Winter is on the way, certainly is will soon be time to salt your driveways, walkways and garages. If you have spalling concrete already, winter salt will only make it worse. Uneven walkways are not only hazardous to pedestrians, but they cracking and uneven garages, stairs, and walkways also lack structural integrity. Salt for de-icing on your businesses driveways and parking structures can cause pitting or spalling on concrete surfaces. If concrete areas are already...

Water can cause damage to a home like little else. Leaks and flooding can cause various structural insufficiencies and may lead to unsafe conditions in a home. Moisture or inches of water in a basement is nothing to take lightly. Furnaces and water heaters damaged by water can be costly to replace. Wires that come in contact with water can become hazards and cause an electrical fire, wood in contact with water can rot and...

Fall is here and winter is on the way. This winter, the Farmer’s Almanac predicts a tough winter with above normal precipitation, either rain or snow.  In fact, they specifically mentioned the end of winter snow and rain. For many, this means wet basements in their future. Above average snowfalls at the beginning or end of the winter season, when temperatures can suddenly rise and cause snow to rapidly thaw, can cause basement flooding. Rapid...

There are many causes and many ways that water can get into your basement and cause flooding or other damage. How can you prevent basement flooding? Basement flooding can be an all-too-common occurrence and a potentially a serious problem.   Basement flooding has many consequences. Apart from the damages and mess, respiratory problems can result from chronically wet houses; there is potential for long-term damage to your home’s structure; an increase in insurance rates; and...

The housing market is picking up. Many people are getting ready to sell their homes and many are remodeling their homes in order to increase the value for a sale in the future. Still others have decided to stay because, while they will get a good price for their home, they still have to pay more for a new home. For all of the above reasons basement remodeling projects are increasing. If love your home...

Are you looking for more living space in your home? Interested in remodeling the basement, but you have had basement water problems? Just because you have had water in the basement does not mean that you cannot finish the basement. You just need basement waterproofing.   Many basements are prone to moisture, so waterproofing is an important element for a successful basement renovation. Taking care of foundation cracks and waterproofing issues before you tackle basement...

A house with poured concrete foundation walls has several different cracks in foundation walls. None of them seemed to be leaking, but should a homeowner be concerned. Poured concrete foundation walls will crack because they have no control or expansion joints. In general, if the cracks are not leaking, it usually is not a problem. However, if one or more of these cracks do leak, they are easily fixed by a basement crack repair specialist....

A rebound in the housing market has made homeowners more willing to take part in renovations that will boost the home values in a rising market. Rather than build home additions, many are opting to remodel the basement in order to add living space. However, there is a very important question you need to consider before you begin this huge and expensive endeavor. Is your basement dry? What that really means is have you ever...

Your crawl space is a dark and often damp area formed by your foundation blocks and it contributes significantly to the health, safety and value of your home.   Keeping the crawl space dry is the key to avoiding damaging wood rot, mold growth and termites. First and foremost, look for foundation cracks and pipe penetration leaks. Crawl space and basement crack repair is the first step in keeping your basement dry. What's the solution...

The real estate market is rebounding in Massachusetts. But that does not mean that you can cut corners or neglect issues because of lack of home inventory. Too often as realtors, you see home inspections used as bargaining pieces. Basement cracks are an issue that need to be addressed before you list your home. Realtors, if you are about to list a home with basement cracks and water problems, think twice. Help your client make...