160345936

Top 5 Signs Your Basement Has a Moisture Problem

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 17:30:12 GMT

Moisture in your basement can be more serious than you may expect. It can easily cause foundation damage, unpleasant odors, and health hazards. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, over 60% of basements in existing homes have a moisture problem. Watch for these signs that your basement is one of them and to determine if you need waterproofing services.

1. Visible Mold Growth

As you may know, mold growth is one of the most significant signs of a moisture problem in a basement, as mold thrives in warm and damp environments. The high-humidity area of a leaking basement is the perfect place for it to spread. Unfortunately, mold can spread to wooden structures, wreak havoc on your respiratory system, and destroy special keepsake items stored in the basement. Waterproofing services and a dehumidifier can help.

2. Damp and Musty Odors

Basements remain well-known for having a musty smell. However, this isn't normal. Usually, the damp odor is caused by excess moisture in the air. A musty smell is the first sign that your basement will grow mold in the future. Dampness typically comes in basements through cracks and gaps in the foundation, making services to prevent leaks necessary.

3. Water Stains on the Walls

Water stains often appear dark yellow or orange on white basement walls. The stains will look like water dripping down the wall or running across the floor. It's also common to notice discoloration where water is leaking inside. These leaks then dry, leaving water stains behind. If you notice water stains, that's the culprit behind your moisture problem and a sign you have one.

4. Condensation on the Pipes

Some people say it's common for a pipe to sweat. However, that's also a common sign of too much moisture in your basement. Homeowners that notice condensation on their pipes need to contact an expert for a complete evaluation to determine the humidity levels in the basement. Knocking out high moisture early with waterproofing prevents future problems like mold growth.

5. Bubbling in the Paint

Moisture has a drastic impact on paint. Homeowners with paint in their basements will notice it's peeling or has tiny bubbles. Over time, bubbles will grow larger. This is because the paint doesn't stand a chance against moisture. This is another of the first signs that a basement has a moisture problem.

At Elmwood Construction, we understand the importance of reducing moisture in your basement to make it usable and prevent health hazards. Call or text us today to discuss your situation! Don't hesitate to reach out if you think you're in need of waterproofing services.

4 Reasons Masonry Remains Popular

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 15:37:22 GMT

In recent years, there has been a huge revitalization of masonry projects. Masonry restoration services are essential for keeping masonry looking great and extending the life of this style of construction. Read on to learn more about four reasons masonry is becoming popular once again.

1. Durability and Timeless Appeal

A property built using masonry techniques will stand the test of time. This construction technique produces buildings and other structures that can weather any storm. They can withstand high winds, freezing temperatures, and extreme heat. The durability of a masonry structure never comes into question. According to the Mason Contractors Association of America, the bricks used for these projects are fired at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, making them extremely hardy and resilient.

Of course, timeless style and craftsmanship are also big reasons why masonry is enjoying a new level of popularity. You get the best of both aesthetics and functionality with masonry-built structures.

2. Sustainability

Today, environmental concerns play a big role in choosing construction materials. Masonry walls are highly sustainable and energy-saving. They can minimize temperature swings, which in turn can improve energy efficiency. They also have sound-dampening properties, which can reduce noise pollution.

One way to make masonry structures even more environmentally friendly is to care for them properly. Masonry restoration services are available to ensure that quick repairs and fixes extend the life of these structures indefinitely.

3. Fire Resistance

Unlike other building materials, brick and mortar are highly fire resistant. A building constructed using masonry techniques is safer for the occupants. Of course, you can also enjoy insurance premium cost savings because of these fire-resistant properties. People are choosing masonry to worry less about danger and enjoy peace of mind.

4. Low Maintenance

Masonry, unlike other building materials, rarely requires maintenance. Occasionally, you may need masonry restoration services to replace worn materials, but that should be very infrequent. You don't have to paint masonry or protect it from the elements. Even with minimal effort, you'll be able to enjoy years of reliability.

Masonry restoration services are an affordable way to improve masonry structures and ensure they continue to stand the test of time. Contact our team at Elmwood Construction to learn more about our masonry services today. We would love to assist you!

What You Should Know About Historic Masonry Restoration

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 13:22:55 GMT

Historic masonry buildings have different types of issues that engineers, architects, contractors, and owners can find a bit difficult to evaluate and address. According to Masonry Magazine, buildings that fall into this category are at least 50 years old and should have an architectural or cultural significance. To ensure that these builds stay relevant now and in the future, some upgrades and modifications need to be made. Properly designed and thoughtful restoration processes can preserve the integrity of these buildings, so they can continue their lives for many more years. Here are some things you may need to know about historic masonry restoration .

Common Deterioration

Historic builds are typically strong when it comes to handling compression forces. However, most are susceptible to tensile stress. This is why most of the damage observed includes cracking or scaling. One of the most common causes of deterioration is water infiltration. This is especially a problem with buildings that weren't designed with water management systems. When water freezes, ice expands within the masonry, and there is also corrosion of internal steel.

Historic Masonry Restoration Requires Permits

Before conducting a history masonry restoration, you will need a permit from the city. Even if all you need to do is paint the structure or fix cracks, it's important to apply for a permit before you start. This requirement is in place so that historical materials are preserved. The city will go over what you want to do to ensure that the character of the building will not be compromised. They will also want to verify that your repairs will not damage the site in any way. Once you get the permit from the city, you can proceed with your project.

Careful Repair

When conducting repairs on old structures, it's important to be extra careful so that no damage comes to the building. It's also important to preserve the appearance of the building so that it doesn't end up looking like it has newer stones or bricks added. The city will likely approve the project only if they know the types of stones or bricks you intend to use. This is done to preserve the original style of the building. A lot of the repairs will likely be due to the movement of bricks or stones and cracking as well. To fix this, bricks or stones can be repositioned and moved back into their original position so they flush with the rest of the wall.

These are some of the things you may need to know about the restoration of historic masonry. Get in touch with Elmwood Construction today to find out how to go about such projects.