Ohio State Waterproofing Offers Do-It-Yourself Tips for Keeping Basements Dry

CLEVELAND, March 8 /PRNewswire/ -- With springtime around the corner, Ohio State Waterproofing – the largest residential basement waterproofing contractor in Northeast Ohio – offers homeowners the following Do-It-Yourself Tips for protecting their home's foundation and keeping basements dry.

Prevention

• Avoid planting gardens against the house; watering plants next to the outside walls can contribute to water problems
• Use a home ventilation system in the basement to rid air of excess moisture
• Examine grading:  Prevent water from accumulating near a foundation by having lawn graded with a minimum of 2-3 inches of drop for every 10 feet, sloping away from the home

Maintenance

• Check and clean gutters after a heavy rainfall and in the spring and fall (once leaves have dropped)
• Realign downspouts so that water drops at the ground surface, not below
• Repair leaky faucets
• Check area where driveway meets the side of the house and ensure gap is sealed

Should water find its way into a basement, use a solution of bleach and water to knock down mold on floor and walls and then apply a waterproof paint on the walls for a new, clean finish.

"Wet basement problems are found in three out of four homes in America today," said Nicholas DiCello, president and CEO, Ohio State Waterproofing.  "Moisture in the basement not only is a nuisance, but can lead to structural damage and health problems.  When a foundation shows any warning signs of water leakage it is the ideal time to fix the problem, as water takes the path of least resistance and will continue to cause damage in a home."  

Signs of water can show up in many different forms, including:

• Damp spots on walls: A block on concrete wall will turn dark gray when wet.
• Mold or mildew:  The fungus grows in dark, damp areas on a variety of surfaces, causing discoloration.
• Peeling paint:  Look for paint that has become discolored and/or that has begun to chip off the wall.
• Rust on appliances or furniture:  The rust may begin on fuse boxes or other metal appliances.
• Musty odor:  The smell is the result of the decay process associated with mold, mildew and dry rot.
• Dry rot:  It typically grows on wood surfaces, causing wood to decay; can also appear as a brownish-black fungus on walls, clothing and other surfaces.
• Cracked walls and floors:  Look for horizontal cracks and step-down cracks on walls and in corners.
• Warped paneling:  Moisture in the basement can cause wood paneling to bow out of shape.
• White, chalky substance on walls:  Known as efflorescence, this is caused by the drying of mineral deposits on walls.

About Ohio State Waterproofing

Since 1978, Ohio State Waterproofing, www.ohiostatewaterproofing.com, has installed more than 80,000 waterproofing systems. Headquartered outside Cleveland, Ohio, its patented, multi-step waterproofing system corrects foundation problems from the inside and outside, ensuring a permanent and guaranteed solution. Homeowners who choose Ohio State Waterproofing benefit from the most qualified and reputable professionals, a lifetime-of-the-home warranty, and peace of mind that their home is safe, healthy and usable.

SOURCE Ohio State Waterproofing