How to Prepare Your Home for Winter Storms
In North Western Pennsylvania, winter storms are no surprise. Lake Erie creates lake effect snow that can dump several inches, if not feet, onto the ground. Although Erie is accustomed to the snow, there is always a chance we could get another big storm that traps...
Hydrostatic Pressure: What is it and How it Affects Your Home
In simple terms, hydrostatic pressure is when a liquid, such as water, is forced downward. The pressure is more substantial as the liquid is lower. Meaning, the lower the water is, the more stress that builds. Water that is under your home can consequently cause...
Basement Humidity in the Winter
During the winter, the humidity level drops. If cold air is sneaking into your home and your basement, your home's humidity levels are likely too low. If your basement has a water problem, there is likely too much humidity in your home during the summer, and during...
How Can Basement Walls Leak in The Winter?
There is no one simple answer to why your basement walls may be leaking, even though everything outside is frozen. There are many possibilities, from cracks in your walls, your foundation is at the base of a slope, poor soil quality, and even hydrostatic pressure....
How to Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing This Year
During the winter, one of the biggest concerns that homeowners have is the pipes freezing. A pipe that freezes and then bursts can cause thousands of dollars of damage. Although you cannot control the weather, you can prepare and protect your pipes. Our service team...
7 Christmas Gift Ideas for the Handyman
The holidays are approaching, and it’s the perfect time to start shopping. There are several staple tools that every handyman should have, and might already! Below are a few ideas from stocking stuffers to larger items. Stud Finder If your handyman doesn’t have a stud...
Basement Water Problems in Erie, PA
Erie gets an average of 44 inches of rain a year. To put that in perspective, Seattle, frequently considered the city that receives the most rainfall in the US, only averages 38 inches a year. Because of being right on Lake Erie with several long creeks going...
Interview: Common Basement Water Problems and Fixes with Co-Owner Mike Perry
What is the most common basement water problem that you see at ARK? I see a lot of hydrostatic pressure problems. In other words, there is too much water surrounding the home and the water begins to add too much pressure to the foundation. That is mostly caused by the...
Basement Smells – A Guide to Determine What The Cause is
Does your basement have a smell? Are you having trouble identifying it? There are many different things that could be causing that smell, some of which are dangerous. The below guide explains how to diagnose some of the most popular basement smells. Mold If you have a...
Common Basement Problems in Pittsburgh, PA
Homes in Pittsburgh, PA, are not immune to water problems. Pittsburgh gets an average of 38 inches of rain a year and about 28 inches of snow. All of that water can lead to significant basement and foundation problems. If you are reading this blog, you probably...