. Not sure how to tell what’s going on in your basement? An inspector can identify signs of water intrusion and help you protect your home from further damage.
How an EZ Breathe Ventilation System® Improves Your Family’s Health
Indoor air pollutants can cause a variety of symptoms in even the healthiest people. They can cause more severe reactions for people with existing respiratory problems such as allergies, asthma, or COPD.
Symptoms of poor indoor air quality can include:
- Itchy, watery, or red eyes
- Stuffy nose or runny nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
Another sign that your basement or crawl space may be experiencing foundation seepage is respiratory problems that won’t go away. This is often the result of poor indoor air quality circulating and re-circulating through the house. In addition to crawl space encapsulation and basement waterproofing systems, our team of experts installs the EZ Breathe Ventilation System® to improve your home’s air quality by reducing allergens and contaminants. At Value Dry, we know how important it is to protect your home and family. This is why we will never stop fighting the damaging effects of foundation seepage and poor air quality in homes.
To learn more about how we can help you protect your home or to schedule your free inspection, call (888) 768-2583.