Tag Archive for: waterproofing basement walls

Mistakes to Avoid When Finishing Your Basement

You’ve wanted to finish the basement for years but never got around to it. Now, though, you’re making the project a top priority. Interestingly, many homeowners don’t realize that finishing the basement is completely different than remodeling other spots in the house.

Not only could there be moisture issues with the basement, but you must also work around obstacles such as the water heater, furnace, and sump pump. It all adds up to a project that’s much more daunting than you originally thought. So what’s the best way to go about remodeling your basement?

Here are five things to avoid when finishing this space:

Using wood studs

Wood materials in a moist environment create a recipe for disaster. Unless you want to deal with rotting and/or molding, we recommend steering clear from wood materials altogether. Keep in mind that wood studs in your basement walls are not designed to handle the humid and moist air.

Then what’s the alternative? Well, as opposed to wood materials, metal studs do a nice job of limiting the possibility of mold and water damage.

Installing fiberglass insulation

At first thought, this might seem like a good idea to lock in warm air during the winter. However, fiberglass insulation gets moldy because cold air leaks into the basement and condensates. As you might imagine, mold grows quickly with this condensation in the area.

There are various materials out there that prevent mold growth. Ideally, you will want a product to reflect the heat back into the basement.

Choosing wood-based flooring

Remember what we said about wood studs in the basement? The same concept holds true in regards to wood flooring. Don’t get stuck having to replace hardwood, laminate, or carpeting after just a few years.

Maybe you’re thinking, “I have absolutely no desire to install vinyl flooring in the basement.” Believe it or not, vinyl has come a long way in recent years. You can have the look and feel of hardwood or ceramic tile while still having a basement that’s waterproof, mold-proof, and long-lasting.

When choosing flooring for your basement, you might be tempted to choose the style that’s most aesthetically pleasing. Don’t make this mistake, though. It’s essential to select a material designed for an environment that’s more moist and humid than the rest of your home.

Settling for a poor design and floor plan

It’s easy to spend thousands of dollars and endless hours completing this project. With that in mind, the last thing you want is a poor floor plan and overall design. Before getting too far ahead of yourself, take some time to brainstorm about the end result.

Remember that a basement with a well-organized floorplan and design can make the entire space feel larger and more usable.

Overlooking moisture issues

If you only take one piece of advice from this post, it should be this. Prior to starting your basement finishing project, review the walls for cracks and leaks. Should a foundation wall crack continue to move and the seal on the outside is broken, water can get through and wreak havoc.

Our Basement Waterproofing Services

Let’s say your basement is damp, wet, or has cracked walls. You can’t just ignore this dilemma and move on with your project. The reality is that you need to consult a professional to identify the root of the problem.

This is where the team at Zablocki Waterproofing can help. For more than 25 years, Milwaukee homeowners have relied on our foundation contractors for honest, expert advice.

So what exactly makes us different from our competitors?

Let’s start with the fact that we know this industry like the back of our hands. You can count on us to efficiently find and repair your foundation’s moisture problem. But we also pride ourselves on the little things.

We understand the panic that sets in once you realize your property has some sort of foundation problem. Whereas other local companies might take advantage of homeowners in this sense, we make it a point to educate customers and walk them through our process, answering any questions they may have. The same holds true for your situation.  

From the time you first contact us to the time your basement repairs are complete, we treat you like family. Our crew goes out of their way to cover your furniture, protect area plants, and even safeguard structures surrounding excavation areas. Plus, the Zablocki team provides free estimates and will never resort to selling you unneeded services.

We are here to take the stress out of your basement waterproofing project. Don’t make the mistake of trying to finish this area yourself, but especially if moisture is involved. In no time, we will restore your home’s lower level to a comfortable and dry living space.

Contact Zablocki Waterproofing today.

What You Must Know About Basement Waterproofing

Your basement has always been a comfortable, dry living space. Unfortunately, there may come a time when you notice damp, wet, or cracked walls in this area. Here are some facts you must know about basement waterproofing and when it’s time to contact a professional.

  1. Water damage can cause mold and mildew – Some homeowners don’t understand the severity of mold and mildew in their home. Over time, mold and mildew put your family at risk for complications such as nasal stuffiness, skin irritation, coughing and wheezing, serious lung infections, headaches, and asthma attacks. What makes matters is worse is that basements are usually damp. The more moisture there is in this space, the more likely that mold and mildew will grow. Don’t just assume your mold issue will solve itself. We recommend reaching out to our waterproofing contractors at the first sign of mold or mildew. Be sure to learn more about the creeping dangers basement mold.
  2. Basement waterproofing increases the value of your home – In our most recent post, we looked at several home improvements to make before selling. One of them is investing in wet basement solutions. As you can see on Angie’s List, the actual return on investment of basement waterproofing varies by region, size of the home, and the extent of the damage. Nevertheless, nearly every expert agrees that this home improvement project pays off down the road. Plus, as opposed to new flooring, kitchen upgrades, or bathroom transformations, basement waterproofing doesn’t really become less popular after several years. We have yet to run into a prospective home buyer who doesn’t want a dry basement! You can expect somewhere around a 30 percent ROI from this job.
  3. Waterproofing your basement is affordable – Wet basement solutions shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. Before deciding on a company, do some research of your own. Ideally, the one you choose will have years of industry experience. Once you have a list of several possibilities, request an estimate from each. At Zablocki Waterproofing in Milwaukee, our foundation repair estimates are completely free. You can count on us to be upfront with pricing and never sell you unnecessary services. With Zablocki, there are never any additional fees or gimmicks. It’s our belief that foundation waterproofing services should be affordable for every homeowner and business owner.
  4. DIY foundation waterproofing is rarely effective – Maybe you would rather take matters into your own hands. Perhaps you’re pinching pennies and are reluctant to hire a professional. So you search online to see how to solve this moisture dilemma on your own. The common search result is something called “waterproofing paint.” In short, waterproof paint is ideal for areas within a home that experiences excess moisture (basements and bathrooms, for example). Here’s the deal: the issue is not in the paint, but rather in the way it’s used. Putting a coat of waterproof paint on the walls is a temporary solution and nothing more. If you want to solve the moisture problem for good, then it’s imperative to reach out to a professional. Read ‘The Truth About Waterproofing Paint’ for additional information.
  5. You can help keep your basement dry – Wondering what you can do to prevent foundation damage in the first place? Hoping to take a proactive approach when it comes to mildew and mold growth? Then try keeping your basement warm and free of moisture year-round. As aforementioned, a basement that’s damp serves as an invitation for potential mold and mildew.  

Basement Waterproofing in Milwaukee

There are a number of waterproofing contractors to choose from in Milwaukee, WI. So then what separates Zablocki from the rest? We’re glad you asked.

Residents and business owners have relied on Zablocki for more than three decades. With such a level of experience, it’s safe to say that we know a thing or two in this industry. You can count on our team to effectively identify the root of the problem and then come up with the most effective repair strategy based on your budget.

Zablocki goes above and beyond to ensure a positive customer experience. What do we mean by this exactly? For one thing, we treat your property as if it were our own.

Before getting started on a project, our team will cover your furniture, protect any plants, and safeguard structures surrounding excavation areas. These might seem like minor things, but trust us when we say it makes a big difference.

We’ve thrown a lot of information at you in this post. If you only remember one thing, it should be to contact a professional once you notice your basement is damp, wet, or has cracked walls.

Don’t let your investment take a hit because of preventable water damage. See how Zablocki Waterproofing can transform your home or business.

Don’t Wait For Winter

It’s Happening

We’ve put it off for nearly nine months, but the time has come once again. The day’s light retreats ever earlier, the winds off the lake intensify (or, at least feel like they intensify), and the snow begins to fall. It’s part of both of Milwaukee’s and the surrounding villages’ claim to infamy, yet we find ways each year to power forward and make the most of our often frigid home. We’re speaking about winter, of course, that time of year when it seems that it couldn’t get any colder . . . yet it inevitably does the following day. All in all, Wisconsinites are great at making the most out of their winters, even if they do push us to our wits end at times.

For the majority of us, winter means retreating indoors for the bulk of the season, spending our time cozily tucked away from the elements howling outside our doors — when we’re not scraping our car’s’ windshield and fighting against the wind and commercial snow removal in Brookfield to and from work and other responsibilities. When we’re inside, the last thing we want to think about is our home’s intactness; we have enough to worry about just keeping the slush from our boots from making its way too far into our homes. This annoying slush is one of the first and last signs of winter; once the first snow falls, we can rest assured that it won’t last long, leading to everything around us being wet and muddy. So, what happens if this slush makes its way into your basement? Better to not find out and learn more about basement waterproofing.

 

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Keeping Water Where It Belongs

You don’t have to be the Milwaukee area’s preferred basement waterproofing company to understand that water locked away in your basement’s foundation and walls (let alone water visibly collecting in your basement) isn’t particularly ideal. In fact, even modest amounts of moisture can compound over time, signaling a whole host of problems that can lead to costly and emotionally draining repairs. This makes basements one of the prime suspects for mold, foundation issues, and hotbeds for potential problems. And, although we all know water and moisture in our basements is never a positive thing, let’s get into how that water gets there and what kind of trouble it’s up to.

Most homes are built atop clay soil, soil that is perfect for retaining water. While this is great for the soil, it’s not particularly welcome news for your home; the water collected in the soil is not prevented from draining away from your home. Aside from putting pressure on your foundation and walls, this collected water causes your basement walls to become damp. This is moistures easiest way of finding its way into your basement. However, this problem is just as easily staved off by Zablocki Waterproofing’s unsurpassed basement waterproofing services.

We provide our Milwaukee area neighbors with wet basement solutions to meet their needs before or after moisture is detected. We do this by providing exterior waterproofing to your home’s foundation exterior walls. This forms a watertight foundation sealer that — you guessed it — keep the water and moisture out of your home. We make sure the water stays out by backfilling stone around your home to keep water from pooling around your basement walls.

 

Why Have Basement Waterproofing Done Before Winter?

We’re well into autumn and rounding the corner into winter, meaning that near-frozen streams of snowmelt are soon to be here, too. We may not always see it, but the melting snow can seep (often not so slowly) into our homes. And, if you’ve lived in the Milwaukee area for more than one season, you know how easily seemingly everything around you can become cold and damp in no time at all.

By this point, you may be getting a glimpse into why it’s important to have basement waterproofing taken care of before winter hits. But aside from the potential of having your home be hit by a deluge of snowmelt on one of those rare, freak warm episodes in January, there’s real concern that Southeastern Wisconsin’s humid winters can add more moisture to our basements. While much of this moisture and humidity is unavoidable, ensuring your home is outfitted with the finest basement waterproofing techniques is an excellent way to keep the worst of winter out of your basement.

 

Choose Quality. Choose Zablocki

For over 30 years, Zablocki Waterproofing has provided basement waterproofing and foundation repair services to the Milwaukee area. During this time, we’ve come to best understand how to fortify homes and commercial spaces against moisture and wetness. If you’re ready to join the thousands of Wisconsinites who’ve benefited from basement waterproofing, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to schedule your free estimate or to learn more. As always: Choose Quality. Choose Zablocki.

Top Four Signs You Need Basement Waterproofing ASAP

Don’t Wait For the Flood

When you think of waterproofing your basement, you may think that it safeguards against floods and large spills or leaks. While it absolutely does, there are other, smaller issues that can lead to bigger, more expensive cleanups. Many of these tell-tale signs start slowly, with just a trickle or a drip and, before you know it, you’ve got foundation problems, mold, and a whole host of unsavory issues going on in your basement. However, avoiding these issues is much easier than you think — so long as you know what you’re looking for. Curious about how to avoid these issues? Take a look below and see if your basement could benefit from basement waterproofing today.

 

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Sign Number Four: Humidity

Basements are notorious for capturing both cold and heat. Since they’re almost always constructed with concrete and left unfinished (without carpet, walls, etc.), they are prime suspects for holding onto extreme temperatures. This makes them perfect locations for humidity to hang out. And, with most of our clients being close to the lake, humidity is a common problem we come across when we work out waterproofing magic.

While the Milwaukee area may not be known for humidity levels that are common in the South, it does get quite humid, leaving basements vulnerable to high levels of humidity that can wreak havoc on our basements. Humidity is a clear indication that water from somewhere is getting into your basement. A quick solution to this is to purchase a dehumidifier (we highly recommend this). While dehumidifiers work well, they’ll do little to assist when humidity levels rise. If the humidity has begun to penetrate your walls, it may well lead to efflorescence. What’s efflorescence, you ask? Take a look below to find out.

 

Sign Number Three: Efflorescence

If you’ve ever walked into your basement and seen something that resembles a crudely painted tie dye stain of sorts on your wall or floor, it’s likely that that’s efflorescence. Efflorescence involves soluble salt deposits making their way to the surface of concrete. While efflorescence isn’t a major problem in and of itself (despite being a not-so-aesthetically pleasing sight), it’s a sure sign that water is finding its way into your basement. How? The art project/oil spill-looking deposit that it leaves behind has trapped the soluble salts. When water finds its way in and out of the concrete, it grabs loose, dissolvable particles along with it. Once the water has evaporated, you and your basement are left with crystallized powder …until the process begins again. Take steps to ensure that you won’t be dealing with efflorescence and have the pros at Zablocki treat your basement today.

 

Reason Number Two: Weird Smell

We’re not suggesting that your basement should smell like roses but good on you if it does! While basements aren’t known for emitting the best smells, there’s a difference between a basement having “that basement smell” and, “oh, wow, does my basement smell.” Rarely does this smell come out of nowhere. Often, this stench is being emitted from mold, another common problem among damp or leaky basements. Mold can lead to serious health issues as well, making the need to prevent it (or get rid of it) all the more important.

 

Reason Number One: Dampness and Mold

It may seem like basements are naturally damp places. While they certainly can be and often are, that doesn’t mean that it’s regular presence is a good sign for your basement. Even if your basement seems fairly dry, but you’re noticing growing and retracting (or just growing), pools or water stains, then it’s time to call Zablocki to get in there and take care of your water problems. This dampness doesn’t always necessarily mean that there’s a leak somewhere; heavy rains or snowmelt are common culprits in turning our basements into leaky, damp areas that could sorely benefit from basement waterproofing. Once mold settles in, it spreads rather quickly, making it all the more pressing to get it taken care of once you notice its presence in your basement.

 

Watertight

Even if you feel your basement is in pristine condition, there’s still the risk of your seemingly clean and clear basement becoming damp and mold-ridden. Now that you know some of the common signs that can lead to basement problems, you can keep an eye out for any of these tell-tale signs that all but ensure a coming wet basement. Before it comes to that, give the pros at Zablocki Waterproofing a call to get in there before winter and snow arrive to ensure that your basement won’t become a breeding ground for efflorescence, mold, and all of the trouble that comes along with a wet basement. As always: Choose Quality. Choose Zablocki.

Five Not-So-Obvious Reasons for Basement Waterproofing

Give Your Basement the Waterproofing it Deserves

There are some obvious reasons people choose basement waterproofing. The most obvious reason being the goal to stave off the worst should a basement experience flood damage from a burst pipe or heavy rains. Moreover, implementing basement waterproofing keeps mold and mildew at bay, in turn maintaining optimal air quality in our homes. While these are excellent reasons to choose basement waterproofing, there are a handful of other often overlooked reasons that basement waterproofing is an excellent choice. If you’re building, buying, or renovating your home, take a peek below to learn about some of the lesser-known reasons homeowners across the Milwaukee area opt for basement waterproofing some Zablocki.

 

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Reason Number Five: Your Basement Floors

Although our basement floors look, feel, and are sturdy, they’re usually only about two to four inches deep. Moreover, these floors do nothing in the way of structural integrity of your home, making them easily susceptible to changes in hydrostatic pressure, the pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium at a given point within the fluid, due to the force of gravity. This means that this same pressure that forces water into the basement can also work conversely by pressing water up into your basement floor, causing cracks which allow water to leak into your basement.

 

Reason Number Four: Holes From Tie Rods

When a home is built, tie rods — poles that act as ties during the initial construction of a home — are used. These steel rods are placed in concrete forms in horizontal rows. Once the home is built, the tie rods are removed, leaving behind holes that are prime targets for water. This can lead to pooling water that can seep into the microscopic pores of the concrete forms. Once water has penetrated the concrete, it’s only a matter of time before cracks begin to show themselves. These cracks are the first signs of structural damage and can lead to greater (and more costly) repairs down the line.

 

Reason Number Three: Elevated Electric Bills

When your basement is moist, damp, or all-out wet, your AC and heating system works harder to compensate for the moisture in the air. Bluntly, it simply costs more to heat and cool your basement when moist air is trapped in there. While it might seem that your AC/heating unit is on the fritz, it very well could be that it’s your damp basement that’s causing your electric bills to skyrocket — not your AC/heating unit. So, before you call in an HVAC service to take a look at your unit, check to see if your basement could benefit from some moisture reduction.

Zablocki Pro Tip: if your basement has trapped moisture, consider purchasing a dehumidifier for your basement. These handy machines suck moisture out of the air and collect it in an attached bucket that is easily emptied whenever it becomes full. Check your local hardware or home improvement store; there are numerous models and sizes that can fit your needs.

 

Reason Number Two: Insurance

When basements suffer water damage, it can be a financial and emotional burden to remedy the situation. If your basement becomes flooded, you’ll want to speak with your insurance company immediately. In the US, roughly 20 percent of all insurance claims involve some sort of water damage. This tells us two things: more homes could use basement waterproofing services and that insurance companies are well-prepared to deal with water damage claims, though the latter may be cold comfort when you’re standing ankle deep in both repair bills and uninvited basement water.

 

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Reason Number One: A Failing Sump Pump

Sump pumps are pumps used to remove water that has pooled into the pump’s sump basin. These are used when basements become flooded and remove the water from the basement. While these devices work wonders for handling moderate amounts of water, they can become overwhelmed and faulty when excess amounts of water collect or pour into your basement. This is particularly problematic during springtime when the snow melts quickly and groundwater swells. Basement waterproofing is an excellent way to ensure that your sump pump doesn’t become overworked or fails in the event excess water finds its way into your basement.

 

Prevent and Protect

We here at Zablocki understand the importance of both preventing and protecting basements in the Milwaukee area from moisture, flooding, and general water damage. That’s why we implore our neighbors to consider basement waterproofing as not only a way to protect your home, but to save money in the long run. If you have any questions, concerns, or inquiries, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. As always: Choose quality. Choose Zablocki.

Top Four Reasons to Choose Basement Waterproofing

Seal the Deal with Basement Waterproofing from Zablocki

Whether you’re building a home for the first time or have proudly called your current address home for decades, there’s never a bad time to consider basement waterproofing. It might sound strange to consider basement waterproofing after a house is built, but the elements rarely care about how long we’ve lived in our home; the rain, snow, leaks, and mold come as they please but only leave when they’re forced out. In order to secure your home from unwanted water damage, mold and mildew, a sturdy sealant and accompanying materials are needed to ensure your basement stays dry, even during Milwaukee’s wet springs. Over our nearly three decades of experience, we’ve come across countless reasons for homeowners to secure their basements with Zablocki’s professional basement waterproofing services. Below, we’ve highlighted a few of the most important reasons to waterproof your basement. Continue reading to learn more.

 

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Reason 4: Limits Damage From Flooding

Flooding is the most prevalent natural disaster occurring in the States every year, meaning that, unfortunately, the odds aren’t in our favor if we live in flood prone areas. The Milwaukee area is no exception; while extreme flooding is rare, floods are quite common in areas of the surrounding area and are sure to cause extensive damage to our basements if left untreated.

 

Reason 3: Foundational Crack Prevention

Excessive water can cause devastating damage to our homes’ foundations, leading to a host of structural issues and safety hazards. But it doesn’t take a flood to cause foundational damage; once moisture makes itself at home in the grooves and cracks of our basement’s foundations, it expands and contracts (depending upon the temperature), causing undue and preventable damage.

 

Reason 2: Keeps Out Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew love a damp environment, especially if it’s a warm environment, at that. And if you’ve been in the Milwaukee area even briefly during the summer, you’re aware of how humid it can be (thanks, Lake Michigan!). Adding a layer of protection with our basement waterproofing services can mean the difference in a warm, dry, and mold- and mildew-free basement and a warm, wet haven for mold and mildew.

 

Reason 1: Increases Your Home’s Value

It’s no secret that houses are becoming more and more expensive and finding (or building) one that is within your price point can be difficult in the Milwaukee area. But one way to ensure your home’s value increases with time is to add basement waterproofing. In the event that your put your home up for sale, potential homeowners are more likely to consider your home if they know the foundation is structurally sound and their future basement is sure to be kept dry.

 

Protect Your Home and Your Investment

When you choose basement waterproofing services from Zablocki, you’re relying on 30 years of professional experience and skill to deliver the best product in the Milwaukee area. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about any of the services we offer are curious to learn more about why you should choose Zablocki for your basement waterproofing needs, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today. Choose Quality. Choose Zablocki.

Protect Your Basement From Winter’s Thaw & Spring’s Deluge

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April Showers Bring Mayflowers While the Basement Sours

Prevent Floods, Molding, & Irreparable Damages

When the temporary mountains of greyed and salt-encrusted slush that once resembled snow begin to melt across the Milwaukee area, the city and suburbs come to life, eager to escape the confines of a Wisconsin winter. After five months in close quarters, seemingly every person in the Milwaukee area sheds their shelters for warmer, longer days, we (understandably) attempt to soak up as much sun as we can between those unpredictable and quintessentially Milwaukee days of frigid mornings and balmy evenings. Yet while we flee our homes for the shores of Bradford Beach or points further afield, our basements are bearing brunt of the thaw. Consider this: our basements are literally the cornerstones of our homes, and keeping them safe and sturdy are integral maintaining a comfortable home. These safety measures include keeping your basement free of water, whether leaking, standing, or pipes in danger of bursting. If you’ve already begun your mad dash to get out of the house, pump the brakes and continue reading to learn more about the importance of basement waterproofing.

 

Save Time, Money, & Hassle

When spring arrives, likely the furthest thing from your mind is anything to do with your home, (outside of the handful of spring cleaning chores that get handed off to the kids). However, it’s of the utmost importance that we don’t neglect the room(s) about which we often forget: the basement. Let’s face it: it seems that this part of the house is often the most unvisited, and, accordingly, the least thought about. When we ignore our basements’ foundational health, we inadvertently dismiss the structural integrity of most homes. Foundation contractors have long warned homeowners and landlords of the dangers associated with poor basement waterproofing methods.

 

Never Too Little, Never Too Late: Waterproof Your Basement

Unfortunately, when the aforementioned warnings are not heeded (or simply overlooked and forgotten), tragic consequences can result. Namely, standing water in your basement can signal a host of devastating challenges — many of which involve wet basement solutions from qualified basement leak repair teams, foundation contractors, and waterproofing contractors. The latter may sound odd, but if you’ve experienced a flooded and/or water-damaged basement, you surely understand the importance of hiring well-qualified and professional basement waterproofing contractors. Waterproofing walls is an excellent first and preventative step that prepares you for a  waterproof basement. When you choose Zablocki Waterproofing for all of your basement waterproofing needs, you’re choosing unrivaled basement waterproofing skill, costs that adhere to nearly any budget, and care that remains unsurpassed by Milwaukee area competitors.

 

Don’t Let The Slush Find its Way Into Your Home

We at Zablocki have seen our fair share of Wisconsin winters, and know all too well the ramifications of a slushier-than-normal spring. This empathy has found its way into our dedicated and client-focused basement waterproofing business; we want our Milwaukee area neighbors to be able to enjoy the longer days and warmer rays without the worry of a flooded or ruined basement. Think you’re on your way to a flooded basement? Give us a call today to learn more about how Zablocki Waterproofing can begin protecting or repairing your basement. Already have a basement repair project in mind and are curious about the cost, timeframe, and intended results? Even better. Check out our consultation form to schedule your free Zablocki Waterproofing consultation today. Don’t spend your spring looking for wet basement solutions or other frustrating, belabored, and costly basement leak repairs. Let Zablocki Waterproofing keep your home safe, dry, and ready to take on the slush.

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.

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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What Happens When You Neglect Foundation Repair

how expensive is foundation repair in Milwaukee?Being a homeowner can sometimes feel like a bit of a balancing act. Your home needs the right maintenance and repairs to protect your financial investment, but sometimes there isn’t enough money to go around. You end up picking and choosing the things that are the most urgent so you don’t completely drain your bank account. One of the things many homeowners choose to wait on when it comes to home repairs is their foundation. Unfortunately, our foundation repair team in Milwaukee knows this is one area that can’t wait.

What’s the Worst That Could Happen?

Your foundation is a vital part of the structure of your home. If your foundation is cracked or sagging, it’s not going to fix itself. In fact, the longer you let it go, the worse the damage is going to get. It can also affect other parts of your home and cause damage there as the foundation worsens, including cracked or sagging walls, moisture issues, or even weakening joists. All of that means the longer you wait to pay to repair your foundation, the more you’ll be paying to repair other areas of your home.

But Here is the Good News…

Foundation repair might not be as expensive as you think. Our Milwaukee team offers free consultations on foundation repair so we can thoroughly evaluate the issue and suggest the necessary repairs. We pride ourselves on never overselling services, so you can count on us to do the work that’s necessary without charging you for repairs that you don’t actually need. Find out for yourself how affordable foundation repair can be by contacting our team today! Schedule your free consultation by clicking on the button below.

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