Why basement waterproofing is a good idea Do you have problems with a damp or leaking basement? You’re not alone. There are millions New England homeowners with the same problem. But, rather than ignore the problem and suffer the consequences, you can fix the problem, and here are three reasons why you should. Even if you don’t use your basement for anything other than storage, moisture will lead to mold and mildew. Toxic mold can...

Cleaning and Killing Mold Killing mold that is already visible is actually quite easy. A simple borax solution is enough to do it. Borax is a common cleaning material, but unlike bleach, it is capable of killing mold on porous surfaces. Additionally, borax does not give off harmful fumes, unlike bleach or many other cleaning agents. However, borax is toxic, so keep your children and pets away from it. Mix 1 cup of borax with...

Be thorough and inspect your basement regularly by checking the following where applicable: HVAC Systems - Check the drain pans and remove debris to allow free flow. Inspect the filters and replace whenever needed. When inspecting the HVAC, look at the duct work and seal deteriorating insulation. Pipes Condensations - Pipes condensation is a common plumbing problem caused by sweating pipes. This problem promotes mold corrosion and rot if ignored. Insulating your pipes will reduce...

Preventing basement flooding is much easier than having to deal with a flooded basement. It’s generally easy to ensure that your home, basement and foundation are protected from flooding. Here are a few steps you should take to help protect your basement. There are a number of issues that can cause basement flooding including inclement weather, hot water tank leakage, freezer leakage, sewage pipe leakage, or washing machine leakage. Basically, basements flood because they are...

Damp Basement - The source of your damp basement problem could be a water leak or high humidity. Both can lead to mold, mildew, or other biological growth. Depending on the severity, conditions can lead to rot, structural damage, premature paint failure, and a variety of health problems. Water can seep into your house from the outside through a leak in the foundation, or small gaps around windows or doors. Water can also come from...

A wet basement can create various problems around your home over time. Besides odors the dampness in a wet basement can damage the structure of your home, and present a health risk to your family. Mold and bacteria thrive in a wet basement and cause these other problems. In fact, if you notice musty odors coming from your basement, you can be sure mold and bacteria are present. Use the following  to get rid of...

When you are faced with a wet basement it can be a particularly heartbreaking sight especially if things are ruined.  The first thing you need to do is dry out the basement and this could be a big task. How Deep is the Water? Before you can dry out the basement properly, you will need to get rid of all the water. Where there’s deep standing water, you’ll need a pump to get it out...

Basement flooding is an difficult problem that many households face on a regular basis. Rather than dealing with it, however, many people hope the problem goes away on its own. Such an attitude can have grave consequences for your home in the long run. When your basement gets flooded, it is best to deal with the problem right away. To do this you will need at least some basic knowledge of the reasons why basements...

Basement Leaks - MA, RI, CT, NH Most basements leak because there is or are either vertical-step or horizontal cracks on the outside of basement walls through which water enters and gets onto your floor. Water/moisture will also enter the wall through and around where gas lines, electric lines, and plumbing enter the wall below ground. The only way you will completely keep all water from getting into the wall is to have these openings...

Basement dehumidifiers reduce the amount of moisture in the air of the lowest level of your home. This necessary for a number of reasons. Among the advantages of using a dehumidifier in the basement are improved quality of air, reduced moisture, fewer insects, lower energy bills and convenience. Each of these reasons deserves an explanation all its own. There are many types of basement dehumidifiers, though. They come in different sizes and serve different functions...