"John and Miles were excellent workers. They were very polite and professional. The job they did supporting my sagging basement wall looks like it should take care of the problem. They placed steel plates against the basement wall, and also buried other ones out in the yard, and connected them with steel rods. Then they torqued them, which should prevent any further sagging of the wall."
Basement Waterproofing questions, answered by experts
Installing a bathroom in a basement isn’t a project for most homeowners. Many parts—plumbing, electricity, and carpentry—go into this project, each requiring expert-level knowledge and tools. One miscalculation can lead to very expensive repairs. Plus, some homeowner’s insurance might not pay for damages caused by a homeowner DIYing this project. You can protect yourself by allowing the pros to complete this job for you.
Methods include interior sealants, exterior excavation and waterproofing membranes, sump pump installation, and vapor barriers for encapsulation. Techniques vary based on the structure and severity of moisture issues.
Make sure you're calling in the right expert to help repair and/or clean your crawl space. A serious issue may require multiple experts that include a local mold remediation pro, an HVAC pro, a foundation pro, and a plumber. You should also consider using a nearby junk removal service to avoid handling debris that could be covered in mold, fungi, rot, or asbestos.
In most cases, it is safe to live in a home with minor foundation problems, but you should not let the issues persist. Virtually all foundations have small cracks from normal settlement, which are not a structural concern but should be sealed to prevent water intrusion. However, major damage—such as large structural cracks, sinking foundations, or bulging walls—can make a home unsafe. Other issues that can pose safety and health risks include poor indoor air quality from mold or pests, uneven floors, and rotten beams or joists. It is always best to have a foundation repair expert or structural engineer inspect any issues to determine if your home is safe to live in.
The best ventilation for a crawl space is a fully encapsulated crawl space with its own separate ventilation system. If you go this route, ensure you have the proper crawl space code requirements done and dusted before encapsulating your crawl space with a moisture barrier and installing appliances that may not be up to the proper specs.
The Brimley, MI homeowners’ guide to basement waterproofing services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Need to fix basement water problems or safeguard your home from damage in the future? Use this basement waterproofing cost guide to budget appropriately.
An unfinished basement has a lot of potential for a family room or guest suite. So how much does it cost to finish a basement? Read on for all cost factors.
A variety of factors can affect your total crawl space encapsulation cost. Here’s a breakdown of the cost of this project, whether you hire a pro or DIY.
Waterproofing your basement is important to protect your home. Follow these tips to ensure that you hire the right waterproofing contractor for the job.
Dealing with a damp basement? Follow these steps for DIY basement waterproofing to keep water and moisture out and boost your home’s energy efficiency.
