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Four Signs of Possible Slab, Crawls Space or Foundation Waterproofing Problems

Possible Slab, Crawls Space or Foundation Waterproofing Problems

People living in Raleigh frequently contact us to request assistance preventing water from leaking around a residential slab, crawl space or foundation waterproofing. In some cases, the problem has remained unnoticed for weeks, months, or even years. We offer a variety of specialized services to correct water damage in these places.Water leaks often occur in unseen locations, so even identifying the nature of the problem may require construction expertise. We prefer to detect slab and crawl space water leaks as soon as possible in order to prevent further harm from occurring. What types of common signs in your home could reveal the presence of leaking water impacting the slab, the foundation, or a crawl space? If you notice any of these issues, consider requesting a waterproofing inspection:

Waterproofing excavations foundation waterproofing

Continuously Wet Floors

If your house sits on a concrete slab and you’ve experienced problems with some sections of flooring (or carpeting) becoming soggy or wet for extended periods of time, it might indicate problems with leaking plumbing pipes located within the slab itself.

Many plumbing companies cannot resolve these types of leaks easily. You may need to contact a waterproofing firm with experience repairing slab leaks.

Today, most builders construct slabs with cavities to provide connections for underground utility connections, such as water and wastewater pipes. Depending upon the extent of the damage and the location, leaks in pipes located within the slab or within buried underground residential pipes may necessitate excavation in order to perform repair or replacement.

Over the course of time, undetected water draining into the slab from leaking pipes may cause significant damage.

A Waterlogged Residential Perimeter

Have you noticed continuously damp, soggy ground around the perimeter of your home? Your yard may suffer from a drainage issue. During the year, wet, waterlogged conditions sometimes occur for brief periods in some types of soils simply due to the sheer volume of rainwater or melting snow in the vicinity.

Yet continued dampness even after the arrival of sunny weather and dry conditions elsewhere should raise a “red flag”. Persistently water saturated ground for extended periods of time could threaten a home’s foundation and slab.

You may find it helpful in this situation to contact a waterproofing firm such as Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. and request an inspection. Sometimes comparatively inexpensive landscaping solutions help correct drainage issues in yards.

Since you’ve invested a lot in your home’s slab and foundation already, it simply makes economic sense to ensure drainage problems don’t cause water to collect around the perimeter of the residence.

Musty Or Moldy Odors Indoors

A wide variety of waterproofing issues potentially cause lingering moldy odors within a home. Not all of these problems stem from underground leaks damaging slabs or crawl spaces. However, if you notice a deteriorated musty air quality, it usually indicates excessive moisture indoors.

Molds and mildew grow abundantly in the natural world. Damp conditions cause wood and drywall in the home to rot and provide an appealing habitat for these fungi.

Whether caused by a leaky roof, damaged plumbing, dirty vents, or a slab leak, this problem typically persists until corrected. Damp conditions indoors over an extended period of time can damage the property’s value and detract from the quality of daily life there.

Badly Askew Floors And Doors 

Have you noticed a lack of alignment developing over the course of time between floors, doors and walls so that these structures begin to appear askew? Consider asking us to check for undetected waterproofing problems as a precaution.

While most buildings “settle” somewhat with age, the residence should not display significantly sagging floors, or doors that no longer close and remain shut.

Water leaks sometimes contribute to shifting foundations. This situation may even cause slab damage. A waterproofing inspection by an experienced contractor may prove helpful. In this situation, our firm sometimes works closely with other consultants, including engineers or architects. We’ll help you evaluate the condition of the residence and we may suggest some possible waterproofing solutions.

Contact Us

To request waterproofing assistance from a knowledgeable licensed General Contractor in the Greater Raleigh Area and its environs, contact Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. We offer foundation and crawl space repair services to fix damage caused by leaking water.

We furnish many types of waterproofing assistance during new construction, too. Our firm also performs excavations, and provides crack injection repair services. We help prevent water intrusions into basements, slabs, and yards.

We possess extensive experience in this specialized field. To consult with us or to request a waterproofing inspection, simply call 919-877-9969. You can also reach us by using the website contact form. We look forward to helping you!

Nonstructural Foundation Repair: A Smart Investment For Homeowners!

Today, homeowners in North Carolina sometimes prevent hefty bills by requesting nonstructural foundation repair services. Unquestionably, a home’s foundation performs an essential function. It supports the entire structure. Therefore, doesn’t it make sense to protect this important system?

Structural Versus Nonstructural Foundation Repair

For a variety of reasons, residential foundations sometimes sustain damage. It may become necessary to undertake foundation repair in order to keep the structure safe to inhabit. Builders sometimes refer to this type of construction project as “structural” in nature. Structural foundation repair frequently costs upwards of tens of thousands of dollars.

Yet before a foundation sustains damage, homeowners may invest in nonstructural foundation waterproofing repair services. This type of home improvement helps keep the foundation in good condition. Hence, waterproofing to safeguard the residence against water damage frequently falls within the scope of this service. Happily for property owners, nonstructural foundation repair proves highly cost-effective.

Maintaining Dry Residential Interiors

Many important systems in a building seek to maintain the premises in a dry condition. For example, roofing systems shield the interior against sleet, rain, and snow. Flooring prevents water from wicking upwards from the ground and penetrating into the home. Modern plumbing carefully controls the flow of water through a residence. Leaky pipes constitute a problem partly because eventually they result in water damage.

In order to maintain genuinely comfortable living spaces, property owners must protect against water damage. Modern builders recognize the destructive impact of water on many materials. Wet, dank premises produce costly losses over the course of time, in fact. These environments foster destructive mold growth. They may even become unhealthy places to live.

Investing in Waterproofing

By obtaining more effective waterproofing, homeowners essentially invest in nonstructural foundation repair. Consider just a few example of these valuable services:

Crawl Space Repair: Ensure the effects of water damage won’t continue weakening crawl spaces. Maintain dry, watertight environments in these rarely accessed locations.

Excavations: Ask a contractor to dig a window well to prevent water from seeping indoors. Remove water saturated soil along the perimeter of a residence. Then, obtain the installation of a new French Drain to channel water away from the home. Lastly, grade the lot to prevent water from draining towards the home.

Basement Waterproofing: Correct damp conditions within the basement. Stop water intrusions. Install basement drains and sump pumps to prevent water from pooling in the lowest level of the home.

Avoiding Harmful Water Damage

An old saying maintains “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This saying certainly applies in the case of foundation repair. Astute property owners appreciate the vital importance of maintaining adequate waterproofing. They avoid the painful losses caused by water damaging a home.

Drawing up a comprehensive waterproofing plan promotes this goal. Increasingly, modern builders consider this topic during the planning phase. Yet even many vintage homes in North Carolina benefit from timely nonstructural foundation repair. Consider requesting a waterproofing inspection to ensure your residence maintains watertight building systems!

Request Nonstructural Foundation Repair Services

Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. offers licensed construction services in North Carolina. Our company serves residents of the Triangle Area. Call us to obtain skilled waterproofing assistance in Raleigh NC. We also serve customers in Durham, Chapel Hill, and outlying locations.

We supply a variety of waterproofing skills. For example, our services include conducting excavations, installing drains and French Drains, and waterproofing basements and crawl spaces. We also perform new construction waterproofing. Call us at 919-877-9969. We look forward to speaking with you soon!

Waterproofing Foundation Repair Excavations: Why Quality Issues Really Matter!

Waterproofing Foundation Repair Excavations

Obtaining effective basement and crawl space waterproofing solutions concerns numerous property owners in Raleigh, North Carolina for good reason. Water sometimes causes expensive damage to homes and businesses in this region. One significant type of rebuilding project involves repairing water damage to building foundations.

Yet before a construction crew can even provide this solution, it typically proves necessary to obtain skilled foundation repair excavation services. The care and attention a waterproofing firm devotes to this task matters enormously. This article offers a quick general overview of excavating a foundation; depending upon a customer’s location and the extent of the foundation damage, a contractor may need to include additional steps or may omit some steps.

Waterproofing Foundation

Foundation Repair Excavations: A Complex Undertaking

Many people immediately think of digging holes in the ground when they hear the term “excavation”. Yet during waterproofing foundation repair projects, this process involves considerable complexity. The terrain, the soil composition, weather conditions, and a variety of other factors may all impact an excavation.

In general, even limited excavations require thorough planning. A project manager must survey the site to identify any important nearby structures. No one wants to accidentally damage adjacent buildings or utility infrastructure during the foundation repair excavation process, for example. A lot of careful planning enters into coordinating the timetable for implementing different phases of a foundation repair project.

Clearing And Preliminary Grading

When conducting excavations to reveal the exterior of a residential foundation, a waterproofing contractor may need to clear away trees, bushes, or rocks. In many cases, homeowners have an opportunity to transplant or relocate favorite landscaping plants before the project commences. The team conducting the excavation seeks to work as efficiently and quickly as possible once the project begins.

The clearing process sometimes offers an opportunity to conduct useful preliminary grading near the site. For instance, a waterproofing company may also take the opportunity to smooth soil and correct terrain problems which may have contributed to water pooling next to a residential foundation in the past. (The grading process may ultimately help promote more effective yard drainage, while also contributing to worker safety.)

Digging

During excavations, contractors sometimes remove large quantities of earth. The design of the residence and the surrounding terrain influence the approach(es) to the digging site(s), of course. If a waterproofing firm needs to expose the entire foundation, then the repair project might require extensive digging.

Waterproofing contractors must exercise care to support the integrity of a building foundation and to prevent the earth from collapsing back into the site of excavation. Considerable complexity surrounds these issues. The types of necessary repair measures may influence the excavation depth, for instance. The specific precautions required vary from one project to another. Particularly in the case of deep excavation, digging demands care and attention to complete safely. After exposing part or all of the foundation, waterproofing contractors have an opportunity to undertake foundation repair measures.

Backfill And Final Grading

Backfill, the material placed into an excavation site, may help prevent future water damage. Not all waterproofing foundation repair projects involve the use of backfill. In some situations, structural engineers recommend replacing excavated earth with high-quality backfill materials. This phase of a waterproofing foundation repair project sometimes involves the greatest single expense for the property owner. Yet it may prove critical to the long term success or failure of certain types of foundation repair efforts.

Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. works closely with our clients to assist them in controlling project costs. We don’t offer structural foundation repair services. In situations involving the application of backfill, sometimes several potential backfill options exist. Final site grading usually occurs at the conclusion of a waterproofing foundation repair project involving excavation(s), whether or not the project required the use of backfill.

Additional Information

Do you hold concern water might have harmed your home’s foundation? Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. offers experienced waterproofing services in the Greater Raleigh Area. We possess expertise performing skilled foundation water damage repair services (including waterproofing foundation repair excavations). We also offer a variety of other important waterproofing services, including crawl space encapsulation and concrete crack injection services.

Although our firm does not offer structural foundation repair services, we do encourage customers to seek the assistance of structural engineers and other consultants if it appears extensive foundation water damage has occurred. Contact us to obtain knowledgeable assistance for any waterproofing issue by calling 919-877-9969. We look forwarding to helping you resolve residential or business waterproofing problems cost-effectively and efficiently!

Helpful Resources:

1. https://theconstructor.org/geotechnical/backfilling-types-procedure-foundation/1648/
2. https://www.raleighwaterproofinginc.com/foundation-waterproofing-repair/

Six Common Signs of Water Leaks

Remain Alert For These Six Common Signs of Water Leaks

As a waterproofing firm in the Greater Raleigh Area, we possess extensive experience evaluating homes and commercial buildings for signs of moisture damage. Property owners usually benefit by detecting water drainage and water leak problems as quickly as possible. We recommend property owners periodically check basements and any visible structural foundation surfaces for signs of damage.

Water Leaks

Six Common Signs of Water Leaks

Sometimes, owners notice conditions which strongly suggest the presence of a leak. Look for any of these six common signs:

Wet or Flooded Surfaces:

The walls and floors of your basement and the exteriors of any exposed building foundations should not visibly leak. If you notice wet surfaces caused by pooled water in interior locations, then your home or business may benefit from skilled assistance. A waterproofing company strives to help customers enjoy dry, comfortable interiors and secure building foundations through a variety of means. In some situations, the installation of basement drains and/or sump pumps offers effective assistance.

Stained Drywall:

In a finished basement, discolored, stained drywall sometimes indicates the presence of a leak. In certain cases, these marks simply denote the existence of a previous (and now corrected) problem. However, if you observe a fresh stain on drywall, particularly one which appears to expand in size over the course of time, you’ll want to determine the cause. A waterproofing expert may offer valuable assistance.

Moldy Odors:

A dank, musty smell emanating from an exposed foundation or a basement interior often signifies a water leak. Although molds thrive in nature, their growth indoors on basement walls or floors points to excessively moist conditions. Once again, if you notice moldy odors or detect mold growing in your basement, consider requesting a waterproofing inspection. While you’ll want to remove the mold correctly, it remains important to also determine and fix the conditions contributing to fungus growth.

Cracked Concrete:

While all cured concrete will develop minor surface imperfections, visible cracks in this material sometimes reveal the presence of a water leak. Water entering a basement may seep into the walls through small cracks; over the course of time, unless repaired, the fissures generally expand in size.

Bubbling, Blistering Concrete:

Builders typically insert metal bars called “rebar” inside thick concrete structures during construction to provide extra support. If water or other conditions cause the rebar to begin rusting, concrete on the surface may appear discolored. It often develops a “bubbly” or blistered appearance. This type of concrete surface damage has gained the name “concrete cancer.” Its presence in a foundation or basement indicates the property requires repair attention. Concrete structures with this condition may eventually start crumbling or breaking apart in the absence of suitable corrective measures.

Soggy Soil Around Basement Exteriors:

The ground in yards will inevitably become damp following a heavy rain or the seasonal melting of snow. However, if you notice the terrain immediately around your house remaining soggy and waterlogged for extended periods of time during the year, it remains a wise precaution to request a waterproofing inspection. Many possible reasons can underlie this problem: a poorly functioning gutter and downspout system, a leaky roof, inadequate yard drainage, a broken sprinkler system, or even a leaking underground water or sewer pipe. Many conditions can produce soggy ground around the perimeter of a home. Unless corrected, chronically damp and waterlogged earth surrounding basements and foundations may eventually cause water leak problems for homeowners. A waterproofing company can usually offer a number of possible solutions. For example, in some cases installing a French Drain helps redirect water away from the home. This solution may prevent soggy conditions from developing around the perimeter.

If You Suspect Possible Water Damage

When alert property owners detect evidence of possible water damage impacting a concrete slab, a foundation or a basement, it makes sense to request expert assistance as soon as possible. Delay may simply exacerbate damage to the property. Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. helps customers obtain effective waterproofing services throughout the Greater Raleigh, North Carolina region.

We offer valuable assistance to homeowners and businesses seeking dry premises. In some situations, we’ll undertake leak repair measures by supplying crack injection and foundation repair. The availability of this assistance depends upon many factors, including the extent of the damage. We urge concerned property owners to contact us as soon as they suspect a possible drainage or water leak problem. Customers often ask us to perform inspections to verify the presence of leaks. Contact us at 919-877-9969 to request our services.

Further Information:

1. https://www.raleighwaterproofinginc.com/crack-injections.html

Four Concrete Waterproofing Must Haves

Four Concrete Waterproofing Must Haves

Concrete waterproofing experts assist customers in securing dry, moisture-free basements, crawl spaces and building foundations. When homeowners initially discover dampness in a low lying crawl space or a basement, they sometimes struggle to identify the cause. Contacting a qualified waterproofing firm for assistance can help determine the source of leaking water. An experienced expert in this field may also offer valuable solutions for yard drainage problems.Concrete Waterproofing

The Importance of Terrain

If you’ve noticed water pooling in your basement in the Raleigh area, it makes sense to consider both the condition of your home’s gutters and the surrounding landscape. Since water drains downwards as a result of the force of gravity, some real estate owners discover landscaping improvements strongly impact their waterproofing needs. Most modern homebuilders strive to eliminate steep gradients which might direct runoff towards a home’s foundation. Unfortunately, in the past many developers did not always appreciate the importance of this issue.

For example, the slope of the land in a yard may cause rainwater and melting snow to drain away from the home, or not. People who reside in dwellings built into the sides of hills need to pay especially close attention to this issue. The runoff from melting ice and snow should ideally flow away from the foundation of your residence.

Pooling Water: Not Good For Building Foundations

When water collects around the foundation of a building, over the course of time this situation eventually causes damage. Water may penetrate through the ground around the foundation, causing it to become waterlogged. The successive freezing and thawing of the water may contribute to the formation of cracks in cement and masonry.

In some cases, water pooling against a home’s foundation eventually seeps into low lying parts of the residence. It may create moist, dank basements and crawl spaces. In some locations, the saturation of the soil surrounding a home’s perimeter ultimately produces flooding problems following heavy rains because the waterlogged earth cannot absorb additional water. For a variety of excellent reasons, you’ll want to prevent rain and runoff from collecting around your home’s foundation.

Why Landscaping Improvements Sometimes Impact Drainage

Today, most real estate properties include a variety of concrete or brick improvements. Driveways, sidewalks, patios and even porches (and decks) all enhance comfort and property values. Yet if you plan on installing or modifying any of these surfaces, it makes sense to pay attention to water runoff issues. You won’t want to inadvertently allow rain draining from these structures to collect around your home’s foundation and potentially contribute to water leaks inside the residence.

A waterproofing expert in some situations may recommend the construction of a French Drain, a trench drain, or a surface drain in the yard to help collect runoff and channel it away from the home. This measure can help correct or prevent the formation of soggy spots in the lawn. Most importantly, implementing better drainage also reduces the chance the soil immediately around the foundation will become waterlogged. By providing a way for water to flow away from the residence, a drain may help preserve the anticipated useful lifespan of the foundation.

Check Four Key Home Fixtures

Of course, to prevent rain from collecting around the foundation, maintaining a secure roofing system and clean gutters and downspouts remains vitally important. Yet you also should not overlook the impact of key improvements in your yard. If you discover some free time during this busy season, conducting a quick check of four structures on your grounds may prove helpful. Take a moment to closely observe these items:

  • Driveways;
  • Sidewalks (and Paved Walks);
  • Patios;
  • Porches and Decks.

Notice the slope of the surrounding land around each of these improvements. Then answer these questions:

  • Does your residence sit on fairly level terrain or on a hillside?
  • Will rainwater and runoff from melting ice and snow move towards your home’s foundation or away from it while leaving a driveway, sidewalk, patio, porch or deck?
  • After a heavy rain, have you noticed runoff flowing away from your home to enter roadside gutters and drainage systems?
  • Or does the water collect in pools along the sides of the house?
  • Have cracks or holes developed in any improvements and started impacting water runoff in any way?

Assistance With Yard Drainage Issues

If you discover possible problems during your inspection, you may find it useful to consult with us. Raleigh Waterproofing Inc. offers a variety of services to help improve yard drainage. For example, we provide qualified French Drain construction, as well as other waterproofing measures. Contact us at 919-877-9969 for fast, experienced assistance.

The Importance of Waterproofing to Your Foundation

Other than burning down, a compromised foundation is the worst structural problem homeowners can face. Houses are built on the foundation, which helps to maintain structural integrity by transferring dead and live loads into the ground. But when all is said and done, water is the leading cause of foundation problems.

Foundation

The Importance of Waterproofing to Your Foundation

The wet soil underneath a foundation might shift from loss of strength or swelling. Maintaining a dry foundation is important because this change is known to have a negative impact on structural integrity. Dampness is also a problem since it presents an ideal environment for mold growth. Apart from making below-ground spaces unpleasant, mold might be a health hazard. Unfortunately, conventional concrete is not waterproof, and even though it might keep out liquid water when it does not have cracks, water vapor penetrates easily. As such, preventing water from moving through concrete and ensuring it drains away from the foundation is essential to structural integrity.Depending on factors such as climate, soil or water table conditions, geographic location, topography, and depth of the foundation, the task of installing proper drainage to guarantee dry below-grade spaces might be relatively straightforward or somewhat involving. Systems designed to keep water out will consist of three basic components, and these are:
• Drains for moving water away from the foundation’s bottom.
• Wall treatment designed to route water downwards and into the drains, which helps to ensure moisture does not move through the wall.
• Ground surface treatment installed adjacent to the building, which helps by directing surface water away.

Waterproofing
While leaky basements are a common problem, taking precautionary measures to keep your below-grade interior spaces from flooding might be the best solution, especially since you now know that water is the leading cause of structural issues. Basement waterproofing is an excellent investment because it helps prevent water damage, which often leads to costly repairs.

Before you engage an expert, you’ll want to have some basic knowledge of the methods and products used to prevent basement leaks. Knowing a little bit more about the process of curing a leaky basement or what waterproofing involves is important. Apart from knowing what to expect, arming yourself with this information might help you choose the right service provider.

Waterproofing situations are often entirely different, and so are the basements involved. As such, identifying the exact location of moisture penetration is just as important as developing an ideal and sustainable solution. Here’s a look at the three methods used to make below-grade spaces impermeable.

1. Interior waterproofing and sealants
Cracks, which usually form in concrete foundations, are a common water entry point. Fortunately, many professionals have the skills and equipment to seal such cracks. To seal off potential moisture entry points, waterproofing experts will usually inject a special sealant into the crack openings from the inside of below-grade spaces, making sure it penetrates all the way to the outside. The sealants used should have the ability to prevent leaks even when subjected to high levels of humidity.

You can, however, choose to use watertight coatings. This waterproofing method is a viable alternative since the coating employed will adhere to your concrete walls permanently and function effectively even when subjected to dampness or minor condensation. Unfortunately, the use of watertight coats or sealants does not fix major leaks or flooding. This inability is mainly because waterproof coats and sealants don’t perform well when subjected to intense water pressure.

2. Exterior waterproofing
Exterior waterproofing involves extensive excavation, which needs to be done around the entire house and all the way to the foundation’s base. Once the excavation is complete, experts will use a waterproof coating to seal the walls and make them watertight. This helps by directing water away and towards a drainage system. Thanks to this waterproofing method, homeowners can keep water from seeping into below-grade spaces through the walls or foundation. Additionally, exterior waterproofing prevents moisture from causing damage to a home’s interior and foundation.

3. Installation of interior and exterior drainage systems
Proper drainage systems allow better control over water, even in cases where water has already penetrated into the house. Using a sump pump to collect and drain water from below-grade spaces is one of the simplest ways to enhance drainage. Even so, you’ll want to be sure you’re pumping the water away from your house.

Interior drainage systems serve to drain underground water from below-grade spaces as well as the water that collects along the foundation. Though some homeowners take the functionality of an interior drainage system lightly, these systems can provide extensive benefits when there’s a power outage, heavy rainfall or heavy melting of snow. Apart from helping to ensure the area is free of both mold and mildew, proper drainage is effective in keeping water out of the home.

Taking preventive measures is important, which is why you should contact an expert and prepare your home before it’s too late.

The Long Quest For Waterproof Fabrics

Waterproof Fabrics

Today, waterproofing as a field encompasses many fascinating areas of research. A variety of popular waterproof fabrics testify to the far-flung nature of many breakthroughs: latex fabrics, vinyl, fluoropolymer fabrics and Gore-Tex.

Many people do not realize efforts to produce cloth with water-resistant properties actually formed an important area of research for hundreds (and possibly thousands) of years! Early people struggled to create clothing items which would keep them dry and protected from the effects of soaking rains. The story underlying the creation of wearable waterproof materials proves quite intriguing. It demonstrates how numerous independent and seemingly unrelated discoveries may eventually contribute important elements to commercially useful products.

Waterproof Fabrics Concrete Waterproofing

Innovators in South America

The research leading to the early mass-production of waterproof textiles likely owed a lot to innovations undertaken by aboriginal residents of the Amazon River basin centuries ago. Some reports indicate that as early as the 1200s, some communities in that part of the world likely learned to manufacture rain-resistant canopies and capes by coating materials with a covering of natural latex, the raw-material used for rubber production. The names of the individuals responsible for this innovation remain lost to recorded history. However, the idea likely helped inspire scientists in later centuries. Early latex-coated products remained too sticky in hot weather to wear comfortably in hot climates, and the latex degraded rapidly in milder temperatures.

A Breakthrough Raincoat

For example, just as people in the modern era marvel at the development of new water resistant nanotechnology-assisted formulations, the public in the British Isle during the 1800s considered the development of rubberized cloth a significant improvement in rainwear. A Scottish chemist named Charles Macintosh (1766-1843) worked to develop waterproof fabrics. In 1823, he discovered that cloth reinforced with an interior rubberized lining offered greater protection from the rain. His research became the basis for the development of new, more water-resistant raincoats.

Mass Production of Rubber

The transport of latex-producing trees from the Amazon to England, and from England to Ceylon (modern Sri Lanka), Singapore and other parts of Southeast Asia contributed to the development of the early global rubber industry, too. As scientists discovered an increasing number of new uses for latex, agribusiness owners found they could cultivate groves of latex-producing trees in some tropical locations to produce larger yields. A species of latex trees imported from Brazil contributed significantly to the expansion of organized latex production efforts in Southeast Asia. Ultimately, contributions of botanists seeking to develop more productive latex groves likely facilitated the development of modern waterproof fabrics.

Charles Goodyear

Another significant rubber-related discovery in 1839 would eventually unintentionally impact efforts to design more waterproof fabrics. The American scientist Charles Goodyear helped move this process forward through his effort to conduct basic research into creating temperature-resistant rubber products. In hot weather, natural rubber becomes gummy. It crack in cold temperatures. After five years of research, Charles Goodyear discovered he could stabilize rubber through the addition of sulfur, a process he described as producing “vulcanized rubber”. Sadly, the inventor’s efforts to exploit his discovery commercially did not bear fruit during his lifetime. He died in poverty in 1860, some 40 years before his invention revolutionized the automobile tire industry. Vulcanized rubber would also ultimately contribute to more waterproof fabrics and spur interest in developing new, synthetic forms of rubber.

Many Contributions

The history of the development of waterproof fabrics indicates the importance of numerous individual, seemingly unrelated discoveries. Today, exciting new discoveries continue to raise interest in the waterproofing field!

Can Water Really Damage a Building Foundation?

Water Damage

People sometimes wonder whether or not leaking water really poses a hazard to a building? For instance, in some low lying areas, homeowners frequently discover water in basements after periods of wet weather. Should these discoveries cause concern?

Building Foundation Waterproofing Foundation

Can Water Really Damage a Building Foundation?

Answering this question depends to some extent upon the source of the water. If you sustained a broken window in your basement and rain poured inside during a thunderstorm, for instance, you may remove the problem by mopping the floor and fixing the glass. Unfortunately, water leakage issues in low-lying areas often prove far more complex than this simple scenario. Let’s consider some long term concerns associated with basements that do not remain waterproof.

The Awesome Power of Water

Have you ever observe the Colorado River flowing within the mighty Grand Canyon? If so, you’ve witnessed first hand the power of water! Over the course of time, water possesses the ability to erode stone surfaces. It may seep inside a porous (seemingly solid) structure and gradually reduce it.

Of course, the mighty Colorado River did not hollow out the Grand Canyon quickly- that transformation, which still remains poorly understood, likely required millions of years to accomplish. Yet across the world, people have discovered numerous instances in which flowing water can cut deep channels into the earth, hollow out caves and even break apart building foundations.

Short Term Problems Associated With Leaking Water

In certain areas of low elevation, waterlogged soil following a heavy rainstorm or the melting of a snow pack will cause water to seep inside the ground levels of buildings. A basement or an underground garage may remain at high risk for encountering this type of damage.

Over the course of time, water entering a basement in this way may pose a significant problem. Just consider some of the hazards this process imposes on residents:

Water pooling in a basement creates a mess requiring frequent mopping;
Standing water may provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insect pests;
Leaking water often contributes to the growth of mildew and mold;
A dank, wet basement may pose a safety hazard if electrical wires come into contact with the water.

For all these reasons, property owners usually seek to prevent water from seeping into the lower levels of buildings. No one appreciates a smelly, unhealthy basement!

Longer Term Water Leakage Issues

Unfortunately, over the course of a longer period of time, leaking water may even threaten one of a building’s most important systems: its foundation. Water constantly penetrating the pores of a cement slab will eventually create cracks. When these become visible, property owners may need to complete expensive repairs to prevent catastrophic damage.

Consider that a building foundation provides the chief support for the structure. Homes and offices with broken or cracked foundations sometimes experience structural problems over the course of time. These changes typically won’t become apparent overnight, but they can necessitate significant repair expenses.

Consider Corrective Measures

In the short term, applying waterproof sealants may help protect basement rooms against the development of moldy, dank conditions. Taking the comparatively inexpensive step of applying waterproofing coatings often holds benefits.

For a longer term solution, owners of property subjected to leaks seeping into the foundation may find it helpful to consult with a civil engineer. In some cases, for example, landscaping to provide adequate drainage around a foundation provides a way to safeguard the structure of the building from seeping water.

3 Key Waterproofing Components for a Dry Foundation and Basement

3 Key Waterproofing Components for a Dry Foundation and Basement

Waterproofing your home is about more than just creating a barrier between ground water and your home’s foundation. You must ensure that water is quickly carried away from your home to ensure that it causes minimal wear and damage to the systems design to keep your home dry.

This is why gutters, drains and sump pumps are among the most important components when waterproofing your home. These structures swiftly carry water away from your home, which in turn helps to ensure the water goes somewhere you want it to be.

Let’s take a look at the features that a home should have to ensure that it is waterproofed.

Wet Basement Waterproof Basements

1. Gutters

Standard gutters are designed to route water from the roof and away from the foundation. This water diversion helps to prevent excess water from saturating the soil surrounding the home, which in turn helps to ensure that water does not cause cracks or leak in through weakened areas.

When these are nonoperational or missing, water is free to build around the home. This leads to leaks, soil erosion and a long list of things that can cause water infiltration.

Underground downspouts are an addition to standard gutters that acts to diver the water further from your home in a way that is anything but intrusive. This allows grass, gardens and other areas to receive the water while keeping your home safe.

2. Drains

French drains are the most common type of drains used for water diversion. The aim of these drains is to take water that may pool in one area before diverting it to a widespread area.

Other drains may divert water to your sewer system or simply away from your home. Their purpose remains the same: to keep large volumes of water away from your foundation and basement.

The problem with drains is that they require routine maintenance after being installed. Debris can build up and clog them, which in turn makes them unable to carry out their functions. French drains, for example, also have a limited life and must be replaced.

3. Sump Pumps

Sump pumps are designed to remove water from your home or around your home. These devices pull the water and push it away, which in turn aids in diverting the large amounts of water that can pool in and around a home.

The problem is that these devices have mechanical and electrical components that experience wear, which in turn results in the inevitable failure of these devices.

Repairing, maintaining, and replacing these devices will help to limit water infiltration.

Let Us Waterproof Your Home

Waterproofing is a complicated task that requires multiple facets of engineering to be examined. Gutters are a good example of one point that many people miss, which in turn can result in water infiltration and damage.

When it comes to waterproofing, let us work with you to ensure that your home is safe from the damage water infiltration can cause. At Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc., we examine every facet of how water runs on your property to determine the most effective ways to waterproof your property.

Don’t let water ruin your building. Call us today at 919-877-9969 for an estimate.

The 3 Common Causes of Concrete Foundation Cracks

The 3 Common Causes of Concrete Foundation Cracks

Waterproofing is about moving water in ways that are beneficial to your property. This means diverting water away so that it doesn’t cause damage to your property and ensuring that the right amount of water is retained in certain areas.

Too little moisture can produce effects similar to too much. Cracks, shifts in your foundation and other eventual problems can develop as the result of poor waterproofing.

Let’s briefly examine the causes of foundation cracks to better understand how waterproofing should aim to control moisture.

Foundation Cracks Crack Injection Repair Raleigh

1. Seismic Activity

Earthquakes, tremors and other seismic activities are a common cause of cracking. Everything from fracking to the presence of deep gold mines can encourage seismic activity, which in turn can cause cracks in concrete foundations.

In Raleigh, NC, there tends to be little seismic activity capable of cracking foundations. This leaves the majority of concrete damage to be limited to water-related problems.

2. Storms

Flash floods and prolonged downpours represent two situations where too much water is received by the ground in a short period. This allows the water to push against foundations, which in turn causes them to inevitably give way and to crack.

Water diversion can help significantly reduce the likelihood that cracks will develop by taking this excess water and diverting it away.

3. Drought and Too Little Moisture

When soil becomes saturated by water, it tends to press inwardly against concrete foundations. Soil that becomes too dry tends to pull foundations outward, which in turn causes cracking to occur.

Water diversion should aim to achieve a happy medium between soil that is too wet and too dry. This prevents the development of cracks while fostering a happy, healthy lawn that acts as a safe place for water retention.

Let Us Repair and Prevent Foundation Cracks

The most effective way to prevent foundation cracks is to ensure that your waterproofing is effective. It should put the right amount of water where your soil needs it most, which in turn keeps the pressure upon your foundation in a state that the concrete is able to handle.

Don’t let your Raleigh home become afflicted by water infiltration problems. At Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc., we can assess your property’s needs to develop several effective ways to divert water appropriately from your home.

To learn more about our services, to have your questions about waterproofing answered, or to schedule a free estimate, call us at 919-877-9969 today.