Looking for information on basement waterproofing systems and foundation repair solutions? Below are some of the many solutions and services we offer:
Foundation Crack Repair Foundation wall cracks can be repaired from the interior or exterior. From a logical stand point all cracks should be fixed from the outside. Attacking the problem at the source. What we always reccommend first is to dig the crack out from the outside. This process includes a hand dug hole on the exterior of the home. We than clean the crack from the outside and put a layer of fibrated mastic over the crack. Following the mastic is a thick industrial plastic with a 300 hundred year shelf life.
This method will guarantee that no water will ever enter that crack, for the lifetime of the home!
There are other methods to fixing a crack. If for some reason the home has something on the outside that will prevent us from digging we have to go another route. For example a patio, deck, or elaborate lanscaping.
What we do on the inside is either an epoxy injection or a vapor barrier hung on the wall that will direct that water south beneath the floor. All ways are effective but of course, attacking it from the outside should always be your number one option.
Interior Drain Tile Systems Interior Drain Tile is most commonly recommended to address seepage through the cove joint (where the floor and wall meet) or through floor cracks. It is also commonly used as a complete solution to control and prevent just about any type of seepage. The procedure involves opening the floor along the perimeter foundation wall(s) and installing a perforated drain pipe surrounded with washed gravel at the base of the wall. The system collects water from multiple sources and empties it into a sump pump.
Our Ultimate Drain Tile System is unique in that it doesn’t require maintenance and comes with a transferable lifetime warranty to the homeowner.
Exterior Waterproofing Sometimes it is impractical or undesirable to waterproof a basement from the interior. Common examples include seepage over the top of the foundation or instances where the basement is highly finished. Exterior waterproofing involves addressing the problem from the “positive side” by excavating and applying a membrane to the foundation wall. Depending on the situation, it also may involve adding a perforated drain pipe surrounded with washed stone at the base of the trench to get rid of the excess water.
Potential obstructions such as additions, garages and decks need to be taken into consideration. We can remove items such as concrete, asphalt and pavers. In most instances, digging is done by hand to minimize disruption to landscape.
Window Well Accessories We offer a complete line of products and services to address just about any type of window well problem.
If your window wells are overflowing, we can design and install a new drain system. If your window well liner is rusted or deformed, we can replace it. If your wells are uncovered, we also can install custom fit window well covers.
Basement Egress Windows If you have a bedroom in the basement, building codes require an escape window be added as an alternate escape path out of the basement.
Our EscapeWell System is a complete turn-key solution which includes excavation, saw-cut opening in the foundation wall, new corrugated well, ladder, drain, window and latched cover. Our customers were our inspiration for launching this system as they could not find willing and qualified contractors to provide this service.
Primary Sump Pumps Being in the basement waterproofing business for over 50 years, we have seen and tested just about every sump pump being sold today. We have found Zoeller’s cast iron series of sump pumps to be the most reliable, capable and efficient ones available on the market.
Most sump pumps have an average life span of 5 to 10 years. Over a long enough period, it will fail and generally without warning. We can replace your existing sump pump--or if you house isn’t equipped with one--install a brand new system complete with a sealed basin and high water alarm to alert you to any potential problems.
Humidity Control High indoor humidity can lead to a lot of problems. Anything from taking a shower to cooking to washing and yes, even breathing can increase moisture and ultimately lead to an unhealthy home. Moisture generally gravitates downward into your basement where it is trapped without anywhere to go, especially in newer homes which are insulated quite well.
A conventional dehumidifier does not exchange air nor does it ventilate your basement or crawl space. They are also very costly to operate. As an authorized installer of the Humidex system and the oldest and most experienced basement waterproofing contractor in Chicagoland, we can get rid of that unwanted moisture for a fraction of the cost and dry up your basement / crawl space at the same time. Make your home a healthier place for you and your family.
Battery Backup Sump Pumps Primary sump pumps are powered by your home’s electrical service. When this service is interrupted, which commonly occurs during heavy rain storms, your basement drainage system continues to collect storm water and overflows into your basement.
We offer a full line of Battery Operated Sump Pumps customized for your unique needs. All pumps are designed to operate using a maintenance-free, deep cycle marine battery capable of pumping for several hours until the power is restored.
Concrete Floors There are a number of problems associated with an exposed dirt / gravel crawl space. Common examples include increased mold, radon and humidity levels--all which contribute to an unhealthy home. Utilizing a concrete pump, we can install a new concrete surface into your crawl space, which will isolate these problems and instantaneously make your home a healthier place. As an added benefit, it creates usable space for storage.
We can also replace your old, deteriorated and cracked floor with a brand new floor more suitable for future basement finishing. We usually recommend installing a new Interior Drain Tile System at the same time to prevent future basement seepage. There are considerable cost savings doing them in conjunction with one another.
Crawl Space Liners Installing a concrete floor is one way to isolate your home from increased mold, radon and humidity levels associated with an exposed dirt / gravel crawl space. Another more economical approach is to encapsulate your crawl space with a Crawl Space Liner.
Our ComfortCrawl System consists of two unique products. The walls are treated with our specialized radiant reflective insulation which lowers energy costs and retards future mold growth. To cover the dirt / gravel floor, we install a 20 mil. reinforced polyethylene vapor barrier. It is extremely durable and puncture resistant as it is 300-600% thicker than a standard plastic vapor barrier a typical builder would install. All seams are sealed air tight with our specialized high strength tape. Our ComfortCrawl System is an ideal and economical choice to brighten up and encapsulate your once dark, damp and uninviting crawl space.
Wall Bracing Foundation walls can shift or bow inward due to pressure from the surrounding earth. Left alone, this can lead to serious structural problems. Utilizing high strength steel beams, the system uses the weight of the house and the compressive strength of the floor to reinforce the foundation wall and resist further inward movement. Its compact profile allows you to finish the basement without sacrificing space.
Foundation Underpinning A sinking foundation can be caused by a number of different problems. These problems can be permanently corrected using a foundation underpinning system, which stabilizes the foundation and prevents further vertical settlement. Pre-engineered steel piers (galvanized pipes) are installed beneath the base of the foundation wall (footing) and driven into bedrock or load-bearing strata. This is a time-proven method which is more effective and economical as compared to rebuilding the entire foundation on unstable soil. It is also much less invasive
