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| A solid foundation is something that every home needs. If a home's foundation fails and it is no longer waterproof, extensive damage can result to the home and its contents. Immediate action must be taken to resolve all water and moisture issues. This is where hiring a professional foundation contractor is vital. These professionals can correct damaged walls, footings, improper grading, poorly installed window wells, and all other foundation problems so that you can enjoy a dry, functional and structurally sound basement living space. |
| The best approach to permanently resolve foundation problems is to (1) excavate the foundation; (2) apply needed waterproofing to the exterior walls; and (3) improve the foundation drainage. The following pictures show professional foundation contractors doing just that. |
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| The backfill surrounding the home first needs to be excavated to expose the exterior foundation walls. |
The walls should then be scrubbed clean and thoroughly rinsed. Large holes should be packed with hydraulic cement. |
The same water proofing cement can then be used to parge the walls to create a water tight seal. |
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| Any walls with extensive deterioration can be reinforced with concrete by building forms. |
This is also the time to check and upgrade the weeping tiles and the foundation drainage system. |
A peel and stick rubber-asphalt membrane, like Bituthene, should then be adhered to pre-primed walls. |
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| Next, a plastic foundation waterproofing membrane, also called an air-gap membrane, can be attached to the wall with the plugs, clips or nails provided by the manufacturer. Delta MS is a great example of a foundation waterproofing membrane. |
Proper drains need to be installed at each window and these should be tied into the weeping tiles. To allow for proper drainage the weeping tiles need to be surrounded and covered with graded aggregate or gravel. |
Contractors can then backfill the foundation, compacting the soil as they go. Window wells should be encased in a material that won't allow water to pour in from the surrounding soil. The wells should also allow enough room for escape through egress windows. |
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Window wells should extend 4 inches above the ground and be 8 inches below the window frame.
Local building codes will determine the minimum dimensions for egress window wells. |
This diagram shows the two layers of waterproofing that go over newly applied hydraulic cement, as well as improved drainage. This water proofing system allows surface water to flow to the weeping tiles and away from the sealed basement walls. |
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| Sump pumps are necessary in some basement applications. A sump pump is a pump that is placed in a pit or 'sump' hole made at the lowest point of the basement. There are different kinds of sump pumps, including pedestal and submersible. If there is a flood, leak or drainage backup a sump pump will minimize or even eliminate costly repairs. A water level activated switch automatically turns the pump on when water enters the sump hole. A basement professional will be able to determine whether or not your basement would benefit from having a sump pump, and if so where it should be installed. |
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| Get your basement waterproofing done right with the help of our professional foundation contractors! |
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| Need more work done on your home? Try our other services: |
BetterLandscapers.com - BetterRoofers.com - BetterContractors.com - BetterDrivewayPaving.com
BetterPainters.com - BetterPlumbers.com - BetterPatioBuilders.com |
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| Over 98% of consumers recommend the service to friends and family. |
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