Basement Wall Cracks

Basement wall cracks can be cosmetic and or structural. Typically if the crack is a "vertical tear" that goes mostly straight down, it is not a structural concern. Vertical cracks are more prone to leak however and may require digging out on the outside to seal off the leak.

"Step cracks" , are basement wall cracks that step down following the mortar joints of the wall, these are common settling cracks. All homes settle and usually produce some step cracking. The common tolerance or acceptable level of cracking is up to 1/8". If your step cracks are 1/2" or more you may need what is called underpinning or peiring to support the foundation from underneath and bring it back up to its original position.

Horizontal basement wall cracks are very common and usually lead to basement walls bowing in. If the basement wall has bowed in 4 inches or more it should be replaced. So if you have a basement wall crack that is horizontal and your wall is bowing in, take action as soon as possible to stabilize it preventing any further movement.

For information on foundation repair/ stabilization check out www.pioneerbasementsolutions.com or call 1-877-321-4889 for more information.

Pioneer Basement Solutions has been in business since 1979 serving Northeast Ohio.

Basement Waterproofing Paint

Waterproofing a basement with paint on the interior of the walls is the most popular method used by do it yourselfers. Basement waterproofing paint can be a good solution for some, but not for others. Let's look at when it is probably not a good solution for you first.

1. If your walls are already painted. Basement waterproofing paint is designed to soak in to the pourous cement block material. Applying waterproofing paint on top of other paint will lead to big bubbles, flaking and loose chunks falling off because the waterproofing paint could not bond into the wall.
2. If your walls are not cement block. Basement waterproofing paint was designed for cement block. All other foundations, such a clay tile, will not take the paint correctly.
3. If you have actual water seepage problems. Basement waterproofing paint will create a "dam" and can allow water to stack up in your block walls. This can cause rot and decay that will lead to major problems later. Actual water seepage should be dealt with utilizing professional repair and solutions.

So really, basement waterproofing paint works well for minor dampness issues that occur in cement block walls that are not previously painted. If your basement does not fit this profile, call Pioneer Basement Solutions today for a free inspection and no obligation estimate at 1-877-321-4889. Or visit the website at www.pioneerbasementsolutions.com and be sure to check out our current sale!

Wet Basement After A Snow Melt

I have received quite a few calls recently about wet basements after the recent snow melt. Many people say, "I never had a leak before now, why is that?" Honestly each situation needs specific assessment to determine the source of the basement leak however there are a few basic causes.

When the snow really piles up like it did recently, it has a lot of potential to saturate the ground. When there is a fast melt, the original foundation drainage can get overwhelmed and the water simply has nowhere to go. This creates ground water build up, a water table around your foundation, that can create a lot of "hydrostatic pressure". Water simply pushes all around your basement, like trying to push a bowl down into a sink of water, you feel the water pressure push and if you let go the bowl will pop out of the water. Obviously your basement is no going to pop out of the ground. So water forces its way into weak points, usually the seam where the wall meets the floor and you get a wet basement.

It simply could be bad timing. At some point, all basements are going to leak. Your waterproofing system will fail eventually because it is out in the elements. It could be that the snow melt was the straw that broke the proverbial camel's back in your case.

I would be happy to visit your home for a no obligation free evaluation. I will prepare a free estimate if you need repairs. Call me at 1-877-321-4889 or visit us online at www.pioneerbasementsolutions.com