ASHWORTH DRAINAGE BLOG

What Will You Do For Dad This Father’s Day?

June 15, 2016
Fater and son fathers day son boat on the lake with the sun set

With Mother’s Day in the past, we now look forward to the slightly more daunting Father’s Day. Let’s be honest, Dads can be harder to shop for – especially since they usually have pretty much everything they want or need, and socks and ties just doesn’t seem to cut it for every gift. So just what do you get the man who has everything? How do you show your appreciation for all that he’s done for you? Mom was probably pretty simple – flowers, chocolate, maybe a night out so she didn’t have to cook; but Dad… he’s a little harder. Sure you could default to some tool or another, but let’s face it, he probably already has one just like it or similar. Thankfully we’re here to help – or at least offer some ideas. (more…)

Dangerous Wet Basements

June 2, 2016
Old black mold, Basement

Having a basement in your home can prove to be a valuable asset as it gives you more room to store stuff or live in, and also increases the resale value of your home; but did you know that if your basement is damp or leaks often that it can cause some pretty big problems? If not, don’t worry, we’re here to help. Today we’re going over what you need to keep an eye out for, why a leaky basement is a very bad thing, and what steps can be taken to correct this issue. (more…)

Why Waterproofing Membrane Doesn’t Work

May 24, 2016
waterproofing Stone Round Stone

So you’re waterproofing your basement, a necessary task; but now you have an even tougher decision – which method do you want to use? With so many options out there, and with so many companies advertising one ‘fail proof’ method after another, it can get overwhelming. If there’s one thing I’ve noticed, is that when people are overwhelmed, generally they will go for an easy out. Of course some guidance is needed, and that’s why you’re here! (more…)

Friday the 13th Again?!

May 12, 2016
Cat laying on its back looking at the camera

Do you ever feel like things are not working in your favor at home? Breaking pipes, flooding basements, bad neighbors or horrible yard drainage? Maybe it has to do with the bad omens known to surround Friday the 13th. Here are some common homeowner superstitions to avoid this Friday the 13th:

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Five Tips for Hiring a Great Contractor

April 29, 2016
Drainage Contractor Help wanted sign tape on edges

You may have heard horror stories about contractors not fulfilling the terms of the agreement, doing a poor job or leaving half way through a project. It’s time for you to finally get that home repair/renovation project started and hire a contractor. But, where do you start? And how do you avoid hiring a bad contractor?

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What’s so French about drains?

April 13, 2016
French Drains

One would assume that drains have nothing to do with French culture; they do not possess a reputation for being high class or fancy but French drains actually solve a serious drainage problem. French drains can transform your lawn from having an ugly mini pond in the middle of it after a rainstorm, to having an elegant underground waterway and a perfect looking lawn. They can prevent water from pooling in low points on your property while channeling water into places of your desire such as storm drains, rain barrels or gardens.  They can help protect your homes foundation from damaging surface or ground water, preventing water from being in constant contact with your homes foundation. The image on the right shows a French drain made to funnel water away from its foundation, preventing foundational water damage.  French drains help extend the life of foundations and can add value to your home.

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Keeping your Basement Dry in Spring

March 30, 2016
Spring Rains Rain on camera women with umbrella background

The advent of spring can make your basement susceptible to flooding. Rain isn’t the only culprit – dormant snow is a major cause of basement flooding during spring. Runoff from melting snow more readily enters your basement if the ground is frozen because the water can’t seep into the soil and may enter through foundational defects instead.

Here are some tips to prevent basement floods when spring arrives: (more…)

Steps for Maintaining your Sump Pump

March 3, 2016
Sump Pump Pipes Basement Flooding

One of the more challenging aspects of being a homeowner is dealing with flooding in the basement. During the wet seasons, water often seeps in, and if you are not prepared for it, this can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Many homeowners install sump pumps to make sure their basement doesn’t suffer from flooding. However, a sump pump is the kind of device that can go unnoticed until you need it.

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