Rust may seem like merely a cosmetic problem, but there’s also real potential for more costly repairs in the future, not to mention the risk of electrical fires when moisture comes in to contact with your home’s electrical components, such as wiring, breakers and panel boxes.  In short, ignoring it...

If you’re like so many other Western NY homeowners, you’ve probably been thinking about fun ways to transform your basement into a place of personal entertainment or relaxation. And while there’s no limit to how creative you can get when refinishing a basement, there are a number of important steps...

As far too many homeowners eventually learn, basement and foundation problems aren’t always noticeable until damage reaches significant levels.  Many cracks and concrete splits aren’t visible to the naked eye and this can result in costly repairs that, in many cases, could have been easily, affordab...

Regardless of whether it’s after a significant rainstorm, heavy snow melt, or any number of interior plumbing failures, discovering standing water in your basement or lower levels can be a terrifying situation for any homeowner.  Unfortunately, most people don’t give their foundation a second though...

Anyone who has ever found themselves dealing with a damaged foundation will be among the first to agree that, when it comes to making reliable repairs in a timely manner, it’s vital to work with professionals who know exactly how to identify and resolve your issue. Randomly picking a name based on r...

The Western NY winters seem to be getting more and more intense, and this makes it critically important to ensure that your home is prepared to deal with whatever Mother Nature decides to dish out. And for the record, there’s no such thing as a tolerable amount of basement water.  If you can see it,...

Water is subtly deceiving. Its relaxing effects soothe us in the tub and cleanse us when we drink. But when water unexpectedly enters your home, you can bet it’s bringing a host of unwanted problems with it. So how do you keep water from invading and wreaking havoc in your home? One word: waterproof...

Summer is in full swing here in Upstate New York and even though we associate this time of year with hot, sunny days, it also can be a time of heavy rain.  Long stretches of dry days followed by a heavy rainfall can cause pooling in your yard if the soil is too dry to absorb water, which then ca...

  Mold All mold is at least a nuisance (unless its on your cheese), but black mold can be a large health issue to those with prolonged exposure to it. Black mold (or Stachybotrys chartarum) can develop anywhere in the home but it particularly loves basements. Both unfinished and finished base...

    Upstate New York Weather and How It Can Damage Your Foundation Snow is finally on its way out but can leave some damage to your home behind. As the weather warms up the snow piles shrink, but where does that water go? If you aren't careful, it can go directly into your basement....

Basement Water It’s one of every homeowner's worst nightmares: coming down the stairs of your home to find water in the basement. Even worse still, when you return from a vacation and are unsure of how long there has been an issue. A wet basement can be a result of a variety of problems that can ei...

Many of us don't spend a lot of time in our basements, especially if they are unfinished. Maybe you head downstairs once a week to do laundry, or pull something out of storage. You may think "out of sight, out of mind" for your basement, but there are a lot of subtle things you should look for that...

Fear of Flooding It's one of every homeowner's worst nightmares: coming home to significant water on the floor of the basement. Your first reactions might be to rescue your belongings from the area or to step in to find the source of the flooding but it's important to deal with the issue safely and...

Warm, Wet, Basement Air In Upstate New York we welcome the warmer weather for the few months a year we break from the cold we're known for. As much as we all love a few months of sunshine and warmth, it does come with a side effect of humidity. And as uncomfortable as humidity can be for us, it can...

Everyone thinks that the biggest offender of water in a basement is from long periods of heavy rain. We in upstate New York know better, that our inches of snow can cause just as much damage to your home as rain water. Also though snow melting is a slower process than heavy downpours, it can be just...

The foundation of your home is the most important part of the structure of your house. Damages to the foundation can be detrimental to the condition of your home and create costly issues later. If you are ever in the position of wanting to sell your home, foundations are one of the first concerns th...

The Benefits of Waterproofing Your Basement Whether your basement serves as a living quarters, game room, or storage space, keeping it protected from unwanted damage is important to preserving its current function and safeguarding your building as a whole. As underground rooms, basements are at a...

4 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Professional for Your Basement Waterproofing Project Getting your basement waterproofed is important to protecting your home or business from unwanted water damage. If you currently researching basement waterproofing, you are likely considering one of two choices:...

So, you've found mold on your property. Naturally, you're worried about potential health risks, costs, and damages to your belongings. You probably want to know how the mold got into your home or business in the first place, and you certainly want to know how to remove it. Likewise, you probably wan...

Out of all the rooms in your building, your basement is at highest risk for water damage. This is largely due to the fact basements come into contact with porous soil at all four walls and bear the brunt of downward-flowing water after precipitation. To help you prevent water damage in your basement...

As an underground structure, your basement comes into direct contact with soil at each of its four walls. This places it at a heightened risk for flooding and water damage. In order to help prevent any unwanted damages or flooding in your home, it's important to have your basement properly waterproo...

5 Signs of Serious Mold Problems Mold is a type of fungus that grows in multi-cellular thread-like structures called hyphae. There are several species of mold, many of which are toxic to humans to varying degrees. Mold thrives in dark, damp, and cool climates and can grow both inside and outside...

Whether it's a brand new, custom-built luxury home or more of a fixer-upper, purchasing a home is a huge decision that should not be made until you've had a chance to thoroughly inspect all interior and exterior aspects of the property. While it's always recommended you hire a licensed professional...

Finding water in your basement can be quite alarming at first, and the most important first step to remedying the situation is to understand where it is likely coming from and why. If you find water in your basement just after it has rained or once the snow has melted that should provide you with a...

Rain is great for your garden or as some relief from the summer heat, but it can mean disaster if you have a leaking basement. Those homeowners who spend a lot of time watching DIY videos online may think that preventing your basement from leaking is rather easy. While there are some tips you...