Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products is introducing a brand new approach to waterproofing. Our new “systems” approach makes it simpler than ever to choose the right waterproofing products for any job. The new ShockWave brochures are being printed and will be shipped out to distributors and retailers nationwide. Stay tuned for a digital copy of our newest brochure and keep your eyes open in your local DIY stores for copies as well. Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products continues on with its reputation for quality, durable, and innovative products at price points our competition can’t beat, all accomplished by a family firm through American-Made manufacturing processes.

There are many great things you can do with a finished basement. Many people turn their basements into game rooms, so that noise from the lower level does not effect the upper level and quieter environments. Homeowners often turn their basements into home offices. This allows for the professional space to be separate from the living spaces. Some homeowners even turn their basements into guest rooms and apartments for relatives. Once your basement is fully waterproofed and you have finished the basement, their are many great things that can be done with the space.

Mold is most common in basement ceilings. This is because mold is more liable to form in cold, damp areas that lack ventilation and sunlight. There are steps you can take to prevent this mold from forming.
Maintaining dryness in your basement is paramount to keeping mold from forming. Also, the source of the moisture must be identified, if there is moisture found.

If you have basement windows, opening them can help prevent mold by increasing air circulation. If you don’t have any windows in your basement, or windows that don’t open, then the use of an air conditioner or dehumidifier can help dry your basement out. The most common cause of mold on basement ceilings is areas where water is often used in the house above, for instance under the bathroom or kitchen. If you experience leaks from water pipes or appliances, check the basement ceiling often for mold. If possible you should also check/replace any insulation materials between the floor and the basement ceiling. Installing exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens cuts down on moisture that remains in those rooms.

Using humidity monitors can also help, these can be found at most DIY stores. You should keep the humidity level below 60 percent to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

Maintaining gutters and downspouts is also an extremely important task, as standing water around the basement can leak into the area through hydrostatic pressure and cause mold and mildew to form. Also, insulating any pipes in your basement can reduce condensation and help to prevent mold growth.

Finding condensation on your basement walls is common. Its still extremely important to figure out whether this is from condensation or a leak in your basement wall. There is a simple procedure that any homeowner can do that helps with this process. First, wipe away the condensation from the wall, so that an area is completely dry. Then, duct tape a piece of foil onto the dry area, making sure that the foil hasn’t torn and that every side is completely covered in tape. Leave the tin foil untouched for at least 24 hours then go back and examine it. If the tin foil is wet on the inside, then the leak is coming from the wall, if it is wet on the outside, then it is just condensation. If the leak is in the wall, immediate steps need to be taken before costly repairs are needed. There are simple steps to fixing cracks in basement walls, as outlined in previous twip of the day’s. Mar-flex recommends DryPatrol if professional help is needed to fix the problems.

Upon discovering that your basement is saturated with water, or even just damp, there are a few steps that any DIY friendly homeowner can take to rectify the situation. The first step that needs to be taken is to measure how deep the water is. Deep water requires a pump to remove, this can be bought or rented at a DIY store. Puddles of water can be dried with a wet-dry vac, or a shop-vac. Tiny amounts of water can be removed with a mop and a squeegee, while dampness can be removed by opening basement windows and setting up fans.

If there are objects damaged by water, such as flooring in the basement, this needs to be removed. Removing and carpet and underlays, as well as drywall and wood paneling guarantees safety from mold and mildew. Make sure to remove any clothing or furniture, to be washed and reupholstered if necessary.

Drying out your basement can be accomplished by running a dehumidifier for several days to a week to ensure complete dryness. After this is complete, your basement should be inspected for mold and mildew saturation. Any affected items should be replaced.

Lastly, finding the source of the leaking water is imperative. Check for burst pipes or leaking appliances such as washing machines. Also, check for cracks in the foundation/basement wall. If you are unsure where the leak is coming from be sure to employ a professional.
Mar-flex recommends DryPatrol for any basement water cleanup job, as they are the most cost-effective in the region, and work with your insurance agent to save you money, and help you to pay a very low deductible. DryPatrol also offers excellent service and an expeditious response time.

There are several easy steps, as a homeowner, that can be taken to reduce the risk of water penetration into your structure. The first thing most homeowners forget is that waterproof coatings on exterior walls fade over time. An inspection of this membrane to see if it needs replaced is imperative as time goes on after installation. This waterproofing membrane minimizes the entry of water into a structure, so functionality is paramount.

Gutters and downspouts need to be checked often to make sure they are directing water away from basements. Gutters become cluttered with debris such as leaves and sticks and need to be cleaned often to ensure effectiveness.

Correcting ground sloping around basement walls is also vital to reducing the risk of water penetration. The ground slope should be at least 10 degrees and at a distance of five feet away from exterior walls to provide optimum protection.

Cracking occurs naturally as a home settles into its foundation. Some cracking is inevitable, but for large cracks, corrective action needs to be taken to reduce the risk of water penetration. There are many crack repair solutions that are simple enough for any homeowner to use.

That damp basement smell is unpleasant and should be prevented, as it is unbearable once it happens and curing it is more difficult. Using air bricks in your home allows fresh air to circulate through the basement, before trying this solution make sure to visit your local hardware store or DIY center and make sure your home can support these bricks. Also, painting on a dampproofing course can significantly decrease the risk of this damp basement smell, again visit your local hardware store to get advice on which to choose. Keeping your basement heated to at least sixty degrees fahrenheit can also greatly reduce the risk of that musty damp basement smell. Make sure to do this all year round.

Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products egress window well solutions are some of the most popular in the industry. Many do-it-yourselfers recommend our products and recognize Mar-flex’s dedication to quality, durability, and reliability. You can see our products recommended on web forums all across the net, as evidenced by this post from doityourself.com.

Mar-flex announced on Thursday evening that they have entered into a partnership with Southwestern Ohio Ryan Homes to begin offering their products to perspective home buyers throughout the region. The deal was closed early Thursday afternoon and will feature Mar-flex Waterproofing & Building products on all of their homes in the district. A special thanks to Tom Kurtz of Wall Masters and Mar-flex’s Randy Cornett for bringing the deal to the table. Look for our new GEO-MAT 100% Green drainage board advertisement in model homes offered by Ryan Homes and be sure to ask for it by name when making your final decision on the foundation of your new home.

If you notice cracks in the concrete of your basement floor, this problem should be taken care of as fast as possible. Luckily, there are several DIY solutions to this common problem. The best way to repair any cracks in your basement floor is to use Concrete Floor Filler. This product is not actually concrete, but a very similar substance that bonds to concrete and seals cracks, its also widely available in home improvement stores. Concrete filler makes sure the cracks won’t expand and protects against further cracking by adhering to the existing concrete. This product can be easily applied with a spade/trowel or if the crack is small enough, a caulk gun. If you notice water seeping up through these cracks, the problem is serious and may require professional help. Mar-flex recommends DryPatrol for these problems.