Racine’s Best Basement Waterproofing Contractor since 1985

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Basement Waterproofing | Racine

  • Locally owned & operated
  • 30+ years of Wisconsin basement repairs
  • Family business
  • Fully insured

Before Waterproofing

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After Waterproofing

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Frequently Asked Basement Repair Questions

Basement Waterproofing FAQs

Wisconsin weather means a lot of moisture enters the ground surrounding our homes in the form of rain and snowmelt. Moisture in the ground around a home causes the soil to expand, exerting pressure on our foundations and basement walls. This pressure can cause cracks, buckling, and even foundation upheaval, giving water plenty of opportunity to enter your basement.

The biggest danger to basement moisture is that it can lead to mold and mildew, which can be hazardous to one’s health. This is why basement waterproofing and foundation repair services are so important: basement moisture is never a good thing and the problems that lead to it only get worse over time.

If you’ve never considered how secure your basement is against moisture, or if you’ve already noticed standing water or condensation in your basement, give the experts at Zablocki Waterproofing a call today.

Common signs include dampness on basement walls, standing water, visible cracks in walls or floors, and a musty smell. If you notice these, it’s time to consider basement waterproofing.

The term “exterior waterproofing” encompasses a number of strategies meant to keep water out of your basement.

Protecting your basement from moisture starts with landscaping, Ensuring the soil around the perimeter of your home slopes away ensures water will drain away from your home rather than pooling around it. Another strategy you can maintain yourself is ensuring your gutters and downspouts are working well and directing water away from your home.

At Zablocki Waterproofing, we can help you install what is called a “drain tile system.” This is a very effective method of exterior waterproofing. Basically, a drain tile system surrounds the perimeter of your home, capturing water trying to enter your basement, rerouting it to your sump pump, which then pumps it out and away from your home. In partnership with other basement waterproofing strategies, a drain tile system can be extremely effective in the fight against moisture. Give Zablocki Waterproofing a call today to get started.

No matter how hard you try to keep water out of your basement, there is still a chance it will sneak in, meaning you want to have interior waterproofing strategies in place. The point of interior waterproofing is to ensure that any moisture entering your basement is collected and rerouted back outside.

One of the most effective interior waterproofing strategies is a sump pump system. In addition to collecting groundwater that collects in an interior drain tile system, the sump pump can also collect interior basement moisture, pumping it back out and away from the home.

Other interior waterproofing strategies include installing vapor barriers in the interior of basement walls, repairing any cracks that appear in basement walls or floors, and making sure to keep the basement as ventilated as possible using fans, dehumidifiers, etc.

It may seem like we are biased but, having seen the toll that basement moisture can take on a home and the people in it, we can answer this question with a confident YES. A combination of exterior and interior basement waterproofing strategies will offer that much more protection against moisture, making it less likely that you’ll have to deal with expensive repairs down the road.

When compared to, say, a flood, a little bit of water in your basement may not seem like a big deal. However, a little water in the basement means more is coming and can lead to serious damage. Basement moisture can not only ruin drywall, carpet, and any belongings you have stored, but can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. While some people don’t seem to have a negative reaction to mold, it can be very dangerous for others. As soon as you notice even a little bit of moisture, it’s time to bring in a professional and get it taken care of. By reacting quickly, you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches down the road.

Make sure that you clean out your gutters and downspouts twice a year to ensure they can do their job. Keep an eye out for cracks or holes in or around your basement and, if you see them, bring in a professional to patch them up. Keep your basement well ventilated using fans and a dehumidifier and, if you notice basement moisture, call in professionals like Zablocki Waterproofing right away.

Looking for expert basement waterproofing services in Milwaukee and surrounding communities? At Zablocki, we have more than 30 years of experience keeping local homes safe and dry. Give us a call today to get started.

A sump pump collects water that accumulates in a sump pit and redirects it away from your home. This is a critical component of interior waterproofing systems in Milwaukee to keep basements dry during heavy rains or snowmelt.

Yes, waterproofing helps prevent moisture that causes mold and mildew to grow in your basement. By keeping your basement dry, you can significantly reduce health risks associated with mold.

Drain tile systems installed around your home’s foundation capture and redirect water away from your basement. This prevents water from entering your basement and protects your foundation from damage caused by excessive moisture.

Using both interior and exterior waterproofing strategies provides a complete defense system. This dual approach ensures that no water can penetrate your basement, offering comprehensive protection against moisture damage.

Look for signs such as visible cracks in the foundation, dampness on the basement floor or walls, musty odors, and standing water after heavy rain. These are indicators that your basement is vulnerable to water intrusion.

Yes, waterproofing your basement can increase the resale value of your home by making it a healthier, safer, and more functional living space. Potential buyers appreciate homes with dry, well-maintained basements.

Waterproofing is focused on preventing water from entering your basement, while foundation repair addresses structural issues like cracks, shifting, or settling that can result from water damage. Both services are essential for long-term home protection.

While waterproofing can significantly reduce the risk of flooding, severe weather events may still cause temporary water intrusion. However, waterproofing systems like sump pumps and drain tiles are designed to handle most situations effectively.

Contact a basement waterproofing professional immediately. Standing water can lead to serious damage to your foundation, belongings, and create a breeding ground for mold. Early intervention is crucial.

With proper maintenance, basement waterproofing solutions can last 10 to 15 years or more. Regular inspections and upkeep can ensure the long-term effectiveness of your waterproofing system.

Clogged or damaged gutters and downspouts can lead to water pooling around the foundation, which increases the risk of basement flooding. Regular maintenance of gutters and downspouts is essential for protecting your home from water damage.

Foundation Repair FAQs

The foundation of your home is critical to keeping everything else – the floors, walls, windows, roof – in its proper place. Typically constructed of poured concrete, the foundation is the base upon which the rest of the home is built.

Foundations serve three purposes: 

  1. They bear the load of the rest of the house
  2. They anchor the home to the ground to protect it from natural forces such as tornadoes and earthquakes (luckily not much of a problem here in Wisconsin)
  3. They protect the home from ground moisture

Most homes in Wisconsin have a basement, which means the foundation of the home consists not only of the concrete base but includes basement walls as well. This means that there is more surface area to maintain as part of a foundation repair and maintenance plan.

While they may seem indestructible, concrete foundations are susceptible to their own set of issues. Here are the most common foundation issues we see in our work as foundation repair experts:

  1. Cracks, fractures, or buckled basement walls. Cracks in your foundation or buckled basement walls mean the security of your home’s safeguard against outside moisture has been compromised. This can lead to water seepage, mold problems, and other costly repairs down the road, so it is best to call in an expert as soon as you notice a foundation crack.
  2. Settling or sinking foundations. It is entirely normal for a newly constructed home to settle slightly in the first 2-3 years, but in an older home (or if you notice significant sinking beyond just an inch or two), sinking can mean big problems in the home’s foundation.
  3. Foundation upheaval. The opposite of foundation sinking/settling is upheaval, or when the foundation is pushed upwards due to soil movement. This can cause a host of issues throughout your home’s structure, so it is best to call in an expert to fix this issue right away.

Foundation repair typically involves assessing the severity of the damage, stabilizing the foundation with techniques such as underpinning or wall reinforcement, and ensuring that your home is level and structurally sound.

Here in the Milwaukee area, we can nearly always blame the weather for foundation problems. Rain, ice, and snow cause water to seep into the soil around the home, which makes it expand and contract. This soil movement exerts enormous pressure on a home’s foundation, which can make it move and break. Once a foundation is compromised, any water that comes near it will find a way into the home, putting your home at risk for mold and mildew.

If your foundation is out of whack, you will almost certainly be able to tell. The health of your home’s foundation affects every other part of the home, so look out for the following signs that something is not right:

  • Visible cracks on the inside or outside basement walls.
  • Basement moisture – look out for standing water, condensation on basement appliances, dampness in crawlspaces, and mold or a musty or moldy smell.
  • Doors that are sticking or not closing properly.
  • Gaps around windows.
  • Kitchen cabinets and counters that have separated from the wall.
  • Broken chimney.

For most people, a home is the largest investment you’ll make in your lifetime, and the foundation of the home is arguably the most – or one of the most – important elements of the home. Foundation problems like the ones listed above – cracked or buckled basement walls, sinking foundation, stuck doors, gaps around windows, and water seepage into your home – are not going to improve over time. In fact, they will undoubtedly get worse and could lead to even larger costs down the road.

One of the most significant risks associated with foundation issues is the eventual growth of mold and mildew in your basement. One of the most important jobs your home’s foundation has is to keep moisture out of your basement. But, if your foundation cracks, buckles, or otherwise experiences movements like sinking or upheaval, it weakens its structure and can allow water to seep through. Once inside the walls of your home, water can cause mold and mildew growth.

Some people are highly susceptible to health problems when exposed to mold and mildew, so this is not a problem you want to ignore.

While foundation repair might not fall in the category of fun home upgrades, it’s crucial. And having an experienced team like Zablocki on your side will help you protect your most important asset. Have questions or looking for foundation repair in Milwaukee? Give us a call today.

The duration of foundation repair depends on the extent of the damage. Minor repairs can take a few days, while extensive foundation repairs may take up to a week or more. A professional assessment will provide a more accurate timeline.

Ignoring foundation problems can lead to more significant structural damage, including the potential for a collapsing foundation, compromised walls, and water intrusion, which can affect your home’s safety and value.

Yes, addressing foundation issues can increase your home’s value by ensuring it is structurally sound. Homes with unresolved foundation problems can be difficult to sell and may be undervalued.

Underpinning is the process of stabilizing a sinking foundation by extending it to more stable soil deeper underground. It is often necessary for homes experiencing significant settlement or soil movement.

Proper landscaping, regular foundation inspections, maintaining good drainage, and addressing moisture issues around the home are all important steps in preventing foundation problems from developing.

The cost of foundation repair varies depending on the severity of the damage. It’s best to get an estimate from a professional foundation repair company in Milwaukee to assess the needs of your specific situation.

In many cases, foundation issues can be addressed without extensive excavation. Techniques like helical piers, steel beams, and carbon fiber wall reinforcement can stabilize the foundation with minimal disruption to your property.

Foundation upheaval occurs when the foundation is pushed upward due to soil expansion. It can cause significant structural damage, including cracked walls and uneven floors. Immediate repair is necessary to prevent further damage.

Yes, crawl spaces are just as susceptible to foundation issues as full basements. If you notice sagging floors, cracks in the walls, or moisture problems in the crawl space, foundation repair may be needed to stabilize the structure.

Knowledge Center

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Our Service Area

Milwaukee County

Kenosha County

  • Kenosha

Waukesha County

Ozaukee County

  • Cedarburg
  • Grafton
  • Port Washington

Washington County

  • West Bend
  • Germantown
  • Hubertus
  • Richfield
  • Hartford
  • Slinger
  • Kewaskum
  • Jackson
  • Allenton

Walworth County

  • Lake Geneva
  • Delavan

Racine County

Jefferson County

  • Ixonia
  • Watertown