Posts Tagged ‘Waterproofing’

PostHeaderIcon Why You Should Address Foundation Waterproofing Before You Build

Foundation waterproofing ensures a drier and healthier usable living area. I have never encountered a wet basement, crawl space, or foundation condition that wasn’t capable of being resolved. Foundation waterproofing turns a basement into a dry, clean and odor free area that many people prefer over upstairs areas. Foundation waterproofing is a critical step in maintaining your home’s value and an important measure for preventing very serious damage. Usually done by professionals, foundation waterproofing is generally not recommended as a do-it-yourself project.


Foundation waterproofing should be addressed before any dwelling is built. Foundation waterproofing should be addressed before any home is built so that you can have piece of mind for years to come. Every year thousands of homeowners needlessly lose many thousands of dollars selling their home due to leaking basements. Sometimes and I mean sometimes just by dumping more dirt around the perimeter of your foundation it might stop the problem.


Foundation waterproofing systems are applied externally on the foundation walls, effectively preventing water penetration from seeping through the foundation. Foundation waterproofing is expensive and time-consuming, but handled this way, you can usually say good-bye to wet basement walls and floors. You can paint an emulsified tar solution over the foundation; asphalt felt may also be added. Foundation waterproofing is often confused with damp proofing. Damp proofing is a process which retards or slows water penetration into foundations. Damp proofing is usually performed by applying unmodified asphalt coatings to the foundation surfaces.


Basement walls can be coated with waterproofing felt or fabric coated with coal-tar pitch. This serves as an effective barrier against seepage. Basement waterproofing should begin outside your home. Look for areas that contribute to the collection of water next to your foundation. Basement wall cracks will only get more serious as they continue to swell and shrink with temperature and moisture as well, so they cannot be ignored indefinitely. This article reviews the strengths and weaknesses of home solutions as well as exterior waterproofing and offers a solution to basement wall crack repair.


Basements are closed areas so they are prone to high humidity conditions that lead to dampness and flooding. Depending on the severity of conditions you can have rot structural damage or premature paint nonstarter. Basements could leak for a pack of reasons. Check your gutters and down spouts for leaks and make sure all the earth is slanting away from the foundation. Basements can leak for a multitude of reasons. Chronic basement dampness can increase the potential for structural rot and wood boring bug infestation.


Basements can leak for a multitude of reasons. Some methods of foundation waterproofing can be a do it yourself job. Basements can outflow for a large number of reasons. Basic methods of foundation waterproofing include sump pump installation.


Foundation waterproofing resists water and freeze thaw cycles enabling it to protect foundations from water seepage. That means you will not have to deal with callbacks, and your builders won’t have to experience wet basement problems. J-Cote foundation waterproofing resists water and freeze thaw cycles enabling it to protect foundations from water seepage. A dry basement means fewer worries about mold and moister problems that could arise from an improperly or poorly waterproofed foundation.


As always just be sure to do your homework when trying to find the best contractor for the job. The lowest price is not always the best way to go and if you choose to make your final decision on just that fact, be prepared to be disappointed most of the time.

DiCicco Building Company has been a Michigan Remodeling contractor for over 20 years. We are also leaders in Egress Window Contractor along with being an award winning custom residential home builder. We also specialize in Finished Basements and home additions.

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PostHeaderIcon Foundation Repair or Waterproofing?

If you notice cracks or water leaks around your home, you may be having some foundation problems. This is a very dangerous situation because if your foundation is cracking, sinking, or shifting, it puts your whole house at risk. So, routinely check for any brick wall cracks or chimney cracks, drywall fractures and always look in your basement to see what your foundation is doing down there. If you notice any problems it’s best to address the situation immediately because there are solutions available.

When it comes to repairing a cracked foundation, whether it be sinking, bowing or leaking water, two words immediately come to mind – Foundation Repair & Waterproofing. What are the differences? Which one do I do? Which one do I do first? Which one is correct for my situation?

First, as always, contact a knowledgeable foundation inspector. This generally is a civil engineer, structural engineer or P.E., or certified foundation repair contractor. These are the experts that can diagnose your problem and give well founded advice on a course of action to resolve your foundation issues. They will walk through your home, inside and out, and analyze your situation and give you a written evaluation of the current extent of damage. With this information you will then be able to make a sound judgment on what steps are needed to maintain the original integrity of the structure.
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