Basement repairs help you make your home more comfortable and energy efficient. They also add value for resale.

Look for signs of water leaks in your basement. Plumbing leaks and clogged or broken drain lines are common culprits, as are disconnected clothes dryer ducts. For professional assistance, call Handyman Naperville IL.

A more expensive option is to underpin your foundation, which involves excavation and the installation of hydraulic piers under your home. When performed by licensed professionals, it offers a permanent solution to bowing walls.

Waterproofing is an important part of any basement repair project, preventing moisture from entering the home and causing damage. It can be done using a variety of methods, depending on the type of moisture that is entering the basement and how it is getting in. If you are worried about the integrity of your basement floor or foundation, a waterproofing expert can conduct a comprehensive inspection and recommend the best solution.

Moisture problems are usually caused by hydrostatic pressure from the outside against the concrete that supports your house. Over time, this can cause cracks and leaks. Waterproofing will prevent this by reducing this pressure so that moisture can move through the soil instead of toward your house.

Exterior basement walls can be waterproofed by excavating the soil around the walls and then installing drain tile (a flexible, perforated pipe covered with mesh or fabric) at the bottom of the wall. This will prevent water from entering the basement through the walls, even if frost occurs during the winter.

The interior of the home can also be waterproofed with filler and sealers. This will prevent moisture from soaking into the wall, causing rot and mold. For cracks in the basement walls or floor, a professional can inject epoxy or polyurethane to fill them and create a tight seal. Other ways to reduce moisture in the basement include a sump pump, dehumidifier installation and better drainage by installing new French drains or curtain drains.

A basement that is free of moisture and rot can lower heating and cooling costs. It can also make a home more comfortable and livable. It is also more attractive to potential buyers, increasing its resale value.

It is important to waterproof your basement to protect the structural integrity of your house, keep your belongings safe from mold and rot, and reduce the risk of flooding, which can be costly to clean up and repair. The experts at TFS can help you select the best method of waterproofing for your home and budget. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

Insulation

Insulating basement walls is one of the most important things homeowners can do to help their homes stay comfortable and dry. Having a well-insulated basement helps prevent colder air from seeping down into living areas in winter, and it also keeps hotter air from seeping up into the home in summer. In addition, a properly insulated basement can save money on energy bills and reduce maintenance costs for HVAC systems.

The most common way water can get into a basement is through the foundation walls. If foundation walls are not properly waterproofed, moisture can enter through the concrete and cause cracks in the wall or a leak. Waterproofing can involve several different methods, including applying a waterproof sealant or installing a drain tile system.

A good basement repair company will focus on both waterproofing and insulating the foundation walls. A general contractor, on the other hand, may only do one or the other. This can lead to problems later on since the waterproofing may start to wear off before the insulating material does.

Another way that water can get into the basement is through soil erosion. This can happen if the soil next to the house is graded incorrectly or if gutters and downspouts are missing. If the soil starts to erode, water can flow down and around the foundation or into the basement walls.

Adding basement insulation can be done in several ways, including using spray foam or traditional fiberglass. Spray foam is a great option because it can accomplish multiple goals at once. It acts as an air, water, and moisture barrier for the walls, as well as a thermal and fire retardant. It can also be used to replace the vapor barrier in older homes, and it provides a good R-value, which is required by building codes.

While it can be tempting to skip basement insulation, it is essential for a healthy home. Moisture problems in the basement can quickly spread to other parts of a home, which can cause health and comfort issues for the entire house. If you notice any signs of a moisture problem, talk to an expert about your options for basement repair.

crawl space repair

Your crawl space is the area underneath your floor boards, support joists and piers, and the ground. It’s dark, musty, and prone to humidity. If you neglect the crawl space, your home is at risk for a variety of problems. Inspecting the crawl space is a little more difficult than inspecting your basement, but it’s important to make sure this area of your home is regularly checked and maintained.

Excessive moisture in the crawl space causes mold and mildew that affects your entire home. These airborne mold spores can cause health problems like headaches, fevers, and flu-like symptoms. The mold can also cause wood rot and damage to your foundation. Fortunately, your contractor can install a dehumidifier and a crawl space ventilation system to control the humidity.

Unvented, dirt-floored crawl spaces are breeding grounds for insects like mice, rats, and cockroaches. These pests can chew on electrical wiring, cause structural damage, and destroy insulation. They can also create musty odors and spread mold throughout your home. This is why it’s important to have your crawl space encapsulated by a professional.

Crawl space repair is a necessity because it’s the first place where water infiltrates your home. If the crawl space doesn’t have a barrier, water can soak through the wood and insulation, causing rotting and mold. The moisture can then seep through the floor and wall framing and into your living areas.

Water can also damage your home’s energy efficiency. A wet crawl space allows outside heat to enter your home, making the space unnecessarily warm and wasting your money on heating and cooling. Water can also cause a sagging floor or cracked walls.

A wet crawl space is a dangerous environment for your family because it attracts rodents and provides the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. These problems can lead to a number of serious issues that compromise the safety and health of your family. If you have any concerns about your crawl space, call a local Madison home repair contractor. They will be able to perform a professional inspection and complete any necessary repairs.

Foundation Repair

If you have a basement with cracking foundation walls, it’s important to take immediate action. These cracks indicate that the soil beneath your home is shifting and pushing against the foundation. The sooner you contact a professional, the more likely it is that they can save your foundation and prevent water leaks. A professional will assess your situation and determine the best repair method.

Some cracks are minor and can be repaired with filler, while others require more extensive repairs. For example, vertical cracks that wrap around a corner can often be filled with steel shims to reestablish proper support. However, if gaps reappear, you may need more invasive repairs such as foundation underpinning or piercing.

These methods involve digging underneath your house to install hydraulic piers, which raise and support the concrete foundation. This is the most expensive method for basement foundation repair, and it requires a contractor to excavate under or around your home’s foundation and install a new hydraulic pier at each location. This method also provides a permanent solution for basement foundation problems and can even raise your home’s settling grade.

Other forms of basement foundation repair involve repairing slab floors, which are usually made from concrete, tiles, or pavers and installed over the base foundation. When the foundation sinks, these floors can become loose and crumble. In most cases, these issues are signs of major foundation problems and need to be addressed right away.

One last form of basement repair involves regrading your soil to reduce moisture levels in the crawl space and in the basement. Moisture in the basement and crawl space can cause mold growth, musty odors, sagging floorboards, and other serious problems that should be fixed as soon as possible.