Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Basement Systems

It can be pretty tough to know how to choose a basement waterproofing solution because there are so many companies that want to sell their basement systems rather than taking the approach of a full service true diagnosis.

Companies that repeatedly sell the same basement systems typically have trained sales people who give the exact same sales presentation to every “prospect” they encounter.

Your best bet is to find a well established reputable basement waterproofing contractor who not only offers but actually installs all basement solutions. This type of basement contractor will diagnose your specific problem and review all of your options so that you can make an informed and wise decision about the waterproofing solution that makes the most sense in your case.

So avoid those companies that sell the same one size fits all basement systems to every customer and look for a basement waterproofing contractor who installs all solutions.

Call us today at 1-877-321-4889 for a free consultation.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Prevent Sick House Syndrome

The EPA informs us that six out of 10 homes and buildings are “sick” meaning they are hazardous to your health to occupy as a result of airborne pollutants.

Most people spend well over 90% of their time indoors. In which case, indoor air is going to impact our health far more than outdoor air. According to Scientific American, a baby crawling on the floor inhales the equivalent of four cigarettes a day, and is exposed to a multitude of pollutants, as a result of the out gassing of carpets, molds, mildews, fungi, dust mites, etc. Sick House Syndrome occurs in homes with excess moisture and lack of ventilation. Cold damp basements and crawl spaces nurture mold and contaminants which work their way into the upper levels of the home.

Humidex controls moisture and creates ventilation in both basements and crawl spaces. Humidex will create a healthier home environment by improving indoor air quality by expelling gases, toxins, VOC’s and odors. Stagnant air will be replaced by fresh air creating a healthy home and maintain the structural integrity of the home.

Humidex is energy efficient and cost less than $5 per month on your utility bill and is maintenance free.

Call Pioneer Basement Solutions today at 330-773-0109 or toll free 1-877-321-4889 for free a consultation.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Basement Waterproofing

Basement waterproofing problems easily can be one of the most frustrating a homeowner can have. Wet spots on the basement walls, mold and or mildew growth, cracks and actual water seepage in the basement are common basement waterproofing symptoms that there is a problem that needs to be solved.

Basement waterproofing solutions are limited to exterior or interior making choosing a solution a fairly easy task. Wet basement walls need and exterior basement waterproofing method of correction. This method is commonly referred to as excavation. Water coming up through the floor or only seeping through the wall/ floor seams is a ground water issue which can best be solved with an interior basement waterproofing method. Sometimes a combination approach makes the best sense.

For more information on what basement waterproofing solution best fits your problems, call us for a free estimate at 1-877-321-4889.

Pioneer Basement Solutions is a basement waterproofing company in business for over 30 years serving northeast Ohio.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Basement Wall Cracks

Basement wall cracks are most commonly cosmetic and some are structural. Typically if it is a vertical crack, it is not a structural concern. Vertical cracks are more prone to leak however and may require digging out on the outside to seal off the leak.

Step cracks are those basement wall cracks that step down and follow the mortar joints of the wall, these are common settling cracks. All homes settle and usually produce some step cracking. The common tolerance or acceptable level of basement wall cracking is up to 1/8". If your step cracks are 1/2" or more you may need what is called underpinning or peiring to support the foundation from underneath and bring it back up to its original position.

Horizontal basement wall cracks are potentially the most concerning and can lead to your basement walls bowing in. If the basement wall has bowed in 4 inches or more it should be replaced. So if you have one or more basement wall cracks that are horizontal and you see bowing, take action as soon as possible to stabilize it preventing any further movement.

Call us today for a free inspection at 1-877-321-4889 toll free

Akron 330-773-0109

Cuyahoga Falls 330-923-0109

Kent/ Ravenna 330-676-3280

Canton 330-454-8066

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Basement Waterproofing Paint

Waterproofing a basement with basement waterproofing paint on the interior of the walls is the most popular method used by do it yourselfers. Basement waterproofing paint can be a good solution for some, but not for others. Let's look at when it is probably not a good solution for you first.

1. If your walls are already painted. Basement waterproofing paint works by soaking into the porous cement block material. Applying waterproofing paint on top of other paint will lead to big bubbles, flaking and loose chunks falling off because the waterproofing paint could not bond into the wall.
2. If your walls are not cement block. Basement waterproofing paint is designed for cement block. All other foundations, such a clay tile, will not take the paint correctly.
3. If you have actual water seepage problems. Basement waterproofing paint works by creating a "dam" and can allow water to stack up in your block walls. This can cause rot and decay that will lead to major problems later. Actual water seepage should be dealt with utilizing professional repair and solutions.

So in essence basement waterproofing paint only works well for minor dampness issues that occur in cement block walls that are not previously painted. If your basement does not fit this profile, call Pioneer Basement Solutions today for a free inspection and no obligation estimate at 1-877-321-4889. Or visit the website at www.pioneerbasementsolutions.com and be sure to check out our current sale!

Monday, February 23, 2009

Wet Basement After A Snow Melt

I have received quite a few calls recently about wet basements after a snow melt. Many people say, "I never had a leak before now, why is is it leaking now?" Honestly each situation needs specific assessment to determine the source of the basement leak, there are a few common causes.

When the snow really piles up like it did recently, it has a lot of potential to saturate the ground around your home. When there is a fast snow melt, the original waterproofing system can get overwhelmed and the water simply has nowhere to go. This creates a water table around your foundation that can create a lot of "hydrostatic pressure". Water simply pushes all around your basement walls and floor, like trying to push a bowl down into a sink of water, you can feel the water pressure push on the bowl and if you let go, the bowl will pop out of the water. Obviously your basement is not going to pop out of the ground. So water forces its way into paths of least resistance, usually the seam where the wall meets the floor and then you get a wet basement.

It simply could be bad timing. At some point, all basements are going to leak. Your waterproofing system will most likely fail eventually because it is out in the elements. It could be that the heavy snow melt was the final straw that broke the proverbial camel's back in your case.

I would be happy to visit your home for a no obligation free evaluation. I will prepare a free estimate if you need repairs. Call me at 1-877-321-4889 or visit us online at www.pioneerbasementsolutions.com

Friday, December 26, 2008

Wet Basement? Look Up!

Wet basements can be very frustrating. How about when you are out shopping, or even worse out of town, and you know there is a deluge that is probably wreaking havoc on your basement. Thinking about what must be going on can consume a person, and then finally you head down the stairs to see what could be bad as you hope for the best.

One common cause for wet basements is actually your roof water. Yeah, roof water management is more important than most people think. Overflowing gutters can pelt water right close to your foundation at a very heavy rate. Downspouts that are disconnected from extensions that lead the water away underground or away from the home on the surface can have the effect of a couple garden hoses running wide open right down your foundation walls.

There are a few common signs that I look for that relate to roof water when I inspect foundations for water seepage sources. First, if your mulch or the dirt around your home is impressed or eroded away in a straight line parallel to the foundation, look up. This is a typical sign of gutters overflowing. Also look to see if there is a lot of gravel or pebbles along the ground close to the foundation that have washed up to the surface in those areas. If so that could mean the problem has been going on for a while. You may be able to simply clean out your gutters and be fine. Watch after the next heavy rain, if you still have cascading water off of the roof you may need to go to an oversized gutter. Or it could be the downspout drain.

Another sign I look for is mulch or dirt that has sunken and or eroded away around the downspout. This could mean the drain is clogged underground and is backing up, causing the water to wash away the soil around the drain. Cleaning underground downspout lines is very important and often overlooked. Have your underground downspout lines checked or cleaned by a drain professional every year or two to prevent that water back up and keep it out of your basement.

If your downspouts are simply running out on the surface, five to six feet away from the foundation to an area where the water will run off and away on to your lawn or landscape should do fine. You want to get at least four feet out to get past the "soft zone" which was created when the home was built. This is where soil from construction is mixed up and was back filled around the home. This soil will stay soft for many many years. It's pretty shocking how easy it is to dig by hand all the way down a sixty year old foundation. Try that out in the middle of the lawn and you are lucky to get past 18 inches!

If your roof water is well managed you will greatly reduce your chances of a leaky basement. If all is well and you still have a leak, call a waterproofing professional!