Have you been telling people my basement is dry but still smells musty? What’s going on? We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but a musty smell is a sign of mold growth, even if you don’t have visible water in the basement. High humidity alone in the basement is enough to trigger mold growth. In this article, we’ll review why you shouldn’t ignore a musty odor in your basement, steps you can take to help eliminate mold in your basement (and the odor), and more. Is A Musty-Smelling Basement Really A Problem? Yes, a musty-smelling basement is a problem because it means there’s mold in your base ..read more

Installing a basement drainage system, or drain tile, is your first defense against groundwater seeping into your basement. A drain tile system can be installed on the interior or exterior of the home. Choosing the best basement drainage system usually depends on when the drain tile system is installed – before or after the house is constructed – and your budget. What is a Basement Drainage System? A drain tile system – interior or exterior – consists of a buried, perforated drainage pipe, either solid or corrugated. The pipe is embedded in gravel to keep it from getting clogged with dirt a ..read more

Water may be the source of life, but it can spell disaster for a homeowner when it comes to uncontrolled flooding. A sump pump is a heroic fixture in this narrative, standing guard in the lowest part of your house to keep your basement dry and protect the structural integrity of your home. Whether you’re combatting persistent dampness, anticipating heavy rainfalls, or simply being proactive about flood prevention, installing a sump pump is a smart move. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps of choosing the right sump pump for your home and tackle the nitty-gritty of installati ..read more

It is not uncommon for foundation issues to occur, and you can often see signs of the problem, such as sticking windows and doors or cracks in foundation walls. The good news is these probably aren’t signs your house is going to collapse in the near future. However, that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. Foundation problems are progressive, so even minor issues today will eventually worsen and become more expensive to fix. That is why, if you see the signs of a foundation problem, you should call a foundation repair specialist as soon as possible and ask for an evaluation. Why Is Foundatio ..read more

While some hairline wall cracks are benign, a larger crack in a wall can be a sign of structural issues. In this blog post, we’ll explore the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that distinguish wall cracks which are merely minor cosmetic blemishes from cracks indicating potential structural threats. We’ll equip you with the knowledge to assess wall cracks, understand what causes them, and decide when it’s time to call in the experts. What Causes Wall Cracks? Wall cracks happen for various reasons, including uniform settlement after construction (common), shrinkage during the concrete curing pro ..read more

Water seepage can turn your dream home into a damp nightmare, with repair costs often running into the thousands. But did you know that the cost of waterproofing your foundation walls is just a fraction of the potential repair expenses resulting from water damage? Before the rain clouds gather and your basement becomes an unintended indoor pool, understanding the why and how of waterproofing foundation walls can save you money and preserve the integrity of your cherished home. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the importance of this critical home maintenance step and tell you how to ensure a ..read more

Ever walked through your basement after a heavy rain and felt that slight, unmistakable clamminess underfoot? If so, you’re not alone. Basement waterproofing and choosing the right flooring isn’t just about keeping things dry—it’s about transforming a space that’s often underutilized and overlooked into an area that’s comfortable and inviting. We’re diving deep into the world of waterproofing and basement flooring to help you better understand what it takes to protect and beautify this foundational space in your home. From the basics of basement waterproofing to the aesthetics and durability ..read more

If you’ve never had a foundation inspection on your home, you are doing your property a disservice. Foundation inspections identify problems early, which is essential for fixing them before they get more extensive and more expensive to repair. Why Your Home Needs a Regular Foundation Inspection Most people wait until they see issues occurring with the foundation and the home before they have someone come out to check the foundation for problems. That is why, if you identify foundation problems due to issues happening around the home, it is important to have a foundation inspection. The botto ..read more

Are you considering building a new home or laying the foundation for an addition? If so, you have likely come across the terms “slab” and “slab on grade” foundations. Are they the same thing? Something different? In this blog post, we will dive into the world of foundations and discuss what a slab foundation is, if there’s a difference between slab and slab-on-grade foundations, and more. What is a Slab Foundation? A slab foundation is a type of foundation commonly used in construction. It is a thick, flat concrete slab poured directly on the ground. This type of foundation is often used for ..read more

A sump pump check valve, although small in size, plays a crucial role in preventing backflow and maintaining the efficiency of your sump pump system. In this blog post, we will dive into the details of what a sump pump check valve is and how it works to protect your home from potential flooding. This information will not only help you understand the inner workings of your sump pump but also guide you in making sure it continues to function effectively for years to come. What is a Sump Pump? A sump pump is a device that helps prevent flooding in your basement. It works by collecting water in ..read more