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Why Basement Repair Is Best Left to the Professionals
Water damage in your basement can lead to structural problems that threaten the safety and value of your home. It can also increase humidity levels and cause mold and musty odors that are bad for your health.
Hairline cracks can indicate a problem with your foundation, and they can get worse if left untreated. Epoxy injection is a common repair method for these issues. Contact Basement Repair Naperville IL now!
Many home owners consider foundation repair to be a major expense. The fact is, addressing any signs of a foundation problem early on will help you avoid additional repairs and potential safety issues.
While you can do some basement crack repair DIY, any type of significant damage to your foundation requires the expertise of a professional. These experts have the tools, training, experience, and solutions necessary to provide lasting home foundation repairs.
Depending on the size of your home and severity of damage, different foundation repair techniques will be needed. A few of the most common include waterproofing, crack sealing, and concrete stabilization.
Waterproofing is one of the most cost-effective ways to address basement problems. This method is used to protect basement walls from water intrusion and prevent future cracking. Cracks in basement walls typically signal the presence of structural issues that need to be addressed. Whether your basement has concrete or brick walls, it’s important to keep an eye out for any type of widening of these cracks. Cracks wider than 1/8 inch are often cause for concern, and any that span around corners of the basement or exhibit stair-step patterns may indicate that your foundation is sinking and exerting uneven pressure on the structure.
If you have a crawl space, it’s also critical to look for signs of moisture in the area. A crawl space that’s prone to mold and mildew can lead to a variety of health concerns for your family. It can also contribute to moisture in the basement, which can further damage your foundation and lead to costly repairs.
Uneven floors are another common symptom of a foundation problem. If you notice that the floor of your basement or crawl space is uneven, you’ll need to have it repaired as soon as possible. This type of unevenness can be unsafe for children and the elderly, as it increases the likelihood that they’ll trip or fall.
If your floor sags due to weakened support beams or joists in the crawl space, you’ll need to have these supports replaced. This is a fairly costly project, as each floor joist costs between $350 and $1,000.
Wall Repair
When a basement wall is bowed or leaning, it can create a serious structural problem. If left untreated, it can lead to severe and expensive damage throughout the home. Wall anchors and braces are installed to stabilize the walls and straighten them over time. The process is minimally invasive, and it requires the skills of trained professionals.
A cracked basement wall can be caused by numerous issues, including differential foundation settlement, soil erosion and inadequate construction techniques. The crack may also be the result of a leaky basement or water infiltration. If you notice cracks in your basement walls, it’s important to have a professional examine the area and determine the cause of the damage.
It’s important to avoid the temptation to try and patch a crack in your basement walls on your own. This will only delay the inevitable and potentially cause more serious damage down the line. It is necessary to contact a professional foundation repair contractor who can correctly diagnose and address the root cause of the damage.
If your basement walls are showing signs of bowing, a structural engineer can install carbon fiber reinforcement to stabilize the walls and prevent further movement. This is a cost-effective solution that’s extremely strong and long-lasting.
In some cases, helical tiebacks can be used to stabilize a basement wall and relieve pressure from the outside of the basement. These steel ties are inserted into the ground and then twisted until they reach a specific torque, stabilizing the wall.
For more severe cases of basement bowing, steel I-beams are used to reinforce and support the walls for more stability. This system redistributes the weight and pressure evenly, preventing potential problems from soil erosion, water seepage, hydrostatic pressure and frost heave.
Before any basement repairs are made, it’s important to clear out the work area to give your local foundation repair company access to the damaged areas of your basement. Any furniture, stored items or decorations that are within 10 feet of the work area should be moved to a safe location. In addition, any vehicles or equipment that may be parked near the area should be moved to another location so the crew has easy access.
Electrical Repair
Basement remodeling typically includes a lot of electrical work. This is a dangerous task to attempt on your own and is best left to the professionals.
Basement electrical work should be done before drywall is hung. This way, it is much easier to run wires and set up outlets and switches. It is also cheaper than tackling it after the drywall has been hung and the basement is already insulated and finished.
Whether you need to add more electrical outlets or you want to upgrade your lighting and switch wiring, our Utah licensed electricians can help. They will assess your needs and come up with a plan to get the job done correctly, quickly and within your budget.
Waterproofing is a critical part of basement repair because it prevents water from seeping in through foundation cracks. Water seepage is a common problem that can lead to extensive damage and even structural problems in the house. It can happen due to factors like foundation settling, hydrostatic pressure and freezing and thawing of the soil around the home’s foundation.
Waterproofing solutions such as French drains and sump pumps can be installed inside your home to manage the flow of water and keep it away from your basement. They can also be integrated with your home’s drainage system to protect the entire home from water infiltration and reduce the need for costly basement repairs.
Plumbing Repair
If you have a plumbing leak, call your local plumber. These highly skilled professionals install, repair and maintain water supply lines, appliances and fixtures in homes and businesses. They’ll fit new pipes, unclog drains, and fix broken sinks and faucets. They also handle sewer line clogs and pump out septic tanks.
The first step in finding the source of a basement leak is to trace its path using a moisture meter or visual inspection. Detecting the problem quickly can prevent extensive damage and save you money on repairs.
Leaks in basement walls and floors usually stem from plumbing problems, such as a failing water heater or damaged washing machine hose. But in many cases, water seepage is caused by hydrostatic pressure, a natural force exerted by groundwater against your home’s foundation. It can push through cracks and gaps in your basement walls, floor and foundation, leading to flooding and mold growth.
A professional plumber can identify the source of a basement leak and recommend a suitable waterproofing repair solution. In some cases, the problem is a simple fix like resealing the basement floor joint or installing a new drain in the floor or wall to stop water infiltration.
In other cases, the leak is deeper and more complicated to repair. This may require jackhammering through your concrete foundation to reach the break, misalignment or separation in the leaking pipe. This is expensive, messy and disruptive work that can leave your home surrounded by jackhammers, dirt and concrete debris.
Some homeowners call their plumbers to perform a basement waterproofing evaluation and estimate, but the plumber doesn’t recognize the source of the leak or the appropriate repair method. This can lead to a lot of wasted time and money, especially if the homeowner signs up for a waterproofing service that isn’t required or won’t solve their seepage problem. A basement waterproofing contractor will be honest about the root cause of the basement leak and recommend the right professional for the job.