Waterproofing Basics: Can Sump Pumps Be Installed in Crawlspaces?
Moisture is a significant problem for homeowners in Indiana. This is a bigger challenge when it comes to maintaining a crawlspace instead of a traditional slab or basement foundation. Are sump pumps able to be installed in crawlspaces? In many cases, they are. Find out whether a sump pump is the best way to protect this part of your property against water damage. What Is a Sump Pump? How Does It Work? A sump pump is a water pump that helps you address flooding in or around your foundation. It’s common to find a [...]
7 Common Pests Found in Crawl Spaces and What to Do About Them
Many pests see your crawl space as an opportunity to be your roommate. These spaces are often dark, damp, and neglected, making them the perfect spot for pests to take shelter from the elements and go relatively unnoticed until they’re a major issue. Knowing about seven common pests found in crawl spaces and understanding why they’re there can help you get rid of them for good. 1. Rodents Like Mice and Rats Mice and rats are some of the most frustrating pests to find in your home. They’ll chew through wood, wires, insulation, and [...]
Why Do Homes Have/Need Crawlspaces?
Why do homes have/need crawlspaces? That’s an important question to consider when you're building a custom home or buying a resale home in Indiana. While many homes have basement foundations or slab foundations, it’s just as common to find residential properties with crawlspaces. The following overview will prepare you for living in a house with this type of design. What Is a Crawlspace? A crawl space is one type of home foundation. This design involves leaving a small, unfinished area open beneath the house's first floor. In some cases, the builder installs a concrete [...]
How Does Yard Grading Affect Your Home’s Foundation? Our Experts Explain
Yard grading involves contouring the soil on your property to direct water toward a specific direction. Homeowners use this process to carry water away from their homes, which can play a key role in safeguarding the foundation. But how does yard grading affect your home's foundation exactly, and what can happen if your landscaping is improperly graded? Here’s everything you need to know to use land grading to protect your foundation. What Proper Grading Does to Help Protect Your Foundation Proper grading protects your house’s foundation walls by directing rainwater away from the house. [...]
Protecting Your Investment: 8 Things to Do Before Finishing Your Basement
If remodeling your basement into additional living space is the next DIY project on your list, you’ll want to make sure you don't overlook anything. Your basement serves as your home's foundation and provides access to important home functions (electrical, plumbing, etc.). Follow this list of 8 things to do before finishing your basement to ensure you don’t overlook anything important that could result in damage to your home’s foundation. 1. Check for Moisture Issues Moisture is an important topic on this list of 8 things to do before finishing your basement. That’s because [...]
What Does Insurance Cover When Your Basement Floods? Understanding Your Policy
Owning a home certainly has plenty of upsides, but when a sudden emergency arises, you’re left to handle it on your own, and it can be difficult to determine what to do. Before you make any rash decisions, take a deep breath and figure out whether your insurance policy will cover the damage. What does insurance cover when your basement floods, in particular? Here’s a closer look. The Importance of Reviewing Your Policy Before Water Gets In Discovering your basement has flooded is never a good thing. Realizing that you have no idea whether [...]
