Dehumidifiers come in handy this time of the year, when rainy weather leads to damp, moldy basements. For a large basement, Consumer Reports recommends a large-capacity dehumidifier. Testers found that large-capacity dehumidifiers are generally more energy-efficient than medium-capacity dehumidifiers, and they will cost you less per pint of water removed. That’s important because dehumidifiers use a lot of energy. Testers also check how accurately dehumidifiers control the humidity in the room. Comfortable settings are anywhere...

April showers bring May flowers. Unless that water is coming in your basement. Then all you get is a headache. Wet basements don’t only cause headaches; they cause mold, and an unhealthy living environment. There are many ways that water can enter your basement, but one of those ways is a leaking bulkhead. Usually, bulkhead leaks are caused from movement between the bulkhead and the foundation. Bulkheads are separate from the foundation; they are just...

This is the time of year when the humidity starts to seep into your basements and all of a sudden takes you by surprise. Consistent basement dampness can cause musty smells and mold growth and stored items can be ruined. You may not see any water, but if you can smell it and feel it, you have a damp basement. If you have moisture or water problems in your basement, it is time to get...

All of us here at A-1 Foundation and Crack Repair believe it is our obligation as a neighbor, and an honest merchant, to educate you as much as we possibly can.  Your home and your family’s health depends on your knowledge of the dangers of ignoring failing foundations including common concrete floor cracks.  Listed below are the “Big 6” problems caused by not addressing foundation cracks: Crack Enlarges due to neglect (water enters crack and...

Although most builders use poured concrete for foundations, there is still a spot for concrete block foundations. Also, houses built between the late 1930’s to the 70’s were often built with concrete block foundations. For home additions, or crawl spaces concrete block foundations are common and economical. But concrete block foundations have problems and show them in many ways. White dust showing on the insides of your concrete block foundation is the lime in the...

Realtors, you have clients getting their homes ready for sale. The real estate market is finally starting to pick up. Don’t let basement water problems or foundation cracks ruin the deal for you or your clients. A-1 Foundation Crack Repair is a professional home water proofing company. Don’t let foundation cracks or basement water issues break the deal! We can help you close. Quick, live, professional, over the phone analysis over the phone 24/7. A...

While pipe leaks may start small, they can become big problems if you don't find them quickly. Pipe leaks often occur after the winter freeze. Here are a few tips on where to look for tiny leaks that may have occurred as a result of frozen pipes. Outside Spigots Cold weather may have compromised pipes or your outdoor spigots. A careful check of your foundation around the spigots and faucets will let you know if...

The real estate market has been performing a bit better, and more than a few real estate agencies had a pretty good January. The market usually starts to pick up in the spring in Massachusetts, however, with the mild weather; homeowners are starting to think about selling their homes now. If your home has had basement water problems and you are thinking of selling your home, those problems need to be fixed and they can...

Massachusetts is full of older homes, many are historic or antique. In these homes, we often consider wet or damp basements to be par for the course. When an older home has a field stone or concrete block foundation, we expect wet basements even more. Unfortunately, no home is built to have a wet basement. The issues and problems that arise as a result are not always easy to recognize. Concrete floor cracks or basement...

Your home may be state-of-the-art and built by the finest builder, but guess what, even that perfectly made foundation can develop cracks. When your foundation develops cracks, your home has a problem. Often foundation cracks develop from soil settlement, heavy rain, ice, and other ground movement. As the soil around your home moves, freezes, and defrosts cracking and shifting of your foundation is a result. There are a few signs to watch for: bowing or...