Basement Rust in Grand Rapids MI
Basement rust is a common problem. Rust occurs when iron combines with oxygen and water to form a hydrated iron oxide. In addition to being unattractive, it also results in the deterioration of the affected object. Items often become weak and worthless when the rust has eaten through them.
The good news is that you can effectively prevent basement rust by taking the following precautions.
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Waterproof your basement
In order for rust to occur in the basement, water, iron and oxygen must be present. The reaction between these elements results in the formation of rust. While you can’t remove oxygen and iron from the basement, you can control the level of water in the space by waterproofing the basement.
Get in touch with a professional waterproofing contractor to ensure that your basement is waterproof. This will prevent water from gaining access to your basement and causing items with iron to develop rust.
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Keep the basement dry
Waterproofing is only effective at keeping water in the ground out of the basement. However, high levels of air moisture can also cause rust formation. Keeping your basement dry after waterproofing will ensure that you prevent the formation of rust. A basement dehumidifier will be effective for this. A dehumidifier will keep humidity levels in the basement at a minimum.
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Coating
You can also prevent the formation of rust by ensuring that water and oxygen do not come into direct contact with iron. This can be done by using a coating such as rust-oleum epoxy shields or paint to coat the floors, structural beams or any other item that may fall victim to rust. Be sure to select paint or coating that doesn’t produce noxious fumes over time. This will ensure that the air quality in your basement and home remains good.
Dealing with stains
If you’re already dealing with rust in your basement, you may have ochre stains on your walls or on the floor. Although these stains are not harmful to your health, they can result in problems with the structure of your home.
The iron ochre that forms the stains can find its way into drainage or waterproofing systems. This can cause failure or clogging of these systems and therefore cause an even bigger moisture problem in your basement.
It is important to clean or cover these stains. Contact a professional basement contractor to help you determine the best approach to this.
Rob VanSuilichem
Serving Michigan homeowners for over 32 years, Everdry is one of the Nation’s largest and most experienced waterproofer.
Locally owned, operated and staffed, Everdry professionals take a personal one-on-one approach in educating homeowners so they truly understand all their options for creating a safe, dry, healthy and usable space in their basements.
What Sets Us Apart
- Unbeatable quality due to the experience of the owners and staff.
- Unbeatable value due to the efficiency and expertise of more than 32 years of experience.
- Unbeatable value due to the purchasing power of being one of the largest waterproofers in the nation.
- Unbeatable service due to the fact that EverDry is a locally owned and operated company.
Credentials Include:
- Members of the Home Builders Association
- H.U.D. evaluated
- I.C.C. evaluated (Report #94-07)
- Better Business Bureau Accredited with the Eastern and Western Michigan BBB
- Fully Licensed and Insured
The aforementioned memberships are important because we benefit from the constant exchange of information and knowledge. We are updated on everything from installation techniques, to customer service improvements. You benefit in the knowledge that these third party inspection agencies require us to meet stringent requirements to remain members in good standing.
Better Business Bureau
We have been nominated and won the prestigious Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Ethics many times, Chosen as a W.Mich.BBB Torch finalist in 2014 & 2015, Won the Torch Award for Ethics in 2016, Won the Eastern Michigan BBB Torch Award in 2019 and was also chosen as a Western Michigan BBB Torch finalist in 2019. Won the Eastern Michigan BBB Torch Award in 2023 and Finalist for the Western Michigan BBB Torch Award in 2020 & 2021!
Mission Statement
To create raving fans of our customers and employees through frequent contact, constant training, a commitment to excellence and unlimited opportunity.
