Basement waterproofing and crawl space repair in OH

Top Five Reasons to Repair Your Crawl Space . . . Now

Tue, March 6 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Homeowners often find excuses for ignoring crawl space issues with comments such as “Well, I’m never in it” or “I don’t go there so what’s the point?” perhaps forgetting that this space is central to the effective workings of the house as a whole, that is, your house system. Dealing with those issues sooner rather than later helps to achieve the best results. Consider these five important reasons to repair your crawl space:

1. Save on energy bills. Lock out the enemy: moisture. Uninsulated and dirt-floor crawl spaces create moisture and damp air not only in the space but throughout your house. That moisture and damp air are more difficult to heat and cool, force your HVAC systems to work harder and longer (and not last as many years), waste energy and, as a result, your dollars. A repaired, well-maintained crawl space increases energy efficiency.

2. Reduce health risks. Dark, damp, musty environments such as those in crawl spaces are ideal conditions for the silent growth of mold and mildew. The resulting mold spores feed on dirt, dust, dry leaves and other materials; as they mix with the natural bottom-to-top air flow in your house, they are, in fact, in the air family members breathe. This negative impact on air quality can lead to a range of unhealthy symptoms and conditions including allergies, respiratory problems, nasal and sinus congestion, and irritations of the skin, eyes, and throat. This same dark and damp environment is also cause for contamination concerns. Pests, termites, rodents thrive in such conditions and can quickly become not only a nuisance but also a health risk.

3. Improve home safety. The walls enclosing your crawl space constitute your home’s foundation, the very base on which your house stands. Prolonged wet, damp conditions can compromise the foundation walls and cause structural damage, making your house unsafe for your family. Home inspection problems could also result. And it may not only be the foundation that is damaged; moisture can also buckle hardwood floors, adding to safety hazards.

4. Increase home value. A dry, clean, safe crawl space speaks volumes; it’s an investment in the future. It shows that homeowners care about maintaining all spaces in the house whether or not those spaces are seen on a daily basis. That’s reassuring to potential homebuyers and becomes a strong selling feature. It also means that future expenses for buyers will be avoided because moisture issues have already been resolved.

5. Enhance livability. A repaired crawl space improves overall living conditions in two important ways. First, it increases the comfort of your home: in the winter you’ll notice that floors won’t feel as cold and in the summer the house won’t feel as muggy. Second, you’ll gain more storage area from the extra square footage of your newly-repaired crawl space. Improving your family’s lifestyle without major additions and remodeling is surely worth considering.

Gain peace of mind. Reap the benefits of a newly-repaired crawl space. And be confident that your house system is properly working from the ground up.

Superior Basement Systems specializes in quality crawl space repair in Ohio. Visit them online for a free crawl space repair estimate in Alliance, Ashland, Canton, Massillon, Wooster and other surrounding areas.

My Basement is Always Wet and Smelly

Mon, November 22 2010, 08:57:27 -500

Some people love their basements while other people wish they didn't have one. A basement could be that perfectly comfortable space where the kids play and the sleepovers are the most fun. Or it's the room with the chain and lock. Unfortunately you'll need more than that to keep what's down there from entering the rest of your home.

What's in My Basement?

Old clothes, wood, storage, and maybe some bikes and the pool tarp-- but that's not all. We all know there can also be a pretty musty and icky smell along with some flood water. Although this isn't the case for all homeowners, there's a solution for those who do recognize these irritants.

Must and Mold

The musty smell that's somewhat common in homes of all ages is actually the result of unresolved moisture damage.

If your basement has ever withstood a pipe burst, a water heater leak or a flood from the recent rainstorm-- it may be enduring the effects of water damage. Not all basements are completely restored after water has wreaked havoc on the space. In fact, many homeowners think they've done enough by opening the windows and using fans.

Although these methods don't completely dry or prevent future water issues, there are proven ways to protect your basement and home from the distress of water.

Once water has made its way into your basement and you've tried to clean and dry the space, there may be some more cleaning to be done if your home begins to smell a bit musty. That musty smell is actually the result of unresolved water damage because mold has grown in the space.

Mold only needs moisture, organic material to feed on and a comfortable temperature to survive in your basement. Once it has these things mold can grow within 24-48 hour intervals. That's a lot of mold.

What to Do?

If you have difficulty keeping your basement dry or simply keeping it smelling nice, then you need to contact a basement waterproofing expert. A basement waterproofing contractor will come to your home and investigate the environment. Be sure to tell them of the home's past-- how frequently it floods, what kinds of smells and how you've tried to remedy the problems.

Don't think you've done anything wrong or caused the problems. Sometimes homes are made on soils that contain high volumes of water, which will then rise very quickly when it rains. This means that water will seep into your basement from beneath the floor in addition to the water that may enter through any cracks and holes.

Since water can enter through many areas of the basement, it's up to the basement contractor to identify the areas in your basement that leak and perform the necessary repairs. The contractor will also discuss with you the various water drainage options. A sump pump is a wonderful option to suck in the water from beneath the foundation and divert it away from your basement.

If you're interested in learning more about basement waterproofing in Ohio or surrounding areas, contact Superior Basement Systems today. They are the trusted authority in basement and crawl space repair and are the Ohio basement waterproofing contractor you can call for any problem!

Local Basement Systems Contractor Earns Highest BBB Rating

Tue, July 6 2010, 00:00:00 -500

New Philadelphia, OH - The Better Business Bureau uses a 13 bar grading scale and 17 unique elements to properly evaluate and rate each business according to high standards of items such as customer service and community involvement. Among the businesses receiving BBB ratings is Superior Basement Systems who has been an accredited A+ member since 1991.

"To serve our customers with the extensive knowledge and expertise we have gained in our industry, while continually offering them the finest in customer service," reads their mission statement, a testament to their A+ rating.

Superior Basement Systems is committed to timely and appropriate interactions with its customers, as well as the local community, which has been representative in its President, John M. Shrock.

Throughout the years, Shrock has helped Superior Basement Systems become well-known for its exceptional quality services. He's become an example to all of the company through his pursuit and interaction with the BBB, the Tuscarawas Chamber of Commerce, and the Coshocton Chamber of Commerce.

Thus, Superior Basement Systems is a member of the Basement Systems, Inc. International Waterproofing Contractor Network, and affiliated with the East Central Ohio Building Association (ECOBIA.)

Contact Superior Basement Systems today for more information regarding crawl space repair, foundation repair, basement finishing in Ohio, and basement waterproofing. As a part of their superior service, they offer free estimates and inspections for all their services. Call today or go online to schedule your free Ohio basement remodeling estimate , or an estimate for Superior's many home improvement services!

Ohio June Storms Leave Basements Flooded and Homeowners Shocked

Fri, July 2 2010, 00:00:00 -500

New Philadelphia, OH - As June comes to an end so does the aftermath of the inescapable stormy weather from this month's montage of weather extremes from flooding, to tornadoes!

On just the second day of June, New Philadelphia, Dover, and Sugarcreek experienced harsh thunderstorms that flooded roadways trapping some of its motorists. Later in the month marble-sized hail fell during a torrential rain storm.

Not only thunderstorms were touching down in Ohio, but a tornado touched ground on June 2 near Fox Township and Jefferson County. The Tornado traveled through Fox Township at winds of about 90 mph.

When there's water and wind, there's bound to be lighting. Firefighters in Baltic fought off two fires started from lightning strikes during this month's rain storms.

After all the storms have subsided, officials are saying that about 125 houses in the Sugarcreek area have reported having wet basements. One particular resident, with a finished basement, said there is about two inches of water left in the basement. The walls and carpet were already removed, but the homeowner is shocked at this first encounter with water in the basement.

When storms hit and a basement gets wet or flooded, it's time to contact the local basement waterproofing experts. Some basements that are already remodeled may not be waterproofed, as some Ohio homeowners discovered during this month's heavy 16'' rainfall. As a result, homeowners in Ohio are contacting the local Basement Systems, Inc. waterproofing contractors in New Philadelphia for help with their basement and crawl space waterproofing, foundation repairs, and basement finishing needs.

Superior Basement Systems is a certified Basement Systems, Inc. dealer with constant professional training, access to 25 patented waterproofing products, and can keep your basement dry! They are also a Total Basement Finishing, Inc. dealer and use all inorganic, water resistant materials to finish your basement.

Superior Basement Systems proudly serves the Ohio area, including Alliance, Ashland, Cadiz, Dover, East Liverpool, Hartville, Massillon, Millersburg, New Philadelphia, Salineville, Wooster, Yorkville and many areas nearby. Call or e-mail us today for your free basement finishing quote!