Waterproofing
A wet basement can dramatically reduce the value of your home. The majority of people won’t even consider buying a home that has water leakage. The first step is to determine if your basement is wet because of water condensation or water seepage. Water condensation is easily solved by proper air circulation and keeping your basement at a room temperature to keep air dry. Water seepage is solved by properly fixing cracks, insulating windows and waterproofing foundation walls to ensure that your basement dry. Quite simply, basement waterproofing is the first and most important step in finishing a basement. If your basement has too much moisture and is taking on water, it is a serious problem that must be addressed. We start by repairing all the cracks, then waterproof all necessary surfaces.
Sump Pump
A sump pump is a device that removes water or other liquids from a sump pit, the lowest point in a drainage system. Through drainage made under and around foundation walls, underground water is directed into the sump pit. When water in the pit rises to a certain level the sump pump starts ejecting it out and away from your house. The majority of the newer homes in Kansas City have been equipped with a sump pump which is installed in the sump pit. If you have a sump pump, it probably discharges outside. Snow and ice can block the opening and cause it to freeze. When this happens your pump will be running and the water can't get out, causing your basement to flood. Installing an ice guard on your discharge line will prevent this problem.
Battery Backup
A sump pump battery backup is an additional pump that fits next to the main sump pump and turns on during a power outage, main pump failure, or when the main pump can't keep up with the inflow of water. Sump pump backup will also let you know with its alarm that the main pump has failed.
There are also backup sump pumps that are powered by generators. It is a good idea to get one instead of a battery backup when you travel a lot or when you live on flood hazard property. This system helps to ensure that your basement is dry all the time.
Basement Mold
Mold grows in damp basements and can become a serious health hazard. Therefore, it is very important to get rid of it, especially when you’re finishing your basement. Most of moisture gets inside a basement through foundation walls and windows.
We correct your mold problems by fixing all the cracks in foundation walls before we begin construction. Then we waterproof which prevents any moisture getting inside your basement through the concrete. (Even if your foundation walls feel dry, it could be just because they are exposed. Once we build all walls and insulate, the air circulation is cut off and moisture starts to build up resulting in growing mold which you no longer be able to see.)
We also prevent mold by properly placing HVAC supplies and returns throughout the basement for good air circulation keeping the temperature and humidity level at the comfort zone. (Make sure your HVAC servicing is always up to date).
Lastely, we make sure all the windows are properly insulated. If they are too old we will replace them to make sure everything is done correctly to prevent any moisture inside your basement.
Dehumidifiers
If you do have wet windows and/or mold problems, your home may suffer from excess humidity. Excess humidity in the home can have serious consequences on your house. A comfortable indoor humidity level ranges from 40% to 55%. An easy way to correct humidity issues is with a dehumidifier.
The the most important criteria to be considered is the volume that must be dehumidified. Dehumidifiers that are commonly available on the market have capacities from 24 to 40 pints per day. For optimal performance, we will calculate approximately one pint for every 75 square feet.
A wet basement can dramatically reduce the value of your home. The majority of people won’t even consider buying a home that has water leakage. The first step is to determine if your basement is wet because of water condensation or water seepage. Water condensation is easily solved by proper air circulation and keeping your basement at a room temperature to keep air dry. Water seepage is solved by properly fixing cracks, insulating windows and waterproofing foundation walls to ensure that your basement dry. Quite simply, basement waterproofing is the first and most important step in finishing a basement. If your basement has too much moisture and is taking on water, it is a serious problem that must be addressed. We start by repairing all the cracks, then waterproof all necessary surfaces.
Sump Pump
A sump pump is a device that removes water or other liquids from a sump pit, the lowest point in a drainage system. Through drainage made under and around foundation walls, underground water is directed into the sump pit. When water in the pit rises to a certain level the sump pump starts ejecting it out and away from your house. The majority of the newer homes in Kansas City have been equipped with a sump pump which is installed in the sump pit. If you have a sump pump, it probably discharges outside. Snow and ice can block the opening and cause it to freeze. When this happens your pump will be running and the water can't get out, causing your basement to flood. Installing an ice guard on your discharge line will prevent this problem.
Battery Backup
A sump pump battery backup is an additional pump that fits next to the main sump pump and turns on during a power outage, main pump failure, or when the main pump can't keep up with the inflow of water. Sump pump backup will also let you know with its alarm that the main pump has failed.
There are also backup sump pumps that are powered by generators. It is a good idea to get one instead of a battery backup when you travel a lot or when you live on flood hazard property. This system helps to ensure that your basement is dry all the time.
Basement Mold
Mold grows in damp basements and can become a serious health hazard. Therefore, it is very important to get rid of it, especially when you’re finishing your basement. Most of moisture gets inside a basement through foundation walls and windows.
We correct your mold problems by fixing all the cracks in foundation walls before we begin construction. Then we waterproof which prevents any moisture getting inside your basement through the concrete. (Even if your foundation walls feel dry, it could be just because they are exposed. Once we build all walls and insulate, the air circulation is cut off and moisture starts to build up resulting in growing mold which you no longer be able to see.)
We also prevent mold by properly placing HVAC supplies and returns throughout the basement for good air circulation keeping the temperature and humidity level at the comfort zone. (Make sure your HVAC servicing is always up to date).
Lastely, we make sure all the windows are properly insulated. If they are too old we will replace them to make sure everything is done correctly to prevent any moisture inside your basement.
Dehumidifiers
If you do have wet windows and/or mold problems, your home may suffer from excess humidity. Excess humidity in the home can have serious consequences on your house. A comfortable indoor humidity level ranges from 40% to 55%. An easy way to correct humidity issues is with a dehumidifier.
The the most important criteria to be considered is the volume that must be dehumidified. Dehumidifiers that are commonly available on the market have capacities from 24 to 40 pints per day. For optimal performance, we will calculate approximately one pint for every 75 square feet.
