Frequently Asked Questions

Click on a question to view the answer.

Waterproofing

• What is condensation and why is it happening in my basement?
• Is the SaniDry System portable if I ever choose to move?
• What is this white chalky substance "flaking" off my basement walls?
• How can I tell where the water in my basement is coming from?
• My home was waterproofed by the builder just a few years ago, why do I have a wet basement?
• I want to finish my basement, is there a way to guarantee a dry basement all of the time?
• What steps should I take to best prepare my basement for finishing?

Foundation Repair/Stabilization

• I have some cracks in my foundation and a few in my basement, how do I tell if they are serious?
• I have cracks in the drywall on some of my interior walls. What caused this?
• How long does a typical foundation repair project take and how much of my yard will be disturbed?
• What is a wall anchor and how are they installed?
• What is a push pier and how is it installed?
• What type of warranty is offered on the work performed? Does the warranty transfer to the new owner if I sell my home?

Crawlspace Repairs

• Why are vents in a crawlspace such a big problem?
• How can closing my vents and encapsulating my crawlspace save 20% of my energy costs?

Waterproofing Questions

What is condensation and why is it happening in my basement?

Whenever outside air is warmer than inside air, a condensation problem is likely to appear in your basement. Basements are below ground and therefore, most of the time, fairly cool. When moist and hot air (like that found on a summer day) are combined with cool basement conditions, condensation forms on cool surfaces such as ductwork, glass and concrete foundations.

Why does this occur? Keep in mind that the relative humidity of air goes up 2.2% for every one degree it is cooled. Consider, for example, an 80-degree day with relative humidity level of 80%. As the warm and moist outside air is drawn into your basement to be cooled to a comfortable 68 degrees, the basement's relative humidity is raised another 26.4% (12 degrees x 2.2%). Add that to the pre-existing 80% humidity level and you've got a number greater than 100%. This is really saturated air — so the air gives up its saturation or excess moisture by "depositing" it on cold surfaces such as basement walls, floors, exposed ductwork, water tanks and pipes. The entire process is called condensation.

To best eliminate condensation in a basement, the humidity in the air needs to be reduced or "dehumidified." This should be done consistently and effectively to best balance air temperature, humidity levels and the natural "updraft" of air flow from the bottom levels of a home up and out the upper levels (think attic and roof vents).

For energy-efficient dehumidification and air filtration, consider the SaniDry Basement Air System for your basement. This unit can be ducted to other rooms and provides dual-stage filtration for the capture of indoor allergens as small as two microns. With the ability to pull up to 100 pints per day of moisture from the air on just 6.8 amps of energy, the SaniDry Basement Air System has earned the EnergyStar seal of approval.

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Is the SaniDry System portable if I ever choose to move?

Yes, the SaniDry Basement Air System is portable and can be moved easily.

Just remember, when selecting a position for the SaniDry in your new home be sure to place it near a floor drain for consistent, unrestricted drainage from the unit.

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What is this white chalky substance "flaking" off my basement walls?

This substance is called efflorescence. It consists of deposits from the minerals in the concrete, mortar, or soils that remain behind when water evaporates from the surface of the wall or floor. It appears as a white powder or crystals. It is sometimes confused with mold, but it is not alive — just mineral residue. It is not harmful and can be swept or brushed off. It is a sign that water is (slowly) coming through the wall or floor.

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How can I tell where the water in my basement is coming from?

Water and moisture enter a building's foundation through a number of different ways. The most common is at the point where the basement wall and basement floor meet (cold joint). This, simply put, is a natural seam where water can easily penetrate your foundation. Another source of moisture intrusion is via hydrostatic pressure at mortar joints or through porous block. This "built up" pressure (earth surrounding a foundation laden with excessive moisture) causes water to penetrate cracks and joints.

There are other ways water can enter a foundation, though not as easily noticeable. The certified waterproofing representatives at Basement Systems, Inc. are trained to determine the exact source of moisture intrusion and design the most effective solution for each unique basement and situation.

Once you've determined the source of water in your basement, it is imperative to correct the problem so water never enters your living area again!

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My home was waterproofed by the builder just a few years ago, why do I have a wet basement?

Wet basements are a problem in new and old homes alike. Reputable builders waterproof new construction. The problem with most new construction waterproofing, however, is that it is one of the first jobs completed by the builder. Typically this "waterproofing" consists of a spray-on exterior damp proofing and the installation of a perimeter drain tile system. Once these installations are complete, literally dozens of the contractors involved in building a new home go to work on top of, around and make holes in the foundation for electrical conduit, gas lines, other utilities and ultimately, jeopardize the system's performance. Because of this, even new homes can experience water intrusion problems.

Basement Systems, Inc. can help. Our waterproofing systems are designed to meet the specific needs of each property. Every situation is evaluated carefully and the homeowner is involved in designing the system that meets their needs. Our systems can be installed in less than a day and require no penetrations to your foundation and no excavation around the perimeter of your home.

For professional waterproofing offering a 25 year transferable warranty, be sure to contact Basement Systems, Inc. Our certified waterproofing specialists can assist you in designing a system that ensures your basement will be dry.

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I want to finish my basement, is there a way to guarantee a dry basement?

This is a good question. Many would assume that a typical "drain tile" system combined with a sump pump would keep a basement floor dry all the time. Not so. These systems provide assurances to keep a basement floor dry "most" of the time, but are subject to failure:

• Simply put, sump pumps fail. Whether mechanical failure on behalf of the pump, or a power interruption (tripped breaker or storm) or the pump's inability to keep up with volume — a sump pump can fail and leave a homeowner with wet surroundings.
• Drain tile (an exterior system of tile/rock with a perforated pipe for drainage placed below grade along the perimeter of a building's foundation) often become clogged and rendered useless due to certain soil types, deterioration and heavy rains.

For the majority of homeowners, especially those considering renovating or finishing their basement level, either a sump pump or drain tile system, or the combination of the two, just isn't good enough.

Basement Systems, Inc. has access to over 23 patented products to ensure your entire basement remains dry and guard against:

• An aging pre-existing drain tile system
• Sump pump failure
• High humidity levels and damaging condensation
• Incidental seepage down the interior walls
• Water vapor transmission through basement walls and floor
• Mold and fungus growth

Protect your investment with our patented products and award winning service before you remodel your basement. Look to certified professionals at Basement Systems, Inc. for systems that get the job done quickly and cost effectively.

Contact us today for a FREE, no-obligation inspection and estimate.

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What steps should I take to best prepare my basement for finishing?

Finishing your basement can increase the living space and value of your home. If you are going to finish your basement, we recommend taking several precautions to protect your finishing investment. If you have already finished your basement, the majority of these precautions can still be made.

1. Waterproof Your Basement.
2. Sump Pump with Battery Backup.
3. Guard Against Frozen Sump Discharge Lines.
4. Basement Wall Vapor Barrier.
5. Keep the Floor Warm, Dry and Comfortable.
6. Protect Against Plumbing Leaks.
7. Inspect and Replace Basement Windows.
8. Energy Efficient Dehumidifier.
9. Check Gutters, Downspouts, and Window Wells.

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Foundation Repair/Stabilization

I have some cracks in my foundation and a few in my basement, how do I tell if they are serious?

Most people have no idea how to tell if cracks in their foundation walls are serious or not. Some "shrinkage cracks" are common in poured concrete walls and floors, but other cracks are not. In most cases a crack is a sign that something has moved or settled. This is especially obvious if the crack is wider at one point than another.

The bottom line with foundation cracks — it's a good idea to seek a professional's opinion.

Basement Systems, Inc. provides property owners with a free evaluation of their foundation and the opportunity to consult with our certified representative. If repairs are recommended, a written estimate is provided for free and you are under no obligation.

When it comes to concerns with your foundation, cracks in bricks, a tilting chimney or bowing basement walls, don't delay and subject your property to costly repairs in the future. Contact Basement Systems, Inc. for a free evaluation today.

Before (settlement cracks)	After (foundation stabilization)

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I have cracks in the drywall on some of my interior walls. What caused this?

Cracks in your interior drywall are a sign of a settling foundation. Basement Systems, Inc. offers a Pier System to get your home back on solid ground.

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How long does a typical foundation repair project take and how much of my yard will be disturbed?

Repairs depend largely on the nature of the foundation problem. For instance, a typical bowing basement wall can be stabilized in less than a day (situations vary) with little disruption to a lawn, landscaping or decks. For settlement repairs, Basement Systems, Inc. conducts minimal excavation on the exterior of a property to expose the foundation's footings and the soil is replaced once work is complete. With every project, before work begins, Basement Systems, Inc. fully explains our process and the level of disturbance to be expected.

For more information, fill out our online contact form or call our toll free number and one of the Basement Systems, Inc. representatives can visit with you to explain in greater detail.

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What is a wall anchor and how is it installed?

Wall anchors restore the structural integrity of walls without having to rebuild them. Technicians install the Wall Anchor System by inserting a steel anchor rod through the wall into the outside earth. A steel anchor is then attached to the rod through a vertical hole in the ground. Finally, a steel wall plate secures the rod to the inside basement wall.

Anchors can be placed in different locations along the wall and rod extenders can be used to avoid decks, flower beds, and other landscaping. The entire process usually takes less than one day and since we do not rebuild the entire wall, your home and lawn are left in almost the same condition as when the technicians arrive.

The Wall Anchor System is a property owner's alternative to completely removing and rebuilding basement walls that have become cracked and bowed as a result of lateral earth pressures exceeding the allowable design capacity of the wall. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has recognized wall anchors as a viable option for stabilizing basement/foundation walls.

With the Wall Anchor System, Basement Systems, Inc. provides a 25 year transferable warranty that the wall anchors will stop additional inward horizontal movement of the repaired wall(s). In many cases, with proper tension, the anchors can move walls back to their original position. In situations involving walls with extreme bowing, excavation may be required to safely and efficiently straighten the wall.

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What is a push pier and how is it installed?

Utilizing hydraulically driven steel tubes and rugged steel brackets placed beneath existing footings, the Foundation Push Pier system transfers a building's weight from unstable soil to load-bearing piers. To install the system, technicians first attach heavy, industrial-strength anchoring brackets to your home's footings. Next, rugged steel piers are hydraulically driven down to solid bedrock or equal load-bearing strata. This is done below ground so nothing is exposed. Finally, the weight of the building is carefully transferred from unstable soil to rock solid piers so your home or commercial building is secured. This cost-effective system usually doesn't require heavy equipment and can be installed year-round in just a few days — even in limited access areas.

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What type of warranty is offered on the work performed? Does the warranty transfer to the new owner if I sell my home?

Most systems offered by Basement Systems, Inc. come with a fully transferable 25 year warranty. Warranty information is provided with all written estimates. If you have specific questions about the warranty, feel free to call the Basement Systems, Inc. toll free number.

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Crawlspace Repairs

Why are vents in a crawlspace such a big problem?

Once upon a time, certain building codes required vents be placed in crawl spaces beneath homes during the construction phase. Since that time, building officials have realized these requirements are incorrect since vents allow hot and humid summer air to flow into crawlspaces promoting condensation, wood rot and mold growth. In winter months, open vents allow cold air to enter crawlspaces and flow unrestricted into upper levels increasing heat loss and lowering energy efficiency.

Thankfully, building codes are changing. In the near future a vented dirt crawl space will be a thing of the past. Keep in mind, sealing crawlspace vents is just one of two necessary steps toward improving energy efficiency and indoor air quality. The other vital step involves encapsulating a crawl space — separating your home from moisture-laden soils below.

Basement Systems, Inc. offers both the CleanSpace Encapsulation System and crawl space vent/crawl space door covers for a complete and permanent solution.

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How can closing my vents and encapsulating my crawlspace save 20% of my energy costs?

A vented crawl space wastes an enormous amount of energy.

Since a home "breathes" (drawing air from lower levels and expelling air via upper levels), outside air is flowing constantly throughout a home that has a vented crawlspace beneath it. This outside air, which the home has "sucked" from the crawlspace cavity below, carries with it excess humidity from the moisture-laden soils of the crawlspace floor. This type of airflow increases the work "load" of a home's heating and cooling system since the air must be cooled, dehumidified and/or heated. This taxes even the most efficient heating and cooling system.

By simply encapsulating a home's dirt crawlspace and closing all vents, a home can draw air from proper sources such as return air vents and exchangers instead of pulling from poor air quality cavities such as a dirt crawlspace. This is the equivalent of shutting open doors or windows and eliminating energy dollar loss.

An independent study revealed that homeowners who properly fix their vented dirt crawl space can save 10% to 20% on their heating and air conditioning costs!

In addition to home energy savings, a properly encapsulated and sealed crawlspace prevents eventual wood floor joist replacement due to rot, costly mold remediation and eventual property-value reduction.

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