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Basement Remodel Step One- Waterproof It 

Are you considering a basement remodel in your North Carolina home? If so, basement remodel step one is most certainly waterproof it. Reduce the risk of your basement remodel project by protecting it from the start. This brief article addresses some of the advantages property owners and lenders gain by abiding by step one of any basement remodel project. That being, waterproof it.

 

A Basement Remodel can be a Lucrative Decision

Today, buyers sometimes actively search for homes with basements in order to improve the property. Adding an additional bedroom, a den, a workshop, or a home office downstairs may significantly boost real estate value. A basement remodel can transform a cold empty basement into a comfortable living space. Not to mention the sense of accomplishment home owners feel upon completion. For a variety of reasons, an attractively finished residential basement holds value.

Yet property owners in Raleigh need to exercise caution before undertaking a basement remodel project. Although it offers a high return on investment in most cases, this type of undertaking does involve costs. Some sources estimate the average bill for a basement remodel  range nationwide from $6,500 to $18,500.  Additionally, installing new fixtures, carpeting, and furnishings contributes to this expense. In total a basement remodel requires roughly $10,000 to $30,000, according to the NerdWallet website.

From The Outset of your Basement Remodel Project Pay Close Attention to the Significance of Calling In The Professionals for Waterproofing Services

Property owners and lenders obtain benefits by addressing basement waterproofing issues during the planning stages. Why? Just consider some important reasons to explore this issue at an early point in your project:

1. Build in a dry environment.
2. Avoid cost overruns caused by water damage.
3. Incorporate effective waterproofing measures into the remodeling design.
4. Avoid expensive basement water intrusion repairs later…. Waterproof it!

Thinking closely about waterproofing issues during the preliminary stages of remodeling helps prevent disappointments. No one wants to discover just a few months after installation that new drywall requires replacement due to mold damage. Yet failing to waterproof your basement prior to remodel results in this type of unpleasant surprise.

Building Intelligently Helps Prevent Cost Overruns

Modern builders recognize the destructive potential of water. Moist, dank environments contribute to the development of molds. Unfortunately, these microscopic plants thrive on many types of surfaces. Mold readily inhabits carpeting, upholstery, wood, drywall, and even cement. If a remodeling firm performs work in a wet basement, the improvements eventually require repair or replacement.

Property owners face unnecessarily high costs when they authorize remodeling in wet locations. Implementing effective basement waterproofing measures first prevents these losses. For this reason, it typically makes sense to include a waterproofing plan as a prerequisite for all basement remodel projects.

Resolve Waterproofing Issues First For Best Results

As problems associated with mold have gained wider attention, homeowners increasingly appreciate the importance of prioritizing basement waterproofing measures highly. A wet basement cannot be reach resolve or be concealed by a basement remodel without first obtaining waterproofing services. Instead, it simply exacerbates the problem by requiring additional expensive repair measures.

By taking steps to achieve a dry, comfortable setting before remodeling, homeowners optimize their chances of project success. Experienced waterproofing companies offer valuable assistance with this effort. We work diligently to furnish cost-effective solutions for basement waterproofing concerns.

Solicit Lender Involvement

In fact, waterproofing improvements may constitute the first phase of remodeling. Most lenders appreciate knowing homeowners have considered this important issue. They would prefer to address waterproofing concerns right from the outset.

Homeowners obtain advantages by viewing waterproofing as a prerequisite for further improvements. Simple waterproofing measures may prevent disastrous flooding later. Installing an interior basement drain or a well-placed French Drain often proves cost-effective, for example. Consider evaluating a remodeling floor plan with waterproofing in mind. This simple precaution frequently helps avoid expensive repairs in the future!

Schedule a Consultation for Your Basement Remodel Waterproofing Services Today!

To schedule an inspection by an experienced waterproofing company conveniently in the Greater Raleigh Area, simply contact Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. We offer a full range of commercial and residential services in this field. As well qualified local builders, we’ve chosen to focus primarily upon waterproofing as a way to enhance real estate. We appreciate the vital importance of implementing effective basement waterproofing measures before undertaking other remodeling steps in Raleigh.

Simply call 919-877-9969 to schedule an appointment. You may also reach us online on a 24/7 basis by using the convenient website contact form. Let us know how we can assist you!

basement repair Basement Remodel

The Five Most Common Sources of H2O Intrusion

The Five Most Common Sources of H2O Intrusion

The Five Most Common Sources of H2O Intrusion

In North Carolina, property owners sometimes face expensive economic loss caused by a unique type of waterproofing problem. A water intrusion occurs when water enters living spaces unexpectedly. Unfortunately, in some situations, residents may not even notice the issue immediately. H2O intrusion occurring over the course of time pose a serious concern for many real estate owners. Because these incidents frequently produce costly damage to man-made structures.

The Environmental Health and Safety Department of the University of Florida has studied this issue extensively.(1) Today, experts in the field believe a wide array of possible causes potentially contribute to H2O intrusions.(2) Yet they agree five sources stand out as the most common. Homeowners in the Greater Raleigh Area should remain alert for the following types of water intrusion:

One: Water Intruding by Means of Ceiling Condensation And/Or Roof Leaks

H2O intrusions frequently result from poorly ventilated, humid attics or rooftops and/or leaking roofs. In many cases, a property owners remain unaware of the situation for extended periods of time. For example, residents may only detect this type of damage when water begins staining ceiling tiles or visibly dripping indoors.

Correcting this problem quickly should receive a high priority. First, if you’ve noticed this type of H2O intrusion, remember roof leaks or condensation might also have allowed moisture to penetrate other, less visible, areas of your home or business. Roof leaks sometimes drain into the interior of walls or cause extensive damage to the attic or the sub-roof. Water coming into contact with electricity may contribute to fires. Periodic roof inspections offer a useful way to monitor the condition of the roof and attic.

Two: Wall or Foundation/Slab/Crawl Space H2O Intrusion/Leaks

H2O intrusion may also occur when water seeps into a premise through minute cracks in foundations, slabs, or walls, or when it penetrates through damaged crawl spaces. Water saturated soil may contribute to this problem. Wet basements develop a persistently damp character due to moisture penetrating underneath buildings or through basement walls during certain seasons of the year.

Consulting with a full-time waterproofing company offers valuable assistance. Maintaining dry basements and crawl spaces helps reduce the threat of damp conditions creating fertile environments for the growth of molds. It also helps protect foundations and, ultimately, the structural integrity of buildings.

Three: External Flooding H2O Intrusion into a Home

Intrusions depend upon a multitude of factors such as terrain, yard drainage, and seasonal weather conditions to name a few. H2O intrusions may occur if flooding develops within the immediate vicinity of a home or a business. An example of this problem occurred in parts of Louisiana during 2016. Unusually heavy rainstorms resulted in flooded streets in some neighborhoods. Pooling water poured into the basements and lower levels of many homes, producing considerable property damage.

While obtaining complete protection against weather-related flooding proves impossible in some circumstances. Yet owners help alleviate this problem in many cases by working closely with waterproofing specialists to promote effective yard drainage. Taking steps to channel rainwater runoff away from the home may help prevent basement flooding, for instance.

Four: The Stinky Truth- Sewer Line Backup can Cause Water Intrusion Into Your Home

In particular, one of the costliest forms of H2O intrusion result from sewer line backup. Neighborhood infrastructures often impact this public health issue. Property owners who notice sluggish sewer lines or occasional backups should contact an experienced plumber for assistance.

Five: Plumbing Pipe Leaks

Broken plumbing pipes also cause H2O intrusions. The severity of this problem usually depends upon the location and type of plumbing pipe. As well as the extent and the duration of the leak. Long periods of freezing winter weather can allow pipes that are unprotected to rupture. This threat sometimes proves significant for many North Carolinians.

Homeowners should contact a licensed plumber to fix or replace broken plumbing pipes. And also, customers reap many benefits by contacting a waterproofing firm. It may prove essential to ensure the home maintains adequate basement drainage systems, for example. If a pipe breaks unexpectedly and the basement begins filling with water, it brings peace of mind to know a dependable sump pump system and an interior basement drain will prevent flood damage from occurring.

Take Action to Resolve H2O Intrusion Problems

At this point, consider if you are suspicious of an H2O intrusion impacting your home or commercial property in the Greater Raleigh, North Carolina Area? This type of problem holds the potential to cause significant damage to man-made structures. Property owners must correct H2O intrusions to stop harm from occurring; the situation won’t resolve on its own.

For fast, knowledgeable assistance with this issue (or for any other waterproofing concern), contact Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. Waterproofing is our specialty.  Let our decades of experience and quality repair rid you off your water intrusions issues.

Without delay, call us at 919-877-9969 or visit us online and complete the convenient contact form. Let us know the best time to speak with you.

New Construction Waterproofing Services Help Customers Save Money

Increasing knowledge about the significant long term risks of water damage has prompted more builders to consider waterproofing issues. Today, most experienced contractors pay close attention to this concern. Developers frequently request assistance from new construction waterproofing consultants in advance of launching projects in North Carolina, in fact.

Homeowners associations, real estate brokerage firms, lenders, and home buyers also discover important advantages in reviewing basement waterproof plans for residential properties. Implementing effective water damage control measures during the construction phase sometimes yields huge dividends down the road. This brief article explores just a few of the ways new construction waterproofing services help protect your bottom line.

Basement Remodeling Waterproofing  Construction Waterproofing

An Ounce of Prevention…

First, to really appreciate the vital importance of addressing waterproofing concerns during the earliest stages of construction, consider two possible scenarios. In the first example, an investor interested in developing a well-planned new residential community retains the services of a waterproofing firm. The consultants seek to ensure adequate yard drainage for every home within the planned development. In calculating the initial homeowners association dues, the promoter budgets for the new HOA to obtain funding to periodically inspect and repair French Drains and retaining walls within the residential community. Planners also supply an initial waterproofing plan for every tract.

In the second scenario, no one pays specific attention to yard drainage issues during the planning phase. The promoter does not undertake French Drain construction to prevent water pooling in low-lying areas. The new HOA fails to budget for this feature, or to specify easements for future community waterproofing structures. After the completion and sale of homes, some property owners do implement waterproofing measures. Others do not.

New Construction Waterproofing: A Matter of Dollars And Sense

In the previous scenario, which set of new homeowners would enjoy the the greatest level of satisfaction as purchasers? Which subdivision would likely maintain the highest property values during future decades? By considering yard drainage issues and basement waterproofing measures right from the outset, a developer effectively helps chart the future of realty years into the future.

Taking a proactive stance on waterproofing within a residential realty development ensures a more comprehensive, uniform effort to prevent water intrusions. It helps protect home values more effectively. It also reduces friction between adjoining property owners by helping to make sure the construction of a retaining wall in one location won’t inadvertently contribute to the pooling of water somewhere else. Supplying an initial basement waterproofing plan for every finished home demonstrates a concern for an issue of vital importance to residents.

Beneficial For Community Assets, Too

Today, many new developments in North Carolina plan for the establishment of homeowners associations. As well as the creation of shared community assets. These features may include social centers, fitness facilities, natural areas, golf courses, and hike and bike trails. Paying close attention to new construction waterproofing issues at an early phase in the project enables developers to protect important community assets from water damage more effectively.(1)

For example, in some cases, a development may choose to channel water runoff from several low-lying yards into well-designed community landscaping features, such as a lake or a pond. While initial homeowners association fees may prove higher in this type of comprehensively planned subdivision, over the long term the ability to maintain effective waterproofing ultimately helps save residents a lot of heartache. Home buyers encounter fewer repair bills. A developer may reduce the potential for litigation stemming from property damage allegedly due to a lack of waterproofing planning.

An Important Issue For Lenders And Real Estate Brokers

When new construction waterproofing occurs, it helps create a more favorable long-term environment for residents. For example, few home buyers appreciate purchasing a lovely new residence with an unfinished basement only to discover later that water intrusions thwart efforts to transform the lowest level of the home into a living space. Some people invest in properties with the intention of making cost-effective improvements. Basement waterproofing issues potentially delay (or even prevent) the full utilization of certain properties.(2)

By obtaining new homes replete with basement waterproofing plans, buyers gain a much better understanding of a home’s potential to fulfill their goals.(3) They learn right up front whether or not they’ll need to make improvements to maintain a dry, comfortable basement. Astute real estate agents may discover advantages in discussing this issue with home sellers.

Further Information

Do you anticipate constructing a real estate development in the Greater Raleigh Area soon? Or perhaps you’ve contemplated undertaking a custom home building project? To obtain experienced local new construction waterproofing services, contact Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. We offer expertise in this field. Send us an email, or contact us at 919-877-9969 for assistance. We look forward to speaking with you!

Crawl Space Repair Service Offers Surprising Benefits

As the busy holiday season rapidly approaches, people often focus attention upon decorating homes and businesses attractively. Many households in North Carolina entertain extensively between late October and mid-January, for example. Yet in some cases, the condition of the real estate itself hampers efforts to create a welcoming setting. This brief article addresses a surprising benefit property owners sometimes receive by seeking timely crawl space repair service. Genuinely effective odor prevention.

Musty air penetrating into a residence or a place of business from a humid crawl space poses a far more common problem than many business proprietors and homeowners appreciate. This scent may permeate floor coverings and drapes. Applying air fresheners or other odor control products exerts virtually no impact if the underlying problem stems from a damp crawl space. In this situation, consider checking to determine whether your site requires timely crawl space repair services. If so, taking action to ensure crawl spaces beneath a home or a commercial site remain clean and dry helps enhance the cost-effectiveness of seasonal decorating efforts.

Crawl Space Odor Issues: Wildlife And Water

In some cases, unpleasant odors emanating from crawl spaces result from the activities of wildlife. As winter approaches in North Carolina, raccoons, possoms, skunks, squirrels, and other wild creatures sometimes seek shelter inside crawl spaces. This problem probably occurs more frequently in rural locations. Rats and mice occasionally enter homes via crawl spaces and then use these sites to access the interior of walls inside buildings, for example.

A second (and perhaps more common) source of crawl space odors stems from damp crawl spaces. Water pooling inside a crawl space beneath a home eventually causes extensive property damage. Protracted moist conditions promote the growth of mildews and molds. These microscopic plant organisms thrive on a variety of surfaces, including wood, drywall, and brick. They release spores which cause allergic reactions in some people. Hence, when a sufficient mold population arises within a given area, humans generally detect this problem as a result of the dank, musty odor. For example, the State of New York credits wet basements and crawl spaces as important sources of mold in housing.

The Importance Repair Service For Your Crawl Space

Therefore, it remains important to remember many different causes potentially account for mold in a home. While groundwater or rain may penetrate a crawl space, water also enters buildings through leaky roofs and broken plumbing pipes. If you’ve noticed a persistent musty odor emanating from carpeting, for example, it usually makes sense to investigate the most likely cause of the dampness. Have wet conditions permitted exposed wooden surfaces in a crawl space to begin rotting? Or has the home developed a plumbing leak in a pipe running beneath the floor or along the interior of a wall?

One of the best ways to gain insight into the cause of a musty odor in a home, involves requesting an inspection by a full-time waterproofing contractor. If you can’t find any visible roof damage or plumbing system problems, it’s time to call in the professionals. Taking this step may offer a rapid way to determine whether your home’s crawl spaces need repair service. Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. provides knowledgeable assistance inspecting realty for signs of water damage. We help customers develop comprehensive waterproofing plans to help protect their investment in the property. We strive to furnish constructive solutions for households and businesses contending with lingering odors of mildew and mold.

Repair Services For Damaged Crawl Spaces to Resolve Mold And Mildew Problems

Crawl Space Repair. Moisture Damage.

Most importantly, it makes far more sense to correct the underlying source of mold and mildew in a home or a business prior to superficial temporary fixes. Furthermore, continuously cleaning away mold damage proves expensive over the long term. For instance, owners benefit by removing moldy sections of carpeting and drapes and replacing them with clean, mold-free furnishings. Yet if the property owner fails to repair the source of a wet crawl space, refurbishing moldy furnishings becomes an ongoing project.

An expensive new carpet won’t remain attractive very long after it replaces a moldy one unless essential repairs have occurred in the meantime. Consider hiring a waterproofing firm offering expertise in building construction. Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. frequently receives requests to provide waterproofing services in this region of North Carolina.

Request Crawl Space Repair Service

Does your residential or commercial property need skilled crawl space repair services? In the Greater Raleigh Area, contact Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. We possess extensive experience diagnosing and fixing waterproofing problems in basements, foundations, and crawl spaces. We frequently furnish waterproofing services during new construction, too.

Contact Us Today

919-877-9969

To Request Our Assistance

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5 Ways Maintaining a Written Waterproofing Plan Helps You Save Money!

Today, experts frequently advise property owners in North Carolina to perform careful planning. From enduring disruptive tropical storms more comfortably to enhancing financial security, written plans help numerous residents of the Greater Raleigh Area. Yet did you know, creating a written waterproofing plan for your realty assists your bottom line? This brief article discusses five ways this type of planning aids customers performing waterproofing problem diagnosis.

About Written Waterproofing Plans

The first step in developing a successful written waterproofing plan for your residence or commercial building in Raleigh appears simple. It typically involves obtaining a knowledgeable waterproofing inspection. Ask a contractor familiar with water damage issues to visit your premises to evaluate the realty from a waterproofing standpoint. This inspection should devote time to the basement, the crawl spaces, and any yard drainage issues.

The contractor may then assist you in developing a realistic written waterproofing plan. This document lists recommendations for steps to take to help protect against moisture and water damage. In many cases, a waterproofing contractor will suggest several different options. By keeping this report in a safe place and consulting it periodically, property owners frequently discover important money-saving opportunities.

Money Savings Resulting From Careful Waterproof Planning

How might a written waterproofing plan help customers save money over the long term? Just consider five important aspects of maintaining a comprehensive plan. Accepting long-range waterproofing as an important goal holds benefits:

One: Your Written Plan Helps Document Changes in a Property’s Waterproofing Status

By keeping your property’s waterproofing plan in a safe place, you’ll have an opportunity to revisit items on the list as necessary. The plan helps you verify changes in the condition of your home’s waterproofing because it serves as a benchmark. By taking the time to document waterproofing issues in writing, you won’t need to rely on your memory alone to determine whether the basement seems drier (or damper) during recent years.

For example, if you plan on installing a new basement humidifier within five years, but you detect increased moisture in the basement, you might discover advantages in speeding up the implementation of the planned improvement.

Two: Property Owners Sometimes Utilize Written Waterproofing Plans to Help Obtain Financing For Improvements

Maintaining a written waterproofing plan also supplies a very useful tool for demonstrating your property’s waterproofing status to lenders. Sometimes loan officers hesitate to fund certain real estate improvements. Yet knowing a customer has worked closely with a qualified waterproofing contractor to address water damage issues may convince a lender to risk providing financing.

Three: Use Your Plan if You Ever Place The Realty on The Marketplace

Similarly, maintaining an up-to-date, accurate waterproofing plan supplies assistance when a property owner decides to place realty on the marketplace. This document helps assure prospective buyers the seller has devoted attention to waterproofing issues. It also alerts them to recommended improvements for enhancing waterproofing in the future. In some cases, having this plan in place might mean the difference between a sale and a listing remaining on the real estate market for an extended period of time!

Four: Rely on The Plan to Help Prevent Home Improvement Losses

Written waterproofing plans prepared with the assistance of qualified contractors also help many property owners save money when they obtain waterproofing improvements. The plan usually helps give property owners a better appreciation for the cost of making certain improvements. It may prevent a real estate owner from acting impulsively to obtain a waterproofing enhancement of limited long term value, for instance. Additionally, the plan prevents homeowners from investing in repair measures without first taking action to achieve satisfactory waterproofing. It helps prevent expensive remodeling mistakes.

Five: Select The Most Cost-Effective Waterproofing Improvements

Finally, a written plan supplies a “road map” (of sorts) for the completion of key waterproofing improvements. By adhering to this guideline, a property owner may stretch a home improvement and remodeling budget advantageously. The plan offers assistance in determining the best waterproofing measures to implement as soon as possible.

Further Information

Would you like to request a waterproofing inspection of your home or business in the Greater Raleigh Area? Contact Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. to request this assistance. Our company possesses extensive waterproofing construction experience. Ask us to help you develop a useful, realistic long term written waterproofing plan for your real estate. We also offer a variety of timely waterproofing services (including foundation waterproofing repair and crawl space repair services).

To speak with us, simply complete the convenient online form. You may also call us at 919-877-9969. We look forward to helping you!

Waterproofing Foundation Repair Excavations: Why Quality Issues Really Matter!

Waterproofing Foundation Repair Excavations

Obtaining effective basement and crawl space waterproofing solutions concerns numerous property owners in Raleigh, North Carolina for good reason. Water sometimes causes expensive damage to homes and businesses in this region. One significant type of rebuilding project involves repairing water damage to building foundations.

Yet before a construction crew can even provide this solution, it typically proves necessary to obtain skilled foundation repair excavation services. The care and attention a waterproofing firm devotes to this task matters enormously. This article offers a quick general overview of excavating a foundation; depending upon a customer’s location and the extent of the foundation damage, a contractor may need to include additional steps or may omit some steps.

Waterproofing Foundation

Foundation Repair Excavations: A Complex Undertaking

Many people immediately think of digging holes in the ground when they hear the term “excavation”. Yet during waterproofing foundation repair projects, this process involves considerable complexity. The terrain, the soil composition, weather conditions, and a variety of other factors may all impact an excavation.

In general, even limited excavations require thorough planning. A project manager must survey the site to identify any important nearby structures. No one wants to accidentally damage adjacent buildings or utility infrastructure during the foundation repair excavation process, for example. A lot of careful planning enters into coordinating the timetable for implementing different phases of a foundation repair project.

Clearing And Preliminary Grading

When conducting excavations to reveal the exterior of a residential foundation, a waterproofing contractor may need to clear away trees, bushes, or rocks. In many cases, homeowners have an opportunity to transplant or relocate favorite landscaping plants before the project commences. The team conducting the excavation seeks to work as efficiently and quickly as possible once the project begins.

The clearing process sometimes offers an opportunity to conduct useful preliminary grading near the site. For instance, a waterproofing company may also take the opportunity to smooth soil and correct terrain problems which may have contributed to water pooling next to a residential foundation in the past. (The grading process may ultimately help promote more effective yard drainage, while also contributing to worker safety.)

Digging

During excavations, contractors sometimes remove large quantities of earth. The design of the residence and the surrounding terrain influence the approach(es) to the digging site(s), of course. If a waterproofing firm needs to expose the entire foundation, then the repair project might require extensive digging.

Waterproofing contractors must exercise care to support the integrity of a building foundation and to prevent the earth from collapsing back into the site of excavation. Considerable complexity surrounds these issues. The types of necessary repair measures may influence the excavation depth, for instance. The specific precautions required vary from one project to another. Particularly in the case of deep excavation, digging demands care and attention to complete safely. After exposing part or all of the foundation, waterproofing contractors have an opportunity to undertake foundation repair measures.

Backfill And Final Grading

Backfill, the material placed into an excavation site, may help prevent future water damage. Not all waterproofing foundation repair projects involve the use of backfill. In some situations, structural engineers recommend replacing excavated earth with high-quality backfill materials. This phase of a waterproofing foundation repair project sometimes involves the greatest single expense for the property owner. Yet it may prove critical to the long term success or failure of certain types of foundation repair efforts.

Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. works closely with our clients to assist them in controlling project costs. We don’t offer structural foundation repair services. In situations involving the application of backfill, sometimes several potential backfill options exist. Final site grading usually occurs at the conclusion of a waterproofing foundation repair project involving excavation(s), whether or not the project required the use of backfill.

Additional Information

Do you hold concern water might have harmed your home’s foundation? Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. offers experienced waterproofing services in the Greater Raleigh Area. We possess expertise performing skilled foundation water damage repair services (including waterproofing foundation repair excavations). We also offer a variety of other important waterproofing services, including crawl space encapsulation and concrete crack injection services.

Although our firm does not offer structural foundation repair services, we do encourage customers to seek the assistance of structural engineers and other consultants if it appears extensive foundation water damage has occurred. Contact us to obtain knowledgeable assistance for any waterproofing issue by calling 919-877-9969. We look forwarding to helping you resolve residential or business waterproofing problems cost-effectively and efficiently!

Helpful Resources:

1. https://theconstructor.org/geotechnical/backfilling-types-procedure-foundation/1648/
2. https://www.raleighwaterproofinginc.com/foundation-waterproofing-repair/

Five Reasons Standing water is a Yard Drainage Problem

The Raleigh, North Carolina Area sometimes experiences heavy downpours. If you notice puddles remaining in some areas of your yard. Also, if they remain for extended periods of time, you might benefit by requesting a property waterproofing inspection. Yard drainage issues impact the presence of standing water frequently contributes to damp, wet conditions in basements and crawl spaces. Therefore, this brief article explores five reasons why stagnant puddles in a yard concern most real estate owners.

Yard Drainage

One: Plant Damage

One of the most visible impacts of pooling water involves a landscaping issue. Soggy, marshy patches of lawn usually disrupt a property owner’s exterior decorating plans. The presence of pooled water in the yard for days, weeks, or months at a time may effectively damage plant roots in the immediate vicinity. Flowers, grass, and other vegetation may die off in these locations. The unsightly results of extended puddle formation often alarm property owners desiring to maintain attractive landscaping.

Two: Erosion

Unfortunately, in some places, stagnant puddles also contribute to erosion and water drainage problems. Water may erode hillsides, flower beds, dirt paths, or gravel driveways as it flows into the lowest sections of the yard, for example. If repeated yard drainage problems persist over an extended period of time, this situation permanently changes the appearance of the property. In some cases, draining water removes topsoil, making it difficult for a landowner to restore the area without seeking the assistance of experts.

Three: Slick Yard Conditions

Persistent puddles in lawns and gardens in this region pose yet another concern for many real estate owners: they contribute to slippery, muddy turf. Also, from a practical standpoint, wet, sloppy areas of ground sometimes cause unexpected slips and falls outdoors. These sites also may result in household pets tracking mud and water into a residence, too (potentially contributing to indoor slips and falls). Slick patches in a yard create housekeeping headaches, as well as safety risks.

Four: Insect Issues

During warmer months of the year, standing water in a yard may promote insect infestations. Recently, considerable media attention has surrounded the dangers posed by mosquitoes. Also, some species of these blood-sucking insects lay their eggs in or near puddles of standing water. Certain types of mosquitoes potentially transmit a number of serious febrile diseases, such as West Nile Virus, Dengue, and Zika Virus (a threat to expecting mothers and unborn children). Different mosquito-borne diseases potentially afflict people and animals. Also, for a variety of excellent reasons, it makes sense to prevent stagnant, pooled standing water in yards and gardens in this region whenever possible.

Five: Waterproofing Problems

Finally, perhaps one of the most financially costly types of property damage associated with standing water relates to residential and commercial waterproofing. Also, water remaining for extended periods of time in puddles in low lying, soggy areas of a lawn frequently indicates water-saturated soils. For instance, water-soaked earth in the vicinity might not absorb additional moisture well, accounting for visible puddles in some parts of the yard. In many cases, rainwater runoff from persistently wet earth seeps gradually into foundations, basements and crawl spaces. Moist conditions in these sites ultimately produce a variety of concerns about possible water damage over the long term. Homeowners should consider taking action to identify and correct these types of yard drainage issues.

A Variety of Possible Yard Drainage Solutions

Fortunately, today a number of excellent (and very effective) strategies exist for resolving yard drainage concerns. Not every solution suits every yard. However, by treating standing water as a potential symptom of a yard drainage issue, landowners often enjoy the best opportunity to fix problems in a timely manner and prevent further property damage. A waterproofing firm may suggest a number of potential corrective measures. Depending upon the unique topography of the yard and the condition of basements and/or crawl spaces. These home improvements help solve many problems caused by standing water. As a result, they create more comfortable, healthier living spaces!

Obtain Experienced Assistance

If you’ve noticed water pooled in your yard for extended periods of time, consider requesting assistance from a full-time waterproofing firm. Founded in 2001, Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. possesses extensive experience correcting yard drainage and water damage problems. We serve the entire Greater Raleigh, North Carolina Area. Contact us at 919-877-9969 for assistance. Lastly, we offer a full spectrum of affordable waterproofing services, including French Drain installation to help direct water away from foundations and basements.

Helpful Information

1. https://www.cdc.gov/media/dpk/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/index.html
2. https://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/controlling-mosquitoes-at-home.html
3. https://www.raleighwaterproofinginc.com/yard-drainage/

DIY Test To Check If A Sump Pump System Works Properly

Today, builders in this part of North Carolina usually install sump stations in new construction. A sump pump system works at the lowest level of a building to prevent water pooling. It helps direct excess water from basements, utility rooms, or other low-lying sites to the outdoors. This brief article describes a useful test to help determine whether this essential item of waterproofing equipment remains in good operating condition.

slider Sump pump system

Sump Pump System Basics

First, manufacturers produce a wide variety of sump pumps for residential and commercial use today. Secondly, most of these units operate beneath the level of the drain within a sump station. However, some pedestal varieties remain affixed above the sump. (Unlike submersible units, pedestal pumps provide comparatively easy access to the motor.)

Sump pumps perform valuable service by preventing the accumulation of water in the lower levels of a home or business. Currently, most of these units maintain an anticipated life expectancy between 5 and 12 years. Also, some expensive models of pedestal pumps last up to 25 years or more. In most cases, property owners maximize the utility they receive from technology by obtaining periodic maintenance and repair services.

Currently, some owners maintain both professionally installed sump pumps and one (or more) back-up battery-powered units. Pumps which operate with the assistance of the electrical system alone might shut down abruptly if a flood or other natural disaster causes power outages. Also, pumps which rely upon battery-powered motors or backup generators continue operating even under adverse conditions.

Importance Testing And Maintenance Tips

1. As a preliminary matter, most experts recommend checking on the operation of the sump pump system using a simple test. By ensuring this equipment remains in good operating condition, property owners gain greater peace of mind during emergencies. Never conduct this test if you notice loose or exposed wiring visible around the sump pump, or if you detect a frayed or damaged power cord. Also, refrain from reaching into the sump basin.

2. The test involves taking one or two buckets of clean water and pouring them into the sump basin. Evaluate how well the water drains from the location. In this situation, the sump pump should immediately spring into action and begin pumping water. Problems have occurred if (1) the sump pump fails to operate, or (2) the sump pump does not cease operating promptly after the removal of the water. Finally, obtain assistance from a sump pump repairer if you detect any system failures.

Contact Us

In the Greater Raleigh Area, protecting basements and crawl spaces against groundwater seepage and dampness matters enormously. Water damage frequently costs homeowners financial losses in this region. Also, to obtain knowledgeable assistance installing, maintaining, repairing, or replacing sump pumps, or to request any other waterproofing services, contact Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. We possess extensive experience in construction. Our firm helps residential and commercial clients discover cost-effective waterproofing solutions. Lastly, call us today at 919-877-9969 for assistance.

Information Sources:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sump_pump
2. https://www.nachi.org/sump-pumps.htm
3. https://www.raleighwaterproofinginc.com/sump-stations/

Three Points to Keep in Mind About Water Intrusions

Today, real estate experts increasingly recognize the importance of correcting water intrusions in a timely manner. As building automation gains popularity in North Carolina, the need to prevent leaks from damaging homes and businesses becomes pressing. (Many mobile phone users appreciate all too well that high tech electronic devices do not function properly in the presence of water spills.) Even small water leaks hold the potential to produce significant repair bills for owners of highly automated homes and offices. This brief article discusses three key issues to consider when you evaluate a possible water intrusion problem.

Water Intrusions

One: Water Intrusions Indicate a Need For Waterproofing

First, property owners should remember that comfortable living and work spaces require water intrusion-free premises. The term “water intrusion” represents a comprehensive, inclusive idea. In this context, it refers to both water leaks and airborne moisture in the form of excessive water vapor. Recognizing the presence of a water intrusion quickly offers important benefits. It signals the need to obtain more effective waterproofing.

Most homeowners realize a broken pipe gushing water into a basement constitutes a waterproofing emergency, for example. Yet identifying the water intrusion dangers posed by a humid basement, crawl space, or attic sometimes proves more challenging. Moisture collecting in water droplets on walls and ceilings in these locations holds the potential to cause damp, dank conditions. It creates an indoor environment in which mildew and mold proliferate along wet building surfaces. Both visible water leaks and excessive indoor water vapor lead most property owners to consider enhancing waterproofing.

Two: Water Intrusions Worsen Over Time

Unfortunately, uncorrected water intrusions tend to worsen over time. A small leak through a cracked basement level wooden window frame will eventually expand as water warps and rots the wood, for example. After several years of water intrusion, the window will appear very different than it did initially.

Both fixing the damage and correcting the underlying waterproofing issues hold importance in this situation. By paying close attention to waterproofing issues, savvy real estate owners help avoid a recurrence of the same type of damage in the future. Replacing a window damaged by water leaks may prove necessary. Yet most property owners also prefer to correct any underlying yard drainage issues that have contributed to the water intrusion problem.

Three: Repair Water Intrusions Quickly to Save Money

Many popular sayings tout the advantages of avoiding problems. Just consider some of this sage advice from long ago:

  • An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
  • A stitch in time saves nine.
  • An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

These words hold true today in terms of evaluating water intrusions. It usually makes better financial sense to implement waterproofing measures quickly. Delaying corrective action holds no benefit in this situation. Postponing essential waterproofing repair measures simply allows water intrusions to cause more extensive property damage. Ultimately, ignoring water intrusions translates into higher than necessary repair bills down the road.

If you suspect water intrusions have occurred on the premises, requesting an inspection by a qualified waterproofing construction expert offers important advantages. It provides an evaluation of the property from the standpoint of someone skilled in detecting water damage and implementing repair measures. For example, Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. works closely with property owners to resolve possible water intrusion issues. We also seek to develop practical, comprehensive waterproofing plans for real estate. Our efforts frequently result in several suggestions for useful steps to take to prevent (or at least reduce) the impact of water intrusions. This type of planning aids budget-conscious property owners in developing the most effective waterproofing strategies for their unique circumstances.

Obtain Skilled Waterproofing Assistance

If you suspect your home may have developed a water intrusion problem, we can help! Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. offers a full array of waterproofing construction services. We frequently assist property owners by performing waterproofing inspections.

Maintaining dry, comfortable basements and crawl spaces allows residents of Raleigh to obtain greater enjoyment and satisfaction from their homes and businesses. It also safeguards the financial investment a real estate owner makes in the property. Don’t hesitate to contact us for knowledgeable, cost-effective waterproofing services in the Greater Raleigh Area. Lastly, simply call us at 919-877-9969 to schedule a service appointment.

Helpful Resources

1. https://www.raleighwaterproofinginc.com/water-intrusion/

The Importance of Maintaining Dry Residential Crawl Spaces in North Carolina

The Importance of Maintaining Dry Residential Crawl Spaces

Property owners sometimes wonder why builders stress the vital importance of keeping residential crawl spaces in a dry, waterproof, well-maintained condition? These locations usually receive very little (if any) foot traffic. Why should you prioritize crawl space repair issues highly? This brief article will discuss some reasons to consider requesting a crawl space inspection in North Carolina.

Residential Crawl Spaces

Crawl Spaces: Out of Site, But Still Significant

Many homes in this region rely upon crawl spaces located directly beneath the residence. These hard-to-reach locations often furnish access to essential utility systems, such as plumbing or gas lines. While the dimensions of crawl spaces vary widely from one-floor plan to another, in many cases the crawl space extends only a few feet in height (hence the term “crawl space”). Particularly in the case of trailers or vintage wood frame homes, a crawl space may cover exposed ground rather than a concrete slab.

Even though residents rarely, if ever, access crawl spaces, ensuring this location remains dry and free from pooling water holds value. Since a house frequently sits directly above its crawl space, damp conditions there potentially allow moisture to impact the residence. The environment within the crawl space ultimately exerts a profound impact on everyone living in the home, in fact.

Rain in Raleigh

The online encyclopedia Wikipedia reports North Carolina receives around 45 inches of rain annually. Around 7 inches of snow falls in the Raleigh Area alone during a typical year.(1) While the forecast sometimes varies, residents of this region anticipate damp, rainy weather from time to time.

Depending upon a variety of factors, including yard drainage and site topography, property owners may encounter water saturated ground outside the home during certain periods of the year. It sometimes proves difficult to prevent water from collecting in low lying crawl spaces. Yet the formation of puddles and dank, moist conditions inside a crawl space may eventually create problems for residents.

The Challenge of Keeping Wet Crawl Spaces in Good Repair

Unless property owners take measures to encapsulate or seal crawl spaces, these locations may permit water to come into direct contact with surfaces composed of wood, metal, or stone. Damp, moist crawl space environments readily allow molds and mildew to begin growing in these infrequently visited locations. Since extended contact with water rots wood and rusts many types of metals, persistently damp conditions in crawl spaces sometimes cause significant harm to man-made structures.

Property owners obtain many advantages by ensuring a home’s crawl spaces remain in a well-maintained, dry condition. (2) If water causes damage in hard-to-access locations, the people living in the home may not appreciate the extent of the problem in the absence of regular, periodic inspections, of course. It usually makes sense to monitor the condition of residential crawl spaces. Just like attics, water leaks in these sites ultimately affect other parts of the premises. It may become necessary to perform repairs to damaged crawl spaces to prevent water damage from harming other portions of the residence.

An Example

To really appreciate the vital importance of maintaining waterproof crawl spaces in North Carolina homes, just consider one common situation. Suppose a vintage wood frame home sits above a narrow crawl space covering the exposed ground. If a storm causes the earth in this site to remain saturated with water for several weeks or months, the crawl space may grow sufficiently moist to permit molds and mildews to begin covering the wooden beams adjoining the home’s sub-flooring. These microscopic plants take root in a variety of surfaces, including woods. Over the course of time, robust mold growth may damage the house itself. Residents might not even notice this situation until portions of the floor begin sagging.

In this situation, a property owner who obtains a timely crawl space waterproofing inspection gains important advance information about the condition of the dwelling. The property owner might request crawl space repair services to replace damaged wood in the crawl space before water and mold damage the sub-flooring. Taking this step prevents minor water damage from necessitating expensive floor repairs at a later point in time.

Obtain Prompt Assistance

Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. supplies experienced waterproofing assistance throughout the Greater Raleigh Area. We offer knowledgeable crawl space repair and crawl space encapsulation services. (Our founder holds a General Contractor license in the State of North Carolina.)

Contact us to request knowledgeable waterproofing inspections or any waterproofing construction services. Customers sometimes ask us to perform evaluations of residential crawl spaces. We’ll help you maintain these areas in a dry, safe condition. Call 919-877-9969 to speak with us. We look forward to helping you!

Helpful Resources

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_North_Carolina 
2. https://www.raleighwaterproofinginc.com/crawl-space-repair.html