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restoration clean up

Worth Waterproof The Basement?

basement remodel

It may not be immediately obvious, especially to new homeowners, but it’s important for your basement to be water resistant, if not outright waterproof. First and foremost you want to prevent flooding inside your home. There is no worse disaster, beyond potentially a fire, than a flooded home. Waterproofing your basement can help prevent that terrible occurrence from becoming a likelihood. You want to protect your home from mold and mildew that can build up and grow in damp and humid environments. Damp basements are perfect homes for mold and mildew and you can expect such problems to only get worse over time. When you’re waterproofing your basement make sure you fully clear it out and clean it out to have a full view of the extent of the problem and project. Divide your basement up into sections and work on them slowly over time if need be. Begin with the walls and work downward to the floors once the walls are all sealed up. If you are applying a product to your basement floor be sure to purchase enough material for the size of space you’re covering. Don’t forget to check for any radon issues ahead of time as well – it’s best to do any radon mitigation first, before doing your waterproofing. There is no doubt that your best bet to ensure the work is done right is to call a professional. A licensed pro will know all the extra considerations to make and will be sure the work is all done according to whatever code might be applicable in your area. There are a few don’ts to keep in mind as well. Where possible, avoid plastic sheeting material. This type of material solution can work in certain circumstances, particularly where your options are limited. However the material can tear and wear down over time, and cracking can eventually allow moisture in and will need replacing. Likewise, avoid tar when selecting materials. Tar will eventually become very brittle and crack, creating pathways for moisture to get through. When backfilling, avoid limestone and use gravel instead – limestone could create a clog in drainage structures and create additional problems that you’re trying to solve. For all of your basement and crawl space clean-up needs, turn to Restoration Certified Specialists. Contact us at 707 570 0555 to talk about your project today.

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How to Prevent Moldy Gutters

moldy gutters

Mold found anywhere in or around your home is not a welcome sight. When it comes to your gutters, the conditions don’t get much better for mold to grow and thrive. Find out what causes mold to grow in your gutters and what you can do to prevent it.

Why Mold Grows in Your Gutters

If you have older gutters, you’ll notice that, many times, they are put together in pieces and sections. They are open to the elements and there is typically always moisture present. All sorts of things land in the gutter from leaves, twigs, seeds, pollen, and dirt. As leaves and other yard debris sits in the gutters and stays wet, it’s all mold needs to settle in and grow. Once mold takes hold in your gutters, it’s possible that it can grow and attach itself not only to your roof and fascia, but to your downspouts, siding, and exterior surfaces of your home. Eventually, this leads to damage and destruction of your home.

Preventing Mold Growth in Your Gutters

Once yard debris bunches up and blocks the flow of water through the downspouts, there’s nowhere for the water to go. Since there’s no real ventilation to dry up wet debris and gutters, mold takes root and spreads. To prevent all of this, it’s very important to clean and maintain your gutters a couple of times per year in spring and fall.

Clear the Gutters

Remove anything that’s been wet and sitting in the gutters, including rotting yard debris that blocks water flow.

Clean the Gutters

Once the gutters have been cleared, they need to be cleaned. You can clean with a DIY solution by mixing 1 cup of bleach with a teaspoon of dish soap in a quart of water. Using a scrub brush, pour the solution into the gutters and clean thoroughly. Dip the brush into the solution and scrub the outside of the gutters, fascia and any other areas that are black with visible mold. You can also purchase a commercial gutter cleaner that attaches to your hose and can be sprayed directly into the gutters to clean up and kill any existing mold.

Gutter Repairs

Inspect your gutters during spring and fall for leaks, anything growing in the gutters, and any visible branches, bulging or pooling water. Noticeable leaks or cracks need to be repaired immediately because excess water allowed to drip down the exterior or pool in a gutter or downspout encourages mold growth. Active, spreading mold can and will cause expensive and potentially extensive damage to your home.

Conclusion

While clogged gutters cause damage on their own, remember that growing mold left unchecked can cause damage to your gutters, roof, fascia and exterior of your home. For help getting a mold problem under control, call the experts at RCS in Santa Rosa at 707-570-0555. We have the solutions to all of your mold issues.  

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