Exterior Basement Waterproofing Archives

November 7, 2017November 8, 2017 by Ron Lee

Basement Wall Membrane – An Important Aspect of Exterior Waterproofing

If you have researched exterior basement waterproofing, you may have learned that a basement wall membrane is an integral part of a typical exterior system. Depending on the specific water problem and where the water is coming from, exterior basement waterproofing may be the best bet to solve your water intrusion problem. All basements eventually need to have the exterior basement waterproofing re done. The original seal will break down allowing dampness to wick into the foundation and eventually lead to water seepage problems through the basement walls. If this is the case, a basement wall membrane can be utilized as part of the waterproofing system. Lets talk about what a basement wall membrane is exactly, what it does, and why it is beneficial for exterior waterproofing.

What is a Basement Wall Membrane?

It is a waterproof barrier that is applied to the outside of the basement wall below grade. The membrane serves the important purpose of blocking water from the foundation wall and preventing any kind of water or moisture intrusion. At Pioneer, we use DELTA-MS. The following information regarding DELTA-MS can be found on the manufacturer’s website:

The vacuum-formed dimpled pattern creates an air gap between the membrane and the foundation for an absolutely dry foundation. By keeping water away from the foundation wall, DELTA®-MS is able to keep basements permanently dry and protected. Unlike sprays, which crack when concrete walls crack, it bridges cracks so no water intrusions can occur.

Made from three layers there is a 60% recycled layer sandwiched between two 40% virgin layers. The co-extrusion process and offset dimples of DELTA®-MS create higher compressive strength and impact resistance than other dimpled membranes ensuring its performance and protection lasts. The non biodegradable membrane is superior compared to other membranes typically made from 100% recycled materials and sprays that will break down in the soil.

Benefits of Basement Wall Membrane in an Exterior Waterproofing System

Installing a membrane over top the waterproof coating (which is either sprayed, brushed or rolled onto the foundation first) protects your foundation from moisture and from the backfill process.
Unlike coatings which can biodegrade, corrode or peel with time, the DELTA-MS basement membrane is permanent and has no reactions to moisture.

How is it Installed?

We follow several basic steps:

Excavate around the outside of the foundation
Clean walls and repair any cracks.
Apply a sealant coating.
Hang dimpled membrane.
Install footer drains then cover with gravel.
Backfill to the top with fresh soil.

You can learn more details about the entire process of installing an exterior basement waterproofing system by clicking here. The following video shows the process of the membrane application.

At Pioneer, we understand each important step that goes into a waterproofing system. We want to do everything we can to make sure our customers understand the entire process. We do not cut corners or use inferior products. Quality products and detailed workmanship make all the difference in the world and it is our focus to always fulfill these goals. If you would like to learn more, please feel free to explore the rest of our website or contact us for more information.

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Be sure to include an exterior waterproof basement wall membrane in your project!

exterior basement waterproofing or interior basement waterproofing?

March 21, 2017March 24, 2017 by Ron Lee

Wet Basement? What is the Cause and Best Solution?

Ever wonder what causes a wet basement or what the best solution is? Having a wet basement and trying to figure out the best solution can be quite stressful to a homeowner. First of all, lets discuss what causes a wet basement. To put it simply, there are two sources of basement seepage; ground water and surface water. How can you tell the difference between the two?

Some basements may have wet walls, which includes moisture on more than just the bottom row of block. This is an indication of water getting into the foundation from surface water activity. The best way to dry out the basement in this case is to restore the waterproofing seal on the outside of the basement walls by installing an exterior basement waterproofing system.

Exterior Basement Waterproofing

On the other hand, if your basement walls are dry but there is seepage where the floor and wall meet, it is most likely a ground water problem under the foundation. You may notice heaved floor cracks or discoloration in the cement. When ground water builds up under a basement floor, the best way to fix a wet basement in this case is with interior sub floor footer drains. This allows diversion of the water before it builds up to floor level.

Interior Basement Waterproofing

How Can You Find the Right Contractor?

Look for a basement waterproofing contractor that offers all methods of basement waterproofing. Beware of companies that tell you that there is only one way to fix a wet basement. They may claim to be a full service waterproofing company, yet they only offer their “patented system” and tell you that this is the best and only option. Many of these companies claim to be full service. They train their sales force to review the options they don’t actually install in a way that would cause you to say you do not want them, such as exaggerating the cost or minimizing the benefits.

There is no “one size fits all” solution that works for everyone. Each type of basement waterproofing system works differently so it is important to know what the cause of your issue is.

Call Pioneer Basement Solutions for a zero-obligation quote and basement evaluation. We can offer a no-nonsense solution to fix your wet basement. We do not use pushy sales techniques nor try to use scare tactics in order to intimidate homeowners. Contact us today and learn more about fixing your wet basement permanently and correctly!

April 11, 2016April 11, 2016 by Ron Lee

Exterior basement waterproofing or interior basement waterproofing?

So many people want to know if they should choose exterior basement waterproofing or interior basement waterproofing to stop their basement water seepage. Some people want to know what solution will truly fix their problem where others just want the cheapest solution that will give them dry space. And of course there are those who fall anywhere in between. Let’s review the differences and what each solution accomplishes to help answer the question: Exterior basement waterproofing or interior basement waterproofing?

water entering basement walls through the soil=seal failure

If you have wet basement walls, or just damp basement walls that you have to scrape and paint more often than every five years to keep it looking decent then obviously water is getting into your basement foundation walls. The best “fix” to solve the problem is to stop the water from getting into the foundation walls with exterior basement waterproofing.

The process of exterior basement waterproofing involves excavating down to the bottom of the foundation. Then the walls are cleaned of debris etc… to prepare for application of a waterproof coating. All cracks and gaps are filled in and a waterproof coating is brushed, rolled or sprayed on to the foundation sealing up the porous surface. Then a waterproof membrane is applied to completely waterproof the foundation. At Pioneer we apply a dimpled membrane which gives added benefits of air gap technology and a bit of cushion against the soil pressure.

New foundation drainage is installed. This step is as critical as the sealing of the foundation. The new foundation drainage should be 4″ PVC perforated pipe and it should have a pitch, or downhill slope, towards the evacuation point. The evacuation point is either a sump pump system or a gravity drain that either exits the surface somewhere away from the foundation, or ties to a city drainage system. Many contractors do not ensure proper flow of the drains away from the foundation because most municipalities do not require it. I know that sounds crazy and it is. This problem of drains not flowing properly is very prevalent in new construction.

After drainage is installed properly a back fill of gravel is installed over the foundation drains. Top soil is then installed over the gravel with a positive slope away from the foundation.

If your basement walls are in good shape other than the bottom and you are getting seepage coming from the wall floor seam under heavy rain events an interior basement waterproofing system will give you a dry basement. But the question is what will actually fix the problem, exterior basement waterproofing or interior basement waterproofing? If the seepage is due to your exterior foundation drains failing, then replacing them on the outside will put you back to like new. However, if you see signs of water under your basement floor, like floor cracks that are discolored or white powder on the floor in areas…or even actual water seepage from weak points in the floor itself, an interior basement waterproofing system is the only way to truly fix your problem. We see people who have this problem and have hired other contractors to excavate their basement and waterproof from the outside only to continue leaking. The reason is ground water build up under a foundation will get trapped under your floor and not make it to the outside drainage.

white powder build up around floor cracks = water under the floor

Ground water problems usually show only after sustained periods of rain or fast heavy downpours. The leaking appears at the wall – floor seams after these sustained conditions occur and may even continue to seep even after the rains stop. This is because the ground water is building up around your foundation from below and has nowhere to go other than in to your basement until the water subsides to below your floor level. In this scenario an interior basement waterproofing system will catch the water from below the floor level and prevent the buildup, relieving the hydrostatic pressure that pushes the water in. Ok, so to call it “waterproofing” is not the best definition since it is actually a ground water control system also called a hydrostatic pressure relief system. The term interior basement waterproofing has become the generic label for these systems although technically it does not consist of a waterproof membrane. Nonetheless, you will have a guaranteed dry basement with an interior drainage system if you have a ground water problem.

Beware that not all interior basement waterproofing systems are equal. Some systems are channels that are installed level under the floor or on top of the footer. Level is the operative word here, level means water lays in there and creepy bugs love water. Look for systems that consist of a true footer drain installed below the floor and is pitched to run downhill to the evacuation point. Furthermore, any water that is building up under the floor has to push up into the drain on top of the footer to get to the drain maintaining the water level at a very high point.

So do you think you are figuring out whether you need exterior basement waterproofing or interior basement waterproofing? Give Pioneer a call for a free no obligation inspection and estimate. All options are reviewed with pros and cons for your specific foundation. No sales games, no pressure, just straightforward conversation.

Exterior basement waterproofing or interior basement waterproofing?

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February 16, 2016 by Ron Lee

Sump pump battery backup system

Sump pump battery backup system now available from PumpSpy is newest addition in smart home technology

If you have a sump pump in your basement or crawl space then you have probably wondered about the need to install a sump pump battery backup system. The thought of a power outage during a heavy rain or snow melt (or even worse both!) and a sump pump that doesn’t work resulting in a flooded space is a real nightmare. Sump pumps will eventually fail simply due to mechanical issues too… and you never know when that will happen.

So how do you protect yourself from a sump pump failure whether it is a power outage or mechanical failure? Consider the PumpSpy smart sump pump battery backup system. PumpSpy’s smart backup pump is a system that constantly monitors your primary sump pump, backup pump and battery. If any problem is detected, homeowners receive alerts through text messages, email and the PumpSpy app on your phone.

So How Does it Work?

The PumpSpy battery backup sump pump uses cellular technology to constantly monitor your entire sump pump system and uses predictive maintenance to alert you of any potential problem. This is also known as “model based” condition monitoring. This method involves spectral analysis on your pump(s) current and voltage signals and then compares the measured parameters to a known and learned model of the pump(s) to diagnose various electrical and mechanical anomalies. This process of “model based” condition monitoring was originally designed and used on NASA’s space shuttle to monitor and detect developing faults in the space shuttle’s main engine.

Many people ask about how long the battery will last before needing to be replaced. Just like the battery in your car your backup battery will eventually need to be replaced, and often times we do that after our car doesn’t start! The PumpSpy monitors the battery output during routine self-testing. This information will help you to know when your battery is still okay, but is ready to be replaced. Your typical off the shelf battery backup systems do not do this… so what can happen is when you experience a pump failure your basic off the shelf system switches to battery mode but a dead battery means no back up!

In the event your primary pump fails due to a mechanical issue, the PumpSpy system automatically switches over to the backup pump allowing you the time you need to fix the problem. But again, being a smart system…the PumpSpy actually monitors the output of your primary sump pump. So you will be able to see when your pump is starting to go bad buying you the time to replace it before it fails!

Again, your typical “off the shelf” smart home / connected home products use your Wi-Fi to report data. This is great, except when there is a power outage! So when you are relaxing on a warm sunny beach somewhere and back at home there is rain on top of snow melting with a power outage, PumpSpy’s cellular technology is still alive and well giving you the data you need when you need it.

Let’s review the benefits of PumpSpy’s sump pump battery backup system

PumpSpy monitors your primary pump, backup pump and battery – testing them three times a week!
Text message, email, and PumpSpy app alerts
Smart Predictive Maintenance feature alerts you to the end of life expectancy of your primary sump pump based on its performance history
Going out of town? Great! Send alerts to your house sitter, neighbor, handyman, or whoever and however many people you like
Cellular data works when Wi-Fi doesn’t
PumpSpy has a support line where you speak to a real waterproofing expert 7:30am-7:30pm weekdays, just call the toll free number printed on the backup system
When you activate your PumpSpy Monitoring, Pioneer Basement Solutions can log into your system as a contractor and see your history, allowing us to better serve you!
PumpSpy pumps more water and lasts longer than “off the shelf” backup systems

Sump pump battery backup self monitors giving you reports on performance

Call Pioneer for more info on installing your sump pump battery backup system today!

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January 26, 2016February 15, 2018 by Ron Lee

Exterior Basement Waterproofing

Exterior Basement Waterproofing Membrane

An exterior basement waterproofing membrane or an interior basement waterproofing system? That is the question! Many people I visit tell me in so many words, “I want to know what will fix my problem”. I hear from potential customers they have had a couple basement waterproofing contractors in to look at their basement and they get different opinions from each one. That is very frustrating to the consumer and to me quite frankly. Almost all basement waterproofing companies have a “system” they prefer and they sell it to everyone they meet. There is no one solution that solves all basement water seepage problems. Let’s take a look at what type of problem exterior basement waterproofing solves.

Wet basement walls are a result of failed seal on exterior of foundation

If you have wet basement walls, wet higher that the bottom row or two of block, this means water is seeping into your foundation at ground level or at some point mid way. How water seeps into the foundation is through cracks and through failed foundation sealing. What causes this can be a variety of issues such as gutter and downspout issues, bad grading, sloping patios etc… However, fixing the cause usually doesn’t dry up the basement wall because the damage is done.

There are two ways to achieve a dry basement, with an interior solution or with an exterior solution. But for those who want actually fix the problem of water seeping into the foundation wall, you have to stop the water from getting into the wall in the first place with exterior basement waterproofing.

exterior basement waterproofing membrane

Exterior basement waterproofing with dimpled membrane

After drainage is installed properly a back fill of gravel is installed over the foundation drains. Top soil is then installed over the gravel with a positive slope away from the foundation.

Interior Full Wall Basement Waterproofing System

So how do you achieve a dry basement on the interior? Interior drainage can be installed below the floor along the footer to collect and direct ground water away from foundation. Interior waterproof panels can be applied to the basement walls giving you a waterproof, dry and maintenance free basement wall surface. This is a good solution for some people who may not want to dig up the exterior for what ever reason, or they simply do not want to invest in the exterior method. Weep holes are installed in the foundation to drain water that may get into it allowing the wall to drain, dry up as well as breathe. There may still be dampness in the foundation with this method like using waterproofing paint, but it is sealed off from the basement giving the homeowner a dry basement space and the foundation can drain and dry through the weep holes. Using waterproofing paint can dam up water inside the foundation. Water laying in the foundation will lead to paint failure and can also lead to decay.

If your basement walls are mostly dry but have a few areas of dampness, a combination of interior basement waterproofing and an exterior basement waterproofing membrane can be installed to give you a dry and healthy basement.

Call Pioneer Basement Solutions today for a free, no obligation review of your foundation. We will evaluate the overall condition structurally and review the condition of the foundation waterproofing and drainage system. Once issues are identified we will review causes and all potential solutions. We take the approach of educating and advising our potential customers so they can make the best possible decision about their basement concerns. No sales games, no sales pressure. Straightforward answers and straightforward pricing.

Get in touch today to explore an exterior basement waterproofing membrane and other options for your home.

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December 18, 2015January 15, 2016 by Ron Lee

Waterproofing a basement

When looking at options for waterproofing a basement there are only three. You can waterproof your basement from the outside, from the inside or a combination of both to some degree.

You should start by identifying what type of problem you have. Most basements have either a problem with surface water getting to the walls or ground water building up from below. The symptoms of each are quite different. For the most part surface water problems will lead to wet basement walls and ground water problems lead to wet basement floors.

If you have wet basement walls that are wet more than just at the bottom row or two you likely have a surface water intrusion into the basement wall from the outside. This causes bubbling paint, white powder on the walls, mortar rot and can lead to weakness and cracking of the foundation. Waterproofing a basement from the outside will restore the exterior seal of the basement / foundation wall preventing water and dampness from getting to it. Our multi step process starts with excavation of the basement walls to the bottom of the footer exposing the entire foundation. Next we clean the surfaces for a thorough inspection looking for weak points and cracks. We them repair the basement foundation cracks and weak points before applying a full seal coating to your basement walls. The “icing on the cake” is the unique dimpled air gap basement waterproofing membrane that is bonded to your foundation walls resulting in a guaranteed dry foundation wall. New PVC footer drains are installed with gravel and the soil is put back with a nice positive grade away from the foundation walls.

Waterproofing a basement from the outside

Exterior basement waterproofing membrane for permanently dry foundation

Note: It is very important that your roof water is directed away from the foundation. Overflowing gutters and improperly draining downspouts are major contributors to wet basements and wet basement walls.

You may not need exterior basement waterproofing if you have paint on your basement walls that is more than a year old and it still looks like it did when you painted it. Basements that leak water on to the floor through the seam where the wall meets the floor typically are a result of ground water build up. These issues may result in wet basement walls at the bottom row or two but the remainder of the wall is all or mostly dry. Waterproofing a basement from the inside may be a great option if this is your basement. In fact, if you have water under the basement floor the only way to dry that up is from the inside. Exterior drains will not get water under the floor since the foundation separates the two areas.

Level water trough installed on top of footer has no slope to drainage point and holds water

Waterproofing a basement from the inside, commonly called interior basement systems, involve drainage installed under the basement floor relieve the “hydro-static pressure” or water pressure in the ground that builds up around your foundation. There are many companies that offer this type of solution for wet basements but they can vary greatly in design and performance. Look out for systems that are level. Level water trough systems that are installed on top of the footer or next to the footer hold water. Only when water fills the trough can it build up movement as it seeks a level and make its way to the drain point.

Look for a system that is a true interior footer drain. A true interior footer drain is installed in a trench down next to the footer and it slopes down hill towards the drainage point, usually a sump pump system. There should be about 1/2″ fall for every 10 feet of drain pipe to promote a good flowing drain and many municipalities actually require this method.

If your basement has mostly ground water issue and some areas of the basement walls are wet, a combination of interior and exterior basement waterproofing may be a good solution. In some cases there is a wet spot on a basement wall that is not reasonably accessible from the outside. An interior waterproofing system for the wall may be a good alternative in this case. Interior basement waterproofing panels are non permeable, meaning non porous. So they will not grow mold or mildew in them and they are a vapor barrier as well. This stops any wicking or transmission of exterior dampness into your basement space and it is a permanent, maintenance free solution.

Interior Full Wall Basement Waterproofing System brightens up your space and is maintenance free!

No two basements are identical and there is no one size fits all solutions for wet basements. Be on the look out for basement waterproofing companies that have a “system” that they are promoting. Typically they are patented or the sales person says they are the only ones who install a particular product or technique. This is a marketing ploy to attempt to stand out in the crowd. The best companies will have capability to customize any solution to fit your needs and solve your wet basement problems whether waterproofing a basement from the inside or the outside.

Call Pioneer today for a free consultation with no sales pressure and no gimmicks.

Award winning service since 1979. No other basement waterproofing company has a better reputation than Pioneer when it comes to waterproofing a basement

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March 31, 2015March 20, 2017 by Ron Lee

How to fix a wet basement

Every homeowner I visit asks me, “what the is the best way to fix a wet basement?” If you have done any homework on basement waterproofing or if you have been interviewing basement waterproofing contractors you are undoubtedly getting some differing opinions.

One problem is that the industry has a reputation for having unscrupulous pushy salespeople that will camp out in your house until you sign or you throw them out. And then there are those who tell you there is only one way how to fix a wet basement which is of course the only option they offer. Some companies are a combination of both of these issues (clue: if they have a patented system then they are selling that one system to everyone regardless of if it is the best solution for you).

There are two types of basement seepage problems and each one has a different solution. There are those basements that have wet basement walls which are more than just the bottom row of block. This is an indication of water getting into the foundation from surface water activity.

Wet basement wall with efflorescence is a sign of surface water problems

You could do an internal basement waterproofing system in this case but you will still have a damp foundation. The best way to dry out the foundation in this case is to restore the waterproofing seal on the outside by installing exterior basement waterproofing. If that is not an option there are solutions that will give you a dry basement such as full wall interior waterproofing panels but again, there likely will be dampness that you can’t see behind the panels.

If on the other hand your basement walls are dry but you get seepage down low where the floor and wall meet, you likely have a ground water problem under the foundation – especially of you see heaved floor cracks, discolored areas in the floor etc… When ground water builds up under a basement floor the best way how to fix a wet basement in this case is with interior sub floor footer drains that will get the water before it builds up to floor level.

Look for basement waterproofing contractors that offer all methods of basement waterproofing. This can be tricky now because the ones who sell the same system over and over are now catching on that they should say they are full service and then steer you to the solution they install.

For a no obligation inspection and estimate on what will fix your wet basement call Pioneer Basement Solutions. Pioneer has been serving North East Ohio since 1979 with a Perfect Award Winning Customer Service Record! Pioneer offers all basement waterproofing and foundation repair solutions and does not send out a trained sales killer who will press for an order or use pricing games.

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January 15, 2015January 15, 2015 by Ron Lee

Basement waterproofing inside or outside

If you are wondering whether you should do your basement waterproofing inside or outside there are many things to consider. I often visit homes where people have occasional leaks in their basement only under very heavy or unusual weather. These people tell me it can take a very long time before the water starts to seep into the basement and then after the weather passes it can continue to leak in for a while longer. Then I talk to people who within a few minutes of almost any rain or snow melt they see water coming into their basement.

These two scenarios typically depict two different types of problems and can be one way to know if you should lean towards inside or outside waterproofing. There are two types of water that can enter your basement; surface water from rain and snow melts, and ground water that builds up underneath.

If you have a surface water problem you will see wet basement walls that start around grade or the dirt level outside of your home. If you have a negative slope towards your home from a driveway, patio, sidewalk or even sunken soil, that rain and snow will naturally run towards the home and can wear down the original seal to your basement walls causing dampness and cracks. It may be that you have taken care of all of these problems but still have chronic wet basement walls with paint peeling, mold and musty smell etc… This means the seal to the foundation outside is not working any longer and that water is getting into your walls. In this case waterproofing your basement from the outside will stop the water from getting to your foundation and will preserve it from further damage. It is possible to install an interior system and give you a dry space, but the condition is not stopped.

Exterior basement waterproofing membrane

If you are experiencing the other scenario where the water comes in only along the floor at the base of the wall after prolonged weather, and your walls are mostly if not all dry, you are experiencing ground water build up under your foundation that has no where else to go but through the seams where the basement floor meets the walls. In this case an interior basement waterproofing system will catch the water before it builds up and drain it away from your home, often this system is called a hydrostatic relief system because it eliminates the pressure that pushes the water in through those wall floor seams. Waterproofing the outside in this case will not get the water that is building up under your floor and you would still have seepage under those heavy conditions.

Interior basement waterproofing / ground water relief

Many times we see homes that in the best case scenario we are waterproofing inside and outside to some degree / combination to best solve the causes and problems that are present for the best possible results.

Contact us today for a free no gimmicks / no sales pressure consultation and determine if you should do your basement waterproofing inside or outside

Pioneer has been serving North East Ohio since 1979 with Perfect, Award Winning Customer Service!

We Proudly Offer Basement Waterproofing and Foundation Repair in the following areas of Northeast Ohio:

Akron and all Summit County Ohio including:

Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, Hudson, Barberton, Norton, Green, Springfield, Tallmadge, Mogadore, Richfield, Peninsula, Fairlawn, Bath, Copley, Coventry, Silver Lake, Sagamore Hills, Boston Heights, Macedonia.

Canton and all Stark County Ohio including:

Uniontown, Alliance, Jackson Township, North Canton, Canal Fulton, Massillon, Hartville, Waynesburg, Sugar Creek, Louisville, Minerva, E. Sparta, Brewster

Medina and all Medina County Ohio including:

Brunswick, Hinckley, Brecksville, Granger, Sharon, Wadsworth, Westfield, Litchfield, Guilford, Lafayette

Kent and all Portage County Ohio including:

Ravenna, Brimfield, Suffield, Randolph, Rootstown, Streetsboro, Atwater, Deerfield, Aurora, Freedom, Hiram, Edinburg, Palmyra, Shalersville

Wooster & all Wayne County Ohio including:

Wooster, Doylestown, West Salem, Canaan, Marshallville, Orrville, Dalton, Sugar Creek, Lebanon, Shreeve, Maysville, Congress, Creston, Sterling, Rittman, Smithville, Fredericksburg, Apple Creek, Kidron

All Carroll County

Carrollton, Malvern, Delroy, Sherrodsville

All Tuscarawas County

New Philadelphia, Dover, Uhrichsville, Dennison, Newcomerstown, Bolivar, Zoar

All Geauga County

Aurora and surrounding areas

All Cuyahoga County

Brecksville, Independence, Solon, Broadview Heights, Brookpark, North Royalton, Strongsville, Middleburg Heights, Olmsted Falls, North Olmsted, Parma, Parma Heights, Seven Hills, Valley View, Chagrin Falls, Moreland Hills, Oakwood, Walton Hills and more

All Lake , Lorain , Mahoning, Columbiana County

Lisbon, Salem, Leetonia, East Liverpool, Columbiana, E. Palestine, North Georgetown, Hanoverton, Middleton, New Waterford and surrounding areas

Call today to get an expert consultation on whether you should consider basement waterproofing inside or outside

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November 17, 2014February 1, 2021 by Ron Lee

Basement Waterproofing Medina Ohio

Basement waterproofing Medina Ohio

Searching for basement waterproofing Medina Ohio you will find ten pages of results from contractors and info based sites. It can be very challenging to select who to call out for a free estimate or consultation of your basement concerns. There are several key factors you may want to consider in your qualifying potential basement waterproofing contractors or foundation repair contractor candidates…

Let’s start with, when was the company established? Watch for ads that state “years of experience type of language. This can be a tell tale sign that they are adding up the employee’s individual experience in the basement waterproofing industry to come up with an impressive total of several years. Also, take a look at reports like the BBB or Angie’s List that will tell you when the company opened to compare with the claims.

Are they a full service basement waterproofing company and foundation repair company or do they sell a specific solution to everyone? This one can also be tricky. Several companies out there are claiming to be full service but actually have sales presentations that steer their prospective customers to their “patented” solution. It seems like a logical choice after listening to their pitch, but again…if they are ending up with a patented system you can bet they are not a true full service basement waterproofing contractor.

Reputation. In today’s age of information on the internet it is pretty easy to research contractors before inviting them into your home. The BBB is a good start but you have to be careful not to simply look at the grade or rating. You will find that there are basement waterproofing contractors in Medina Ohio are that have an “A” with the BBB but on a second look you will see multiple if not dozens of consumer complaints. The reason for this is contractors can maintain an “A” by simply responding to all of the complaints they get. Be sure to dig in and read the complaint types and consumer feedback on the companies before calling.

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

Angie’s List is a great way to find a basement waterproofing contractor in Medina Ohio. The grade achieved is a reflection of the report cards that are submitted by members who have used the services. And you can read specific information regarding promptness, professionalism and even get price information. Look for Super Service Awards which indicate a pattern of an overall “A” report card.

How do they present their pricing? All basement waterproofing contractors price their work based on a measurement just like carpeting suppliers all price by a measurement. You will see that there is a measurement of the length of the basement walls which will total up to liner feet of work to be performed. Add to that fixed items like sump pump systems, battery back up systems, dehumidification etc… Look out for sales gimmicks regarding basement waterproofing cost such as the “stand by” or “flexible schedule” discount. If you hear about how there are gaps that come up and they need someone to be available to be on call to do the work, be cautions. This is a common closing tactic used by sales people to get a signed contract on the first appointment. Anytime you get a discount that is good “now or never” you should consider that a red flag.

What are the details of the warranty? Look for a lifetime no strings attached, no cost warranty. Several companies offer a so called lifetime warranty but after further explanation the lifetime warranty is really a one year warranty with an annual fee that is required to keep it going for a lifetime. If you do not renew the warranty even one time the warranty is null and void letting the contractor off of the hook. Anyway, why would a company who is supposedly fixing your basement waterproofing issue correctly only cover it for a year at a time and charge for it? You will find the companies that do this are the ones with the most consumer complaints, go figure.

What type of labor is used? Be sure to set your eyes on a copy of the liability insurance and workman’s compensation insurance of any basement waterproofing company you are considering in Medina Ohio. Companies that use employee labor with low to no turn over are the ones that offer the best protection and the best most consistent finished product and results. If the contractor you are hiring uses sub contracted labor be sure you are protected form potential liability claims in the event of an accident. Subcontracted labor can also result in a lien on your property if the basement waterproofing company does not pay their sub.

Do they have pictures of the work? Look at the finished work performed to get a good idea of what your basement waterproofing project will look like.

If you are searching basement waterproofing Medina Ohio or Medina basement finishing, be sure to call Pioneer for a no pressure, no sales gimmick consultation. We use employee labor and offer a free for life lifetime warranty. We have an impeccable reputation with the BBB and Angie’s List with Zero complaints since we’ve been in business, over 35 years! Click here for our contact information.

New cement block foundation with basement waterproofing Medina Ohio

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September 25, 2014November 17, 2014 by Dev

Basement Waterproofing In Winter?

People often ask if basement waterproofing can be done in the winter and it depends on the basement systems being used. Exterior basement waterproofing is where the perimeter of the home is excavated to the bottom of the footer most always with an excavation machine. This type of work is messy and definitely fair weather work; however, exterior basement waterproofing can be performed during winter months as long as the weather is fairly dry. In fact dry and cold is better than warm and wet.

Other basement systems designed to waterproof basements from the interior are performed year round with very little to no exceptions. Interior basement waterproofing involves removing a small area of the perimeter of the floor to allow access to the footer from inside the foundation. Interior footer drains are then installed to collect and direct ground water to a pump system that keeps the foundation dry.

Other basement systems are some sort of combination of interior basement waterproofing and exterior basement waterproofing methods that are usually performed all year round. In fact winter months can be an ideal time to get your basement waterproof project completed based on availability of basement waterproofing contractors and dry weather conditions. This will also prepare your foundation to stay dry during wet spring rains.

To learn more about different basement systems and what basement waterproofing system is best for your foundation, call today at 1-877-321-4889.

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