Home arrow Waterproofing Tips
Waterproofing Tips Print E-mail
Where Water Leaks And Why?
When forms are used to pour concrete walls or to install a block foundation, an "over dig" area is necessary. The soil in this area is not tightly compacted and, over time, water tends to settle in both the open area as well as around the footing. When this happens, hydrostatic pressure builds up.

Seams occur when another concrete structure is poured on-ftop-of or beside one that has already hardened.

When a basement is constructed, the footing is usually poured first; then the walls, lastly the floors, with each being considered a separate component. It is inevitable that seams occur, usually the seam is where the water enters.

This is the most common situation. Once the Basement Technologies' flagship system, the Watertrek is installed properly, it is warranted for the life of the structure.

Where A Basement Can Leak
  1. The most common is the floor wall joint. It comes inside due to the inherent imperfection of the concrete floors, foundation wall joints, and hydrostatic pressures.
  2. Floor cracks, due to hydrostatic pressure and concrete curing are caused when the water cannot relieve itself entirely at the floor wall joint, so it seeks another "relief" point.
  3. Wall cracks, pipe-penetrations and mortar joints. Water sitting on the exterior seek points of least resistance and can enter from the seams.
  4. Windows, and bulkheads are an inherent problem area in all basements and each area needs to be addressed professionally.
Exterior drain systems consisting of perforated pipe and stone just do not stand up over time. These systems eventually clog with dirt and silt. Water seepage damages contents, ruin carpets, tile, sheetrock, panels, woodwork, furniture, and prized possessions.

Common Problems
  1. Downspouts that do not take the rain water far enough away from the home.
  2. Gutters that overflow or lack of gutters.
  3. Grading problems sloping back to the home allowing water to flow back to the house.
  4. Clogged exterior footing drains.
The only sure permanent way to solve your basement problem forever is to install a Basement Technologies system which will solve all water entry points. Basement Technologies stops water permanently!
  1. We train all technicians and installers.  
  2. Our system is Patented and Tested.

Custom Tailored Waterproofing
We custom tailor our systems to meet each subfloor situation. Each basement is different and each needs to have a custom tailored system. These differences include footing/floor confirmations and our systems can address each one. Each unique configuration is approcahed differently and most effectively.

We have the experience, materials, and training necessary to install a custom tailored system in your home.

The Advantages of Having a Dry Basement
  1. Home investment value. You can expect an increase in the sale price of your home of approximately 10 - 20% if you have a dry basement. That means that if you have a $300,000 home, and you have a wet basement, usually on average you will be able to sell that home for $275,000 if at all. If you install a basement waterproofing system, you will be able to get full retail because it is now usable space and perspective buyers appreciate this. They especially appreciate the transferable warranty that goes with the home if are system is installed.
  2. Add valuable dry living or storage space. We offer a lifetime structure warranty that is transferable upon sale. You get top dollar for your home. Remodeling wet basements are impossible. The sheet rock and building materials will get wet; mold and mildew will collect. It is imperative that you install a proper basement waterproofing system before you remodel your basement. Increased square footage increases home value. It is that simple.
  3. Sleeping well at night. If you have a wet basement and it starts raining you constantly worry, "If it happened once it will happen again". This is a true statement. When it becomes dry outside it does not mean that your basement waterproofing problem has gone away. The facts remain the same. If it got wet once, it will get wet again. If it flooded once, it will definitely flood again. It is just a matter of time.
  4. Life Time Structure Warranty -once you install the Basement Technologies system, it is guaranteed to work for lifetime structure, transferable upon sale. This adds value to your home and gives you peace of mind. It increases your storage and living space.
Problem Solving
  • Your basement is damp; you cannot find where the water is coming from. The issue here is to find out whether it is condensation or whether water is coming through the floor, floor-wall joints, or walls.. To find out if it is condensation, tape a 6X6 inch square piece of aluminum foil to the wall that is prone to the dampness. Seal all four sides as airtight as possible. In about three days, check the foil. If the side facing the wall is wet, the problem is water seepage. If the outside of the foil facing the basement is wet, then it is a condensation problem and it is not a water problem.

    Solution:

  • To solve this issue, close your windows, run a dehumidifier in your basement. Basement Technologies offers a whole house dehumidifier system called the Bonaire. If there are extensive walls put up, you may have to run as many as two or three dehumidifiers. We offer a whole house dehumidifier called the Bonaire which is vented to the exterior. It will help stop all dampness, mold and mildew growth. These dehumidifiers must be run 24 hours a day seven days a week in order to clear up the dampness in the air. Condensation is not a basement-waterproofing problem. In any sub-terrain environment, it is always possible that condensation will occur. After all, your basement is underground. It is like a cave and caves get damp.
  • Gutters and downspouts. Always inspect and clean your gutters and downspouts. If necessary, remove and replace them. You must check for debris, etc. Be sure that the entrance to the downspout is always clear and install a wire mesh spout to be sure that water can get through.
  • The potential of plumbing pipes causing humidity and condensation are great. Always watch to see the area where the wetness occurs to see if it is under a pipe or near a water tank. If it appears to be a plumbing problem, call your plumber immediately. Always run a dehumidifier. On window wells, it is always possible for the water to collect and come through the intersection between the wood or metal and concrete. Always be sure there is gravel in front of your window, about 12 inches deep. This will give you more of a chance for the water to drain down underneath the window sill and the intersection between the wood or metal window and the concrete. Plastic bubbles are helpful, over the top of these window wells.
Hiring A Contractor:
Always be sure that you receive a written estimate from your contractor and be sure the following are included:
  1. Contractor's name, address and telephone number.
  2. Full description of the work and list of the materials to be used.
  3. A full color brochure presentation package to see the products that you are receiving.
  4. A date on which the work will begin, also the approximate length of time for completion.
  5. Details of payment. Be sure that any work changes are done in writing. Be sure the contractor is responsible for Worker's Compensation and Liability and be sure that the firm has this insurance. This insurance is very expensive. There are many people out there without this insurance.
Get a copy of the perspective warranty and what is included in that warranty.

Be sure that your representative signs the contract.

Be sure that everything is written down. Do not agree on something verbally with your representative.

Be sure the proposal has a three-day recession form on it in case you change your mind. These are commonly on the back of the proposal forms and need to be signed and sent into the contractor.

Be sure everything is in writing and signed, in case you have problems at a later time.

Be sure that you check the work before the workmen leave and everything is to your satisfaction. Most credible contractors will have a job completion form to be filled out by the homeowner.

Watch high-pressure techniques. Do not give in to certain sales techniques stating that the price may change the next day. Be aware that you hold the upper hand. The contractor is looking for work and if you are lead to believe that he is qualifying you, do not accept that company as your contractor.

You should receive a pre-installation notice, a presale notice with a description of your representative who is coming to your home. Upon acceptance of your contract, you should receive a pre-installation notice telling you in writing what is expected of you.
 
< Prev   Next >
[ Back ]
Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Crawford, Dunklin, Franklin, Iron, Jefferson, Lincoln, Madison, Mississippi, New Madrid, Peniscot, Perry, Pike, St. Charles, St. Francois, St. Genevieve, St. Louis, St. Louis City, Scott, Stoddard, Warren, Washington, Wayne. Glen Allen, Marble Hill, Sedgewickville, Zalma, Fisk, Neelyville, Poplar Bluff, Qulin, Altenburg, Cape Girardeau, Delta, Dutchtown, Gordonville, Jackson, Oak Ridge, Old Appleton, Perryville, Pocahontas, Whitewater, Bourbon, Cuba, Leasburg, St. Cloud, Steelville, West Sullivan, Arbyrd, Campbell, Cardwell, Clarkton, Cotton Hill, Freeborn, Holcomb, Hornersville, Kennett, Malden, Rives, Senath, Berger, Gerald, Leslie, Miramiguoa Park, New Haven, Pacific, Parkway, St. Clair, Sullivan, Union, Washington, Wildwood, Annapolis, Arcadia, Des Arc, Ironton, Pilot Knob, Steelville, Viburnum, Arnold, Byrnes Mill, Cedar Hill Lakes, Crystal City, De Soto, Festus, Herculaneum, Hillsboro, Kimmswick, Olympian Village, Parkdale, Pevely, Scotsdale, Cave, Chain of Rocks, Davis, Elsberry, Foley, Fountain N' Lakes, Hawk Point, Moscow Mills, Old Monroe, Silex, Troy, Truxton, Whiteside, Winfield, Big Creek, Cobalt, Fredericktown, Junction City, Marquand, Anniston, Bertrand, Charleston, Diehlstadt, East Prairie, Pinhook, Wilson City, Wyatt, Canalou, Catron, Gideon, Howardville, Lilbourn, Marston, Matthews, Morehouse, New Madrid, North Lilbourn, Parma, Portageville, Risco, Tallapoosa, Bragg City, Caruthersville, Cooter, Hayti, Hayti Heights, Holland, Homestown, North Wardell, Pascola, Steele, Wardell, Altenburg, Frohna, Longtown, Perryville, Annada, Bowling Green, Clarksville, Curryville, Eolia, Frankford, Louisiana, Paynesville, Augusta, Cottleville, Dardenne Prairie, Flint Hill, Foristell, Josephville, Lake St. Louis, New Melle, O'Fallon, Portage des Sioux, St. Charles, St. Paul, St. Peters, Weldon Spring, Weldon Spring Heights, Wentzville, Bismarck, Bonne Terre, Desloge, Farmington, Iron Mountain Lake, Leadington, Leadwood, Park Hills, Bloomsdale, Sainte Genevieve, St. Mary, Ste. Genevieve, Affton, Allenton, Altheim, Arbor Terrace, Ascalon, Ballwin, Barretts, Bella Villa, Bellefontaine, Bellefontaine Neighbors, Bellerive, Bel-Nor, Bel-Ridge, Benbush, Berkeley, Beverly Hills, Black Jack, Bonfils, Breckenridge Hills, Brentwood, Bridgeton, Bridgeton Terrace, Calverton Park, Camp Wyman, Castle Point, Castlewood, Cedar Bluff, Centaur, Champ, Charlack, Chesterfield, Clarkson Valley, Clayton, Cliff Cave, Concord, Cool Valley, Country Club Hills, Country Life Acres, Crescent, Crestwood, Creve Coeur, Cross Keys, Crystal Lake Park, Dellwood, Des Peres, Earth City, Edmundson, Ellisville, Eureka, Fenton, Ferguson, Fern Glen, Fernridge, Flordell Hills, Florissant, For Bellefontaine, Fox Creek, Frontenac, Glasgow Village, Glen Echo Park, Glencoe, Glendale, Goodfellow Terrace, Grantwood Village, Green Park, Greendale, Grover, Gumbo, Hanley Hills, Hazelwood, Hillsdale, Hine, Hollow, Huntleigh, Ivory, Jennings, Keyes Summit, Kinloch, Kirkwood, Ladue, Lake, Lake Junction, Lakeshire, Larimore, Lemay, Lincoln Beach, Loehr, Mackenzie, Manchester, Maplewood, Marlborough, Mary Ridge, Maryland Heights, Mattese, Meacham Park, Mehlville, Melrose, Moline Acres, Monarch, Morschels, Mountain Ridge, Musicks Ferry, Natural Bridge Junction, Normandy, Northwoods, Norwood Court, Oakland, Oakville, Olivette, Orrville, Osage Hills, Overland, Ozark View, Pagedale, Pasadena Hills, Pasadena Park, Pattonville, Peerless Park, Pettys Hill, Pine Lawn, Pond, Prospect Hill, Ranken, Richmond Heights, Riverview, Robertson, Rock Hill, Saint Ann, Saint George, Saint Johns, Sappington, Schuermann Heights, Sherman, Shoveltown, Shrewsbury, Spanish Lake, Sunset Hills, Sycamore Hills, Town and Country, Twin Oaks, Tyson, University City, Uplands Park, Valley park, Velda Village, Velda Village Hills, Vigus, Vinita Park, Vinita Terrace, Warson Woods, Webster Groves, Wellston, Westwood, White House, Wilbur Park, Wildwood, Winchester, Windsor Springs, Woodhine Heights, Woodson Terrace, Woodstock, Yeatman, Jedburgh, Baden, Benton, Broadway, Carondelet, Clifton Heights, Ellendale, Gratiot, Saint Louis, Southhampton, Tower Grove, Allenville, Benton, Blodgett, Chaffee, Commerce, Haywood City, Kelso, Miner, Morley, Oran, Scott City, Sikeston, Advance, Bell City, Bernie, Bloomfield, Castor, Dexter, Duck Creek, Dudley, Elk, Essex, New Lisbon, Penermon, Pike, Puxico, Innsbrook, Marthasville, Pendleton, Truesdale, Warrenton, Wright City. Caledonia, Irondale,, Mineral Point, Potos, Greenville, Mill Spring, Piedmont, Williamsville.
Free Joomla Templates by JoomlaShine.com