A1 Foundation Crack Repair Blog

Too many people are dealing with wet basements. Now that the hurricane is over you can address your wet basement problems and be prepared (and relaxed) for the next time. You need to not only clean up the water, but you need to prevent basement floods from happening again. Because, as many people found out, sump pumps are great, but if there is no power, there isn't a whole lot you can do.

Keep in mind that you have about 48 hours to get your basement dry before mold starts to grow. Water extraction is the key. It is important to get dehumidification equipment into your basement. You need the air to be dried out and dehumidified. Often sheet rock or plaster has to be removed and you need to get air behind the walls in order to get it dry. 

After you have your basement dried out, you need to take steps to ensure that you don’t get water again. It is a fact, if you get water in your basement once, you will get it again.   The first step is to figure out where it came from in order to address the best way of eliminating it in the future.

If you got water in your basement from the hurricane, contact A1 Foundation Crack Repair so we can help prevent you from EVER taking in water again.

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There is no question that homes with basements provide us with much more space than those with only crawl spaces. Often, homeowners will put recreational rooms in the basement, or perhaps an office. Other times, the basement will be storage, a tool shed and a laundry room combined, but this still provides us with extra space upstairs. So, there is no point in going into why a wet basement is a bother.

Water in the basement is a problem, even if it is empty, (and they never are). There are really two different ways in which water can enter our basement, and both will entail some form of waterproofing. Water can either come in slowly, almost undetected or it can quickly invade our basement causing a flood.

Moisture is often a problem since basements are below ground level, even if it is not visible. It may show up as mold or mildew. Even if you can’t see the moisture, there are definite signs that it is there.

Doing a little bit of basement waterproofing for this usually means installing a basement dehumidifier which will run on a regular basis, at least through the summer, fall and spring.

Of course, the other way you can get water in the basement is all at once, a flood. This can be destructive, especially if you use the basement for living space or storage. If the water is coming in at one specific location, sealing that location is necessary.

However, if your basement floods on a regular basis, measures that can be taken to fix this.

Having a problem with water in your basement is simply keeping you from enjoying part of your house. Although waterproofing your basement is going to take a little bit of work, it will all be well worth the effort whenever you can take this part of your home back again.

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In order to know how to waterproof a basement, you need to know how water enters the basement. There are many different ways water can enter the basement:  floor / wall joint, floor or wall crack, or through the bulkhead, to name a few.

Here we are going to talk about how water enters through the floor/wall joint.

The floor/wall joint is the most common entry source of water entering the basement. This is where the foundation wall meets the floor. The water comes in from the outside over the footing under the foundation wall and through where the foundation wall and floor converge. This is seen mostly when it rains. Water may seep in from other locations, but the most heavy water intrusion will be from the floor/wall joint.

When one concrete structure is poured (the floor) and another concrete structure is poured on it or next to it (the wall), a seam is created between the two concrete structures. Each concrete structure (the footing, the wall and the floor) is poured separately. There is a seam between each of these three structures. This allows the potential for water to come into the basement. There are four potential points of entry now: over the foundation footing, between the foundation walls, underneath the foundation and up through the seams between the foundation footing and the floor. This floor/wall joint seepage is very common and is a predominant reason for basement flooding.

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If you find that there is mold growing in your home from a wet or damp basement, you need to act fast in order to remove it. However, if you have a mold problem that covers more than a 10-foot by 10-foot area, consider calling a professional.

When dealing with mold removal, be careful, once mold is disturbed it will release mold spores that can cause additional growth, or those spores can lead to health problems.

The first phase of work will be to completely remove drywall and carpet and all other “non permanent” affected items.  Also remove any furnishings that are carrying mold.  It is rare that these items can be saved once they have mold.

Once that is completed, it is time to clean the mold.  Use a cleaning product that is designed specifically for mold removal.  This will ensure that the spores have been killed, and the entire mold organism has been removed.  You must be very thorough, especially in wall and ceiling cavities. 

Remember that mold spores are often invisible.  So, even though the visible mold has been removed from surfaces, the spores could remain in the air for quite some time. It is very important to isolate the area where you have mold from the rest of the house because mold spores are designed to travel in the air until they can find a place to settle which is good for growth.  Mold spores need warmth, moisture, and a food source.  The food source can include wood, drywall, paper, fabrics and other typical household items. 

The next step is to eliminate the moisture and the food source.  The mold cleaning detergent needs to eliminate the food source from the washed surfaces but you also need to lower the humidity levels in the area.  The temperature in the space should be higher than normal because this will promote faster drying.  Be sure to close any windows or doors to the outside as well, so that humidity from the outdoors cannot come in.

The basement or other affected area should have good airflow for several days, so use fans; but most importantly, be sure to have a dehumidifier in this space.  It should be a reliable, powerful unit that will remove moisture from the air into either into a reservoir or a hose running to a drain or sump pump.  With a moisture meter you can regularly check surfaces and materials for moisture content.  Once you are able to get walls and floors to 12% moisture content or less, mold growth can no longer be sustained.

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Mold problems might occur with home basement dampness or flooding. Mold is a living organism that thrives in wet or damp environments. Usually, the food source for mold is cellulose such as the paper on drywall, wood products or paint on concrete. It can even appear on the surface of metal in the right conditions.
 
Therefore a home and its contents are a food source for mold. Many people believe that molds can be cleaned with household bleach. When you clean mold with bleach you will see the mold disappear. But the underlying root system of them mold is unaffected by the bleach, and the molds will reappear within a few days.

You can't clean mold; it must be removed from your home. In the case of mold-infested drywall, paneling and acoustical ceiling tiles, the damaged areas should be cut out and discarded. You do not often see mold on older homes with plastered walls, but it will appear on the paint on the plaster. When this happens, the paint should be scraped off to remove the root system before repainting.

Mold usually does not appear on fabrics, but they can carry mold that can be transferred to cellulose and wood products in your house. So, wet or damp carpeting should be removed to allow the wood-floor surface to dry. Vinyl floor coverings also must be removed if you notice dark spots forming under the finished surface of the vinyl.

If you have a large mold problem in your home, it should be professionally mitigated and the humidity in your home should be controlled with a dehumidifier. Cracks in the basement concrete floor and/or foundation that allow in water need to be repaired. Continuous water damage or moisture in your home exacerbates the mold problem and may lead to issues with the structural integrity of your home or foundation.  The most important control for mold in any home is humidity control. Keep the area dry, because without moisture, though molds may be present, it cannot thrive.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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As the most important element of your home's infrastructure, your foundation must remain in flawless condition in order to provide the required amount of stability. For foundation repair, waterproofing, mold removal, and more, its best to contact a foundation specialist such as A-1.

Every building is built from the bottom up, which means the lowest level is always the major base for support. That's why it's important to keep both your foundation and basement in tip-top shape if you wish you to maintain a structurally sound building. If the condition of your foundation is damaged or weakened in any way, the stability of your entire home is put at risk. It's important to perform regular foundation waterproofing and repairs. It is also smart to ensure mold remediation and basement waterproofing, in order to keep your home from facing serious structural issues down the road.

While it's important to perform regular foundation repairs, you shouldn't attempt to do them yourself. Given the solid, immovable quality of concrete foundations, working on a foundation repair is often very difficult if not done with the proper training and equipment. That's where our professional and experience team comes in handy. We have the extensive training and knowledge required to provide you with the fix-it work you need in order to patch up a hole or crack, and we can even perform foundation waterproofing to protect against water damage and erosion.  Our experienced A-1 team will be able to perform all necessary maintenance work and ensure the continued stability of your foundation.

So whether you need foundation work, a cure for a wet basement, or professional mold removal, hiring A-1 Foundation Crack Repair is the only way to ensure success. If you're ready to stabilize your home with a solid foundation, feel free to contact us today and we'll be happy to help.

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Sometimes its hard to know when you need to waterproof your basement. Yes its true, some people go down into their basement, see that it is fine and go about their merry business but what they don’t realize is that basement mold and water damage accumulates silently and then spreads like wildfire and it becomes a hassle to get rid of. So when you first move into your new home make sure you check the waterproofing of your basement. Then below are two popular times to waterproof your basement once again.

Before the rainy season

A wet basement is easy to ignore during dry weather. But when a major storm hits, the amount of water that comes in can be hard to predict. Homeowners that previously only had a small leak once or twice a year can be shocked and disappointed to find that their basement has several inches-even feet- of water seemingly out of the blue. How serious a basement flood can be is sometimes hard to tell, and unless the investment is made in a basement waterproofing system, the risk of such a flood is always present. If you know stormy weather is ahead, then it's a great idea to deal with the problem before it gets out of hand.

Before selling the home

If you're looking to sell your home, a wet basement can be a deal breaker. Home buyers are not looking to purchase someone else's problem, and if they find out that the basement floods, they will often back out of the deal. Home inspectors are trained to find the signs of wet basements, and they will make finding these signs a top priority.

In fact, 10% of the home's market value is lost with a wet basement. And because buyers will be reluctant to buy the home even at a discount, it will take much longer to sell it. In the end, fixing the basement properly with a sump pump and perimeter waterproofing system is a fast process and it restores a great deal of value to your home.

Even if you are not planning on selling your home or it hasn’t rained in a while, it might be a good idea to check out your basement anyway and if you see any signs of leaks or water damage contact the professionals and let us apply our A-1 method to your home for a clean and quality look.

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