Here at Vulcan Basement Waterproofing, we get a lot of positive feedback from happy clients. In fact, if you visit our Headquarters, you would be amazed at the number of "thank you" letters and notes covering our walls. We don't need wallpaper :)
Here is one of the latest:
"I would recommend Vulcan to anyone who I knew who was looking to have their basement waterproofed. We actually used Vulcan because my grandparents used Vulcan about 20 years ago to do the basement; at the time they only did half of the basement, which is why we had the whole thing done this time. It was very nice to hear that the guy who did our basement in 2012 was the same guy who worked on the basement the first time, its great that Vulcan is a company that keeps its good employees around for numbers of years."
- M. Yaeger, Lawrenceville, NJ
Vulcan Basement Waterproofing - Established in 1947, and nationwide since 1949, basement waterproofing is our only business!
Monday, February 11, 2013
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Mold, Mildew and Musty Odors in Your Basement?
If you have mold, mildew and musty odors in your basement, you need to take action now!
What is Mold?
Mold is natural and exists almost everywhere indoors or out. Mold thrives in damp and humid environments. Molds are fungi and as they grow they release spores into the air, which when inhaled, can make people sick. When molds metabolize, they release microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs). MVOCs are gases which are basically the waste product produced by mold as it grows, which can irritate the eyes, the respiratory system, and cause very unpleasant odors in the basement and in the upper levels of the home.
Mold spores may get into your home through open doorways, windows, heating, and air conditioning systems with outdoor air intakes. Spores in the air outside also attach themselves to clothing, shoes, bags, and pets. Once a mold spore drops on places where there is excessive moisture, such as many basements, they will grow. Wet cellulose materials, including paper and paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood products encourage many types of mold to grow. Other materials such as dust, paint, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery, easily support the growth of mold.
Why is exposure to mold a problem?
Mold exposure can cause quite a variety of symptoms, especially allergic reactions such as sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and itching watery eyes — even skin irritations. Molds often trigger asthma attacks and can cause serious problems for people with weakened immune systems, such as a variety of infections. Many of the molds most typically found indoors are capable of producing mycotoxins under the right conditions.
Mold gradually destroys the things it grows on.
Most common indoor molds
Penicillium
Cladosporium
Aspergillus
Alternaria
How to get rid of mold
Mold growth can be slowed down by keeping humidity levels below 55%. The use of dehumidifiers and air conditioners will make a huge difference.
A number of commercial and natural products can be used to remove mold from hard surfaces.
Use exhaust fans and proper ventilation in the home and especially in the basement.
Clean bathrooms and kitchens with mold killing products.
Don’t use carpeting in bathrooms and basements – ever.
What is the difference between mold and mildew?
Mold and mildew are both fungi and their spores are always flying through the air. Basements often provide perfect growing conditions for both as they thrive in humid, damp conditions. Mildew is commonly gray or white. Mold is usually black, red, green, brown, or a combination of these colors.
Musty basement odor
Mildew is famous for causing that familiar musty basement odor. Getting rid of mold and mildew, along with installing some type of basement ventilation system, will help stop the odor but most important is getting rid of what is causing the mold and mildew — the moisture in the basement. If your basement continually gets wet, you likely need to have a French drain or pressure relief system installed.
Contact us for a free home inspection and consultation by a Vulcan Basement Waterproofing specialist.
www.VulcanWaterproofing.com
What is Mold?Mold is natural and exists almost everywhere indoors or out. Mold thrives in damp and humid environments. Molds are fungi and as they grow they release spores into the air, which when inhaled, can make people sick. When molds metabolize, they release microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs). MVOCs are gases which are basically the waste product produced by mold as it grows, which can irritate the eyes, the respiratory system, and cause very unpleasant odors in the basement and in the upper levels of the home.
Mold spores may get into your home through open doorways, windows, heating, and air conditioning systems with outdoor air intakes. Spores in the air outside also attach themselves to clothing, shoes, bags, and pets. Once a mold spore drops on places where there is excessive moisture, such as many basements, they will grow. Wet cellulose materials, including paper and paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood products encourage many types of mold to grow. Other materials such as dust, paint, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery, easily support the growth of mold.
Why is exposure to mold a problem?
Mold exposure can cause quite a variety of symptoms, especially allergic reactions such as sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and itching watery eyes — even skin irritations. Molds often trigger asthma attacks and can cause serious problems for people with weakened immune systems, such as a variety of infections. Many of the molds most typically found indoors are capable of producing mycotoxins under the right conditions.
Mold gradually destroys the things it grows on.
Most common indoor molds
Penicillium
Cladosporium
Aspergillus
Alternaria
How to get rid of mold
Mold growth can be slowed down by keeping humidity levels below 55%. The use of dehumidifiers and air conditioners will make a huge difference.
A number of commercial and natural products can be used to remove mold from hard surfaces.
Use exhaust fans and proper ventilation in the home and especially in the basement.
Clean bathrooms and kitchens with mold killing products.
Don’t use carpeting in bathrooms and basements – ever.
What is the difference between mold and mildew?
Mold and mildew are both fungi and their spores are always flying through the air. Basements often provide perfect growing conditions for both as they thrive in humid, damp conditions. Mildew is commonly gray or white. Mold is usually black, red, green, brown, or a combination of these colors.
Musty basement odor
Mildew is famous for causing that familiar musty basement odor. Getting rid of mold and mildew, along with installing some type of basement ventilation system, will help stop the odor but most important is getting rid of what is causing the mold and mildew — the moisture in the basement. If your basement continually gets wet, you likely need to have a French drain or pressure relief system installed.
Contact us for a free home inspection and consultation by a Vulcan Basement Waterproofing specialist.
www.VulcanWaterproofing.com
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Basement Ventilation Basics for Homes and Businesses
Proper basement ventilation is crucial to the health, safety, and comfort
of a home or business. Improper ventilation can cause:- Indoor air pollution
- Asthma and allergies
- Mold and mildew growth
- High humidity levels
- Headaches
- Nasal Irritation
- Respiratory Problems
The air we breathe indoor can be contaminated by a number of things. Among them are:
Airborne bacteria and viruses which can cause many ailments and infections. Bacteria and viruses continue to breed and thrive in moist, damp and stale environments.
Toxic Chemicals that become vapors from paint, household cleaners and solvents, glues and adhesives found in any number of items in the home or business, aerosols, paint, pesticides, and chemicals used in some carpeting and upholstery fabrics.
Allergens including pet dander, dust mites, and pollen.
Mold and Mildew which thrive in damp or moist environments. The spores released by mold can be toxic and mold and mildew, as it grows, slowly destroys anything it grows on.
Moisture is the biggest problem as it causes the growth of mold and mildew, structural damage to the building, feeds bacteria, and creates a health hazard.
Installing a high quality ventilation system such as the EZ Breathe System, will remove excess contaminated air from your home or business and expel mold spores and the gases created by mold. By exchanging the damp stale air with fresh air, indoor air pollution will be reduced and odors will be expelled.
Waterproofing the basement and installing a high quality basement ventilation system which draws air down from the upper levels and out through the lowest point in your home is the best investment you can make to preserve and improve the value of your home or business and safeguard the health of your family.
Contact us for a FREE home inspection by a Vulcan Basement Waterproofing specialist.
Call 1-877-VULCAN8 (1-877-885-2268)
Website: www.VulcanWaterproofing.com
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Top 10 Reasons to Waterproof Your Basement
Even if you have never had a problem with water in the
basement, here are 10 reasons to consider waterproofing your basement:
1.
Many items stored in your basement are
irreplaceable.
2.
It’s cheaper than replacing your furnace and hot
water heater.
3.
Protects the value of your home (Once there is
evidence of flooding or water in your basement, the value of your home goes
down and may never sell)
4.
Creates more usable living space.
5.
Create more usable closet and storage space.
6.
Protect the health of your family from the
adverse effects of mold and mildew spores in the air.
7.
Gets rid of the damp, musty odors.
8.
Protects your belongings and valuables from
rust, mold, mildew, and water damage.
9.
Ground water tables in coastal areas and inland
waterways are slowly rising due to rising sea levels.
10.
Basement water problems get worse over time and
you could eventually face huge bills to repair or replace basement foundations,
walls, floors, appliances, and personal items.
If you’ve ever had water in your basement after heavy rains
or melting snow, Vulcan Basement Waterproofing offers a free, no obligation basement inspection and a 180 Days Same as Cash Offer if you need basement
waterproofing. A Vulcan Basement Waterproofing
expert will inspect for defects, your below-ground foundation walls and floor for
causes that could admit
subsurface water causing a wet basement, and for all the major signs left by
water or excess moisture that are causing your basement and belongings to be damaged.
Vulcan Basement Waterproofing with offices in NY, NJ, CT, PA, and DE. We’re Not Just in the Basement Waterproofing
Business… We Invented It.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
How Vulcan Basement Waterproofing Solves Wet Basement Problems
Vulcan Basement Waterproofing has a proven
approach to solving wet basement problems.
Whether your basement is flooded or seems free and clear of wet basement
problems, invite in a Vulcan Basement Waterproofing specialist for a free
home inspection. An expert inspection before investing in basement remodeling is
good preventive medicine. And, it provides you the assurance that you will have
a dry basement long after the remodeling is completed and the time and money
spent.
Vulcan responds promptly and at your convenience;
Your Vulcan expert will explore for defects in your below-ground foundation walls – for cracks and crevices that admit subsurface water causing a wet basement.
Any of the following conditions could promote decay that might, in time, force you to replace foundation walls and floors:
- Poor soil conditions around walls, caused by construction workers who backfilled the surrounding area with soil containing broken concrete or timber. The result: pockets filled with water that exert pressure against walls.
- Hydrostatic effects from water buildup whose constant pressure eventually leads to water penetration.
- Capillarity within porous walls and floors that absorb water from the surrounding soil.
- High water table, resulting from underground water which rises with rain, snow or the tides.
- Below-grade cracks and voids in building foundations and walls expose your home to yet another peril. They are avenues for invading armies of termites and insects on the attack.
Your free Vulcan Basement Waterproofing survey/analysis offers you an opportunity to find exactly how damaging the water along your foundation has become. You may confidently base your decision on the detailed estimate we leave in your hands.
In choosing Vulcan, you’ll find our techniques remarkably quick and efficient. We control water seepage completely – at the source – without excavating or injuring your plantings, lawn, sidewalk or driveway. Our teams are professional and respectful of you and your home and clean up the area after the work has been completed.
Let Vulcan Basement Waterproofing put an end to your wet basement problems. No job is too large or too small for our teams of trained technicians. And the result is a safe, usable, dry basement.
Call today to schedule a free home inspection by a Vulcan Basement Waterproofing specialist: 1-877-VULCAN8 (1-877-885-2268)
Visit us online to learn more: http://www.VulcanWaterproofing.com
Vulcan responds promptly and at your convenience;
Your Vulcan expert will explore for defects in your below-ground foundation walls – for cracks and crevices that admit subsurface water causing a wet basement.
Any of the following conditions could promote decay that might, in time, force you to replace foundation walls and floors:
- Poor soil conditions around walls, caused by construction workers who backfilled the surrounding area with soil containing broken concrete or timber. The result: pockets filled with water that exert pressure against walls.
- Hydrostatic effects from water buildup whose constant pressure eventually leads to water penetration.
- Capillarity within porous walls and floors that absorb water from the surrounding soil.
- High water table, resulting from underground water which rises with rain, snow or the tides.
- Below-grade cracks and voids in building foundations and walls expose your home to yet another peril. They are avenues for invading armies of termites and insects on the attack.
Your free Vulcan Basement Waterproofing survey/analysis offers you an opportunity to find exactly how damaging the water along your foundation has become. You may confidently base your decision on the detailed estimate we leave in your hands.
In choosing Vulcan, you’ll find our techniques remarkably quick and efficient. We control water seepage completely – at the source – without excavating or injuring your plantings, lawn, sidewalk or driveway. Our teams are professional and respectful of you and your home and clean up the area after the work has been completed.
Let Vulcan Basement Waterproofing put an end to your wet basement problems. No job is too large or too small for our teams of trained technicians. And the result is a safe, usable, dry basement.
Call today to schedule a free home inspection by a Vulcan Basement Waterproofing specialist: 1-877-VULCAN8 (1-877-885-2268)
Visit us online to learn more: http://www.VulcanWaterproofing.com
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Rising Sea Levels Poses Future Threat to Homeowners in NY Coastal Areas
August 30, 2012
Rising sea levels and ground water tables are affecting the coastal counties in NY where more than 62% of the state’s population resides. Rising water tables could affect thousands of families and businesses in New York and Long Island.
Rising sea levels and ground water tables are affecting the coastal counties in NY where more than 62% of the state’s population resides. Rising water tables could affect thousands of families and businesses in New York and Long Island.
The Columbia University Center for Climate Systems Research (CCSR) report
on rising sea levels for the New York City Panel on Climate Change notes there
are a number of factors contributing to rising sea levels globally, including warmer
than normal water temperatures and the melting icecaps.
The report explains how the
NY coastal area rise in sea levels is intensified by “… ocean currents,
gravitational forces, prevailing winds, and rise and fall of the land
mass”. While the many geological forces
are a major cause, the report includes the impacts of human development and
activity as well as the “… potential increases in extreme precipitation and
storms associated with climate change”.
For homeowners in the
affected areas of New York, the issue is the resultant rising water table. As the water table rises, it exerts extreme
pressure on the foundation, and over time, causes structural damage including
cracks in the basement walls and floor, buckling of walls, and eventually water
being forced into basements. Vulcan Basement Waterproofing has a
patented method for relieving the water pressure called a hydrostatic pressure relief system.
Vulcan Basement
Waterproofing offers free basement inspections and consultations
to homeowners and businesses in NY, Long Island, CT, NJ, PA, and DE. You can also learn how to check for basement water damage
on the Vulcan Basement Waterproofing website. You can also download a handbook on basement
waterproofing as well as a DIY Guide.
Please visit our website to
learn more, and to request our Free Basement
Inspection: http://www.VulcanWaterproofing.com
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
It’s Hurricane Season Again
It’s Hurricane
Season again. Our Atlantic hurricane
season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November, and it
reaches its peak between August and the end of October.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) originally forecasted a normal season for 2012, but
recently upped its prediction because of wind patterns and water temperatures
that are warmer than usual.
Between five and eight hurricanes are now
predicted and it is expected that two or three of them could turn into major
hurricanes. This is the time to set in a
few supplies and make sure you have a waterproof basement. Have you ever had it professionally inspected
by an experienced basement waterproofer?
Any one rainstorm can add enough pressure
to force water into a basement. Years of
moisture and basement dampness slowly cause structural damage. Mold and mildew can also cause structural
damage over time.
You can learn how to check for basement
moisture or water damage at http://www.vulcanwaterproofing.com/how_to_check_for_basement_water_damage.htm . Here you can learn
about the early warning signs of water problems in your basement. Vulcan
Basement Waterproofing has a downloadable handbook about basement
waterproofing and a downloadable Do-It Yourself Guide (DIY) Guide.
On the Vulcan Basement Waterproofing site
you will find lots of helpful information on basement ventilation, mold and
mildew, sump pump installation, French drains, and a host of things you can do
to protect your investment in your home.
Vulcan Basement Waterproofing in NY, NJ,
CT, Philadelphia, and the Delaware Valley even offers a free home inspection
and consultation.
It pays to be prepared.
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