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Waterproofing Blog

Paint Won’t Fix The Problem

Tue, 05/07/2013
by Jane Azzinaro

We know about that dark, damp, dreary feeling you get in your basement. Why not cheer it up a bit with some color? You could paint the walls that color you always wanted to use and decorate a new space in your home.

Unfortunately, paint won’t fix your damp feeling. If your roof leaked, would you paint your ceiling? That musty odor you notice every time you go downstairs isn’t normal and it will only return once the paint fumes have died off. Have you ever seen paint bubble off of a wall?

It is due to moisture pushing out from the other side of your wall. Locking that moisture into your wall can increase its damage potential because it now has nowhere to go, while more water seeps in from the outside of your home.

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Category: Waterproofing

Choosing a Basement Waterproofing Specialist Can Be Tricky

Fri, 04/05/2013
by Jane Azzinaro

Leaky basements are a big problem in almost every location, from arid deserts to humid flood plains. Fortunately, there are many skilled waterproofing professionals to make sure your basement stays dry. Choosing the best waterproofing contractor can be difficult. However, there are some simple ways to make sure you pick the best professional for your needs.

The first thing you should do when choosing a professional to fix your wet basement is to make sure they are licensed. The biggest mistake homeowners make is working with unlicensed contractors. While some may be skilled, most are unlicensed for a reason. If they cannot pass the licensing exam, you probably do not want them working on your flooded basement. It is also a good idea to check a contractor's insurance status and make sure they have the proper liability insurance and workman’s compensation.

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Category: Waterproofing

The Value of a Dry Basement

Tue, 03/05/2013
by Jane Azzinaro

Value has many different definitions. To some, it’s future value, to others it’s financial value or it’s just peace of mind.

Ensuring that your basement is dry and stays that way can pay you back in many ways. Maybe you’re looking to start a family and realize your office is beginning to look like the only room that can be converted to a play room. What about that wine cellar, man cave or studio that you always wanted?

Your basement can become useable rooms and space in your home. It is no longer just for storage or forgotten things. Waterproofing your basement ensures that the finishing you do it not ruined by water seepage.

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Category: Waterproofing

What’s a Battery Inverter System?

Sun, 02/17/2013
by Jane Azzinaro

And why do I need one? And are there any alternatives?  These are questions homeowners frequently ask when having a sump pump installed. Waterproofing can be an expensive home improvement. Many homeowners will try to cut costs by opting out of a battery inverter system for their sump pump(s).

First, there are 2 types of battery back-up systems.  A traditional battery back-up system kicks in when power is interrupted to the sump pump.  It converts DC power to AC power. DC power is the type of power that flashlights run on.

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Category: Sump Pump

Your Foundation’s Exterior Waterproofing

Sun, 01/06/2013
by Jane Azzinaro

How much do you know about the existing waterproofing on your foundation? Depending on the age of your home you may not have any exterior waterproofing at all.

Builders are required to coat your foundation in parging and tar, depending on the type of foundation, as a water repellant. This is normally guaranteed for the first year of your home’s existence. After that, it is your problem if the waterproofing begins to degrade and let water into your foundation.

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Category: Foundations

Minimizing Your Risk of Leaking Basement Walls

Sat, 12/15/2012
by Jane Azzinaro

Flooded basements are a serious hazard. They can encourage mold growth in the home; weaken foundations and structural support, and damage items and equipment. Fortunately, there are many skilled professionals at Mid-Atlantic Waterproofing to help you protect your home. However, there are also some steps you can take yourself to prevent leaky basements or limit the damage incurred in a flood.

Don’t cause yourself to chase your problems. Prevent them! It is important to inspect the exterior of your home. Many cases of basement flooding are caused by improperly graded landscaping or faulty rain gutters. A good time to do this inspection is immediately after a moderate rain, so you can see how water tends to flow and pool around your home. The dirt outside your home should always have a slight grade away from the walls, so it will channel water away from the building.

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Category: Waterproofing

What is Efflorescence?

Wed, 10/03/2012
by Jane Azzinaro

Something in a light bulb? Something that glows in the dark? What really is efflorescence?

When water begins to seep through the soil, it picks up acid. Our soil is very acidic. Evergreens, azaleas, tomatoes and other plants do well in our soil due to the high acid content. Grass, however, does not. This is why we spread lime on our lawns. It neutralizes the acid.

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Category: Foundations

Crawl Spaces Require Special Attention

Wed, 05/23/2012
by Jane Azzinaro

Crawl spaces are an alternate foundation method used on ground that is not suitable for a traditional foundation. Crawl spaces are often used in lieu of a basement.  They are too short to allow a person to stand upright, which is how they were named. 

These spaces are recessed underneath the house to allow access to pipes, air ducts, utility lines and combustion appliances.  Due to the limited access and difficulty in performing regular inspections these areas are often forgotten about.

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Category: Crawl Spaces

Landscaping Tips for Avoiding Leaky Basements

Sun, 04/08/2012
by Jane Azzinaro

Flooded basements are the worst nightmare of many homeowners. Too much moisture can damage furnishings, electronics and anything else stored in a basement, as well as ruining the finished walls and floors. Even worse, water can damage the very foundation of your home.

A damp basement can reduce your property values by as much as 22 percent. Fortunately, the experts at Mid-Atlantic Waterproofing have some landscaping tips that may help prevent wet basements. The first thing to do is look at the ground itself. Most waterproofing contractors recommend a grade of at least one inch per foot for a distance of ten feet. This may need to be redone periodically as the ground settles and shifts due to environmental factors.

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Category: Waterproofing

How Do I Afford This?

Sat, 02/04/2012
by Jane Azzinaro

Whenever a home improvement project arises, the first question is: How much will it cost? The second is: Do I have the time?

Waterproofing your basement can be an expensive endeavor. The cost will vary based upon your choice of solutions and the size of the space needing to be worked on. Like most other things in life, you get what you pay for. Attempting to waterproof your home yourself can cause damage, void warranties and ultimately result in a higher cost to fix everything properly later.

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Category: DIY

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