With Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products’ LandScapes no-maintenance basement window wells, you can take lower level living to the next level! LandScapes are state of the art window wells that brighten basements and increase curb appeal. LandScapes are made from proprietary materials, meaning they won’t rust or dent like metal window wells, and they even install easily with the included drain kit.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is an internationally recognized green building certification system. LEED was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in March 2000. LEED provides building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations, and maintenance LEED uses a suite of rating systems to promote sustainable building and development practices. These systems implement strategies for better environmental and health performance, all overseen by a committee of industry professionals and scientists.

Mar-Flex offers several products to contribute to a positive LEED rating. Products like Shockwave and GeoMat Plus are made of 100% recycled materials, contributing majorly to any LEED certification.

“If you are installing hardwood flooring over concrete, you will need a floor vapor barrier between the concrete and the wood. Indeed, you will likely find this is part of the warranty coverage for this flooring. If you install the hardwood directly on the concrete, you will find that moisture from the soil will evaporate through the concrete and penetrate the wood, causing warping or mold. It pays, then, to follow the proper instructions and invest in a floor vapor barrier. Vapor retarded paint, usually white, costs $20 to $40 per gallon. One gallon will give you nearly two coats of protection. If you use 8 millimeter plastic sheeting, which can cost from 25-cents to $2.50 per square foot, basing the cost on a 12 by 12-foot room, the cost will range between $36 and $215.”

article courtesy of doityourself.com

 Heavy rains are hitting the Miami Valley all day! With the onset of winter the ground has hardened up and is not able to absorb all the moisture. If you find that your basement is flooded, and you are not sure what to do, call the experts at DryPatrol today! DryPatrol are the experts at water damage removal, and work with your insurance company to give you the best rates possible.

Wet basements are the source of foul odors, damage to your foundation, and even possible health risks to occupants of a structure. This is because mold and mildew thrive in wet basements and cause many other problems. You may not actually see the mold, because sometimes it grows under carpeting or insulation. Water seeping into your basement can come from many different sources, including leaking irrigation, sprinkler pipes, and flooding due to heavy rain or snow. It also comes from plumbing fixtures or cracks in your foundation. Once you find the source of the leak, remove it quickly as possible. Attending to your wet basement quickly will limit the opportunity for mold and bacteria to grow. After removing the water, scrub the entire area with soap and water. Then, wash down the area with a commercial disinfectant or with bleach diluted with water. Dispose of any affected materials, including carpeting, wood, or other material you cannot dry out and thoroughly clean. To prevent any future issues, take the time to seal any cracks, holes, or openings you find. For small cracks use epoxy, and for larger issues use cement. You can add an extra layer of protection by applying waterproofing paint to your walls. If the mold becomes too much for you to handle, or you can’t seem to find it all, Mar-flex recommends DryPatrol, the experts at mold remediation.

Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products knows concrete sealers are an essential part of any concrete finish. Sealers are an important tool that is used as a protective barrier to keep water from seeping through into your basement. Sealers also protect against the elements, whether it be in milder climates or in harsh areas where there are many freeze/thaw cycles throughout the year. When water penetrates the surface and freezes, it expands and breaks apart the concrete. This results in scaling and spalling. Sealers create a barrier that is impermeable to water, harmful chemicals, and even prevents staining, from oil slicks, rust, or even green and black mold. With a proper sealer applied, none of these problems can penetrate the surface, which keeps the concrete looking clean. Mar-flex’s concrete sealing products add years to any concrete job, with the guarantee of quality, durability, and performance. Check out Mar-flex’s sealant products today!

Many homeowners have the problem of a wet basement at one point or another. The main cause of this is water infiltration coming from the ground on the outside into the concrete or even through solid foundations. There are several options on the market, as far as concrete sealants go, but you must solve your water problem first. Its completely useless to paint the inside of your basement with sealer if there is water seeping in from the outside. Assure your gutters and downspouts are free of debris, check the slope of your landscaping, and lay gravel around the base of your home. Once the water has been stopped from leaking in, make sure you choose a basement sealer that is sodium silicate-based. These type of sealants keep humidity from permeating through the concrete. It will also prevent mold and mildew. This sealer is easily applied with a roller or brush on concrete walls and even floors. Make sure any areas where the paint will be applied, are free of any chemical residues, such as glues or paint. If the problem becomes too much to handle, call a water remediation service, such as DryPatrol.

Fusion UV is a 100% virgin polymer waterproofing membrane. Fusion is easily applied to any poured foundation wall, and sprays on easily to form a flexible, seamless seal that resists freeze/thaw cycles. Fusion is unique in that its available in UV resistant gray. Also, Fusion is backed by Mar-flex’s incredible warranty system. Check out Fusion today!

When your basement floods, whether its through a burst pipe, sump pump issue, or weather related, its a big problem. One of the first things to get ruined through basement flooding is basement carpet. Carpet that has become wet must be dried within 48 hours, because mold grows quickly on carpets, leaving it unsalvageable. The first step to fixing this problem is to examine your basement carefully for mold or mildew, and the source of the leak. Next, move your furniture to a dry side of the room to allow you to pull up the carpet to dry. If you find items that were damaged, you must get rid of them. If you absolutely need to salvage a possession, do your best to clean it or have it cleaned professionally. If mold or mildew has begun to grow on any item, it must be discarded. Next, get rid of all the water by either soaking it up with sponges or rags, or using a vacuum to pull the water from your floor. The next step is to pull up the carpet and carpet padding that is wet. Move the wet carpet to a well ventilated area, or put it outside. Prop up your carpet so its in tent-form, this is so dryer air will reach both top and bottom layers and dry the carpet more thoroughly. Once the carpet and padding have dried, lay them on the floor. Once the carpets are laid in place again, clean them with a carpet cleaning machine. If small odors remain after all these steps, sprinkle baking soda on areas where the odor is not as strong. Let the soda sit for some time, then vacuum it up. If these issues become too much to deal with, Mar-flex recommends calling DryPatrol, the carpet-cleaning experts.

When you find that your basement has become saturated with water, its important to immediately dry it out and fix the issues. Before you can do this properly, you will need to figure out which tools to use to effectively dry out your basement. When there are deep puddles of standing water, you’ll need a pump. These can be rented from a tool rental store, or bought from a DIY store. If the water isn’t deep, you can use a wet-dry vacuum to take care of the issue. For even smaller amounts, you can use a mop and squeegee. If your basement is damp, without standing water, open the basement windows and use a fan to dry it out. The water usually damages items in the basement even if its not immediately apparent. If your basement is carpeted, you will have to remove all carpeting and underlays and throw them away. If there is drywall or paneling in the basement, remove that as well. Its a major magnet for mold and mildew problems. Don’t try to save any of it as this will lead to a moldy, mildewed basement. Take out every piece of furniture and clothing until the basement is empty. Even with the water removed, the basement will still be damp. You’ll need to run a dehumidifier to ensure its completely dry. When the basement has been dried for a week, inspect carefully for any sign of mold or mildew. Finally, you must find the leak that caused your basement to flood in the first place. This could be many things, from cracks in the foundation wall, to burst pipes and leaking washing machines. Its important to find the cause of your leak and fix it as soon as possible. If you are having trouble with any of this, Mar-flex recommends contacting DryPatrol, the water damage experts.