Tips on Choosing Basement Waterproofing and Foundation Repairs Specialists in Edmonton

Basement Waterproofing and Foundation Repairs Explained

There are a few common problems that a lot of buildings have. Basement and foundation issues are a few examples. For the basement, certain waterproofing elements are incorporated during the construction of the building. These additions are to ensure that water does not seep into the basement from the outside. Learn more about basement waterproofing here.

The basement is usually below ground level which makes this waterproofing process quite necessary. However, for different reasons including passage of time, this waterproofing could degrade resulting in leakages that leave the basement wet. When this happens, basement waterproofing will be required.

There are a number of methods that can be employed in treating this type of problem. These include: interior wall and floor sealers, interior water drainage, exterior drainage, exterior waterproofing coatings, box type water proofing, foundation crack injection and more.

The method that will be chosen in each case will depend on the type of problem being treated.

For the foundation, different factors can affect it such that it develops a problem. This could start from a faulty design to issues that have to do with the location, weather, soil type etc. Some of the common foundation problems a building can have include: settling, upheaval, cracks and fractures, shifting piers and more. These will manifest in different ways in a building.

When an expert takes a look, they can decide which method will be best for the foundation repair. Some examples include: helical piers, push piers, slab piers, wall anchors, carbon fiber strips and others. Get a much fuller description of these and other methods here: https://inspectapedia.com/structure/Foundation_Repair_Methods.php.

Signs that Show You Need to Call in the Cavalry

How do you know when to call in the repair company to come have a look at your foundation or basement?

1.       If you notice that your basement has water marks. This shows that moisture is penetrating somehow.

2.       If your basement is infected with mold or mildew. These organisms love wet and dank locations. If they are present, then moisture has to be present or they won’t survive.

3.       Constantly having a pool of water on the floor of your basement can be a sign of water finding its way through the walls or foundation.

4.       Cracks on your basement walls need immediate attention. Even if you cannot see any water leakages, these cracks are channels that they may soon begin to flow in from.

5.       Take a look at the walls of your basement. Does any part of it look bowed? It could look like a bulge or an inward curve, either way, it calls for the attention of a professional.

6.       Are the floors of the house cracked or uneven? It could be indicative of a problem with the foundation of the house. You should have it checked out.

7.       Have you suddenly discovered that your windows and doors are more difficult to shut or open? Maybe the doors drag on the floor and even get stuck, requiring that you attempt to lift it before you can shut it. If you notice any of these in your home, then you may have some foundation issues on your hands.

8.       If you have noticed gaps around your doors and window frames, the same thing that caused the doors and windows to drag and shut or open with difficulty maybe the culprit here.

9.       Are your cabinets and cupboards suddenly pulling off the wall? This could be an indication of a misalignment arising from some movement in the foundation.

10.   If you notice that the ground outside your home is looking higher than it used to, your house may be sinking or settling more than it is expected to. You should most certainly have it checked out.

Now, the above are a few signs that can tip you off to the need to call for help. Even without seeing any of these signs, it is a good idea to have professionals give your home a look over for foundational or basement issues. You can do this once or twice a year.

Choosing the Right Company

If I decide that I need to call in the cavalry today to help me fix my foundation and basement problems, how do I get started?

This is not actually as difficult as it may first appear. A good way to begin is by asking around for referrals. Do you know anyone around you who has dealt with any foundation and basement repair company? If you do, then they can make recommendations especially if their experience was a lovely one.

Be sure to focus your search on local companies. Some of the factors that affect your foundation have to do with the soil type among other localized factors. If I were in Edmonton, Alberta, I will certainly go for a local company. You can check their websites online like ramco.ca to know which one is near your area. By doing so, you will be able to get an expert who understands the local terrain and can therefore get to the root of the problem much faster.

You should also consider the reputation of the company. What do people say about them? Are their past customers happy with their work? Aside from the quality of their work, how do they relate with their customers?

You may also want to find out if they are insured and what guarantees they are willing to offer for any job they carry out. Finally, check their cost and compare with any other estimates you may have gotten. You should only go with a company that offers you the best value for your money.