Scared to go into your basement? Afraid you will find a wet basement, damp musty odors or worse, a flooded basement. You’re not alone! Many homeowners with a basement, especially with older homes have this same concern. Finding these problems is not only annoying and inconvenient, but a wet basement can be expensive to repair and if you don’t fix it, can lead to serious structural and health concerns.
Damp and wet basements raise doubts about the structural soundness of a home which significantly reduces your property value. Proper homeowner inspection, followed by maintenance can prevent this from happening.
Here is a checklist to help put your mind at ease:
Start in the basement. Inspect the perimeter to see where water is getting in. If you can’t identify the source, you are probably dealing with a minor problem.
Walk the perimeter exterior. Make sure that the ground slopes away from the foundation at least 10 feet from the base of the foundation. This will keep water from rain or melting snow from draining down against basement walls.
Ensure that your gutters and downspouts are in good condition and are directing water away from the foundation. Keep gutters clean and the downspouts extended at least ten feet away from the foundation.
In addition, make sure flower beds are sloped so they drain away from the foundation. Make sure any flower bed borders allow water to drain out. Trim plants and trees because heavy vegetation can result in more significant water accumulation.
Install an air quality system to properly ventilate your basement. Make sure and drain-off hose is properly installed make sure any system you purchase has a high efficiency rating to save on energy cost.
Check basement walls and seal any cracks to prevent the flow of water into your basement through the walls. Waterproof paint purchased at your local hardware store can be applied after the cracks are sealed. Waterproof paint cannot keep water out, but it can help prevent other problems that result from a damp basement.
When maintenance does not resolve the problem basement waterproofing may be necessary. A professional basement waterproofing solution should address the various ways water can enter your basement and a waterproofing professional can help ensure that your basement stays dry so you and your family can enjoy it for years to come.
Resource Box:
Since 1933, Olshan Foundation Solutions and Home Services has been committed to providing superior basement waterproofing services for our customers, along with excellence in customer service. In addition to basement waterproofing services, Olshan Foundation Solutions also offers exceptional foundation repair services, plumbing services, basement wall repairs and crawl space repair and encapsulation. Contact Olshan at 1.877.465.7426 for a free estimate, or visit us online at http://www.olshanfoundation.com.
Let’s talk about trees! We all love them because they beautify our yard, provide shade and as a result can reduce cooling bills. But when trees are planted to close to your foundation they can cause foundation problems.
Why? The root system of a tree is generally a mirror image of the leaf canopy. Therefore, when planted to close to your home, the roots grow under the foundation. The root system under your foundation pulls moisture out of the supporting soils and can create voids ultimately leading to stress on the foundation of your home. Without proper maintenance this can result in the need for foundation repair.
So what can you do? The first thing you need to think about before ever planting a tree is what the mature height of the tree will be and then make sure you plant it at least 10’ away from the foundation. If you already have mature trees planted around your home, make sure you keep the limbs trimmed so the canopy doesn’t extend over the roofline. More importantly, make sure the tree and your foundation get adequate watering in the spring and summer and especially during a drought.
In the Spring, it is important to remember that trees are in their prime growing season. When trees are growing they are thirsty and need a lot more water. Remember all the other plants and shrubs are also growing and need water as well.
If you are concerned that a tree could be impacting your foundation, you may need to consider installing a root barrier. You can think of a root barrier as a wall, placed so that the tree and your home can cohabit happily together. A root barrier is installed by creating a trench, deeper than the existing root system and then installing a membrane or barrier in one continuous piece into the trench and then replacing the ground covering. The root barrier essentially keeps the tree from stealing the water from the clay soils under the foundation, which helps stabilize the area which can help reduce the need for foundation repair.
Generally a root barrier is placed between the tree and the structure. You don’t want to surround the tree. Root barrier works as a waterproof seal protecting the soil under the structure from moisture loss laterally. The structure prevents loss of moisture vertically and so the moisture content of the soil can be stabilized and will stay constant.
Tree Survival. From the drip line, the closer you get to the trunk you increase the risk of damaging or stressing the tree. If you cut the root system closer than 50% of the distance from the drip line to the trunk you are creating significant risk for the trees longevity. If this is necessary, an Arborist should be consulted.
Though we love trees, it is important to understand the impact they can have on our foundation. Proper maintenance of trees can reduce the need for future foundation repair.
Resource Box:
Since 1933, Olshan Foundation Solutions and Home Services has been committed to providing superior foundation repair services for our customers, along with excellence in customer service. In addition to foundation repair services, Olshan Foundation Solutions also offers exceptional plumbing services, basement waterproofing, and crawl space repair and encapsulation. Contact Olshan at 1.877.465.7426 for a free estimate, or visit us online at http://www.olshanfoundation.com.
Warmer weather is upon us, Easter egg hunts are just around the corner, and everyone recently had the chance to "spring ahead" due to daylight savings time. All of these events mean one thing: Spring is in the air. For many people, this means chores like cleaning out the attic, organizing closet space and reviving your lawn and garden. In the midst of checking these things off your to-do list, make sure you include exterior water management and proper landscaping as part of your spring maintenance routine.
Poor water drainage is more than just an eyesore for your property; it can also be a safety and health concern for anyone who sets foot on it. Not only can poor drainage cause significant damage to your yard, landscaping and plants, but it can also serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes and unsightly mold. Over time, it can saturate the soil and affect the entire stability of your home's foundation. With spring being the rainiest time of year in many parts of the country, it is especially critical for you to take action now in order to prevent water from accumulating on or around your home.
Begin with a thorough cleaning of your home's gutters and ensure that any downspouts extend away from the building. Check the concrete flat work around your home's foundation and patio or deck (if you have any) to make sure it does not direct water under it. You'll also want to check your AC condensation drip to be sure it does not discharge water directly next to the foundation, where it can cause structural damage. You should plant any flower beds and gardens so that they slope away from the foundation for the same reason.
Another important aspect of spring maintenance routine involves being strategic about where and how you do any landscaping around your home. For example, large trees are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to negatively impacting the structural integrity of your home's foundation. Their roots often leach water from the soil, causing the foundation to shift. For this reason, you should plant trees no closer than 10 feet away from your home's foundation. You should also trim any existing trees so that the canopy does not extend over your home's roof line.
As the clear skies and warm temperatures of spring approach, it can be tempting to spend all of your free time flying kites or having picnics in the park. Nevertheless, don't forget to invest a few hours in making sure the exterior of your home looks its best. The time you spend doing so now could prevent countless hours of stress and repair work from being necessary later.
Since 1933, Olshan Foundation Solutions and Home Services has been committed to providing superior foundation repair services for our customers, along with excellence in customer service. In addition to foundation repair services, Olshan Foundation Solutions also offers exceptional plumbing services, basement waterproofing, and crawl space repair and encapsulation. Contact Olshan at 1.877.465.7426 for a free estimate, or visit us online at http://www.olshanfoundation.com.
When your home is hit with heavy rain or snow, many times it results in a flooded basement. Water can also collect outside your home near the structure, causing problems with your foundation walls. Once the soil gets saturated, it builds up pressure (known as hydrostatic pressure) and forces its way into your home through cracks in the blocks, concrete walls or slab cracks. When the rain continues over time it can cause basement flooding.
Controlling water outside the home is the first solution you should consider. Make sure water is directed away from the foundation as it comes off the roof, siding, and especially the gutters and gutter downspouts. Ensure that this water is discharged at least 6’ away from your home. Once you have managed the exterior water it’s time to look at the structure itself. What do you do if the water is still pooling in your basement? It’s time to call a basement waterproofing professional.
Olshan Foundation Repair and Waterproofing installs the Water Lock Plus System to ensure that your basement stays dry. Once the basement waterproofing system is installed, and you basement is adequately drained, your basement is ready to fight water infiltration. Olshan Waterproofing is a dual chamber basement waterproofing system that can be installed in 1-2 days in most cases. When you include wall shield you can capture water penetrating the wall through basement wall cracks and it allows you to have a closed system which improves overall humidity and air quality in the basement. With the Olshan sump pump water is automatically expeled before it can collect in the system. The system utilizes the sump pump to drain any excess water out and away from your structure. The system also drains water after the moisture reaches a certain level, reducing hydrostatic pressure which helps preserve the basements structural integrity.
A basement free of water is an important part of home maintenance. If you have water infiltration in your basements, start by addressing exterior water sources first. If that doesn’t work, call in the professionals at Olshan to install a basement waterproofing solution at 877-465-7426 or www.OlshanFoundation.com
In a typical year in the United States, expansive soils cause damage to more homes than earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes combined. Most homeowners insurance does not cover damage from expansive soils.
Expansive soils contain a significant amount of clay which can expand when wet and shrink when dry. These volume changes can generate enormous forces which can damage foundations, underground utilities, sidewalks, driveways and other parts of a home which necessitates foundation repair, under slab plumbing repairs as well as concrete repair work and other repairs. The United States Department of Agriculture estimates that one half of the homes in the United States are built on expansive soils and one half of these will have some damage. The states that are most affected by expansive clay soils are Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, and Tennessee but the reality is expansive clay soils impact homes in all 50 states.
What is an "Expansive Soil"?
Expansive soils contain minerals such as smectite clays that are capable of absorbing water. When they absorb water they increase in volume. The more water they absorb the more their volume increases. This works just like a sponge, expanding when wet and shrinking when it’s dry. Expansions of ten percent or more are not uncommon. This change in volume can exert enough force on a building or other structure to cause damage.
Cracked foundations, floors and basement walls that are unlevel, doors that don’t open and close properly are all signs of typical damage done by shrinking and swelling soils. In 2011 the drought throughout much of the US caused significant damage for many property owners. As the weather patterns change and moisture returns it produces a cycle of shrinkage and swelling that places repetitive stress on structures
How Many Areas are at Risk?
Expansive soils are present in every state. Each year they cause billions of dollars in damage. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that 1/4 of all homes in the United States have some damage caused by expansive soils.
Even though expansive soils cause enormous amounts of damage most people have never heard of them. This is because their damage is done slowly and cannot be attributed to a specific event. The damage done by expansive soils is then attributed to poor construction practices or a misconception that all buildings experience this type of damage as they age
What can I do to Prevent problems related to expansive soils?
When expansive soils are present they will generally not cause a problem if their water content remains constant. The situation where greatest damage occurs is when there are significant or repeated moisture content changes. The key is to water around your foundation during dry periods and to make sure yard drainage and down spout extensions keep any water from accumulating around your foundation after rain or during snow melt.
The best solution for any homeowner living on expansive soils is to be vigilant. If you see signs of a problem contact a professional foundation repair contractor or waterproofing repair contractor.
Olshan Foundation Solutions offers foundation repair, basement waterproofing, exterior water management and crawl space repair in Houston, Dallas, Ft. Worth, San Antonio, Austin, Tyler, Longview, Beaumont, Lake Charles, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, Louisville, Lexington, Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Kansas City, Denver, Omaha, Gainesville, as well as many surrounding cities. Call for a Free Estimate at 877-465-7426.
Homeowners often find excuses for ignoring wet basement problems with comments such as “Well, I’m never in it” or “I don’t go down there so what’s the point?” perhaps forgetting that this space is central to the effective workings of the house as a whole. Dealing with those issues sooner rather than later helps to achieve the best results. Consider these five important reasons to repair your wet basement:
1. Save Energy Cost. Lock out the enemy: moisture creates damp air not only in the basement but throughout your house. That moisture and damp air are more difficult to heat and cool, force your HVAC systems to work harder and longer which burdens the HVAC system and it won’t last as many years, plus you waste energy and dollars. A repaired, well-maintained basement increases energy efficiency.
2. Reduce Risks. Dark, damp, musty environments such as those in basement are ideal conditions for the silent growth of mold and mildew. The resulting mold spores feed on wood, carpet, and other organic materials; as they mix with the air flow in your house they become part of the air your family breathes. This same dark and damp environment is also cause for contamination concerns. Pests, termites, and other rodents thrive in such conditions and can quickly become a nuisance.
3. Improve Safety. The walls enclosing your basement constitute your home’s foundation, the very base on which your house stands. Prolonged wet, damp conditions can compromise the foundation walls and cause structural damage, making your house unsafe for your family. Home inspection problems could also result. And it may not only be the foundation that is damaged; moisture can also buckle hardwood floors and cause other more serious problems with the other systems within your home.
4. Increase Home Value. A dry, clean, safe basement speaks volumes; it’s an investment in the future. It shows that homeowners care about maintaining the house whether or not those spaces are seen on a daily basis. That’s reassuring to potential homebuyers and becomes a strong selling feature. It also means that future expenses for buyers will be avoided because moisture issues have already been resolved.
5. Enhance lifestyle. A basement waterproofing system improves overall living conditions in two important ways. First, it increases the comfort of your home: in the winter you’ll notice that floors won’t feel as cold and in the summer the house won’t feel as muggy. Second, you’ll gain more storage area from the extra square footage of your newly-repaired basement. Improving your family’s lifestyle without major additions and remodeling is surely worth considering.
Get peace of mind and the benefits of extra space in your basement. And be confident that your basement has a properly installed basement waterproofing system installed by professionals.
Olshan Foundation Solutions offers basement waterproofing as well as crawl space water solutions in Birmingham, Huntsville, Louisville, Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Kansas City, Denver, Omaha as well as many surrounding cities. Call for a Free Estimate at 877-465-7426.
First, a sweltering heat wave and lack of rainfall baked the state of Oklahoma over the summer, drying up the soil and putting hundreds of home foundations at risk. Now, recent earthquakes are causing additional problems for property owners---and not just in the form of aftershocks. This year's deadly combination of drought and earthquakes could spell disaster for homeowners.
During a drought, the soil under a home's foundation often dries out and pulls away from it, creating voids that can cause the foundation to crack and settle. Earthquakes exacerbate the problem, shaking the ground and increasing the potential for settling to happen quicker and on a wider scale. The result? Homes throughout Oklahoma may need more extensive foundation repairs sooner than their owners anticipated.
For more information about foundation repair systems or to get an estimate on home repair services, call Olshan Foundation Solutions in Oklahoma City at 405-841-6995 or in Tulsa at 918-584-6000. Olshan’s experienced contractors perform free estimates for all foundation repair services.
Now that Halloween is over it is time to start preparing for the colder weather that is headed our way.
How Scary Is Your House? At Olshan, we know how scary it is to find cracks in your walls, water in your basement and frightening, creepy crawly things in your crawl space.
For most of
the country, September officially marks the beginning of fall, complete with
changing leaves, Labor Day weekend and back-to-school shopping.
Even the highest quality new
home doesn't stay new forever.
While the east coast struggles with shocking earthquakes and devastating hurricanes, Dallas, Houston and the rest of Texas continue to suffer through unrelenting heat and drought.
This week Kansas City has experienced multiple days with 100 degree temperatures.
The dry weather and drought conditions are extending across Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.
