It is impossible to give an accurate cost estimate without seeing your home’s basement or crawlspace. Our professional experts have gone to many different homes—some where the solution was simple and inexpensive, while others required more extensive work. In the industry, basement waterproofing ranges in cost depending on the method that a contractor offers. Oftentimes, the cheaper methods end up costing more in the long run since they are almost always temporary fixes that need constant repair and upkeep. Luckily, it costs you nothing for a ’58 basement waterproofing expert to visit, inspect, and to put together a cost estimate based on a customized basement waterproofing solution.
The key is value. No matter what the cost is to repair your problem, if it doesn’t work properly, it has no real value because the problem still exists. The basement waterproofing solution you get must address the problem source or sources. There are several ways that groundwater can invade your basement. Without a solution that can address these various ways, your problem isn’t fixed. True value lies in the results that your basement waterproofing system gives.
Every interior basement waterproofing system that ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing installs is completed with only quality products and honest methods. Our drainage channels are specially-engineered, providing several advantages that other drainage channel products do not offer when it comes to handling incoming groundwater. Our sump pumps are also designed to provide more power. Additionally, with our battery backup sump pump, you can relax knowing that not even a power outage can stop our ’58 basement waterproofing system from doing its job!
Every home is unique and no two wet basement situations are the same. The price is different for everyone because ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing offers a customizable interior basement waterproofing system designed to fit each unique situation, providing the best outcomes for your basement. The cost for a ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing solution is based on factors such as linear feet and the square footage of the area you need protected, as well as the severity of the problem. There may be financing* options available.
The benefits of finding a specific solution to your waterproofing problems are:
Along with the benefits mentioned above, you’ll have a healthier home with a ’58 basement waterproofing system in place.
This isn’t just about keeping your basement and home safe from structural damage, some of these problems can also directly affect the health of you and your loved ones. When a basement has a water or moisture problem, it can lead to problems that will require further repairs. Some of these complications include…
These problems will not only worsen but also lead to additional problems for you and your house. Mold spores can worsen allergies and even trigger asthma symptoms. Dust mites are another known allergen and they need enough moisture to thrive. Meanwhile, wood rot and termites can devastate the wooden support structures of your home.
From bowing basement walls to water leaking from the corners of your basement, these are the result of hydrostatic pressure against your foundation. This immense pressure is created as groundwater comes to rest against the foundation’s walls and/or floor. Usually, this happens when it rains, which causes the water table to rise until it reaches the foundation. That hydrostatic pressure is what pushes the water through the cold joints of your foundation and into your basement. It is also what can weaken your basement wall and/or floor until it cracks.
By keeping these problems away, you can breathe easier with a safe and dry home.
An interior basement waterproofing system involves the installation of drainage channels along the perimeter of your basement. These drainage channels will be placed beside the footer where they will collect incoming groundwater and direct them to a sump pit. Then a sump pump will push that water out through a discharge pipe, depositing the water far enough away that it shouldn’t return to your foundation. Other products may be used depending on your unique situation. Some other components may include a vapor barrier, rigid sealers, or even a dehumidifier.
In some situations, basement waterproofing may be all you need. But if you have a bowing basement wall or a crack in your basement floor that’s leaking, ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing has the quality services you need to make those wet basement problems go away. We offer our expertise in basement waterproofing, foundation repair, crawlspace encapsulation, and even mold removal. From our specially-designed Channel ’58 drainage channels to our Workhorse OT+ battery backup sump pump, we only use quality products to ensure lasting outcomes. Whatever water or moisture problems you have going on in your home’s lower level, we’ll have the solution that’ll restore your peace of mind.
When you need an experienced contractor in basement waterproofing, you can always count on ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing! Whether you are a Chattanooga, TN resident or you’re living in Alpharetta, GA, we have local offices situated throughout the Eastern Seaboard to ensure that you have a ’58 team close-by and ready to help. When you call us, we’ll help schedule you for a free inspection and provide you with a no-obligation price quote. Contact your nearest ‘58 location today!
*Check with your nearest ‘58 Foundations location for available financing options.
When homeowners are looking for wet basement repair contractors, usually they look for a company who will help keep their basement dry. Known as basement waterproofing contractors, these companies can install a waterproofing solution that aids in keeping groundwater out of your basement.
But of all the basement waterproofing contractors in the nation, one stands out amongst the rest: ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing. We are a basement and crawlspace waterproofing contractor that helps homeowners repair their basements, keeping them safe and dry for years.
With over 63 years of being in business, we know how crucial it is to offer a basement waterproofing system that accounts for all six common ways that water can enter the basement. Here are the six ways that water and moisture can invade your basement…
These wet basement problems are nothing to ignore. Water leaking into the basement is an indication that there’s a lot of hydrostatic pressure. This tremendous amount of pressure is created when too much groundwater is pressing against the foundation walls or floor. This can lead to further foundation damage such as bowing or tilting basement walls along with growing cracks in the concrete. Should that invasive water or moisture linger for too long in your basement, it can lead to more problems in the basement such as mold, wood rot, and uncomfortable humidity in the house. It will take proper basement waterproofing to prevent these kinds of problems from occurring. Otherwise, these wet basement problems will likely result in costly repairs.
If there is a way for water to penetrate your foundation and enter your basement, you can count on ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing to know how to stop it. Our basement waterproofing system was first patented in 1966. Our quality products and honest methods have helped thousands upon thousands of customers like you, keeping countless basements and crawlspaces safe and dry. Since 1958, we’ve been continually perfecting our products and techniques. In this way, we can make sure we always provide a basement waterproofing solution that’s effective and long-lasting.
We begin our waterproofing services by completing a comprehensive investigation of the basement and land surrounding the home. Once we’ve located the source or sources of the groundwater intrusion and surveyed the area, we’ll provide you with a detailed estimate. Then, to waterproof your basement, a five-star ’58 crew will install our ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing Basement Waterproofing System.
Every home and basement is unique, which is why our interior basement waterproofing system is designed to be customizable. In this way, we can properly address each of your basement’s problem sources the right way, creating a solution that truly protects your basement and foundation from intrusive groundwater and moisture. Depending on your wet basement problem, here are some of the components that may be included in your ’58 basement waterproofing system…
Our drainage channels are specially engineered to address the limitations of other drainage channels. Meanwhile, we offer a sump pump that boasts more horsepower than typical models. We also offer options for battery backup sump pumps, to provide that extra layer of protection during bad storms. Not even a power outage can stop a ’58 basement waterproofing system from protecting your basement and home!
We’re so confident in our basement waterproofing system that we gladly back it with an industry-leading warranty. At ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing, we want you to have the peace of mind that you’re investing in a system that works and is protected.
To learn why we’re one of the most sought-after wet basement repair contractors, contact ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing today. One of our helpful and knowledgeable associates will be glad to assist you. We have local offices available throughout the Eastern Seaboard. Whether you are in Knoxville, TN, Newark, DE, Concord, NC, or Atlanta, GA, you can count on ’58 to be there to protect your home against invasive groundwater and excess moisture. Also, be sure to ask about the financing* options that may be available to you. We can help you determine a solution that works with your budget.
*For specific information regarding financing options, please check with your nearest ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing location.
If you are having wet basement problems, you fully understand the trouble it can cause. Once the water has been removed from your basement, the next people to contact should be the basement waterproofing experts at ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing. We have been in business since 1958, and we have spent decades perfecting our methods of basement and crawlspace waterproofing.
To begin our services, we have one of our experts conduct a free inspection of your basement and other areas around your house. This is to determine the source of water intrusion and see how your basement got wet in the first place. Then, we will provide a detailed estimate that is designed to address the problems that may have been detected.
There are many ways that water can enter the lowest level of a home and cause a wet basement. The six most common ways include:
Whenever it rains, water can soak into the soil that’s next to your foundation. As more rainwater seeps down and collects against your foundation, more hydrostatic pressure is created. As that pressure builds, moisture can start seeping into the concrete. Meanwhile groundwater can leak through cold joints and existing foundation cracks. That hydrostatic pressure can also lead to bowing basement walls and even more cracks in your foundation walls and basement floors. Unaddressed, these cracks can allow groundwater to leak into your basement.
A flooded basement would mean costly repairs and a lot of cleanup. But a basement flooding scenario can be prevented!
Waterproofing your basement can help relieve your foundation of that hydrostatic pressure. Without that pressure to push water and moisture into your lower level, you can enjoy a drier and more comfortable home.
It’s important to have more than just any waterproofing system. You will want to make sure that the waterproofing solution you’re getting will address all six ways that water can infiltrate your basement. A wet basement will do more than just increase the humidity of your basement. That excess water and moisture can lead to problems like wood rot on your floor joists, mold growth, and moisture-loving pests like dust mites.
As every home is different, our basement waterproofing solutions may vary depending on your needs. Your basement waterproofing system may include components such as our Channel ’58 drainage channels, vapor barriers, our Workhorse sump pump, and rigid sealers. Your unique situation will determine what ultimately is used as part of the solution. For example, if your home is in Greensboro, NC or maybe Spartanburg, SC, our ’58 experts might recommend a dehumidifier along with our waterproofing system to help account for those humid summers.
With our quality products and honest methods, we will always install a basement waterproofing system that is designed to keep basements dry for years on end.
If you would like more information on how we can help keep wet basement problems from happening, contact the basement waterproofing experts at ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing. We would love the opportunity to serve you and help determine the best solution for your wet basement problem. Furthermore, when you turn to ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing, your basement waterproofing system will be backed by an industry-leading warranty. We offer free in-home basement waterproofing estimates and some availability on the weekends. When you call, be sure to ask about the financing* options we have available to qualified homeowners.
*Check with your nearest ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing location for more information on financing** options.
Do you have water leaking through a crack or cracks in your basement or crawlspace floor? There are many possible causes for this kind of leak. Most commonly, after a day of rain, water pressure on the outside of your foundation (either next to it or below it) can build up. This pressure is also called hydrostatic pressure.
But water wants to find the path of least resistance. Unfortunately for that outside water, that path can be into your home through a crack in the floor slab. Many times, this crack is actually a joint of two pieces of concrete that have dried at different rates/times. Cold joints are another name for these cracks or seams. While cold joints are standard in the building process, water could also be entering through a different kind of crack in the concrete.
Whether if the water is coming through a cold joint or an actual crack in the floor, the water pressure could be building on the outside for a variety of reasons. There could be a high water table, a perched water table, or the clay bowl effect from virgin soil excavated for the home’s basement or crawlspace. The last one is also called the clay bowl effect. To prevent groundwater from becoming a problem for your basement or crawlspace, it is crucial to redirect that water away from your home. This will help prevent hydrostatic pressure from affecting your foundation.
Hydrostatic pressure can also cause damage to your foundation floor. For example, it is how a crack may appear in your basement floor, and why it may leak with water whenever it rains.
There could also be grading problems on the surface above: either the yard, or changes to the driveway or patio. Improper grading can allow water to flow towards the home instead of away from the home. There are also other possible causes for water leaking into your basement or crawlspace to consider.
Maintaining your gutters and downspouts is an important part of protecting your home. Regularly cleaning your gutters and downspouts can keep rainwater moving properly from your roof to a location away from your foundation. Clogged gutters and damaged downspouts can cause water to fall next to the foundation. Consider extending your downspouts as well.
A ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing interior basement or crawlspace waterproofing system can protect your basement or crawlspace from incoming water. Our waterproofing experts will install our specially-engineered Channel ’58 drainage channels beside the footer along the perimeter of your lower level. These drainage channels will lead any collected water to a sump pit. Then our Workhorse sump pump will push the water out and away from your home via a discharge pipe. Other products may be used depending on your unique situation. Components such as vapor barriers, our Footer Shield, and rigid sealers may be installed to help further protect your lower level from invasive water and moisture.
Ultimately, with a customizable ’58 waterproofing solution, you can take control of the groundwater around your foundation and keep hydrostatic pressure from becoming a problem.
However, it can be very difficult to determine the exact cause(s) of water leaking through a crack in the floor. There’s also always a chance of other causes developing in the future. That’s why it’s important to find a waterproofing solution that addresses the six most common ways water can infiltrate a basement or crawlspace. Whether you live in Chattanooga, TN, Philadelphia, PA, or Washington, DC, ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing is there to help homeowners throughout the Eastern Seaboard.
For a solution that’s backed by over 63 years of experience, call upon the experts at ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing! We’ll help protect your home from water leaks and from cracks in your basement or crawlspace floor.
We offer the lasting solutions you need to solve your basement or crawlspace groundwater problems. Contact your ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing office today to learn more and get a free estimate.
Food, water, and shelter, these are all vital things for us and for many other living things on this planet. That also includes the smaller creatures that live around us. But as humans spread across the globe and began building more and more homes and communities, it’s easy for nature to clash with humanity. Whether it’s insects, rodents, or any other kind of small animal—if pests can find an easy place to nest, grow, and breed, they’ll take advantage of it. That’s where your home comes into play: an already-made place of safety, food sources, and of course, water and moisture.
When we think of pests, we often think of the common offenders such as ants, termites, dust mites, and rats. But depending on your area of the United States, the list of pests in your area could be quite expansive, and they all have their reasons for wanting to invade your home. Aside from being unwanted guests and making for an unsightly presence in the house, pests can do a variety of damages to both your health and to your home itself. The key to conquering a pest problem is to understand the pest, its behavior, and how to counteract their methods of invasion.
Let’s take a deep dive into some of the most common pests you may encounter, what their presence can do to you and your home, and how to keep them out of your house…
From the family Formicidae, ants are a colony-based insect that exists on almost every part of our Earth. While an individual ant may be nothing much to consider, it is the organized performance of the colony as a whole that makes them a smart and formidable pest in the house. It’s why an ant colony can sometimes be referred to as a superorganism—they can carry out actions and react to threats in a seemingly unified manner, as if it were a single entity. A colony is typically managed by a single queen, though there are species that can have multiple queens to form a joint super colony, and other species have been known to willfully cohabitate with a separate colony. Here are some species of ants that live in the Eastern US, for example:
Ants in your area may either be indigenous or invasive, but they all follow roughly the same protocols when invading your home. After a queen has mated, it will attempt to find a place that’s safe to start its brood. This could be outside of your home, or it may find a crack or a crevice in which to enter your home, such as through a foundation crack leading to your basement. Once it has found a place with comfortable humidity levels, made of suitable material such as wood, where a colony can properly tunnel and branch out, it will begin producing eggs and nurturing its first generation of workers. These workers will tend to the queen and scout for food. This is where ants become a proper pest.
As soon as a scouting worker has found food or water, it will consume some for itself, store some in its social stomach, and return to the colony while leaving a pheromone trail. This trail alerts the colony that there’s food if they should follow that trail, and the queen will be informed of that food when the worker returns to share food with her. This will encourage more workers to set out, and the queen will likely be encouraged to produce more brood as it has found a place to grow her colony and survive. This is when the ants transition into becoming a real pest. Property damage is a real possibility, especially when colonies grow larger. Some species like Carpenter Ants are prone to seeking out wooden structures within a home to build their tunnels and grow their colony, causing damage to your home’s walls and supports.
Trying to physically root out their colony can also be hazardous as the workers and soldiers of the colony are willing to bite an intruder, no matter their size. Some species of ants are also capable of stinging or spraying formic acid. But fortunately, there are multiple ways in which to deal with them without risking your own safety.
When many think of ants or other insects, their first reaction may be to use the insecticide spray and go for the quick and easy kill. But as the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture mentions, “The mistake most people make when attempting to control ants is only spraying the ones they see. This approach usually fails because the ants seen foraging over exposed surfaces is only a small portion of the colony.”
Killing the ants that you see on the kitchen floor is only a temporary solution. On any given day, an ant queen can produce around 800 eggs, and those eggs can become full grown adult workers within 38 to 60 days depending on the species. Once a colony has reached a mature stage, it’s akin to facing a situation of 800 new ants per day that you’d have to kill just to stop the colony from growing larger.
That’s where ant bait comes in. Ant bait may contain varying formulations of insecticide that is mixed into a kind of food material that will attract the ants. The bait only works if it happens to be in the path of foraging workers. But when a foraging worker discovers the bait, typically they will consume some of the bait and return to the colony to share it. From there, the insecticide is shared from the worker’s social stomach to other workers and even the queen. This creates the possibility of crippling an ant colony and even getting rid of it entirely. Here are some tips on how to effectively use ant bait:
Unlike an insecticide spray, the process of controlling ant populations in or around your home with ant bait is a slow process. As advised in a publication by the NC Cooperative Extension, “Patience is important to successful baiting. Most ant baits are slow-acting and do not kill the ants quickly. Therefore, you may continue to see ants for a week or more after baiting.” It is a part of the ant bait’s design because the bait is meant to be consumed and shared around the colony before the ants start dying off—this is to ensure maximum effect.
Microscopic in size, dust mites are incredibly hard to spot, and they can be found virtually anywhere where people live except the continent of Antarctica. When observed under a microscope, they look white and translucent, with an appearance that might be described as almost spider-like since they have eight legs. We typically know them to eat our dead skin cells, which is why they are so prevalent in the homes of people. But they also feed on dead skin cells of animals and even some forms of mold. There are over 20 species of dust mites that we are aware of.
It is likely that there are millions of dust mites present in your home. For a sense of scale, on average, you will shed as much as 1.5 grams of skin in a single day. That’s enough to feed one million dust mites, giving them a chance to breed and further propagate throughout your home.
Dust mites are innumerable, and they can live on average around 65-100 days. When a female dust mite has mated, it can lay as many as 100 eggs within five weeks. What’s more, during the course of a dust mite’s life, it will produce around 2,000 particles of fecal matter, which in turn can cause allergic reactions. As stated by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), “Both the body parts and the waste of dust mites are allergens for many people. Most dust mites die in low humidity levels or extreme temperatures. But they leave their dead bodies and waste behind. These can continue to cause allergic reactions. In a warm, humid house, dust mites can survive all year.”
Here is a list of allergy symptoms that dust mites can cause:
For those who have asthma, dust mites may also cause the following symptoms:
Dust mites can also cause eczema flare-ups and exasperate asthma symptoms that you may already be experiencing. The AAFA also believes that dust mites, due to their prevalence, may possibly be one of the most common triggers of both year-round allergies as well as asthma. This is why it is important to take measures to keep dust mite populations in check. It’s likely impossible to be completely free of dust mites, but the fewer the better.
As the Mayo Clinic advises, “Avoiding exposure to dust mites is the best strategy for controlling dust mite allergy. While you can’t completely eliminate dust mites from your home, you can significantly reduce their number.” By controlling the presence of dust mites in your home, you can reduce the frequency of allergic reactions that can be caused and help control your asthma if you have it.
Here are some ways that you can adjust your lifestyle to counter the presence of dust mites:
Across the North American continent there are over 70 species of native rodents living in the wild. But when “rodents” and “pests” come up in the same sentence, it’s often referring to three species of rodents in particular: the black rat, Norway rat, and the house mouse.
These creatures may look small and not threatening. But the EPA warns that as pests they can “infest houses, threaten public health, and destroy property. They can damage or destroy critical habitats, native plants and animals, crops, property, and food supplies.” That’s why it is crucial to know how they can be a pest and what to do about them.
Whether they are rats or mice, they both follow similar goals, which are to seek shelter, find near food sources, and breed. Human population centers and dwellings provide ample amounts of shelter from the elements and predators, meanwhile our pantries and food stores provide plenty of nutrition for the rodents to feed themselves and provide for their young. But it’s not just their presence that makes them a pest, it’s what they leave behind as they wander your home: feces, urine, and the potential to transport fleas, ticks, and mites into your home. They can also contaminate food or water that they’ve come into contact with, and their waste products can even contaminate the dust that you may breathe.
It is important to address rodent problems promptly to prevent the spread of disease in your home. Rodent feces, urine, blood, and saliva are all ways that diseases can be transmitted to human beings. There are around 35 diseases that rats, and mice can spread to humans. Here are just a few of the diseases that are known to be transmitted directly or indirectly by rodents to humans:
By taking proper measures, you can keep rodent pests out of your home and maintain a safe and healthy environment for you and your loved ones.
Rodents invade our homes because they’re looking for a means to survive. A human household is perfect for shelter, food, and a place to breed without natural predators. As the CDC advises, “The primary strategy for preventing human exposure to rodent diseases is effective rodent control in and around the home.” The measures required to make this strategy successful can be summarized in three steps: Seal, Trap, and Clean.
Termites are an insect that lives in colonies much like ants, bees, and wasps do. While they have earned the nickname of “white ants”, they are not related to ants at all and belong in the same order as cockroaches. With the support of workers and soldiers, a termite colony grows with a king and a queen at its head. Termites are generally small, with the queen being the biggest in a colony.
In nature, termites play an important role. They’re an organized species of decomposers. Termites are known as detritivores, which means they live off consuming dead plant matter, whether it’s dead wood, woodland plants, or even feces containing plant matter. Some species of termites are also known to cultivate “gardens” of particular fungi as food. Meanwhile, other species of termites prefer to eat grass, leaves, and plant roots instead. But what many of these termites all enjoy is darkness, warmth, and humidity, even if it’s the wooden support structures of your home. But that doesn’t mean they should be welcome guests. According to the EPA, “Every year termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage, and property owners spend over two billion dollars to treat them.”
In North America, there are at least 18 species of termites that count as pests. Termites also come in three varieties depending on their preference for dwelling: drywood, dampwood, and subterranean. But for many of them the wooden structures within people’s homes provides both bountiful amounts of food and shelter from predators and the elements. Once termites have moved into a home, they will begin tunneling through the wooden structures within your home. They tend to stay away from the surface of the wooden structures, creating their tunnels and galleries hidden from prying eyes. This can make detection difficult until much damage has already been done. But for every tunnel or gallery they create, they add to the further weakening of that wooden structure, which can lead to a compromising of your home’s structural integrity.
There are ways to detect possible infestations, however, especially when a termite mating season comes around. As the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture explains, “Spring typically is when large numbers of winged termites, known as ‘swarmers,’ emerge inside homes. In nature, termites swarm to disperse and start new colonies. Triggered by warmer temperatures and rainfall, the winged termites emerge from the colony and fly into the air.” If you happen to notice swarms of winged termites in or around your home, there’s a good chance that an infestation is already happening and requires professional assistance.
But there are other ways that you can detect a termite infestation without having to wait until Spring arrives. Here are some signs in your home that can indicate an infestation of termites:
If you notice termites flying out from woodpiles or tree stumps in your yard, be cautious and on the lookout. If swarmers are emerging near your home’s foundation, such as around your wooden porch, there might be an infestation.
For prevention, it is important to keep trees, wood piles, and other sources of wood away from the sides of your home. The more distance the better because it will reduce the chances of termites wandering into your home. Termites are not just drawn to wood—they also require a source of moisture. If there is lingering excess moisture in your home, the termites will see it as a favorable place to colonize.
Here are some measures you can take to control moisture in your home and prevent termites from wanting to invade:
But if you should have an infestation, there are termite baits which may be used to slowly kill off a termite colony, much like ant baits. There are also liquid termiticides which may be placed into the soil surrounding your home. These can either repel termites or outright kill them as they tunnel through the affected soil area. Consult with a pest control professional about these options.
From insects to rodents, pests are like all other living things—they’re seeking shelter, food, and water. When a home is having a moisture problem, pests see it as a place that satisfies their living requirements. But moisture control can keep the pests at bay. If the moisture isn’t present, pests will feel discouraged and will search elsewhere to live or forage.
There are many ways to get rid of pests. But efforts should be made to prevent the pests from invading your home in the first place. As Building Science explains, “Pests inside homes can lead to allergic reactions. Pests often lead to the use of pesticides that are not good for people to breathe or ingest (eat). Pests can damage or destroy building materials.”
Some of these may sound familiar from the pest descriptions above. But here are some ways that you can make your home more pest resistant:
All pests are living creatures trying to survive. But it’s important to discourage them from using your home as their means of survival. Moisture control is a crucial factor in defending your home from pests. Measures such as basement waterproofing or crawlspace encapsulation can help you manage the water or moisture in your lower level. A dry home also means enjoying your home while nature remains outdoors where it belongs. Moisture control and the other pest prevention methods mentioned in this article can save you from having to use more invasive pest control measures. Invasive pest control solutions can involve the use of harmful chemicals in your home. By understanding these pests and how they behave, you can deflect their attempts to make your home into their own.
Sources for Links:
Ant Control for Householders
https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef619
Tips for Effective Ant Baiting
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/tips-for-effective-ant-baiting
AAFA: Dust Mite Allergy
https://www.aafa.org/dust-mite-allergy/
Mayo Clinic: Dust Mite Allergy
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dust-mites/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352178
CDC: Rodents
EPA: About Rats and Mice
https://www.epa.gov/rodenticides/about-rats-and-mice
Termite Control: Answers for Homeowners
https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef604
Termites: How to Identify and Control Them
https://www.epa.gov/safepestcontrol/termites-how-identify-and-control-them
BSI-127: Pests Can Really Bug You
https://www.buildingscience.com/documents/building-science-insights/bsi-127-pests-can-really-bug-you
It happens to many homeowners. A crack in your basement wall may seem harmless at first. What’s wrong with a little humidity in the crawl space, right? But either of these scenarios can be a sign of more trouble ahead. Especially when there’s heavy rain, a lot of water can begin to soak into the soil around your home. When the collective weight of that water and soil presses against the walls of your foundation, that hydrostatic pressure can lead to cracks, eventually creating a pathway for groundwater to enter your basement or crawl space. If allowed to continue, that water leaking into your lower-level space can lead to further damage of your home’s structure and it can even draw pests and encourage mold growth. But with the proper measures, you can help your basement or crawl space remain dry, safe, and useable!
Let’s take a dive into some methods to protect your basement or crawl space from invading moisture!
While both have their own unique needs, whether you have a basement or a crawl space, there are some things that you should take into consideration for either one. Taking measures to keep water away from your foundation can help prevent moisture from infiltrating your basement or crawl space. Here are a few ways that you can do this whether you have a basement or a crawl space:
Along with the measures suggested above, there are other measures that you can take to protect your basement. A lot of damage to your foundation walls occurs because of there being too much water sitting against the foundation—the tremendous amounts of pressure can lead to basement wall cracks and bowing walls.
So, taking measures to divert that water away will help relieve the hydrostatic pressure and take the stress off your foundation walls. This is where waterproofing comes into play.
Basement waterproofing can involve a variety of measures, but they usually involve the installation of French drains, sump pumps, drainage pipes, and even a vapor barrier or a dehumidifier if the situation calls for it. Along with waterproofing measures, it’s also important to seal any gaps in your basement where pipes may run to the outside.
Should your basement wall or basement floor have cracks that are leaking, it is also important to have those cracks repaired so that water has no easy way into your basement. With the proper foundation repairs done in conjunction with your basement waterproofing, your basement will be kept protected against groundwater intrusion.
Crawl spaces are a little different from basements. Meant to act as a barrier between your home and the earth beneath it, usually crawl spaces just have a dirt floor where moisture can potentially seep up. From water seeping up through the soil when the water table rises to moisture creeping in through crawlspace vents, crawl spaces lacking the proper waterproofing or encapsulation can become humid or flooded and cause problems for you and your home.
For some crawl spaces, you may just need to seal your crawl space vents and install a durable vapor barrier. But for others that may be in areas that experience a lot of heavy rains, it may be necessary to waterproof your crawl space along with your crawl space encapsulation. Here are some of the measures that might be required to keep moisture out of your crawlspace…
You may also need to seal any gaps that exist around any piping that’s going out through the crawlspace wall. But with these measures in place, your crawlspace will be kept secure against moisture, which can benefit both your house structure and your air quality.
It may seem like a crack in your basement floor or a little humidity in the crawl space is okay to overlook, but these are both signs of moisture threatening to invade your home, or it’s already in the process. When moisture is allowed to enter your lower-level and wreak havoc, it can lead to further problems such as:
Preventing moisture from entering your lower level not only saves your home from damage, but it also benefits your health, wellbeing, and comfort. Allowing any of these problems to take place can lead to additional costs to repair and return your home to normal.
With the global climate changing, the way that rain comes and goes is also changing. As reported by USA Today in January 2022, in regions “East of the Rockies, more rain is falling, and it’s coming in more intense bursts.” Heavier rain seasons in certain parts of the United States are becoming more commonplace, and many of those regions are not properly prepared. The same USA Today article mentions that “a dozen states, including Iowa, Ohio and Rhode Island, saw five of their 10 wettest years in history over the past two decades”.
With many states experiencing unprecedented amounts of rain, it is more important than ever to be prepared for that water eventually finding its way to the soil around your home. By having your basement or crawl space properly waterproofed, you can help keep all that water moving out and away from your home, giving you a better chance at protecting your home’s lower level from groundwater intrusion.
Since 1958, ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing has been helping homeowners like you keep moisture out of their lower levels, so that their homes can remain safe, dry, and healthy places to be. With over 60 years of experience in developing the quality products and honest methods that we use today, you can rest assured that we’ll keep groundwater moving out and away from your home, keeping your lower level dry and helping preserve the value of your home against water-related damages to your foundation and lower-level space. Give us a call today to schedule for a free inspection of your foundation and lower-level space. We’ll be happy to provide you with a detailed cost estimate and answer any questions you may have!
People haven’t just made the planet hotter. We’ve changed the way it rains.
Interior basement waterproofing is our specialty at ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing. Since 1958, we have continually improved on our ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing Basement Waterproofing System and our waterproofing methods, remaining a company that people can rely on for quality products and honest methods. Since our founding over 60 years ago, we’ve helped countless homeowners keep their basements dry for many years.
Our basement waterproofing services begin with a comprehensive waterproofing inspection. A trusted and knowledgeable ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing representative will come to your home and perform a multipoint inspection of your basement and the area surrounding your home, looking to pinpoint the source of groundwater intrusion. Once we’ve found the source, we’ll provide a detailed estimate, and offer to install our ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing Basement Waterproofing System. This system is backed by one of the best warranties in the industry, so you can rest assured that your investment will be protected.
We like to say that we’re experts at interior basement waterproofing, but don’t just take our word for it. We have an excellent reputation for providing premium-quality basement waterproofing solutions, and we’re proud to display the many testimonials that we’ve received from our happy customers.
If you would like more information on interior basement waterproofing, contact your nearest ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing location today. One of our helpful representatives will be happy to assist you and answer any questions you have!
You may have an untapped source of income under your house. Did you know that your basement could be made into an apartment?
Yes indeed, when it’s finished, safe and comfortable, your basement could become an apartment that enables you to collect a steady—and substantial—rental income.
But this income could vanish in an instant if your basement were to flood.
Though your foundation walls and floor are made of concrete, even the strongest building materials can give way to the powerful force water produces.
When it rains, water soaks into the soil around your home. Some of the water may come to rest against your foundation and begin to build as the water table rises. Once the water meets your foundation, the water creates what’s known as hydrostatic pressure.
The pressure can cause groundwater to seep through the cold joints of your foundation and infiltrate your basement. Meanwhile, moisture may penetrate the foundation’s porous concrete, adding to the humidity in the basement. Hydrostatic pressure can lead to a variety of problems:
As you can imagine, these kinds of problems could leave a basement apartment swamped with water and moisture, and/or damage the home’s structure. In both cases, the basement is unsuitable as an apartment.
A wet or damp basement can also lead to:
In addition to causing structural damage, the moldy environment can pollute your indoor air with allergens including mold spores and dust mite fecal particles. Individuals with mold allergies, respiratory illnesses, or a compromised immune system can become quite sick because of these allergens.
While there’s no way to block out 100% of the water and moisture, your basement can be made livable with an interior basement waterproofing system that directs water away from your home.
At a minimum, an interior waterproofing system involves:
Depending on the situation, there may be a need for additional components such as dehumidifiers, moisture vapor barriers, and rigid sealers.
An interior waterproofing system features drainage channels installed either on or beside the footer at the perimeter of your basement’s interior. The drainage channels capture water as it comes to meet your foundation and guides the groundwater towards a sump pit where a sump pump dispenses it through the discharge pipe to a safe distance from your home.
This whole process will reduce the hydrostatic pressure on your foundation. In turn, this lowers the chances of groundwater intrusion and invasive moisture.
After putting a robust, long-term waterproofing system in place, you’ll be all set to create an apartment-style living space. Next steps include flooring, drywall, carpentry, and anything else you may need to set up a basement apartment.
’58 Foundations & Waterproofing has been protecting basements against the effects of groundwater intrusion and moisture since 1958.
For your peace of mind, we offer an industry-leading life-of-the-structure warranty and a money-back guarantee to back our work. We take pride in the more than 2,000 positive online reviews we’ve earned, and we’ve even won the Torch Award for Ethics from the Better Business Bureau.
’58 Foundations & Waterproofing goes beyond just being a basement waterproofing contractor—we’re the waterproofing company that homeowners love. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and to receive a zero-obligation cost estimate.
Rental incomes are sourced from the “World Population Review” website.
If your home features a sump pump in your basement or crawl space, it’s important to check on it regularly to ensure it’s working properly—especially prior to any local storm seasons. A sump pump failure in the middle of a storm can mean a wet basement, a flooded crawl space, and water damage to any stored belongings in your lower level. At ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing, we perform an extensive sump pump check-up that includes not only the mechanics of the pump itself, but of the discharge line, the joints in the line, the check valve, the electrical, and much more. If you’d like to have us perform a system maintenance check, you can always contact us whether you have our system or not. We service all sump pump makes and models.
Below, you’ll learn how to tell if your sump pump is working. This is so you can be assured that your system is operating smoothly when you need it most.
In the following disclaimer, this is so we can ensure the integrity of our systems. But if you have another system without a warranty or used a company without a service department, then we’ve simplified how you can check to see if your sump pump is working.
Disclaimer:
The act of taking apart and testing your sump pump can create problems for your system. We DO NOT recommend that you service your own sump pump system, and instead hire a professional.
WARRANTY NOTICE: If you have a ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing sump pump system, YOU WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY if you perform your own service or maintenance on the system.
To effectively test your sump pump, it’s important to first check your entire system for any clogs or blockages. Before getting started, be sure to have these basic tools and safety equipment handy:
Before testing your sump pump, inspect your pump’s drainage channels. Also check the outlet at the end of your pump’s discharge line. The discharge line is the pipe that carries water from your pump away from your foundation. Once located, be sure the drains and lines are not clogged from dirt, debris, sediment, or plant matter. If a clog or blockage is found, promptly remove it.
Just like your sump pump’s drainage channels, discharge line, and discharge outlet can become clogged, your sump pump and sump pit can also become dirty or clogged. After you locate your sump pump and sump pit in your basement or crawl space, be sure to unplug the pump from its electrical outlet before beginning your inspection.
With all power cut off, you can disconnect the pump from the discharge line and remove it from the pit. But be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses, as this can get messy. Also, be sure not to pull on any pipe connections/joints on the discharge line such as T’s or elbows that are glued together. This could cause current or future leaks at these joints. If your pump is raised with bricks or another type of base material, be sure to remove them, as well. Now that the pump and base materials are out of the pit, closely inspect them with a high-powered flashlight.
If the sump pump has dirt, sludge, or sediment build-up (especially near the screen or small opening where water enters the pump), safely transport it outdoors (e.g., inside a bucket or tarp to prevent tracking debris through your home) and clean it off using your garden hose or a scraping tool, if needed.
Note: Do not use any chemicals to clean your sump pump or sump pit. Water is the safest and most efficient way to clean them.
With your pump and pump base materials clean, you can now inspect your sump pit using your flashlight. If it has any standing water and you can’t see the bottom of the sump pit, be sure to use a wet/dry shop vacuum to remove it first. Then, take a close look at the basin of the pit, as well as the inlet of your pump’s discharge line. If there is any sludge build-up, scoop it out and place it in a trash bag or bucket for disposal.
Once your sump pump, sump pit, discharge line, and discharge outlet are clear and free from debris or clogs, you can begin the actual testing process. First, reinstall your sump pump by placing it back into the sump pit and reconnecting it to the discharge line. Make sure all connections and clamps are tight. Then, you can plug its electrical cord back into its outlet.
Using any nearby water supply, fill up a clean, empty bucket with enough water to fill the basin in your sump pit and trigger the float switch. Once the float switch is triggered and the pump kicks on, watch closely as water is pumped away to ensure it exits the basin efficiently. After the pumping cycle is complete, the sump pump should turn itself off. Repeat this process a second time to confirm the pump is activating and working properly.
We advise not lifting a float or manually activating a pump without water. These are not viable testing methods. The sump pump may kick on and have an audible sound, but it is possible that it would not actually pump water.
With water testing a pump you can also see the pump flow rate, this can be an indicator that the pump is at the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. A low flow rate due to a worn pump can result in the pump being overwhelmed in a rain event.
Taking apart and testing your sump pump can cause problems for your system. We recommend hire a professional to service your sump pump system.
If you’re having a difficult time testing your sump pump—or your sump pump keeps running or is not working properly during your tests—the professionals at ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing can help.
As one of the only companies to offer a maintenance program for sump pumps and basement waterproofing systems (even if you did not purchase your sump pump through us), we can help you keep your sump pump running efficiently all year long. Our team recommends annual testing and maintenance of your sump pump system to keep it in optimal working condition.
If you’re a ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing customer, we have an annual maintenance program to service your system. If you have another system, and it is no longer under warranty, we can help! We service all makes and models of all sump pumps.
If your current sump pump isn’t working properly or unable to expel water away from your home, you might need to replace it with a new one. Fortunately, ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing has tested numerous makes and models of sump pumps—meaning we only offer the most reliable, long-lasting, and durable pumps and pump liners available.
In addition, we can help you select the correct pump with the right amount of horsepower for your unique situation, as well as equip you with a backup sump pump system that keeps your home protected should your main system fail for any reason.
Keeping your basement or crawl space dry is crucial to the health and safety of your home. Excess moisture in your lower level can cause problems including mold, wood rot, and water damage. To prevent costly repairs, it’s important to ensure your sump pump system works when you need it most.
Reach out to ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing today to schedule a sump pump inspection or to learn more about the sump pumps and maintenance plans we offer.
So, you’ve decided to have your basement waterproofed and equipped to keep water out and away from your home. But along with having drainage channels in place to guide water to a collection site, now you’ll need to install a sump pump to get that collected water moving out and off your premises. Let’s take a dive into how to prepare for and how to install a sump pump in your basement!
To prepare yourself, make sure you have the following tools to complete the job: an electric drill, a hammer, a pipe cutter, and drill bits. You may also want to have a sledgehammer on hand, just in case. Then will come the need for materials. You’ll need the following materials to ensure that your sump pump is properly placed and installed…
Now that you’re properly equipped and have the right supplies, let’s get to putting together your sump pump!
Your sump pump will need to be powered, and so should be located near a GFCI (Ground Fault Interrupter Outlet). But if you can’t find a suitable place that’s near an outlet, consult with a certified electrician to have an outlet installed. Once that’s been taken care of, you now have the general site for your sump pump.
Next, you’ll want to dig out your sump pit. This is where water will be collecting, and the sump pump will begin moving that water out. Based on the measurements of your sump pump, dig a hole that is six inches deeper and 10 inches wider than the sump pump.
Add around 2 to 3 inches of gravel to the bottom of the sump pit you’ve made before topping it with a fieldstone to provide a stable platform for the sump pump to sit. Alternatively, you could fill in more gravel until it leaves one or two inches of the sump pump exposed. One way or another, this will ensure that your sump pump remains stable.
You’ll now need to attach the male adapter to the PVC discharge pipe before fitting it into the female adapter of the sump pump. You’ll want to make a hole about six inches above the pump in the discharge pipe, using a ¼ inch drill—this is to create a weep hole, so that water can flow back into the pump when it turns off. This will keep it primed and ready for operation.
With the wire ties, attach the sump pump’s electrical cord to the discharge pipe. On the open end of the discharge pipe, install your check valve. Make sure the sump pump, the discharge pipe, and the check valve are all installed and secure before moving onto the next step.
With the pressurized fittings you have and PVC pipes, set up your channels so that they will guide the water to the exit point out of your home. Use the J Hooks to help support the PVC pipes and hold them up.
Now is time to make a hole in the wall for your PVC pipe to go out of the house. This is where a hammer may be necessary. Make sure the pipe continues going at least four feet away from the house.
Once you have the PVC pipe going through the hole in the wall, use silicone sealant to seal the hole around the pipe. This will secure the pipe and keep your lower level safe from outside air and debris coming in.
At the end of the PVC pipe, attach an increaser to spread out the water flow. Then, attach a corrugated pipe to the end of the PVC pipe to further guide the water out and disperse it away from your home. Be sure to add gravel around the corrugated pipe to keep it stable and in place.
It’s time to plug in your sump pump and place a cover over your sump pit. Now you have a presentable and fully functioning sump pump that’s ready to keep that groundwater out of your lower level and safely away from your home!
Now that you know how to install a sump pump system, if you would prefer to have an expert help, you can always count on the experienced professionals at ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing! Most waterproofing solutions aren’t designed to last for a very long time. But with over 64 years of experience, ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing can provide the waterproofing solution your basement or crawlspace needs—one that’ll work effectively and last for years on end! From our Channel ’58 drainage channels to our Workhorse sump pumps with battery backup options, you can rest assured that ’58 has the guaranteed results you need to regain the peace of mind that you deserve. You can enjoy your basement or crawlspace without the worry of when there’s a heavy rain coming through
Along with basement and crawlspace waterproofing, ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing also offers its expertise in foundation repair, crawlspace encapsulation, and mold removal. No matter how water and moisture is affecting your foundation and lower level, we can help you find a comprehensive solution to your problem.
We have local offices all throughout the Eastern Seaboard! Whether you live near Marietta, GA, Chattanooga, TN, Winston-Salem, NC, or Baltimore, MD, there’s a ’58 team of experts to help you!
Give us a call today to schedule for a free sump pump inspection and a detailed estimate!
We respect your privacy. By submitting, you authorize '58 Foundations and Waterproofing to reach you via call, email or text for information about your project needs. We will never share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. You can opt out at any time. Message/data rates may apply. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Privacy Policy