Tag Archive for: basement leak repair

Common Signs Of Foundation Issues Part 2

We all rely on the structural stability of the homes we live in and the commercial buildings in which we work, shop, etc., but are you paying attention to the possible warning signs of foundation issues? Ensure the stability of your structure and avoid costly future repairs by keeping an eye out for these indications of a foundation problem.

4 Common Signs Of Foundation Issues  

Sticky Doors

Have you noticed that your interior doors seem to be sticking because the bottom drags? Do your exterior doors hang unevenly with one top corner sitting higher than the other? If either of these issues lasts longer than a few days and is not the result of humidity due to a heavy rain or flooding incident, it can indicate a foundation problem.

Gaps Around Windows & Doors

Gaps around your property’s windows or exterior doors could indicate a serious foundation problem. Some doors with gapping issues will no longer latch, and windows may not operate correctly at all.

Excessive Moisture in Basement

If your basement or crawl space seems to allow in moisture, your foundation could probably use some repair or waterproofing services. Excessive moisture can cause a whole host of problems, so it’s important to pay attention to any indications of it in your foundation.

Separating Cabinets & Counters

Foundation issues can cause many indications that your walls are no longer level. If you notice that your counters or cabinets are beginning to separate themselves from the walls, this could indicate a foundation issue that is causing serious structural problems.

If you notice any of these signs of a foundation issue or any of the signs discussed in part one on this topic, please contact the foundation repair professionals at Zablocki Waterproofing. You can call or get in touch with us online.

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Common Signs Of Foundation Issues Part 1

The structural stability of your home or other property begins within the foundation or basement, so ignoring possible foundation issues is never a good idea. Keep an eye out for these common signs of foundation trouble to keep your structure stable and to avoid costly future repairs.

4 Common Signs Of Foundation Issues  

Cracks or Fractures

It is expected that your home or commercial building will settle a certain amount for the first few years after the initial construction, but excessive foundation movement can cause significant cracking. Small “hairline” fractures are not typically cause for alarm, but larger fissures along your foundation or basement floor or walls could indicate a much larger problem.

Heaving Foundation

Slab foundations may experience upward heaving due to moisture, frost, and other factors. This is typically easy to identify as garage walls are prone to being pushed up, but a heaving foundation might also affect the interior of your structure.

Sinking Foundation

Do you notice that one side of your home sits higher or lower than the other side? Do your floors slope toward the center of your commercial building? Both of these could be signs of a settling or sinking foundation. A certain amount of settling is expected, but sinking foundations need to be repaired as soon as possible to ensure the structural integrity of your home or commercial property.

Uneven Floors

Besides posing tripping dangers, uneven floors can be an indicator of serious foundation issues. If you notice that your floors are uneven, dipping, or sagging, seek professional assistance as soon as you can.

The foundation repair professionals at Zablocki Waterproofing can take care of your residential or commercial repair needs. Don’t let a failing foundation put the structure of your property at risk. Read part two on this topic to learn about other signs of foundation issues, and contact us for you foundation repair needs today.

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Supplement Your Waterproof Basement Walls with Good Landscaping on New Builds

If you’re considering building yourself a new home, waterproofing your basement walls may not be at the top of the list of things you’re thinking about. A little mental effort now will be well worth it in the long run, though. We’ve come up with a list of things to consider when you’re working through the homebuilding process.

Landscaping Your Lawn
You might be tempted to think no further than what type of landscaping looks good, but it’s important to build out your landscape with proper drainage in mind. With a little brainstorming, you can have the best of both worlds. A well-landscaped lawn can be pleasing to the eye and functional when it’s done right.

Gutters
Gutters don’t have much to do with waterproofing basement walls, do they? They can help your home much more than you think. Giving your lawn room to absorb water can make a huge difference in keeping your basement water-free. Extending the spouts farther from the house spreads out the water further from the house. Keeping gutters free from leaves is your first line of protection.

Trees and Plants
Keeping your lawn full of trees and shrubs is a great idea, and it can really make your place look beautiful. Just be sure that they’re in the right place where they won’t damage water lines with their roots.

These are just a few ways you can supplement waterproofing basement walls when building a new house. As always, Zablocki Waterproofing is here to help, so give us a call today if you need help thinking through a strategy to ensure basement waterproofing in Milwaukee!

 

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What Exactly is a Drain Tile System?

Basement leak repair is no joke. One of the key components is proper utilization of drain tiles. Sometimes they’re called rubble drain, clay tile, and, probably more commonly, French drains. Maybe you’ve heard of drain tiles and you may know that they’re something that’s used in basements, but do you know what they actually do? Consider this post Drain Tile 101.

Drain tile is usually buried under a bed of stone which allows for efficient drainage and is perforated so that water can enter easily. Additionally, drain tile is usually round, but can also be square; keep in mind that the shape of the drain tile doesn’t make a difference and won’t affect the way the water flows. Because clay soil holds water and prevents it from draining away from your home, drain tiles are necessary. They are placed underneath your basement floor and carry water to your pump that propels water out of your home. Although many companies treat basement leak repair like it requires a major excavation, Zablocki Waterproofing can usually pinpoint which area is causing trouble and fix only the necessary drain tiles. We also install plastic that runs from the base of your interior walls into the drain tiles to make sure that your drain tiles drain properly during times of excessively heavy rain.

If you’re in need of a basement leak repair, give us a call today at (414) 439-0700. We’ve been keeping Milwaukee dry for nearly 30 years and we’ll give you exactly the type of care you deserve for your home. Contact us today!

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Why Do Basement Walls Start to Crack?

You’re exploring your unfinished basement, searching for that favorite childhood toy, and reliving some of your happiest memories when you see it—that crack that’s in the wall didn’t use to be there. Your immediate response may be to begin a search for foundation contractors who can ensure that your basement won’t take a turn for the worst, but keep in mind that it’s common for basement walls to crack: that’s a fact. Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons that a crack in your basement walls can happen.

  • The walls can shrink. It is common for basement walls to expand and contract as they dry, and there are many factors to take into consideration. Humidity and the mixture used for your wall can have a huge effect on the way it expands and contracts.  
  • The ground may be wet. Oversaturation of the soil surrounding your basement walls means that the soil will likely expand, putting pressure on your foundation and causing a crack to occur. Dirt is heavy and wet dirt is heavier; having that weight against the wall can push on it, which means a crack is imminent.
  • The ground might be too dry. Conversely to the ground being too wet, the ground being too dry can mean that the soil is shrinking. This can cause your foundation to shift outwards and, you guessed it, cracks will show up. Roots from trees also spread out in times of drought when they’re seeking water which can push against your foundation.
  • Gas, sewer, and electric lines weaken concrete. The fact that these lines push through your walls means that there’s naturally a weak point in that area. Weak points in your concrete often lead to cracks. These lines are necessary for your home to function properly, but it’s important to keep an eye on them.

Foundation cracks are common; every house will likely experience them at some point or another. It’s an inevitability. Keep track of the cracks in your foundation. If you’re concerned, it’s absolutely vital to call in foundation contractors to make sure that you don’t have a serious problem on your hands. The most important thing to remember is that if you notice that a crack is getting larger, don’t put it off. The problem won’t disappear on its own. Check out a list of the services we can provide.

We know that many people store their memories in boxes in the basement, and we also know how important it is to protect those memories. Contact us at Zablocki Waterproofing and we’ll take a look if you’ve noticed an alarming crack in your foundation. We’ll make sure that you understand the problem and what needs to be done about it, and you can be sure we won’t oversell you. You’ll get exactly what you need and nothing more. We’ve been keeping Milwaukee dry since 1985 and you can be sure that if there’s a crack in your foundation, we’re the foundation contractors you need to call. Get in touch with us today!

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5 Things Homeowners Should Keep in Mind About Foundations

If you’re a homeowner, there’s an unfortunate truth- you’re probably going to be looking into foundation contractors at some point during your homeownership. Don’t let that get you down, because the joys of owning your own home are many; from decorating however you like to the stability of staying in one place, being a homeowner can be one of life’s great pleasures. Unfortunately, foundation repair is something that will likely have to be addressed during the life of a home.

We’ve previously written a blog about some of the signs that you need to look for before seeking out foundation contractors. Here are a few more tips for you.

  • Having an inspection done before purchasing a home is a great way to get up to speed regarding the condition of your foundation. Inspectors are trained to look for any issues that a house currently has or might have down the road.
  • Of course, keeping your eyes open for signs of damp or cracked walls and mold can be a great indicator of your home’s foundation as well. If you’re unsure of what you’re seeing, call in a pro.
  • Keep an eye out for doors and windows that don’t open and close easily as they can be a sign of larger problems. Occasionally this issue can be explained by a change in the weather, but it’s important to be aware of.
  • If your floors bulge out in a way that doesn’t seem normal or if they have cracks, that could also be a sign that you have a foundation issue. If your carpeting suddenly swells out and you notice it under your feet, you might have a problem.
  • Corner joints and molding that don’t sit flush can also be an early warning sign that you need to seek out a foundation contractor. If your ceiling molding starts to crack in the corners, it’s imperative that you find the cause.

It’s an important task for a homeowner to keep an eye out for any of these early warning signs that foundation repair might be necessary. Calling in the help of foundation contractors at the earliest possible point can help you as a homeowner by saving you from potentially disastrous damages in the future. In your search for foundation contractors, look no further than Zablocki Waterproofing. We gladly serve the Milwaukee area to provide foundation waterproofing, basement leak repair, and wet basement solutions for homeowners in need. We’ve been keeping Milwaukee dry since 1985, so no matter which of our services you require, you can rest assured that we can make you love your basement again.

No one understands the stress related to foundation repairs more than us at Zablocki Waterproofing. We want to be the foundation contractors in Milwaukee that eliminate anxiety by talking you through your options and giving you a detailed overview of your unique situation. We’ll never oversell our services so you can be assured that you get exactly the fix you need with minimal excavation and expense. If you’re a homeowner who is in need of a foundation contractor, give us a call or schedule a free consultation today. We’re proud to be on your side!

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Have You Noticed Wet or Cracked Walls in Your Home?

Wet basement solutions are never something a person wants to have to seek out. You might have noticed that your walls are damp or wet, or, even worse, that they’re cracked. Regardless of whether you’ve got a living room in your basement, or you use your unfinished basement as a space for storage, damp or cracked walls can lead to a problem with your foundation. Many people know that keeping the foundation intact is important, but what are the other issues you could encounter in a wet basement?

Nobody wants a moldy basement. It smells bad, it can destroy your possessions, and it could even make your family ill. Nasal conditions, sore throats, and coughing and sneezing have all been linked to the existence of mold in a home. It also opens the door for spiders, bacteria, mites, and even nematodes (nematodes have a digestive system on both ends of their bodies- nobody wants that in their home!). If you keep your home at a normal temperature, most of the previously mentioned unwanted creatures will be just as comfortable in your space as you are. Because they’ll be happy with your temperature, the thing you can control best in your home is the amount of moisture in it.

If you’re seeking wet basement solutions due to the existence of mold in your home, Zablocki Waterproofing can offer assistance in foundation repair. We’ll provide you with a free estimate with what you will need to get your basement back to being a comfortable, moisture-free living space. Contact us today and let us be your source for wet basement solutions.

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The Pros and Cons of Window Wells

Everyone wants a waterproof basement, and thanks to modern technology and a good waterproofing contractor, we can set your home up to be in good shape when the rain comes. Zablocki Waterproofing has the experience to give you an ideal scenario in terms of cost-effective solutions to your property, but is there anything you can do for yourself? Keeping your window wells from flooding will go a long way towards your goal of having a waterproof basement. Here are the benefits and drawbacks of using window wells in your basement.

Pros

  • In addition to letting in plenty of beautiful, natural light, a window downstairs can help your home to stay cool
  • Thanks to their ventilating properties, your home won’t smell damp or musty, and you can actually enjoy being in your basement.
  • Window well covers can take the punishment of a bad storm with ease while keeping your windows looking good.

Cons

  • When done improperly, a window well can flood, completely destroying any hopes you had for a waterproof basement.
  • Be sure that the drain on your window well is functioning properly because if it isn’t, water will back up into the well.
  • The drain can become clogged with dirt, leaves, and other leftover bits of landscaping materials.

If an unfortunate event has occurred and you’re in need of waterproofing services, give Zablocki Waterproofing a call. We’ll ensure that you have a waterproof basement in Milwaukee, and we never oversell our services. Contact us today for a free consultation!

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What Causes A Cracked Foundation?

There are a number of things that can happen when you’re a home or business owner, but foundation cracks are something no one ever wants to deal with. If you’ve noticed cracks forming in your home or commercial building’s foundation, you may be wondering what could have caused this to happen. Cracked foundations are caused by a variety of forces, including:

Poor Construction

Before your home or commercial building was built, the site was analyzed in order to identify the best materials to work with, and the soil itself was prepped. Substandard materials and improper soil preparation can both cause cracks in your foundation as the structure settles.   

Lack Of Moisture

Here at Zablocki Waterproofing, we’re more concerned with instances of too much water, but too little water can also be destructive on your foundation. Drought conditions can cause soil to become extremely dry, which causes it to shrink and pull away from your foundation.

Lack Of Drainage

Water can affect your basement foundation from any side, so it’s important to keep an eye on your gutter and drain tile systems. If your rain gutters release water too close to your home, they could be oversaturating the soil close to your foundation with excess moisture. Wet soil expands and can put pressure on your foundation walls. A clogged drain tile system, too, can cause excessive moisture underneath your foundation. So make sure gutter cleaning is part of your regular home maintenance. 

If cracks are forming in your home or commercial building’s foundation, contact Zablocki Waterproofing, the leading basement waterproofing and foundation repair experts in Milwaukee.

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Four Signs That You Need Basement Waterproofing Services

Your basement may be an empty concrete box or a fully finished level complete with a couple of bedrooms and a man cave for Dad. Either way, moisture in your basement is never a good thing, and you should contact a professional foundation restoration and waterproofing crew as soon as you notice any warning signs that moisture is finding its way into your basement. Warning signs are generally obvious, so keep an eye (and nose) out for the following indicators of a leaky foundation:

  1. Musty Odor

Even if there are no physical signs that water is infiltrating your basement, there may be an unpleasant, musty odor. This smell can be caused by years of water seepage and mold growth, so it’s never a good idea to simply ignore it.

  1. Mold

We deal with mold on our perishable foods, we deal with mold in our showers, and some of us deal with mold in our basements. If you’ve spotted mold in your basement, whether it’s black, white, or whatever color, you should immediately contact both mold and basement waterproofing specialists.  

  1. Wall Damage

If your basement walls are cracked or bowed, even if there is no obvious moisture, water is probably seeping into your foundation. Cracks are one of the easier foundation repairs to complete, so don’t procrastinate.

  1. Efflorescence

Have you noticed a white, chalky substance on your basement walls? This is probably efflorescence, a crystalline deposit that builds up on masonry, stucco, and concrete. Efflorescence itself is not dangerous, but the presence of it is a serious sign of infiltrating moisture.

If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs in your basement, contact Zablocki Waterproofing. We’ve been trusted Milwaukee basement waterproofing and foundation repair experts since 1985.

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