Don’t Let Water Stagnation Ruin Your Vacation

Keep Your Basement Dry While You’re Away

Those of us who’ve lived in Wisconsin for several years (or have had the pleasure of visiting during the winter months) know the challenges associated with traversing and dealing with the snow — and the human-made, roadside mountains piled high with the stuff that last well into spring. While we clamor for warmer climes and begin to plan our spring and summer vacations, our basements are quite literally soaking up the warming, humid air. Flush with additional moisture, our Milwaukee area basements are becoming optimal hosts for mold and water damage. While we’ve outlined the potentially devastating effects mold can have on our basements with some brevity, the importance of waterproofing basement baseboards, walls, and floors shouldn’t be overlooked in the excitement of vacation planning. Curious about the best approach to ensuring your home is kept dry and safe while you’re away? Keep reading to learn more about Zablocki Waterproofing’s client-focused approach to waterproofing basement walls, basement leak repair, and foundation waterproofing services.

 

Your Travel Logistics and Your Home’s Foundation, Both Sealed Shut

We’d be hard-pressed to find a Wisconsinite who hasn’t at least dreamt of escaping the white-washed hills, plains, and shores of the Third Coast during winter. But before you click “book” on your winter escape, consider the ramifications of not waterproofing basement components; once a basement has flooded, it’s always best to seek immediate, professional wet basement solutions services to mitigate any further (and potentially irreparable) damages. While this may sound like common sense, it can be a bit difficult to recognize and react immediately to a flood basement — let alone contact foundation contractors or basement leak repair professionals from far-flung destinations. Just as you consider selecting travel insurance or ticket protection for your vacation, choosing basement waterproofing services prior to your trip not only adds peace of mind that is invaluable during our trips out of the city, state, or country. Curious about the services we offer at Zablocki Waterproofing? Give us a call to learn more about how Zablocki’s basement waterproofing services can help make your next vacation one of the most care-free escapes in recent memory.

 

Scope it Out: Give Your Basement a Once-Over Before Taking Off

While we’re proud of the keen sense of tracking down linchpins for potential water damage or flooding spots we’ve developed over our 25 years of basement waterproofing services, there are a few signs of disrepair for which you can look prior to deciding which basement waterproofing or foundation waterproofing service(s) best meet(s) your needs. These potentially harmful signs include, but are not limited to:

  • Damp or “sweating” walls
  • Cracked walls or crumbling sheetrock
  • Chipping or splintering wood surfaces, especially around window sills and linings

If any of these conditions are manifesting themselves in your basement, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation, schedule an assessment, or learn more about how we at Zablocki can help keep your basement leak- and stress-free.

 

Don’t Neglect Your Basement

We know it can be easy to forget about our basements’ cleanliness, maintenance, and tidiness. Let’s be honest: if we don’t frequent our basements for reasons other than grabbing the one or two odd items, the thought of spending more time in an unfinished basement isn’t always the first choice for a night in. Moreover, families across the Milwaukee area are recognizing the benefits of a finished basement, which affords you and your family additional defense against water damage, mold, and unsavory air quality. Wondering just how Zablocki Waterproofing can assist in keeping your home high and dry? Reach out today to begin your free consultation or to learn more about our basement waterproofing and foundation waterproofing services. After all, you deserve the break— not your pipes.

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How Does Basement Waterproofing Work?

Unfortunately, due to gravity and water’s ability to permeate almost any material, it is extremely easy to find yourself facing the frustrating scenario of a flooded basement. Sometimes a flooded basement happens due to heavy rains and it hits you as a sudden occurrence. Other basement leaks though can be due to a slow permanence of water. If you see the signs of water damage in your basement, you may be realizing quickly you have a much larger problem than a small puddle. Water leaks in your basement and foundation can lead to serious issues, even compromising the integrity of your home’s structure.

If you have reached the point in which you realize you have to do something to fix the problem, you likely have considered the method of waterproofing your basement. As your local Milwaukee basement waterproofing experts, we are here to provide you with the resources and information you need to make the best decision possible for your home. Read on to learn more about how basement waterproofing works and to determine if this solution is the right one for your situation.

Not all solutions are created equal

Basement waterproofing can be loosely applied to mean a variety of things. Unfortunately, some of the methods companies employ that are called “waterproofing” are actually more like water removal and control. Some of these methods can be extremely useful. For example, a sump pump is a method of controlling and removing water that is already entering your basement. Sump pumps can be very helpful in mitigating damages during heavy rains and extreme flooding scenarios. However, water control should not be confused with actual waterproofing.

Waterproofing your basement should provide a long term solution to your wet basement. The first thing basement waterproofing should involve is a proper, professional assessment. How can you fix a problem without first fully understanding it? You wouldn’t take your car to a mechanic when it is making a strange noise and be comfortable with him replacing any old part right away. You would want him to diagnose the issue first and then provide you with a solution that matched the car’s actual problem. In a similar way, not all basement leaks are the same. There is not a one-size-fits-all solution for water basement leak repair. What is causing your leak must be determined first.

Some common causes of basement leaks are the following:

  • Ineffective gutter, downspout, and drainage systems
  • The type of soil surrounding your home
  • The condition of your foundation
  • Actual leaks in your basement walls
  • Pressure from settling soil and buckling basement walls
  • Malfunctioning sump pump

These are just a few of the reasons your basement could be flooding and your leak could be a due to a combination of issues. At Zablocki we begin every basement waterproofing project with a thorough assessment of the situation. Then we will offer our diagnosis and possible solutions to you, the homeowner. You will never be left in the dark and we will never start on work until you fully understand and sign off on the work to be done.

Combination of Waterproofing Solutions

Once you have thoroughly determined the problem you are facing, the waterproofing process can begin. So what exactly does waterproofing a basement involve? The answer to that depends upon the problem your basement is facing. Some of the solutions we offer are the following:

  • Sealing the Foundation: If your foundation is causing the leaks and the soil surrounding it is aggravating the problem, we will address both issues simultaneously. Here in the Milwaukee area, clay soil can often be the culprit. This soil type often prevents water from draining away from your foundation. In this case, we will work on exterior waterproofing your foundation’s exterior walls. This will create a foundation sealer and prevent water from entering where it isn’t wanted. We will proceed to also backfill the area around your home with stone so as to mitigate water collection.
  • Fixing Your Drain Tiles: Underneath your basement are drain tiles which act as a system for carrying water to your sump crock. Unfortunately drain tiles are often damaged and clogged. This can happen due to tree roots or other obstructions blocking the flow of water, which ultimately causes basement flooding. We will work to pinpoint the exact trouble spot for you and replace the drain tiles that are damaged. At the same time, we can provide you with corrugated plastic to run from the base of your interior walls to your drain tile system to help ensure proper drainage during heavy rains.
  • Support Beam Installation: Sometimes when soil begins to settle and press in on your basement walls, they can weaken and crack. This leads to not only leaks in your basement, but will also place the integrity of your entire home at risk. We provide support beam installation to help prevent this. The process for installing support beams involves excavating the exterior, placing telescoping screw jacks along the inside wall, and adjusting the screw jacks until your walls stand straight and tall. If your walls are too damaged to simply be straightened, we can also rebuild the walls to match existing walls.

The Zablocki Difference

Keep in mind that not all companies are equal when it comes to basement waterproofing. Our waterproofing contractors are experienced and capable of handling even the trickiest of situations. We are committed to finding you an actual waterproofing solution, not just a quick fix. Talk to us today about our process for waterproofing your basement in Milwaukee.

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Why So Many Families Are Finishing Their Basements

basement waterproofing in milwaukeeIt might seem like every home on your street has had their basement finished, and now you might be thinking about doing it, too. Our Milwaukee team is busy helping families with basement waterproofing services before they start finishing the space in order to protect their investment. So why are so many people finishing their basements?

More Multi-Generational Households

More and more families are living together in one home. Maybe your post-college grad moves home until they find a better paying job or your mom and dad need family close by during their retirement years. Whatever the reasons, more family members means you need more space, and the basement can be the perfect way to expand your living space without moving.

Great for Your Property Values

A properly finished basement can be a great way to increase the market value of your home. Adding additional bedrooms and bathrooms is especially valuable. Increased properly value means you’ll have access to more equity in your home, too. The key is to make sure you do things like basement waterproofing, or else you could actually hurt the value of your home.

Helps Sell a Home in a Competitive Market

It’s a really competitive housing market right now, so if you are trying to sell your home you’ll want to do everything you can to not only attract buyers but get the most out of your home that you can. Finishing a basement can make a home much more attractive, giving the buyer more livable space and more options for their family. If you plan on selling soon, it might be worth the investment.

If you are ready to finish your basement, let our team start the job! We offer basement waterproofing to ensure you don’t get water seepage into your walls, which could severely damage your investment into your home. We also offer basement wall support beam installation which can straighten the walls in your basement and make the foundation of your home safer and sturdier. Contact us today by clicking the button below to learn more about our Milwaukee basement services!

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Waterproof Before Finishing Your Basement

zablocki-basementWhether you need a larger office space, want to put in a home gym, need another bedroom constructed, or want to add a whole new apartment you can use as a source of income, finishing your basement is a great option for expanding your household’s living space or even bringing a new household into your home. An unfinished basement is the ideal canvas for just about any home renovation project, but before you start you’ll want to be sure no water intrusion is going to ruin your completed masterpiece. Why not invest in basement waterproofing services from the expert waterproofing contractors at Zablocki?

Keep Your New Basement Space Warm & Dry

You don’t want to go through the entire process of framing your unfinished basement, putting in new electric and plumbing architecture, and getting all the walls up just to discover a moisture problem is threatening to ruin all of your hard work. Be sure to identify any water intrusion problems before you start your project to avoid costly repairs and even more work. One prevalent DIY method for testing your basement for moisture problems is the plastic sheet method, but the results from these sorts of tests are typically unquantifiable and poor indicators of the real problem. Rather than putting your faith in unreliable DIY tests, be sure to seek professional advice.

Contact the Basement Waterproofing Professionals

To truly ensure a warm and dry finished basement, get in touch with your local basement waterproofing contractors. Only they will have the knowledge and experience to efficiently inspect your foundation, identify any moisture problems, and take care of any needed repairs or waterproofing systems. At Zablocki Waterproofing, we want you to feel confident that your finished basement will remain dry for years and years to come. Give us a call, or contact us online to schedule your free cost estimate.

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The Truth About Waterproofing Paint

zablocki-paintThis society is full of misnomers. That 0.7mm lead you load into your mechanical pencil is not made from lead but graphite, when you smack your funny bone, you’re not actually hitting a bone at all but the ulnar nerve, and Chinese checkers is a German-invented game with absolutely no roots in traditional checkers. You can imagine how nervous it makes us when we see DIYers putting their faith in something called “waterproofing paint” to solve their moisture problems.

What is waterproofing paint?

Waterproof paint, also called waterproofing paint, is a type of house paint, different than exterior painting, that has become increasingly popular among homeowners. It is ideal for areas within a home that experience a lot of moisture, such as bathrooms, because it stops the moisture in the air from penetrating the walls, within which it can promote the growth of mold and mildew. By creating a water-resistant or waterproof layer on the external most layer of the wall, the paint is able to prevent future moisture problems.

What’s the problem with waterproofing paint?

The problem is not in the paint but in the way it is often used. Some homeowners notice moisture problems in their basements and decide to coat their basement walls in waterproofing paint. Unfortunately, this does not fix the problem and may even cause more moisture issues in the future. Putting a new coat of paint on the walls is a temporary solution whether that paint is earmarked as waterproofing or not because it addresses the symptom, not the cause.

Imagine that water is finding its way through your basement walls and into your basement. Now put a waterproof layer around the inside of the walls. Can you guess what will probably happen? By waterproofing the wall interiors, homeowners are trapping the water inside the walls, where it can continue to wreak havoc on the foundation. Instead, the source of the intrusion must be found and corrected.

Identifying the cause of water intrusion is one of the trickiest parts of home maintenance. Water building up in one wall on the second story may be getting in through a roof leak on the other side of your home. Similarly, moisture getting into your basement could indicate a large number of problems. The best decision you can make to keep your home’s foundation strong and dry is to consult basement waterproofing professionals when a moisture problem occurs.

The foundation experts at Zablocki Waterproofing can take care of your basement waterproofing and foundation repair needs. Contact us online for a free cost estimate.

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3 Tips For Window Well Maintenance

waterMany rooms in basements feature full-sized windows and window wells, which keep the soil and groundwater from reaching the window while also providing enough space to allow natural sunlight to illuminate the basement level. If your home features one or more window wells, you may already understand the disastrous consequences of failing to maintain them correctly. Have you ever looked out of your basement window to find nothing but a double-paned wall of glass between you and the foot and a half of water collected in your window well or come home to a flooded basement because of a failed window seal? Keep reading to learn three tips for proper window well maintenance.

3 Window Well Maintenance Tips

Even a little moisture can become a big problem.

Although a minuscule leak in your second story window may not be cause for immediate concern, even a small amount of moisture getting through your basement windows can spell disaster the next time a massive rainstorm hits the Milwaukee area. Keep an eye out for signs of moisture, such as mold growth, puddles directly below the window, frame wood rot, etc., and call a professional to take care of your basement waterproofing needs as soon as possible if you notice signs that water is getting in. Ignoring moisture in or around your window well may lead to significant basement flooding in the future.  

Don’t neglect an aging window well.

If your window well is displaying significant signs of age, then it may be time to replace it. Do you notice that the metal has rusted or is showing other significant signs of wear, such as scrapes or warps? Is the window well liner separating from the structure of your home? Has your window well stopped draining properly? It may be tempting to simply make spot repairs and move on, but window wells were never designed to be permanent and will need to be replaced eventually. Be sure to replace your aging window well before a drain, seal, or glass failure results in expensive repairs.  

Have your windows and wells inspected annually.

The best thing you can do to prevent damage caused by a failing window well is to have your window wells inspected on a yearly basis. You can complete the inspection yourself, but this can be difficult for homeowners, especially in finished basements where drywall and materials may be hiding a moisture problem. If you’d like a professional to complete your inspection, contact the basement waterproofing experts at Zablocki Waterproofing. We’ve been keeping Milwaukee dry since 1985!

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Preparing For a Flood

flood 2Although floods are by no means regular in Milwaukee, we’re no strangers to rapidly rising water levels. To embrace a cliche, it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to contending with such a powerful force as flood waters. Are you and your household prepared for a flood incident? If not, keep reading for some tips on preparing for a flood.

Packing Your Emergency Go Bag

In ideal circumstances, you’ll be able to evacuate the area long before flood waters reach your home, but you’ll likely still need to leave very quickly. Prepare an exit strategy beforehand, which includes getting out of your home and an evacuation route. Because you’ll be rushing out of your house, you’ll have little to no time to grab anything, so prepare a go bag ahead of time. What will go into your go bag is ultimately up to you, but here are a few suggestions:bag

  • Important policy numbers and phone numbers.
  • Basic first aid supplies, toiletries, and backup medications.
  • Food, water, and a plan for water purification.
  • Strike anywhere matches, flint and steel, or other fire starting tools.
  • A hand crank radio or one that runs on batteries, solar, etc.
  • Soap, toilet paper, and other items important for sanitation.
  • A whistle, knife, compass, signal flare, and other survival gear.

Basic Flood Safety Tips

flood 3When it comes to staying safe in flood situations, the most important thing to remember is that even a little bit of water can be a powerful force. It only takes half a foot of water before the force is strong enough to sweep you off of your feet, and just two feet of water will do the same to your vehicle. Avoid walking, driving, or swimming through flood waters. Besides the power, these waters are also probably contaminated with sewage, industrial bi-products, and other substances you don’t want to expose yourself to. The best way to stay safe during flood conditions is to seek higher ground as quickly as possible and avoid moving water.

 

Does your home need basement waterproofing services after heavy rains or flood conditions in the Milwaukee area? Contact Zablocki Waterproofing.

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Why Are Gutters Important?

gutter with leavesHere at Zablocki Waterproofing, we’re Milwaukee’s Top Rated Local® foundation and basement waterproofing contractors. When water makes its way into your home and begins to compromise its integrity, we’re the experts you need to identify and solve the moisture problem. We’re in the business of stopping the destructive power of water from destroying your home, but there are many things you can do as a homeowner to stop these problems from happening in the first place. Your home’s first line of defense against rain water is the rain gutter system. Keep reading to discover why exactly these systems are so important.

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The Purpose of Rain Gutters

When rainwater falls against the exterior of your home, gravity naturally wants to bring that water to settle around the foundation. By installing a rain gutter system on your home, you’re redirecting that flow of rainwater away from the base of your home, allowing the water to soak into the ground
away from the foundation. Rain gutters also protect the exterior paint of your home because they reduce the flow of water down the sides.

The Importance of Rain Gutters

Without rain gutters, rainwater would be allowed to settle and soak into the soil around the foundation of your home. This excessive moisture compromises the stability of the soil, causes erosion, wreaks havoc on your exterior doors, and, of course, can cause basement flooding and/or significant damage to your home’s foundation. Keep your rain gutters clean and well-maintained to prevent this sort of damage from happening to your home.

Keeping Your Gutters Clean

cleaning guttersYou’ll have to decide how often you need to clean your gutters for yourself because this depends on many variables, including the structure’s proximity to trees and your home’s roofing material, but homeowners tend to have to do this twice a year on average. When you clean your gutters, you’re clearing them of everything that has built up over the past months, such as leaves, asphalt shingle granules, soil, animal nests, etc. in order to prevent damming. When your gutters get dammed up, this can cause water to enter the structure of your home and seep down to the foundation.  

Keep your home protected against water damage with a properly-installed rain gutter system, and be sure to keep it clear of any debris. And remember you typically need gutter cleaning every year if there are trees / leaves near your home.

If your foundation or basement is already experiencing the signs of a moisture problem, such as dampness, cracking, or a musty smell, contact the basement waterproofing experts at Zablocki Waterproofing. We offer free consultations!

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Supplement Your Waterproof Basement Walls with Good Landscaping on New Builds

If you’re considering building yourself a new home, waterproofing your basement walls may not be at the top of the list of things you’re thinking about. A little mental effort now will be well worth it in the long run, though. We’ve come up with a list of things to consider when you’re working through the homebuilding process.

Landscaping Your Lawn
You might be tempted to think no further than what type of landscaping looks good, but it’s important to build out your landscape with proper drainage in mind. With a little brainstorming, you can have the best of both worlds. A well-landscaped lawn can be pleasing to the eye and functional when it’s done right.

Gutters
Gutters don’t have much to do with waterproofing basement walls, do they? They can help your home much more than you think. Giving your lawn room to absorb water can make a huge difference in keeping your basement water-free. Extending the spouts farther from the house spreads out the water further from the house. Keeping gutters free from leaves is your first line of protection.

Trees and Plants
Keeping your lawn full of trees and shrubs is a great idea, and it can really make your place look beautiful. Just be sure that they’re in the right place where they won’t damage water lines with their roots.

These are just a few ways you can supplement waterproofing basement walls when building a new house. As always, Zablocki Waterproofing is here to help, so give us a call today if you need help thinking through a strategy to ensure basement waterproofing in Milwaukee!

 

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The Pros and Cons of Window Wells

Everyone wants a waterproof basement, and thanks to modern technology and a good waterproofing contractor, we can set your home up to be in good shape when the rain comes. Zablocki Waterproofing has the experience to give you an ideal scenario in terms of cost-effective solutions to your property, but is there anything you can do for yourself? Keeping your window wells from flooding will go a long way towards your goal of having a waterproof basement. Here are the benefits and drawbacks of using window wells in your basement.

Pros

  • In addition to letting in plenty of beautiful, natural light, a window downstairs can help your home to stay cool
  • Thanks to their ventilating properties, your home won’t smell damp or musty, and you can actually enjoy being in your basement.
  • Window well covers can take the punishment of a bad storm with ease while keeping your windows looking good.

Cons

  • When done improperly, a window well can flood, completely destroying any hopes you had for a waterproof basement.
  • Be sure that the drain on your window well is functioning properly because if it isn’t, water will back up into the well.
  • The drain can become clogged with dirt, leaves, and other leftover bits of landscaping materials.

If an unfortunate event has occurred and you’re in need of waterproofing services, give Zablocki Waterproofing a call. We’ll ensure that you have a waterproof basement in Milwaukee, and we never oversell our services. Contact us today for a free consultation!

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