Some small fissures that you see in your foundation can be filled with compounds. But some foundation cracks are too large or too deep for off the shelf compounds. If your home’s foundation has a crack that covers a significant portion of the foundation, your best option is to call an experienced waterproofing professional. In searching for a reputable waterproofing company, ask for references and look for reviews.  Your home’s foundation is far too important...

Mold loves to grow on wood, fabric and other organic material. Actually, finished basements are more conducive to mold growth than unfinished basements, so it is very important to waterproof the basement before your begin this project.  So, before you finish your basement, make it waterproof and moisture proof.   How? The first and most basic step is to ensure you have a basement dehumidifier to keep humidity down. If possible, check for basement moisture...

Even foundations that have not ever leaked can begin leaking over time. if you have water in your basement and you don’t know where it is coming from, check the walls. Where the pipes penetrate the foundation walls is often where you can find a water leaking problem. Often times, we get calls about pipe penetration wall leaks AFTER DIY’s have attempted to fix them on their own. Some have been successful, some have not....

Humidity and moisture are inherent to basements and crawl spaces. Moisture can cause damage to drywall, wood, carpets, paint and your belongings. Dehumidifiers work to remove the moisture in your basement. By doing so, they stop mold growth and protect the structure of your home. it is very important to reduce the moisture and humidity in your basement regardless of whether you use that space for living or storage. Additionally, by reducing basement moisture, you...

Basements are humid and musty, regardless of if they are finished or used only for storage. Because they are subterranean, basements are damp. Summer increases basement humidity. While the outdoor air is hot, the indoor air is cool, and this creates a dampness and musty odor. Even if you only use your basement for storage, you need to keep your basement dry. Damp and humid basements can result in mold growth in your belongings and...

Elevator pits and vaults often become damp or hold water. Elevator pits and vaults are often the lowest part of the building. Additionally, when buildings with elevators are built near water there is water pressure pressing on the walls and floor. Just like a basement, an elevator shaft is below ground and is subject to humidity. Wet elevator shafts need to be addressed. Water will find the path of least resistance, and whether through the...

It is important to address spalling concrete when it first starts to appear. Spalling is one of the first sign of a concrete problem. Spalling is concrete which has broken up, flaked, or become pitted as a result of result of poor installation and environmental factors. It is also caused by improper finishing of the concrete.   At the least, concrete spalling can be purely cosmetic. However, spalling concrete can also result in structural damage....

As a business owner, you need to keep you business safe from every type of liability. Damaged cement stairs leading into your business or through your parking garage are no exception.   Exterior cement stairs or cement stairs that are exposed to the elements are prone to damage and deterioration. Concrete stairs are susceptible to the elements. Freeze thaw cycles, winter salts, initial cracks, wear and tear, harsh chemicals, bacterial corrosion, leaching, and sea water...

Businesses with concrete steps, concrete foundations, a concrete entrance or with any other substantial part of your building made from concrete, consider concrete preservation. Many commercial buildings are made with concrete; it is durable and long lasting. However, overtime, concrete does deteriorate. In New England concrete structures are susceptible to the elements which can speed up concrete spalling or decaying process. Water penetrates the porous concrete and then freezes which causes it, along with the...

The American Lung Association, American Medical Association, and the EPA recommend maintaining relative humidity level in the 30% - 50% range.  In the summer in Massachusetts, the weather is more humid. Basements and crawl spaces tend to be more humid relative to the rest of the home because they are almost entirely subterranean, or below ground. Studies have shown that as much as 50% of the air in your home comes from your basement or...