Summer Newsletter

With all the rain we have had lately, you could find yourself with a very wet basement and high remodeling fees. This is something thousands of homeowners might be challenged with and none look forward to fixing. Water entering the basement can be an expensive repair job, and it seems like few homes in this area are impervious to water infiltration.

Water can enter a basement or crawlspace in a number of ways, seeping through the floor if the surrounding ground is constantly saturated or entering through cracks in the foundation walls. Leaky basement windows could cause water to enter, while improperly draining downspouts and gutters may cause water to pool around the home's foundation and enter the home.

A wet basement can decrease a home's value and potential damage furnishings and appliances. Standing water in a basement can also pose health hazards, such as mold and mildew growth, and can prove a breeding ground for insects that like moist conditions.

There are a number of techniques used to combat basement water issues.

• Find the source of water. Sometimes water remediation requires minimal effort or simple solutions. It may be a grading issue on the property or landscaping that is causing water to pool around the home's foundation. Fixing these issues can alleviate water in the basement.

• Create a barrier. A dampness or water issue may be remediated by creating a barrier between the water and the inside of the home. Waterproofing paints and sealants can be applied to both the outside and inside walls of a basement. However, waterproofing application on the outside of the home may cause disruption to landscaping and the need for excavation to reach foundation walls. Inside application is easier, but eventually the product may need to be reapplied if water pressure causes the sealant to blister or peel off. A plastic vapor barrier can be installed in crawlspaces that have vented concrete or dirt floors. This will help to protect against moisture in the space.

• Install drains. Various drainage systems are designed to help with basement water issues. Depending on the drain, it may be installed at the perimeter of the basement interior or on the exterior of the home. The drains are designed to capture water from the ground and direct it far away from the foundation. Drains can gradually become clogged with sediment and dirt and may need to be cleaned or replaced. Newer innovations in basement drainage systems that alleviate clogging issues are available through reputable businesses.

• Use a sump pump. For other water issues, a sump pump can help gather groundwater in a sump pit and pump it out and away from the home. It's a good idea to have a backup source of power for the sump pump because if the power goes out, the sump pump will be rendered useless. If your sump pump is not working correctly, call America's Same Day Service so one of our technician can come out and take a look at it.

Water is the No. 1 enemy of basements and crawlspaces. Homeowners should take quick action to correct water issues in the lowest part of the home to ensure comfort and safety.

What homeowners are breathing in every day has the potential to harm their health. It is most often the air inside of the home, rather than the air outside, that may cause the most physical harm. Many people seek options to reduce the toxicity of indoor air through a filtration system.

Indoor air can be two to five times more toxic than outside air. Newer, energy-efficient homes that are very well insulated against drafts may be among the most dangerous. That's because they restrict the ability for fresh air to seep into the home.

Resident dust mites, harmful airborne particulates and even mold could be residing in the house along with its occupants. An air filtration system can be one strategy homeowners can employ to clean up indoor air.

Homeowners may want to consider a permanent, whole-house unit that hooks up to the central heating and air conditioning already set up in the home. This enables every room in the home to receive filtered air. It is essential that the filters on the unit be changed frequently. Also, if a humidifier is hooked up to the HVAC unit, then the water should be changed on a regular basis so that mold does not proliferate and get blown throughout the home. Homeowners who don't have forced-air heating and cooling will have to have a different filtration system installed instead.

For renters or individuals who don't want a permanent system, there are many portable air filtration units on the market. These can be moved from room to room.

Air filtration units will vary depending on what they are cleaning from the air. Some tackle mold, others viruses and bacteria. Individuals with allergies should look for filters that target dust and pollen. Others can trap fumes and microscopic particles through unique processes. Call America’s Same Day Service to help you select the right one for your home.