JES Construction Rescues Homes from Wet Winter
Due to record snowfalls in the Mid Atlantic region this winter, extremely saturated grounds and the hydrostatic pressure of snow up against homes is damaging foundations and causing basements and crawl spaces to leak.

RICHMOND, VA, February 27, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Homeowners in Virginia, Washington D.C. and Maryland have been feeling the effects of record rainfalls in November and now a series of major snow storms this winter. With the soil around homes much wetter than normal, where does all this groundwater go? Unfortunately, as many have been experiencing this season, it seeps and sometimes rushes into crawl spaces and basements creating unhealthy environments and damaging a home's structure.

According to Jesse Waltz, P.E., President of JES Construction, Inc., a leading waterproofing and foundation repair company in the area, his business has seen a significant increase in the number of waterproofing jobs this season. Waltz sites several reasons why correcting a wet crawl space or basement is beneficial to maintaining a homes value and the health of those who live in it:

• Reduce Indoor Allergens. Mold and mildew are musty smelling fungi that thrive in moist conditions. Mold spores can cause and agitate a variety of health-related problems, including congestion, headache, asthma and allergies. At least a third of the air that is breathed on the first floor of a home comes from the crawl space or basement. While mold is a major health concern, the fecal matter of dust mites is the number one indoor allergen. Dust mites absorb water from the air in order to survive. In fact, they need over 50% relative humidity to live. When moisture from a wet crawl space travels upstairs, it allows dust mites to thrive.

• Safeguard Your Home's Structural Integrity. Mold not only causes health problems, but it also eats away at organic materials such as wood, carpeting, drywall, organic ceiling tiles, cloth, paper and cardboard. In addition, the hydrostatic pressure from the weight of water settling around a home's foundation can result in walls cracking and hardwood floors buckling. Finally, wet conditions are a breeding ground for wood eating termites and other pests.

"If a homeowner notices mold or knows of water damaged areas in the home, it is best to take action early and control the situation before it worsens," says, Waltz. "If left untreated, a damp or partially flooded crawl space can lead to expensive renovation costs and mold growth." For this reason, JES offers free home inspections for those who want an expert review of their home's foundation and any drainage issues.

Press Release Contact Information:

Michelle McLees
JES
Marketing and PR Coordinator
2410 Southland Dr.
Chester, VA
USA 23831
Voice: 804.425.9914
Website: Visit Our Website