With spring rains, warmer weather and summer right around the corner, mold is a concern for all homeowners, especially in the basement. The humidity levels rise this time of year and mold, moisture and musty odors can become a problem. When your home has high levels of humidity in the basement, you can develop mold. In the spring and summer, dehumidifiers come in handy as rain leads to damp, moldy basements. For a large basement,...

Many towns in Massachusetts are built on old sandy river beds or rocky ledges. Despite the fact that we are in a drought, we have had quite a bit of recent rain. The large amount of rain is almost as bad for the soil as the drought. Soil expands when it freezes and gets wet and contracts when it defrosts and dries. This creates cracks in the soil that can create problems for the homes...

We are in a drought, and “they” keep saying we need the rain. Well, there was quite a bit of rain last night and if you awoke to a wet or damp basement, you have some problems. Even if you have never had water in your basement before, you will most likely get it again. Water finds the path of least resistance, and when that much rain falls for so long, unfortunately in many cases...

With air tight doors and windows, along with the construction of tighter homes sometimes there is not enough or proper airflow in a home creating condensation, mold, musty smells and moisture issues. If your home has central AC, it is good practice to install additional vents that lead into your basement to help with minor moisture problems. The air needs room to move, so if your basement is cluttered, an exhaust fan is good. However,...

If you are a have bought a new home, call A-1 Foundation Crack Repair for a foundation inspection.  You don’t want to find water in your basement and then realize that it could have been prevented.  If you see cracks in the basement floor or walls of a home you are buying or selling, call a crack repair specialist.  IF there are cracks in your cement floor or foundation walls, we can determine the underlying...

With the onset of the warmer weather, basements can become damp and moist. Just the nature of the basement, being below grade, makes them inherent to water problems. The cool basement air mixes with the warmer outdoor air and warm basement foundation and creates humidity. If your basement is damp or moist, mold can grow, causing severe health issues and making it more difficult for you to sell your home in the future. Mold thrives...

If you have just purchased a new home and you are thinking of finishing the basement, there are some things to be aware of. Are there or have there ever been any signs of moisture or water in the basement? If so, STOP, do not do anything. Basement moisture or dampness issues need to be fixed before you do any finish work below grade. With new homes, it is a good idea to wait at...

Dehumidifiers come in handy this time of the year, when rainy weather leads to damp, moldy basements. For a large basement, Consumer Reports recommends a large-capacity dehumidifier. Testers found that large-capacity dehumidifiers are generally more energy-efficient than medium-capacity dehumidifiers, and they will cost you less per pint of water removed. That’s important because dehumidifiers use a lot of energy. Testers also check how accurately dehumidifiers control the humidity in the room. Comfortable settings are anywhere...

April showers bring May flowers. Unless that water is coming in your basement. Then all you get is a headache. Wet basements don’t only cause headaches; they cause mold, and an unhealthy living environment. There are many ways that water can enter your basement, but one of those ways is a leaking bulkhead. Usually, bulkhead leaks are caused from movement between the bulkhead and the foundation. Bulkheads are separate from the foundation; they are just...

This is the time of year when the humidity starts to seep into your basements and all of a sudden takes you by surprise. Consistent basement dampness can cause musty smells and mold growth and stored items can be ruined. You may not see any water, but if you can smell it and feel it, you have a damp basement. If you have moisture or water problems in your basement, it is time to get...