How Can I Help?
Hi, it’s Joe. I understand what you’re going through, and I want to help ease some of your discomfort before we start working on your home. Below are some of the most common questions we get when it comes to basement waterproofing and more. If you don’t find what you need, please request a quote, and I’ll get back to you personally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some signs that your home may have a mold problem include a musty or earthy odor, visible mold growth, water stains or discoloration on walls or ceilings, and increased humidity levels.
Health-wise, you should look for respiratory symptoms such as coughing or wheezing.
If you suspect a mold problem, it’s best to have a professional mold inspection and testing done to determine the extent of the problem and identify the specific type of mold present.
Yes, mold exposure can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory symptoms, allergies, asthma, and skin irritation. Certain types of mold, like black mold or Stachybotrys chartarum, can lead to severe health issues, including neurological symptoms and immune system suppression. It’s crucial to address mold problems promptly to prevent potential health risks.
While bleach can be effective at killing and removing mold on non-porous surfaces, it is not always the best solution for cleaning up a mold problem. Bleach is only effective on non-porous surfaces like glass and tiles, and it can actually fuel the growth of mold on porous surfaces such as drywall, wood, and fabrics.
Also, bleach does not completely remove mold, it only removes the surface appearance of the mold. To properly address a mold problem, it’s recommended to hire a professional mold remediation company.
Sleeping in a house with mold can be hazardous to your health, especially if you are sensitive or allergic to mold. Exposure to mold can cause respiratory symptoms, allergies, and other health problems, and sleeping in an environment with high levels of mold can exacerbate these symptoms.
If you suspect mold in your home, it’s important to have it professionally inspected and remediated to ensure that the problem is completely addressed. If you must remain in the home while the mold is being removed, it’s recommended to sleep in a separate, well-ventilated room away from the affected area, and to avoid contact with the mold. Proper protective gear such as a mask and gloves should be worn when entering the affected area.
Typically, after you sign the contract, there is a 5-day waiting period required by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC). This waiting period is in place in case you change your mind or need time to reconsider your decision. Once the 5 days have passed, work can begin on waterproofing your basement.
Yes, basement finishing and remodeling projects with Capstone Waterproofing Solutions come with a 1-year service and labor warranty. If anything happens within this time frame that is covered by the contract, we come and fix it immediately.
Basement waterproofing comes with a 10-year service warranty.
Here are the 6 most common signs of water infiltration.
1. Bad smells. A mildew-ish smell comes from fungi starting to grow due to excess moisture. If you can’t get enough of that air freshener, you’ve got water coming in.
2. Excess moisture. Sometimes only identified with special tools, excess moisture makes spaces feel heavy and warm, with foggy windows and overall an unpleasant air.
3. Mold. Mold is a type of fungus that develops and thrives in humid environments. It’s white, black or dark green and releases spores that can affect your health.
4. Water stains. If you’ve got water around your foundation, stains will be visible on the walls and floor, even if they are painted. Over time, the water pressure will deteriorate the wall’s structure.
5. Cracks. Cracks in the structure of your walls allow moisture, gases and odors into the basement. They are also a sign that there may be some soil erosion going on at the foundation of your house.
6. Flooded Basement. You’ll know when water has completely entered your basement. At this point, all water barriers of your house are gone and you’ve got a problem that needs to be fixed immediately.
Mold and mildew are both types of fungi that grow in damp environments, but they have some differences.
Mold typically appears as fuzzy, green, blue, or black patches on surfaces and has a musty odor. It can penetrate porous surfaces and spread quickly, causing damage to materials and posing health risks.
Mildew, on the other hand, is a type of mold that appears as a flat, powdery growth in white or grayish colors. It often grows on the surface of damp materials and can be easily wiped away.
In summary, mold is a more serious and potentially harmful type of fungus, while mildew is a less damaging and easily removable type of mold.
It depends on the extent of the mold growth and the type of material that the furniture or objects are made of. In general, porous materials such as upholstery, carpeting, and wooden items that have been extensively contaminated by mold are difficult to fully clean and should be discarded to prevent the spread of mold spores.
Non-porous surfaces such as glass, metal, and hard plastic items can be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to remove the mold. However, if the mold growth is severe, it may be safer to dispose of the item altogether.
It’s important to note that even if you remove the visible mold growth, the mold spores can still be present in the air or deep within porous materials. If you are unsure whether an item can be salvaged, it’s best to consult with a professional mold remediation company for advice.
Capstone Waterproofing Solutions is licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Comission. Owner Joe is certified as a Mold Inspector and Mold Remediator.
All basement waterproofing, basement finishing, and basement remodeling projects are completed by our in-house team in partnership with licensed plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians vetted by owner Joe.
Let's Protect Your Home Against Water Damage
We’ll keep you informed and answer all of your questions at every stage of your journey.