A1 Foundation Crack Repair Blog

Sometimes, no matter what, when you live in a flood zone,  your house will flood in heavy rain. I have a friend who lives on a street called Water Row Lane, and last year their neighborhood had to collectively rent the Boston Duck Boats for 2 weeks to transport them from their homes to their cars in a nearby parking lot.

Water, might be good for flowers, plants, and trees, but it’s not so good for houses.

Live in a flood zone?

If you live in an area that has a high flood risk, elevate the furnace, water heater, electric panel, washer and dryer in your home at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.

You should have check valves installed in your home to prevent flood water from backing up your drains.

Have a sump pump installed,  and if you have a sump pump, make sure it’s working and install a battery-operated backup, in case the power goes out.

Clean debris from your gutters and downspouts.

After a flood

Check outside for loose power lines, gas leaks, foundation cracks or other damage. Make sure your porch roofs and overhangs still have their supports. Check your home’s and your out building’s foundations for settling, cracking or undermining. If you see damage, get a building inspector or contractor to check the home before you go inside.

Turn off all electrical switches, even if the power is out.

While the electricity is off, hose down the house to remove any health hazards left by floodwater and mud.

If your furnace or water heater floods, have a technician check them before turning them on.

If your basement is flooded, pump the water out in stages.

Dry out appliances such as washers and dryers before using them. They might need several days to dry.
 
Mold

Mold can produce allergens, and, in some cases, potentially toxic substances that can make you sick, so you need to ensure your home is as mold-free as possible.

Water damage should be taken care of within 48 hours after the incident or mold growth (or worse, bacteria and viruses) will occur.

The best way to prevent mold is to remove wet contents from your home immediately.

Wet items should be cleaned with a pine-oil cleanser and bleach, completely dried, and monitored for several days for any fungal growth and odors.

Dry out damaged rooms by opening windows and using high-pressure fans. If your carpets are damaged, you should strongly consider installing new ones.

Keep the indoor humidity low, ideally from 30 percent to 50 percent. Make sure places of high humidity, such as bathrooms, are well-ventilated. Use a dehumidifier whenever necessary.

Even if you remove the mold, if the water problem (i.e. a leaky pipe or cracked foundation) is not fixed, the mold will come back.
 
Hiring a Contractor

Do the research. Ask friends and neighbors and read reviews. Make sure the contractor can do the type of work needed, foundation and basement crack repair . And check the contractor’s current references.

Check withe the Better Business Bureau, A1 Foundation Crack Repair has an A+ Rating.

Contractors can’t collect more than one-third of payment up-front unless the job requires materials that must be specially ordered. They also cannot demand any payment before the contract is signed.

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If you own your a home, or have rental properties, mold removal should be on the top of your list of concerns. Few things are less inviting than a house with a musty basement smell. Not only is it uninviting, but it is also unhealthy. If a house has a basement leak and needs repairs, you can be sure that the water damage will be pervasive and affect the entire house. There is a high likelihood that you will have to get rid of any mold and mildew as a result of the leak.

The mold spores are very tiny and able to survive in very minimal conditions. The warm moist atmosphere that follows water damage is an ideal place for the fungi to grow and prosper. In order to eliminate this nasty problem, several things must be done.

First, any contaminated items, such as water damaged wood, carpet, or ceiling tiles must be removed and buried or burned. It is nearly impossible to repair infected property once the mold has begun growing. It can be done with chlorine bleach and other cleaners, but often it is just beyond hope.

Any black mold spots must be cleaned up as well. This is a time consuming, but uncomplicated task. It can be easily accomplished with vinegar and baking soda, or any number of environmentally safe cleaners. Not only will this improve the appearance of the room, but it will help prevent the spread of mold spores.

Next, the leak needs to be repaired. This can be a simple project, or it can become extremely complicated, depending on the extent of the problem. Some leaks can be fixed by waterproofing the walls and floor. But most of the time if there is a mold issue do-it-yourself leak repair is a daunting task. It would be in your homes best interest if you hired the professionals to take care of the leak. Not only can we fix the leak but we can eliminate the mold as well using our proven A-1 Method

The final requirement to get rid of mold and mildew caused by water damage to the basement is to lower the temperature. Once the temperature is lowered, the mold will be much less inclined to grow. When the moisture is under control, the black mold is cleaned up, and the temperature lowered you will notice the atmosphere in the house will be dramatically improved. The air will be fresh and clean, plus the health of your family will likely improve as a result.

If you are experiencing mold problems or have a leaky basement that is causing water damage, contact us today. Don't let even the smallest of leaks go unattended, that is all it takes for big water damage and mold to ensue.

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A-1 foundation crack repair is an expert in preventing leaks but we can also help with basement mold in your home. Remember basement mold is a common problem in homes that have damp, dark basements. It is a fungus in which grows fast in moist, humid conditions. Mold, once it establishes its presence in your basement, is very difficult to get rid of. Mold causes several health problems such as asthma, infections, cough, rashes, congestion and allergies. The best way to prevent mold growth is to control humidity and moisture in your basement. Here are a few tips to try and prevent basement mold before it does get out of control.

• Monitor Humidity Levels. High humidity levels provide the perfect growing environment
• Make sure you use a dehumidifier.
• Avoid growing plants indoors. Only grow plants in sunny, airy locations in your home, and avoid the basement, for cultivation also.
• Reduce the amount of clutter in the basement, as some items block free flow of air, and reduce ventilation
• Avoid storing wood in the basement, as its an ideal habitat for mold.
• Ensure that water is directed away from your home
• If you have any leaks or spills in the basement, make sure you take care of them immediately
• Insulate the water pipes in your basement.
• Use an exhaust fan, and open doors and windows regularly
• And finally reduce humidifying factors, like drying wet clothes in the basement.

If you do experience mold and you are having trouble removing it,  contact us and let A-1 Foundation Crack Repair deal with the mold.

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