I confess, the title has a not-so-hidden double meaning.
The obvious reason you shouldn't wait to fix a water problem is to protect your home. The longer moisture stays in a basement or crawl space the more damage it can do to the structure, possibly even to your health.
The less obvious meaning has to do with how busy a basement waterproofing contractor is after a big rain. If there is a lot of rainfall, many people have water problems below their home. Contractors with a good reputation for their work and their business practices will be flooded (no pun intended) with calls and quickly have appointments booked out weeks or maybe even months. A fly-by-night contractor or one who has a bad reputation will be sitting in his office staring at the phone, so of course he can be right out! Basement Systems recently posted about what it means if a basement waterproofing contractor isn't busy after a big rain.
The short story is simple: if there's a water problem, have the most qualified and resourceful contractor out to help you. It's worth waiting the extra time when, years later, people with quick fixes are looking around for someone to fix their water problem again and you’re still dry!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
A Disaster About to Happen!
The Journey of Wooden Basement Flooring, in stages:
Stage 1: Beautiful hardwood flooring is installed in your basement. Alternatively, a wooden subfloor is laid down in your basement and you splurge for expensive, soft, thick carpeting to be laid on top of it. Your floor is attractive and your basement is a little muggy, but mostly comfortable, although the floor seems cold. You add beautiful new furniture to your room.
Stage 2: You begin to notice a smell in the basement and begin to put carpet freshener down to try to mask the smell. Little spots of mildew eventually show at the bottom of furniture, but you don't worry about them. It's still muggy, but you love your new room so much that you try to ignore it.
Stage 3: You've given up trying to mask the smell in the basement. The floors have begun to buckle, and you move your nice furniture out of the basement, trading it for older things that aren't as nice so your best furniture won't get moldy. You still like having the space, and you go down there from time to time, but it's not a nice place to be anymore.
Stage 4: You give up. The basement smells and you find that you have breathing problems there when you're down there. The carpet smells bad, and the floorboards are rotting and buckling. Mold grows on everything you try to store there. At great personal expense, you pay to have the flooring and once beautiful carpet torn up and removed. It's time to start again.
The problems with wood and organic carpeting in a basement only start there. Here's some of the other things you can look forward to:
Mold spores in the air causing health problems such as allergic reactions
Fecal material from dust mites in the air affecting your health as you breathe
Eventual loss of the basement as a useful living space or storage area
Mold spreading to walls
Insects like termites, sow bugs and beetles living under the carpet
Rodents and other pests
The bottom line: wooden flooring in a basement is vulnerable to moisture and not a good idea.
What if you have your basement waterproofed? You can have the full perimeter of your basement guarded with a product like the WaterGuard Basement Waterproofing System and a sump pump, but this can't keep all moisture out of your basement. If you have concrete floors and walls in your basement, then this porous concrete is sponging water from the moist earth outside of your basement into your basement. Once the vapor reaches the surface of the concrete, the air pulls it out, much in the same way the soil in a potted plant may be heavy with water but look dry on the surface. If you place carpet, wooden subflooring, cardboard boxes, drywall or anything else with organic material on or against these cement walls, moisture will collect there and create an environment for mold. Additionally, your home is filled with washing machine hoses that can burst, a water heater that can leak or fail and a countless number of other pipes to your tubs, toilets, dishwasher, refrigerator, shower, sinks, etc. that can leak, burst and overflow. That water is going to run downhill to your basement. You might not be home when this happens, and if it soaks into your wooden floors, mold can begin to grow in 24-48 hours- well before your floor can dry out.
Some hardware stores have been providing their customers with a chipboard subfloor with a dimpled plastic material secured on the bottom. This product just makes the problem worse- the wood still gets wet, and once the plastic dimples fill with water, they seal to the floor and are difficult to remove when you need to tear the moldy wood flooring out and remove it.
The answer to keeping your basement warm, dry and mold-free is Basement System's Mill Creek Flooring. Completely waterproof, its unique honeycomb design and waterproof vinyl design will never rot, support mold growth, become the home for termites, or expand and buckle when wet. It comes with a 20-year warranty against water, it comes in attractive rosewood, natural oak and red mahogany designs. It has a warm, comfortable look, a fade-resistant UV coating and an anti-slip surface and is compatible with a radiant heated basement floors up to 120 degrees Farenheit. It installs on top of your floor without adhesive, so it can be used immediately after installation.
Basement System's products come with a free estimate and 86-page book. A skilled and fully trained technician can come to your house and tell you more about these products and help you make a strong, educated decision about the best choice for your basement flooring.
Stage 1: Beautiful hardwood flooring is installed in your basement. Alternatively, a wooden subfloor is laid down in your basement and you splurge for expensive, soft, thick carpeting to be laid on top of it. Your floor is attractive and your basement is a little muggy, but mostly comfortable, although the floor seems cold. You add beautiful new furniture to your room.
Stage 2: You begin to notice a smell in the basement and begin to put carpet freshener down to try to mask the smell. Little spots of mildew eventually show at the bottom of furniture, but you don't worry about them. It's still muggy, but you love your new room so much that you try to ignore it.
Stage 3: You've given up trying to mask the smell in the basement. The floors have begun to buckle, and you move your nice furniture out of the basement, trading it for older things that aren't as nice so your best furniture won't get moldy. You still like having the space, and you go down there from time to time, but it's not a nice place to be anymore.
Stage 4: You give up. The basement smells and you find that you have breathing problems there when you're down there. The carpet smells bad, and the floorboards are rotting and buckling. Mold grows on everything you try to store there. At great personal expense, you pay to have the flooring and once beautiful carpet torn up and removed. It's time to start again.
The problems with wood and organic carpeting in a basement only start there. Here's some of the other things you can look forward to:
The bottom line: wooden flooring in a basement is vulnerable to moisture and not a good idea.
What if you have your basement waterproofed? You can have the full perimeter of your basement guarded with a product like the WaterGuard Basement Waterproofing System and a sump pump, but this can't keep all moisture out of your basement. If you have concrete floors and walls in your basement, then this porous concrete is sponging water from the moist earth outside of your basement into your basement. Once the vapor reaches the surface of the concrete, the air pulls it out, much in the same way the soil in a potted plant may be heavy with water but look dry on the surface. If you place carpet, wooden subflooring, cardboard boxes, drywall or anything else with organic material on or against these cement walls, moisture will collect there and create an environment for mold. Additionally, your home is filled with washing machine hoses that can burst, a water heater that can leak or fail and a countless number of other pipes to your tubs, toilets, dishwasher, refrigerator, shower, sinks, etc. that can leak, burst and overflow. That water is going to run downhill to your basement. You might not be home when this happens, and if it soaks into your wooden floors, mold can begin to grow in 24-48 hours- well before your floor can dry out.
Some hardware stores have been providing their customers with a chipboard subfloor with a dimpled plastic material secured on the bottom. This product just makes the problem worse- the wood still gets wet, and once the plastic dimples fill with water, they seal to the floor and are difficult to remove when you need to tear the moldy wood flooring out and remove it.
The answer to keeping your basement warm, dry and mold-free is Basement System's Mill Creek Flooring. Completely waterproof, its unique honeycomb design and waterproof vinyl design will never rot, support mold growth, become the home for termites, or expand and buckle when wet. It comes with a 20-year warranty against water, it comes in attractive rosewood, natural oak and red mahogany designs. It has a warm, comfortable look, a fade-resistant UV coating and an anti-slip surface and is compatible with a radiant heated basement floors up to 120 degrees Farenheit. It installs on top of your floor without adhesive, so it can be used immediately after installation.
Basement System's products come with a free estimate and 86-page book. A skilled and fully trained technician can come to your house and tell you more about these products and help you make a strong, educated decision about the best choice for your basement flooring.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Your Dirt Crawl Space is Costing You Money!
It costs more to heat and cool a home with a dirt crawl space. If the crawl space is vented, this causes the floors to be cold upstairs which leads to spiking heating costs. The damp air in the crawl space rises. It takes a lot of energy to heat and cool damp air and definitely puts more of a stress on an HVAC system.
Studies have shown (one specifically through Advanced Energy) that you can save up to 15-20% if humidity is eliminated from your crawl space and home. Variables include how many stories your house is, if you have ducts in the crawl space, how big the crawl space is, etc.
Some crawl spaces have insulation in the floor above. This is mainly because the vents allow so much cold air in the winter that the floor needs insulation. Since insulation contains organic materials in the resin used to set the fibers, it is a prime breeding ground for mold. Even if it gets just a bit damp, the insulation loses all purpose. Heavy moisture burdened insulation hanging down from the sealing is a common sight in dirt crawl spaces.
In order to control the moisture in your crawl space, sealing up the crawl space vents is the first step. Secondly, separate the crawl space from the earth using a heavy puncture proof material like CleanSpace. This keep moisture and rot at bay. Finally use an energy efficient heavy duty dehumidifier (like the SaniDry) that will circulate the air and remove the humidity.
Taking these steps will bring you results that will make you wish you knew about the systems sooner. Odor removal, energy savings, and extra storage space make this project worthwhile.
Studies have shown (one specifically through Advanced Energy) that you can save up to 15-20% if humidity is eliminated from your crawl space and home. Variables include how many stories your house is, if you have ducts in the crawl space, how big the crawl space is, etc.
Some crawl spaces have insulation in the floor above. This is mainly because the vents allow so much cold air in the winter that the floor needs insulation. Since insulation contains organic materials in the resin used to set the fibers, it is a prime breeding ground for mold. Even if it gets just a bit damp, the insulation loses all purpose. Heavy moisture burdened insulation hanging down from the sealing is a common sight in dirt crawl spaces.
In order to control the moisture in your crawl space, sealing up the crawl space vents is the first step. Secondly, separate the crawl space from the earth using a heavy puncture proof material like CleanSpace. This keep moisture and rot at bay. Finally use an energy efficient heavy duty dehumidifier (like the SaniDry) that will circulate the air and remove the humidity.
Taking these steps will bring you results that will make you wish you knew about the systems sooner. Odor removal, energy savings, and extra storage space make this project worthwhile.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Finding a Responsible Basement Waterproofing Contractor
Finding a competent, ethical and responsible contractor IS possible. Avoid a horror story by doing some simple research, using common sense, and educating yourself about the job at hand before you write that check.
1. Look for a contractor with an established business - This does not mean that someone with a new business won't do a beautiful job, ask about experience and training before you proceed.
2. Check references by phone and look at previous jobs if possible. It's great to be able to talk to someone who has worked with the contractor before.
3. Ask about professional associations that the contractor is involved with such as NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry), or NAWSRC (National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair Contractors).
4. Make sure the contractor has General Liability Insurance and Worker's Compensation. You can get a copy of their documentation if you call the carrier - this is public information and the carrier should be happy to provide them for you.
5. Make sure that you get a proposal or copy of the work to be done in writing. Do not go on a handshake, word, or promise.
6. Ask about training on the products the company uses and the manufacturer of the goods.
7. Make sure you are clear on what is warranted and what is not covered.
Being prepared for your project is half of the battle. Your experience will go much smoother if you've done your research and communication with your contractor is open. Make sure you understand the work to be done and that you possess a written copy of the plans. You'll be on your way to a dry basement and peace of mind.
1. Look for a contractor with an established business - This does not mean that someone with a new business won't do a beautiful job, ask about experience and training before you proceed.
2. Check references by phone and look at previous jobs if possible. It's great to be able to talk to someone who has worked with the contractor before.
3. Ask about professional associations that the contractor is involved with such as NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry), or NAWSRC (National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair Contractors).
4. Make sure the contractor has General Liability Insurance and Worker's Compensation. You can get a copy of their documentation if you call the carrier - this is public information and the carrier should be happy to provide them for you.
5. Make sure that you get a proposal or copy of the work to be done in writing. Do not go on a handshake, word, or promise.
6. Ask about training on the products the company uses and the manufacturer of the goods.
7. Make sure you are clear on what is warranted and what is not covered.
Being prepared for your project is half of the battle. Your experience will go much smoother if you've done your research and communication with your contractor is open. Make sure you understand the work to be done and that you possess a written copy of the plans. You'll be on your way to a dry basement and peace of mind.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
You Breathe Basement Air!
Do you or someone in your family suffer from asthma or allergies? Your basement could be contributing to allergy symptoms or even causing asthma in some cases.
A "stack effect" exchange of air occurs in your home. This means that new air replaces the warm air that rises and escapes out of the upper levels by a process of suction. Air from your basement is drawn up into the first floor, then to the second. Scientists say that up to 50% of the air you breathe on the first floor comes from the basement.
This means that whatever is in your basement air - this includes mold, rot, dust mites - you and your family are breathing it. The damp odors in your basement will rise up into the 1st floor and so on.
Effects of a Wet or Damp Basement:
A "stack effect" exchange of air occurs in your home. This means that new air replaces the warm air that rises and escapes out of the upper levels by a process of suction. Air from your basement is drawn up into the first floor, then to the second. Scientists say that up to 50% of the air you breathe on the first floor comes from the basement.
This means that whatever is in your basement air - this includes mold, rot, dust mites - you and your family are breathing it. The damp odors in your basement will rise up into the 1st floor and so on.
Effects of a Wet or Damp Basement:
-Dust Mites
-Sticking doors and windows
-Smelly damp carpets
-Buckling hardwood floors
-Condensation/rotting/mold in attic
-Frost or condensation and mold on inside of windows in cool weather
-Increased cooling bills (damp air takes more energy to cool)
-Increased heating bills (damp air takes more energy to heat)
-Mold upstairs
-Decreased life of roof or sheathing and shingles
-Decreased life of the paint on the outside of your house
-Aggrivated asthma and allergies
#1 Home Allergen: Dust mite droppings floating in the air. Dust mites are parasites that live in your carpeting, bedding, and furniture. Dust mites absorb water out of the air, so with high humidity levels (especially in the basement) they thrive. If humidity levels drop below 50%, they will dry up and die, but leave their larvae behind to hatch when it gets damp again. Combat this dangerous life cycle by keeping your basement at a humidity level under 50% with a quality dehumidifier. For more information on the dangers of toxins in your basement, read this article.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
The Problem That Won't Go Away
In speaking with thousands of homeowners over the course of a year, it's clear that the majority have some sort of basement moisture problem ranging from dampness to flooding. The truth is that any type of moisture in the basement is a problem. And it's not going to disappear merely by forgetting about it.
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To protect the innocent, we've changed the names of the folks in our story:
Mr. and Mrs. Smith's basement flooded once. They cleaned the gutters just like their cousin told them to. After all, he was a builder and he knew about these things. The couple didn't see any more water in their basement for a good six months. They soon forgot about the incident and put all of their stuff back down in the basement on the floor. There were holiday decorations, tax records, a record album collection, personal effects - even Mrs. Smith's preserved wedding dress - in a cardboard box like most of the other items. Beginning one otherwise peaceful evening, the sky opened up, as it does once every year or two, and two months worth of rain fell in two days. All of the Smith's belongings were lost in the flood that resulted in the unprotected basement.
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It doesn't have to be a severe flood to experience the effects of water damage. Mold thrives on organic material so if you've got a high relative humidity or seepage, all of those personal items stored in boxes in the basement run the risk of being ruined. At the first sign of a problem it is important to begin the fixing process. Basement leaks do not get better, they worsen with time.
Fixing the gutters and downspouts is the first step, but not the permanent fix. For moisture, a quality dehumidifier will help alleviate mold and musty odors. SaniDry basement dehumidifier will do the trick, it's like a dehumidifier on steroids! For foot and wall joint leaks or even floor seepage, a custom interior basement waterproofing system will solve the issue. WaterGuard, a patented system, is designed to accept wall, floor, and foot and wall joint leaks without getting clogged with dirt and debris. This is a much better solution than excavating the exterior and installing a new footing drain that will eventually clog up again. Paints or sealants are only a temporary solution and eventually the water will push through.
At the first sign of water in your basement, call a system design specialist so that you can avoid the mess the Smiths had to deal with.
-------------
To protect the innocent, we've changed the names of the folks in our story:
Mr. and Mrs. Smith's basement flooded once. They cleaned the gutters just like their cousin told them to. After all, he was a builder and he knew about these things. The couple didn't see any more water in their basement for a good six months. They soon forgot about the incident and put all of their stuff back down in the basement on the floor. There were holiday decorations, tax records, a record album collection, personal effects - even Mrs. Smith's preserved wedding dress - in a cardboard box like most of the other items. Beginning one otherwise peaceful evening, the sky opened up, as it does once every year or two, and two months worth of rain fell in two days. All of the Smith's belongings were lost in the flood that resulted in the unprotected basement.
-------------
It doesn't have to be a severe flood to experience the effects of water damage. Mold thrives on organic material so if you've got a high relative humidity or seepage, all of those personal items stored in boxes in the basement run the risk of being ruined. At the first sign of a problem it is important to begin the fixing process. Basement leaks do not get better, they worsen with time.
Fixing the gutters and downspouts is the first step, but not the permanent fix. For moisture, a quality dehumidifier will help alleviate mold and musty odors. SaniDry basement dehumidifier will do the trick, it's like a dehumidifier on steroids! For foot and wall joint leaks or even floor seepage, a custom interior basement waterproofing system will solve the issue. WaterGuard, a patented system, is designed to accept wall, floor, and foot and wall joint leaks without getting clogged with dirt and debris. This is a much better solution than excavating the exterior and installing a new footing drain that will eventually clog up again. Paints or sealants are only a temporary solution and eventually the water will push through.
At the first sign of water in your basement, call a system design specialist so that you can avoid the mess the Smiths had to deal with.
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