Top Tips When Choosing Basement Systems, Atlanta, GA

Do you have a flooded basement? If you do, you’re probably searching for the best solution to keep the water out so that you won’t have to experience flooding ever again. However, there are so many basement systems to choose from. It can be difficult to decide which one you should go with. 

Each system has something unique to offer. The following are some factors you can use to base your decision.

1. Reviews 

Have your neighbors had their basements repaired? What basement systems did they have installed? Check with neighbors and friends in the area. You should also check online reviews on third-party websites. This is one of the best ways to determine whether a system is effective. 

2. Warranties

It is extremely important to ensure the basement systems you’re considering have warranties. This ensures that the contractor will take responsibility for any expenses for work that has to be done on the foundation as a result of the system’s failure. 

Check the warranty offered to see what exactly is covered and for how long. 

If you’re being offered a lifetime warranty for the system, be sure to check how long the contractor has been in business. You can trust an experienced contractor who has been in business for decades to fulfill a lifetime warranty. 

3. Pricing

If it’s so cheap you can’t believe it, you probably shouldn’t. Dirt cheap systems are often offered by contractors that have had to cut some corners in order to be able to make a profit despite cutting down on the price. 

Go for systems that are reasonably priced. You can know a reasonable price by comparing quotations from different service providers. 

4. The contractors level of experience 

You’ll want to choose a system offered by a contractor that is experienced. They should be able to provide you with references for their work to show just how well the system has worked for other clients. 

It is good practice to call see their references to have a first-hand account of the effectiveness of the system. Never rely solely on the account of the contractor. 

There are different systems available in the market. The system you choose should provide you with long term benefits. It should be able to meet your specific requirements and preferences. 

Be sure to talk to an experienced and licensed contractor to find out what options are available for your foundation. 

6 Reasons Why Wall Cracks Appear Fenton, MI

Walls are more than just mere aesthetic features of a building, they provide invaluable support and protection for the structure and its occupants. Nonetheless, wall cracks can emerge over time which not only disrupts the look but may also be indicative of greater underlying issues. In this blog post, we will investigate the numerous causes of wall cracks.

1. Settlement

Wall cracks are typically the result of settlement, especially common in just-built properties. Settlement transpires when the soil beneath a foundation compacts or shifts, thus causing it to settle or shift too. As this base moves, so does the walls above and can therefore crack them as well.

2. Moisture

Moisture can be a primary factor of wall cracking. When it permeates the walls, it weakens their structure and eventually leads to cracks forming. This is especially true if you live in an area with high humidity or your bathroom/kitchen are prone to moisture exposure due to lack of proper ventilation or insulation.

3. Temperature Changes

Temperature fluctuations can be particularly detrimental to walls, especially in areas with extreme weather. When the heat or cold alters, so do the materials making up your walls; this phenomenon causes cracks and fractures within them.

4. Poor Quality Materials

The caliber of materials used in the walls plays a key role in wall cracking. If inferior materials are chosen or not installed properly, cracks will surface at some point down the line.

5. Structural Damage

Cracks in walls can be the result of structural damage to a building, particularly problems with its foundation. When this occurs, the structure may settle or move, which will cause breaks and fractures in the wall’s surface. By inspecting for foundational issues first, you can prevent these cracks from occurring down the line and ensure your buildings are secure.

6. Poor Design

Ultimately, structural design flaws can also be responsible for wall cracking. If the walls are not appropriately equipped to support the weight of a building or if there is an architectural defect, these walls may indeed fracture over time.

There are numerous possible causes for wall cracks, such as moisture infiltration, structural fatigue, poor quality materials, and more. If you notice any splits or crevices in your walls, it is imperative to look into the cause without delay in order to prevent further destruction. Talking with a specialist can help you understand what’s at play and determine the best course of action.

Contact the Professionals at Basement Cracks & Leaks Today! 800-639-1131

Should I Invest in Foundation Repair Before Remodeling or Vice Versa?

Does your foundation show signs of damage? If you’re considering having your home remodeled, you may be wondering about whether you should invest in the remodel first and then the foundation repair or vice versa. It is understandable that this can be confusing for homeowners. Many face budgetary and time constraints. 

Both remodeling and foundation repair can be costly. You will want to ensure that you get the best value for your money. Below we explore how you can do just that. 

How remodeling can affect the foundation? 

When designing a building, architects and structural engineers design foundations to support the structure of the building and the activities that they expect to occur within the building. Remodeling results in changes to the building structure. This affects the forces acting on the foundation. For example, adding heavy cabinet to the kitchen or adding a room on top of the garage can result in increased weight on the foundation. This can result in foundation damage. 

It is important to consult a structural engineer when planning a remodel to determine its impact on the foundation. 

How foundation repair can damage your home

Foundation repair can result in damage to upper parts of the home. This of course depends on the extent and type of the repair. For

example, repair that involves lifting the foundation can result in damage to walls, roofs and even countertops. You may notice cracks and other visible signs of damage in your home after the repair is completed. 

Foundation repair can also result in damage to plumbing and other utilities. You may even be required to make some changes to these utilities during or after the repairs. 

Should you invest in Foundation Repair or Remodeling First? 

While it is possible to remodel your home prior to investing in repairing your foundation, it is best to complete foundation repair first. If you remodel your home first, there is a good chance that your home will experience damage during the repair of the foundation. Cracks and other damage will cost money to repair following repair to the foundation. Your investment in remodeling could end up being a total waste of money. 

If you’re thinking of investing in a remodel for your home, be sure to consult all the right professionals prior to remodeling. Have a structural engineer determine the impact of the remodel on the foundation and have a foundation repair professional inspect and repair your foundation prior to remodeling. 

Prevent Basement Flooding With These Popular Methods Fenton, MI

Fortunately, there are a number of simple steps you can take to ensure your basement stays dry and free from water damage. Here are some tips for waterproofing your basement:

1. Install a sump pump – A sump pump is used to draw out excess water from the basement and channel it away from the home. It should be connected to an outlet that is powered by electricity or battery-operated backup in case of power failure.
2. Check plumbing pipes regularly – Broken or leaking pipes can cause serious flooding problems in the basement. Regularly inspect all your fixtures and make sure any visible cracks or leaks are taken care of before they become a major issue.
3. Repair any cracks in the walls or floor – Even the smallest cracks in the basement walls or floor can allow water to seep in. Make sure to repair any cracks as soon as you notice them, and seal them with a waterproofing compound for added protection.
4. Install gutters and downspouts – Gutters divert rainwater away from your home, while downspouts direct it further away from the foundation of your house. Make sure that both are properly installed and angled correctly so they can do their job effectively.
5. Install window wells – Window wells help keep out moisture by surrounding windows with a well-draining material such as gravel or crushed stone. This way, rainwater won’t be able to collect near your windows and seep into the basement.
6. Check exterior landscaping – Improper exterior landscaping can cause water to pool near your foundation and eventually leak into your basement. Make sure that slopes, grading, and other landscaping features are properly maintained to keep water away from your home.

By following these simple tips, you can protect your basement from major flooding problems and enjoy a dry, safe space for years to come!

Last but not least it’s always important to have an experienced professional inspect your home at least once a year as part of a routine maintenance schedule. This way you can be sure that any potential problems are detected and addressed in time before they become serious issues. With regular inspections and repairs, your basement will be waterproof and safe.

Contact the Professionals at Basement Cracks & Leaks Today! 800-639-1131

4 Tips To Reduce Moisture In The Crawlspace Of Your Home Fenton, MI

When you think of a crawlspace, you probably think of it as a small space that connects your home to the ground. You also may believe that there’s always moisture in this area or that it can become moldy if not cleaned regularly. However, there are ways that you can use to reduce moisture in your crawlspace and make sure it stays dry:

1.      Place a Vapor Barrier On The Ground

One of the most important things you can do in crawlspace waterproofing is to place a vapor barrier on the ground. This will absorb moisture from below, keeping it dry and cool. It also protects against mold and mildew growth, which can be toxic if they’re not properly controlled.

If you’re using plastic boards in lieu of tarps, use them only as a temporary solution until you’ve finished installing your vapor barrier!

2.      Provide Adequate Ventilation for The Crawlspace

Ventilation is important to prevent moisture and mold in your crawlspace. You can install a fan in the crawlspace, or you can install windows or doors that provide ventilation.

If you have a basement with an unfinished ceiling and no access to fresh air, then it’s important to have these windows open during the summer months so that this space doesn’t get too hot or humid.

3. Install A Sump Pump In The Crawlspace

You can install a sump pump in the crawl space of your home. A sump pump is a mechanical device that removes excess water from a building. It’s installed in the crawl space, connected to a drainage system, and should be installed in a watertight pit.

4. Seal All Cracks and Holes In The Foundation

When it comes to sealing cracks and holes in the foundation as a way of crawlspace waterproofing, there are two types of sealants: flexible and rigid. Flexible sealants can be used on any surface that’s not concrete or masonry. These include wood decks, fences, and decks; concrete slabs; and even fiberglass insulation.

Rigid sealants are designed specifically for use on surfaces like concrete slabs as well as brick walls.

In conclusion, it is important to understand that moisture in the crawlspace of your home can cause problems. The most common causes of moisture in crawlspaces are poorly sealed cracks and holes in foundation walls or insufficient ventilation. In some cases, these problems may be caused by other factors, such as poor drainage or inadequate insulation levels. If moisture is not properly managed, mold growth may result, which can lead to structural damage as well as a host of health issues!

Talk to a crawlspace waterproofing expert today!

Contact the Professionals at Basement Cracks & Leaks, Metro Inc. Today! 800-639-1131

How To Prevent Flooding & Mold Fenton, MI

A basement is one of the most important parts of your home. It’s where you can store all your things, but it can also be a part of the foundation of your house. If you have a basement that floods when it rains or gets wet from any other source, then there are steps you can take to prevent this from happening again and hopefully prevent mold from growing in the future.

Install a Sump Pump

Sump pumps are the most important part of your basement waterproofing system. Sump pumps are installed in a pit on the basement floor, and they pump water out of your home when it gets too high to keep it from flooding.

Sump pumps can be powered by electricity or a battery, but most people use electricity because it’s easier to install and maintain. If you’re worried about having to change batteries regularly, you can get a backup battery-operated sump pump for emergencies that won’t use up all your power supply. 

Look for Standing Water

It’s important to look at what’s on the floor, ceiling, and walls. Water stains are often caused by standing or surface water that has seeped into the walls and dripped down into cracks in the concrete or stone foundation. They can also be caused by leaks around plumbing fixtures, such as toilets or showers (especially if they have been used recently).

Inspect your Home’s Walls Regularly

One of the best ways to prevent basement flooding is by inspecting your home’s walls regularly. You can do this by checking for cracks and holes, as well as signs of water damage and mold.

If you notice any of these problems, call a professional who has experience in basement waterproofing.

Clean Out the Area Around Your Foundation

You’ll want to look around your foundation and make sure there isn’t any debris or plants growing around the perimeter. If you see any, remove them as soon as possible.

The best way to prevent water pooling in this area is by keeping it clear of weeds and leaves that could act like a dam, preventing water from flowing away from the foundation properly.

As you can see, keeping your basement waterproof is work, but it’s also essential to keep your family safe. Even one leaky water pipe can cause serious damage to the foundation of your home, so make sure you find the best basement waterproofing system for your needs.

Contact the Professionals at Basement Cracks & Leaks Today! 800-639-1131

The Top 3 Foundation Repair Methods Fenton, MI

A home is a big investment, and the foundation is a crucial part of that investment. If your foundation is damaged, it can cause all sorts of problems for your home—and your wallet. That’s why it’s important to know the different types of foundation repair methods so you can make the best decision for your home.

1. Pier and Beam Foundation Repair

One of the most common types of foundation damage is settlement. This happens when the soil underneath your foundation shifts or settles, causing the foundation to sink. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including poor drainage, expansive clay soils, or even tree roots. If you notice cracks in your walls or doors that won’t close properly, these could be signs of settlement damage.

If you have a pier and beam foundation, the good news is that this type of damage is usually fairly easy and less expensive to repair. In most cases, piers can be installed to stabilize the beams and joists and level out your foundation.

2. Slab Foundation Repair

If you have a slab foundation—which is a type of concrete foundation where the floors are poured directly on top of the slab—settlement isn’t the only type of damage you need to worry about. Cracks in the slab itself can also occur, which can lead to even more serious problems like water leakage.

Slab foundations are typically repaired by mudjacking or polyjacking. Mudjacking is a process where concrete is injected underneath the slab to raise it back into place. Polyjacking uses polyurethane foam instead of concrete, which is less messy and causes less disruption than mudjacking.

3. Retaining Wall Foundation Repair

If your home has a retaining wall as part of its foundation, then that’s another potential area where damage can occur. The most common type of retaining wall damage is called “toeing out,” which happens when the wall starts to lean outward at the bottom due to soil erosion or poor drainage. This can cause cracks in the wall and eventually lead to collapse if it’s not repaired quickly enough.

To fix a toeing out retaining wall, crews will excavate around the base of the wall to expose the roots. Then they will install new drainage systems and backfill with new soil to stabilize the area around the wall. In some cases, steel rods may also be used to reinforce the wall from within.

These are just three of the most common types of foundation damage and repair methods. If you think you may have damage to your foundation, it’s important to call in a professional as soon as possible so they can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action for your home. Ignoring foundation damage will only make it worse—and more expensive to repair—so don’t wait!

Contact the Professionals at Basement Cracks & Leaks Today! 800-639-1131

4 Types of Foundation Cracks and The Damage They Cause Fenton, MI

There is little doubt that you are unnerved when you see cracks in your foundation. It is common for many people to associate the appearance of cracks on a building with a poor design or construction of the building. However, this is not always true. Foundation cracks and other types of cracks occur due to various reasons. Different types of cracks also mean different things, and not all types of cracks should be a cause for concern.

Here are some points that you need to know about different types of foundation cracks and what they mean when you see them in your house.

1. Vertical Cracks

Most vertical cracks run up and down the foundation, though some of them slant up about 30 degrees. It is common to see vertical cracks on the foundation during the foundation’s curing process. The reason why vertical cracks are common, especially in new buildings, is that they are caused by the concrete shrinking process.

Most vertical foundation cracks are small and, therefore, harmless since they are usually just at the surface of the foundation. But you should be concerned if you see vertical cracks that are wider than 1/8 inch or 3 mm. You need to call a foundation repair expert if you see such cracks.

2. Diagonal Cracks

Diagonal foundation cracks are caused by uneven settling of the foundation. They usually have a slanting orientation, with an angle of between 30 and 75 degrees. At the start, diagonal cracks are usually narrow and are commonly known as hairline cracks. But if left unrepaired, these cracks can expand and provide an easy route for water to penetrate the foundation. As water seeps through these cracks, they become even wider.

Therefore, if you see diagonal cracks, especially those that are becoming wider, you should consult a professional foundation repair company to avert any further damage to your building.

3. Stair Step Cracks

Stair step cracks are a combination of diagonal and vertical cracks. They are referred to as stair-step because they take the form of a staircase. These cracks appear diagonally and are clearly visible along mortar joints. Like diagonal cracks, stair step cracks are also caused by the non-uniform settling of the foundation.

You should consult a professional foundation repair company when you see stair step cracks. The technicians will determine whether the cracks simply need to be filled or there is a structural issue that needs to be addressed.

4. Horizontal Cracks

Horizontal cracks occur due to lateral pressure exerted on the foundation. This can be a result of hydrostatic pressure, frost heave, large roots, or other occurrences. These cracks indicate a severe structural problem and may be associated with other issues, such as foundation wall bowing. You should contact a foundation repair contractor immediately if you see horizontal foundation cracks.

Contact the Professionals at Basement Cracks & Leaks Today! 800-639-1131

How To Know If Your Basement Is Water Damage Free?  Fenton, MI

It isn’t uncommon for homeowners to want to convert their basements into living spaces. Finishing your basement is an easy and cost-effective way to increase the square footage of living space in your home. Waterproofing is one of the first steps that homeowners take to make their basements habitable. However, there is much more to be concerned about than water seepage. In this blog, we discuss various factors to consider when choosing basement systems to ensure that your basement is safe to live in.

Hazards In Your Basement 

While basement systems are primarily designed to prevent basement flooding and other water damage issues in the basement, they also help to create a safe environment in the basement by keeping various other hazards at bay. Some of the hazards you should be aware of when choosing basement systems for your basement include:

• Mold and mildew

This is a common problem in moist basements. Mold infestations often occur as a result of water seepage as well as high levels of humidity in the basement. Mold spores produce mycotoxins that can cause various health problems.

You can prevent the occurrence of mold and mildew in your basement by investing in basement systems that are effective at keeping water out of the basement. Not only should the systems be effective at preventing flooding but also at keeping humidity levels down. Consider including a dehumidifier or a ventilation system in your basement system to maintain healthy humidity levels.

• Radon

Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the soil. This gas can rise through the soil and penetrate your foundation. High levels of Radon in your basement can result in various health problems. This radioactive gas has been linked to the development of various forms of cancer. It is, in fact, the second leading cause of lung cancer and is responsible for over 21,000 deaths annually linked to lung cancer.

You can keep Radon at bay by ensuring that your basement system includes the installation of a gas barrier. The gas barrier will keep Radon out of your basement and help ensure a safe environment.

• Noxious soil gases

Aside from Radon, there are various other noxious gases that occur in soils and can penetrate your foundation. These include methane. These gases not only result in bad smells in the basement but can also be dangerous to your health. Accumulation of gases such as methane can even result in the risk of an explosion.

Installing a gas barrier will help to keep these gases out of your basement.

Want to create a living space in your basement? Consult a professional basement waterproofing contractor to ensure you create a safe living space.

Contact the Professionals at Basement Cracks & Leaks Today! 800-639-1131

5 Tell-tale Signs That Your Home Needs Basement Waterproofing Michigan

Basement waterproofing is an important step toward making the basement healthier and more functional.  A basement that is dry and well-ventilated can be used as a laundry room, living space, and more.

By waterproofing your basement, you also avoid the unpleasant basement odors that are common in many homes. Keep in mind the fact that if your basement has a high level of indoor pollutants, these contaminants can spread into other spaces in your home through doors and floors.

Another reason to do basement waterproofing is to maintain the structural integrity of the basement’s walls. Water and moisture can cause notable damage to your basement’s walls and thus affect the rest of the building. Here are some telling signs that your home needs basement waterproofing.

1. Dampness or Moldy Odors in the Basement

If your basement is persistently damp or has a musty smell, this is a sign that it has a high level of moisture. The moisture could be seeping in through the basement’s walls or floor. A recent case of flooding in the basement can also cause this space to have a musty smell. Basement waterproofing will help seal any cracks on the basement walls or on the floor, thus eliminating the seepage of water into the basement.

2. Visible Growth of Mold

Musty smells are associated with the growth of mold in damp areas. Apart from the presence of a moldy smell in your basement, you may also experience visible signs of growing mold. These include black, white, green or brown patches on wooden surfaces, ceilings and other areas. If you see these signs, you need to call a basement waterproofing company.

3. Patches or Pools of Water on the Basement Floor or Walls

Water can seep into your basement through the floor or walls if these surfaces are porous or have cracks. You can see the water as patches on the walls or small pools on the floor of the basement.

4. Signs of Efflorescence

Efflorescence is the movement of dissolved salts through porous materials such as bricks, concrete, stucco or other building surfaces. The salt is eventually deposited on the surface of the material, and will appear as a greyish or white material when water evaporates. If your basement has signs of efflorescence, it needs to be waterproofed. 

5. Wall and Floor Cracks

Moisture and water can seep into your basement through cracks on the floor and walls of the basement. Therefore, it you spot any cracks in the basement, you should contact a professional basement waterproofing contractor.

Contact the Professionals at Basement Cracks & Leaks Today! 800-639-1131