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Tag Archives: Basement

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Tackling that Musty Basement Smell

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There’s not many things more unpleasant than musty odors in the basement. No one wants to spend time down there and let’s be honest, it’s embarrassing if guests or service repair technicians happen to venture downstairs.

Here’s how to tackle that musty basement smell.

Where Is It Coming From?

Musty smells always have a source. Here are some places to check:

  • Broken seals or leaks around basement windows or doors
  • A leak from the floor above (doors, windows, leaky pipes under cabinets)
  • Standing groundwater or flooding near the foundation
  • Cracks in basement foundation walls
  • Sewer gas released from a dry floor drain or under sink p-trap
  • Damp furniture, carpeting, or laundry

Take Action

Once you’ve discovered the musty smell source, make the necessary repairs. Repairs may include:

  • Repairing/replacing broken or leaky seals around doors, windows, and foundation
  • Re-grading around home foundation or professional foundation repair
  • Repairing cracks in walls or around exterior vents, exhaust, or pipes
  • Removing/replacing damp or water damaged drywall, wood, or other structural materials
  • Pouring water down a dry floor drain or p-traps if levels are low
  • Cleaning or tossing musty-smelling furniture and carpeting
  • Removing damp or wet towels or other laundry lying around

Humidity Control

One of the biggest issues for musty basements is caused by overly humid conditions.

A dehumidifier does an excellent job of removing excess moisture from the air and keeping humidity levels stable at around 50%.

To help circulate stale air, use a couple of fans at high speed to get the air moving.

Freshening Up

The best musty odor killers are probably products you already have in your home.

Boxes of baking soda or open bowls of white vinegar help absorb musty odors effectively.

And speaking of white vinegar, a cleaning solution of 50% water and vinegar in a spray bottle can be used to clean floors, scrub surfaces, and remove small areas of any visible mold.

If musty-smelling carpeting or furniture can be saved, renting a steam cleaner will help remove those deep, musty odors and leave behind a pleasant scent.

Conclusion

While these tips should help tackle that musty basement smell in about a week or so, remember the more serious concern is that a musty smell is an indicator of active mold.

If the musty smell refuses to leave or you want the basement checked for hidden mold, don’t hesitate to call in the mold removal and restoration specialists at RCS in Santa Rosa.

basement remodel

Worth Waterproof The Basement?

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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.

sump pump basement

When Sump Pumps Fail

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You may not realize how much you depend on your sump pump to protect you from a flooding basement or crawlspace. That is until it fails.

When a sump pump fails, it not only doesn’t stop water from flooding your basement, it can also make the situation even worse.

Find out what causes your sump pump to fail and what you can do to prevent it.

Causes for a Sump Pump to Fail

A few common reasons for a sump pump to fail include:

  • Power outages
  • A malfunction of mechanical parts
  • Age of the unit; an older model may simply give out due to its use over the years
  • Improper installation puts extra strain on the unit or not pump at optimum levels
  • Inexpensive units not designed to handle your needs

Sump Pump Failures Explained

You will realize pretty quickly when your sump pump fails but may not understand why it happened. Here are some common reasons:

Power Outage

When the power goes out and you don’t have a battery backup, it can spell disaster because you have no protection from basement flooding.

Other causes for loss of power is if the sump pump is accidentally unplugged or the circuit breaker is tripped.

Clogged Sump Pump or Discharge Lines

Many people install sump pumps without a lid, which creates a high risk for clogging. If your sump pump is installed without a lid, dust, dirt and other debris can get inside and cause it to clog.

A dirty sump pump can experience mechanical failure including the switches which can get stuck in either the on or off position or stop working when you need it most. Having a sump pump lid also protects children, pets and excess water from flowing back into your space.

Another cause for sump pump failure is due to dirt, debris or even rodents to get into and clog the discharge lines. Discharge lines are an important part of the system as they carry the water out and discharge it far from your home, protecting its very foundation.

Improper Installation

If the sump pump seems to be working but there’s no water in the pit, it’s a sure sign of improper installation. A sump pump is installed incorrectly if it’s not connected to the drainage system or there is no drainage system in place.

In order to work effectively, excess water flows to the sump pump where it then drains into the pit. If you don’t have a drainage system, such as drain tile, the sump pump can’t successfully drain water into the pit.

Make sure you have a clear – not clogged – drain tile system and that it’s pitched correctly for the sump pump to work at maximum efficiency.

Under Functioning

Your sump pump may perform well during lighter periods of rain, but during heavier rains, it might just not have what it takes to power through and keep up with all the excess water.

An inadequate pump can easily burn out or stop working during a critical time of removing excess water and preventing a flood.

Running Non-Stop

If the sump pump is running non-stop, it will burn out sooner than later. If your unit is running non-stop, call in a professional to diagnosis the problem. Under normal circumstances, your sump pump should not be running continuously.

The technician will check for problems such as defective or broken parts, clogged switches or adequate size and function.

Free Yourself from Sump Pump Failure

When it comes to basement flooding, prevention is the best course of action. When water is backing up in your basement is not the time to realize your sump pump isn’t reliable, designed to handle your needs or experiencing mechanical failure.

Consider these options before a minor issue takes a disastrous turn:

  • Make sure you invest in a reliable, high quality sump pump. Check with experts in water removal to assess and make recommendations in terms of which sump pump to buy. You may also consider a battery back-up model or more than one sump pump.
  • Install a drainage (drain tile) system.
  • Inspect and clean your sump pump regularly.

Conclusion

Your sump pump plays a critical role in home protection.  When it fails, you have to deal with flooding and water removal, water damage and all the dangers and issues that go hand-in-hand with a water back-up or flood.

When your basement floods, call in the water removal and mold remediation professionals at RCS in Santa Rosa. We can quickly remove the water, repair any damage and restore your home back to its safe, dry condition.

unfinished basement

Solving the Mystery of Recurring Moisture Issues in Basements and Crawl Spaces

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When it seems like every time it rains or gets humid outside, the lower level and crawl space in your home is damp, full of moisture and maybe even standing water.

Identifying the source of moisture and why it continues to be a recurring problem in these same areas is the first step to eliminating the problem for good.

Basements and Crawl Spaces = High Risk Areas

After or even during a rainstorm, you probably head straight to the basement to check for water. Despite taking preventative measures, you continue to combat moisture issues.

The common denominator for these moisture problems is water. The goal is to solve the mystery of how it’s getting inside your home.

If water enters the basement and/or crawl space and has no way to escape or dry out, moisture and dampness is going to continue to be your issue.

Unresolved moisture issues ultimately lead to bigger issues such as mold, odor, structural damage and pest infestations.

Breaking Down Potential Water Sources in High Risk Areas

Basements

If your gutters are failing, water slides down the sides of your home, pools around your foundation and gets inside. Make sure your gutters are clean, in good working order and downspouts direct water well away from the foundation of your home.

If you notice cracks in the basement walls, it’s another place where water is able to get inside. If there is carpet or cardboard boxes on the floor, the water will soak right in, remain wet and become moldy and musty.

Leaky pipes and faucets in the basement are another source for moisture and standing water problems.

Old basement windows may very well have broken or cracked seals allowing water to enter the home.

Crawl Spaces

Many of the same moisture issues that affect the basement also affect crawl spaces.
Excess moisture or water in crawl spaces may result from standing groundwater, failing gutters, faulty grading around the foundation, leaking pipes or leaky windows.

The bigger problem with crawl spaces is that you don’t check those spaces often, which gives water a chance to stand and pool without ever drying out.

Too much water in a crawl space causes damage to any insulation or mechanicals stored there. Standing water in a crawl space is a breeding ground for all kinds of insects or rodents, in addition to making conditions perfect for mold.

Call a Professional

When you’ve checked all the areas, repaired what you could see yet continue to experience water issues, call a professional to check the basement and crawl space areas. Keep in mind that dampness and moisture problems lead to bigger problems for you and your home down the road.

A professional service can find the source of the water, thoroughly dry affected areas and seal/drain the crawl spaces to prevent further problems and damage.

In Santa Rosa and surrounding Sonoma County areas, call RCS for expert moisture prevention recommendations, services and a free estimate.

basement drying

How to Keep Your Basement Dry

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Homeowners can’t always avoid disaster, but there are things they can do to take preventative measures to some extent. Whether it be taking steps to keep the attic clean and free of hazards in order to prevent a fire, encapsulating a crawl space to avoid toxic mold build-up as well as deter critters, or by having a professional come out to inspect all major appliances along with wiring to prevent any damage that might incur if a pipe bursts or a wire begins to spark…homeowners have a responsibility to do these things.

If you are a homeowner with a basement, steps can also be taken in order to keep it nice and dry to avoid a mold or mildew infestation along with pesky wood rot that is more likely when things are continuously damp. If you have a basement that is completely finished, there is even more at risk by having a moisture problem. Not only do you have the wood to be concerned with, but also carpeting, furniture, and drywall.

What do the experts have to say about keeping a basement dry?

Here are some professional tips from Lowes:

  • Keep your gutters clean. Install downspout extensions to direct rainwater away from the foundation.
  • Be sure that water coming down the driveway is diverted. The grade should slope away from the house on all sides.
  • If you have a partial basement that has an adjoining crawlspace with exposed dirt, cover the ground using 6-mil-thick polyethylene sheeting. Overlap the plastic about 6 inches, allowing the excess to spread up the walls, and use bricks to hold it in place. An earthen crawlspace can cause high humidity in the basement and produce a strong musty smell.
  • To control mildew and odors, spray the basement occasionally with a mild bleach solution.
  • Vent the clothes dryer to the outside.
  • Another way to prevent condensation and humidity in a basement is to install an exhaust fan.
  • By sealing your concrete floors, you can create a moisture barrier that helps prevent damage to your belongings.
  • Install a dehumidifier and connect it to the floor drain via a garden hose. Check the drain regularly to make sure it remains unclogged. Use hot water and detergent periodically to keep the drain open and control algae growth.
  • Install a sump pump with a battery-operated backup in case the electricity goes out. You’ll need a connection to a drainage system. This project will probably require the help of a professional.

Sitting back and waiting for a monetary or health dilemma to happen due to mold and structural/belonging damage is not advised. If you own a home with a basement, taking action now will save you from misery later on if disaster strikes.

Has your basement recently suffered from water damage or an infestation of mold due to excess moisture? Do you need help from a restoration specialist? Don’t worry—Restoration Certified Specialists, Inc. will take care of you! They have been proudly serving the Santa Rosa, CA and North Bay areas since 1975.

Basement Maintenance and Repairs You Probably Need

Basement Maintenance and Repairs You Probably Need

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The old saying, “out of sight out of mind” is unfortunately true for many homeowners when it comes to their basement. If your basement is unfinished or just not a comfortable place to be, you probably don’t go down there very often. As a result, there may be issues cropping up down there that you aren’t aware of. The best way to prevent expensive problems in your basement is to do some regular maintenance. Here are some basement maintenance and repair tips that will help you manage potential issues.

Basement Maintenance and Repairs You Probably Need

Check for signs of foundation cracks

Foundations crack when the soil under your home settles due to water or freezing and then thawing. You may not know when the foundation is cracking since you can’t see it, but you can look for signs. If you notice cracks in the walls of your basement, then you need to get your foundation checked. The walls crack because the base is now uneven.

If doors that used to close now get jammed then that is another sign of foundation issues. Windows that don’t align enough to shut or lock anymore is another sign. However, if you have trouble shutting your doors and windows it may be due to increased or decreased humidity making the wood in your home swell or shrink. Check your basement regularly so you can know the trends when the season changes. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, get your foundation checked.

Eliminate dampness

A musty odor, visible condensation or increased humidity in your basement is a sign that you have too much moisture down there. Moisture in your basement leads to mold and rotting wood which can be really expensive to fix if you let it get out of hand. Install a dehumidifier to pull extra moisture out of the air. If you think you have moisture coming up from the ground, you may need to install a sump pump. Consider adding a vapor barrier to prevent future moisture problems.

Look for leaks

You may not realize if you have a plumbing leak, but, thanks to gravity, all water will flow down to the basement. Check your basement walls for flaking or peeling paint. This is a sign of a leak behind the walls. If you notice any discolored spots on the ceiling or walls of your basement, this is also a possible sign of leaks. You definitely want to find the source of leaks quickly so that your floors and walls do not rot.

If you think you may have issues with your basement, contact our office today. We help to clean up and repair damage due to mold. If you find that you had an unnoticed plumbing leak that has damaged your home, we can also help you with that as well. The best way to protect your home is to do regular maintenance and take preventative measures.