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Have you tried everything to get your wet basement dried out? If you have, then finding a solution may seem impossible. No matter how much you mop, how many towels you lay down, how much sealants you paint on or how much caulk you squirt, the problem persists.

This is not a good thing as a wet basement is a breeding ground for mold, mildew and dust mites. It can reduce the value of your property significantly. Water damage can undermine the structural integrity of your basement over time. Humidity in the basement can increase your heating bills as it increases the humidity of your entire house. Without getting too detailed, it is more difficult to heat moist air and takes more energy. A dry basement will increase the living space available in your home and relieve your stress every time it rains.

If you have given up the fight or don’t know what else you can do, then it is time to call a professional. When you are looking for a wet basement or wet yard contractor, be careful if the first thing you hear from them is how you need to seal the basement without doing a thorough inspection to find the root cause or source of the water. Many times, sealing is putting a Band-Aid on a serious problem and will only delay the inevitable fix of the problem. It can be unreliable if the true water source is not identified and dealt with. This can create bigger problems in the future. A water damage contractor should do a thorough investigation to identify the source of water and then line out an acceptable plan within your budget. Hugh’s Services Inc has seen many water problems and will always specifically identify the problem, communicate clearly with you and identify a solution that will work within your budget. In addition, we will get the job done right the first time. If you are located in Howard or Montgomery County and would like us to dry you out, call today.

Once you notice that you have a wet basement; the first critical step is to identify the source. If you work on the symptoms, you will quite possibly overlook the real problem and continually fight an uphill battle. You can also take preventative measures to prevent the chances of it happening again. After you notice the water, the first thing you should do is to check for surface water. The standing water in the yard (A Wet Yard) may be the problem affecting the basement as well.

There are five common reasons why a basement often suffers from water or moisture damage. They are:

1. Surface water running down the foundation walls into the basement.
2. Water saturated soil and ground water being pushed into the basement by pressure. This often is the case after heavy rains.
3. Water from the sewer system or other water sources getting backed up into the area around the home and leaking into the basement.
4. Sanitary sewer system water backing up in the home's drainage system and causing water to seep up through the sink drains in the lower levels of the home.
5. Internal sources like dryer venting into basement, hanging clothes to dry in basement, no dehumidifier to help.

If number 5 above is the problem, take measures to stop these things or route the dryer vent to the outside. If any of the other sources are the problem, then it is a matter of re routing the water away from the house. The lay of the land will determine the best method of solving the problem.

Common methods used to solve the problem include;

1. If the land slopes toward the house, then a series of berms (a raised ridge) and swales (grassy ditches) can be created to divert the water.
2. If it is more of a water vapor problem then a dehumidifier might be all that is needed to solve the problem.
3. Use of French Drains (buried perforated pipe surrounded by gradually increasing size gravel as a sort of natural debris filter) is a sure fire way to collect and redirect the water.
4. Sump Pumps can help in the right circumstances as well. (Often combined with French Drains)
5. Window wells can be of assistance if you have basement windows.

Many times it takes a combination of all of Berms, Swales, French Drains, Sump Pumps and even window wells to solve the problem, but if you take the time to identify the source and don’t try to simply seal it out, the good news is you can be sure you will have a nice dry basement for many years to come.

When it comes to any basement; water and moisture issues can be considered a universal issue faced by all homeowners. Other than the obvious signs such as flooding, here are other indications to be wary of:

• damp spots
• chalky white residues on your walls
• rust on metal surfaces and dry rot on wood
• peeling or blistering paint
• mold and mildew, from obvious growth to moldy odor

Varying levels of moisture or water problems will require different methods of basement repair and/or basement waterproofing. But even if no signs have been spotted, preventive waterproofing should still be in place to ensure a long-lasting basement remodeling finish.

Good Soil and Structurally Sound Foundation will lead to long lasting improved living space in your basement.

Other than moisture and water there are other issues that should be attended to avoid surprise damages and repairs in the future, wasting both basement renovation efforts and of course money. Before renovating, it is crucial that good soil condition and a sound foundation are ensured. Some of the most common issues related to these essentials include:

• Crumbling concrete or mortar
• Warped foundation walls
• Unpleasant odors or poor indoor air quality (IAQ) in general
• Cracks in walls, footings or slabs
• Infestation of pests
• Radon infiltration
• High humidity
• Uneven settlement

Don't begin a project in a basement without complete confidence you won't have to redo the job down the road because of inferior methods.  Hugh's will complete the job on time and done right the first time. We will cover every detail so you don't have to worry.