It has been wet, and now it is getting hot. In the Boston Area, that means humid basements in our homes. Basement dehumidifiers lower the humidity in the air.  Moisture levels are higher during the warmer weather, add to it a month of rain, and odds are there are a lot of humid basements right now. But humid weather can cause more than just humid basements. Humidity in your basement can actually result in puddling...

It seems like we have had only rain the whole month of June in Boston. When basements get wet, mold grows, belongings get damaged and homeowners get frustrated. Cracks in concrete floors or foundation walls, even if they are small, can be big problems. Basements made from poured concrete are the safest from water infiltration. However, even poured concrete can crack from the curing process and from the settling that happens over time. Regular inspection...

Unfortunately, one of the easiest ways for water to enter your home is through a leaking bulkhead. The bulkhead allows you to enter and exit your home via the basement. However, if you can enter your basement through a bulkhead, water may be able to also. Older bulkheads may begin to leak as the seals become dry or damaged. Bulkheads on newer homes can also leak if the contractor has not applied-, or not correctly...

Basements are below grade, by nature they are humid in the warm weather. With warm weather outdoors meeting the cool walls of your basement foundation, humidity and condensation become problems in the summer months. Humidity causes mold, respiratory problems, and damage to your belongings. Add to this the fact that new construction, though more energy efficient, is also more airtight. Airtight means less airflow, and the air  in your home needs to move, this can...

Basement cracks are a menace, especially when they allow water into your home. But what about harmful gases?  Radon is a colorless, odorless gas. It is also radioactive and extremely harmful in large doses.  A United Nations committee said radon gas in homes is directly linked to a small risk of lung cancer. How does radon get into your home? Very few homes are airtight, especially older homes — and especially if the foundation or...

For those homeowners who have wrestled with water in the basement, what will happen if you ever list the house for sale. A legal disclosure will ask you to respond, yes or no, to this statement: "I am aware of flooding or recurring leakage problems in the crawl space or basement." In other words, does the term "water in the basement" send buyers scurrying away? If you have addressed it, then not necessarily. Will it...

Spring is here, along with the rain and warmer weather. This is the season that mold can begin to grow in your home. It is important to control mold and mildew. Mold and mildew affects people with allergies and asthma. But there are others who are more sensitive to the effects of mold including, infants and children, seniors, and people whose immune systems are compromised. How do you control mold and moisture in your home?...

The housing market is booming right now around Boston. If you are thinking about selling your home, be sure you address any basement water issues you may have. Basement water issues are one of the biggest reason that homes don’t sell, or sell for less than asking.   With a shortage of home inventory, take advantage of supply and demand and get top dollar for your home. Don’t let basement cracks in your Boston area...

Water is the No. 1 enemy of homes, and any problems related to water top the list the repairs that homeowners need to do immediately. Water can enter your home through the roof, the foundation, a leaky pipe penetration or a blocked drain, but either way, the longer the water sits there the more damage there will be.   Then comes the mold. Mold is a major problem because it grows in damp, dark areas...

For too many homeowners, the arrival of spring means, wet, damp or moldy basements. This can be a homeowner nightmare. Waking up to water in the basement or damaged belongings is no fun, so have your basement walls inspected, or look closely at them yourself. If you see any moisture, an ounce of prevention can go a long way. The winter freeze then the spring thaw can cause concrete basement wall cracks and floor cracks....