 |
Basement Wall Repair |
Categories
- Air Duct Cleaning
- Appliances and Repair
- Audio/Video
- Awnings
- Basement Wall Repair
- Basement Waterproofing
- Blinds and Drapery
- Brick Pavers
- Carpet Cleaning
- Chimney Repair
- Closet, Room and Garage Organizers
- Commercial Heating and Cooling
- Concrete Drive & Sidewalks
- Concrete Staining, Stamping & Glazing
- Concrete and Masonry
- Consumer Protection
- Countertops
- Deck Stains and Wood Preservers
- Electrical
- Flooring
- Furniture Cleaning & Polishes
- Furniture Repair
- Generators and Backup Power
- Heating and Cooling
- Home Equity Loans
- Home Inventory
- Insulation
- Kitchen and Bath
- Landscaping and Design
- Leather Restoration
- Metal Roofs and Siding
- Mortgages
- Other Great Resources
- Paint
- Painting
- Patio Paver Sealants
- Plumbing
- Remodeling and Building
- Roof Cleaning and Stain Prevention
- Roof Ventilation
- Roofing and Siding
- Tools and Equipment
- Windows and Doors
What are the factors I should look when hiring a waterproofing contractor?
1. Get more than 1 estimate.
2. Pricing with different companies is as different as night and day.
3. If you feel pressured, that’s not a good sign.
4. Are they licensed?
5. Proper insurance coverage Workman’s Comp, Liability & Auto.
6. Should provide a written estimate.
7. What organizations or certifications do they belong to or possess. For example look for a certified waterproofing and structural repair contractors through National Association & Waterproofing & Structural Repair Contractors and Basement Technologies. They are certified in concrete and structural repair through World of Concrete and Fortress Carbon Fiber Stabilization. I know Concrete and Waterproofing Solutions is also certified by Delta and Advance Coatings in exterior waterproofing and air gap technologies.
I have white chalky stuff on my basement wall, what is it?
It is called efflorescence. Concrete is made of sand, stone and lime cement. When moisture leeching into the wall causes a breakdown of the bond between the cement and the aggregate it forms as efflorescence on the surface of the wall. Easy to clean. - Murray
What is the difference between an interior sub-floor system and an exterior drainage system on a block wall?
An interior sub-floor system allows water to travel through the hollow blocks on a block wall, so in effect you are using your block wall as plumbing. Also, on any type of wall with a drain tile failure an inside sub-floor system can actually increase hydrostatic pressure on the wall by forcing the water to work its way around the footings to get into the system. - Murray
Murray now you got me tkinking, is it enough to install carbon fiber vertically on a bowed block wall or not?
As with other problems sometimes more extensive repairs may be required, like pinning the bottom blocks to keep them from sliding or anchoring the top blocks back to the deck of your house with some form of top wall support. This will have to determined at the time of inspection. - Murray
Some companies recommend steel beams, some recommend earth anchor and others recommend carbon fiber what’s the difference?
Steel beams do a good job of anchoring the wall, if installed correctly, but will allow the wall to bow more (6%) before they go into tension.
Earth anchors only grab a certain section of the wall and usually only extend out 15 feet from the house. In my opinion, this is using the same soil pushing on the house to try and hold the wall. This is not an effective repair, unless it is used on a retaining wall where there are few other options.
Carbon fiber strapping is highly effective and cosmetically appealing. It does call for making holes through the wall. It goes into tension at 1% and won’t be an eyesore when you sell your home. However, if the wall is very badly decayed none of these repair options is a good one and the wall may have to be replaced. The best company to install this very special product is Concrete and Waterproofing Solutions (866) 515-9196
What is the proper spacing for wall reinforcement?
The spacing depends on wall thickness, backfill height and wall height. The manufacturer recommends a maximum of 4 feet on center. The American Concrete Institute Tolerances states that spacing should be no greater than 4 x the thickness of the wall. - Murray
I have a leaking basement with block walls and it is finished. Must I remove the walls to have it waterproofed from the inside?
It is highly recommended for several reasons:
1.) You need to check for mold and mildew behind the surface and on the insulation.
2.) The contractor can not address the wall area effectively in the blind.
3.) The concrete may not be packed all the way back to the wall and will result in a moist environment for bugs, mold and smells that come from under the floor.
Is urethane better than epoxy for a crack repair?
In my opinion the answer is No! Although urethane is a great water stop, it will still allow the wall to move as separate pieces. This creates a sand paper effect that eventually may compromise the repair. Also, since it doesn’t arrest wall movement it could lead to future structural problems and huge repair bills. - Murray
I have a crack in my poured concrete wall, what type of repair is best?
There are many from which to choose, it depends on a list of criteria, accessibility, size of crack, cause of crack, etc. As a general rule we prefer epoxy injection with carbon fiber stapling. This repair is done from the inside, returning the wall to its original design, waterproofed and structurally sound. This repair is generally cheaper than an excavation. - Murray
Why do some contractors drill holes in the bottom blocks when installing an interior sub-floor system?
I asked Stan Marko at Concrete and Waterproofing Soutions this question, he said the theory is that it will help the system function by letting the water drain from the block wall. The reality is that the water is leaking out of the wall already. That’s why you called a waterproofer in the first place!! By drilling holes in the block, you may initially evacuate the water faster, but you also allow silt and other impurities into the system and over time clogging the system. - Murray
I have a block wall and there is water coming out at the wall floor seam and the wall is stained in several areas. Did my drain tiles fail?
Probably not, about 90% of the time the water is entering the block and since it is hollow core the water just falls to the bottom and comes out at the floor level. - Murray
I’ve never had a problem with water in my basement, Then all of the sudden the wall floor seam started leaking during a heavy rain. What do I do? or better yet, who do I call?
First, call a plumber and have him check your storm trap, it is probably clogged. This would make the whole system back up at the same time. Second, if the plumber does not find anything, you can have your drain tiles tested by a competent waterproofer like Stan Marko at Concrete Waterproofing Solutions at. (866) 515-9196 - Murray
Could a leak in one spot in my basement mean my drain tile has failed?
No! Most times a localized leak does not represent a drain tile failure.
I have a leak in a corner of my basement, it is a block wall and has a stain on the wall. What can I do to try and stop the leak?
First check to make sure that if there is a downspout on that corner and that the water actually runs away from the house. If not, install the proper extension and make sure to check the grade and that a low spot has not developed at the corner. Also, be sure the gutter isn’t clogged and spilling over. - Murray
Ask Murray...
For years, Metro Detroit has relied on Murray Gula and his firsthand knowledge of home improvement. Now Murray has brought together a team to help you with your home improvement problems. To find someone who can help, select a category from the list on the left, or click here to ask Murray a question!
