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home foundation repair

Home Foundation Repair and Home Value: How Fixing Your Foundation Can Boost Property Resale

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The foundation is the backbone of your home, providing stability and support to the entire structure. When issues arise with the home foundation, it can have a significant impact on the safety and integrity of your home which will affect its resale value. 

However, there are ways you can invest in your home foundation repair that can boost your property’s resale value: 

  1. Foundation of Property Value. Before getting into home foundation repair issues on resale value, understand the foundational role that a strong and stable foundation plays in the real estate market. Potential buyers, inspectors, and appraisers pay close attention to the structural integrity of a home. A compromised foundation raises red flags and may turn away prospective buyers.
  2. Common Foundation Issues and Effects. Several issues such as settling, cracks, or water damage. These problems can manifest in many ways, including uneven floors, doors that don’t close properly, or cracks in the walls. These issues affect the safety and livability of the home, but they also impact its perceived value in the real estate market.
  3. Boosting Curb Appeal and First Impressions. The exterior appearance of a home is a major factor in attracting buyers. Home foundation repair issues can lead to visible damage, such as cracks in the exterior walls or an uneven foundation. Investing in foundation repair, you enhance your home’s curb appeal and make a positive first impression.
  4. Increasing the Lifespan of Your Home. Prospective buyers are concerned about the long-term durability and maintenance requirements of a property. Addressing foundation issues demonstrates that you have taken proactive steps to maintain and care for your home. This assurance increases buyer confidence, as they are more likely to view the property as a sound investment with fewer unexpected maintenance costs.
  5. Enhancing the Selling Points of Your Home. A stable foundation allows for a more seamless and appealing presentation of your home’s selling points. For example, a home with a secure foundation is more likely to feature open floor plans, large windows or expansive outdoor spaces without the distraction of structural issues. 
  6. Navigating the Appraisal Process. During the home appraisal process, appraisers consider various factors, including the condition of the home’s foundation. Foundation issues can lower the home’s appraised value, affecting the amount that potential buyers can secure through financing. 
  7. Building Trust with Buyers. Buyers will feel confident in their decision when purchasing a home with a solid foundation. Documentation of recent home foundation repairs and warranties can reassure buyers that the issues have been addressed by professionals. This transparency builds trust and may make buyers more willing to pay a premium for a home with a reliable foundation.
  8. Adding Value to Your Neighborhood. The condition of your home’s foundation contributes to the overall value of your neighborhood. Homes with well-maintained foundations create a positive perception of the community, attracting buyers who are willing to invest in a neighborhood known for its well-kept properties.
  9. Choosing the Right Foundation Repair Solutions. When considering home foundation repair, work with experienced professionals to assess the specific issues affecting your home and recommend appropriate solutions. You may need underpinning, drainage improvements or crack repairs. The correct repairs can address current issues. It may also prevent future problems, adding long-term value to your investment.

Investing in home foundation repair is a strategic decision that can enhance its resale value. You can make your home more attractive to potential buyers and contribute to the overall value and desirability of your neighborhood. Don’t wait until foundation problems become a major concern; take proactive steps to secure your home’s foundation and maximize its resale potential.

M Taylor Enterprise can inspect your home foundation to see if you have any home structural issues. Call our home foundation and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or email matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations, and then do any needed repairs quickly and efficiently. 

We serve Montgomery County, MD, parts of Prince George’s, MD, and Howard County, MD.

 

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Is It Safe to Live in a Home with Structural Repair Issues?

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Our home is not just a shelter. Our home is a place where we feel safe, secure, and protected. 

But what happens when your home has structural repair issues? Is it safe to still live there? It depends on the severity of the issues and their potential risks. Some home structural issues may be cosmetic or minor, while others can compromise the stability and safety of the entire structure. It’s crucial to accurately assess the severity of the problem before making any decisions.

Here are home structural repair issues and their safety considerations: 

  1. Foundation issues: Cracks in the foundation, uneven settling, or shifting can affect the entire framework of the house. If you suspect foundation problems, it’s essential to consult with a structural engineer to determine the extent of the damage and the necessary repairs.
  2. Wall and roof leaks: Leaks in the walls or roof can weaken the structure and lead to mold growth, which can affect indoor air quality and pose health risks. 
  3. Wall or ceiling cracks: Small cracks in walls or ceilings might be due to normal settling, but large or rapidly growing cracks can indicate more serious issues. 
  4. Termite or pest damage: Pests like termites can cause significant damage to the wood structure of a home. If left untreated, this damage can weaken the integrity of the building. Regular pest inspections and prompt treatment are crucial.
  5. Aging and deterioration: Older homes may show signs of wear and tear due to aging. A thorough inspection can help determine if the home’s structural integrity is compromised.
  6. Electrical and plumbing issues: Faulty electrical or plumbing systems can lead to safety hazards and potential damage to the structure. If not repaired, it may lead to fires, flooding, and related structural problems.

Living in a home with structural issues can pose various safety concerns:

  1. Health Risks: Water leaks and mold growth, can impact indoor air quality and pose health risks to residents, particularly those with allergies or respiratory conditions. ***
  2. Collapse Risk: It can lead to partial or complete collapse of the building. This poses an imminent threat to the safety of occupants.
  3. Resale Value: Structural problems can reduce the resale value of a property. If you’re planning to sell your home, these issues must be resolved. 
  4. Maintenance Costs: Structural issues can lead to further damage and higher repair costs over time. Prompt repairs can save you money in the long run.

If you suspect your home has structural issues, it’s important to consult with professionals:

  1. Structural Engineer: A licensed structural engineer can assess the severity of the issues and recommend appropriate repairs and provide an unbiased evaluation of the situation.
  2. Home Foundation Repair Contractor: A contractor specializing in foundation, roofing, plumbing, etc., can provide estimates and execute the necessary repairs.

If you’re waiting on structural repairs, there are precautions you can take to minimize risks:

  1. Limit Use: Don’t place heavy loads on areas that show signs of structural problems. This can help prevent further damage.
  2. Monitor Changes: Watch cracks, shifts, or other changes in the structure. Document any developments. 
  3. Address Safety Hazards: If there are immediate safety hazards, like exposed wiring or shaky support beams, take steps to mitigate these risks.

Some issues may only require minor repairs, while others can compromise the safety of occupants. Promptly addressing structural issues through professional assessments and repairs will help maintain a safe and secure living environment.

M Taylor Enterprise has an expert home structural repair team that can inspect your home to see if you have any home structural issues. Call our home foundation and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or email matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations, then do any needed repairs quickly and efficiently. 

We serve Montgomery County, MD, parts of Prince George’s, MD, and Howard County, MD.

*** For more information on the health risks of mold, visit the CDC website.   

Foundation Repair, home contractor, home foundation repair

What You Should Look for in a Home Foundation Repair Contractor

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You just recently inspected your home foundation repair. It is desperately in need of repair. You look up local home foundation repair contractors in your area. Now, you have found a list of possible contractors you can hire. Now, what do you do? 

There are several essential criteria you should look for in a home foundation repair contractor. So, before you hire one, consider these points: 

  1. Understand the basics of home foundation repair: This will assure you that you locate a quality contractor. If you don’t understand the basics of your home’s foundation and potential issues, you may fall for the charlatans (and I know them well) and you won’t be able to accurately assess whether the contractor can solve your home foundation issues. Research how a strong foundation works and how they are repaired. Find out why foundations crumble and learn whether it is water damage, age, or terrain. Find out why your home foundation is cracking or settling. Once you find out this important information, you can find a credible contractor to do the work. 
  2. Find out if they have the proper licenses. Make sure that your home foundation contractor has the correct licenses to do the repairs. An unlicensed home foundation contractor can cause even more damage! Their mistakes and negligence could cost you much more money and add stress. In Maryland, the home foundation contractor must have an MHIC. The Maryland Home Improvement Commission licenses and regulates home improvement contractors. According to the commission, “Home improvement work includes alteration, remodeling, repair or replacement of a building or part of a building used as a residence.” *** Never hire a home foundation contractor who doesn’t have an MHIC license that is current and in good standing.
  3. Liability and Workman’s Comp Insurance. Confirm that your home foundation contractor has general liability insurance to cover any injuries that may occur to the workers and you. If they do not have liability coverage, then you could be responsible for damages. (Although, this is not a given as most homeowners policies will not cover contractors working on a home.) Your home foundation contractor should also carry a workman’s compensation. It is required in Maryland. Before you hire them, have them show you all the insurance documents. They should have them readily available in their portfolio.
  4. Establish a budget. Even if they are reliable home foundation contractors, they may not be affordable. So, set up a budget and let the contractor know that this is the money you can spend. Understand the average cost of a foundation repair to get started. It may cost on average $6,000, but prices vary in the DMV area. If you understand the damage to your home foundation, you can set up a reasonable budget. You can also find lenders for that amount.
  5. Get references. Your prospective home foundation contractor should have pages of references. There should also be references on their social media channels. If they have no references, stay away. 
  6. Schedule an inspection with the home foundation repair contractor that you have chosen. The home foundation contractor should analyze the issue, recommend an action, quote the cost of the repair, and give you a timeline. 

Finding a home foundation repair contractor, especially if this is the first time you’ve had to do it, can be intimidating. If you follow the above steps, you should be able to find the best and most qualified contractor who will do the job correctly.

M Taylor Enterprise can inspect your home foundation to see if you have any issues. Call our home foundation repair and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations then do any needed repairs quickly and efficiently. 

We serve Montgomery County, MD, parts of Prince George’s, MD, and Howard County, MD.

*** For more information on the MHIC, visit the State of Maryland Department of Labor website.  

home structural repair

Important Things You Need to Know About Home Structural Repair

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Your home’s structure keeps it together and standing. It is that simple. Unfortunately, so many customers I have worked for over many years have told me that they don’t plan for home structural repairs. Eventually, the worst happens, and the repairs become even more costly.

So, when we talk about home structural repair, what do we mean exactly? These repairs would include basic structural repairs such as the home foundation, frame, beams, and other types of repairs. You need to get these repaired if your home begins to move, sink, or large cracks are seen. These may need to be repairs made on older homes that don’t meet safety and code standards. While home structural repairs don’t have a huge cosmetic impact on the property, so it doesn’t add to the value of the property. However, if these repairs are not made, it will be difficult to sell the home as home inspectors will cite this in their reports. 

So, you may need a home structural repair for any number of reasons if your home is several decades old. A licensed, qualified home structural engineer can inspect the structure to find out if any repairs are needed. 

Home structural repairs require skilled repair teams as you are working with the most important parts of a home. An experienced and professional home structural engineer can make sure that it is secure and safe. 

Additionally, if you do suspect a structural issue, we recommend that you contact a home structural repair company as soon as possible. Delays mean that the home will deteriorate further and could be unsafe for occupancy. 

M Taylor Enterprise can inspect your home foundation to see if you have any home structural issues. Call our home foundation and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations then do any needed repairs done quickly and efficiently. 

We serve Montgomery County, MD, parts of Prince George’s, MD, and Howard County, MD.

crawl space repair, home foundation repair

Should I Care About My Crawl Space This Summer?

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Summer is here and it is going to be a scorcher in Central Maryland this year. ***

And, of course, as a home foundation repair contractor, I’m thinking about your crawl space. The summer can bring damp conditions which means mold growth. This could be harmful to both your home and your health.

So, before the summer gets hotter, you may want to get your crawl space inspected as there are three things to consider. 

  1. Dirt and moisture cause wood rot which is a hotbed for mold growth and threatens the health and safety of your family. High humidity also causes porous concrete to absorb moisture from the air.
  2. Moisture also damages the insulation in the crawl space and will stop the crawl space from being warm, particularly if it’s fiberglass. Fiberglass soaks up moisture as the insulation material soaks water and becomes weighed down. Soon, it will sag and fall off. 
  3.  Warm air rises and enters the crawl space during the summer months. Once the air moves, a vacuum begins, and air moves to replace it. About half of this air gets into your home. So, if your crawl space air is musty and has mold spores, dust mites, or pollutants, your indoor environment will be adversely affected. Many people experience allergies, coughing, asthma, and itchy eyes.
  4. Moisture damages the insulation in the crawl space. It may not be warm then. The fiberglass becomes heavy as it is soaked with water. It sags and eventually falls off. 
  5. When the crawl space is damp, the wood becomes wet, it rots, bends, and breaks. Thus, the entire support structure fails.
  6. The Central Maryland summer humidity also causes moisture levels to rise. The crawl space becomes a hotbed for condensation as warm and hot air collides with the cool air. Water droplets form on the crawl space floor and walls. Thus, the humidity levels increase to scorching hot levels. 

In spite of all the problems your crawl space could have, there are some basic solutions you and your crawl space repair contractor can do to mitigate it. They can install sealing vents and/or insulating it may keep your home living conditions comfortable. You can also keep your south-facing windows closed. Additionally, close your curtains and/or blinds. A dehumidifier cleans and filters the air, too. 

If you are having issues with your home comfort, you may need crawl space repair. Contact M. Taylor Enterprise for an inspection. We will analyze it and make recommendations. Our experienced crawl space repair team can make the necessary repairs. Call (301) 649-3406 or at matt@mtaylorenterprise.com for a free consultation. 

We serve the Montgomery County, Maryland area.

*** You can find out more about summer weather at the State of Maryland website. 

 

 

home foundation repair

How Helical Pier Technology Can Be Environmentally Friendly

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As we have covered in a previous blog, helical piers are galvanized steel shafts with helical plates. Helical piers are used, mainly, to strengthen damaged or weakened home foundations. They are vertically installed by a home foundation repair contractor. Installation is done fairly quickly, usually within a few hours.

What is not generally known is that helical piers are good for the environment. Here are a few reasons:

  1. Home foundation repair contractors use hydraulics to screw the piers into place, instead of digging deep into the ground around the foundation.
  2. Quick installation also means that there is little need, if any, to dampen the construction vibration.
  3. Soil does not have to be broken to install them.
  4. They are made of galvanized steel, so they do not rust.
  5. They can be removed easily, without any harm to the environment.
  6. No heavy machinery is needed for installation. So there is no fleet of trucks using fuel or expelling exhaust.
  7. Screw piles can be installed, and left in place for many years. Then they are removed and reused at another site. So, there is little impact on the original location. 
  8. They are very easy to transport and install. So, they save money for architects, contractors, structural engineers, and builders. Les people are visiting the site. 
  9. There is less of a mess and project cleanup. So, there is less refuse going to public dumps that will sit there for many years.
  10.  No maintenance or upkeep is required. So, fewer visits to the home to check on it means less fuel used. 
  11.  Helical piers are also reusable, recyclable, and transferable. 

As you can see, not only are helical piers efficient, durable, and cost-effective, they are good for the environment. If you think your home foundation is in need of repair, call a repair contractor to do an inspection and analysis. As we have said, it is better to get it repaired now than later, at a higher cost. 

If you being kind to the environment is important to you, helical piers accomplish that goal!  

When getting your home foundation repaired, make sure you get a home foundation repair contractor who can do it accurately. When helical piers are properly installed, handheld equipment is used. This allows the customer to see the amount of resistance and torque that is being used. It also shows when to stop the digging. 

M Taylor Enterprise installs both helical piers and helical tiebacks. Call our experienced engineers for a consultation. We will analyze your home foundation issue and efficiently repair it. Call (301) 649-3406 or email us at matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We serve the Prince George’s, Howard, and Montgomery County, MD area.

home foundation repair

Cracking, Pooling and Sinking: The Common Signs That You Need Home Foundation Repair

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It’s summertime and the heat and humidity in Central Maryland is stifling. It can cause dry skin and even crack it if not taken care of immediately. 

Unfortunately, it’s not only our skin that can have cracks in it. Our home foundation can have cracks, lines, and other deterioration that are not always spotted. We may not even think about it.

In fact, there are several common signs or red flags that you need concrete foundation repair. Those signs may include:

  1. Aging: foundation shows wear and tear over the years. That wear and tear are often evidenced by, cracks, settlement, bowing, unevenness, and pooling water. . Uneven or unbalanced appearance: One obvious sign that you will notice is that your walls will be uneven. Extremes of wet/dry weather can do this to your foundation. They may seem to be unbalanced. Even worse, the walls may be breaking and crumbling, which can cause injuries and property damage. 
  2. Cracks appearing in the foundation: As we have discussed in past blogs when you see cracks in your home foundation, that is probably due to the soil expanding due to extremes in weather (heat and cold). Steady rain, dry conditions, and ice buildup cause home foundations to contract and expand. Cracks will be evident in floors and walls.
  3. Water pooling: After steady rain, check the foundation areas of your home. If you see pooling in those areas, then there are problems with the home foundation. This happens due to water not draining away from the foundation. Even if the concrete had a waterproof coating, that coating may have worn off or was inadequate to start with. The foundation needs to be repaired and recoated.
  4. Wallpaper falling off the walls: Your wallpaper may have creases, tears, and water stains in it.
  5. Doors and windows not closing correctly or at all: As we have also discussed, your doors and windows are no longer aligned with the doorways or window frames. Thus, they are sticking when you try to open or close them.
  6. Sinking floors: A scary sign of foundation cracking is floors that are sinking.
  7. Floors that slope: Floors that slope more than an inch every 15-20 feet. 
If you have noticed any or all of these signs in your home, you are experiencing serious home foundation issues that need to be addressed immediately. Every day that it is not addressed, it will be even more costly to repair and you or your family members could be injured as a result. So, consult a home foundation repair contractor as soon as possible.

M Taylor Enterprise home foundation repair contractors can consult in Prince George, Montgomery County, and Howard County, MD. If you have seen any of these cracks in your home foundation, call our home foundation and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations then do any needed repairs done quickly and efficiently. 

Foundation Repair

What Makes Helical Piers the Best Solution for Your Home Foundation?

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We hear from a lot of home foundation repair customers who have experienced ice, snow, and now, heat, in Central Maryland. Their foundations have settled and this weather has done damage to it. 

Taking care of your home’s structural integrity is important. It is your largest property investment. 

Helical Piers, also known as screw piles or anchors, are vertical metal rods inserted in the ground then attached to your house’s slab. They add strength and stability to your home foundation.

There are several benefits to having helical piers installed in your home:

  1. Easy to install: Using a hydraulic torque, helical piers are easily installed in just a few hours. 
  2. Versatile: Helical piers are installed vertically but can be installed horizontally, too. They are convenient as they can be installed in spaces that are limited. 
  3. Immediate results: Once helical piers have been installed, they can begin bearing weight. If you have a home under construction, you can begin framing right away. 
  4. New or existing homes can use them: As mentioned above if you have a home under construction you can install helical piers as you are building. Or, if you have an older home it can be installed. The age or type of home doesn’t matter!
  5.  Save money: Concrete installation is quite expensive. A contractor has to mix the concrete, dig out the ground, lay the concrete, and then clean up the debris. However, when a home foundation contractor installs a helical pier, it takes only a few hours, and it’s set up and bearing the weight!
  6. Environmentally-friendly: The advantages even stretch to being environmentally friendly! There is no soil removal or extensive landscaping. It is quiet and there are very few vibrations. Helical piers can even be recycled. 

Keep your house and investment safe! So, whether you are buying a home or improving the one you own now, helical piers are the smart, economical, and efficient way to improve your home’s foundation.  

M Taylor Enterprise installs both helical piers and helical tiebacks.  Call our experienced engineers for a consultation. We will analyze your home foundation issue and efficiently repair it. Call (301) 649-3406 or email us at matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We serve the Prince George’s, Howard, and Montgomery County, MD area.

 

Foundation Repair

Home Foundation Repair: Types of Foundation Cracks

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Not all cracks in your foundation are alike.

In fact, the break in the fabric of your home foundation may indicate the type and severity of the problem. It deserves investigation.

Here are the types of cracks in the home foundation: 

  1. Stair foundation cracks: If you have a brick foundation, you may see a diagonal crack (45-degree angle) that resembles stairs. This occurs when the brick is pulled apart by the foundation. If you have a brick façade, you may see the same type of split as the façade is attached to the splitting foundation.
  2. Vertical foundation cracks: These are the ones we see most often in the DMV area. It is a crack that is gradually widening. It may even resemble a spider web with many little vertical cracks. This is a sign that your home foundation is slowly crumbling. This may mean that the soil under your home is shifting. It may also indicate that the section of the home is being pushed up and away from the foundation. This movement creates a breach and can be quite serious. 
  3. Horizontal foundation cracks: When the soil shifts under the home foundation, a horizontal crack may appear. It may also be that there are several different types of soil under the home. Once one part of the soil shifts, it then causes the shifting movement in the other soils. This stress reverberates through the foundation shearing the foundation horizontally. One horizontal crack may mean that the soil is tearing the bottom part of the foundation from the upper part of the foundation. If there are several horizontal foundation cracks, this may indicate that soil is pushing in following the expansion. 

If you have seen any of these cracks on your home foundation, they cannot be ignored. As we have discussed in past blogs, you will see all the telltale signs, and the longer you wait, the more expensive and extensive the repairs will be to your home foundation.  

M Taylor Enterprise home foundation repair contractors can do a consultation in Prince George and Silver Spring, MD area. If you have seen any of these cracks in your home foundation, call our home foundation and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations then do any needed repairs done quickly and efficiently. 

basement waterproofing

Four Ways to Tell if Your Drainage Systems Were Damaged After a Heavy Rain

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Maryland has been hit with several major rainstorms this summer. Besides scaring us to death and knocking out the power, these storms have also caused millions of dollars in water damage. 

Additionally, Hurricane Isaias brought trees down, road closures, and flooding. *** Water has damaged thousands of homes in Maryland and on the East Coast. 

Your home may be experiencing the effects of the storms and hurricane, too. Here are four ways to tell if your drainage systems were damaged:

  1. Pipes bursting and cracking: It’s not hard to tell if your pipes are bursting or cracking as you will notice it when you turn on the faucet. Your water will be dark. The water will taste awful-like copper. Typically, rainwater pools up in the pipes and causes them to break. So, the freshwater will have soil, soot, and other bacteria in it. 
  2. Flooding: Heavy rains like the ones we have had, cause water to accumulate in the yard. The water has nowhere to go if there isn’t any proper drainage, so it begins to flood your basement, driveway, sidewalk, or porch. This severe water damage then causes these spaces around your home to be weakened. Before it causes any more damage, the correct drainage should be installed.
  3. Sewage backup: One of the grossest results of a deluge or two of rain is what it does to your sewer line. The heavy rain builds up debris in the outdoor drains which clog the pipes. If the sewer line that runs to your home is blocked, the wastewater accumulates in the clogged drains. Eventually, the pipes may burst or crack sending all of it into your home or onto the ground.
  4. Indoor drains blocked or clogged: Water pools in your shower, bathtub, sink, or other drains. This is caused by the heavy rains bringing in debris like soil, trash, branches, leaves, sticks, and even bugs. All of this junk clogs up your drainage systems which back up the entire drainage. 

These storms can wreak serious damage to your home drainage systems. If you see any of these signs, call your experienced home foundation repair contractor to get it fixed. When the next heavy rain hits, and it will, you will be ready. The longer you delay, the more these clogs and cracks to your pipes will cause damage. Usually, a home foundation contractor can assess the damage and repair the drainage systems fairly quickly.     

M Taylor Enterprise basement waterproofing contractors can do a consultation in Prince George and Silver Spring, MD area. If you have seen any of these red flags in your home, call our home foundation and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations then do any needed repairs done quickly and efficiently. 

** See reports of Maryland rain and hurricane damage here.