Basement waterproofing and crawl space repair in PA

How to Turn a Wet Basement in Erie, PA into a Dry, Usable Space

Fri, March 16 2012, 00:00:00 -500

A wet basement is, unfortunately, a common problem for homeowners in Erie, PA. Wet basements can lead to a number of serious issues, from health concerns like breathing difficulties, allergies, and headaches, to structural or foundation problems like rot, cracks, and mold. Fortunately, a certified basement waterproofing contractor in Erie can turn your wet basement into a dry, usable space in a matter of days!

Diagnose Basement Leaks

Although some wet basements result from plumbing failures or sump pump problems, most wet basements are the direct result of basement leaks. Continue reading to learn how and why most Erie basements leak.

Most basements leak or flood from the wall-floor joint, or where the wall meets the floor. To protect against this type of basement leak, a drainage system can be installed along the perimeter of the basement floor. Its job is to collect accumulated water and direct it to a basement sump pump, which then expels the water outside and away from the home.

Other common sources of basement leaks occur around basement windows, at openings around pipes, and even through concrete. A basement waterproofing contractor in Erie can help diagnose and solve all of these common wet basement issues.

Install a Patented Basement Drainage System

Chances are your Erie basement is wet either because you don't have a perimeter drainage system in place, or because the one you currently have is outdated, clogged, or simply ineffective. A basement waterproofing contractor in Erie can install a patented interior basement drainage system in just one to two days. Interior basement drainage systems cost about half the price of exterior systems and are an excellent way to combat wet basements in Erie, PA!

An interior basement drainage system can be installed underneath the perimeter of your basement floor. Since it sits on top of the footing, it will not clog with dirt or debris. Some perimeter drainage systems can even collect water from basement walls, as well as waterproof concrete foundation walls. A basement waterproofing contractor in Erie can also install a drainage system that is protected against humidity and frozen discharge lines.

Remove Moisture from the Air with an Energy-Efficient Basement Dehumidifier

While many wet basements in Erie result from basement leaks or even flooding, some are simply very humid, damp, and musty spaces. Though this may seem like a lesser problem, humidity can lead to mold growth, mildew, dust mites, pests, serious health concerns, and more. As long as the temperature is above 40°F and humidity is above 60%, mold can and will grow.

One of the best ways to transform your wet basement into a dry, usable space is with an energy-efficient basement dehumidifier. A dehumidifier works to remove moisture (i.e. humidity) from the air in an effort to eliminate mold growth. The water removed from the air is collected in the dehumidifier's collection tray, which must be emptied when full. For a hassle-free way to a dry basement, invest in a self-draining basement dehumidifier that empties the collection tray automatically!

Klein Basement Systems is a basement waterproofing contractor in Erie, PA and the surrounding areas. Visit them online for a free basement waterproofing estimate.

Common Sources of Basement Floods in Erie, PA (And How to Protect Against Them!)

Fri, March 16 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Did you know that the most common home insurance claim is for water-related damage? Water damage, including leaks and floods, can affect all parts of a home, from head to toe. Water buildup in a home often leads to mold and mildew growth, which can cause serious health issues like asthma, headaches, and eye irritation. Unrepaired water damage can also seriously compromise a home's foundation, leading to cracks and expensive structural repairs. Continue reading to learn how to protect your Erie, PA home from basement floods and leaks!

Identify the Source & Make a Flood Plan!

Basements in Erie, PA can flood in a number of ways. Read below to learn why your basement might be susceptible to flooding.

Basement Flooding from Hatchway Doors

Problem: Sump pump or no sump pump, basement flooding can still occur from basement stairs and/or the hatchway door.
Solution: To protect your Erie home from stairway basement flooding, a professional basement waterproofing contractor can install a hatchway drainage system that will collect excess water in the area and expel it to your existing perimeter drainage system/sump pump.

Basement Flooding from Plumbing

Problem: Let's face it -- at some point, something in your home is going to go wrong. Your water heater might leak, or perhaps a washing machine hose will fail. Either common plumbing failure could cause serious damage to your basement, possessions, and your wallet.
Solution: To prevent basement floods in Erie, it's best to be prepared. A certified basement waterproofing contractor can help prevent water heater floods by installing a PVC ring that collects leaky water from the heater and directs it to your existing perimeter drainage system. He or she can also replace an old, rusty washer hose with a durable, well-designed washing machine hose.

Flooding from Sump Pump Failure

Problem: Although sump pumps are a key part of many basement waterproofing systems, they can flood if they are not properly cleaned and maintained. Pump burnout, frozen lines, and clogged sump drains are common problems that require immediate attention.
Solution #1: Having a sump pump is great, but don't take it for granted! Instead, ask a certified basement waterproofing contractor to install a sump pump alarm that notifies you at the first sign of a flood. The system can even be tied to your home alarm system and notify you via a phone call.
Solution #2: Another way to avoid sump pump failure is to install a battery backup sump pump. Your original sump pump relies on electricity to operate; therefore, if you lose power during a bad storm, your sump pump will stop working until power is restored. Prevent possible basement floods in your Erie home with a battery backup pump!

Flooding from Basement Walls & Floors

Problem: Cracks in basement walls and floors not only indicate possible structural damage, they can also be a significant source of leaks and/or basement floods. Even the smallest cracks can leak ground water into your basement.
Solution: The first step in basement crack repair is to direct potential leaks to your sump pump or existing perimeter drainage system. Then, a certified basement waterproofing contractor will seal the cracks with a durable polyurethane sealant. Finally, he or she will cover/restore the wall or floor to finish the repair.

Klein Basement Systems specializes repairing wet basements in Erie, PA and other surrounding areas. Visit them online for a free basement waterproofing estimate in your city.

Weatherizing Your New York Home to Get Ready for Spring

Tue, January 17 2012, 00:00:00 -500

It may be the middle of winter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start thinking about spring. Your house should be prepared for every season and all of the weather changes they bring. Here in the northeast, when the ice and snow of winter melt away and the heavy rains of spring come rolling in, your house is at risk for damage from basement flooding, cracks in the foundation, a leaky roof and more. The best way to combat this is to weatherize your home to prepare it for the spring.

One of the first things you should do to prepare for spring rain and melting winter snow is clear out the gutters and downspouts. If they are clear, water will be able to pass through them and drain away from your home. Clogged gutters can cause water to drain down into the soil surrounding your foundation, which can result in a wet basement in Dunkirk, NY, or any of the surrounding areas. Getting a downspout extension and positioning it downhill away from your foundation will keep water moving away from your house.

“Gutters and downspouts should be cleaned three or four times a year,” writes Country Living. “In the spring, unclog before the first heavy rainfall, as soon as trees begin to shed leaves, flowers, and acorns.”

It’s common to experience basement floods in Dunkirk, NY, and the surrounding areas due to frequent snow and rain in the winter and spring. Dramatic temperature changes can also have an effect, like cold weather morphing quickly into warm weather, which can cause snow to melt fast and saturate the soil. When heavy rains fall on already saturated soil, this is when flooding will occur. Waterproofing your basement ahead of time can prevent basement flooding from spring rains. Use an interior drainage system set up around the perimeter along the floor with a high-powered sump pump in the lowest part that will pump the water up and out of the house.

Excessive cleaning is a common way for many to prepare for spring, but it doesn’t necessarily just mean emptying out closets and cleaning under dressers. Redbook recommends preventing dryer fires by clearing lint out of your dryer’s lint trap, connections and hosing, and then sweeping lint out from behind or underneath. Also, wipe down the back of the dryer with a damp rag, and pop off the hosing so you can stick a vacuum nozzle inside and clean out the lint. You can also vacuum the inside of the dryer and the front lint trap. It is also important to replace washing machine hoses with high-pressure ones that won’t burst to prevent a domestic water flood.

The spring is a good time to make sure all of the smoke, carbon monoxide, radon, and gas alarms are working properly. Press the "test" button on all of them and change the batteries as needed. However, if your alarm is wired to the wall the test button will only confirm that the electrical connection is active. You will still need to change the batteries. Redbook also recommends cleaning dust of smoke sensors with a damp cloth.

If you’re looking for a basement waterproofing contractor in Dunkirk, NY , or the surrounding areas, Klein Basement Systems can help you get your house ready for spring. They use patented products designed to tackle all basement waterproofing, drainage and moisture issues.