Frequently Asked Questions: Answers to frequent basement waterproofing, crawlspace & vapor barrier, and foundation repair questions.
General Questions
Q: Does my whole house NEED to be waterproofed?
A: Not necessarily. If the problem is localized to one specific spot you can do the wall-by-wall approach. This will likely fix the water intrusion on that one wall. If it is a widespread issue and foundation seepage is on more than one wall, more waterproofing may be needed or there may be an issue with the main storm line stopping water from leaving the perimeter of the basement.
Q: What is a footer tile/drain tile line?
A: A footer tile/ drain tile line is a piping system that follows the perimeter of the home’s foundational footer that was installed when the home was built, depending on the home’s age. It is designed to capture water before it makes its way into the basement, mitigate hydrostatic pleasure and protect the foundation. This line then ties directly into the main storm sewer, combination sewer or sump pump system, taking it off the property. Where it ties into depends on what the property is currently equipped with. Not every home has a sump pump system or storm line.
Q: Is that mold? (white efflorescence on the wall from moisture)
A: Often mold and efflorescence are mistaken for one another. Mold is a type of fungus that tends to form and adhere to any organic porous materials that hold moisture such as drywall, cardboard, carpet. Efflorescence, on the other hand, are salt or mineral deposits that show up on masonry materials like brick, concrete or block when water or moisture intrusion is present in the area. The water makes its way through the material and brings along the natural minerals/salts that are within the block. Once the moisture eventually evaporates, it leaves a white, yellow or gray residue in the area showing there is some level of issue with moisture. Efflorescence tends to be powdery, crystalline or chalky mineral while mold tends to be fuzzy or slimy.
Q: How often should I clear out my downspouts and gutters?
A: The general rule of thumb is to clean the gutters twice a year. As far as downspouts go, it is advised to assess the entire home first to see the whole picture. Once the lines have been looked at, like a doctor’s appointment, we either give you a clean bill of health or we recommend some form of preventative maintenance depending on what is found. In most cases, roots from large trees tend to make their way into these downspout lines which require a good cleaning by our technicians, but only on the right frequency for your specific home.
Q: How do I know if I have a storm and sanitary line?
A: The first step to figuring out if your home has a storm and sanitary or combination sewer is to call the public works or sewer department in your city. Provide them with your address, and ask “is my property connected to a storm and sanitary sewer or a combined sewer system?” Many cities have maps showing sewer lines in the road. If you have no luck with the phone call, look around your sidewalk for markings that resemble a plus and a triangle. This represents the storm and sanitary line. If you see those markings, that means you have both storm and sanitary on your property. If you don’t see them, that does not mean you don’t have both sewers, it just means they are not marked. If neither of these options give you the answers you’re looking for, we can assess whether your property has either a storm and sanitary or a combination sewer, by having our service team come out to televise the line if it’s accessible.
Q: Which is better interior or exterior waterproofing?
A: Exterior Waterproofing is our preferred solution due to its ability to seal the exterior foundation wall, keeping water from ever entering the wall. By sealing the walls from the outside this helps preserve the integrity of the foundation wall, including the footer and the wall. However, sometimes interior water control systems may be a better solution based on your homes layout and other varying factors.
Q: How far out are you guys’ scheduling work?
A: Typically, we are between 1-3 months out on scheduling new incoming work, however if the work is emergent sewer or waterworks repairs, those projects can be expedited to the next available slot.
Q: What is causing that musty odor/smell in my basement?
A: Musty smells in the basement can be caused by a variety of factors including moisture that is penetrating the block walls and being trapped in the interior of the basement, or it could be caused by issues with your sanitary sewer. Basements are also naturally humid places, and your home may benefit from a whole basement dehumidifier.
Q: Is the inspection really free?
A: Yes, the inspection is really free, we only charge for inspections on homes that are in the process of being bought or sold.
Q: How long will the project take?
A: Each project is unique and the length of each is determined by the scope of the project. After your inspection your Project Advisor can provide further details on project length with the proposal.
Q: Do you work year-round?
A: Yes, we work year-round. Weather permitting, we will continue to install waterproofing, structural solutions, and sewer repairs even in the winter.
Warranty & Guarantees
Q: Do you offer a warranty?
A: Yes, we offer Warranties for all work. Warranties range from 15 year to Lifetime depending on the solution. All Warranty language is provided with your proposal.
Q: What does “transferable warranty” mean?
A: Your warranty is transferable up to one time. In the event that you sell your home your warranty can transfer to the new homeowner, and will remain in effect for the full 15 years- to a lifetime.
Financing & Payment
Q: Do you offer financing?
A: Yes, we offer Financing through Greensky. We have a few options you can choose from, and your Project Advisor can provide more information at the time of your inspection or at a later date if you choose to move forward with the work.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: We accept Check, Cash, Cashier Check, and Financing via Greensky. Payment is due upon competition.
Q: Will a down payment need to be made upon signing?
A: No, a down payment is generally not required to hold your space.
Interior Work
Q: Does interior waterproofing make my foundation worse because we’re allowing water to flow through the block wall?
A: While interior waterproofing does not structurally damage the foundation, allowing moisture inside the foundation will contribute to the efflorescence on the wall, dampness in the area and slow deterioration of the block surface.
Q: Will I need to move everything out of my basement?
A: Not everything will need to be removed, however we do recommend that the items be moved to the center of the basement floor away from the work area, where it can easily be covered with plastic or shielding.
Q: Will the work be noisy, or messy?
A: Noisy: It is expected for the first 2 days there to be a significant amount of noise while we jack hammer or use concrete saws, to remove the existing concrete floor. Once the concrete has been removed the noise level will significantly reduce but there will still be noise from the crew as they install the system.
A: Messy: A significant amount of dust will be created during the removal of the concrete floor, although we do clean up at the completion of the installation, there will be dust that remains, and proper caution should be taken by the homeowner.
Q: Do I need to be home while the work is being done?
A: You do not need to be home during the installation of your interior water control system, however we advise that you be home on the first and last day of your project. We do ask that you be available by phone for the entirety of your project if you will not be home.
Exterior Work
Q: Will my yard be torn up during exterior waterproofing or excavation?
A: Although we will take precautions to protect your lawn and landscaping, the homeowner should expect some loss of landscaping, lawn, or disturbance in the workspace. It is advised that the homeowner coordinate the excavation work with their landscaper to prevent loss of landscaping.
Q: What should we expect the work area to look like at completion of the project?
A: We will do our best to return the work area to its original state. It is our goal to leave the area we work in better than we found it.
Q: Will the work be noisy?
A: Some noise is to be expected. While the exterior of the wall is being excavated, there will be noise from scraping the walls to get them clean and ready for membrane. There will also be general noise from the crew as they install the new exterior waterproofing.
Q: Do I need to be home while the work is being done?
A: You do not need to be home during the installation of your interior water control system, however we advise that you be home on the first and last day of your project. We do ask that you be available by phone for the entirety of your project if you will not be home.
Foundation Repair
Q: Are the cracks in my home’s foundation going to make my house fall down?
A: If major structural concerns or circumstances are not addressed, they can lead the walls to bow in and eventually fall or crumble, leaving your home unsupported. Not all structural cracking will lead to severe problems, an in-person consultation can help us assess the severity and cause of the cracking or bowing.
Q: What causes foundation problems?
A: Structural foundation issues typically stem from several key factors that develop over time. Environmental conditions like soil movement, excessive moisture, and freeze-thaw cycles can gradually weaken your foundations integrity. The aging of the foundation wall, hydrostatic pressure, soil weight and excessive moisture can break the bond of the mortar joints in your wall and cause the wall to become unstable and begin to move. While this bowing and cracking is concerning, if caught early enough, we are able to stabilize your wall and provide long term structural stability back to your foundation.
After the Work is Completed
Q: Do I need to maintain the system after it’s installed?
A: Each solution is unique, your Production Manager can provide you with a maintenance schedule specific to your property, at the competition of your project. However, we do recommend that all sewer systems be assessed every 2 years at minimum to ensure no new root growth or blockages form.
Q: How long will it take the wall to dry after it is waterproofed from the exterior?
A: Depending on the severity of the moisture built up in the block wall, the water could take days to months to dry completely. As the water has no other choice but to evaporate inwards, this can take time. We do offer dehumidifier sales or rentals to help speed up the process, as well.
Q: What if I sell my house later?
A: Your warranty is transferable up to one time. In the event that you sell your home your warranty can transfer to the new homeowner, and will remain in effect for the full 15 years- to a lifetime