Tag Archive for: wet basement solutions

The Truth About Waterproofing Paint

zablocki-paintThis society is full of misnomers. That 0.7mm lead you load into your mechanical pencil is not made from lead but graphite, when you smack your funny bone, you’re not actually hitting a bone at all but the ulnar nerve, and Chinese checkers is a German-invented game with absolutely no roots in traditional checkers. You can imagine how nervous it makes us when we see DIYers putting their faith in something called “waterproofing paint” to solve their moisture problems.

What is waterproofing paint?

Waterproof paint, also called waterproofing paint, is a type of house paint, different than exterior painting, that has become increasingly popular among homeowners. It is ideal for areas within a home that experience a lot of moisture, such as bathrooms, because it stops the moisture in the air from penetrating the walls, within which it can promote the growth of mold and mildew. By creating a water-resistant or waterproof layer on the external most layer of the wall, the paint is able to prevent future moisture problems.

What’s the problem with waterproofing paint?

The problem is not in the paint but in the way it is often used. Some homeowners notice moisture problems in their basements and decide to coat their basement walls in waterproofing paint. Unfortunately, this does not fix the problem and may even cause more moisture issues in the future. Putting a new coat of paint on the walls is a temporary solution whether that paint is earmarked as waterproofing or not because it addresses the symptom, not the cause.

Imagine that water is finding its way through your basement walls and into your basement. Now put a waterproof layer around the inside of the walls. Can you guess what will probably happen? By waterproofing the wall interiors, homeowners are trapping the water inside the walls, where it can continue to wreak havoc on the foundation. Instead, the source of the intrusion must be found and corrected.

Identifying the cause of water intrusion is one of the trickiest parts of home maintenance. Water building up in one wall on the second story may be getting in through a roof leak on the other side of your home. Similarly, moisture getting into your basement could indicate a large number of problems. The best decision you can make to keep your home’s foundation strong and dry is to consult basement waterproofing professionals when a moisture problem occurs.

The foundation experts at Zablocki Waterproofing can take care of your basement waterproofing and foundation repair needs. Contact us online for a free cost estimate.

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Cleaning Up Your Basement After It’s Flooded

caution wet floorOut of all the moisture issues Wisconsin homeowners must face, a flooded basement can be one of the most intimidating. Even such a small amount as a couple inches of water in your basement can cause immeasurable damage, so it’s important to take action as soon as possible to solve the problem and clean up the mess. Keep reading for some helpful tips for cleaning up your basement after it is flooded. Not sure what’s causing your flooding problem? The foundation repair and basement waterproofing experts at Zablocki Waterproofing can locate the source of your moisture issue.

Cleaning Up Your Basement After It’s Flooded

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breakerSafety First

First things first, stay safe during your cleanup efforts. The very first thing you want to do before you even venture into the affected area of your home or commercial building is to cut off that area’s electricity. We all know what happens when we combine water with electricity, so be sure to cut the power before you do anything else. The second thing you want to do before venturing into the depths of the structure is suit up. Even if the flood was caused by excessive rainwater, there’s no telling what sort of bacteria and other illness-inducing things could be floating around in that water. You can opt to wear whatever protective gear you find necessary, but we recommend waterproof boots and gloves at a minimum. Lastly, if possible, get some fresh air moving by opening up some doors and windows.[grid_row_close]

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moving couchClear the Area

Once you’re sure that there is no power being routed to the flooded area, it’s time to start actually flexing those muscles. Begin by removing all electronics and any other belongings you can. Then, move whatever furniture you can. The quicker you move your things out of the water, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to save some of your stuff. Be sure to remove all rugs, and if the flooded area is carpeted, that will also need to be removed. Do your best to have fun with this part. If you sort through all of your waterlogged stuff with a negative attitude, the rest of the cleanup will only be more stressful.  [grid_row_close]

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spilling waterRemove the Water

The important thing here is to remove all standing water from your basement to prevent mold growth and other moisture problems. Depending on the amount of water you’re looking at, you may be okay with towels and mops, or you may need to rent a sump pump from your local hardware store. You may also opt to use a wet vacuum, but be cautious of where you plug it in, and avoid using extension cords. Either dump the water down the toilet if you have working plumbing, or dump it into other areas that will soak it up, such as your lawn. You may use the drains in your home, but hair other debris in the water may cause backup issues.[grid_row_close]

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dehumidifierDry the Area

If the flood affected any baseboards, drywall, subfloor, etc., you’ll want to remove this first to avoid mold growth. Once the basement has been cleared of all affected materials, it’s time to let it dry. You can use fans to speed up the process and open windows and doors. You may also opt to run a dehumidifier to limit the moisture in the air, but close the windows first, or you’ll be attempting to dehumidify all of Wisconsin. You may be disappointed to discover how much of your old building materials must be thrown out, but just think about all of the mold growth opportunities you’re eliminating.[grid_row_close]

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cleaning suppliesDisinfect the Area

Standing water plays host to all manner of bacteria and other nasty things, so be sure to disinfect every single surface that was touched by the water, and we do mean with a powerful disinfectant and something to scrub with. Be sure to also scrub any furniture you’re planning on salvaging from the flood. Anything and everything you’re planning on keeping that had contact with the water should get a good scrub down.[grid_row_close]

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trash cansSort Through Your Stuff

This part is never fun, but you’ll need to determine what can be saved and what needs to be thrown out. This will really depend on how much water was present in your basement and what types of belongings you had down there. Pillows, stuffed animals, and down blankets that have been soaked through should probably be thrown away while a blanket that only got a bit damp on one side can probably just go through the wash. Be sure to be responsible in the disposal of toxic chemicals, electronics, furniture, etc. Lastly, protect yourself from illness by not taking any chances. If something looks too waterlogged to be savable, then just throw it away.[grid_row_close]

We hope you never have to deal with flooding in your basement, but we hope these tips help you out if you do. Do you need foundation repair or basement waterproofing services in the Milwaukee area? Contact Zablocki Waterproofing, your leading foundation repair and waterproofing experts.

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Why Are Gutters Important?

gutter with leavesHere at Zablocki Waterproofing, we’re Milwaukee’s Top Rated Local® foundation and basement waterproofing contractors. When water makes its way into your home and begins to compromise its integrity, we’re the experts you need to identify and solve the moisture problem. We’re in the business of stopping the destructive power of water from destroying your home, but there are many things you can do as a homeowner to stop these problems from happening in the first place. Your home’s first line of defense against rain water is the rain gutter system. Keep reading to discover why exactly these systems are so important.

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The Purpose of Rain Gutters

When rainwater falls against the exterior of your home, gravity naturally wants to bring that water to settle around the foundation. By installing a rain gutter system on your home, you’re redirecting that flow of rainwater away from the base of your home, allowing the water to soak into the ground
away from the foundation. Rain gutters also protect the exterior paint of your home because they reduce the flow of water down the sides.

The Importance of Rain Gutters

Without rain gutters, rainwater would be allowed to settle and soak into the soil around the foundation of your home. This excessive moisture compromises the stability of the soil, causes erosion, wreaks havoc on your exterior doors, and, of course, can cause basement flooding and/or significant damage to your home’s foundation. Keep your rain gutters clean and well-maintained to prevent this sort of damage from happening to your home.

Keeping Your Gutters Clean

cleaning guttersYou’ll have to decide how often you need to clean your gutters for yourself because this depends on many variables, including the structure’s proximity to trees and your home’s roofing material, but homeowners tend to have to do this twice a year on average. When you clean your gutters, you’re clearing them of everything that has built up over the past months, such as leaves, asphalt shingle granules, soil, animal nests, etc. in order to prevent damming. When your gutters get dammed up, this can cause water to enter the structure of your home and seep down to the foundation.  

Keep your home protected against water damage with a properly-installed rain gutter system, and be sure to keep it clear of any debris. And remember you typically need gutter cleaning every year if there are trees / leaves near your home.

If your foundation or basement is already experiencing the signs of a moisture problem, such as dampness, cracking, or a musty smell, contact the basement waterproofing experts at Zablocki Waterproofing. We offer free consultations!

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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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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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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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Welcome to Zablocki’s Foundation Repair & Waterproofing Blog

Welcome to our blog, where you’ll find news, events, facts, trivia, and other writings related to basement waterproofing and foundation restoration. Zablocki Waterproofing has provided Wisconsin residents with efficient, high-quality foundation services since 1985. We have the equipment and expertise to help you get your basement back from intruding moisture and related problems. If you need foundation repair or basement waterproofing services in Milwaukee or the surrounding area, contact the trusted professionals at Zablocki.

All of our customers get free estimates, so there’s no risk in having us come down to your home or commercial property and take a look around. We’ll identify the source of the problem, remove it from the equation, and repair the damages, all without ever upselling a service to you that you don’t need. We pride ourselves in our commitment to transparency; we’ll always recommend the most cost effective course of action in order to restore your property to like new or better than new without destroying your budget. We’ll also clearly and concisely explain to you what’s causing your foundation problem, so we can all confidently and quickly move forward with the necessary repairs.

Your basement doesn’t have to be a soggy, moldy laundry room that you only go down into when you absolutely have to. Zablocki can waterproof your basement’s exterior walls and complete other related improvements to keep moisture out. Take the first step to adding an entire floor of additional living space for your family by having your basement waterproofed by the foundation experts at Zablocki.

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