Sump pumps come in various sizes, and in most cases this isn’t the primary determining factor when you need a replacement. Sump pumps are designed to keep water off the basement floor and away from your foundation walls, where it could cause mold and mildew propagation, and foundation deterioration. Regional waterfall amounts and frequency determines how many gallons per hour you’ll need your pump to be able to push. The standard 1/3 horse power pump or a 110 volt pump will work for most spaces. There are even 1/4 and 1/2 horse power models, and size doesn’t determine power. Even small pumps can be adequate, pushing 3,000 gallons per hour. This should be enough for any basement.

As a structure settles, cracks form in the foundation and basement walls. These cracks can allow moisture to seep through and into your below grade environment. Damp basements allow for further structural degradation as well as the propagation of mold and mildew spores, which are harmful to your health. A few simple steps can help alleviate this problem. Any homeowner should always ensure that any landscaping is sloped away from your home, causing the water to drain away from your structure, not toward it. Also, always clean your gutters thoroughly, as proper drainage helps to stop moisture from seeping into your basement. Make sure to insulate any water pipes in your basement, and even use a dehumidifier if there is need for one.

Concrete expands and contracts with moisture and temperature changes. Construction professionals refer to this as volume changes. Volume changes are known to produce cracks in hardened concrete unless they are properly controlled. Mar-flex manufactures a previsionary measure against these volume changes in the form of concrete control joints. Concrete control joints are installed at predetermined locations, preventing the concentration of crack producing forces. Mar-flex’s Control Joint System is designed to ensure optimum protection, with a watertight outside control joint which is created when filled with Mar-flex Waterstop Elastomeric Sealant and protected by Mar-flex Fiberglass Fabric Reinforcement.

Subsurface water can be a huge problem for any basement if not planned for ahead of time. There are several ways subsurface water can build up around your home, here are a few.

-If the ground is sloped toward your home, instead of away, all of the natural subsurface water will run towards your home.

-If you don’t have gutters, you need them. Gutters move water away from the home that would otherwise fall into the base of your home.

-Downspouts are also a common problem, if not maintained correctly. Downspouts can empty too close to the home and cause subsurface water to build up.

Waterproofing systems are vital on any structure. Water from the surrounding environment will seep into your basement and cause cracks, which lead to structural damage and costly repairs. Mar-flex waterproofing systems protect against this. Mar-flex membranes seal your foundation wall, because the specially formulated spray coating is designed to be highly impermeable to any water penetration.

Mar-flex 5000 is Mar-flex’s most popular membrane, with years in research and development this elastomeric membrane does what the others can’t. It sprays on easily, and produces a viscous, flexible, seamless seal that resists freeze/thaw cycles. Mar-flex also offers an industry leading warranty with each purchase of a waterproofing membrane.

Basement drywall is extremely vulnerable to mold, if you allow water to seep into your basement. In most cases, it isn’t possible to remove the mold from drywall in your basement, and the only solution is removing the drywall itself. In order to stop this from happening, you must control the moisture and humidity levels of your basement. Avoiding storing paper or food in areas with high humidity can go far to helping with this problem. Also, assure you don’t leave clothes in the washing machine after a wash, and don’t store potted plants in your basement.

If you’re experiencing high levels a dehumidifier may be just the protection you need. The downside is dehumidifiers use a great deal of power, so if you’ve have electrical problems with appliances in the past, this may be more trouble than its worth.

Recurring mold in your basement is a symptom of a much larger issue, such as problems with your plumbing, leaky pipes, and you should check thoroughly for these issues. Mysteriously high water bills, or water noises are a good indicator you’re leaking water. You should also lookout for discolored, damp, cracked, or otherwise water damage walls, floors and ceilings.

If you find issues you can’t handle on your own, Mar-flex recommends DryPatrol. DryPatrol is run by mold remediation technicians and environmental scientists who not only cleanup your mold issues expeditiously, but do it thoroughly and correctly.

Many companies offer window well solutions that are effective and affordable, but Mar-flex is the only manufacturer that offers both of these, plus so much more. Our egress window wells allow more natural light and fresh air into your basement, as well as allowing for a quick and safe exit in the event of a fire or other terrible emergency. Mar-flex window wells are made from high density plastics, meaning they won’t rust or dent like metal window wells. They have longer lifespans than metal wells, and come with stone textures to give each well a decorative finish. Try Mar-flex window wells today and see what has the entire industry talking!

Basement moisture can be a serious problem for any structure. Assuring a moisture free basement is imperative, and you’ll only be able to do this if you are able to identify the causes.

If the ground near your foundation slopes toward the structure, your structure is suffering from inadequate grading. This leads to the moisture collecting in the basement as it can’t go anywhere else. This problem is easily fixed by sloping the ground away from the foundation, which assures all the water is directed elsewhere and not into your basement.

Another problem area for basement leakage is your gutters and downspout. If you don’t have gutters installed on your home, this is a serious issue. Also, you must assure that your gutters are clear of debris and kept clean so that they work effectively.

If you have window wells in your basement, and they are poorly designed or installed with improper craftsmanship, it will lead to basement leakage problems. Window wells are designed to take water off the foundation. If you need better window wells, Mar-flex offers the best in the industry!

As a home settles, cracks will appear in the concrete walls of your foundation. These allow water to leak through and into your basement. When you find these cracks, you must quickly repair them with concrete injection, or the problem will become much worse and end up costing you a small fortune through a private contractor.

If you can’t fix your basement leakage, or can’t find the source, Mar-flex recommends DryPatrol. DryPatrol is run by a team of environmental scientists and certified, skilled technicians who fix your water damage problems in a way no other company can. They actually repair saturated wood, as well as assure dryness in every facet of your basement.

Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products is partnering with DryPatrol to bring you the best solution to your water damage issues. If you find that a water heater has busted, pipes have burst, your walls are leaking water, or your basement is flooded after all the heavy rain of the past 24 hours, DryPatrol handles all these issues. DryPatrol is run by climate scientists, as well as skilled and certified service technicians who employ techniques that are unique to DryPatrol, and the only 100% effective way to remediate water damage. DryPatrol does what other water damage companies can’t, they actually remove water from your walls through a proprietary process that guarantees zero headaches and results. Call DryPatrol today for an estimate, they can be out to your structure within just a half hour after calling.

You may have woke up this morning to find your basement flooded after four inches of rain that fell on the Miami Valley in a few short hours last night. If your basement is flooded, the problem needs to be fixed as soon as possible. This is because water degrades the structural integrity of your foundation wall, and causes the propagation of dangerous mold and mildew. You can use a high powered vacuum to suck up excess water, and fans to dry your basement if the problem isn’t too bad. For problems that can’t be handled by the homeowner, Mar-flex recommends DryPatrol. Visit their Facebook page, call, or email today to make an appointment.