A1 Foundation Crack Repair Blog

Sometimes, no matter what, when you live in a flood zone,  your house will flood in heavy rain. I have a friend who lives on a street called Water Row Lane, and last year their neighborhood had to collectively rent the Boston Duck Boats for 2 weeks to transport them from their homes to their cars in a nearby parking lot.

Water, might be good for flowers, plants, and trees, but it’s not so good for houses.

Live in a flood zone?

If you live in an area that has a high flood risk, elevate the furnace, water heater, electric panel, washer and dryer in your home at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.

You should have check valves installed in your home to prevent flood water from backing up your drains.

Have a sump pump installed,  and if you have a sump pump, make sure it’s working and install a battery-operated backup, in case the power goes out.

Clean debris from your gutters and downspouts.

After a flood

Check outside for loose power lines, gas leaks, foundation cracks or other damage. Make sure your porch roofs and overhangs still have their supports. Check your home’s and your out building’s foundations for settling, cracking or undermining. If you see damage, get a building inspector or contractor to check the home before you go inside.

Turn off all electrical switches, even if the power is out.

While the electricity is off, hose down the house to remove any health hazards left by floodwater and mud.

If your furnace or water heater floods, have a technician check them before turning them on.

If your basement is flooded, pump the water out in stages.

Dry out appliances such as washers and dryers before using them. They might need several days to dry.
 
Mold

Mold can produce allergens, and, in some cases, potentially toxic substances that can make you sick, so you need to ensure your home is as mold-free as possible.

Water damage should be taken care of within 48 hours after the incident or mold growth (or worse, bacteria and viruses) will occur.

The best way to prevent mold is to remove wet contents from your home immediately.

Wet items should be cleaned with a pine-oil cleanser and bleach, completely dried, and monitored for several days for any fungal growth and odors.

Dry out damaged rooms by opening windows and using high-pressure fans. If your carpets are damaged, you should strongly consider installing new ones.

Keep the indoor humidity low, ideally from 30 percent to 50 percent. Make sure places of high humidity, such as bathrooms, are well-ventilated. Use a dehumidifier whenever necessary.

Even if you remove the mold, if the water problem (i.e. a leaky pipe or cracked foundation) is not fixed, the mold will come back.
 
Hiring a Contractor

Do the research. Ask friends and neighbors and read reviews. Make sure the contractor can do the type of work needed, foundation and basement crack repair . And check the contractor’s current references.

Check withe the Better Business Bureau, A1 Foundation Crack Repair has an A+ Rating.

Contractors can’t collect more than one-third of payment up-front unless the job requires materials that must be specially ordered. They also cannot demand any payment before the contract is signed.

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink |

Leaky, wet and damp basements can cause many different types of problems, from merely annoying to structural and health related problems. Water intrusion through poured concrete foundations is typically the result of:

• foundation wall cracks
• cold joints (where new concrete meets existing concrete)
• improperly sealed snap ties (Metal snap ties or tie rods are used to hold the forms of a foundation in place while it is being poured, snap ties can leak over time if the prep work is not done properly)
• water, well, sewer and electrical conduit pipe penetrations.

We are going to talk about pipe penetration wall leaks. Many do-it-your-selfers have tried over the years to fix these leaks. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t.

During the construction of a home, holes in the foundations are cored to allow for water, well, sewer and electrical conduits to penetrate through the foundation. For example, a typical sewer line is 4 inches around. The hole cored may be 5 inches or more, leaving a space between the outside of the sewer pipe and the concrete. Prior to backfilling the foundation, these spaces are usually filled with hydraulic cement. Sometimes, they're not sealed at all. These penetrations are one of the weakest links in the foundation walls when it comes to holding back groundwater, and it's very common for them to leak water. Improper preparation around pipe penetration can cause water intrusion.

For the best and surest way to stop this type of water leakage, and its ensuing problems, call A1 Foundation Crack Repair.

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink |

Concrete is one of the most common materials used in construction because, simply put, no other material can produce the same results. Concrete is used for everything from concrete floors to building foundations. Despite this, problems can results with concrete over time. Problems arise for many reasons, not the least of which can be its exposer to excessive moisture. To avoid problems always be sure that high quality concrete is used and to stay vigilant for possible problems.
 
Concrete cracks often form in the basement walls. However, builders plan for cracking by putting steel reinforcements inside the concrete walls to maintain the wall’s strength. But don’t let this give you false hope that the cracks are insignificant.  Concrete cracks allow water into the basement, especially in older homes which do not have a waterproofing membrane installed like many newer homes do. However, even the waterproofing in newer homes can fail; the water proofing may not stretch over the crack and the membrane then tears or, if the grading is incorrect and slopes toward the house rainwater can pool next to the home above the waterproofing, enter the concrete crack and flow to the interior.

It is very important to get these cracks, even if they are small, fixed. It is these cracks that cause the problems in the foundation of your basement. They pose health risks, structural issues, and can damage your belongings. We have all heard of the hazards of mold, and moisture in your basement can lead to mold. Take a good look at the corners of your basement and check for mold growth.  Get foundation and wall concrete cracks repaired as soon as you can to maintain the safety and well being of you and your home.

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink |

In older homes, we expect basements to leak and have cracks. In general, damp basements seem like standard issue; especially concrete block foundations which seep and weep over time as they settle. Wet basement are just annoying aren’t they, nothing else? It’s something you can take care of later.

Unfortunately, not. The issues that arise with damp basements aren't always easy to recognize, and can create serious problems. Cracks in a solid concrete wall or floor are almost never only on the surface, it is practically a guarantee that the crack goes all the way through. This is a definite problem. Cracks create structural integrity issues, a chance for water to seep through the walls, and introduce the possibility of mold, not to mention pests.

Moisture can build up extremely fast. When these cracks are first detected, you need to take action immediately. Have them inspected and possibly repaired. Understand that putting some concrete on the front and cosmetically sealing the crack is not going to do the trick. It could actually do more damage if water leaks are present because sealing it at the surface could cause pressure to build. Concrete is porous and pressure build up will only cause the water to find another way through.

Hire a professional to take care of all you basements cracks and leaks. Your home is most likely the biggest investment you will ever make. A1 Foundation Crack Repair is the best solution for cracks and leaks in your home’s walls and foundation. Call us as soon as you detect a problem.

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink |

Your foundation is the cornerstone of your home. It is the footing on which the rest of your house sits. When your foundation has problems, so does the rest of your house. Even well-made foundations can develop problems over time from soil settlement, heavy rains, ice, or other ground movement issues. Serious trouble can result from cracking, crumbling, and settling in your foundation. If these problems are not resolved quickly and correctly, foundation failure can create structural instability. Many homeowners who have never experienced water problems in their homes before are experiencing them now after this long hard winter and the recent rain. Contact A1 Foundation Crack Repair if you're concerned about your foundation.

There are many indicators of foundation settling, cracking, and bowing which can crop up both in and out of your home. A few common signs to watch for can include: bowing or leaning foundation walls, cracks in stair masonry, basement leaks or water stains, musty smells, windows and doors that are sticking and/or a leaning chimney.
 
If your home has any of these symptoms, have your house assessed by a professional water proofing and basement crack repair company.  Overtime, your home’s foundation will continue to deteriorate until it is repaired.

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink |

A leaky basement is a very undesirable situation. Quite often water penetrates your homes foundation. So it is urgent to address this dilemma ASAP. The source of your water leak needs to be repaired to preserve your homes foundation and to prevent serious structural damage to it. Nonetheless, even minor trickles should not be ignored as they can turn into nightmares.

You need to pay attention to where the leak originates. Even though a vast majority of basements are compromised with water infiltration causing damage, the leakage is in fact, concealed. While some of the leaks are hard to detect because they are underground, here are some of the more obvious causes: heavy rainfall, melting ice, gutters and downspouts with leaves and debris. Your gutters may need replaced and are actually directing water toward your house instead of away from it, reverse grading, tree roots, your property naturally slopes down toward your house. But, whatever the reason, you need to restore any loss of structural integrity. Once that is done, you must take all precautions to permanently prevent reoccurrence.

Water leaks can do more than just cause leaky basements. You should protect your personal property from dampness and mildew. Wood can rot causes your wood structures to bow and bend. Paneling can warp or buckle. Albert Einstein once said "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" so take that advice the next time you see any kind of leak in your basement. Be sure to contact us today to learn more about your home's foundation and how we can put the A-1 method to use for you.

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink |

Repairing your home's foundation is one of the most important things to do. There are many reasons that you would want to repair the foundation quickly and ways to get the repairs done. When it comes to your home, you should want it to be it's best at all times. If you are looking for some tips on how to repair the foundation of your home, keep reading. It may surprise you.

The number one tip for repairing the foundation of your home, is make sure that you fix all the cracks, holes or other things that are allowing water to get in. Water can ruin a home in the flash of your eyes. Water can lead to mold and mildew growing on the walls and so much more that can cause health problems. It can also cause major damage to the flooring such as carpet and hardwood.

Another tip and reason for fixing your home is, the foundations condition can affect the status of your home when it comes to getting a home loan and selling the house. If you have cracks and other kinds of problems, they can be seen as a defect and most homeowners will make a purchase until the problems have been fixed.

The longer you wait to fix the foundation, the more of future repair costs. Tip number three. Make sure that you fix the foundation as soon as possible. Not fixing the foundation can cause your home to shift and cause even bigger cracks and messes to fix.

In order to repair the foundation of your home, you are going to need to do things that can include, but are not limited to foundation waterproofing, concrete foundation repair, waterproof the basement walls, crawl space ventilation, replace carpet due to carpet water damage, and insulate the basement. Hiring the professionals at A-1 will be a smart solution to getting your home's foundation in tip top shape. Contact us today to learn more about your home's foundation and how we can put our A-1 method to work for you.

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink |

Whether you're selling or buying a house, a foundation problem can easily be a "deal-breaker." Symptoms of foundation problems are impossible to ignore: cracks in bricks, concrete blocks or poured concrete, bowed walls, concrete slabs that have cracked and settled, floors that tilt or sag, and windows or doors that can't operate properly because a settled foundation has skewed their framing.

Even if a prospective home buyer accepts the risk of buying a house with foundation problems, it's unlikely that a bank or mortgage lender will allow a mortgage to be granted for such a problem property. Foundation problems are certain to be identified when the bank's appraiser inspects the house or goes over the standard disclosure documents provided by the real estate agent. In today's market, banks and mortgage lenders are on the alert for flaws and liabilities that might make a house difficult to sell.

The good news about foundation problems is that most of these problems can be effectively solved especially with our A-1 Method. Home buyers and banks often assume the worst when they encounter bowed foundation walls, wide cracks, settled slabs and similar problems. They're likely to believe that the entire foundation must be replaced, or that a settled slab must be demolished and then re-poured. But such extensive and expensive work is rarely required. The technology available to our full-service staff is truly amazing. Settled footings, foundation walls and slabs can be stabilized and even jacked back into their original positions with different pier-and-bracket systems.

Instead of demolishing and reconstructing a bowed foundation wall, anchors can often be installed to make the wall flat again, or close to it. A sagging, springy floor can be jacked back to level again and stiffened by installing precast footings and heavy-duty steel columns. Many of these repairs can be completed in 1-3 days, with minimal disruption to the house and its inhabitants.

If your house has a foundation problem, don't put off the repair. Once the symptoms of a foundation problem show up, it's a sure bet they will only get worse. Cracks will widen, settling and shifting will become more pronounced, and windows and door openings will become even more out of square. Resist the temptation to make cosmetic repairs when a serious structural problem exists. Unless the structural problem is corrected, a patched crack will continue to open up and widen. Our experienced team will be able to give you an accurate assessment of what's causing your foundation to fail, and what repair strategies can be used to save it. Contact us today to learn more about foundation problems and how we can repair your home's integrity with the A-1 method.

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink |

There are a number of contributing factors that lead to a foundation problem. They include poor and inadequate drainage, plumbing leaks, extremely dry soil and poor soil conditions. A home owner's ultimate nightmare is a basement full of unwanted water due to cracked foundations or other leakage. A-1 Foundation will promptly come to your home and provide you with unparalleled foundation crack repair and guarantee that all of your basement water leaks are repaired to your full satisfaction.

Structural repair issues are often very complicated and require specialized knowledge to both analyze and develop repair plans. If left unattended, structural problems will continue to get worse, leading to more costly corrective repairs and diminished resale value of your home. Your home is likely your largest and most valuable investment. Don’t let the problem linger another day.

We also offer commercial assistance as well. If you own/manage residential, office, industrial, or retail buildings, foundation cracks and foundation leaks can result in health hazards and loss of income if not promptly and correctly repaired. Which is why we at A-1 are proud to offer an array of commercial services as well as residential.

We utilize a unique, high technology approach to repairing cracks and leaks of all kinds using the A-1 Method for structural and nonstructural repairs.We have trained and certified specialists to advise our customers of their options. Our highly skilled team ensures the highest quality workmanship. Contact us today and let us put our method to work for you.

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink |

Controlling water around your home's foundation is important. Water control is the single most important factor in ensuring a dry basement. Water control helps prevent problems, even if your home has a slab foundation or a crawl space foundation. This also accounts for business too. Foundation in a commercial building is the same as any home, and even though there is no basement, securing the outside is important.

Improper water control around your home's foundation causes many problems. Water can damage foundations by exerting pressure on the foundation (hydrostatic pressure). Water can also damage foundations by causing unstable clay soils to exert pressure by swelling or by causing these soils to contract and remove support from under the foundation. Other problems caused by improper water control include damaging construction materials and providing moisture for mold and termites.

Direct foundation damage from water usually involves cracks and/or bulges in foundation walls and footings. This can in turn cause uplift or settling of framing materials that can cause problems such as uneven floors, cracks in interior and exterior wall coverings, and doors and windows that do not operate properly. In extreme cases, water damage can cause structural failure. Indirect water damage includes damage to wood and other construction materials caused by liquid water infiltration and by water vapor that condenses in cool areas such as in basements and in crawl spaces. Many species of termites and all species of mold need moisture to survive. Controlling water around your home will reduce the chance of termite infestation and mold infestation.

Controlling water around your home's foundation is simple and inexpensive compared to repairing foundation damage and wet basements. Examine your water control measures at least every year as part of your regular home maintenance. Doing so will help prevent serious problems. If you are not familiar with checking your home's foundation contact us today and we'll be happy to inspect your home for you to ensure no leaks are present.

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink |