AMCO Water Proofing - Basement Waterproofing Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point

Steps To Prevent Basement Water Damage

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The basement is one of the areas in your home that is most at risk for water damage. In fact, according to industry experts, 98 percent of basements in the United States will experience some type of water damage at some point. Basements are susceptible to water damage largely because all four walls of a basement come into contact with porous soil and bear the force of downward-flowing water after precipitation. 

Basement water damage is certainly no fun to deal with. In addition to the massive mess it can make, the cost of repair can put a dent in your wallet – the national average price of water damage restoration is over $2500. Of course, preventing basement water damage is the ultimate goal, and our waterproofing contractors are here to help. Continue reading to learn a few ways to prevent water damage in your basement. 

MAKE SURE THERE IS PROPER DRAINAGE

The best way to prevent water damage in your basement is to ensure that there is proper drainage. Without proper drainage, rainwater can collect near the foundation of your home which can lead to some damage to your basement. Therefore, it is important to ensure your proper drainage outside of your home. Consider these tips to improve outdoor drainage:

 

  • Clean Your Gutters & Downspouts. If you don’t clean your gutters regularly, leaves, dirt, and other debris will build up in gutters and downspouts, causing them to clog. Clogs make your gutter system ineffective: water will no longer be able to drain properly, causing the water to overflow and stream down the sides of your home where it can begin pooling near the foundation. This is one of the leading causes of basement flooding. To prevent this, make sure you get your gutters cleaned semi-annually to help eliminate the threat of basement flooding. 
  • Make Sure Your Downspouts Away From Your Home. Speaking of gutter systems, another thing to keep in mind is that your downspouts are properly directed away from your home. Downspouts are responsible for moving water down and away from your home. If angled improperly, your downspouts can direct water dangerously close to the foundation of your home. To ensure water isn’t directed towards your foundation, angle the bottom of your downspouts so that they are five to 10 inches away from your house.
  • Slope Your Yard Away From Your Foundation. If your yard slopes towards your home, chances are that water will carry exactly where you don’t want it to be: the foundation of your home. A perfectly flat yard is not the solution either. Flat yards will allow water to pool near your foundation when there is heavy rainfall. To keep water away from your home be sure that your yard is sloped away from the foundation.

 

Drainage issues are one of the most common causes of basement moisture, flooding, and water damage, so going the necessary lengths to ensure proper drainage is essential! 

CHECK YOUR SUMP PUMP 

A sump pump removes water that has accumulated in a sump basin and redirects it to the sewer. When your sump pump is not functioning properly the water in the sump basin will have nowhere to go, which can spell trouble for your basement walls. To ensure that your sump pump and basement drainage pump systems are functioning properly, they should be checked at least twice a year – even more during the rainy seasons. Verify that your sump pump is properly functioning, it is a safe practice to test it at least once a year. 

Testing your sump pump is simple, all you have to do is unplug the two electrical cords of the sump pump. The pump cord plugs into the back of the float cord plug. Unplug both cords, then plug only the pump cord into the outlet. If everything works properly, the pump should turn on immediately. After determining that your pump is running properly follow these steps:

  1. Plug both the pump cord and the float cord back in and remove the lid of your sump crock. 
  2. Slowly pour water from a five-gallon jug into the crock. 
  3. If your pump switch turns on and your pump begins to remove the water from the crock, then it is working correctly. 

After pouring, wait a few minutes to make sure your pump turns off. 

If your pump fails any of these steps, you will need to have an expert come in and make the necessary repairs. You never know when severe weather conditions will roll in, so you need to be ready for it.

OPT FOR BASEMENT WATERPROOFING SERVICES

Professional basement waterproofing solutions can help you avoid costly basement flooding. Basement waterproofing is one of the most effective means of preventing water damage to your basement. Basement waterproofing services do more than just save you money — they can improve the structural integrity of your home, eliminate the risk of mold growth, and will keep your basement dry so that it can be used as an extra living space. 

Get The Best Basement Waterproofing, Choose AMCO Waterproofing

Waterproofing your basement is a very important step in maintaining the integrity of your home, and AMCO Waterproofing has the waterproofing services and systems you need to keep your basement thoroughly dry and comfortable. With over 20 years of experience providing professional waterproofing services to the Triad area, our team of experienced waterproofing contractors have helped numerous homeowners with moisture and flooding problems in the basement, and have designed effective basement waterproofing solutions for the needs of their home. To schedule an estimate, contact AMCO Waterproofing today.

Effective Basement Waterproofing Solutions For Your Home

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If you’ve dealt with a flooded basement more than once, it was probably enough to make you start looking for basement waterproofing companies. When moisture gets into your basement, it not only can lead to musty odors and mold accumulation, but it can also cause damage to the foundation and structural integrity of your home. 

At AMCO Waterproofing, we specialize in basement waterproofing services in Winston-Salem and the surrounding areas, providing homeowners with a safe, dry, and comfortable space. When you have a moisture or flooding issue in your basement, it is important to contact our waterproofing company before it’s too late. 

Keep Your Space Dry WIth These Basement Waterproofing Methods

Our waterproofing contractors are trained and knowledgeable on the best waterproofing methods for your basement. In this blog, we are going to review some of the common basement waterproofing methods homeowners choose to eliminate moisture from their basement. 

Basement Sealing

When it comes to basement waterproofing, methods that involve different types of sealants are typically the most popular. Waterproof sealing can include sealing basement cracks with concrete, caulk, or other materials. Sealing is the most common do-it-yourself fixes for homeowners with basement moisture issues, however, many argue that basement sealing only provides a temporary solution. At best, certain sealing methods can help stop moisture as long as any other underlying problems are taken care of. If you opt for sealing, leave it to a professional to tell you which options are best for your home.

Basement Sump Pump Systems

Sump pumps are indispensable pieces of equipment for any basement. A sump pump is your basements best defense against flooding because it handles the heavy lifting of carrying moisture out and away from your basement. At AMCO, the basement sump pump systems we use are compatible with all types of basement foundations and will keep your basement moisture-free.

Basement Drainage Systems

If you are having basement moisture problems, sometimes the best way to keep water out is by redirecting the flow of it first. If you do not already have a basement drainage system in place, our waterproofing company can install one for you! We use WaterGuard® basement waterproofing system to effectively capture wall and floor seepage before it reaches your basement floor. When used with a high-quality sump system, your basement will be completely protected from moisture.

Exterior Waterproofing

Basement condensation can be minimized with our exterior wall waterproofing. Our waterproofing contractors use the Tuff N Dri Waterproofing System to protect your home against below-grade moisture and ensure a dry, comfortable environment. This basement waterproofing system is efficient in minimizing the freeze/thaw temperature cycles, thus producing a less humid basement.

These four methods are some of the most commonly used in the basement waterproofing industry. 

If you are interested in waterproofing your basement in Winston-Salem, NC, contact the team of experts at AMCO Waterproofing today to receive a free estimate. We have over two decades of providing homeowners with the best waterproofing services around and we can help you achieve a dry and comfortable basement.

When Is Basement Waterproofing Necessary?

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For many homeowners, particularly those with an unfinished basement, having a basement that looks, smells, or feels damp may not seem like a huge deal. However, moisture in a basement is not a good thing and can lead to serious complications later on. Due to its location, your basement is more susceptible to moisture damage than any other part of your home.

When your basement is not properly waterproofed, and moisture is able to seep into the basement, this can lead to structural problems in your home. In our Homeowner’s Guide To Basement Waterproof Services, we covered some signs that indicate you could benefit from a basement waterproofing system. In this post, we’re going to splash into those signs more as well as some others.

Sign #1: Basement Has A Musty Odor

Have you noticed that your basement smells bad? Over time, moisture in your basement can lead to an unpleasant, musty odor. This is usually an indication of water seeping into your home over a long period of time. While cleaning your basement or spraying air fresheners may help with the smell, but it’s best to attack the source of the problem by determining where your basement leak is coming from. No matter what the problem may be, these odors in your basement are not a good sign and needs to be taken care of right away, and basement waterproofing is a solution.

Sign #2: Water Damaged Basement Walls and Flooring

A continuous mixture can cause your floors or walls to slowly but surely rot. Even the smallest crack in your basement flooring or walls are a sign that there is water getting in somewhere. Fortunately, these cracks can be fairly simple so repair and can be a way to make your basement more waterproofed. Additionally, if your walls or floors are soft to the touch, it’s essential to get rid of the water outside before you attempt to make repairs; otherwise, your repair efforts will be ineffective, and it’s likely you will be faced with the same issue later on.

Sign #3: Mold or Mildew In The Basement

Another visual indicator of moisture in your basement is the presence of mold. Mold and mildew grow and thrive wherever there is moisture present. Discovering these nuisances in your basement means that there is likely a leak nearby causing the infestation. If you discover mold in your basement, you will want to opt for mold removal performed, as mold can be hazardous to one’s health. It is recommended to have your basement waterproofed to help prevent the mold from reappearing.

Sign #4: Water Markings In The Basement

Take a look at the walls in your basement. If moisture has been seeping into your basement, water marks will form on the walls over time. Additionally, along with watermarks, efflorescence is a white, chalky substance that you may notice on your basement walls. Efflorescence is caused by mineral deposits that are left behind when water leaks into your basement. Therefore, efflorescence can indicate a crack or leak that you cannot immediately see.

As you can see, there are plenty of signs that indicate when basement waterproofing is necessary. Therefore, if you are sick of dealing with moisture in your basement and the problems it can cause, contact our team at AMCO Waterproofing. For more information about basement waterproofing, contact us today!

Choosing The Best Basement Waterproofing Solution For Your Home

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Hello, and welcome to the AMCO Waterproofing blog! If you have stumbled across this page, you are likely interested, or in need of, basement waterproofing services. We get it, seeping walls, unappealing water stains, disintegrating concrete, and the unmistakable odor of mold are no fun to deal with. Luckily, our basement waterproofing company in Winston-Salem can quickly seal up your basement to protect your basement from water-related damage in the future, allowing you to finally utilize that space with an added peace of mind.

As you further your research about basement waterproofing in North Carolina, you will soon find out that there are various waterproofing solutions to select from. The ideal solution will ultimately depend on varying factors, including your budget and the current condition of your basement. Our basement waterproofing contractors can help you choose the waterproofing solution that is the best fit for your home. But to give you a head start, in this blog we are going to share some information about the two effective basement waterproofing solutions to choose from.

Interior Sealants

Although interior sealants are not often used as a basement waterproofing, they can be used as a temporary solution for keeping your basement dry. This tool is designed to ensure that the atmospheric humidity level in the basement stays low. Using interior sealants helps prevent moisture from being absorbed by the basement walls and floors, and it can also help prevent moisture from spreading to other parts of the house. We use the WaterGuard® basement waterproofing system to effectively capture wall and floor seepage before it reaches your basement floor. Our methods will keep your basement clean and dry so you can use the space for storage, recreational purposes, or to finish for additional living space. When combined with our basement sub pump system, your basement is completely protected.

Exterior Basement Waterproofing

Installing an exterior waterproofing system is one option for waterproofing a basement. Waterproofing your basement from the outside walls helps to stop water before it enters your basement. At AMCO, we use the Tuff N Dri Waterproofing System to protect your home against below-grade moisture and ensure a dry, comfortable environment. The exterior wall waterproofing and drainage system act as a waterproof barrier that prevents water from seeping through into the basement, thus producing a less humid basement.

Basement Drain System

In order for a basement to stay dry throughout the year, there must a proper basement drainage system in place. If you don’t already have a sump pump system installed in your basement, contact our basement waterproofing company. The basement sump pump systems we use are designed to keep your basement dry, even when your main pump fails for whatever reason. Our basement pump systems are compatible just about all types of foundations including poured concrete, stone, block, and many more.

By opting for professional basement waterproofing, you are protecting the health and safety of your home. When considering the benefits of a waterproof basement, such as improved structural strength, increased living space, and saving money, it’ is clear just how necessary waterproofing is. To find the right solutions for your basement, make sure to consult with our professional basement waterproofing company and have your basement thoroughly assessed. It also does not hurt to research basement waterproofing in order to make an informed decision, so don’t hesitate to check out the rest of our site! If you are interested in learning more about basement waterproofing and how our solutions can keep your basement free of moisture, check out our homeowners guide to basement waterproofing or contact AMCO Waterproofing today!

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