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basement waterproofing

Basement Waterproofing for the Summer

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This summer will be like none other in our lifetime. 

It will be post-COVID-19/Coronavirus. The quarantine may be over and we may be returning to our routines, with some adjustments, and life moves on. 

While life may have its challenges, there are some things that never change, pandemic or not. Your home foundation needs to be checked. This summer may bring some heavy rains, as we often have in the DMV/Maryland/Virginia/District area. *** 

So, let’s turn our attention to your home foundation. Basement waterproofing must be done to protect your home. As we have said before, water problems most often can be corrected from the exterior NOT the interior. Many times we see basement waterproofing contractors install interior sump pump drainage systems. That will not waterproof your basement. It only manages the amount of water. It will not stop it. 

If you hire a licensed and experienced basement waterproofing contractor, they will do the waterproofing from the outside. 

Here is what should be done: 

  1. Inspect the home exterior for water sources such as negative drainage and missing downspouts.
  2. Check to see if basement sump pumps are being used. (These only manage water. They do not waterproof on the foundation.)
  3. Exterior drainage improvements are done in conjunction with the interior to minimize pump cycles.
  4. Clean all gutter downpours. 
  5. Proper grading of dirt around the foundation 
  6. Add downspout extension pipes
  7. Large trees with roots close to the foundation will cause leaks as they push in the wall slightly

Much of the damage to your foundation walls cannot be seen. It is behind drywall or paneling that needs to be corrected. Water from rain and melting snow enter the ground around your foundation and can create structural damage and health issues. The re-grading around the outside of your home may need to be done, installing an interior drainage system, or doing a full excavation of your home’s foundation. 

Call our home foundation waterproofing team at M Taylor Enterprise (301) 649-3406 or email matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We serve the counties of Prince George and Silver Spring, MD area. 

*** For more information on the DMV Weather for 2020, click here.

basement flooding, Foundation Repair

Call Your Basement Waterproofing Contractor!

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Summer storms and the importance of proper yard grading and window wells

Your home is like the human body in that one part depends on another. If one organ or body part is working incorrectly, then it will affect other body parts.

If there is improper grading on your home, it will affect the basement and foundation as there will be leaks and other structural issues.

Now, with summer storms coming in Maryland and the likelihood of flooding occurring to homes with basements, it is essential to make sure your yard is properly graded and window wells are installed correctly.

Your home should have been placed on the highest slope in your yard. This means, of course, that the water should run down and away from your home. Thus, no water will collect around the foundation.

Since your home was built, the soil may have settled creating an area with improper grading around your home. This grading issue needs to be addressed so there is no pooling or flooding in your basement.

Additionally, the basement window wells can become victims of oversight. The wells collect leaves, dirt, and other debris which will clog them and deter them from draining water.

So, when the summer rains hit, it collects in the clogged basement window wells, water runs down the foundation walls. They cannot hold the water back and begin to flood into the basement. This leaves deep stains in the walls and puddles on the floor.

To avoid flood damage to your home and property, you need to contact a licensed basement waterproofing contractor to do proper grading on your yard. Once they have analyzed the flooding issue, they will do the following:

  1. Replace the window wells. With new taller models and covers
  2. Grading will also have to be done to the yard to send water away from the foundation.
  3. Grading should then be sloped away from the foundation walls at  5% slope minimum out up to 10% if possible. A clay-based soil works best for this.
  4. A French drain or swale may then be installed for the water to flow into and away from the home.

Your basement waterproofing contractor can do this work quickly and efficiently to protect your home and property. Summer is here, don’t delay!

M Taylor Enterprise has experienced basement waterproof contractors on staff. Contact us at (301) 649-3406 or email matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We serve Silver Spring, MD and the counties of Montgomery, Howard and Prince George, MD.

concrete repair

Red Flags: When Your Home Masonry Needs Repair

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If you have owned a home for any period of time, you know it needs care and maintenance. Whether it’s a masonry home built in 1925 or 2015, it will need repairs to its structure and foundation, sooner or later. You can count on it.

So, it’s good to have your eyes peeled and even inspect your masonry home and foundation on a monthly basis to see if there are problems. It doesn’t need a trained home masonry contractor eyes, either.

masonry repairs M Taylor Enterprise

In fact, there are several red flags you can see for yourself that may indicate that your home needs masonry repair:

    1. Mortar missing: Brick walls usually need to be re-pointed or repaired every fifteen years. Joints need to be filled with mortar.
    1. Masonry cracks: These would be cracks in the brickwork and masonry and these are serious. Even a small, thin crack can cause damage.
    1. Water infiltration: Water enters the home through cracks in the foundation and walls. Persistent exposure to water weakens the concrete and eats away at the mortar between bricks and concrete blocks.
    1. Interior problems: In a previous blog, we have detailed the many interior structural problems that occur from foundation issues: windows and doors that don’t close, water stains on walls and musty smells.  
    1. Problematic mortar joints: Mortar joints are the spaces between the concrete and the stone. After several years, those joints begin settling thus causing slanted or cracked mortar joints.  
    1. Chimney breaks and cracks: Chimneys that are deteriorating are a fire hazard. And, that deterioration can be seen. A rusted damper, cracks in chimney, blue tile bits piling up at the bottom, flaking brick or mortar breaking down.  
  1. Shoddy workmanship: If the home masonry contractors used inferior building materials, those can also cause cracks and breaks in the foundation and walls. In time, the foundation has uneven settling causing masonry damage. Vermin, rodents and in insects will then eat through the concrete and mortar unleashing serious damage.   

If you see any of the above issues, you need to consult a licensed home masonry structural or basement waterproofing contractor. The contractor will find matching bricks or mortar to replace the damaged sections of your home.

M Taylor Enterprise has licensed, experienced home masonry contractors who can do a consultation and then do the needed repairs, efficiently and help you improve the quality and appearance of your home in the Montgomery County, MD, Silver Spring , MD or Washington, D.C. area. Call us at (301) 649-3406 or email us at matt@mtaylorenterprise.com.   

basement flooding, Foundation Repair

Basement Waterproofing: How to Protect Your Basement from Water Damage

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Rain has hit us hard on the East Coast.

Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC. have been hit particularly hard. Ellicott City, Maryland had rolling rivers flowing through the downtown area. There has been tragic loss of life and property.

Water and flooding causes thousands of dollars in damage. The good news, however, is this: some water damage can be prevented. It just takes educated effort and a little expense.

If you have a basement, you need to be especially aware of the need to protect it and your home. According to Homeadvisor.com, the average cost to repair and clean up basement water damage in the DMV area is $1,925 and can be as high as $25,000. That’s a lot of hard-earned money going down the drain, so to speak.

So, it’s important to protect your basement from water damage. Here are several ways to waterproof it and prevent flooding:

  1. Downspout Drainage System: Redirect all downpsouts away from your home. You can add an extension to the downspout that will stop water from cascading into your basement. It is recommended that you install a full drainage system sending water underground and away from your basement.
  2. Exterior grading,  the number one overlooked maintenance  item. Proper regrading to ensure that rain water runs away  from the foundation is critical. Regrading is the single most important  item to keep your basement dry next to gutter and downspout maintenance. Often  proper grading with a clay base soil can eliminate the need for an interior drainage system. Don’t overlook window wells either, they need to be a proper height and fit.
  3. Install or maintain your sump pump: All basements should have a sump pump! A pedestal or submersible sump pump removes water that accumulates in the basement. It’s installed in the lowest part of a basement or crawlspace. From there, it keeps the area dry and prevents basement flooding. Water flows into the sump pit by way of drains or by water migration in the soil. Sump pump’s pump the water out of the pit and away from the building thus keeping the basement and crawlspace dry. You should have one installed or clean and maintain the one you have.
  4. Clean the gutters: This one seems so elementary. How is it that it’s constantly forgotten? Anyway, if you want to keep water from flowing into your basement, have your gutters cleaned of leaves, branches and other debris. Full gutters are often the cause of major water damage to basements and roofs. Water spillage drains into basements and foundations causing major damage and expense. Do seasonal gutter cleanings especially if you have trees around your home.
  5. Contractor Inspection: Have a licensed contractor inspect your home for obvious water sources. They may recommend the above or may recommend waterproofing out side of your home.

The rains are here and snow may be coming later so make sure you take these steps to protect your basement, your home and your safety. You will not regret it.

If your home is experiencing floods or foundation problems, contact M Taylor Enterprise for a consultation. Our service areas for basement waterproofing include Montgomery County, Howard County and Prince George’s County, Maryland. Call us at (301) 649-3406 or matt@matttaylorenterprise.com.