Twip of the Day – Helpful Basement Products

Moisture prevention is essential in any basement environment, because of the harmful effects of mold, mildew, and water damage to any structure. There are a few products which can help keep below-grade environments moisture-free.

Sumps Pumps are useful in home where the local water table is above the foundation, causing regular basement flooding. There are two types of sump pumps, pedestal pumps are located above ground for easy access, and submersible pumps are located below ground and usually sealed off. Sump pumps operate by pumping excess water collected in below-grade environments to a location outside the structure.

Drainage tiles such as french drains are common waterproofing solutions in many below-grade environments. Traditional french drains aren’t effective, using PVC pipe to channel out water from the structure. Mar-flex offers more effective drainage tile solutions relying on modern technology to guarantee reliability.

Its also integral when keeping your basement free of moisture that you fix, fill, and repair all cracks and holes in the foundation walls. These are the most common sources of water penetration, and there are many cost-effective solutions to fix these problems before they require extensive and costly repairs.

Concrete Crack Repairs

As a structure settles, inevitable cracks occur in the foundation walls. These cracks are referred to as “random shrinkage cracks”. If these issues are not repaired, serious structural problems can escalate, which will require costly and time-consuming repairs. Crack injection is the most widely accepted method of repairing these problems, because it is cost-effective, reliable, and permanent. Mar-flex offers products for these issues, including a simple DIY crack repair kit for consumers as well as the professional ProKit Crack Repair Solution. Check out our effective emulsions, and discover why Mar-flex is one of the most preferred names in the industry for crack repair.

Twip of the Day – Controlling Mold

Damp, dark basements are susceptible to the dangers of mold growth. Mold is a fungus, which prefers damp, humid environments and once it saturates a basement, is particularly difficult to remove. Mold causes health problems in pets and occupants including asthma, allergies, cough, infections, and even congestion. Using a basement dehumidifier can help control humidity in below-grade living environments, which is essential to protecting against mold growth.

Another tip is to keep basements free of clutter and well lit. Make sure that objects don’t block the free-flow and circulation of air around a basement. Also, quickly clean up any spills or basement leaks, as standing water directly contributes to mold growth. On temperate days, open the basement windows and/or the door to assure the flow of fresh air.

Control Joints

Control joints are needed in a foundation to counter “Random shrinkage cracks”, which are inevitable cracks that happen in foundation walls over the life of a structure. These are due to the “settling” of a structure and are generally unavoidable. Mar-flex has developed a Control Joint System to counter this issue by creating vertical control-joints on both sides of the foundation walls. To ensure more comprehensive protection, we also offer a watertight, outside control-joint that further reinforces the foundation wall. Mar-flex’s Control Joint System is an economical and easy to use product that helps protect against random shrinkage cracks which can degrade structures and allow moisture to seep through foundation walls and into basements.

Twip of the Day – Why Basements Leak

The most common source of basement moisture is the joint where the floor and wall meet. This is the case 90% of the time. Basements rarely leak water up through the floor. Basements leak because surface water forms a pocket around the foundation, causing hydrostatic pressure. This water is forced through the joint and into your basement, causing moisture leakage.

LandScapes Window Wells

Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products presents the LandScapes No Maintenance Window Wells. These window wells are built for ease of use and durability. Installation is made simple, with an included drain kit and a built-in floor for maintenance-free construction. LandScapes won’t rust or dent like metal, adding more value than standard window wells. They brighten basements, and increase curb appeal. When you need an effective and reliable window well solution choose one of the highest rated products in the industry, Mar-flex’s LandScapes No Maintenance Window Wells.

National Sales Meeting

Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products held an extremely successful national sales meeting this morning, June 13th. In the meeting, new marketing strategies and sales methods were introduced as well as many new tools to help our salesmen inform our clients about all the good products we offer and many that we are unveiling.

Mar-flex is turning its focus on sustainable development and innovation and aims to be the top competitor in the industry, in both of these fields. Check back soon for our new marketing approach as well as the unveiling of exciting new products, features, programs, and taking the required steps necessary to bring our unique and foreword-thinking products to customers all over the nation and even the World.

Geo-Mat – A Generation of Innovation

Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products presents one of the most innovative products in the industry today, the Geo-Mat™ drainage roll. Geo-Mat™ is manufactured from high density polyethylene, offering strong resistance to hydrostatic pressure and excellent drainage. The roll also features dimples that are aligned along the vertical and horizontal axis which allow the rapid channeling of water from the grade to a footer drainage system. Geo-Mat™ is designed for versatility, working as a dampproofing drainage roll, and the Geo-Mat™ Plus as a protection and drainage roll. Geo-Mat™ is the only 100% Green drainage roll in the industry, made from 100% post-consumer recycled content. This means this product also helps qualify for LEED® building credits. The Geo-Clip accessory makes installation simple and quick.

Twip of the Day – Filling in the Gaps

If you notice water seeping in where the wall meets the floor in your basement, hydraulic cement may be the answer you’re looking for. Use a chisel, before applying the cement, to open up cracks in a “V” pattern. Then all you must do is mix the cement, wet the area, and force the cement into the area. Excess cement can be removed with a trowel and a wire brush.

SurfiSeal – Amazing Protection

SurfiSeal is a brick or masonry sealant that is an emulsion of siloxane. This product comes ready to use, and penetrates into concrete to provide long-term protection, lasting many times longer than conventional coatings. The invisible film that forms will “bead” loose water and provide protection against de-icing salts and chloride ions. For added safety SurfiSeal will not change traction or skid resistance of a surface. Mar-Flex Waterproofing and Building Products continues to create new solutions to improve the science of waterproofing and bring the customer the utmost in modern technology and quality.