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They’re both unwanted, and they both can cause problems when they show up. Some may use the terms mold and mildew interchangeably, but the truth is they are actually quite different! Mold and mildew are both types of fungi and they both love moist and damp areas. But their behaviors, traits, and appearance set them apart. Let’s take a look into how they differ from each other, so that you can better identify them and understand what’s needed to get rid of them. This can help you protect your home!
When figuring out how to tell the difference between mildew and mold. Sometimes it can be determined with a careful look. Upon closer inspection, you might notice there’s a distinct difference between how mold and mildew typically look in a home:
Mold and mildew also smell different. If you’re catching a whiff of something musty like wet socks, then you probably have a case of mildew. Mold, on the other hand, has a stronger smell.
Not all fungi live and grow the same. Mildew and mold have different ways of establishing themselves on an object. Mildew tends to remain flat on a surface—it likes to grow on the surface of objects and remain at that level. Meanwhile, mold likes to burrow deep into the material of where it’s growing. This affects how easy or hard it may be to get rid of the mold or mildew. Since mildew remains on the surface of objects, it’s fairly easy to get rid of. But since mold likes to dig deep into the places it grows, it can be a bit of a pain to remove.
While both mildew and mold can cause health problems for you or your loved ones, the difference is in what each can do. Here are the different symptoms caused by mildew and mold:
There are similarities between the two, but mold can potentially cause further health complications. Both are serious enough that you would want to take care of them before the problem gets worse. Should you spot mildew or mold, be sure to have it removed as soon as possible.
Since mildew lives exclusively on the surface of an object, it can be removed handily with household cleaners and a thorough scrubbing. This is not the same for mold, however. Since mold likes to dig deep into the object it’s growing on, it can be very stubborn to truly get rid of. Bleach or a specialized mold removal product might do the job. However, there’s a good chance that you will need a mold remediation expert to take care of your mold problem.
If you attempt to remove the mildew or mold on your own, it is highly recommended that you wear a face mask and even eye protection if possible. This is for your safety and to avoid any potential allergic reactions. To ensure your safety and to make sure that the job gets done completely, consider contacting a mold expert to take care of the mildew or mold problem.
Since 1958, ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing has been helping people keep their basements and crawlspaces dry, so that mold doesn’t have the chance to gain a foothold in their lower levels. But when mold manages to find its way into a damp basement or crawlspace, our experts have the expertise to properly take care of your mold problem. With ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing on your side, your home can remain free of hazardous mold! Give us a call today to learn about how we can help keep your lower levels dry and protected against moisture-loving mold. If you have an existing mold problem, we’ll be happy to provide a free mold removal inspection along with a detailed estimate on our mold solutions!
Does your crawl space get wet, damp, or musty? There’s a good chance that your crawl space is experiencing moisture problems. Originally, crawl spaces were designed to separate your living space from soil moisture.
Unfortunately, the old thinking about crawl spaces and their open vents that would allow moisture to escape out was incorrect. These open vents, dirt floor and porous concrete walls only created extra access for moisture to enter. Crawl spaces became traps for water and moisture – leading to moisture-related problems. These problems can extend from the crawl space to your home. But, with the help of a crawl space vapor barrier and sealed vents, you have a protective shield against invasive moisture.
The question is, what type of vapor barrier should your crawl space be sealed with? In this post, your local crawl space encapsulation experts at ’58 will answer that for you!
There are several types of vapor barriers – which also vary in thickness. These types are generally categorized as Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 vapor barriers.
Class 1 vapor barriers measure at 0.1 perm or less, offering the highest level of moisture resistance.
Class 2 vapor barriers measure at 1.0 perm or less but greater than 0.1 perm, providing moderate resistance.
Class 3 vapor barriers measure at 10 perm or less but greater than 1.0 perm, providing the least moisture blocking.
Perm is a vapor barrier’s measurement of permanence. The lower the perm, the better the vapor barrier is at keeping moisture from getting through.
Class 1 is the best vapor barrier for crawl spaces, as it offers the highest resistance possible. Class 1 vapor barriers are especially recommended in areas with high humidity or frequent rainfall, as they deliver the greatest protection.
Moreover, the vapor barrier must be thick enough to withstand wear and tear. A torn vapor barrier in a crawl space is like not having a vapor barrier at all. So yes, the Class 1 category is usually considered the best!
However, the selection of a vapor barrier class depends on the specific conditions of your crawl space. In this respect, having an expert inspect your crawl space and make recommendations is beneficial.
Safety should always be a priority. When it comes to fire safety, focus on the classification of fire ratings. Look for a vapor barrier with a Class A fire rating. The rating shows that the barrier has undergone testing for flame resistance. This way, you can rest assured that an extra protective layer has been added, in case a fire breaks out.
Some homeowners encapsulate their crawl space with a big-box-store vapor barrier. But often, these vapor barriers are either:
1- Not thick enough and tear easily.
2- Don’t offer the proper perm rating to protect a crawl space from moisture.
Having an experienced local crawl space encapsulation contractor with you means:
1- Your crawl space will be perfectly sealed, keeping that troublesome moisture away.
2- You get vapor barriers that are thick and tough.
Such are the local crawl space encapsulation systems you can get from ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing. With us, your crawl space will be more than just safe and dry, meaning you can turn that extra space into anything you want!
Since 1958, ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing has been offering five-star local crawl space encapsulation services for communities in the eastern U.S., from Knoxville, TN, and Baltimore, MD to Atlanta, GA, and Spartanburg, SC. Our crawl space encapsulation system offers a comprehensive solution:
- Class A Fire-Rated for the highest level of fire safety.
- Availability of the most high-performing combo in vapor barriers i.e., 20-mil thick for the floor and 90-mil thick for the walls.
- Vent fans, specially designed to comply with the vapor barrier code requirement. This translates to proper airflow for a sealed crawl space – creating a healthier indoor environment for your home.
- Along with high-quality vapor barriers, our Energy-Star Rated HumidiGuard crawl space dehumidifier maintains your crawl space’s environment, keeping moisture down to a more optimal level.
With thousands of five-star reviews for our services, it’s easy to see why ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing has been in business for over 65 years! And for your added peace of mind, you get a life-of-the-structure warranty and the industry-unique money-back guarantee!
We have local offices throughout the Eastern Seaboard. Whenever you need help with crawl space encapsulation, you can always count on us!
Call us or fill out this short form to schedule a free inspection and price quote! We use a fixed price sheet for every customer, so you won’t have to worry about any surprises.
It’s a part of the natural cycle of life. When trees fall and the wood dies, it needs a way to return to the earth and become soil once more: it rots away. Unfortunately, the same applies to the wood that we use to build our homes when exposed to the right conditions. Wood rot can come in two forms, wet rot and dry rot. While these two forms of wood rot have different ways of growing and spreading, they both have two things in common: they require moisture and they can compromise the strength of your home’s wooden structures.
Today, let’s take a dive into these two kinds of wood rot, how to identify it, and ultimately, what needs to be done to protect your home and get it fixed!
Wet rot refers to a species of fungus that eats wood, especially wood that is in buildings. The way that wet rot lives and grows is by using the moisture present in the wood and digesting nutrients contained in that wood. After it has consumed enough moisture and nutrients, the wet rot will begin creating and releasing spores into the air, so that those spores can land on other moist wood surfaces to begin the life cycle anew.
There are actually several species of fungus that make up wet rot, but they generally require a moisture content of about 50% for their spores to begin the process of taking root and growing.
Wet rot often happens in sites where a moisture problem has occurred and remains ongoing. Whether this is an external problem like invasive moisture coming through a foundation crack, or an interior one like leaks in your plumbing, wet rot will take advantage of it when that moisture begins soaking into nearby wood structures within your home. Here’s a list of examples of how wet rot can get the moisture it needs in your home:
There are a variety of symptoms that may signal wet rot setting into your home’s wooden structures. Here’s some of the most common signs of wet rot that you may encounter:
Different types of wood rot exhibit different signs and you may need a professional to help you accurately identify it so that the problem can be properly resolved.
There are several species of fungus that make up what’s called wet rot. In the United States, one of the most common species of wet rot fungus is cellar fungus, also known as Coniophora puteana. But these different species of wet rot fungus can be divided into two groups based on their appearance: white rot and brown rot. Let’s take a look at why:
The typical sites where wet rot occurs range from roofs and attics to cellars, crawlspaces, and basements. It can also show up in the wood of your window frames. But there are other parts of your home that wet rot could appear—if you have wooden structures that should become exposed to prolonged moisture elsewhere in the house, such as from a plumbing leak, wet rot will have a chance to appear just as well. In your crawlspace or basement, you’ll want to check the wooden support beams and the floor joists.
One way to test if you have wood rot is to use a screwdriver to test the timber in your home. With the screwdriver, press it against the timber where you suspect wood rot to be. If the screwdriver easily sinks into the wooden structure with little resistance, the wood has been affected by wood rot.
First and foremost, you should try finding out where the source of excess moisture is located. Once you’ve located and resolved the moisture problem, it’s time to find a wet rot treatment for the affected wood. There are also products such as wood preservatives or wood hardeners for wet rot situations but be sure to use a fungicide first to get rid of the wet rot fungus. Consider a fungicide product that uses borate or boric acid.
Should the wet rot be severe enough, however, then the wood may need a fungicide-treated replacement.
You should also consider preventative measures to protect your home from future moisture problems such as waterproofing and foundation repair. This can protect your cellars, crawlspaces, and basements from wet rot and the property damage it can cause.
While most brown rots are categorized as wet rots, there is a variety of brown rot fungi that cause what we know as dry rot. The reason for the term “dry rot” is because of how the fungi like Serpula lacrymans require less moisture than the other white and brown rots. While a wet rot fungus generally require a moisture content of around 50%, a dry rot fungus only requires around 20% to 30% moisture content to begin growth. Dry rot also gets its name from the appearance it gives the affected wood: dried and cracked.
Similar to wet rot, dry rot can be caused by excess moisture caused by some fault in your building’s construction. Here’s a list of common causes for dry rot:
During the early stages, dry rot may be hard to spot as their spores activate and begin to grow hyphae, white strands that penetrate into the wood like roots and begin breaking the lumber down. But when enough of these hyphae grow, eventually they will gather together until they become a visible mass known as mycelium. This is when you will likely first detect the presence of dry rot.
The dry rot mycelium will resemble something like a strange cotton-like substance on the wood. At this stage, it will begin to spread to further infiltrate and break down more wood for nutrition and growth.
Eventually, the dry rot will become a mushroom-like fruiting body that will begin producing new spores to release. This is when dry rot becomes the most obvious.
Throughout the process, the affected wood will likely show symptoms such as:
Dry rot can be found in a number of places in your home. So long as wood is present and enough moisture is available, dry rot can grow in your home’s walls, floors, and supports. For the lower levels in homes, dry rot can be found on floor joists such as those supporting a basement ceiling, and also on support beams like in a crawlspace. Dry rot is also capable of surviving and growing in masonry and plaster so long as enough moisture is present—this is why dry rot can be more troublesome than wet rot.
After dry rot has been detected, you’ll want to first determine the source of moisture that helped it grow in the first place. After addressing the moisture problem or problems, you’ll need to take these steps to free your home of dry rot:
Preventative measures should be taken to ensure that another moisture problem doesn’t occur that can cause dry rot to return. Consider speaking with a professional about waterproofing and foundation repair to prevent excess moisture from entering your home.
As the saying by Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus goes, “Prevention is Better Than Cure”. Having wood rot in your home can compromise the structural integrity of your home and result in costly repairs. As with many other species of fungi, wet rot and dry rot require moisture to activate their spores and grow. By controlling moisture in your home and preventing moisture-related problems, you’ll save yourself money and your home can remain free from wood rot for decades.
Whenever it rains, much of that water comes to rest against the sides of your home’s foundation. Should the hydrostatic pressure be too great, moisture can seep through your foundation, and cracks may even form. Foundation cracks can lead to greater leaks and more moisture invasion. Not only can it cause water damage to your foundation and lower level, but that excess moisture can make its way to the rest of your home and into the wooden structures, resulting in wood rot.
Here are some ways that you can fortify your home against invasive moisture and reduce the risk of wood rot:
Unfortunately, it’s not so easy. There’s no telling whether your home will be struck by wet rot or dry rot. Being prepared is the best you can do for your home. Due to their difference in moisture requirements, it is important to maintain proper moisture levels in your home to ensure that neither has the chance to take root and compromise your wooden structures. Treating your wooden structures with borate fungicide can prevent future wood rot from growing on the timber. As an added benefit, borate-treated wood also helps ward away termites in search of moist wood.
The reality is that fungi, especially wood rot fungi, will always be a factor in the lives of homeowners. They will always be a part of our world as one of the ruling groups of decomposers. Scientists around the world are still trying to better understand the precise ways that white rot and brown rot fungi interact with different types of wood. As concluded by a study on SpringerNature, “Understanding the moisture requirements of decay fungi is key for interpreting wood durability test data, for analyzing the protective mode of action of new wood protection systems and for accurate modeling of degradation processes and the resulting service lifetimes of wood products.”
One day, we may have the improved knowledge to build homes that can better ward off wood rot. Until then, it pays to be proactive in preventing wood rot from taking place at all.
The presence of fungi on our planet extends hundreds of millions of years before the dinosaurs. They will likely be here long after humans are gone. This also goes for wood rot fungi, as the environment provides more than ample means to survive. Wood rot plays a vital part in the circle of life. As explained on Energy.gov, “Lignin accounts for 30 percent of the organic carbon on Earth. Therefore, white-rot fungi—the most efficient lignin-degrading organisms—play a critical role in the movement of carbon from the atmosphere to organisms and vice versa.” But perhaps there is a way to go beyond just fighting wood rot as a potential peril of homeownership. Maybe we can make use of the way these fungi live.
On Phys.org, Energy.gov goes on to describe how brown rot fungi can serve practical purposes for our future, “Understanding the two-step mechanism could lead to new biotechnology approaches. With these approaches, scientists could turn wood cellulose into biofuels or bioproducts—efficiently and cost-effectively.” Wood rot fungi may play a role in our departure from an oil-based economy as science continues to learn more about them.
We are still researching into roles that wood rot fungi may play in our future and how we may better coexist with these fungal species. In the meantime, it doesn’t mean we have to let them wreak havoc in our homes.
Take action against invasive moisture so that wood rot fungi can do their job elsewhere, while you enjoy the safety and comfort of your home! At ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing, we offer foundation repair, crawlspace encapsulation, and basement waterproofing services. We also specialize in mold removal. It is our commitment to help homeowners like you enjoy a home free of moisture-related problems. With over 63 years of experience in the industry, you can rest assured that we’ll find your wood rot problem and have the solutions to make it go away.
Give us a call at (866) 485-6695 and we’ll have a specialist provide you with a basement waterproofing or crawlspace repair estimate and a free inspection!
Sources:
Hungry Fungi: White-Rot Fungi Eat All Components of the Wood They Decompose
Understanding How Brown Rot Fungi Degrade Wood Could Lead to New Tools for More Efficient Biofuel Production
https://phys.org/news/2017-02-brown-fungi-degrade-wood-tools.html
Wood-Water Relationships and Their Role for Wood Susceptibility to Fungal Decay
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00253-020-10479-1
So, you’ve had drainage channels laid down along the perimeter of your basement or your crawl space. Once installed, they should all be ready to begin guiding any surrounding groundwater to a collection point where the sump pump awaits. But what is a sump pump for? There needs to be something to help make sure the water moves away from your home, and not just flow back up into your lower level. That’s where the sump pump comes in. If you’re wondering “what is a sump pump and how does it work?” Read on to learn about a key part of any basement or crawl space waterproofing system.
A sump pump is installed in what’s called a sump pit, where water collects to be then pushed out and away from your house via a discharge pipe. Whether it’s during a heavy rain or when a lot of snow begins to melt, water starts to collect in your sump pit as they run around your lower level’s drainage channels. Once the water reaches a certain level, typically this is when your sump pump will go from stand-by to activation. The water gets pumped into the discharge pipe and from there it is pushed to a distant location away from your foundation and home. The aim is to get the water far enough from your home that it doesn’t return to erode your foundation. Including surrounding soil, and put further work on your sump pump. There are several kinds of sump pumps out there, which activate based on different conditions.
If you’re looking to waterproofing your basement or crawl space against the rainy and snowy weather in your area, investing in a sump pump can provide added protection and benefits that will both help your lower level as well as your wallet…
Depending on where you live, you ultimately may or may not need a sump pump. Some areas have climates with more humidity and moisture than others. Depending on your area’s unique climate, it might or might not be necessary. But getting an expert opinion can help you make a more educated choice. Here are some conditions that might make a sump pump necessary…
For many homeowners, their home is one of the greatest investments of time and money. The condition of their home can have a direct impact on their quality of life. This also includes the condition of the lower level of your home, whether it’s a basement or crawl space. Keep your basement or crawl space dry and free of groundwater to help ensure the longevity of your foundation, your lower level, and the rest of your home. Since 1958, ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing has been providing long-lasting waterproofing solutions for basements and crawl spaces just like yours.
We have local offices all throughout the Eastern Seaboard. Whether you live near Atlanta, GA, Baltimore, MD, or Winston-Salem, NC, there’s a team of ’58 experts ready to help.
Whether you need sump pump maintenance or your waterproofing system needs one of our high-power Workhorse sump pumps, you can always lean on ’58! We also offer our own Workhorse OT battery backup sump pump to keep your waterproofing working in the case of primary pump failure or a power outage. Give us a call today to schedule for a free inspection and to receive a detailed estimate! When we’re on the scene, you can say goodbye to groundwater troubles!
As a homeowner, dealing with a wet basement or a soggy yard after heavy rain can be a frustrating experience—especially when it leads to damaged belongings, mold growth , or a dead, muddy lawn. Fortunately, there’s a tried-and-true solution that can help keep your home and your landscaping dry: the French drain system.
If you’re wondering, “Why is it called a French drain?” the answer may surprise you. While the word “French” might evoke thoughts of eloquence, the truth is quite the opposite. Coined and popularized by Henry Flagg French in his book Farm Drainage (published in 1859), a French drain system features a sloped trench that is filled with gravel or rock and a perforated pipe. This system diverts surface water and groundwater away from a specific area—such as your foundation or an area with heavy landscaping. The water then runs to designated areas like drainage ditches or a low-lying area of your property.
If you’re new to the concept of French drain systems, this guide is here to help. Below, you’ll learn of the different circumstances when you might need one and how ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing can help.
Installing a French drain system can be beneficial if you’re constantly experiencing these problems after heavy rainfall:
Depending upon which of these problems you’re experiencing, there are two different types of French drain systems that can help. Let’s examine both the outdoor and indoor French drain systems.
The gutter system on your home collects rainfall from your roof and diverts that water away from your foundation. Similarly, an outdoor French drain system collects rainfall from the ground level to achieve the same goal. For example, if water pools in low spots throughout your yard, an outdoor French drain system would ensure this water drains and flows away to a designated area. Another example is if water is making its way through your foundation and into your basement. Rather than allowing groundwater to put hydrostatic pressure on your foundation and seep indoors, an outdoor French drain system can help reroute that water away from your foundation.
Outdoor French drain systems might work well to funnel water away from low-lying areas in your yard. But they aren’t a 100% effective or cost-efficient solution to fixing a leaky or moisture-prone basement. It requires a lot of effort to install an outdoor system to alleviate hydrostatic pressure around your foundation. You must remove a significant amount of the soil—as well as any decks, patios, driveways, or landscaping—that surrounds your foundation’s perimeter. This process typically requires heavy machinery and a great deal of labor, which can be extremely costly.
The drain lines of an outdoor system can also clog with silt over time. This reduces their ability to eliminate water pressure against your foundation. When an outdoor system needs to be repaired or unclogged, the whole system must be dug up and replaced. For this reason, outdoor French drain system warranties are typically much shorter than other basement waterproofing solutions.
To ensure a basement stays dry even after heavy rainfall, an interior French drain system should be installed. With an interior waterproofing system, drainage channels are installed along the perimeter of your basement, where your basement floor meets the walls. As rainwater seeps into the soil and the water table rises to meet the foundation, perforations along the length of these drainage channels capture the water. These drainage channels then guide any captured water to a sump pit where a sump pump is installed. As water reaches the sump pit, a float valve is triggered and turns on the sump pump. The sump pump then pushes the water through a discharge pipe where the water will be deposited safely away from your foundation. This type of indoor basement waterproofing solution actively works to push water out of your basement 24/7.
Since 1958, hundreds of thousands of homeowners have depended on ’58 to waterproof their basements. Compared to outdoor French drain systems, our interior basement waterproofing systems are more cost-efficient and effective in the long run. With products like our own specially-engineered Channel ’58 drainage channels and high-power Workhorse sump pump, you can move more water faster out of your house! What’s more, they do not require extensive digging around the exterior of your foundation.
For even more moisture prevention for homes with crawl spaces, our company also offers industry-leading crawl space encapsulation services. During the encapsulation process, our experienced team will seal all crawl space vents, as well as seal the ground, walls, and support columns with a 20-mil thick vapor barrier.
With over 64 years in the waterproofing business, ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing knows how to protect your home from moisture problems and groundwater intrusion. Call us today to schedule for a free inspection and to receive a detailed estimate!
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.
No home or building can stand against the forces of time and nature forever. For many homes out there, it can be a common occurrence to see a foundation wall begin to lean, bulge, or bow. This can happen to a foundation wall whether it is poured concrete, cinder block, or a brick wall. But many homeowners may see this as a problem with the wall instead of what outside influences may be affecting their foundation walls. Let’s investigate into what can cause your foundation walls to bow, lean, or bulge—and how it can be fixed!
The environment and the elements can have various effects on your foundation. These changes occur in the weather, the seasons, and even the natural features around your home. Here are some of the most common causes that can lead to bowing basement walls, foundation cracks, bulging walls, and other foundation wall problems.
Whether it’s due to the forces of nature or poor workmanship, it’s important to have your compromised foundation wall stabilized and repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage from occurring. Unfortunately, these kinds of problems never go away by themselves and only get worse with time. Fortunately, though, there are solutions to have your foundation wall fixed.
The short answer is yes! ‘58 Foundations & Waterproofing President, Todd Prosan, states that, “Bowed and bulging walls can be fixed, however time is of the essence. In the worst-case scenario, your leaning, bowing, or bulging wall can collapse, resulting in not just a heavily damaged foundation but a house that is structurally compromised and unsafe.”
How Do You Fix a Bowing Wall?
Here are some of the solutions that can help with repairing your bowing, leaning, or bulging wall.
- Carbon ’58 Wall Straps
- These work for cracked walls or foundation walls with deflections of less than 2 inches.
- Your foundation walls will need to be in relatively good condition. Carbon fiber straps can hold your foundation wall in place and keep it from further movement. But if the concrete is crumbling and falling apart, the carbon fiber straps will not be very effective. It is likely that any sections of deteriorating concrete will actually need to be replaced.
- ’58 Strong I-Beams
- For foundation walls with a deflection of 2 inches but no more than 4 inches, the ’58 Strong I-Beams can reinforce your foundation wall and put a stop to any further movement.
- Helical Tiebacks
- These may be the most expensive option, but sometimes they may be the required one. This is accomplished by having a screw-like steel shaft drilled through your foundation wall. This ultimately helps stabilize your foundation wall and restores its structural strength.
- Helical tiebacks will involve drilling through your foundation wall, which means making a possible way for groundwater intrusion if measures aren’t taken. The contractor doing the repairs will have those drill holes filled and sealed against water. But you will eventually need to have these areas maintained and repaired later to keep them properly sealed.
Our Carbon ’58 Wall Straps are perfect for stopping the movement of bowing or bulging foundation walls.
Don’t Wait to Fix Your Foundation Walls
When trouble comes to your foundation, time is of the essence. Bulging or bowing basement walls will get worse with time, and so will many foundation cracks. Intrusive groundwater and moisture from the outside can infiltrate your basement through these cracks. As moisture builds up, mold and wood rot may start growing on your basement’s ceiling floor joists. Excess moisture can also attract insect pests and rodents. Whether your basement is for storage or serves as a finished space, excess moisture or water means property damage.
Bulging, bowing, or leaning foundation walls can also be stabilized with our ’58 Strong I-Beams.
The condition of your foundation walls has a direct impact on the rest of your home and its structural integrity. From ensuring the safety of yourself and your loved ones to preventing catastrophic damage to your property, you should not hold off on repairing a foundation crack or a bowing wall once you’ve discovered it. The sooner you have it fixed, the better off your home and your wallet will be. ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing has been in the business since 1958. For over 60 years, we’ve been keeping foundations strong for years and years. Our expertise can’t be beat!
Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a stable foundation and a safe home. Give us a call today to schedule for a free foundation repair inspection and receive a detailed estimate for your foundation problem! Our experts will be happy to guide you through our foundation repair solutions and we’ll be happy to answer any questions!
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.
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