Our Blog | Advantaclean

May 24, 2018

How Do You Clean a Basement Floor Drain?

Many basements come equipped with a floor drain, allowing them to remove water that seeps in or is spilled. But what happens when the floor ...

Tips

May 17, 2018

Which Carpet for Basement

As most of us know, basements are naturally prone to moisture and water damage. Mostly or wholly surrounded by soil, your basement attracts water and ...

Tips

May 3, 2018

When is a Basement Considered Living Space?

Whether you only want to know for your own knowledge, or you are looking to put your home on the market, the answer to ‘when is a basement considered living space' is not the easiest one to figure out. One answer does not apply to every situation. If a room ...

Tips

April 26, 2018

Why Basements Smell Musty

Basements are the perfect breeding ground for a mold or mildew problem, creating a musty smell that can be hard to get rid of. As some or all of your basement walls are built underground, the cold, moist soil surrounding the walls leeches moisture into the basement. Mold and mildew ...

Water Damage

April 19, 2018

How Basement Waterproofing Works

Basement water is no laughing matter. A water intrusion of any kind is destructive, so fixing leaks when they start should be your top priority.Water in your basement can lead to destroyed possessions, mold growth, and damage to the structural integrity of your entire house. Basement waterproofing corrects any ...

Water Damage

April 12, 2018

Are Basement Leaks Covered by Insurance?

When your basement springs a leak or becomes flooded, you might be looking at costly repairs. Water damage is expensive and fixing the source of the water is too. There are a plethora of ways for water to enter your basement. Common reasons for a flooded basement include: Cracks in ...

Water Damage

April 5, 2018

Why Does My Basement Flood When it Rains?

Basements are by definition the base of your home, built either partly or entirely underground. This naturally means they are prone to flooding, even in dry weather. Gravity is typically at fault here. Gravity works hard to push water from the high ground to low, and when there is a ...

Water Damage

March 28, 2018

DIY Radon Test Kit vs. Professional Radon Testing

Radon is a radioactive gas produced by the decay of elements like uranium. Radon is found in soil, rocks, and groundwater, and when released outside, it dissipates safely in the air. When released inside your home from the rocks and dirt beneath your home, it can build to dangerous levels ...

Radon

March 22, 2018

5 Causes of Radon in Your Home

Radon gas is produced during the decay of elements such as uranium and radium. The gas is comprised of radioactive particles that, when breathed in, damage the cells lining your lungs. When exposed to high levels of radon over extended periods of time, you are more likely to develop lung ...

Radon

March 14, 2018

DIY Tips to Reduce Radon Levels

While using a certified company to both test for and mitigate the radon in your home, there are some simple DIY tips to reduce radon levels that don't require a third party. What causes radon? Radon is a dangerous gas that is present nearly everywhere, and almost any home ...

Radon

March 7, 2018

How much does it cost to fix radon?

Radon is a harmful, radioactive gas that is present in soil and rocks. Outdoors, it dissipates safely into the air and is of little concern. If it's inside your home, though, you and your family are at risk for serious health effects. Long-term exposure to significant radon levels can ...

Radon

February 20, 2018

How Was Radon Discovered?

Most homeowners have never heard of radon, but 1 out of every 15 homes is affected by the odorless, colorless and tasteless gas. Where does radon come from? Radon occurs naturally from the decay of the radioactive element radium, making the gas radioactive and a carcinogen. Dictionary.com defines radon ...

Radon

February 15, 2018

Household Radon Myths Exposed!

Radon is a gaseous element that's undetectable save through testing. It enters your home through cracks and gaps in your foundation and flooring, and even around pipes. There is also a chance your building materials or water have traces of radon in them as well. Radon is extremely dangerous ...

Radon

February 4, 2018

What To Do If You Are Buying a House In a Radon Affected Area

Radon is a tasteless, odorless and colorless gas that occurs in soil and rocks. Outside of your home, it remains at low levels and is relatively harmless. In the indoor environment, it wreaks havoc on your lungs. Radon is a carcinogen that causes lung cancer. Long-term exposure to elevated levels ...

Radon

January 25, 2018

Radon Gas and Pregnancy: What's the Risk?

RADON GAS AND PREGNANCY: WHAT IS RADON? Radon forms from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks. A known carcinogen, radon is a documented killer. First written about in the mid-1500s, radon caused a considerable number of lung cancer deaths in miners. Though they didn't know the ...

Radon

January 3, 2018

January is National Radon Action Month!

You might be asking yourself what, exactly, radon is, and you're not alone. Most homeowners have never heard of radon, but unfortunately, 1 out of 15 homes are affected by the colorless, odorless, tasteless gas. Radon is a class-A carcinogen which means it can cause cancer. Other class-A carcinogens ...

Radon

December 19, 2017

How to Protect Pipes in Freezing Weather: Before, During and Aftermath

Water expands when it freezes; unfortunately, your pipes don't. When water freezes and expands, it puts pressure on whatever contains it, and with enough pressure, your frozen pipes will burst, causing costly water damage in your home. There are ways to protect pipes in freezing weather though. The key ...

Water Damage

December 11, 2017

How to Prevent Water Damage from Ice Dams

Contrary to common belief, ice dams are not formed on your roof from your gutter, though ice dams can cause extensive damage to gutters. Ice dams are formed when the temperature of your roof goes above 32 degrees Fahrenheit, typically caused by a warm attic. At this higher temperature, the ...

Water Damage

December 6, 2017

Common Dust & Allergy Symptoms

Do you clean frequently, but dust in the home keeps showing up on your furniture? Do you have allergies or allergic reactions from dust? Are your children sneezing more or experiencing increased allergies or asthma while they’re indoors? If you have allergies from dust in the home, air duct ...

Air

December 1, 2017

Five Common Mold and Mildew Myths You Should Know

Myth #1: The inspector found mold. I probably won’t sell my property. Myth #2: I’ve got a handyman who can take care of it. Myth #3: Mold or mildew remediation companies charge way too much. Myth #4: Just bleach it. Myth #5: Mold or mildew is the next ...

Mold