Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products makes it easier than ever for building professionals to find out about our products. All of our specification information is uploaded directly to our website, thanks to our reputable friends at ARCAT. Also, you can download the brand new Mar-flex SpecMaster Android Application, for Android Mobile phones. This app has all the spec information, installation instructions, and product information you need – whenever you need it – right at your fingertips. You can email us at [email protected] with any questions, and you can call us anytime at our toll-free number (800) 498-1411. Finally, whenever you log onto the Mar-flex website, Monday through Friday 9 AM to 5 PM EST you can chat live with one of our customer care representatives. These representatives are cross-trained to provide any answer you might need, and they are dedicated to serving you!

Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products is the reputable leader in innovation for the entire waterproofing industry. Contractors know that, by choosing Mar-flex, they are improving their bottom line with the best waterproofing products nationwide. Mar-flex waterproofing systems transform ordinary basements into livable spaces – ideal for home offices, playrooms, media rooms, exercise areas, and much more! With Mar-flex you can breathe easy when you purchase products, because Mar-flex is dedicated to quality and versatility. Years ago, Mar-flex set the standard with superior water-based and solvent-based waterproofing membranes, an extensive Green product assortment, and a wide rand of drainage and insulation boards to complete the job. We even offer the necessary egress window wells, perimeter drainage products, telescopic vents, and concrete control joints. Mar-flex makes it easier than ever to buy and install our products, including technical specifications, hands-on local training, 24/7 job site support, equipment installation, LEED certifications, and much much more. You can find Mar-flex products through our online product catalog, by emailing us at [email protected], calling us at (800) 498-1411, through our Android application, or by chatting with our customer service representative over the new website chat interface!

Sump pumps are important tools in the fight against water damage. Although these pumps are simple to maintain, many homeowners don’t know what size pump they need. Everyone has different needs, for instance, some might live in an area that is particularly dry, or in homes where the foundation is below the water table. Sump pumps aren’t chosen based on the size of your home, but chosen based on the amount of moisture it will have to deal with. Size isn’t the determining factor when choosing a pump, look for the amount of horsepower the motor has. The strength of the motor, not the size of it, determines how powerful the pump is, and should be what you look for.

The power of a sump pump’s motor is measured in horsepower, and are usually sold in increments out of 1, such as 1/2 horsepower, or 1/3 horsepower. 1/3 Horsepower pumps are standard, meaning if your home had a pump installed before you bought it, its most likely this pump.

A 1/2 horsepower sump pump is capable of removing at least 3,000 gallons of water per hour. Its one of the most powerful motors and widely available. Although you can find pumps that are even stronger, there is rarely a need, especially for the average homeowner. If you still have drainage problems when using a pump this powerful, then the pump pit is most likely to blame, and not the pump.

The final common type of sump pump is the 1/4 horsepower sump pump. This will be a great deal weaker than a 1/2 horsepower pump, and just a bit weaker than the 1/3 pump. Although problems with a pump being too strong are rare, a 1/4 horsepower pump is perfect for homeowners on a budget who don’t think a larger pump is necessary.

How much horsepower you’ll need is based on several factors, for instance, how much of your drainage system is connected to the pump? How deep is the groundwater near your home? How deep is your basement? If the foundation of your home is below the water table, you’ll require a much stronger pump than the homeowner whose foundation is above the water table. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to call Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products, or another local technician for advice.

For customers seeking a simple and functional egress window solution, Mar-flex created the ModularWells Modular Window Well. This well fits 32″ to 48″ wide slider or casement windows. The built in steps and ladder offer a safe and easy exit from the basement in the event of an emergency. These window wells are designed to be lightweight and modular, allowing you to increase the overall well height by adding additional modules in increments of 14″. All Mar-flex window wells are made from polyethylene material and these modular wells feature UV inhibitors and are designed to withstand weather conditions like freezing and thawing. Check out what has building professionals nationwide talking!

Sump pumps are functional tools in the fight against water damage, but they aren’t very attractive. Depending on where they are placed, they can actually be a huge eye sore. For instance, if your pump is in a central location or in a  main path of traffic, you will want to consider moving it to a more ideal location. This will involve moving both the pump and the pump pit. If you do this, you should call a qualified plumber, rather than try to do it yourself. Moving a sump pump can be very messy and expensive. Another option is to enclose the pump. However, many areas have building codes that restrict a sump pump enclosure. Typically, codes require that enclosures have some type of door so that the units are readily accessible, whether for repair or maintenance. Make sure to consult your local building codes and a professional plumber before making any alterations to your sump pump system.

Basement moisture refers to the dampness that penetrates homes and office buildings. Stopping the penetration of moisture is vital, and you can only do so if you can identify the causes of the issue. For this, we’ve given a few scenarios below and what you can do to fix the problem.

The first issue many homeowners and business owners face is inadequate grading. Inadequate grading refers to the scenario in which the ground near the foundation of a building slopes toward the house. You’ll also experience moisture problems if the ground is the same level as the foundation. This leads to the collection of water in your basement, as it isn’t redirected anywhere else. If your structure is built this way, this explains why you experience moisture issues. This problem is easily reversed by increasing the slope away from the foundation as well as getting rid of the levelness.  This is done by placing soil around the building. This ensures that all water is directed elsewhere and not absorbed into the basement.

You will also suffer basement moisture problems if your building has defective gutters or downspouts. The absence of gutters is a reason why you are having moisture penetration issues, especially during wetter months. The reason why this happens is that rainwater hits the foundation perimeter, and it isn’t protected by gutters or downspouts, and drains right into the basement. To correct this, its advisable to repair or replace defective gutters and ensure downspouts are in place. Adding concrete to your sidewalk, so that is slopes away from the home, will help fight moisture problems.

Poorly designed and installed window wells will lead to basement moisture issues. Many architects cause this problem by constructing window wells in a way that they drain water directly into the basement. The water is left to flow against the wall and into the ground. This eventually leads right into your basement. Window wells are supposed to be designed in a way that they take water off the foundation. This defect can be corrected if you insist on filing the space between the windowsill and the footing. Introducing a drain tile is also highly recommended, as it drains water away from the foundation.

Cracks are common in concrete foundations, and they are also one of the main culprits when it comes to water penetration. Water leaks down through the cracks and into the basement, and this causes moisture problems. Most of these cracks will appear along stiff corners and masonry joints, and even fireplaces. To correct this, proper connections need to be made between the structure and the foundation. Also, concrete control joints should be used.

Concrete expands and contracts with moisture and temperature changes, like most other construction materials. These changes are referred to as “volume changes”, because they produce cracks in hardened concrete due to changes in volume. Every structure should have provisions in place to combat the formation of these cracks. One easy way to control these cracks is to install concrete control joints at predetermined locations. When adequately designed and constructed, control joints eliminate these random surface cracks from forming by gathering, distributing, and dissipating stress forces resulting from changes in temperature and moisture levels. The Mar-flex Concrete Control Joint System is designed to ensure optimum protection for any structure, and this is done through a watertight outside control joint which is created when filled with Mar-flex Elastomeric Sealant and protected by Mar-flex Fiberglass Fabric Reinforcement. Basements require foundation walls that are watertight and waterproofed, and the Mar-flex Control Joint System provides an economical, and easy to use system for eliminating these cracks, which are unavoidable, uncontrollable, unsightly, and will even leak water if not properly planned for ahead of time with our control joints. Browse our selection today!

That nasty damp basement smell is caused by mold and mildew, and you can get rid of it without having to resort to using chemicals. In fact, you can get rid of that damp basement smell with items that are already around your home.

First, clean everything out of your basement, and into the backyard. This can be a tough job, but you can pull up old carpet, and even cardboard, that’s contributing to the smell. Not only that, but now you have blank surfaces to clean.

Vinegar is another useful tool, because its able to get rid of most mold and mildew. Vinegar can be poured on areas with heavy mold buildup and then you should scrub hard and thoroughly to remove most traces of the mold.

Mix lemon juice with water for a strong and sweet cleaning solution. It tackles all kinds of mold, and also cleans unaffected areas, taking out the smell, replacing it with a lemon scent.

Spreading baking soda over an are will soak up some of the smell, but won’t clean the area. Clean up after using baking soda.

Finally, you can finish the job by cleaning with good natural soap and water. This removes the last bits of mold, and takes away the smell completely and permanently.

Take lower level living to the next level with LandScapes. These state of the art window wells brighten up your basement and increase curb appeal. They don’t rust or dent like metal wells, and they install easily with an included drain kit, so you don’t have to worry about water seeping through the window. LandScapes are value priced and unique in design and function. Mar-flex manufactures several window well solutions, so check out our selection today. Don’t forget, you can chat live with a customer service representative just by visiting our website, Monday through Friday, 9AM to 5PM Eastern Standard Time. Also, you can contact us at [email protected], or call us at (800) 498-1411. We also have our full product catalog on the website in convenient e-reader format, so you don’t have to download anything, just visit the page and browse.

Installing a crawl space vapor barrier in your home has many advantages. Not only is it easy to install, but its mainly known to add to the comfort level and reduce the operating costs of your home. The most common problem with a crawl space that isn’t insulated is that moisture levels are high. By installing a vapor barrier, the moisture level can be greatly reduced, which helps prevent mold and foul odors from forming. Since the damp soil is often the floor of the crawl space, moisture arises to the first floor of the house. Insulated crawl space will help keep floors at comfortable temperatures in both the winter and the summer, so its neither too cold or hot during those seasons. Since the high moisture level in the crawl space affects the temperature inside the house, vapor barriers act as sealants by controlling moisture, which makes your home more energy efficient. Finally, crawl space insulation helps prevent pipes from bursting.