Preventing Basement Humidity and Mold

If you have a smell problem coming from your St. Louis area basement, it might be mold.

Humidity is the key offender of places that grow mold spores.  When the relative humidity is over 60%, mildew and mold have enough moisture in the air to seriously thrive. In Columbia and other Metro East Missouri areas, we certainly have humidity high enough for this to be a challenge.  They also live on organic materials (anything of carbon origin) like wood, paper, cardboard, and insulation so mildew and mold have a field day and blossom in that space.

If basements acquire a water leak or wetness that is caused by something else like moisture, it may cause mold development. Mold may start to grow in two days after any water leak or moisture has been caused. You might not see it but it may or will be there hiding from you somewhere in your house. Mold will only grow if there's moisture or wetness in the area. If the places in your house are dry, mold can't grow, and you simply will not get harmed from it. It's a nasty mess of fungus that can grow in homes, buildings, outside, or anywhere it wishes. It propagates and reproduces.

This could cause significant damage, and the professionals need to remove it for you so it's not going to harm you. Mold can show up anyplace if it isn't dried out and cleaned. It will get worse and the cost to eliminate it and the repairs for the damage it's done will be higher, too. If moisture becomes worse, the mold will spread to other areas of the house or other places in the basement. You will be able to tell there's mold by the smell in the atmosphere because all you need to do is smell it. The aroma can smell like moldy must or even worse than that. The moisture can release it in the air, causing it to develop beneath things like carpets and appliances, in the air vents, and in your stuff.

Everybody is by nature allergic to fungus since it is an organism which inflames our immune systems. However, there are various degrees to which each person are allergic to it. Quite often, people have chronic allergies as a result of the mildew and mold coming up from their moldy basement. This may create sniffling, sneezing, chronic asthma, chest congestion, fatigue, amongst other symptoms.

If you are considering remodeling your basement, you really need to make sure you have a dried out basement. Even if you are not renovating your basement into a finished one, basement dampness is not a challenge you should ignore. Basement dehumidifiers are frequently the easiest and most beneficial solution to basement humidity issues.

Once you have taken out the water source (like leaks) and transferred the water outside (with drains and sump pumps) you will then wish to install a dehumidifier to keep your basement air below 50% humidity.

A skilled waterproofing company which specializes in this area can give you an inspection and estimate of the many costs of converting your basement into a dry, livable space. A waterproofing contractor may be cheaper than trying this on your own, in any down time you've got.

Please feel free to let us know for more information, or answers to any questions you might have.

Finding The Right Sump Pump Systems For Your Basement

The sump pump is at the core of any basement waterproofing system. Sump pumps eliminate water that has accumulated in a sump pit when the water enters via the perimeter drains of the basement waterproofing system.  They are your final protection against flooding.

Sump pumps require upkeep. Pumps will fail eventually. Keeping the sump pit clear of dirt, gravel, sand and debris will prolong your pumping system's lifespan.

A number of contractors will claim that their sump pump includes a lifetime warranty--be careful! Pumps will crash, so the best way you'll know it's time for your "lifetime warranty" replacement will be when your basement is flooded.

Many homeowners invest a lot of cash on the proper drainage system, and then attempt to take shortcuts when it comes to picking a pump. It simply doesn’t make sense! Don’t allow an inferior, “handyman-center” pump spoil your investment. Protect your house and belongings with a quality sump pump system.

Sump pumps will stop operating whenever there is a power failure causing ALL electric pumping systems to crash. This is why we suggest a battery powered backup system to anyone that has a storm water (submersible) sump pump.

Are You Protected When:

Pump Failure? - Circuit Trips? -  Power Outage? -  Pump Gets Unplugged?
Even the smallest quantity of water infiltration could become a larger issue down the road if not taken care of properly right from the start.

You will need to understand that the Pump is the heart of the device, and exactly like the old saying "A chain is only as strong as its weakest link", a drainage system is only as strong as the pump!

The Fast Sump liner contains a reliable Pro Series pump. The Pro Series pump has a three-year warranty and it in addition to the Fast Sump liner is designed in a way that doesn't weaken the integrity of the foundation. A double switch that makes certain it turns on when it is supposed to ensures its dependability.

Traditional sump pump liners can remove sediment from under the basement footing causing the foundation to deteriorate.  The Fast Sump lessens clogging and enhances water flow and the inbuilt pump stand keeps waste away from the pump and aids in cleaning.

Fast Sumps can be linked together to add an extra back-up sump pumping system. The almost airtight cover reduces ground humidity from entering the basement.

AC Primary Pump Features
•   Stainless steel cast iron
•   High efficiency (less than 50% electricity used among leading pumps)
•   Upper and lower ball bearing (Perfectly balanced shaft and impeller)
•   Removable strainer
•   Dual float controller (for added reliability)
•   Continuous duty construction
•   Alarm system hook-up (get connected to home security system)
•   Alarm Alerts home owner of switch or even pump problems
•   Three-Year Manufacturers Warranty

The PHCC Pro Series AC pumps are rated for continuous duty, meaning they are built to run all the time 365 days per year, 24 hours a day. They are strong and dependable, and when they are used periodically in a sump application, it expands the longevity of the pump.

Pro Series 2400 Battery Back Up System

•   Pumps as much as 2400 GPH at 10 ft head 13 amp fast recovery charger
•   Pumps on AC power in addition to DC battery power
•   Dual float switch for additional reliability
•   Advanced alarm system
•   Alerts you when batteries need replacing
•   Provides a simple test switch
•   Tells you when AC power to the unit is out (circuit breaker blown or unit unplugged)
•   Signals you when pump is clogged or broken and needs to be cleaned or exchanged
•   Pumps automatically when water volume exceeds the ability of the main AC pump
•   Pumps up to 7.5 continuous hours on a single battery
•   Efficient 12-volt pump puts less drain on the batteries so they can pump longer
•   Batteries may be linked for extended pump ability (Two battery system equals as much as 33,000 gallons)
•   User Friendly - Detects irregularities, sounds an alarm, and pinpoints concerns and solutions on the control panel
•   3-year manufacturer's warranty (on pump) 1-year warranty on batteries

Houses in St. Louis, St. Charles, Chesterfield, Warrenton, and the surrounding communities flood; there is no denying that. Why put yourself and your property at risk when Ramjack of St. Louis is here for you? Give us a call today and let's work together to secure your home's future.