Damp Basement Causes and Solutions
The problem of a damp basement is hard to deal with. Every homeowner wants to stay away from that situation. A damp basement can turn into a nightmare for any homeowner if it is not handled carefully. All traces of moisture need to be removed fast if present. Moisture is not only a threat to the structural integrity of the house but over time, can lead to mold growth. Mold can pose a danger to the residents of the house. To find a solution, one needs to find the source of the problem too. There [...]
The Top 3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Neglect Your Crawlspace
In terms of functionality, a crawlspace may seem relatively useless to most homeowners. They offer less traditional storage space (if any usable) than an unfinished basement, and you certainly aren’t dreaming of watching the big games like you would be in a newly finished basement living space. But a crawlspace, if left neglected can cause major headaches all year round. Here are three good reasons to take a look around your crawlspace to make sure your home is fully cared for: Nobody likes cold floors in the morning! That’s right, an unprotected crawlspace can become [...]
Let’s Talk About Sump Pumps!
Another often neglected home system is your sump pump, or perhaps lack-there-of. There is a lot of information out there, but the following quick primer will give you the basics you need to know to make sure you have the best system, or how installing one will keep your basement from becoming water logged again the next time it rains. So how do sump pumps work? A sump pump is your main line of defense against a wet basement, which can lead to larger foundation problems. They are installed at the lowest point of your [...]
A Short Primer on Foundation Support Piers
Many homeowners take great care of their properties and know when a problem arises that requires action. But sometimes even the most attentive homeowners can’t fix a problem that they can’t see! Did you know that the soil around your home could be a hidden cause of foundation problems which can lead to sagging floors? This is why support piers are so important to the long-term structural integrity of your foundation and to ensure that any shifting of flooring support beams don’t cause a sagging floor. How do you know if you have a problem [...]
Common Soil Types in Indiana and How They Affect Your Foundation
Indiana, like most states, has a variety of soil types that were determined by geological factors over many eons. Some areas have more glacial deposits, and others are more affected by nearby rivers or streams. Having a good understanding of your local soil types will provide some perspective on the natural forces acting upon the foundation of your home. Miami soil: This soil type is the “state soil” of Indiana and is considered highly productive for agriculture. It drains well and does not expand and contract as much with moisture, which means if left undisturbed, [...]
Demystifying Your Home Dehumidifier
If you have a damp basement, you might already own or may be contemplating the merits of a dehumidifier to help remedy the problem. This is a great start! Damp basements can cause all sorts of problems, including mold, mildew and the possibility over time of rotting of your foundation support structures. But you may wonder, will any dehumidifier work? How does a dehumidifier operate? Dehumidifiers have a fan inside the unit that pulls in high moisture air from surrounding areas. Inside the unit, cooling coils lower the temperature of the air that passes by [...]
