Tag Archive for: basement waterproofing

Mistakes to Avoid When Finishing Your Basement

You’ve wanted to finish the basement for years but never got around to it. Now, though, you’re making the project a top priority. Interestingly, many homeowners don’t realize that finishing the basement is completely different than remodeling other spots in the house.

Not only could there be moisture issues with the basement, but you must also work around obstacles such as the water heater, furnace, and sump pump. It all adds up to a project that’s much more daunting than you originally thought. So what’s the best way to go about remodeling your basement?

Here are five things to avoid when finishing this space:

Using wood studs

Wood materials in a moist environment create a recipe for disaster. Unless you want to deal with rotting and/or molding, we recommend steering clear from wood materials altogether. Keep in mind that wood studs in your basement walls are not designed to handle the humid and moist air.

Then what’s the alternative? Well, as opposed to wood materials, metal studs do a nice job of limiting the possibility of mold and water damage.

Installing fiberglass insulation

At first thought, this might seem like a good idea to lock in warm air during the winter. However, fiberglass insulation gets moldy because cold air leaks into the basement and condensates. As you might imagine, mold grows quickly with this condensation in the area.

There are various materials out there that prevent mold growth. Ideally, you will want a product to reflect the heat back into the basement.

Choosing wood-based flooring

Remember what we said about wood studs in the basement? The same concept holds true in regards to wood flooring. Don’t get stuck having to replace hardwood, laminate, or carpeting after just a few years.

Maybe you’re thinking, “I have absolutely no desire to install vinyl flooring in the basement.” Believe it or not, vinyl has come a long way in recent years. You can have the look and feel of hardwood or ceramic tile while still having a basement that’s waterproof, mold-proof, and long-lasting.

When choosing flooring for your basement, you might be tempted to choose the style that’s most aesthetically pleasing. Don’t make this mistake, though. It’s essential to select a material designed for an environment that’s more moist and humid than the rest of your home.

Settling for a poor design and floor plan

It’s easy to spend thousands of dollars and endless hours completing this project. With that in mind, the last thing you want is a poor floor plan and overall design. Before getting too far ahead of yourself, take some time to brainstorm about the end result.

Remember that a basement with a well-organized floorplan and design can make the entire space feel larger and more usable.

Overlooking moisture issues

If you only take one piece of advice from this post, it should be this. Prior to starting your basement finishing project, review the walls for cracks and leaks. Should a foundation wall crack continue to move and the seal on the outside is broken, water can get through and wreak havoc.

Our Basement Waterproofing Services

Let’s say your basement is damp, wet, or has cracked walls. You can’t just ignore this dilemma and move on with your project. The reality is that you need to consult a professional to identify the root of the problem.

This is where the team at Zablocki Waterproofing can help. For more than 25 years, Milwaukee homeowners have relied on our foundation contractors for honest, expert advice.

So what exactly makes us different from our competitors?

Let’s start with the fact that we know this industry like the back of our hands. You can count on us to efficiently find and repair your foundation’s moisture problem. But we also pride ourselves on the little things.

We understand the panic that sets in once you realize your property has some sort of foundation problem. Whereas other local companies might take advantage of homeowners in this sense, we make it a point to educate customers and walk them through our process, answering any questions they may have. The same holds true for your situation.  

From the time you first contact us to the time your basement repairs are complete, we treat you like family. Our crew goes out of their way to cover your furniture, protect area plants, and even safeguard structures surrounding excavation areas. Plus, the Zablocki team provides free estimates and will never resort to selling you unneeded services.

We are here to take the stress out of your basement waterproofing project. Don’t make the mistake of trying to finish this area yourself, but especially if moisture is involved. In no time, we will restore your home’s lower level to a comfortable and dry living space.

Contact Zablocki Waterproofing today.

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What You Must Know About Basement Waterproofing

Your basement has always been a comfortable, dry living space. Unfortunately, there may come a time when you notice damp, wet, or cracked walls in this area. Here are some facts you must know about basement waterproofing and when it’s time to contact a professional.

  1. Water damage can cause mold and mildew – Some homeowners don’t understand the severity of mold and mildew in their home. Over time, mold and mildew put your family at risk for complications such as nasal stuffiness, skin irritation, coughing and wheezing, serious lung infections, headaches, and asthma attacks. What makes matters is worse is that basements are usually damp. The more moisture there is in this space, the more likely that mold and mildew will grow. Don’t just assume your mold issue will solve itself. We recommend reaching out to our waterproofing contractors at the first sign of mold or mildew. Be sure to learn more about the creeping dangers basement mold.
  2. Basement waterproofing increases the value of your home – In our most recent post, we looked at several home improvements to make before selling. One of them is investing in wet basement solutions. As you can see on Angie’s List, the actual return on investment of basement waterproofing varies by region, size of the home, and the extent of the damage. Nevertheless, nearly every expert agrees that this home improvement project pays off down the road. Plus, as opposed to new flooring, kitchen upgrades, or bathroom transformations, basement waterproofing doesn’t really become less popular after several years. We have yet to run into a prospective home buyer who doesn’t want a dry basement! You can expect somewhere around a 30 percent ROI from this job.
  3. Waterproofing your basement is affordable – Wet basement solutions shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. Before deciding on a company, do some research of your own. Ideally, the one you choose will have years of industry experience. Once you have a list of several possibilities, request an estimate from each. At Zablocki Waterproofing in Milwaukee, our foundation repair estimates are completely free. You can count on us to be upfront with pricing and never sell you unnecessary services. With Zablocki, there are never any additional fees or gimmicks. It’s our belief that foundation waterproofing services should be affordable for every homeowner and business owner.
  4. DIY foundation waterproofing is rarely effective – Maybe you would rather take matters into your own hands. Perhaps you’re pinching pennies and are reluctant to hire a professional. So you search online to see how to solve this moisture dilemma on your own. The common search result is something called “waterproofing paint.” In short, waterproof paint is ideal for areas within a home that experiences excess moisture (basements and bathrooms, for example). Here’s the deal: the issue is not in the paint, but rather in the way it’s used. Putting a coat of waterproof paint on the walls is a temporary solution and nothing more. If you want to solve the moisture problem for good, then it’s imperative to reach out to a professional. Read ‘The Truth About Waterproofing Paint’ for additional information.
  5. You can help keep your basement dry – Wondering what you can do to prevent foundation damage in the first place? Hoping to take a proactive approach when it comes to mildew and mold growth? Then try keeping your basement warm and free of moisture year-round. As aforementioned, a basement that’s damp serves as an invitation for potential mold and mildew.  

Basement Waterproofing in Milwaukee

There are a number of waterproofing contractors to choose from in Milwaukee, WI. So then what separates Zablocki from the rest? We’re glad you asked.

Residents and business owners have relied on Zablocki for more than three decades. With such a level of experience, it’s safe to say that we know a thing or two in this industry. You can count on our team to effectively identify the root of the problem and then come up with the most effective repair strategy based on your budget.

Zablocki goes above and beyond to ensure a positive customer experience. What do we mean by this exactly? For one thing, we treat your property as if it were our own.

Before getting started on a project, our team will cover your furniture, protect any plants, and safeguard structures surrounding excavation areas. These might seem like minor things, but trust us when we say it makes a big difference.

We’ve thrown a lot of information at you in this post. If you only remember one thing, it should be to contact a professional once you notice your basement is damp, wet, or has cracked walls.

Don’t let your investment take a hit because of preventable water damage. See how Zablocki Waterproofing can transform your home or business.

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Home Improvements to Make Before Selling

The time has finally come to sell your house. Whether you decided to move or downsize, you obviously want to get the largest return at resale. Here are 10 home updates that pay off down the road, as referenced from HGTV:

Foundation waterproofing Milwaukee

  1. Bathroom remodel – It costs a pretty penny to replace the tub, tile surround, toilet, sink, vanity, and fixtures. That said, you should get back what you put into the project, plus a little bit more, as long as the job is done the right way. Make it a point to also remove dated wall coverings and apply a fresh coat of paint. Tired of that unsightly shower door? Consider removing it to add the illusion of extra space.
  2. Landscaping – Put yourself in the shoes of a prospective buyer for a moment. Are you really going to consider buying a house that has subpar landscaping? Probably not. There’s no question that, if your yard is more of an eyesore than anything else, potential buyers won’t even bother looking inside. So get the lawn in order, replace that overgrown shrubbery with flowering plants, and add a splash of color at the front of the house. This all makes a significant difference.
  3. Kitchen remodel – Could your kitchen use a few cosmetic updates here and there? We recommend starting with sanding and painting existing cabinets. In terms of lighting, recessed options are becoming more popular among home buyers. For more high-end homes, think about opting for stone or glass countertops.
  4. Attic bedroom conversion – Many sellers aren’t sure what to do with their attic. Well, have you thought about converting it into an extra bedroom? You can add a bath with shower, windows, and even a closet for additional appeal. One more pro tip here: don’t overlook insulation in this space. Prospective buyers will appreciate the break on utility bills.
  5. Exterior addition – It used to be that a home’s exterior felt nothing like the interior. That’s no longer the case, though. In fact, homeowners are going out of their way to make the exterior of the house a seamless transition to the interior. So what can you do here? You might start with small things such as decorative planters on the front porch, patio, and decks. From there, transform the entry with a beautiful gate, lighting, and plants. Such additions have an average return at resale of 90 percent.
  6. Replacement windows – In Milwaukee especially, efficient windows are an absolute must. Here’s the thing: replacing ten 3×5 foot windows costs about $9,700. Homeowners can expect to get back 90 percent of that at resale. Are you wanting to ensure maximum efficiency? Then ask a professional about adding argon gas inside the pane to prevent heat and cold transference within the window.
  7. Family room updates – The average family room addition yields a recoup rate of 83 percent. Before considering such a project in your house, make sure the room has an open transition. As explained in the HGTV article, “a wider interior doorway and more substantial steps visually connect the addition to the rest of the house.”
  8. Bedroom updates – Compared to some of the aforementioned ideas, bedroom updates don’t have to cost a lot. For example, new lighting will run you anywhere from $100 to $500. Meanwhile, new bedding and window treatments cost about $300. The point we really want to emphasize with bedroom updates, though, is that hardwood floors are more appealing than carpet. Our advice? Pull up any worn carpeting in the bedroom and refinish old floors to let the wood shine. If you choose to move forward with sanding, be sure to hire a professional.
  9. Living room updates – Believe it or not, a fresh coat of paint goes a long way in the living room. If you have the budget, then consider upgrading to quality hardwood flooring in this space. Don’t forget that the living room will be one of the first areas a prospective buyer notices in the house.   
  10. Basement remodel – Have you had plans to finish your basement but just never had the time? Before getting started, take a look around this space. Do you notice damp, wet, or cracked walls? Then it’s imperative to contact a foundation repair specialist. Here at Zablocki Waterproofing, our foundation waterproofing contractors have been serving Milwaukee residents for decades. Here are some of the services we have to offer:
    1. Basement waterproofing
    2. Wet basement solutions
    3. Basement leak repair
    4. And more

Before you put your house on the market, see what our expert foundation contractors can do for you and your family. You can count on Zablocki to identify the problem and come up with a solution that fits your needs and budget.

For quality work and straightforward communication, look no further than Zablocki Waterproofing. Call now for a free estimate.   

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Why You Should Invest in Foundation Repair

Every home requires a strong foundation. Without one, the structural integrity of the house could be compromised.

Take a close look around your basement. Are there cracked walls? Do you notice any damp or wet areas? If you nodded your head yes to either of these questions, then it’s imperative to contact a team of foundation contractors.

Don’t think foundation repair is worth the time and money? Here are five reasons why you should invest in such a project:

  1. The problem will only worsen – Let’s compare taking care of your home’s foundation to maintaining your health. Chances are you’ll be in better shape if you nip problems in the bud as soon as you notice them. The same holds true when it comes to foundation repair. Granted, it takes time for some issues to really develop. That said, the longer you put off foundation dilemmas, the more they will cost to fix. Plus, the amount of damage only increases. Make it a point to contact basement waterproofing contractors the second you notice something’s wrong.
  2. It impacts the resale value – Maybe you’re hoping to sell the house in the near future. Sure, you can perform all the home improvements you want. But if you have foundation problems, it’s going to be incredibly difficult to sell. You basically have two choices: either take a huge loss on the house or fix the foundation and be done with it. Do you really think a buyer will find a house with structural damage appealing? We highly doubt it.
  3. It’s nearly impossible to fix on your own – You consider yourself to be quite handy around the house. Perhaps your first thought is to undertake foundation repair as a DIY project. Here’s the thing, though: this isn’t a job intended for homeowners. The last thing you want is to do additional damage and wind up paying more for professional repair work. That’s why we recommend reaching out to the experts right away.
  4. The foundation may not be the only issue – Foundation cracks and water issues go hand in hand. If your space requires basement leak repair, then chances are you also have mold and mildew issues. Of course, mold usually translates to poor indoor air quality. As you can see, it’s common for foundation problems to cause chain reactions throughout your home.
  5. It might fix other things around the house – What the heck do we mean by this? Well, maybe a number of doors and windows routinely get stuck around the house. It could also be that you have cracks in your walls. Are windows letting in cold drafts during the winter? These could all be byproducts of a damaged foundation. If you want to solve these problems for good, then it’s essential to contact a team of experienced foundation contractors.

Now that you understand the importance of foundation repair, what’s your next step? Milwaukee residents have turned to Zablocki Waterproofing for more than 30 years.

Our basement waterproofing team does it all, from wet basement solutions to drain tile repair and everything in between.

Contact us today to get started.

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Basement Ideas on a Budget

There never seems to be enough room in the house. The longer you live somewhere, the more stuff your family piles up. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a place designated for extra storage? Taking it a step further, what if there was an extra living space in your home? We’re talking about the benefits of a finished basement. Unfortunately, fully developing the foundation of your home can be costly. You have to account for everything from flooring and drywall expenses to framing and electrical work. If you aren’t careful, you could be on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars. Surely there are ways to get the most out of that below-grade space without breaking the bank, right? Here are three ideas to consider from Houzz:

Foundation waterproofing Milwaukee

  1. Keep the ceiling exposed – Do you find industrial-style living rooms appealing? You can achieve this style in your basement simply by keeping the ceiling exposed. Of course, not everyone is lucky enough to have a deep basement with a high ceiling. Nonetheless, you can still get creative here. Consider incorporating stylish drop-ceiling panels that help keep the ceiling joists open. Go ahead and paint them a bold color to create the illusion of depth, helping the ceiling recede and, ultimately, become less noticeable. Another plus to this is that your wiring is available without needing to cut into drywall.
  2. Get rid of drywall – It’s pretty amazing what kind of an impact a new coat of paint can give a room. Whether you’re trying to update the basement or another room in the house, a fresh coat of paint is an absolute must. What about drywall, though? Here’s the thing: a limited amount of drywall helps add interest to the room and keep overall project costs to a minimum. So make it a point to ditch as much of the drywall as possible. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did later on in the process.
  3. Create a focal point – Who said your basement can’t be stylish? Take some time to furnish your space as you would with a room upstairs. Just remember to establish a focal point right from the beginning. Feel free to add pieces such as a bar, a shelving area with a space for a TV (home theater, anyone?), rugs, furniture, and anything else that comes to mind. This part should be fun! Once you’re done decorating, you should have an appealing space that you can enjoy on a regular basis.

Dependable Foundation Repair

Is your basement damp, wet, or have cracked walls? Then it’s imperative to invest in foundation waterproofing before even thinking about completing your below-grade space. The waterproofing contractors at Zablocki have been helping Milwaukee homeowners with such dilemmas for more than three decades. You can count on our basement waterproofing professionals to properly assess your home and get to the core of the problem.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming that all foundation contractors are the same. Turn to Zablocki Waterproofing today for hassle-free wet basement solutions.  

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Put Your Tax Refund to Good Use With Zablocki Waterproofing

Can you believe that Tax Day is just around the corner? Whether you filed several months ago or are waiting until the last second, chances are that you’ve already started to think about what to do with your refund. Paying off high-interest debt is certainly a good place to start. Another chunk of Americans has their refunds deposited directly into savings accounts. But what if you did something different with your extra funds from Uncle Sam in 2018? Before we go any further, take a walk down to your basement and look around. Do you notice that the space is damp or wet? Are there cracked walls? If you nodded ‘yes’ to either of these questions, you could have a moisture dilemma. Keep reading to learn why it’s worth your while to invest in wet basement solutions and how the Zablocki team can help.

Foundation waterproofing Milwaukee

Return on Investment of Basement Waterproofing

Springtime tends to be home improvement season. At Zablocki Waterproofing, you can count on our team to find the cause of the problem. The process begins with us assessing your home and explaining to you what exactly is creating these conditions. From there, we provide a free estimate of the necessary foundation repair services. Maybe you’re thinking, “We rarely go down to the basement. Why is it such a big deal to hire foundation contractors if I have other projects that need to be completed?” We’re so glad you asked. According to HGTV, a remodeled basement recoups about 70 percent of the total cost. This makes basement remodels among the most cost-effective renovations along with attic bedrooms, kitchen projects, and decks. Obviously, you won’t be able to finish your basement if the space is damp and wet.

Imagine adding valuable living space to your home with a restored basement. For homeowners looking to sell, there’s no question that a house with a finished basement stands out from the rest. Let’s take a look at what our waterproofing contractors can do for you and your family.

Exterior Basement Waterproofing

Homeowners often ask us what causes their basement walls to be damp. Interestingly, clay soil holds water and can prevent water from draining away from your home. That’s a problem. Fortunately, our foundation waterproofing experts will work to create a sealer and keep water outside for good. The work doesn’t end there, though. Whereas other basement leak repair companies might call it quits, we will also backfill around your home with stone to lessen water collection around the basement walls.

Drain Tile Repair

The longer you live in your house, the higher the chance that basement drain tiles clog due to encroaching shrub or tree roots. Over time, this can cause water to collect in basement walls. What’s the solution for this issue, you may ask? Our foundation repair specialists will work to replace the damaged drain tiles. Not only that, but we can also install corrugated plastic that runs from the base of your interior walls into the drain tile system. Such a barrier ensures proper drainage to your system during heavy rains.

Basement Wall Support Beam Installation

The basement is your home’s foundation. With that in mind, settling, exterior soil, and water pressure can be a recipe for disaster, causing walls to crack and move. At Zablocki Waterproofing, we will customize a solution to fit your needs. This could mean doing anything from straightening the wall to rebuilding any walls that are severely buckled. If that’s the route we need to take, please know that our masons will rebuild your wall to match the existing wall.

Hassle-Free Foundation Repair

There are a number of basement waterproofing contractors in Milwaukee. What exactly sets the staff apart at Zablocki? Frankly, it’s our level of experience. Our professionals have more than 30 years in the industry and continue to learn more every day. It’s safe to say that we know foundation waterproofing like the back of our hands.

Should you choose to hire Zablocki, you can count on transparency throughout the process. Unlike other companies, we will never try to sell you on costly, unnecessary services. We strive to clearly explain the source of your moisture problem and the most effective, affordable solutions that are available. Our team is more than happy to answer any questions you may have along the way.

Now that you know more about the importance of basement waterproofing, why not consider putting your tax refund toward long-term solutions from Zablocki? If it’s been so long since you went down to the basement that you need to use Google Maps, it’s time to get in touch with us. For a limited time only, receive $100 off any signed contract over $100.

Contact Zablocki Waterproofing today for a free estimate and inspection.

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Don’t Wait For Winter

It’s Happening

We’ve put it off for nearly nine months, but the time has come once again. The day’s light retreats ever earlier, the winds off the lake intensify (or, at least feel like they intensify), and the snow begins to fall. It’s part of both of Milwaukee’s and the surrounding villages’ claim to infamy, yet we find ways each year to power forward and make the most of our often frigid home. We’re speaking about winter, of course, that time of year when it seems that it couldn’t get any colder . . . yet it inevitably does the following day. All in all, Wisconsinites are great at making the most out of their winters, even if they do push us to our wits end at times.

For the majority of us, winter means retreating indoors for the bulk of the season, spending our time cozily tucked away from the elements howling outside our doors — when we’re not scraping our car’s’ windshield and fighting against the wind and commercial snow removal in Brookfield to and from work and other responsibilities. When we’re inside, the last thing we want to think about is our home’s intactness; we have enough to worry about just keeping the slush from our boots from making its way too far into our homes. This annoying slush is one of the first and last signs of winter; once the first snow falls, we can rest assured that it won’t last long, leading to everything around us being wet and muddy. So, what happens if this slush makes its way into your basement? Better to not find out and learn more about basement waterproofing.

 

Click Here to Schedule Your Free Basement Waterproofing Estimate

 

Keeping Water Where It Belongs

You don’t have to be the Milwaukee area’s preferred basement waterproofing company to understand that water locked away in your basement’s foundation and walls (let alone water visibly collecting in your basement) isn’t particularly ideal. In fact, even modest amounts of moisture can compound over time, signaling a whole host of problems that can lead to costly and emotionally draining repairs. This makes basements one of the prime suspects for mold, foundation issues, and hotbeds for potential problems. And, although we all know water and moisture in our basements is never a positive thing, let’s get into how that water gets there and what kind of trouble it’s up to.

Most homes are built atop clay soil, soil that is perfect for retaining water. While this is great for the soil, it’s not particularly welcome news for your home; the water collected in the soil is not prevented from draining away from your home. Aside from putting pressure on your foundation and walls, this collected water causes your basement walls to become damp. This is moistures easiest way of finding its way into your basement. However, this problem is just as easily staved off by Zablocki Waterproofing’s unsurpassed basement waterproofing services.

We provide our Milwaukee area neighbors with wet basement solutions to meet their needs before or after moisture is detected. We do this by providing exterior waterproofing to your home’s foundation exterior walls. This forms a watertight foundation sealer that — you guessed it — keep the water and moisture out of your home. We make sure the water stays out by backfilling stone around your home to keep water from pooling around your basement walls.

 

Why Have Basement Waterproofing Done Before Winter?

We’re well into autumn and rounding the corner into winter, meaning that near-frozen streams of snowmelt are soon to be here, too. We may not always see it, but the melting snow can seep (often not so slowly) into our homes. And, if you’ve lived in the Milwaukee area for more than one season, you know how easily seemingly everything around you can become cold and damp in no time at all.

By this point, you may be getting a glimpse into why it’s important to have basement waterproofing taken care of before winter hits. But aside from the potential of having your home be hit by a deluge of snowmelt on one of those rare, freak warm episodes in January, there’s real concern that Southeastern Wisconsin’s humid winters can add more moisture to our basements. While much of this moisture and humidity is unavoidable, ensuring your home is outfitted with the finest basement waterproofing techniques is an excellent way to keep the worst of winter out of your basement.

 

Choose Quality. Choose Zablocki

For over 30 years, Zablocki Waterproofing has provided basement waterproofing and foundation repair services to the Milwaukee area. During this time, we’ve come to best understand how to fortify homes and commercial spaces against moisture and wetness. If you’re ready to join the thousands of Wisconsinites who’ve benefited from basement waterproofing, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to schedule your free estimate or to learn more. As always: Choose Quality. Choose Zablocki.

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Top Four Signs You Need Basement Waterproofing ASAP

Don’t Wait For the Flood

When you think of waterproofing your basement, you may think that it safeguards against floods and large spills or leaks. While it absolutely does, there are other, smaller issues that can lead to bigger, more expensive cleanups. Many of these tell-tale signs start slowly, with just a trickle or a drip and, before you know it, you’ve got foundation problems, mold, and a whole host of unsavory issues going on in your basement. However, avoiding these issues is much easier than you think — so long as you know what you’re looking for. Curious about how to avoid these issues? Take a look below and see if your basement could benefit from basement waterproofing today.

 

Click Here to See Zablocki’s Unmatched Basement Waterproofing Services

 

Sign Number Four: Humidity

Basements are notorious for capturing both cold and heat. Since they’re almost always constructed with concrete and left unfinished (without carpet, walls, etc.), they are prime suspects for holding onto extreme temperatures. This makes them perfect locations for humidity to hang out. And, with most of our clients being close to the lake, humidity is a common problem we come across when we work out waterproofing magic.

While the Milwaukee area may not be known for humidity levels that are common in the South, it does get quite humid, leaving basements vulnerable to high levels of humidity that can wreak havoc on our basements. Humidity is a clear indication that water from somewhere is getting into your basement. A quick solution to this is to purchase a dehumidifier (we highly recommend this). While dehumidifiers work well, they’ll do little to assist when humidity levels rise. If the humidity has begun to penetrate your walls, it may well lead to efflorescence. What’s efflorescence, you ask? Take a look below to find out.

 

Sign Number Three: Efflorescence

If you’ve ever walked into your basement and seen something that resembles a crudely painted tie dye stain of sorts on your wall or floor, it’s likely that that’s efflorescence. Efflorescence involves soluble salt deposits making their way to the surface of concrete. While efflorescence isn’t a major problem in and of itself (despite being a not-so-aesthetically pleasing sight), it’s a sure sign that water is finding its way into your basement. How? The art project/oil spill-looking deposit that it leaves behind has trapped the soluble salts. When water finds its way in and out of the concrete, it grabs loose, dissolvable particles along with it. Once the water has evaporated, you and your basement are left with crystallized powder …until the process begins again. Take steps to ensure that you won’t be dealing with efflorescence and have the pros at Zablocki treat your basement today.

 

Reason Number Two: Weird Smell

We’re not suggesting that your basement should smell like roses but good on you if it does! While basements aren’t known for emitting the best smells, there’s a difference between a basement having “that basement smell” and, “oh, wow, does my basement smell.” Rarely does this smell come out of nowhere. Often, this stench is being emitted from mold, another common problem among damp or leaky basements. Mold can lead to serious health issues as well, making the need to prevent it (or get rid of it) all the more important.

 

Reason Number One: Dampness and Mold

It may seem like basements are naturally damp places. While they certainly can be and often are, that doesn’t mean that it’s regular presence is a good sign for your basement. Even if your basement seems fairly dry, but you’re noticing growing and retracting (or just growing), pools or water stains, then it’s time to call Zablocki to get in there and take care of your water problems. This dampness doesn’t always necessarily mean that there’s a leak somewhere; heavy rains or snowmelt are common culprits in turning our basements into leaky, damp areas that could sorely benefit from basement waterproofing. Once mold settles in, it spreads rather quickly, making it all the more pressing to get it taken care of once you notice its presence in your basement.

 

Watertight

Even if you feel your basement is in pristine condition, there’s still the risk of your seemingly clean and clear basement becoming damp and mold-ridden. Now that you know some of the common signs that can lead to basement problems, you can keep an eye out for any of these tell-tale signs that all but ensure a coming wet basement. Before it comes to that, give the pros at Zablocki Waterproofing a call to get in there before winter and snow arrive to ensure that your basement won’t become a breeding ground for efflorescence, mold, and all of the trouble that comes along with a wet basement. As always: Choose Quality. Choose Zablocki.

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Five Not-So-Obvious Reasons for Basement Waterproofing

Give Your Basement the Waterproofing it Deserves

There are some obvious reasons people choose basement waterproofing. The most obvious reason being the goal to stave off the worst should a basement experience flood damage from a burst pipe or heavy rains. Moreover, implementing basement waterproofing keeps mold and mildew at bay, in turn maintaining optimal air quality in our homes. While these are excellent reasons to choose basement waterproofing, there are a handful of other often overlooked reasons that basement waterproofing is an excellent choice. If you’re building, buying, or renovating your home, take a peek below to learn about some of the lesser-known reasons homeowners across the Milwaukee area opt for basement waterproofing some Zablocki.

 

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Reason Number Five: Your Basement Floors

Although our basement floors look, feel, and are sturdy, they’re usually only about two to four inches deep. Moreover, these floors do nothing in the way of structural integrity of your home, making them easily susceptible to changes in hydrostatic pressure, the pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium at a given point within the fluid, due to the force of gravity. This means that this same pressure that forces water into the basement can also work conversely by pressing water up into your basement floor, causing cracks which allow water to leak into your basement.

 

Reason Number Four: Holes From Tie Rods

When a home is built, tie rods — poles that act as ties during the initial construction of a home — are used. These steel rods are placed in concrete forms in horizontal rows. Once the home is built, the tie rods are removed, leaving behind holes that are prime targets for water. This can lead to pooling water that can seep into the microscopic pores of the concrete forms. Once water has penetrated the concrete, it’s only a matter of time before cracks begin to show themselves. These cracks are the first signs of structural damage and can lead to greater (and more costly) repairs down the line.

 

Reason Number Three: Elevated Electric Bills

When your basement is moist, damp, or all-out wet, your AC and heating system works harder to compensate for the moisture in the air. Bluntly, it simply costs more to heat and cool your basement when moist air is trapped in there. While it might seem that your AC/heating unit is on the fritz, it very well could be that it’s your damp basement that’s causing your electric bills to skyrocket — not your AC/heating unit. So, before you call in an HVAC service to take a look at your unit, check to see if your basement could benefit from some moisture reduction.

Zablocki Pro Tip: if your basement has trapped moisture, consider purchasing a dehumidifier for your basement. These handy machines suck moisture out of the air and collect it in an attached bucket that is easily emptied whenever it becomes full. Check your local hardware or home improvement store; there are numerous models and sizes that can fit your needs.

 

Reason Number Two: Insurance

When basements suffer water damage, it can be a financial and emotional burden to remedy the situation. If your basement becomes flooded, you’ll want to speak with your insurance company immediately. In the US, roughly 20 percent of all insurance claims involve some sort of water damage. This tells us two things: more homes could use basement waterproofing services and that insurance companies are well-prepared to deal with water damage claims, though the latter may be cold comfort when you’re standing ankle deep in both repair bills and uninvited basement water.

 

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Reason Number One: A Failing Sump Pump

Sump pumps are pumps used to remove water that has pooled into the pump’s sump basin. These are used when basements become flooded and remove the water from the basement. While these devices work wonders for handling moderate amounts of water, they can become overwhelmed and faulty when excess amounts of water collect or pour into your basement. This is particularly problematic during springtime when the snow melts quickly and groundwater swells. Basement waterproofing is an excellent way to ensure that your sump pump doesn’t become overworked or fails in the event excess water finds its way into your basement.

 

Prevent and Protect

We here at Zablocki understand the importance of both preventing and protecting basements in the Milwaukee area from moisture, flooding, and general water damage. That’s why we implore our neighbors to consider basement waterproofing as not only a way to protect your home, but to save money in the long run. If you have any questions, concerns, or inquiries, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. As always: Choose quality. Choose Zablocki.

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Top Four Signs it’s Time For Foundation Repair

Functional Foundations

There’s nothing quite like a warm summer’s day in the Milwaukee area. Bradford beach is bustling with people braving the still-frigid waters of Lake Michigan, and the humidity is at its highest. While this is great for days spent on the beach, humidity and moisture can, over time, cause devastating damage to our home’s foundations. Over our nearly three decades of foundation repair and basement waterproofing services in the Milwaukee area, we’ve seen the force of what moisture and heat (and, eventually, the brutally blustery cold) can cause on our home’s foundations, especially if those homes are older and already in need of structural repair. While the following list is not exhaustive, it details some of the most common signs that it’s time to call the professionals at Zablocki for foundation repair.

 

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Sign Four: Interior or Exterior Cracking

This can be one of the most damning signs that your home is in need of serious and immediate foundational repair services. If your home is made of brick, and you’re seeing splits, lines, and cracks running helter skelter and vertically along either your interior or exterior walls, there’s a near-certain chance that your foundation requires immediate attention. Interiorly, if you find splits in crown molding, baseboards, or other fractures, these have most likely been caused by a compromised foundation.

 

Sign Three: Ajar Doors and Windows

As some neighborhoods in the Milwaukee area are quite old, this is one of the most common signs that foundational repair should be implemented. When your doors and windows won’t shut by not aligning flushly with the surrounding walls or have become completely separated from the surrounding walls/frames, this is a clear indication that your homes need foundational repair.

 

Sign Two: Uneven Floors

When excess moisture (especially moisture locked in heavy soil) adds weight to our foundations, it can pull the floor and foundation, causing uneven or “sinking” floors. This issue can lead to a host of structural issues related to the foundation. Moreover, when the floor separates even slightly from its respective wall(s), this is a prime opportunity for moisture, mold, and mildew to wreak havoc on our homes’ foundations and interior. This issue could have been prevented with quality basement waterproofing services.

 

Sign One: Walls Separating From Your Home

Once your walls start separating from your home, there’s little room for skepticism as to what is causing this disastrous problem. Once moisture finds its way into our walls, floors, and foundation, it’s often a slow and steady decline, meaning that most of us may not recognize the issue at first. However, once walls begin separating from your home, it’s certainly time to give us a call to repair your home. If left untreated, this condition can lead to your home becoming unsafe, and usher in an array of unsavory problems, both internally and externally.

 

Don’t Wait: Fix Your Foundation Today

If any of these signs have made themselves known at your home, don’t hesitate to give us a call today. We have the tried and tested skill, talent, and know-how to fix your home’s foundation without causing undue stress on both you and your home. Choose Quality. Choose Zablocki.

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