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The Most Common Causes of Basement Flooding

September 4, 2019
Basements are very vulnerable to flooding since they are partially, if not fully, built below ground. While most often flooding occurs during big rains or rapid snow-melts in the spring, it can occur even during dry weather. A flooded basement can be an absolute nightmare for homeowners so being aware of the common causes of basement floods and taking preventative measures is the best way to keep that nightmare from becoming a reality. Here are 4 of the top reasons your basement may flood:

Poor Floor/Wall Sealing 

If the basement tiles and foundation have not been sealed properly during the construction of your house, water will begin to seep into the basement from the ground or through the walls over time. If your basement floods after a heavy storm or downpour, this may be the cause.

Improperly Installed Downspouts

Downspouts are installed in order to direct water away from the home and its foundation. If your downspouts have been placed too close to the basement wall, or they drain towards it, water will pool next to the house and slowly seep into the basement through cracks in the foundation.

Blocked Gutters 

Like the downspouts, gutters are essential to diverting water away from your home to keep the basement dry. A blocked gutter system can cause flooding when it is clogged with leaves, twigs and other debris not allowing it to function optimally. Overflowing gutters will cascade water down the sides of the home where it can pool and seep into the basement.

Water Supply Line, Hot Water Tank & Sump Pump Failure

In your basement there are three potential sources for flooding contained within it: water supply line (pipes), hot water tank, and the sump pump. IF any of these are damaged or happen to break, your basement can flood. These items should regularly be inspected to ensure functionality.

Contact Our Basement Waterproofing Team

At True Quality Home Improvements Inc, we offer basement waterproofing services for homes in Nassau County & Suffolk County. We have been serving residents in the area for years and would be happy to help you protect your home. You can have peace of mind knowing that when you choose us, you are getting quality work. Contact us today to learn more!
May 6, 2020
If you have plans to refurbish your home in the Nassau County or Suffolk County, NY areas and these projects include brick or stone, it's wise to rely on an experienced masonry contractor. Masonry is one of the oldest trades around as it involves building architecture. Masons work primarily with brick, stone, and often concrete and can handle jobs that include brick or block construction, cement walls, chimneys, stone walls, and much more.
masonry contractor working on the exterior of a home
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March 4, 2020
The following steps will help you keep your composure and work through the situation in an effective manner. Step 1 - Call an Electrician Put your safety first! A flooded basement can be an electrical hazard so DO NOT enter the basement before calling a professional. Once an electrician shuts off the power in your home and any electronics are assessed and deemed safe, clean up can begin. Step 2 - Remove Important Items If you store any important items in your basement, such as a filing cabinet of important documents, be sure to remove them right away. The longer they sit in water, the more unsanitary, unsafe, and corroded they become. After the water is removed, your focus can be on the less-important items in your basement. Step 3 - Call a Plumber & Your Insurance Company If you aren't sure where the water is coming from or why it is getting into your basement, call a plumber to asses the situation and repair the issue that caused the flooding in the first place. Homeowners insurance is necessary for cases like flooding. Standard insurance policies cover flood damage caused by appliance failure or a burst pipe. If a plumber has identified your issue and you can get insurance compensation for the damages, you'll want to call them as soon as possible! Step 4 - Remove the Water If your basement has flooded, it's probable that your sump pump has failed. You may need to purchase a new one to drain the water. However, a sump pump won't remove all the water from your home so a good, old-fashioned mop or towel will have to be used to soak up the rest. Step 5 - Dry the Area Damp items and environments are breeding grounds for mold, which is hazardous to your health and can cause further property damage. Remove everything that got wet and place them in an area where they can thoroughly dry out. Rip up any wet carpeting, as the padding beneath is more likely to hold moisture. Use fans or industrial blowers and a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture and help your basement dry out faster. Step 6 - Contact True Quality Home Improvements Inc! Avoid the frustration and clean-up process by contacting us today to schedule basement waterproofing service! We use top quality products and processes to keep moisture away. By properly waterproofing your basement, you could avoid a flood all together! For more information, please give us a call today.
February 5, 2020
There are different types of issues that can happen to your roof. Some of them will only require general roof repairs. Some issues will require a full roof replacement. Here are some signs to consider when you are thinking of whether or not you need roof repairs or full roof replacement. Signs You Need Roof Repairs Sometimes it is appropriate to replace a few shingles. In order to determine that this is the appropriate level of roof repair, it is recommended to have a professional roofing contractor examine your roof for underlying damage. If you notice a small leak in your roof, it often can be fixed with roof repairs. You do not always have to do a full roof replacement when you have a leak in your roof. Often, homeowners who do not plan to live in their current home for many more years will go with roof repairs instead of a full roof replacement to take care of any damages. If damages are drastic, it would be recommended to do a full replacement, however. Signs You Need Full Roof Replacement One factor that can easily determine if you should go with a full roof replacement is the age of your current roof. Most traditional asphalt shingle roofs will last between 15 and 30 years. If your roof is in rough shape and is older than 15 years, a full roof replacement can be a good option. Older roofs provide less protection for your home. If your roof has massive leaks, there are more than likely underlying problems than can only be addressed properly with a roof replacement. If you are redoing your entire roof, this is a prime opportunity to explore different types of materials that are used for roofing. You can choose what material will suit your needs best. You may have to replace your roof after severe weather events. Your roof is meant to protect your home. If it has become too damaged while performing that job, it may be time to have the entirety of your roof replaced. If you are not sure if you need roof repairs or a full roof replacement, rely on a team of professional roofing contractors. True Quality Home Improvements Inc. is here to help you with all of your roofing needs. We can perform a roofing inspection to determine the extent of the damages and we will recommend roof repair or replacement based on the inspection. Contact our team to learn about our roof repair and replacement services that we offer to those in Nassau & Suffolk County, NY.
By proadAccountId-419451 January 10, 2020
A roof is one of the most essential parts of any home. They are not built, however, to last for as long as those beneath them. If your roof is original to your home or just plain old, it might be time to contact a professional about replacing its materials with something new. Failing to recognize when it might be time for a new roof could lead to expensive and unavoidable projects down the road. Below are a few ways to tell if you need a new roof: Sagging – If your roof is drooping into the middle of your home’s structure, it’s probably time to call a professional. Sagging is the result of moisture and rotting, which can cause your roof to be ineffective in performing its most basic task: to keep you warm and safe. Plant Life – If you’re starting to see moss or greenery growing on your roof, it could be time to seek professional assistance. Plant growth on a roof is often supported by unwelcome moisture that can add further damage if left unaddressed. Curling Shingles – If the shingles on your roof are curving up toward the sun, it may be time for a new roof. Effective shingles will lay flat on your home; if yours are not flat, their lifespan may be coming to an end. Missing/Chipped Shingles – The absence or damage of existing shingles on your roof is usually a telltale sign that it’s time for something new. Shingles are made to withstand weather and other outside elements, so once they start to show obvious signs of wear and tear, further damage will only continue to take place. Residents and homeowners in Nassau County, NY and Suffolk County, NY that need reliable roofing services can trust that True Quality Home Improvements Inc. is up to the task. Contact us today to discuss your needs or to get started. We look forward to working with you!
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Not many homeowners think about replacing their windows often. But there are many reasons to consider new vinyl replacement windows. When you are looking into replacement windows, give True Quality Home Improvements a call. Efficiency Your windows may not seem like the culprit when you have high energy bills, but bad windows can be a major root cause. But upgrading your windows to have vinyl as the frame material, you can reduce air coming in and escaping from inside your home. New windows can lead to a hefty decrease in your energy bill. There are many factors to consider like frame material, multi-pane glass, size, and style. Safety This may seem simple but ensuring your windows can easily open is important. In the event of an emergency and you have to evacuate through a window, it needs to be able to be unlocked and opened in a timely fashion. Older windows may not unlock easily and sometimes get stuck while you are trying to open them. Looks The looks of your windows may not be in the forefront of your mind all the time, but it is important. If you are ever looking to sell your home, potential home-buyers often look to the windows first. Upgrading your windows also upgrades your curb appeal when you may be trying to sell your home. Noise Windows play an important role in maintaining the noise level in your home. They can help in keeping noise out and keeping noise in. Upgrading your windows goes a long way in keeping the peace and quiet in your home. Rely on the professionals at True Quality Home Improvements to provide you with high quality vinyl replacement windows. Let us do your window installations to ensure energy efficiency and safety. We have been doing window replacements for years and are ready to bring our experience to you! Contact our team today to learn more about the services that we offer in Nassau & Suffolk County, NY.
August 15, 2019
A wet basement is bad news for your possessions and your property. Click to learn 4 telltale signs that your basement needs to be waterproofed.
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