Basement Waterproofing Archives

January 31, 2021 by admin

Winter Foundation Cracking

The weather can be very unpredictable in Ohio. January can have freezing ice and snow, or a warm spell can mean rain and a lot of water leaking into your basement. The freezing and then flooding can really cause cracks in a foundation to get much worse.

For the United States, unpredictable weather is not uncommon. Northeast Ohio homeowners experience many weather changes throughout the year. From freezing temperatures to torrential rains, the region can experience all the high and lows of weather changes.

As a homeowner, the unpredictability of the seasons can be enjoyable if your house is a new construction or a fairly new house. For the older home, where the foundation sealant has all but disappear, and the contraction and expansion of the soil have made crevices along the foundation, torrential rains do not have the same level of enjoyment.

Many families around the country have woken up to a flooded basement. The water level is dangerous, and the fear of electrocution is very real. How did this happen? They ask. The reasons can be numerous.

Drainage problems
Spouting and gutter problems
Lack of a foundation sealant
Bursting pipes
Unleveled drainage

A torrential rain can become a problem right away if your gutters and spouting are damaged. A pool of water can sit by the foundation in a manner of minutes and eventually find its way to the basement of your home.

What are some of the things you need to do in case of water seeping to the basement?

If there is a damaged gutter, you need to replace it right away, and you need to make sure the water flow is uninterrupted. If there are missing spouts, replace them, making sure the water drainage is at least ten feet away from the foundation of the home. Cleaning the gutters once a year should be enough to maintain them clean of leaves, twigs or other debris.
Many houses have great drainage. The front and backyard slopes take the majority of rain water away from the foundation. If you have issues with water sitting around the foundation of the home, leveling and creating a slope can be done to fix the problem.
A damaged pipe leaking slowly in the basement or from any other part of the home can cause tremendous damage quickly. If you have a leaky faucet in the kitchen or bathroom, you can be sure the water is going down to the basement and causing damage.
Flower beds that trap water around the foundation are a common occurrence with horrible consequences. Leveling the flower beds and allowing the water to flow away from the foundation is not a difficult chore for homeowners to do.
Testing the sump pump to make sure it’s working properly should be done yearly. Is the battery back up in working order? Have you tested it to make sure it is? The tests you can do are simple and quick. The damage done to the basement is costly and can take time to repair and replace.

The extra living space a nice waterproof basement can give you and your family are endless. If you are thinking about finishing the basement for a home office, a playroom for the kids, or a nice family room, waterproofing the basement and then finishing it can give you those rooms to enjoy for many years to come.

At Pioneer Basement Solutions, we have an experienced team to waterproof the basement of your home. We can provide you with a hassle-free consultation and quote. With an A+ accreditation at the BBB and a long history in the community, we are the team to call for all you basement waterproofing needs.

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May 9, 2020May 10, 2020 by Ron Lee

Basement Wall Repair

How do you know what the best basement wall repair is for your basement? There are several types of foundation repair methods available and each is designed to solve a specific issue. There are basement walls that are tipping in at the top and basement walls that are bowing in along a horizontal crack. Then there are foundations that are crumbling or have severe mortar rot. Some basements have settling issues which result in vertical cracks in basement walls or stair step cracking in the walls. And then there are basement walls that have a sheer break in them resulting in the wall sliding inwards along the break.

Danger: Basement foundation problems can be dangerous. Please call 1 (330) 454-8066 to schedule an inspection by a basement professional.

Interviewing foundation repair companies can add to the confusion because you may get differing proposals. The reason this may happen is due to the numerous foundation repair companies that hire and train salespeople to sell a specific product or method. Foundation repair contractors that are part of a national chain or franchise will only propose (quote) the solutions they have contractual agreements to sell. These contractors often present many solutions and go through a sales process to bring you to a conclusion that the one product they install is the one you need. So look for locally owned and operated foundation repair contractors who can not only offer different solutions but also install any of them when you need basement wall repair.

bowing basement wall needing basement wall repair

Bowing basement walls

Basement wall shifting off base / sheering

Basement wall collapse

Basement wall with mortar rotting and block decaying

As a rule of thumb, basement walls that are bowing in can be reinforced to prevent further movement. Note: up to 2″ of inward bowing or less is required, anything beyond that and your wall is no longer structurally sound and should be replaced. Some basement walls can be straightened, but only if there are open cracks that have never been filled in. Continuing the thought of straightening bowing basement walls, to do it properly you must excavate the soil away on the outside first to relieve the pressure allowing the wall to go back to its best position. Walls that have the cracks caulked or filled in will not straighten up. The filler binds the joint and prevents the crack that opened from closing back up which is what straightening the wall is actually doing.

Back to reinforcing bowing basement walls. Steel I beams as a basement wall repair method can be used. Steel I beams are to be buried below the floor and cemented in at the bottom and properly attached to the wood structure above. In this scenario the floor below and the wood structure above are actually holding the I beam in place. Steel beams are straight so they only touch the wall where it is bowed out. The gaps at top and bottom between the wall and beam should be filled in to prevent the wall from shifting behind the beam. Downsides are steel beams are unsightly, can rust, and still can flex. Also if the soil conditions outside push on the wall it can cause the beam to put pressure on the wood structure causing it to shift or twist.

The latest basement wall repair method for bowing basement walls is carbon fiber mesh “straps” which are embedded into the face of your foundation walls. And the latest of those are made by Fortress Stabilization who has developed a system made of both carbon fiber and Kevlar meshed together giving them the ultimate in tensile and shear strength. These straps are smooth to the wall and paintable making them barely noticeable. Carbon fiber / Kevlar mesh straps are embedded into the face of the wall with a two part epoxy becoming part of the structure. How this method works is that the straps are inflexible / do not stretch so they create tension on the wall preventing movement. Soil pressure outside is diffused and the wall is permanently stabilized.

If your basement wall has a sheer, meaning a row of block has slid inward off of the row below it a half inch or more, it needs to be replaced. Some basement walls with a sheer less than a half inch can be stabilized with steel beams to prevent further movement but for the most part this is an indication of severe drainage problems resulting in water build up at the bottom of the basement wall outside. This build up results in the foundation and or mortar rotting out, becoming weak, and resulting in the shift. Often times this results in dirt and/or mud coming into the basement through the broken areas.

Tipping basement walls are a result of them not being well attached to the structure above during construction. This is a wall that is straight from bottom to top but leaning inward at the top. This is different from bowing as you will not see a horizontal crack that is opened up. Fixing tipping basement walls involves first removing the soil outside to relieve pressure. Then a system of steel beams and screws / jacks are used to slowly push the wall back into its best possible position. The steel beams can be left in place to hold the wall from further movement or other methods can be used to secure the structure above to the foundation to prevent movement.

Obviously if you have a collapsed basement wall, it would need full replacement, enough said.

Crumbling and rotting foundations occur due to the original waterproofing seal failing, allowing water into the basement wall. In many cases, if this is caught early enough the wall can be excavated, repaired, reinforced, waterproofed, and ultimately saved. The cost of going through all of that may be getting very close to replacing the basement wall and some walls with rot and decay should simply be replaced.

Settling foundations are those that are sinking into poor soil conditions. Signs of a sinking foundation include stair-step cracks, vertical cracks, and issues in the living space above such as cracked walls, ceilings, and doors that do not close properly. To stop a settling foundation it requires installing reinforcement below the foundation installed into a solid substrate. This method is often called underpinning or piering. We favor the Stabil-Loc Foundation Piering System. Its patent-pending load-bearing design installs directly under the wall being lifted. Its unique interlocking high strength steel construction can support up to 300,000 lbs. There are no bolts, no brackets, no breaking the footing, and no off-set loads. This pier carries an Engineer Certified safety factor of more than 10 to 1.

Contact Pioneer today to schedule a no-pressure visit to evaluate your foundation and the basement wall repair methods available.

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April 22, 2020February 1, 2021 by Ron Lee

Basement leaks where the wall meets the floor

If your basement leaks where the wall meets the floor you could have a few issues.

Roof water is the number one enemy of your basement. Check your gutters and downspout to be sure they are working properly. If water is cascading off of your gutters near your foundation it can overwhelm your basement drainage system.

Many people try adding dirt to the side of the foundation to stop basement leaks where the wall meets the floor. Often times that does not stop the leak. Fixing the dirt along your foundation may help surface water issues or damp wall issues. If your foundation walls are dry but you are leaking onto the floor the grade outside is not likely the issue.

Seepage at the base of the walls and or through floor cracks…

Ground water can enter your basement through the seam where the walls meet the floor and up through cracks or weak points in the floor. These are signs the original foundation drainage has failed and or there is water building up under the floor.

A buildup of water around your foundation due to failing drainage causes water pressure commonly referred to as hydrostatic pressure. This pressure is what pushes the water through the weakest points which is usually the seam where the wall meets the floor.

Failing foundation drainage occurs when the original drains collapse or fill with soil and or roots. Foundation drains can also clog around the outside so that no water can enter the pipe. Improperly or inefficiently installed foundation drainage can also cause water to build up and create pressure resulting in basement leaks where the wall meet the floor.

How to stop leak at wall and floor seam

There are two ways to dry up your basement. Either way it involves installing new foundation drainage. The new drains are either installed outside or inside. Interior basement waterproofing systems are installed under the basement floor to relieve “hydrostatic pressure”. This is water pressure in the ground that builds up around your foundation when water has no where to go. Many homeowners have mixed feelings on whether waterproofing a basement from the inside actually fixes the problem. After all, water comes from outside, right? True, but it is not always possible to fix basement water seepage from the outside. If your basement has water under the floor, interior basement waterproofing may be the only fix. Without interior drains, water gets trapped under the floor. This is because your foundation separates the inside from the outside.

Exterior basement waterproofing may be overkill for some basement leaks. If you have wet basement walls up high or at ground level, and/or signs of water running down basement walls, exterior basement waterproofing may be the best solution. The original seal on the exterior of your foundation deteriorates over time resulting in chronic paint bubbling, wet basement walls or chronically damp basement walls. If you see these symptoms you should consider exterior basement waterproofing.

Get a few professional evaluations

Getting estimates for basement waterproofing can be frustrating. Many customers tell us they have three estimates and three different solutions. The issue is most basement waterproofing contractors only offer one method. Naturally the one size fits all contractors will be certain their option is best for your basement. Never the less it is valuable to be educated and explore your options if your basement leaks where the wall meets the floor.

Pioneer offers all solutions. We start with identifying the cause of your problem. We will then review the solutions and the costs.

check out or review on these sites:

BBB Accredited Business with an A+ rating and ZERO complaints

Twelve Time "Super Service Award" Winners from Angie's List

Home Advisor Screened and Approved

Call today at 330-454-8066 and your basement leaks where the wall meets the floor will be a thing of the past

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November 12, 2019 by admin

Copley, Ohio Basement Waterproofing Company

In the state of Ohio, there are a lot of older homes that, at some point, begin to have water leaks or foundation issues.

A wet, leaky basement will often appear at the beginning of the wet seasons, but is a major issue year-round.

Many family homes in Copley, Ohio should have their basement and foundation carefully looked at and fully waterproofed when it is over twenty years old. Even less old houses can occasionally have issues if the foundation was not laid properly or the home has settled. If you own a home in Copley with water in the basement, contact Pioneer Basement Solutions at 1 (888) 420-9900 while you are thinking about it and schedule an appointment.

Usually, you can get a basement waterproofed or get the basement foundation repaired fairly fast and your house will be more clean and pleasant. There are many problems you can experience if you do not have a flooding basement waterproofed.

You can have increased mold and mildew that might degrade the health of your family. This can sometimes make allergies flair up. The issue could be something as concerning as black mold, or less serious like everyday mildew or mold, which is not good to breath and can stain items you might have boxed up in the basement.

If left unaddressed, small basement leaks can grow into major waterproofing issue or even cause a bigger issue with the foun

dation of the house bowing and becoming dangerous. Have the leak inspected by a professional. Surprise wet basement floors the next time there is severe weather can also get wet and ruin belongings in your basement. This could be valuable things including antiques, family photos, important documents or cherished furniture that are kept in the basement because there was not a any basement issues and you assumed the basement was the best place to put things you did not need at the moment. This can happen to anyone but with some prevention it will not happen to you. Even a small water issue can become worse and you might not know it until it is too late.

Ohio Basements Eventually Need Waterproofing

Copley basement waterproofing is an important thing to pay attention to, considering Ohio residential homes throughout the state are frequently older and need to have professional basement waterproofing specialists inspect the basements to verify there are not problems which might need to be repaired, and to let you know what can be done to repair any water problems or mildew.

Copley, Ohio is is part of Summit County, Ohio and was founded in 1819, which means there are quit a few aging homes in the area and there are certainly more than a few basements needing waterproofing. Copley is around Fairlawn and Medina and Pioneer provides Fairlawn and Medina waterproofing services as well. If you own a home with basement waterproofing issues in Copley Ohio, give us a call at (888) 420-9900 and arrange the best time and date for Pioneer Basement Solutions to come out and have their experts inspect your basement.

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September 4, 2019June 17, 2020 by admin

Alliance Ohio Basement Waterproofing Inspections

Ohio has a lot of beautiful, older family homes which, at some point, will start to have water leaks or foundation issues. A damp basement is most noticeable during the wetter seasons, but keep in mind it is a serious concern all year. A lot of family homes in Alliance, Ohio need to have the basement and foundation reviewed and made waterproof because they are over 10 years old. Also less old houses unfortunately occasionally have basement issues if the foundation was not done properly or the house has moved.

If you have an Alliance home with basement problems, contact Pioneer Basement Solutions by calling 1 (888) 420-9900 right away and talk to an expert. Frequently, you can have a waterproofing completed or have the basement foundation fixed quickly and your basement will be more clean and useful.

BASEMENT PROBLEMS AND DANGERS FOR ALLIANCE HOMES

The house can see an increased mildew and mold that could impact you and your family’s health. This can often make allergies worse. It could be something as dangerous as black mold, which is a serious danger, or something like everyday mold and mildew, which is not good to breath and will damage things you have boxed up in the basement.

If you do not fix your issue, slight basement leaks can become serious water issues or eventually become a bigger issue concerning the foundation in the basement bowing and ending up dangerous. Get your basement inspected right away.

Unexpected bigger water in basement during or after there is more rain than usual might get wet and ruin items in your home’s basement. Often it’s items such as clothes, photo albums, kids projects or cherished tools that, of course, are stored in your basement without concern as you assumed you did not have water in your basement and you thought it was a good place for storage. You are not the first one. Even a tiny water problem might rapidly grow worse and you might not know it until things are destroyed.

Many Ohio Homes Will Need a Waterproofing Inspection

Alliance basement waterproofing is important to look into because the Ohio family homes throughout the state are often not new and should request professional basement waterproofing pros inspect the basements to verify there are no problems that will get worse, and to report on what should be done to fix any flooding or mildew.

Alliance, Ohio is in Stark County, Ohio and was founded in 1854, which means there are some older homes in the city and there is no doubt some percentage of basements needing waterproofing. The city is close to Canton and Louisville and Pioneer provides Canton and Louisville waterproofing services those communities. If you have a house with basement waterproofing needs in Alliance Ohio, give us a call at (888) 420-9900 and arrange the best time and date for Pioneer Basement Solutions to come take a look at your basement.

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June 2, 2019February 1, 2021 by Ron Lee

Foundation Repair Companies – How to Find the Right One

When it comes to something as crucial as your home’s foundation, no doubt you would agree that it is important to find the right foundation repair company for the job. Foundation work is tricky and tedious and there are many things to take into consideration when work is being done. There is also a lot of risk and liability involved. So, the purpose of this article is to help homeowners know what to look for and help them to choose the right company. Although this article is geared toward foundation repair companies, the same principles apply when choosing any contractor to work on your home.

Years in Business

It is always best to choose a company that has been in business for a while. Some newer companies try to get around this by advertising “years of experience” instead of the amount of years they have actually been in business. If a company offers a guarantee, what good is it when they have only been in business for a few years?

Online Reviews

There are many websites now for customers to share their experiences. Some of the most common are Google, Facebook, Angie’s List, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. When looking for reviews, it is important to look at reviews across multiple sites. Why? Review sites such as Google and Facebook are helpful, but there is no filtering process, which means ANYONE can leave a review, whether they have had work done or not. Angie’s List, The BBB, and Yelp are more reliable because they have ethical requirements for businesses. So make sure to look at reviews on various websites before making a decision.

Industry Reputation

Consider talking to professionals such as engineers, building officials, realtors, etc. Such individuals are more likely to have heard recommendations for various foundation repair companies. Many of them are familiar with the reputations of local companies.

Adherence to Local Building Codes

Is the company willing to pull permits for the job if required? Are they willing to work with an engineer? These are important questions to ask before you hire a company. If the sales person dodges the question or doesn’t give you a straight answer, you may not want them to work on your foundation. What is the basement waterproofing service area for the company?

Warranties

Most companies offer a warranty or guarantee on their work. Make sure you get all the details and fine print. Some contractors charge a yearly fee to keep the warranty active. Others give a warranty but then do not respond when a customer needs service. The Better Business Bureau is a good place to look to see if a company has any complaints in this regard.

Insurance and Bonds

Any reputable company should have no problem providing proof of bonding and insurance. This is very important for liability reasons and is for your protection as much as it is theirs.

Doing the Research Pays Off!

It may take time to filter through so many different companies, but the benefits are priceless! Once your foundation is serviced, you never want to have to worry about it again.

Please feel free to explore our website to learn more or contact us if you have any questions.

We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

We are “Super Service Award” winners from Angie’s List.

BBB Accredited Business with an A+ rating and ZERO complaints

Twelve Time "Super Service Award" Winners from Angie's List

Home Advisor Screened and Approved

We hope this article was informative and helps you make the best decision in choosing a foundation repair company.

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May 5, 2019 by Ron Lee

Bowed Basement Walls and How to Fix Them

As a foundation repair contractor, one issue that we see frequently is bowed basement walls. When a basement wall begins to bow, it causes a horizontal crack that goes down the length of the wall and usually has stair step cracks near the corners. The purpose of this blog is to discuss what causes basement walls to bow in the first place and our solution to fix bowed basement walls.

What Causes Basement Walls to Bow?

There are several factors that cause this problem. In most parts of the midwest, our weather patterns consist of cold winters and warm summers. During winter time, the soil directly up against the outside of your foundation wall goes through a freezing and thawing pattern. When the weather warms up, soil gets soaked with rain and then dries out. Because of these patterns, soil is constantly expanding and contracting. This process puts a lot of pressure on foundations. The way a wall is constructed also has an impact. If a foundation has weak areas or wasn’t built to current building codes, it may be susceptible to issues later on. Large tree roots nearby can put pressure on a basement wall. A settling patio, stoop, or concrete steps can also cause pressure on a basement wall. Gutters that are clogged and spilling over exasperate the problem even more.

How to Fix Bowed Basement Walls

At Pioneer, we utilize carbon fiber technology from Fortress Stabilization. Fortress manufactures carbon fiber straps that adhere to the basement wall with epoxy. They are applied to the wall vertically. The top and bottom of the straps are anchored down to prevent any further movement. This provides a solution that is stronger than the original wall and it is stronger than steel. Let us explain how the product works.

The Fortress System

Installing carbon on a wall and making it look good is easy. Having it perform well, however, is an entirely different matter. The forces that cause walls to bow in the first place will most likely return. The difference between a carbon reinforcement system that works and a system that may fail is a multifaceted set of controllable variables. Fortress tests each feature of their system to address the external forces that will continue to work against the basement wall.

Are All Carbon Fiber Products the Same?

Carbon fiber must be under tension to get the benefit. It is imperative to apply carbon straight to achieve the correct tension. Fortress cures its carbon straight and without wrinkles, making it rigid enough to lay over the mortar and small cracks, not curve into these depressions. Wrinkled carbon may not continue to hold throughout the life of the home. Over the years, a gradual increase in external pressure on non-tension carbon could cause the carbon to separate from the concrete and fail to hold the wall.

Fortress uses a unique manufacturing process to engineer the carbon wall reinforcement system so that each unit is straight. Pioneer Basement Solutions can select any product to install but we choose Fortress because their product and manufacturing process is superior to their competitors. For example, other manufacturer’s carbon fiber product consists of a basic weave pattern that does not allow the strands to remain straight. The strands can elongate and loosen over time. Thus creating the same problem all over again!

Anchored for Ultimate Strength

Anchoring wall systems at the ends are necessary to utilize the full strength of carbon. Fortress engineers each plate anchor to out-perform the home’s foundation and withstand tremendous shear forces, keeping the carbon straps in place and the basement wall safe. A rigid plate anchor and legs prevent shear forces from moving the wall.

Fortress puts over 1,000 lbs. of tension into their top anchors at the time of installation, preventing future movement. Other systems don’t provide this level of necessary tension. Like a tightly tensioned ratcheted strap, the Fortress top anchor provides the necessary tension to take up any slack and keep the wall true.

Installed with Forever in Mind

Pioneer Basement Solutions offers guarantees on our work. This means a lot when we have been in business since 1979. It means that we stand behind our work and the products that we install. Fortress Stabilization is a U.S. company and offers a lifetime guarantee on their carbon fiber straps. When we install these straps, they are a permanent solution for bowed basement walls.

For more information on bowed basement walls, click here.

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April 21, 2019April 21, 2019 by Ron Lee

How to Prevent Basement Flooding

The best and most effective way to prevent basement flooding is to first of all waterproof your basement. Having a waterproofing system in place is your first and best line of defense against basement flooding. Are there other steps that you can and should take as well? Absolutely! Basement flooding can be a devastating event and in Northeast Ohio it is very common for heavy rainfall to occur from time to time. This article is to help you learn the best ways to keep your basement dry.

Maintain Sump Pump

It is very important to perform routine checks on your sump pump. Sump pumps do not last forever and as is the case with any small appliance, they can fail mechanically as they age. Make sure that yours is still pumping properly when water begins to rise in the sump crock. If you have had past basement flooding, or if your home is susceptible to flooding, you should consider getting a sump pump battery backup system. Often, storms cause power outages. Having a battery backup will prevent sump pump failure in the event of a power outage. Many homeowners choose to install one just for the peace of mind. Keeping your sump pump in good working order is one of the best things you can do to prevent basement flooding.

Keep Basement Floor Drains Clear

If your home is older or has big trees nearby, you’ll especially want to pay close attention to your basement drains. Backups are a common cause of basement flooding. Tree roots can cause blockage in the main line that leaves your home. A portion of the drain can break and cause a blockage as well. Heavy rainfalls that temporarily raise the water table can overwhelm drainage systems. Since the basement is the lowest point in the home, this is normally where a drain line backs up if a blockage occurs. You can have a plumbing company perform maintenance from time to time by snaking the line as a precautionary measure. Installing a “backflow preventer” or a “backwater valve” is an effective solution to prevent water or sewage from backing up. When water tries to flow back into the drain, the valves closes and prevents water from entering.

Maintain Gutters and Downspouts

If you have read our past blogs, you have probably heard us talk about this one before. That is because we cannot stress enough how important it is to maintain your downspouts and gutters. They play an important role in keeping your basement dry. Your basement can be completely waterproofed, but if your gutters are clogged, your basement is susceptible to flooding. Make sure to routinely check gutters and downspouts, especially if there are large trees near your home.

Proper Grade

One step you can take to prevent basement flooding is to make sure the soil around your home is graded properly to flow away from the foundation. For obvious reasons, this preventative measure can help reduce basement moisture from entering. This is important, but just one aspect of several measures that should be taken.

In Conclusion

As was mentioned, the above suggested maintenance along with basement waterproofing will help keep your basement dry during even the worst storms. If your basement needs some assistance, feel free to contact us for a free* consultation. We offer interior basement waterproofing, exterior basement waterproofing, as well as combination systems. We can help you figure out what is causing your basement problems and fix them for good.

*Free for homeowners

Learn more about how to prevent basement flooding by keeping up with our blogs and by following us on our Facebook page!

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March 25, 2019 by Ron Lee

What to Expect with Basement Waterproofing

You did your research, found the right basement waterproofing contractor, and signed the contract…now you want to know what to expect with basement waterproofing. We are here to help! Many homeowners feel uneasy about their upcoming basement waterproofing project. Some common concerns that we hear are: How big of a mess will it cause? How long is this project going to disrupt my home? Will there be a lot of dust? How much noise can I expect? Will the noise scare my dog? Our goal in this article is to address some of those common concerns and hopefully put your mind at ease so you can feel fully prepared for your upcoming project.

Is It Going to Make a Big Mess?

During any construction process, it is normal for things to be a bit out of sorts for the duration of the project. If your project involves interior basement waterproofing, as part of the process, we must break up concrete with a jackhammer along the perimeter of the basement. Therefore, a good amount of dust will be stirred up and unfortunately this cannot be completely avoided.

Keeping the Dust Under Control

What do we do to try to counteract this? As part of our process, we make efforts to cover your belongings with plastic sheeting. We also work to keep the areas where we enter and exit the basement clean and free of debris. This may mean putting plastic or another material down on the floors and steps to properly cover them. This not only helps keep the floors clean, but also prevents any scratches or damage. Sometimes, despite our best efforts to keep dust under control, a small amount may be left behind during the process. If you have high value items in your basement or irreplaceable family heirlooms, it may be best to secure these in a different location for the duration of the project. We do have a rigorous cleanup process and we try and make sure our customers are fully satisfied before we leave.

To learn about the step by step process of interior basement waterproofing, click here.

what to expect with basement waterproofing

Belongings are covered with protective plastic

Is My Yard Going to Be a Disaster?

What if you have an exterior basement waterproofing project? What should you expect with basement waterproofing then? Well, the best first step is familiarizing yourself with the process of exterior waterproofing. You can learn about exterior basement waterproofing systems by clicking here. During the course of waterproofing on the exterior, we must dig along your foundation wall on the outside. We do this with a piece of machinery. If you have landscaping along the foundation, we will have to move it. While we cannot guarantee the survival of landscaping, we do make every effort to place them back once we backfill. During the process, we take all safety precautions necessary to ensure that our customers as well as our employees stay out of harms way.

Why Bother Waterproofing from the Outside?

Some waterproofing companies will tell you that it is not necessary to waterproof from the outside and that it makes too much of a mess. But when the job is done correctly by a skilled expert, there is no reason why your yard cannot be put properly back in place with little indication that any work was ever done. Additionally, some basements must be waterproofed on the exterior if you really want to address the root of the problem and keep the basement dry permanently. So it’s important to remember the reason for doing the waterproofing and the good outcome that will come as a result.

How Much Noise Can I Expect?

Unfortunately, there is no way to break up concrete quietly. We must use a jackhammer and jackhammers are noisy. The noise will come and go while our worker’s are completing this portion of the project. If you have dogs or young children that are highly sensitive to noise, please notify the job foreman and request a warning before they begin jackhammering.

Cleaning Up During the Job

What About After the Project is Completed?

Once the project is finished, the job foreman will check in with you to explain any last minute details. He will also give you the opportunity to ask any questions. He will leave you with all the necessary paperwork for your project. You will receive a guarantee to go along with your waterproofing system. Our company does not charge a yearly maintenance fee. You do not have to “register” your warranty online or jump through hoops to receive the warranty.

A Final Word

We hope this article helps you to prepare for your project and gives you a better idea of what to expect with basement waterproofing. We want to assure you that our crew will make every effort to make your project as painless as possible. Our company has numerous online reviews where we have received commendation for the way we conduct our jobs. Please feel free to explore our website to learn more about our company as well as our process.

What to Expect With Basement Waterproofing

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February 28, 2019 by Ron Lee

Signs of a Bad Foundation

In some cases, the signs of a bad foundation may be very obvious. You may have been in a house or a building before where all of a sudden you feel like you are walking downhill. In most cases however, the warning signs may go unnoticed for a time. It is important to pay attention if a warning sign presents itself. What exactly are some of the signs of a bad foundation? This blog will focus on some things to look for in your home that can indicate a foundation problem.

Stair Step Cracks

When a section of a house is settling, it pulls the basement wall down with it, separating it and causing a “stair step” or zig zag crack to occur along the seam of the blocks. Stair step cracks are typically found near corners. If your basement ONLY has stair step cracks, it is usually indicative of a settlement issue. However, if there is also a horizontal crack leading up to the stair step crack(s), this is a different story. The next point discusses this.

Horizontal Cracks

Cracks that travel horizontally down the basement wall are caused by external pressure of soil. In Northeast Ohio, soil frequently freezes and then thaws, freezes and then thaws. Then in the summer it is dry and then wet, dry and then wet. Soil constantly expands and contracts. When gutters are clogged or not working properly, it makes the foundation vulnerable because the soil right next to the foundation will be heavier and wetter. The way a foundation is constructed also plays a part.

A horizontal crack is likely to be accompanied by stair step cracks near the corners. If you have a horizontal crack, take steps to have it inspected by a reputable foundation repair expert. Do your homework on foundation repair companies and look into their suggested repair techniques. Some companies will recommend a beam or some other method, even if the structural integrity of the wall is compromised and it cannot be repaired. Always ask the company if they pull a permit. If not, they are not adhering to standard building codes.

Vertical Cracks

Vertical cracks that go straight up and down indicate sinking or settling of the foundation. The soil underneath of your foundation also goes through the expanding and contracting process. If you have a vertical crack on one wall, you will almost always have a vertical crack on another wall. During summer when soil tends to be dryer, houses may settle and sink faster than during colder times of the year. For companies that offer foundation repair, this is a busier time of the year simply because more houses are settling during this time.

Basement Floor Cracks

What if you have cracks in the basement floor but no cracks in any of the basement walls? Is this a sign of a bad foundation? Possibly. This could be caused by hydrostatic pressure or water pressure. As water builds up, if it has no where to go, it creates pressure, and may crack a basement floor. A basement water issue could lead to a foundation issue and should be monitored.

Doors and Windows That Will Not Close Properly

When a foundation shifts or moves, it affects not only the basement walls, but also all of the construction that sits on top of them. If doors and windows stick when you try to open and close them, this is an indication that the foundation has shifted.

Cracks in Drywall

If you have noticed settlement cracks in your basement, take time to inspect the rest of your home. Look at the drywall throughout the house to see if you can find any cracks. Cracks in drywall often go hand in hand with foundation settlement cracks. These types of cracks may not stand out as much because they may be hairline cracks close to the ceiling that simply go unnoticed.

So You Have the Signs of a Bad Foundation. Now What?

If you have noticed any of the above symptoms, don’t procrastinate! Take immediate action. If you catch a foundation problem early, you may be able to stop the damage in its tracks. If you put it off, the issue may become worse and therefore more costly to fix.

Are you concerned about your foundation? Feel free to contact us for a free estimate. If you truly do have all the signs of a bad foundation, we can present you with the solutions to fix your foundation permanently.

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