US WATERPROOFING SYSTEMS
IS YOUR BASEMENT LEAKING ?
Are your walls Leaking, or see signs of seeping or saturation after or during storm events ?
Are you seeing hairline cracking, splitting or seperation of cracked foundation ?
Are you Seeing Mold/Mildew Build-up, Dry Rot, Water Seepage, Rust and more?
If you don’t know what to do next, request a FREE INSPECTION from our EXPERTS at US WATERPROOFING SYSTEMS !
Give us a call now at (833) 829-2491 Residential & Commercial Services
The Waldry Multi-Step™ System is your total waterproofing solution !
If you don’t know what to do next, request a FREE INSPECTION from our EXPERTS at US WATERPROOFING SYSTEMS !
Give us a call now at (833) 829-2491 Residential & Commercial Services
The Waldry Multi-Step™ System is your total waterproofing solution !
Understanding the Philosophy of Strucural Force, and
Hydrostatic Pressure equates to energy released and creation of openings, US RWATERPROOFING SOLUTIONS has 25 Years in the business of water management, recovery solutuons.
"Helping to Restore Family Safety"
US WATERPROOFING SYSTEMS- Waldry Waterproofing system TM specializes in basement waterproofing and foundation repair. Our patented, safe, and effective waterproofing method can be used on foundations consisting of poured concrete, block, brick, stone, red clay tile plus crawl spaces and slabs. If your basement is wet or has water, dampness, cracks, seepage or other signs of moisture, please call us for a free foundation inspection !
Cracked Foundation
Cracked Foundation
You may be noticing cracks on your walls or floors. These cracks can be hairline or larger depending on the amount of water pressure around the outside of the foundation. You may have noticed moisture or dampness on the floor or walls after a heavy or saturating rain.
Mold / Mildew Build up
Mold/Mildew Build-up
You may have noticed some mold or mildew forming on the walls. Mold occurs due to a moist, damp environment. Mold and mildew cause such problems as allergies, headaches, sinuses and other health issues.
EFFLORESCENCE
Efflorescence
Efflorescence is commonly confused with mold. It is a white, powdery, and sometimes glistening substance that appears on basement wall surfaces. Efflorescence is a loose mineral salt that is carried in with the water that infiltrates the concrete, being deposited on the walls during the process.
Although somewhat unsightly, efflorescence is harmless and poses no health concerns. It is, however, a sign of humidity. Basement humidity should be controlled, as it might cause more problems – including mold - to appear over time.
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WATER SEEPAGE
Water Seepage
If you are experiencing water seepage, your foundation is already in an advanced stage of failure. At this stage, your foundation may be at risk for serious structural issues such as bowing/buckling of the walls and floor, and even collapse. You may also notice mold, mildew, musty orders, bugs, and even mud after a heavy rain.
surface water or migration
WATER LEAKSWater leaks and excessive moisture can cause a lot of damage to your home. It can also cause mold and mildew to grow. When it is very cold, water or moisture trapped in the cracks will freeze and cause even more damage.
In Colder CLimates, the frozen water expands, which will cause the size of cracks to stretch and even break. Mold appears when water remaines for periods of time ? Mold is a fungus that grows in damp places. There are many types of mold. In nature, its job is to help with the decomposition of organic matter. Mold becomes a problem when it grows inside a home. Damp basements and crawl spaces are ideal breeding grounds for mold, but any moist or wet area will do. A leaking pipe, a leaky roof, and window condensation can all lead to mold growth. Because mold often grows beneath floors and behind walls, a home can be infested with large mold colonies without being seen.
In Colder CLimates, the frozen water expands, which will cause the size of cracks to stretch and even break. Mold appears when water remaines for periods of time ? Mold is a fungus that grows in damp places. There are many types of mold. In nature, its job is to help with the decomposition of organic matter. Mold becomes a problem when it grows inside a home. Damp basements and crawl spaces are ideal breeding grounds for mold, but any moist or wet area will do. A leaking pipe, a leaky roof, and window condensation can all lead to mold growth. Because mold often grows beneath floors and behind walls, a home can be infested with large mold colonies without being seen.
WALDRY 1 SYSTEM
Waldry Total Excavation System: In this method, we use a backhoe to dig around the outside of the home’s foundation all the way down to the footing. After the wall is completely exposed, the original footer tiles are checked and, if needed, replaced. The wall is then sealed with waterproofing materials, such as tar and plastic. Gravel is poured over the pipe and the dirt is replaced in the hole.
WALDRY 2 System
Waldry 2 Interior Excavation System: Utilizes Inside drains may be used to waterproof from the inside of the basement. Typically, this involves opening the floor around the perimeter of the basement, digging a trench, and installing pipe and gravel around the footer. We also install ‘weep-holes’—small, one-half- to three-quarter-inch holes in each block cavity—to release any water that may be trapped. The holes are covered with a plastic molding or styrene panel before the floor is re-concreted.
WALDRY 3 COMBO SYSTEM
Waldry 3 Combo System: Utilizes a three tier above, along and below technique to manage teh implications of waters natural tendancy to invase the lower dwellings associated to basements and crawlspaces, as each site is unique, a custom water management and olution plan is designed to locate, and eliminate the effects of migrating waters.
fOUNDATION dRAINAGE sYSTEMS & SOLUTIONS 101
What Causes Foundations to Fail ?
Lateral Pressure – This type of pressure is caused when the soil around your basement gets too much water in it and expands, causing the basement wall to crack under all the pressure. You can remediate this issue by injecting expandable polyurethane into the cracks.
Hydrostatic Pressure Exertion – This is the increase of pressure in the water table. As water level increases through the soil which has absorbed water, there will be a buildup of pressure under the foundation which will cause the water to get through any cracks in your basement floor. A good solution for this issue is installing drainage tiles. However, you should always check both indoor and outdoor drainage systems you have in place and consult a professional before deciding the best solution for your drainage issues.
Badly done landscaping – If your landscaping is not done properly, you can be left with standing water outside your home which will then leak back into your basement. By using dirt, you can create slopes away from your home. Therefore, your landscaping needs to be graded correctly to prevent any water from pooling around your property.
Dirty and clogged window wells – Sometimes the window wells will get filled up with water and drain into your basement. You can prevent this by installing a drain or by hiring a professional that will clean your well drains so they do not get blocked. You should also install window covers to keep out dirt and debris.
Broken pipes or leaky appliances – At times, your plumbing may have a leak, or you may have an appliance that leaks which can cause water damage in your basement. If you are not handy with plumbing or fixing appliances, make sure to hire a professional plumber to fix your leaks and ensure no further damage is done.
Overflowing gutters – If you do not regularly clean your gutters, they may get clogged and they also can get into the basement and erode soil which can cause cracks in the foundation.
Short downspouts – Your downspouts should always be 10 feet away from your home so that it can be far away from the foundation, so it does not affect it.
Leaks in the roof – Sometimes if there is a leak in the roof, water can run down the walls and damage them or damage the ceiling.
Pavement that has settled – Sometimes the pavement can crack and settle and cause rainwater to flow to the house. You will need to get your pavement replaced or repaired and ensure that it does not flow toward the home, but away from it.
Storm sewer backup – At times when there are heavy rains, the storm sewer system can become clogged, or the water level becomes too high and backs up into your basement.
WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
The Modern Drainage Systems — include outside water management systems:
The WalDry updated Drainage System takes care of surface water and the water that enters through cracks in your foundation wall. Structural Assessments are prepared including the following:A) An inspection trench is dug against the outside wall anywhere the foundation meets dirt.- Any cracks identified are sealed to prevent water from entering into the foundation.The system is installed to remove any surface water away from the foundation walls.This would include our WALDRY (WPRS) Pressure Relief System — inside drainage system:
The WALDRY (WPRS) Pressure Relief System handles hydrostatic pressure that exist undergtound and creates hydrostatic pressure on to your basement walls and upunder the cement floor, which often causes water to seep through cracks along the walls and in the floor, as well as where they meet one another, often occuring in many wall and foundation systems, including floor cracks and at the seam where the floor and wall meet leading to discoloration and moisture and mold build up along lower block walls. The WALDRY (WPRS) Pressure Relief System consists of :WALDRY PLAN Professional Management and ManpowerPipingA pressure relief pump and pit Diverters, connections, and system components Downspouts are changed and correct positions are established Diverters, discharge and outlets are correctly installed and updated System Promotes: Cracks are sealed Release of water in the walls Client Participation on Seeing a change of condition Homeowers are shown the progress as changes are made.
Financing available through major banks.Free, in-home inspections detect any water-related problems in the foundation or basement.We are licensed, bonded and insured..
The WalDry updated Drainage System takes care of surface water and the water that enters through cracks in your foundation wall. Structural Assessments are prepared including the following:A) An inspection trench is dug against the outside wall anywhere the foundation meets dirt.- Any cracks identified are sealed to prevent water from entering into the foundation.The system is installed to remove any surface water away from the foundation walls.This would include our WALDRY (WPRS) Pressure Relief System — inside drainage system:
The WALDRY (WPRS) Pressure Relief System handles hydrostatic pressure that exist undergtound and creates hydrostatic pressure on to your basement walls and upunder the cement floor, which often causes water to seep through cracks along the walls and in the floor, as well as where they meet one another, often occuring in many wall and foundation systems, including floor cracks and at the seam where the floor and wall meet leading to discoloration and moisture and mold build up along lower block walls. The WALDRY (WPRS) Pressure Relief System consists of :WALDRY PLAN Professional Management and ManpowerPipingA pressure relief pump and pit Diverters, connections, and system components Downspouts are changed and correct positions are established Diverters, discharge and outlets are correctly installed and updated System Promotes: Cracks are sealed Release of water in the walls Client Participation on Seeing a change of condition Homeowers are shown the progress as changes are made.
Financing available through major banks.Free, in-home inspections detect any water-related problems in the foundation or basement.We are licensed, bonded and insured..
TYPES OF FOUNDATION CRACKS
TYPES OF CRACKS IDENTIFIED
HORIZONTAL FOUNDATION CRACKSAnother type of crack is a horizontal foundation crack. These cracks are almost always structural in nature. These cracks are usually located in the upper third of a concrete or block wall. Often this crack creates a “Arched” wall where it looks like the wall is bulging in at this point. Different types of lateral pressure cause these cracks. Can be cause by driveways and vehicle loading. In freezing climates, they can also be caused by a combination of surface or subsurface water and the frost line. In northern climates, if there are cracked mortar joints in the top third of a block wall or a horizontal crack at about the same depth as the frost line in the area, frost has most likely caused the damage.
Horizontal foundation cracks that are located at mid-wall height on a concrete foundation, block, or stone wall that is bulging inwards at middle height on the wall have probably been caused by vehicle traffic or earth loading. If there’s a driveway near the wall or if the site’s history includes the movement of heavy equipment near the wall, vehicle loading is the likely cause. Backfill damage, such as excessive height or premature backfill before the first-floor framing was in place, is another potential cause of this type of crack. If the home is located on a hillside, earth loading or earth loading exacerbated by water or frost could have caused the cracks. If your home is in an area with wet soil, earth loading or earth loading exacerbated by water or frost could still be the cause.
Next, there are horizontal foundation cracks that are located low on a foundation wall. These are caused because the forces exerted by soils against a foundation wall increase exponentially as you go from the surface level of the soil against the wall to the areas near the bottom of the wall. Essentially, earth pressure is greatest at the bottom of the wall. A wall that has been laterally dislocated at or near its bottom has probably been damaged by earth loading. Horizontal dislocation of a masonry block or brick wall may appear first as a crack and then later as a lateral movement.
DIAGONAL FOUNDATION CRACKSThere are many clues that help diagnose the probable cause of diagonal foundation cracks in buildings. Here are some of the most common.
Some cracks extend from the corner of a wall towards an adjacent opening and are wider at the top than the bottom. Usually, these are caused by foundation settlement, expansive clay soil, frost damage, or damage from a shrub or tree close to the wall.
Some cracks originate under a ground floor window and extend from the sill to ground with the sill bowed up. These cracks are often due to foundation heave, clay soil, frost, shallow or absent footings.
If you live in a colder climate, you may have a crack in a corner of your home. Frost heave, frost lensing, shallow footings, water problems, or insufficient backfill could have caused these.
Vertical or diagonal cracks that open suddenly after rain are serious problems. They can be caused by the settlement of the structure over sinkholes.
Sometimes straight or diagonal cracks appear over windows or doors. They could appear as horizontal along the top or bottom of the header and vertical at the ends of the header. This may be due to differences in thermal expansion between the header materials and the wall materials. These cracks could also be either vertical or diagonal at the center of the header or the corners, which is a loading failure. If the cracks are vertical or diagonal at the corners, this could be a point-load failure.
VERTICAL FOUNDATION CRACKSVertical foundation cracks (shrinkage cracks) are the most common and “least” concerning types of cracks. All cracks are an issue, this type of crack is just the easiest to deal with. They are sometimes v-shaped—wider at the top of the wall and then diminishing or stopping before reaching the bottom of the foundation wall. This is less common. If you have a wall crack that goes all the way into the floor, it may involve the building footings and may be a settlement crack that is damaging the structural integrity of the building.
While it is curing, concrete shrinks. With poured concrete, this shrinkage causes cracks. It’s common for there to be minor shrinkage cracks that are hairline, random, intermittent, and meandering in the concrete. If the concrete was not properly mixed, or if control joints were omitted, the shrinkage cracks will be larger and appear more frequently. Sometimes cracks form because of the omission of or the placement of steel reinforcements (tie-rods).
Most of the time shrinkage cracking is a result of a poor concrete mix, rapid curing process, or other factors with the original construction. It’s less likely that shrinkage cracks will require structural maintenance or repairs because these cracks aren’t expected to continue to change after the initial curing.
We say these cracks are “least” concerning because they are generally NOT structural in nature. They can be, but usually are not. When compared to horizontal and diagonal cracks, which generally ARE structural in nature. Most simply require waterproofing by doing an interior crack injection.
Horizontal foundation cracks that are located at mid-wall height on a concrete foundation, block, or stone wall that is bulging inwards at middle height on the wall have probably been caused by vehicle traffic or earth loading. If there’s a driveway near the wall or if the site’s history includes the movement of heavy equipment near the wall, vehicle loading is the likely cause. Backfill damage, such as excessive height or premature backfill before the first-floor framing was in place, is another potential cause of this type of crack. If the home is located on a hillside, earth loading or earth loading exacerbated by water or frost could have caused the cracks. If your home is in an area with wet soil, earth loading or earth loading exacerbated by water or frost could still be the cause.
Next, there are horizontal foundation cracks that are located low on a foundation wall. These are caused because the forces exerted by soils against a foundation wall increase exponentially as you go from the surface level of the soil against the wall to the areas near the bottom of the wall. Essentially, earth pressure is greatest at the bottom of the wall. A wall that has been laterally dislocated at or near its bottom has probably been damaged by earth loading. Horizontal dislocation of a masonry block or brick wall may appear first as a crack and then later as a lateral movement.
DIAGONAL FOUNDATION CRACKSThere are many clues that help diagnose the probable cause of diagonal foundation cracks in buildings. Here are some of the most common.
Some cracks extend from the corner of a wall towards an adjacent opening and are wider at the top than the bottom. Usually, these are caused by foundation settlement, expansive clay soil, frost damage, or damage from a shrub or tree close to the wall.
Some cracks originate under a ground floor window and extend from the sill to ground with the sill bowed up. These cracks are often due to foundation heave, clay soil, frost, shallow or absent footings.
If you live in a colder climate, you may have a crack in a corner of your home. Frost heave, frost lensing, shallow footings, water problems, or insufficient backfill could have caused these.
Vertical or diagonal cracks that open suddenly after rain are serious problems. They can be caused by the settlement of the structure over sinkholes.
Sometimes straight or diagonal cracks appear over windows or doors. They could appear as horizontal along the top or bottom of the header and vertical at the ends of the header. This may be due to differences in thermal expansion between the header materials and the wall materials. These cracks could also be either vertical or diagonal at the center of the header or the corners, which is a loading failure. If the cracks are vertical or diagonal at the corners, this could be a point-load failure.
VERTICAL FOUNDATION CRACKSVertical foundation cracks (shrinkage cracks) are the most common and “least” concerning types of cracks. All cracks are an issue, this type of crack is just the easiest to deal with. They are sometimes v-shaped—wider at the top of the wall and then diminishing or stopping before reaching the bottom of the foundation wall. This is less common. If you have a wall crack that goes all the way into the floor, it may involve the building footings and may be a settlement crack that is damaging the structural integrity of the building.
While it is curing, concrete shrinks. With poured concrete, this shrinkage causes cracks. It’s common for there to be minor shrinkage cracks that are hairline, random, intermittent, and meandering in the concrete. If the concrete was not properly mixed, or if control joints were omitted, the shrinkage cracks will be larger and appear more frequently. Sometimes cracks form because of the omission of or the placement of steel reinforcements (tie-rods).
Most of the time shrinkage cracking is a result of a poor concrete mix, rapid curing process, or other factors with the original construction. It’s less likely that shrinkage cracks will require structural maintenance or repairs because these cracks aren’t expected to continue to change after the initial curing.
We say these cracks are “least” concerning because they are generally NOT structural in nature. They can be, but usually are not. When compared to horizontal and diagonal cracks, which generally ARE structural in nature. Most simply require waterproofing by doing an interior crack injection.
MANAGING EXTERNAL FORCES
Risk of Water Damage
To appreciate the reasons to invest in surface drainage outside your home, you need to consider what can go wrong if you don’t. Surface water causes lateral pressure against foundation walls. The consequences include:Foundation cracks which compromise the integrity of the house.Basement leaks leading to flooding and property damage.Health risks caused by mold growth in the basement.Loss of home value due to water damageDamaged landscapeThese problems highlight the need for exterior drainage to keep water away from your yard and the foundation walls. Below are some systems a contractor can use to solve the problem of poor surface drainage:
French Drain
This is a perforated pipe that is installed in a flat yard to drain away standing water. It involves excavating a trench that slopes away from the property and the pipe is then installed. A porous material such as gravel is used to fill the trench before the trench is finally covered. Standing water follows the easiest escape route meaning it will seep down to the French tile and drain away from your yard.
Footing Drain
This is a highly effective water drainage system. A pipe is installed around the perimeter of the foundation walls on level with the footing. This pipe collects any water that would have leaked through the top of the footing into the basement and drains it away from the foundation walls. The drain is covered with gravel up to the soil’s surface.Gutter Drainage SystemRoof water can cause havoc if not well drained. A gutter and downspout system help drain away all roof water away from the house walls. The downspout drain should extend away from the walls and preferably direct the water to a storm sewer or catch basin.
Grading Drainage
This is a simple technique that involves reworking the grading in order to slope away from your house. A contractor will assess the gradient needed to drive water into the storm sewer within the building code.
Talk to your contractor today if you notice standing water on your yard. It could be a disaster in waiting in case of flash storms.
WATER MIGRATION DAMAGE
Top Warning Signs of Mold in the HomeHere are some of the top warning signs that you may have a mold infestation that requires basement waterproofing or foundation repair.
A damp or musty smell If you smell a damp, musty, or earthy odor, you might have a mold problem. That’s because mold secretes a pungent odor, and it’s one of the biggest giveaways that mold is taking hold in your home. Yet, some homeowners are so used to the smell that they aren’t even aware of it. If you are unsure, ask a friend or family member to stop by and sniff for themselves.Black spots or stains. Mold often appears as dark spots or stains on walls and insulation. But there are many types of mold which look very different — from gray or green furry tufts to white streaks to colorful splotches of orange, pink, or purple. (Trust us, it’s not nearly as pretty as it sounds.) Peeling wallpaper or paint If you see bubbling, cracking, or peeling in wallpaper, it means moisture has gotten under the paper and weakened the glue. Mold loves to grow in these damp pockets, hiding just out of sight.Damp, humid basement. Basements are a prime breeding ground for mold. That’s because they are usually colder than other rooms in a home, and cool temperatures create condensation. In addition, cracks in the foundation can allow water to enter and provide a place for mold to grow. Condensation on windows and pipes Mold thrives in areas where condensation creates moisture.Allergies and health problems. Toxins released by mold can cause serious health problems. Symptoms of mold exposure can include red and watery eyes, sneezing, itchiness, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. People with asthma or weak immune systems may be especially susceptible. How to Prevent Mold in Your Home ?It’s much easier to prevent mold than get rid of it once it’s there. Follow these six tips to help reduce the risk of mold in your home.
Eliminate leaks and other sources of moisture. Mold needs moisture to grow. Repair all leaking pipes and plumbing fixtures to help keep mold at bay. A foundation waterproofing professional can help. Use a dehumidifier Run a dehumidifier in the basement or any area of your home that feels damp or musty. Aim to keep humidity levels at less than 50 percent. Ensure proper ventilation Make sure your kitchen and (especially) bathrooms have adequate ventilation. Run bathroom fans while in the bath or shower to help remove moisture from the air. Keep bathrooms clean. Clean sinks, drains, and shower walls regularly. Hang wet towels instead of leaving them on the floor.Change furnace filters regularly. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are best for trapping mold spores and preventing their circulation throughout a home. Get help from a pro. Schedule an appointment for a free foundation waterproofing evaluation to make sure your home is free of water leaks and signs of mold. Request a Free Home Mold Inspection and Basement Waterproofing EvaluationIf you suspect that your home may have a mold problem, or if you have noticed any of the mold warning signs above, it is essential to get help right away. Left unchecked, even a small mold infestation can spread and pose serious threats to your home and health.
Contact US Waterproofing Solutions to schedule a free basement waterproofing evaluation today. Our waterproofing pros are seasoned vets certified in the industry’s leading techniques for residential and commercial mold removal, restoration, and foundation repair. If you have a problem, they’ll find the source and prescribe the most effective remedy at a price that can’t be beat.
A damp or musty smell If you smell a damp, musty, or earthy odor, you might have a mold problem. That’s because mold secretes a pungent odor, and it’s one of the biggest giveaways that mold is taking hold in your home. Yet, some homeowners are so used to the smell that they aren’t even aware of it. If you are unsure, ask a friend or family member to stop by and sniff for themselves.Black spots or stains. Mold often appears as dark spots or stains on walls and insulation. But there are many types of mold which look very different — from gray or green furry tufts to white streaks to colorful splotches of orange, pink, or purple. (Trust us, it’s not nearly as pretty as it sounds.) Peeling wallpaper or paint If you see bubbling, cracking, or peeling in wallpaper, it means moisture has gotten under the paper and weakened the glue. Mold loves to grow in these damp pockets, hiding just out of sight.Damp, humid basement. Basements are a prime breeding ground for mold. That’s because they are usually colder than other rooms in a home, and cool temperatures create condensation. In addition, cracks in the foundation can allow water to enter and provide a place for mold to grow. Condensation on windows and pipes Mold thrives in areas where condensation creates moisture.Allergies and health problems. Toxins released by mold can cause serious health problems. Symptoms of mold exposure can include red and watery eyes, sneezing, itchiness, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. People with asthma or weak immune systems may be especially susceptible. How to Prevent Mold in Your Home ?It’s much easier to prevent mold than get rid of it once it’s there. Follow these six tips to help reduce the risk of mold in your home.
Eliminate leaks and other sources of moisture. Mold needs moisture to grow. Repair all leaking pipes and plumbing fixtures to help keep mold at bay. A foundation waterproofing professional can help. Use a dehumidifier Run a dehumidifier in the basement or any area of your home that feels damp or musty. Aim to keep humidity levels at less than 50 percent. Ensure proper ventilation Make sure your kitchen and (especially) bathrooms have adequate ventilation. Run bathroom fans while in the bath or shower to help remove moisture from the air. Keep bathrooms clean. Clean sinks, drains, and shower walls regularly. Hang wet towels instead of leaving them on the floor.Change furnace filters regularly. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are best for trapping mold spores and preventing their circulation throughout a home. Get help from a pro. Schedule an appointment for a free foundation waterproofing evaluation to make sure your home is free of water leaks and signs of mold. Request a Free Home Mold Inspection and Basement Waterproofing EvaluationIf you suspect that your home may have a mold problem, or if you have noticed any of the mold warning signs above, it is essential to get help right away. Left unchecked, even a small mold infestation can spread and pose serious threats to your home and health.
Contact US Waterproofing Solutions to schedule a free basement waterproofing evaluation today. Our waterproofing pros are seasoned vets certified in the industry’s leading techniques for residential and commercial mold removal, restoration, and foundation repair. If you have a problem, they’ll find the source and prescribe the most effective remedy at a price that can’t be beat.