'58 Foundations & Waterproofing has earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list, which recognizes America’s fastest-growing private companies. This prestigious ranking highlights the company’s significant growth and success in the foundation repair and waterproofing industry. Being featured in this exclusive list by Inc. Magazine places '58 Foundations & Waterproofing among the top innovators and leaders driving the economy forward, demonstrating their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. This achievement underscores the company’s rapid expansion and dedication to quality service.
The recognition places '58 Foundations & Waterproofing among an elite group of companies that are not only expanding but also setting new standards in their industries.
To qualify for the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, a company must meet the following criteria:
The Inc. 5000 list is an annual ranking of the fastest-growing privately owned companies in the United States. Ranks are based on revenue over a three-year period. Companies apply for the Inc. 5000 list by submitting an application and financial statements that are verified and certified.
The Inc. 5000 list is a significant achievement in the business world, showcasing companies that have shown exceptional growth rates over the past three years. As companies get older and more established, large growth becomes more difficult to achieve. As a testament to the strength of ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing and their appeal to home and business owners, the company has received this growth recognition after being in business for more than 60 years!
“We’ve been building the business to meet our customer demand. But never expected this much more demand!” said Richard Fencil, co-owner of ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing. “Customers love to be a part of our older American brand that was established back in 1958. They appreciate the local service and passion we bring to fixing their homes.”
'58 Foundations & Waterproofing's inclusion in this list underscores their commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement. As the company continues to grow, they remain focused on delivering exceptional service and expanding their reach to help more homeowners protect their properties.
This recognition also reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire team at '58 Foundations & Waterproofing. Their relentless focus on excellence, coupled with their innovative approach to solving foundation and waterproofing challenges, has propelled them into the national spotlight.
For more information on '58 Foundations & Waterproofing’s services and to learn more about their achievement, visit Inc. Magazine's website to see the full list of honorees. [link: https://www.inc.com/inc5000/2024]
When you choose ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing, you’re choosing a company that offers both high-quality solutions and genuine customer care. We have 65+ years of experience in foundation repair, basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, and mold removal. Since 1958, we’ve continually improved our quality products and sharpened our techniques to deliver the best outcomes for our customers. With our experts on the job, you can enjoy the peace of mind that only our money-back guarantee and industry-leading life-of-the-structure warranty can offer. Contact us today to schedule for a free inspection and to receive a detailed cost estimate! We’ll make your home’s lower-level problems go away!
When you think of your basement, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? While many homes feature finished basements that provide additional living and recreational spaces, others are simply used as utility or storage spaces. But no matter what you use your basement for, all these below-ground floors share one thing in common: their tendency to collect excess moisture and grow mold.
As a homeowner, discovering mold in your basement can be an unsettling experience—especially since many types of molds produce microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) that are harmful to human health. And even if your basement seems dry, mold could be lurking behind walls, underneath carpet, or below your furniture unknowingly due to moisture vapor or humidity seeping in from your foundation or leaky pipes.
Fortunately, there are a few ways you can prevent mold in your basement—and they all encompass reducing the chance of moisture hanging around in the lower-level of your home. These prevention methods include:
Before we break down just what these prevention methods entail, it’s important to understand what mold is, how it can grow inside your basement, and the different types of molds that could compromise human health.
Molds are fundamental to the decomposition process of all living things, but some molds can be extremely dangerous to human health. While spores from molds are constantly all around us, higher concentrations of spores from certain types of molds can cause severe allergic or toxic reactions in those who are sensitive to them. This makes finding mold growing in your basement concerning, as harmful spores could be released throughout your living space.
As we mentioned earlier, spores from molds are all around us, which means they are also floating throughout the air inside your home. Unfortunately, molds only need two things to grow indoors: excessive moisture and organic matter to grow on like drywall, carpet, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, insulation, or wood. When indoor areas of a home are exposed to high levels of moisture or humidity, mold can take hold quickly. This is especially true for basements, as these spaces typically provide poor ventilation.
Basement moisture can be caused by two main sources, including outdoor moisture sources and indoor moisture sources.
Outdoor Moisture Sources
Outdoor moisture sources include rain, floods, or groundwater—all of which can seep through cracks in your foundation or through improperly sealed window wells. Improper yard grading and clogged gutters can also play a role in moisture building in your basement.
Indoor Moisture Sources
Indoor moisture sources include leaky pipes, laundering clothes, over watering houseplants, and more. Anything in your home that causes high levels of humidity—which could include showering, cooking, or even breathing—and produces condensation can lead to a moisture-prone basement.
Types of Harmful Molds Found in Basements
The most common harmful molds found in basements include Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus. Stachybotrys chartarum—otherwise known as “black mold”—is a rarer type of indoor mold. As a homeowner, knowing the specific species of mold that is growing in your home isn’t necessary, as any presence of mold should be addressed by a NORMI– or MICRO-certified professional with the proper knowledge and protective equipment. If you suspect mold is growing in your basement, contact ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing today for your free mold remediation inspection and quote.
Preventing mold from growing in your basement starts with taking proactive steps to prevent moisture or humidity from building inside your home. Not only could these DIY moisture prevention methods reduce your chances of breathing in harmful mold spores, but they could also prevent costly structural repairs later down the road.
Repair Leaky Pipes and Insulate Them
Leaky pipes are a common moisture source in many homes, and they could be caused by improper installation or expansion over time that results in loose connections. Because leaky pipes are often difficult to find until it’s too late, it’s important to inspect your pipe infrastructure regularly for leaks or bad connections.
If you find a pipe that is leaking, be sure to apply plumber’s tape, a pipe joint compound, or give a professional plumber a call. If you live in an area with harsh winters, be sure to insulate your pipes prior to dropping temperatures. Uninsulated pipes could freeze and burst, which could cause a significant amount of water damage and mold growth.
Fix Cracks in Your Foundation
Cracks in your foundation that allow groundwater to seep through can quickly promote mold growth in your basement. Be sure to inspect your foundation thoroughly, both around the outdoor perimeter of your home and your basement walls, if possible.
If you find any cracks, fix them promptly with sealants such as flexible and expandable epoxy that won’t dry or crack. For even more protection, try adding additional outdoor downspouts to your gutter or a French drain system to push water away from your foundation. You can also remove landscaping that’s near any foundation cracks or add soil to the area to help promote better yard grading.
Seal and Insulate Windows and Window Wells
Improperly sealed basement windows or window wells can also lead to excess moisture in your below-grade floor. If you find condensation on your windows or feel air coming through their frames, be sure to seal any exposed area with a silicone latex-based caulk that’s designed to withstand inclement weather. For your window wells, installing window well drains and adding fresh gravel can help keep hydrostatic pressure from building near your basement windows. Additionally, installing window well covers will prevent water from getting into your window well entirely.
Keep Your Gutters Clean
Keeping your gutters clean and debris-free is essential to promoting proper water drainage away from your home. Be sure to check your gutters frequently and clear any blockages you find or have a professional install gutter guards for easy and worry-free maintenance. If your yard has poor grading, consider installing gutter downspout extenders to ensure water isn’t pooling near your foundation.
Ensure Your Yard is Properly Graded
Poor water drainage in your yard can lead to rain or groundwater pooling around your foundation. To ensure water moves away from your home and doesn’t put hydrostatic pressure on your foundation or basement walls, proper yard grading is essential. Grading your yard starts with figuring out how it’s sloped, as well as its high and low points. Using a load of dirt, you can then begin to add more dirt near your foundation and gradually taper off as you get closer to the low point of your yard. You can also hire a professional landscaper to regrade your yard.
Note: If the dirt you add to your yard isn’t properly packed, even regrading won’t always move enough water away from your foundation to prevent build up and hydrostatic pressure against your foundation walls.
Address Flood Water Immediately
Flood water from heavy rain, rivers, burst pipes, or sewage backups can easily make its way into your basement, regardless of the precautions you take. If this occurs, the speed in which you begin the clean-up process is important, as mold can start growing within 24-48 hours after water exposure. Be sure to remove all exposed items (e.g., furniture) from your basement immediately and place them in a well-ventilated area to dry. It’s also important to remove any wet carpet, drywall, or insulation, as these materials can grow mold quickly.
Once all wet items are removed, you must begin the drying process immediately. Eliminate any standing water with a wet-dry vacuum or a sump pump, and place fans and dehumidifiers in the room to speed up drying times.
Use a Basement Dehumidifier
Outside of cleaning up flood water, dehumidifiers are great tools to use if your basement is naturally prone to collecting moisture, humidity, or condensation. Before selecting a dehumidifier, it’s important to measure your basement’s square footage to ensure the one you choose has enough capacity to keep things dry. In some cases, more than one dehumidifier might be necessary.
Avoid Houseplants in Your Basement
While houseplants are a great way to spruce up your basement living space, their soil and leaves are the perfect breeding grounds for mold. The easiest way to reduce this risk is to avoid having too many houseplants in your basement or remove them entirely. If you decide to keep plants in the lower level of your home, be sure to avoid overwatering them, check on their soil frequently, and re-pot them with fresh soil if you start to notice mold or mildew.
Launder Responsibly
Many homeowners turn a portion of their basement into a laundry room, and moisture and humidity are produced during both the washing and drying process. If your laundry room is in your basement, try to run a dehumidifier nearby.
Book Professional Basement Waterproofing Services
Even with the most comprehensive DIY moisture prevention methods in place, water can still find its way into your basement and cause mold growth. To ensure your basement is protected from moisture and mold year-round, professional basement waterproofing solutions should be your first line of defense.
Exterior Waterproofing Services
Exterior basement waterproofing systems utilize a waterproof coating that covers your foundation, as well as a perimeter drainage system (sometimes referred to as a French drain or curtain drain). Unfortunately, exterior waterproofing solutions can be expensive, as they require heavy equipment to remove soil and landscaping away from your foundation to make way for the waterproof coating and drain system installation. Exterior drain lines can also clog with silt over time, which means the entire system will need to be dug-up a second time to make repairs.
Interior Waterproofing Services
Interior basement waterproofing systems are much more affordable and efficient over time. Rather than digging up soil to apply a waterproof coating and install a perimeter drain, interior basement waterproofing systems utilize a perimeter drainage system indoors. This system then collects water and carries it to a sump pump that automatically pumps water out of the basement.
Trust ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing for Your Basement Waterproofing Needs
At ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing, we’ve been experts in basement waterproofing solutions for more than 60 years. With our interior basement waterproofing system, we install perimeter drain lines right where your floor meets the basement walls, making the system largely hidden. These lines are then directed to a sump pit where a sump pump is installed. When water collects in the pit and triggers a float valve, the pump turns on and clears your basement of moisture.
Additionally, if your home features a crawlspace, our crawlspace encapsulation services will actively work to keep moisture out. By sealing all crawlspace vents and air gaps with foam insulation, and then sealing your floor, walls, and columns with a 20-millimeter-thick vapor barrier, you can rest assured your crawlspace will remain moisture-free.
Stop living with moisture and mold in your basement or crawlspace; contact ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing today for expert waterproofing and encapsulation services.
There are a lot of things that we associate with winter from snow angels and skiing to the holiday season. But there are some things that we also associate with winter that we’d rather not think of, like clearing snow off our vehicles every day… or freezing pipes bursting in our crawl space. Freezing water pipes can make your plumbing useless at the least, and can result in a burst pipe at worst, leaving your crawl space wet or even flooded. The best way to prevent any wintery complications with your crawl space piping is with preparation. Let’s dive into how you can be ready for the next winter with proper water pipe crawl space insulation and other preparation methods:
Outdoor air during the winter can be blisteringly cold. Whether your pipes are outside the house or inside a leaky crawl space, you’ll want your pipes to be protected against exterior winter temperatures and that accompanying wind chill. Use materials such as pipe-wraps and form pipe sleeves to cover your pipes and protect them. By insulating your water pipes, you will help lower the chances of them freezing and/or bursting.
Any cracks or openings in your crawl space that allow for exterior air to flow in should be sealed. The cold winter air can quickly cool the air in your crawl space and freeze the water pipes within. By sealing the cracks with caulk, you can keep the cold air out while keeping the warm air in.
You should also address any air gaps around your water pipes. Gaps where the pipes exit through your exterior wall, should be addressed. Insulate those pipe gaps with expanding foam to help insulate the pipes and prevent cold outside air from freezing the water pipes. It will also prevent those outside air from coming into your crawl space to affect the water pipes within.
Along with checking for cracks and opening to the exterior, it is important to seal the rest of your crawl space to help maintain warm temperatures and to keep more of that cold air out. Consider covering your crawl space with foam pieces that can cover the walls as well as the floors. Keep those foam pieces in place with tape or another fastener, so that they stay in place.
Another solution to keeping your water pipes warm is to use heating tapes, but this should be installed by a professional expert to ensure your safety and a proper installation.
There may be times where you may think about letting the temperature drop in your house to save on the heating bills. But whether you’re doing it because you’re taking a trip, or because a certain part of the day has a different temperature, it’s better to keep your home temperatures steady. Been maintaining a consistent internal temperature, your pipes will keep flowing and there will be less chance of a temperature change causing your pipes to freeze and burst.
Now you know how to insulate your water pipes in a crawl space! But if you feel that you require help to properly insulate your water pipes and keep the cold air out of your crawl space, be sure to call for a professional to ensure that the job gets done right. Having your crawl space pipes insulated and prepped for winter will save you money and trouble in the long run, making it a worthwhile investment.
When the winter season comes to an end, melting snow will begin to soak into the soil. That can leave a lot of water and moisture to enter a leaky crawl space. But with ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing, you can have your crawl space properly encapsulated and waterproofed, ensuring that your crawl space remains safe and dry for years and years. Contact us today for a free crawl space inspection and a detailed estimate on your crawl space!
A sump pump is designed to protect your basement from the risk of flooding by draining water that accumulates in a sump pit. But if you’ve noticed that your sump pump keeps running, this usually means there’s a problem with your sump pump. These problems can happen regardless of the weather conditions or season, and it should be promptly fixed before the overworked pump burns out. Ensuring that your sump pump is working properly is critical to keeping your waterproofing system in working order.
Here are the most common causes for sump pumps going into overdrive.
When water enters the sump pit it begins to fill, and when it reaches a certain level the float switch triggers to turn the pump up and drain the water. When the water returns to the appropriate level, the pump turns off. However, when the float switch malfunctions it will continue to run as it is incorrectly signaling that there is still water.
When a sump pump is not powerful enough to handle the water coming in it needs to run continuously to keep up. On the flip side, if the sump pit is too small. Even if the sump pump is powerful enough the small pit will fill up too fast and constantly trigger the sump pump to keep working.
Underground water leaks can be caused by roof runoff from a damaged gutter, a leaking drain line from a sprinkler, or a burst pipe below ground. When any of these should occur it can cause water to seep into the sump pit. The sump pump will continue to push the water out. However, the underlying issue of the leak will remain unresolved. If this goes unnoticed, the water from those underground water leaks can both damage your home’s foundation and potentially burn out the sump pump.
A high water table can cause your sump pump to run continuously. It will run to prevent the basement from flooding. Heavy rainfall or snow melt can provoke or worsen this problem.
A check valve inside the discharge pipe prevents water from flowing back into the sump pit. The discharge line carries water from the sump pump pit to a location sufficiently away from your home’s foundation. If the check valve has failed, the water will flow back into the sump pit. Ultimately, this will cause the sump pump to continuously run.
When your sump pump runs constantly there are many possible concerns besides just the electricity bill. If it continues to run, there is a risk of burn out and your basement flooding. Whatever the reason for your sump pump running continuously, it is recommended to contact a sump pump repair professional to ensure that any necessary repairs are made.
Sump pumps are a key part of what makes an interior waterproofing system work. If there is sump pump failure, water can’t be evacuated properly out of your lower level, leading to flooding.
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your sump pump performing well for the duration of its life span. But when a sump pump begins to break down, it’s important to have your sump pump replaced as necessary. Consider also a battery backup sump pump to make sure that your waterproofing works even in the event of a primary pump failure or a power outage. Having a battery backup can be especially important in being prepared for heavy rain storms.
Whether your sump pump system needs repairs or an upgrade, ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing has the solutions you need! Our high-powered Workhorse sump pumps and battery backup sump pump options can keep water moving fast while also ensuring that you have a functioning sump pump when it’s really needed. We also offer our own specially-engineered waterproofing products including our high-capacity Channel ’58 drainage channels. When it comes to protecting your foundation and lower level from moisture and groundwater intrusion, you can always lean on ’58!
We have local offices throughout the Eastern Seaboard with ’58 experts ready to help! Whether you live near Baltimore, MD, Knoxville, TN, or Atlanta, GA, we’ll be there to make sure your sump pump system keeps working! Contact us today to schedule for a free inspection and to receive a detailed estimate!
Concrete is one of the most common construction materials we use today. From our roads and pathways to towering skyscrapers, it’s present in our everyday lives. It is also what makes up our residential foundations, providing a strong and solid platform for our homes to remain stable. Concrete consists of a mix of ingredients, which together creates this strong material. One of those crucial ingredients is water. But the relationship between your concrete foundation and moisture can be complex.
Water and moisture is important to our ability to live. It is also a key component to the making of concrete. Without water, our concrete wouldn’t be able to strengthen and cure. But water can also be a destructive force of nature when poorly controlled or when in excess—whether it’s too much humidity in a crawlspace or enough rain to cause a flash flood. This can be said of our popular concrete as well. Too much moisture in your concrete can wreak havoc upon it, potentially compromising the structure that’s been built with it.
Moisture is present all around us but may be in different forms. As such, there are numerous ways that excess moisture can invade into your concrete foundation. Here are some of the common ways that moisture gets into your concrete…
Fortunately, there are ways to address each of these in a way that will keep your foundation lasting for longer and protect your home from moisture invasion. From foundation repair and basement waterproofing to encapsulation and dehumidifying, your lower level and foundation may require a different combination of solutions depending on where you live. If you’re having your concrete placed, it’s important to make sure it dries and cures properly, and that will require proper ventilation and knowledge about your climate. As Polygon states about controlling moisture in concrete, “excessive moisture is most problematic in concrete when there is a lack of climate control and air circulation”.
Even after ensuring that your concrete has dried and cured properly, it’s important to keep excess moisture at bay. The appearance of your concrete can be deceiving, so taking measures to control that moisture is key as Buildings.com points out that “a concrete surface can easily give a false impression of being dry enough despite containing moisture well above the allowable limits.” This is because excess moisture doesn’t necessarily have to be in the obvious form of water leaking down your basement wall, for example. It can also be in the form of moisture vapor seeping its way through your concrete slab.
When we think of concrete, we think it’s solid. But by nature, concrete is actually porous, which means that moisture can evaporate and move its way through capillaries within the concrete. This doesn’t seem significant, but across the surface of a foundation, that can amount to a lot of potential moisture coming from it, even if the concrete seems like it has cured and dried well. It is important to understand the moisture that exists within the surrounding soil of your foundation and to ensure that you have the proper measures in place to protect against moisture invasion.
Here are some problem scenarios that your concrete may experience due to excess moisture…
These various problems can result in costly repairs, and they will only get worse with time, so it is best to address them promptly. The sooner you act to repair them, the better. Look for signs like crackling or bubbling of your flooring surface, loose tiles, damp spots, or discolored spots and the musty smell of mildew.
While concrete is strong and is responsible for holding up everything from homes to enormous towers, it is still not invulnerable to the power of water. When excess moisture is left to build and linger within your concrete, the strength of your concrete becomes negative impacted, and it can lead to different problems. Here is how moisture causes three such problems…
While there will always be some moisture present in your concrete, there are ways to help control that moisture to keep any effects to a minimum. Here are some recommendations on what you can do inside your home to reduce concrete moisture in your foundation:
You can also take advantage of an exterior waterproofing measure to help keep outside moisture from your foundation concrete. All of these measures will not only help minimize the moisture in your concrete, but they will help increase the longevity of your foundation and prevent costly repairs that would be required from moisture-related damages.
Give us a call at (866) 485-6695 and we’ll have a specialist provide you with a free inspection and a zero-obligation price estimate!
Crawlspaces were constructed to put a barrier between the home itself, and the earth below.
Although similar to a basement, crawlspaces are vented to the outside air, and many have a dirt floor. They were built for their accessibility, and cost effectiveness.
Instead of building directly on a concrete slab foundation, the crawlspace creates a place to install an HVAC unit and the necessary water and sewer distribution for the home. They are also cost effective for the builder to create a level home without moving dirt to pour a concrete slab foundation. Creating a level lot for building a home can be costly, building a crawlspace negates this.
Although convenient and cost effective, having a vented space under your home can lead to multiple issues. Homes built over crawlspaces have the tendency to suffer from moisture related issues. This means that mold, wood rot, and termite infestations tend to come into play with a crawlspace.
Two key ways to combat crawlspace issues is installing a vapor barrier and a dehumidifier in the crawlspace. Some crawlspaces already have a thin and non sealed vapor barrier that isn’t doing the full job. When using the correct materials the crawlspace vapor barrier prevents ground moisture from entering the crawlspace air and creating moisture related issues. The vapor barrier will spot air movement from the dirt crawlspace, thus making the space a semi-conditioned area, meaning that your crawlspace will be a similar temperature to your living areas. This will also make your energy bills more efficient, instead of battling with the temperature elements from under your house. However, this is only solving part of the problem.
This is where the dehumidifier comes in. The air from your crawlspace rises into your home, which includes moisture, and potentially even mold spores. Whatever is in the air at the lowest point of your home, eventually flows up to the living areas. As stated previously, crawlspaces are vented, and are a never ending source of moisture. Once the crawlspace is sealed with a vapor barrier, the dehumidifier will suck out the remaining moisture from the air, leading to healthy air coming up through your house.
With these two solutions coupled, you will see benefits in the form of healthier air, pest protection, increased structural integrity, and saving on your energy bills.
When crawlspaces are exposed to moisture, your home’s health, your energy bills, and even your own personal health can be a target. Once moisture enters a crawlspace the problem can grow and worsen over time.. If left unattended, moisture can create a mold, wood rot, floor failure, allergy aggravation and move.
If you’d like a professional evaluation of your crawlspace contact ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing for a free crawlspace repair estimate.
They’re both unwanted, and they both can cause problems when they show up. Some may use the terms mold and mildew interchangeably, but the truth is they are actually quite different! Mold and mildew are both types of fungi and they both love moist and damp areas. But their behaviors, traits, and appearance set them apart. Let’s take a look into how they differ from each other, so that you can better identify them and understand what’s needed to get rid of them. This can help you protect your home!
When figuring out how to tell the difference between mildew and mold. Sometimes it can be determined with a careful look. Upon closer inspection, you might notice there’s a distinct difference between how mold and mildew typically look in a home:
Mold and mildew also smell different. If you’re catching a whiff of something musty like wet socks, then you probably have a case of mildew. Mold, on the other hand, has a stronger smell.
Not all fungi live and grow the same. Mildew and mold have different ways of establishing themselves on an object. Mildew tends to remain flat on a surface—it likes to grow on the surface of objects and remain at that level. Meanwhile, mold likes to burrow deep into the material of where it’s growing. This affects how easy or hard it may be to get rid of the mold or mildew. Since mildew remains on the surface of objects, it’s fairly easy to get rid of. But since mold likes to dig deep into the places it grows, it can be a bit of a pain to remove.
While both mildew and mold can cause health problems for you or your loved ones, the difference is in what each can do. Here are the different symptoms caused by mildew and mold:
There are similarities between the two, but mold can potentially cause further health complications. Both are serious enough that you would want to take care of them before the problem gets worse. Should you spot mildew or mold, be sure to have it removed as soon as possible.
Since mildew lives exclusively on the surface of an object, it can be removed handily with household cleaners and a thorough scrubbing. This is not the same for mold, however. Since mold likes to dig deep into the object it’s growing on, it can be very stubborn to truly get rid of. Bleach or a specialized mold removal product might do the job. However, there’s a good chance that you will need a mold remediation expert to take care of your mold problem.
If you attempt to remove the mildew or mold on your own, it is highly recommended that you wear a face mask and even eye protection if possible. This is for your safety and to avoid any potential allergic reactions. To ensure your safety and to make sure that the job gets done completely, consider contacting a mold expert to take care of the mildew or mold problem.
Since 1958, ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing has been helping people keep their basements and crawlspaces dry, so that mold doesn’t have the chance to gain a foothold in their lower levels. But when mold manages to find its way into a damp basement or crawlspace, our experts have the expertise to properly take care of your mold problem. With ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing on your side, your home can remain free of hazardous mold! Give us a call today to learn about how we can help keep your lower levels dry and protected against moisture-loving mold. If you have an existing mold problem, we’ll be happy to provide a free mold removal inspection along with a detailed estimate on our mold solutions!
Does your crawl space get wet, damp, or musty? There’s a good chance that your crawl space is experiencing moisture problems. Originally, crawl spaces were designed to separate your living space from soil moisture.
Unfortunately, the old thinking about crawl spaces and their open vents that would allow moisture to escape out was incorrect. These open vents, dirt floor and porous concrete walls only created extra access for moisture to enter. Crawl spaces became traps for water and moisture – leading to moisture-related problems. These problems can extend from the crawl space to your home. But, with the help of a crawl space vapor barrier and sealed vents, you have a protective shield against invasive moisture.
The question is, what type of vapor barrier should your crawl space be sealed with? In this post, your local crawl space encapsulation experts at ’58 will answer that for you!
There are several types of vapor barriers – which also vary in thickness. These types are generally categorized as Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 vapor barriers.
Class 1 vapor barriers measure at 0.1 perm or less, offering the highest level of moisture resistance.
Class 2 vapor barriers measure at 1.0 perm or less but greater than 0.1 perm, providing moderate resistance.
Class 3 vapor barriers measure at 10 perm or less but greater than 1.0 perm, providing the least moisture blocking.
Perm is a vapor barrier’s measurement of permanence. The lower the perm, the better the vapor barrier is at keeping moisture from getting through.
Class 1 is the best vapor barrier for crawl spaces, as it offers the highest resistance possible. Class 1 vapor barriers are especially recommended in areas with high humidity or frequent rainfall, as they deliver the greatest protection.
Moreover, the vapor barrier must be thick enough to withstand wear and tear. A torn vapor barrier in a crawl space is like not having a vapor barrier at all. So yes, the Class 1 category is usually considered the best!
However, the selection of a vapor barrier class depends on the specific conditions of your crawl space. In this respect, having an expert inspect your crawl space and make recommendations is beneficial.
Safety should always be a priority. When it comes to fire safety, focus on the classification of fire ratings. Look for a vapor barrier with a Class A fire rating. The rating shows that the barrier has undergone testing for flame resistance. This way, you can rest assured that an extra protective layer has been added, in case a fire breaks out.
Some homeowners encapsulate their crawl space with a big-box-store vapor barrier. But often, these vapor barriers are either:
1- Not thick enough and tear easily.
2- Don’t offer the proper perm rating to protect a crawl space from moisture.
Having an experienced local crawl space encapsulation contractor with you means:
1- Your crawl space will be perfectly sealed, keeping that troublesome moisture away.
2- You get vapor barriers that are thick and tough.
Such are the local crawl space encapsulation systems you can get from ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing. With us, your crawl space will be more than just safe and dry, meaning you can turn that extra space into anything you want!
Since 1958, ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing has been offering five-star local crawl space encapsulation services for communities in the eastern U.S., from Knoxville, TN, and Baltimore, MD to Atlanta, GA, and Spartanburg, SC. Our crawl space encapsulation system offers a comprehensive solution:
- Class A Fire-Rated for the highest level of fire safety.
- Availability of the most high-performing combo in vapor barriers i.e., 20-mil thick for the floor and 90-mil thick for the walls.
- Vent fans, specially designed to comply with the vapor barrier code requirement. This translates to proper airflow for a sealed crawl space – creating a healthier indoor environment for your home.
- Along with high-quality vapor barriers, our Energy-Star Rated HumidiGuard crawl space dehumidifier maintains your crawl space’s environment, keeping moisture down to a more optimal level.
With thousands of five-star reviews for our services, it’s easy to see why ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing has been in business for over 65 years! And for your added peace of mind, you get a life-of-the-structure warranty and the industry-unique money-back guarantee!
We have local offices throughout the Eastern Seaboard. Whenever you need help with crawl space encapsulation, you can always count on us!
Call us or fill out this short form to schedule a free inspection and price quote! We use a fixed price sheet for every customer, so you won’t have to worry about any surprises.
It’s a part of the natural cycle of life. When trees fall and the wood dies, it needs a way to return to the earth and become soil once more: it rots away. Unfortunately, the same applies to the wood that we use to build our homes when exposed to the right conditions. Wood rot can come in two forms, wet rot and dry rot. While these two forms of wood rot have different ways of growing and spreading, they both have two things in common: they require moisture and they can compromise the strength of your home’s wooden structures.
Today, let’s take a dive into these two kinds of wood rot, how to identify it, and ultimately, what needs to be done to protect your home and get it fixed!
Wet rot refers to a species of fungus that eats wood, especially wood that is in buildings. The way that wet rot lives and grows is by using the moisture present in the wood and digesting nutrients contained in that wood. After it has consumed enough moisture and nutrients, the wet rot will begin creating and releasing spores into the air, so that those spores can land on other moist wood surfaces to begin the life cycle anew.
There are actually several species of fungus that make up wet rot, but they generally require a moisture content of about 50% for their spores to begin the process of taking root and growing.
Wet rot often happens in sites where a moisture problem has occurred and remains ongoing. Whether this is an external problem like invasive moisture coming through a foundation crack, or an interior one like leaks in your plumbing, wet rot will take advantage of it when that moisture begins soaking into nearby wood structures within your home. Here’s a list of examples of how wet rot can get the moisture it needs in your home:
There are a variety of symptoms that may signal wet rot setting into your home’s wooden structures. Here’s some of the most common signs of wet rot that you may encounter:
Different types of wood rot exhibit different signs and you may need a professional to help you accurately identify it so that the problem can be properly resolved.
There are several species of fungus that make up what’s called wet rot. In the United States, one of the most common species of wet rot fungus is cellar fungus, also known as Coniophora puteana. But these different species of wet rot fungus can be divided into two groups based on their appearance: white rot and brown rot. Let’s take a look at why:
The typical sites where wet rot occurs range from roofs and attics to cellars, crawlspaces, and basements. It can also show up in the wood of your window frames. But there are other parts of your home that wet rot could appear—if you have wooden structures that should become exposed to prolonged moisture elsewhere in the house, such as from a plumbing leak, wet rot will have a chance to appear just as well. In your crawlspace or basement, you’ll want to check the wooden support beams and the floor joists.
One way to test if you have wood rot is to use a screwdriver to test the timber in your home. With the screwdriver, press it against the timber where you suspect wood rot to be. If the screwdriver easily sinks into the wooden structure with little resistance, the wood has been affected by wood rot.
First and foremost, you should try finding out where the source of excess moisture is located. Once you’ve located and resolved the moisture problem, it’s time to find a wet rot treatment for the affected wood. There are also products such as wood preservatives or wood hardeners for wet rot situations but be sure to use a fungicide first to get rid of the wet rot fungus. Consider a fungicide product that uses borate or boric acid.
Should the wet rot be severe enough, however, then the wood may need a fungicide-treated replacement.
You should also consider preventative measures to protect your home from future moisture problems such as waterproofing and foundation repair. This can protect your cellars, crawlspaces, and basements from wet rot and the property damage it can cause.
While most brown rots are categorized as wet rots, there is a variety of brown rot fungi that cause what we know as dry rot. The reason for the term “dry rot” is because of how the fungi like Serpula lacrymans require less moisture than the other white and brown rots. While a wet rot fungus generally require a moisture content of around 50%, a dry rot fungus only requires around 20% to 30% moisture content to begin growth. Dry rot also gets its name from the appearance it gives the affected wood: dried and cracked.
Similar to wet rot, dry rot can be caused by excess moisture caused by some fault in your building’s construction. Here’s a list of common causes for dry rot:
During the early stages, dry rot may be hard to spot as their spores activate and begin to grow hyphae, white strands that penetrate into the wood like roots and begin breaking the lumber down. But when enough of these hyphae grow, eventually they will gather together until they become a visible mass known as mycelium. This is when you will likely first detect the presence of dry rot.
The dry rot mycelium will resemble something like a strange cotton-like substance on the wood. At this stage, it will begin to spread to further infiltrate and break down more wood for nutrition and growth.
Eventually, the dry rot will become a mushroom-like fruiting body that will begin producing new spores to release. This is when dry rot becomes the most obvious.
Throughout the process, the affected wood will likely show symptoms such as:
Dry rot can be found in a number of places in your home. So long as wood is present and enough moisture is available, dry rot can grow in your home’s walls, floors, and supports. For the lower levels in homes, dry rot can be found on floor joists such as those supporting a basement ceiling, and also on support beams like in a crawlspace. Dry rot is also capable of surviving and growing in masonry and plaster so long as enough moisture is present—this is why dry rot can be more troublesome than wet rot.
After dry rot has been detected, you’ll want to first determine the source of moisture that helped it grow in the first place. After addressing the moisture problem or problems, you’ll need to take these steps to free your home of dry rot:
Preventative measures should be taken to ensure that another moisture problem doesn’t occur that can cause dry rot to return. Consider speaking with a professional about waterproofing and foundation repair to prevent excess moisture from entering your home.
As the saying by Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus goes, “Prevention is Better Than Cure”. Having wood rot in your home can compromise the structural integrity of your home and result in costly repairs. As with many other species of fungi, wet rot and dry rot require moisture to activate their spores and grow. By controlling moisture in your home and preventing moisture-related problems, you’ll save yourself money and your home can remain free from wood rot for decades.
Whenever it rains, much of that water comes to rest against the sides of your home’s foundation. Should the hydrostatic pressure be too great, moisture can seep through your foundation, and cracks may even form. Foundation cracks can lead to greater leaks and more moisture invasion. Not only can it cause water damage to your foundation and lower level, but that excess moisture can make its way to the rest of your home and into the wooden structures, resulting in wood rot.
Here are some ways that you can fortify your home against invasive moisture and reduce the risk of wood rot:
Unfortunately, it’s not so easy. There’s no telling whether your home will be struck by wet rot or dry rot. Being prepared is the best you can do for your home. Due to their difference in moisture requirements, it is important to maintain proper moisture levels in your home to ensure that neither has the chance to take root and compromise your wooden structures. Treating your wooden structures with borate fungicide can prevent future wood rot from growing on the timber. As an added benefit, borate-treated wood also helps ward away termites in search of moist wood.
The reality is that fungi, especially wood rot fungi, will always be a factor in the lives of homeowners. They will always be a part of our world as one of the ruling groups of decomposers. Scientists around the world are still trying to better understand the precise ways that white rot and brown rot fungi interact with different types of wood. As concluded by a study on SpringerNature, “Understanding the moisture requirements of decay fungi is key for interpreting wood durability test data, for analyzing the protective mode of action of new wood protection systems and for accurate modeling of degradation processes and the resulting service lifetimes of wood products.”
One day, we may have the improved knowledge to build homes that can better ward off wood rot. Until then, it pays to be proactive in preventing wood rot from taking place at all.
The presence of fungi on our planet extends hundreds of millions of years before the dinosaurs. They will likely be here long after humans are gone. This also goes for wood rot fungi, as the environment provides more than ample means to survive. Wood rot plays a vital part in the circle of life. As explained on Energy.gov, “Lignin accounts for 30 percent of the organic carbon on Earth. Therefore, white-rot fungi—the most efficient lignin-degrading organisms—play a critical role in the movement of carbon from the atmosphere to organisms and vice versa.” But perhaps there is a way to go beyond just fighting wood rot as a potential peril of homeownership. Maybe we can make use of the way these fungi live.
On Phys.org, Energy.gov goes on to describe how brown rot fungi can serve practical purposes for our future, “Understanding the two-step mechanism could lead to new biotechnology approaches. With these approaches, scientists could turn wood cellulose into biofuels or bioproducts—efficiently and cost-effectively.” Wood rot fungi may play a role in our departure from an oil-based economy as science continues to learn more about them.
We are still researching into roles that wood rot fungi may play in our future and how we may better coexist with these fungal species. In the meantime, it doesn’t mean we have to let them wreak havoc in our homes.
Take action against invasive moisture so that wood rot fungi can do their job elsewhere, while you enjoy the safety and comfort of your home! At ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing, we offer foundation repair, crawlspace encapsulation, and basement waterproofing services. We also specialize in mold removal. It is our commitment to help homeowners like you enjoy a home free of moisture-related problems. With over 63 years of experience in the industry, you can rest assured that we’ll find your wood rot problem and have the solutions to make it go away.
Give us a call at (866) 485-6695 and we’ll have a specialist provide you with a basement waterproofing or crawlspace repair estimate and a free inspection!
Sources:
Hungry Fungi: White-Rot Fungi Eat All Components of the Wood They Decompose
Understanding How Brown Rot Fungi Degrade Wood Could Lead to New Tools for More Efficient Biofuel Production
https://phys.org/news/2017-02-brown-fungi-degrade-wood-tools.html
Wood-Water Relationships and Their Role for Wood Susceptibility to Fungal Decay
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00253-020-10479-1
So, you’ve had drainage channels laid down along the perimeter of your basement or your crawl space. Once installed, they should all be ready to begin guiding any surrounding groundwater to a collection point where the sump pump awaits. But what is a sump pump for? There needs to be something to help make sure the water moves away from your home, and not just flow back up into your lower level. That’s where the sump pump comes in. If you’re wondering “what is a sump pump and how does it work?” Read on to learn about a key part of any basement or crawl space waterproofing system.
A sump pump is installed in what’s called a sump pit, where water collects to be then pushed out and away from your house via a discharge pipe. Whether it’s during a heavy rain or when a lot of snow begins to melt, water starts to collect in your sump pit as they run around your lower level’s drainage channels. Once the water reaches a certain level, typically this is when your sump pump will go from stand-by to activation. The water gets pumped into the discharge pipe and from there it is pushed to a distant location away from your foundation and home. The aim is to get the water far enough from your home that it doesn’t return to erode your foundation. Including surrounding soil, and put further work on your sump pump. There are several kinds of sump pumps out there, which activate based on different conditions.
If you’re looking to waterproofing your basement or crawl space against the rainy and snowy weather in your area, investing in a sump pump can provide added protection and benefits that will both help your lower level as well as your wallet…
Depending on where you live, you ultimately may or may not need a sump pump. Some areas have climates with more humidity and moisture than others. Depending on your area’s unique climate, it might or might not be necessary. But getting an expert opinion can help you make a more educated choice. Here are some conditions that might make a sump pump necessary…
For many homeowners, their home is one of the greatest investments of time and money. The condition of their home can have a direct impact on their quality of life. This also includes the condition of the lower level of your home, whether it’s a basement or crawl space. Keep your basement or crawl space dry and free of groundwater to help ensure the longevity of your foundation, your lower level, and the rest of your home. Since 1958, ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing has been providing long-lasting waterproofing solutions for basements and crawl spaces just like yours.
We have local offices all throughout the Eastern Seaboard. Whether you live near Atlanta, GA, Baltimore, MD, or Winston-Salem, NC, there’s a team of ’58 experts ready to help.
Whether you need sump pump maintenance or your waterproofing system needs one of our high-power Workhorse sump pumps, you can always lean on ’58! We also offer our own Workhorse OT battery backup sump pump to keep your waterproofing working in the case of primary pump failure or a power outage. Give us a call today to schedule for a free inspection and to receive a detailed estimate! When we’re on the scene, you can say goodbye to groundwater troubles!
We respect your privacy. By submitting, you authorize '58 Foundations and Waterproofing to reach you via call, email or text for information about your project needs. We will never share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. You can opt out at any time. Message/data rates may apply. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Privacy Policy