Basement waterproofing and crawl space repair in WA

Get Your Washington Home Ready for Spring

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:08:35 -0500

Spring will be here before you know it, which means rain, melting snow and a high chance of flooding in the Pacific Northwest. Water can pool around your home and damage the foundation, and basements run a huge risk of flooding. It’s best to be prepared before spring arrives to avoid costly damage by checking your gutters, downspouts and pipes, and making sure your basement stays dry with a high-quality waterproofing system.

While you’re in the midst of spring cleaning or other seasonal preparations, be sure to also look into experts in basement waterproofing in Seattle and the surrounding areas. When a home is built, the foundation is erected on virgin soil. All of the loose soil that was dug up is then filled in around the completed foundation. This loose soil allows water to easily pass through and exert pressure on the foundation, making its way into the home through cracks and joists. The water pressure can also cause new cracks to form in the walls and floor. Moisture in a basement is a recipe for mold growth, and since the air in a basement can travel upward through the entire house it can bring mold spores with it.

The most efficient way to waterproof a basement is by installing a drainage system around the inside perimeter. Place a high-powered sump pump with a battery back-up system in the lowest part of the basement. This will ensure that any water that leaks into the basement will be collected and pumped out of your home and away from the foundation. A high-quality dehumidifier will also help get rid of moisture and prevent mold growth. Get one with a filter that will help get rid of any musty odors that are so commonly associated with dank basements.

When the weather gets warmer and snow melts off of rooftops, the water makes its way into your home’s gutters. But if the gutters are clogged, it can result in water flowing into the ground around the foundation. Make sure your gutters are cleaned several times a year, and invest in a downspout extension. Keeping the water flowing as far away from the foundation as possible will mean there’s less of a chance of it seeping into your basement. Your downspout extension should be pointed downhill and away from the house.

Outside elements aren’t the only causes of flooding inside your house. During the life of your home, your water heater will need to be replaced numerous times because the average system lasts as little as seven years. Water heaters automatically refill themselves, so if one leaks that leak will be nonstop until you repair or replace it. Basements can end up filled with feet of water due to a failed water heater system, so this spring make sure you invest in water heater flood protection, such as a drainage ring installed around the tank.

Unless you turn off the water valves to your washing machine hoses every time you do your laundry, you're at risk of a flood. Washer hoses are under a continuous 50psi of pressure, which is more than they're designed to endure continuously. So when you’re in the midst of spring cleaning and throwing everything into the washing machine, think about purchasing new high-pressure washer hoses that are designed not to burst under water pressure.

Aqueous Basement Systems has been providing basement waterproofing and crawl space repair services to homeowners around Kent and Tacoma, WA, since 2002. They also specialize in foundation repair in Seattle and surrounding areas.

Basement Waterproofing: Go Pro, Or "Do It Yourself"?

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:43:17 -0500

Choosing Between DIY And A Professional Waterproofer

Few forces can damage a home in quite the way that water (and its partner mold) can. The continuous, periodic, soakings that comes with a wet basement has the potential to ruin virtually everything stored there, including:

Appliances (Furnaces, Washers, Dryers, Etc)
Furniture
Stored Items (Photos, Books, Clothing, Etc)
Finishing Materials (Carpet, Wallboard, Studs, Etc)

...and much, much more. On the other hand, if you waterproof that flooded space, you gain an entire floor of your home back. You can finish that into more living space, or you can begin to use it again to store valuables.

When deciding what will be installed to protect your home, you have two fundamental choices before you:

Choice One: Waterproof The Home Yourself

Waterproofing your home yourself has the potential to save you a bundle on the costs of hiring a professional. Additionally, many homeowners enjoy a good home improvement project, and may even find the hard work involved enjoyable.

Please bear in mind, however, that you'll be digging up the entire perimeter outside your home, exposing the foundation and (failed) footing drain for maintenance and replacement. Alternatively, you may opt to install the system inside the home,which involves jackhammering the floor, digging a trench, and restoring the floor with new concrete. This is a LOT of work!

Additionally, it's worth considering the long-term costs, should you ever decide to sell the home. You will be obliged to tell potential buyers that your home has a waterproofing system, and eyebrows may raise if they learn of (or see) a do-it-yourself job.

Choice Two: Hiring A Professional Waterproofer

Professional work comes with labor costs, so this kind of job is likely to be the more expensive option. However, if digging trenches and/or jackhammering doesn't fit your vision of a great weekend activity, bear in mind that you'll be saving yourself quite a bit of work.

More importantly, professional waterproofers will have access to products, training, and experience that you do not – and may be able to install a system that lasts longer, works better, and looks much more professional after installation.

Additionally, many waterproofers include a lifetime warranty with their installations. If that warranty is transferable to whomever you sell the home to, that's going to be a great selling edge. It's comforting to know that you can be in touch with the original installers should something goes wrong!

This article brought to you by Aqueous Basement Systems. We provide basement waterproofing in Renton, WA, as well as Seattle, Puyallup, Tacoma, and many surrounding areas. Contact us by phone or e-mail today for a free, no-obligation quote!

Whats the fix for Moisture in your Crawl Space?

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 08:44:42 -0400

Do you cringe at the sight of your wet, dirty crawl space? No worries! Aqueous Basement Systems has the solutions for you. Whether it is CleanSpace Crawl Space Encapsulation Systems or a simple dehumidifier that will do the trick, they are the basement and crawlspace experts that can solve any problem big or small.

When your basement or crawl space is damp and wet, this not only is the perfect place for mold to develop, but may also turn into a health hazard for the whole family. Other problems like insects and small animals also may find their home in your basement or crawlspace if it is damp and wet. Along with that, rot and decay may cause damage to the structure of your home and who wants to deal with that?!

Installing the CleanSpace Crawl Space Encapsulation System in your basement or crawlspace keeps it dry for years to come. With their qualified team of professionals, Aqueous Basement Systems can install their top of the line patented products in your home today.

Contact Aqueous Basement Systems for more information about basement waterproofing in Puyallup, WA and the surrounding area. We are dedicated to serving our customers and providing them with healthy home environments and a larger living and storage space for the whole family to use.

Drywall in Basements: Bad Idea

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:32:10 -0500

Trim your utility bills

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:35:14 -0500

How much do you spend in utilities per year?
How much could you save with a few energy efficient improvements?
Which improvements are the most cost effective?

These are all the answers you can get with a home energy audit, according to this Seattle Times article.

According to this article "homeowners may be surprised by the amount of air misdirected through leaky ducts, poorly insulated attics, or noninsulated light switches and electrical outlets."

Independent contractors usually perform energy audits for a fee, but the article suggests a few ways to assess your home's energy efficiency.

In addition, I recently found this nice Web Based DIY Home Energy Audit Tool, that actually gives you great suggestions and ball park figures for current expenses and possible savings you can get with simple home improvements.

According to the U.S Department of Energy, among all the significant energy efficient improvements you can make in your home, controlling moisture in your crawl space or basement are two of the most cost-effective. There are a ton of studies on the benefits of both crawl space encapsulation.

With that in mind, please consider contacting us for a free estimate to waterproof you basement or condition your crawl space.

Make room for your holiday guests!

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:03:10 -0500

Washington Home and Garden Magazine reminds us that it is time to get ready for the holidays and to host the people we love by providing them with comfortable, cozy guest rooms. The article has excellent tips on how to make sure your guests have the best time possible.

However, not everyone has a room to spare and transform into a guest room.

If you have an unfinished basement, in a matter of days you can turn it into a room your guests will love. All you need is proper waterproofing to make sure it is dry and suitable for finishing, and the proper basement finishing products.

Our patented, award-winning drainage system can be installed in a matter of days, complete with the most reliable sump pump system available today, guaranteed to keep your basement dry all the time.
You can then finish your basement with Total Basement Finishing wall, floor and ceiling systems that can be quickly installed with no mess.

You will have a dream guest room for about 50% less than the cost of building an addition, and have it all done in time for the holidays.
Contact us for a free estimate and let us show you the options you have to create a dry, safe and healthy environment in your basement, suitable for finishing.