Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing water to leak into my basement?
If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms below, you might have a basement waterproofing problem:
* Wet or damp basement floor
* Leaking or damp basement walls
* Pooling or standing water
* Crystalline deposit on concrete surfaces
* Musty odors
* Condensation on concrete floor and/or walls
Are there consequences to having water leak through my foundation?
Your wet basement or crawl space can create bigger problems like mold, mildew, rot, structural damage, and a variety of health problems. Mold is a definite contributor to respiratory problems and can lead to serious health problems with extended exposure. As well, if your HVAC unit is located in the same area as your water problem, the mold in your crawl space or basement can be transported into your home through the ventillation system.
Why is my concrete foundation wall cracking/leaking?
As the concrete wall cures, its volume shrinks. Over time shifting, settling, and soil expansion cause stress on the concrete, and the wall cracks to relieve the stress. This is to be anticipated and is usually not a structural risk. Although they may not pose a structural risk, they still need to be repaired to prevent leaking and water damage in your basement. Polyurethane and epoxy injections into the wall are permanent and warrantied solutions.
Why do I need an exterior drain system if I have a brick home?
Brick is a porous material, much like concrete. If water is allowed to sit next to brick, eventurally the brick is going to absorb that water much like a sponge does. As time passes, the natural system of absorbtion, expansion, evaporation, and shrinkage will weaken the structure of the bricks and mortar. This ultimately weakens the foundation of the home, itself. In some cases, the weakened structure causes the foundation to crack. In some cases, it causes water to leak and pool beneath the floor, resulting in cracking in a concrete floor and rotting of a wooden truss floor system. If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is imperative that you contact a specialist for an inspection to avoid structural damage to the floors and walls of your living space.
How do I know if my crawl space is having water/moisture issues?
Crawl spaces are prone to issues with water damage, mold growth, and floor settling. If you are unsure about the condition of your crawl space, here are a few things to look for.
Mold
Mold is an issue that if untreated, will inevitably become worse. Damp crawl spaces are highly susceptible to mold growth. With the high humidity in Georgia during the spring and summer months, your crawl space can be negatively affected. If you notice mold spores, more than likely, you have a moisture issue.
Sinking Floors
Your homes floor joists over time will begin to sink and sag with age, weight, and moisture in your crawl space. Overtime, high humidity and moisture in the crawl space will cause the joists to weaken and in turn cause your floors to dip and sag. Contact us today for your free in-home consultation and see if we can’t re-level your floors!
Crawl Space Flooding
Water inside your crawl space is a sign of waterproofing issues. The outside water could be entering through cracks in the foundation wall, doors, vents, and even the ground itself. If you have noticed discolored walls, rotting floor joists, efflorescence (white, chalky powder on the walls) then you may need a free inspection to determine the cause and solution of this problem.
What does a carbon fiber patch do?
A
carbon fiber patch is used on block foundations walls that have developed cracks due to settling. The carbon fiber patch is a woven carbon infused path that is epoxied over the crack. This patch structurally fixes that particular crack and prevents it from getting larger.
Is my landscaping contributing to the water in my basement and if so, how can this be fixed?
Often older homes, homes with a grade that slopes toward the home, and homes with extensive landscaping around the exterior of the home will experience, particularly during periods of heavy rain, that water is leaking through the foundation and/floor of the basement. In most cases, this is the result of insufficient water displacement. Sometimes this is caused by an absence of exterior waterproofing to the foundation of an older home. Many times this is caused by a forced concentration of water due to slope or landscaping that has been added after the construction of the home which allows water to sit against or drain below the home's foundation. If the home does not have an exterior drain system to carry water away from the foundation, ultimately water will find its way into the basement from sustained pressure and/or erosion.
There are several options for elimination water sepage through a foundation/basement floor, although the circumstances of each home are unique. The best plan of action is to have an inspection to determine which repair solution is right for your home.
