Basement Waterproofing

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When to Call a Professional Waterproofer

A wet basement is a common problem that many homeowners face, and it can be caused by several factors such as heavy rainfall, melting snow, or even a burst pipe. While a small amount of water in the basement may seem like a minor issue, it can quickly turn into a significant problem if not addressed promptly. Here are some indications of when a basement leak is so bad that you need to call a professional waterproofer.

Visible Water Damage

If you notice any visible signs of water damage in your basement, such as water stains, peeling paint, or mold growth, it’s time to call a professional waterproofer. These are signs of a significant problem that needs immediate attention. Water damage can weaken the structural integrity of the home, and mold growth can cause health problems for you and your family. A professional waterproofer can assess the extent of the damage and recommend an appropriate course of action.

Persistent Dampness

A persistent dampness in your basement is another indication that you need to call a professional waterproofer. If the basement feels damp or smells musty, it’s a sign of excess moisture, which can cause damage to your property and can be harmful to your health. A professional waterproofer can assess the source of the dampness and recommend the best solution for your situation.

Standing Water

Standing water in the basement is a severe issue that requires immediate attention. Standing water can lead to mold growth, cause structural damage to your home, and can be a health hazard. A professional waterproofer can determine the source of the water and provide a solution that will prevent future water damage.

Foundation Cracks

Foundation cracks are a common cause of basement leaks, and they require professional attention. If you notice any cracks in your foundation, it’s important to call a professional waterproofer to assess the extent of the damage and recommend the best solution. Ignoring foundation cracks can cause significant damage to your home’s structural integrity and lead to costly repairs.

Remember a wet basement is a problem that should not be ignored. If you notice any signs of water damage, persistent dampness, standing water, or foundation cracks, it’s time to call a professional waterproofer. A professional waterproofer can assess the extent of the damage and provide a solution that will prevent future water damage, protect your home’s structural integrity, and keep your family safe and healthy.

Basement Finishing Services in 2023

Renovating Your Basement in 2023

From 2020 to 2022, it was hard to get things done. There were fewer people working and more demand for skilled work, like basement waterproofing, foundation repair, and basement refinishing.

While no one likes a slowdown in the economy, the good thing is that a homeowner can now expect to get the work done more quickly. So if you have been putting off having your leaky basement waterproofed, fixing that dangerously bowed basement wall, or just refinishing your basement to make it more of a comfortable space, now is the time to do it.

Wait times are down as we look toward 2023. What might have taken 6-9 months last year should now be possible in much less time.

Basement waterproofing is a good investment because it does improve the value of your home if you decide to sell it, it makes it easier to sell the house at all (some people will not consider a home with a leaky basement), and it makes the house safer and more enjoyable for you as you live in it. It is definitely one of those things you can do that you will wish you had done sooner.

Foundation repair is similar to basement waterproofing. Good luck selling a home with obvious foundational bowing or cracks. You cannot get top dollar with scary foundation issues. Plus, those things are dangerous and likely to let in moisture, insects, and dirt.

Lastly, if you want to really use your basement, having it finished is a great option. Basement finishing can improve your life in your home. Whether you add a rec room, a home office, a family room, or a home theater, adding more usable space is something that can make your home feel like a new one for you.

2023 is a great year to schedule these things because it is not the best year to buy another house most likely, so why not improve the one you are in and wait for demand to go back up so that your home, with its beautiful basement, will fetch top dollar.

Is Basement Waterproofing DIY Dangerous?

For the sake of your family’s health, stability, and safety, your basement needs to be waterproofed if you have issues. How do you approach this crucial task? There are a ton of DIY waterproofing kits on the market right now. And while it might be tempting to use them rather than a professional service, doing so might increase the risk of water damage to your home. You must have a clear understanding of DIY home waterproofing pitfalls before you spend your money on a useless product. Making DIY waterproofing errors can be costly and dangerous.

There Is No Universal Waterproofing DIY Kit

Many DIY kits for foundation and basement repairs don’t offer a standard one-size-fits-all solution. Since no two basements are alike, there will always be unique challenges and nuances in waterproofing projects.

Someone Standing Behind Their Waterproofing Work

With a DIY waterproofing kit, you run the risk of using the wrong materials and getting poor results for your basement. To seal any basement cracks and provide your home with the superior protection your family demands, Pioneer Basement Solutions uses products of the highest quality for commercial use. DIY projects are not guaranteed to be of a certain caliber. If something goes wrong, you are fully responsible for the costs of repair. Experts in waterproofing all agree.

It’s More Than Just Digging

Waterproofing basements and repairing foundations is a labor-intensive process that occasionally necessitates digging up the surrounding soil. A knowledgeable team needs to dig quickly and effectively. When doing things themselves, many homeowners frequently forget to make calls to find the locations of utility lines. You might be facing risky and expensive repercussions if you hit a gas or water line. Furthermore, there are risks associated with the excavation itself. Without proper shoring, digging an eight-foot-deep trench can be hazardous. The gap could collapse and result in severe injuries. If you hire a specialist in safe excavation methods to waterproof your house, you’ll avoid the dangers.

Foundation Drain Tile Systems Incorrectly Installed

Drain tile systems can be effective. Water is gathered from the area around the foundation by foundation drain tile systems, which then direct it away from your home. They are excellent for draining water from the cove joint, which is prone to flooding but is very challenging to waterproof. This joint is where the foundation footings and the walls meet. However, if DIY drain tile systems are installed improperly, floodwater may still enter the basement.

DIY Costs More in the Long Run

Cheap can be expensive, especially in relation to waterproofing a basement. You might believe that DIY waterproofing is less expensive than professional waterproofing, but this is not the case over the long haul. Waterproofing DIY kits aren’t made to last, and you might have to spend more money on repairs down the road. It makes sense to work with a qualified group that will produce effective results.

Health Concerns for Your Family

Water can still enter the basement and become a problem if it is not properly waterproofed. Condensation will happen as moisture levels rise. Growing mold and mildew may lead to allergic reactions and respiratory issues. To prevent mold issues and other basement risks, contact the Pioneer Basement Waterproofing Professionals.

Engaging the assistance of basement waterproofing specialists is one of the wisest moves you can make. They work extremely well, employ solutions that have been approved by the industry, and offer warranties for their services. Call for more information about working with professionals instead of putting your safety at risk with faulty DIY waterproofing kits.

Basement Waterproofing, Now or Later?

The rainy season is a very good time for the Northeast homeowner to inspect the basement of their home.  April and May showers can be a beautiful time for the plants, trees, and shrubbery in general.  But, those same rain showers can be detrimental to the basement of the home.

If you have an older home, inspecting the basement of the home for water accumulation is highly recommended.  Considering this, during the daylight hours, if you can, go to the basement and look for signs that you have a  problem with water in the home.  How can you tell?

For any Northeast Ohio homeowner, these are 5 Signs You Have a Basement Waterproofing  Problem in Your Home

  1. Wet basement walls at the top of the walls
  2. Wet basement walls where the wall meets the floor
  3. Water sitting on the floor, 
  4. Extreme humidity
  5. Mold and Mildew

The signs can come steadily without the homeowner noticing them right away.  It is especially true if you do not have a finished basement and your trips to the underground floor are sporadic.

Every year, every homeowner should inspect their home for possible water damage in the basement.  If the water has been seeping steadily into the home, and the homeowner does not notice the problem, the damage water can cause in the home is tremendous.  It is easy to spot the signs and believe the water cannot do too much damage to the home.  Unfortunately, water damage can come quickly and put the integrity of the foundation in jeopardy as well as the walls and floor of the basement.

Should You Waterproof The Basement of Your Home Now?

If you have gone to the basement to inspect it, and believe there is water damage, it is essential you contact a basement waterproofing company to fix the problem.  Pioneer Basement Solutions is a reputable waterproofing company that will inspect your home, explain the issues you have with the basement, and offer you a solution to fix the problem.

Time is important when dealing with issues involving water.  The damage done to the foundation can be severe, and the walls of the basement can become bowed or cracked.  The longer the homeowner waits to fix the problem, the more severe it can become. It is always important to remember the longer you wait, the more damage is done to the basement, and the more expensive the job becomes.

Right now, interest rates are at the lowest they have been in many years. As a result, many banks are offering very attractive rates for homeowners to refinance or to borrow for home improvements.  Most importantly, there are banks offering as low as 2.176 APR for homeowners that qualify.  Those attractive rates give you more buying power and can allow you to do those home improvements your home needs. If you would rather finance the job directly with Pioneer Basement Solutions, we have financing available for you.

Looking For The Right Basement Waterproofing Company

There are many basement waterproofing companies nationally and locally.  Unfortunately, not all companies are the same.  There are companies that will take your money and deliver a subpar job for you. There are others with no basement waterproofing experience that can damage instead of fixing a problem in your home.  

Pioneer Basement Solutions is a local company founded in 1979 with over 40 years of experience waterproofing basements around Northeast Ohio.  We have the machinery, manpower, and expertise to deliver a job well done.  We have seen small and big problems when dealing with basements and can assure you, we have the experience to deal with them and fix them.  Contact Us Today.

Interior or Exterior Basement Waterproofing?

There are many older homes in Northeast Ohio that are in desperate need of a basement waterproofing job. During the spring season, water sitting on the floor of many basement homes is a common occurrence. Many homeowners of older homes are familiar with water seepage, foundation cracks or bowing walls, foundation instability, humidity, or exterior and interior drainage problems that if left unattended can cause havoc to their home.

Many signs of water damage can go unnoticed by many homeowners.  Unless you do an inspection of the perimeter of the home, water sitting around the foundation can go unnoticed for many days. Or unless you inspect your basement regularly, water sitting on the basement floor can go unnoticed for weeks if not months.  Humidity issues are not taken seriously by many homeowners, even though they can become a serious problem in the home.  Air quality can affect the health of your family and can become serious if unchecked. For many homeowners, a checklist is a great way to become aware of issues in their basement, and take action. So for every homeowner in the Northeast Ohio area, here are basic, important tips and advice to follow.

5 Signs You Need a  Basement Waterproofing Job

  1. Water sitting on the basement floor
  2. cracked or bowed walls
  3. Water leaking where the wall meets the floor
  4. Excessive humidity
  5. Mold or mildew on furniture, walls, light fixtures, ceiling, etc.

Interior or Exterior Basement Waterproofing, What’s the Best Option For You?

Many companies are going to tell you whatever they need to say to convince you to hire them to do the basement waterproofing of your home. Basement waterproofing is a simple project that requires experience and is a lot of work to accomplish. It takes time, knowledge, experience, and a professional team to do the job right.  You have two options for basement waterproofing, and two options only.  You either need an interior basement waterproofing system or an exterior one. It depends only on whether the water is coming from the inside or outside of your home. Depending on where the water is coming from, Pioneer Basement Solutions will give you a free, no-obligation quote, and explain to you whether you need an interior or exterior basement solution and why.

Best Waterproofing Tips for a Dry Basement

After the winter snow melts and the spring rains come, there is an abundance of water sitting around the foundation of your home every year especially if your exterior drainage system is not working properly. The water accumulation around the foundation of the home after a heavy rain shower can be attributed to the lack of drainage flow. What are some of the causes?

  1. Clogged or broken gutters-It is very common for gutters to be clogged or broken for a while before the homeowner is aware of the problem. This allows the water to concentrate in one spot and find a way to the basement of the home.  It doesn’t take much rainwater to cause havoc to the basement, especially if the sealant is old or almost gone.
  2. Lack of or missing spouting directing the water away from the foundation-If the spouting is not in place properly or missing entirely, water accumulation in unwanted places is almost a given.  The water needs to drain at least ten feet away from the foundation of the home to prevent water damage to the foundation.
  3. Lack of a slope for the rains to flow away from the foundation of the home
  4. Flower beds slopped toward the walls of the foundation allowing the water to seep to the basement.
  5. Shrubbery allowing water accumulation around the foundation

Basement waterproofing and foundation repair have been our main job for more than 40 years.  We are a BBB Accredited Business with an A+ rating and ZERO complaints. We are a Twelve Time “Super Service Award” Winner from Angie’s List, and a Home Advisor Screened and Approved Elite Service company. Our main goal has been to provide the best service for our clients, and to build the best reputation in the industry on the belief that, “We treat our customers the way we want to be treated.” Contact us today.

Basement Waterproofing and Home Remodeling

The Joint Center For Housing Studies of Harvard University’s April’s article about the house trends during the COVID-19 pandemic seems to suggest home improvement spending will slow even farther in major metropolitan areas in the United States.

Even before the virus hit the United States, there were clear indicators the home improvement market was slowing down. With the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and the downturn of the economy, home renovations are projected to slow down in major metro areas from Orlando to Portland, Oregon.

Fortunately, for Northeast Ohio and many metro areas in the Midwest, home remodeling seems to gain a light increase this year due to the affordability of housing and lower cost of living.

For many homeowners, the uncertainty of the pandemic has shifted their vacationing plans this year. Many families are choosing a road trip instead of flying, but many American families are forgoing their vacations altogether. They are staying close to home and doing a home renovation instead.
If a home renovation project is on the horizon, taking advantage of low- interest-rate loans this year can save you hundreds of dollars and can allow you to use that money to do more in your home.
Many companies are enticing customers to take advantage of their promotions by offering interest-free and no payments for up to 2 years in some cases. From auto loans to windows offers, businesses are eager to provide customers affordable choices to make sales and to be able to compete with other businesses to stay open and profitable.
The only uncertainty for the homeowner becomes an easy one. Which renovation project to do?
According to many home experts and leaders in the industry, the home projects to do are not necessarily the ones you want to do. For example, a brand new kitchen than can cost you thousands of dollars, and weeks of hard and messy work, can recoup only 54% of the cost, but a garage door that cost you 3K- to 5K recovers close to 99% of the expense if you sell your home.
Big-ticket items like the roof, siding, windows, and basement waterproofing are home remodeling projects that can be expensive because you need to hire a professional to do them. But, those are remodeling projects you must not procrastinate to do. A damaged basement is not only letting water seep into the home. It can be damaging the foundation as well. The longer the damage to the basement, the higher the price of fixing the problem.
A leaky roof is something many people do not procrastinate to fix. A wet, leaky basement should have the same priority.
If you are fixing your home to enjoy or to sell, a wet, leaky basement is a part of the house that many homeowners have to take seriously. A clean, dry basement can give you the extra room you need, or it can be a big selling point for you.
Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.

Making Home Improvements Now with Low-Interest Rates

During these difficult times, when we have very little control over situations, we tend to focus only on the bad things. The difficult situations we are living in today are by no means easy. There are many doubts and many unknowns that millions of people are still waiting to find an answer to be able to process and continue with their lives.

Many people are struggling financially because they lost their jobs and perhaps their whole income, but many others are still working and able to take care of their families and home. For those people, there is a silver lining after all.

Interest rates for mortgage loans, or home equity loans are at a historic low. And if you were planning a home improvement project and financing the project with a home equity loan, now it’s the time to get an excellent rate. The website Consumersadvocate. org lists the 10 best mortgage lenders for 2020. But, if a personal loan is more to your liking, there are many companies listed on Google that offer rates as low as 3.99% depending on your credit. Banks are very willing to work with you right now, to offer very attractive rates with no payments for months, and to make it a possibility for homeowners to borrow.

During these times we have a different, more warming feeling towards our home. It has been our sanctuary for weeks now and we know we have to take care of it and perhaps make those home improvements that were postponed before the pandemic.

We know a leaky basement is a sure way to jeopardize the foundation of the very home we need to maintain and safeguard against the elements. If you have a leaky or wet basement or have foundations issues, contact us. We are a basement waterproofing company with a long history in the community, a great rating with the BBB, and many satisfied customers. Call us for a free, no-hassle, no-obligation quote today.

Basement Waterproofing During Uncertain Times

basement waterproofing
Finish your basement and make it a usable extension of your home.

During these times of uncertainty and economic fears, we have come to realize we have neglected many issues that seemed unimportant when things seemed to be going well. We expected our lives to continue on that course for many more years, and those pesky issues we were facing daily which seemed unsurmountable they seem unimportant now. But, one thing we have learned painfully during these uncertain times is that we are not well prepared to face too many uncertainties at once.

So, where do you start?

For many families, those issues are very personal and require some self-reflection. But, for many other families, now that we are in isolation, living 24/7 with every single member of the family in closed quarters, our homes have become the sanctuary we need and perhaps didn’t appreciate before. Now, more than ever, we realized the home we own is the biggest asset we own, and one that we must protect.

With the COVID-19 affecting every single person in the world, basement waterproofing is not at the top of priorities to worry about.  Many families are financially hurting and many more are mourning the loss of a loved one.  

At Pioneer Basement Waterproofing, we are a family-owned company that has been in operation since 1979, we are here for the long run and understand the issues affecting Northeast Ohio families. We live in the same communities you live in. If you have a basement waterproofing issue and want to take care of it now, contact our office, we offer solutions to all your basement waterproofing and foundation repair issues you may have.

Protecting our biggest asset should always be important. Now more than ever, daily if we wish, we can see the basement waterproofing issues we have. We can really do an assessment of the problems during a rain shower to see if we have issues with rainwater getting into the basement.

Even during these uncertain times, we must not neglect taking care of our home.

If you have questions or concerns about protecting your home during this pandemic, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention-CDC-, the center has issued many guidelines for dealing with the virus in your home and work.

To protect your home the basic guidelines are:

  1. Disinfect surfaces like doorknobs, tables, desks, and handrails regularly 
  2. Increase ventilation by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning
  3. Clean hands at the door and at regular intervals

Practicing good hygiene is one of the most important steps when dealing with the virus and protecting yourself and your family.

Basement Waterproofing Concerns

According to The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit Region, the high level of water runoffs and wet conditions in the Northeast Ohio region will be similar to those of 2019,

The above than normal higher temperatures have led to higher levels of water across rivers in Ohio and it is not expected to be any different this year.  

The wet conditions and high level of water make for many unpleasant issues for many homeowners in the region, especially those close to rivers or lakes. Rain precipitation which is expected to be as high as last year will be a problem for many homeowners as well, especially those with basements that have shown to have leaks or other seepage issues for years.

Can I waterproof the basement of my home by myself? 

There are countless videos on youtube.com or other sites that provide advice and guides on how to waterproof a basement by yourself.  The advice can seem sound and even easy to follow, but we advise you to be wary of the problems you may encounter when you decide to do it on your own.  Water seeping into the basement of your home can come from the outside or the inside of your home,  but a thorough diagnosis should be provided by an expert to accurately find the problem. Even if you believe you can waterproof the basement of your home by yourself, chances are the job you are going to do won’t be enough to stop the problems you currently have.

What is the cost of waterproofing a basement?

The cost of waterproofing a basement in Ohio depends on many things.  Has the seeping water damaged the foundation of the home as well? Has the water done minimal damage or extensive damage to the walls and floor of the basement? Is excavation needed?  Do you need a drainage system installed?

According to homeguide.com, the average cost of waterproofing the basement can be as little as $1,920 to $6,320, or it can be more than $10,000. It all depends on the damage to the basement and most importantly, the company you choose to do the job.

Like in all industries, there are good companies and bad ones that prey on the consumer. You need to do your research before hiring a contractor or a company to do the job, it can potentially save you hundreds of dollars.

What is the best waterproofing system?

There are 2 major waterproofing systems that contractors and waterproofing companies prefer.

  1. Installing an interior drainage system that will take the water from inside the home to the exterior, is one of the most cost-effective solutions for you.
  2. Exterior basement waterproofing can provide the perfect solution for your wet, musty basement for a price.  This method can be expensive for you due to the nature of the work that goes into it. This method can include excavation, sealants and membrane application to the walls that can become expensive pretty quickly.

Regardless of the nature of your waterproofing problems, Pioneer Basement Solutions has the knowledge and expertise to provide you with the right solution for a fair price.  Contact us today for a free no-obligation quote.

Basement Waterproofing Basic Guide

There are only a handful of basement waterproofing companies that can give you an honest answer to the problems in your basement.  There are many companies on the other hand that will outright confuse you with an explanation of your problems that doesn’t make sense and will give you a big price to go along with the confusion.

Water can only enter the basement of your home  from three different places:

  1. The basement walls
  2. The basement floor, and
  3. The seam where the floor meets the walls

There are two types of water that can enter the basement of your home.

  1. Surface water
  2. Groundwater

Surface water is any body of water above ground. Rain and melted snow that sits around the foundation of your home is surface water that will penetrate the walls of your foundation and possibly the basement floor. Groundwater, on the other hand, is water that you find underground, beneath the land surface in the basement of your home.

The basement systems that waterproofing companies can sell you involve a drainage system that will take the water from the basement of your home to the outside.  Those drains can be installed in the inside or the outside of your basement.

It is a  huge problem to have water in the basement of your home, but the solution and the price to fix the problem doesn’t need to be confusing or too expensive. After an initial consultation with a reputable company, the problem, price, and solution to the water in the basement should be very clear to you.

You should be able to ask:

  1. Where is the water coming from?
  2. Is it surface water or groundwater?
  3. Will the system installed be on the outside or the inside of the house?
  4. Will the sump pump be included?

What Are the Types of Waterproofing?

There are only two basement waterproofing systems that should be offered to you?

  1. Interior basement waterproofing, and
  2. Exterior basement waterproofing

Interior Basement Waterproofing will be most likely offered to you if the water is coming from two places:

  1. Where the floor meets the walls, or
  2. The basement floor

Exterior Basement waterproofing is a true and proven solution to waterproofing your basement.  It stops the water from entering the walls and causing damage to the foundation and jeopardizing the integrity of the foundation as well.  

What Are My Options?

Exterior Basement Waterproofing will probably be offered to you if signs of water damage are visible on any part of the basement walls. This means surface water is entering the walls of the foundation of your home.

If you live in Ohio, check out our basement waterproofing and foundation repair service areas.

When you have a wet or leaky basement, there are many confusing thoughts about how to get a dry, livable space and get rid of the water, humidity, mold, and mildew plaguing your home. Finding a solution should not be too confusing or stressful, and it should not let your finances trembling because of bad advice.

Do You Have a Company to call?

Call us for a hassle-free consultation. We will be happy to help you. We are a company with a long history in the community, and our craftsmanship speaks for itself. Check our Better Business Bureau Rating and Angie’s list to read some of our customer testimonials.