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Three Points to Keep in Mind About Water Intrusions

Today, real estate experts increasingly recognize the importance of correcting water intrusions in a timely manner. As building automation gains popularity in North Carolina, the need to prevent leaks from damaging homes and businesses becomes pressing. (Many mobile phone users appreciate all too well that high tech electronic devices do not function properly in the presence of water spills.) Even small water leaks hold the potential to produce significant repair bills for owners of highly automated homes and offices. This brief article discusses three key issues to consider when you evaluate a possible water intrusion problem.

Water Intrusions

One: Water Intrusions Indicate a Need For Waterproofing

First, property owners should remember that comfortable living and work spaces require water intrusion-free premises. The term “water intrusion” represents a comprehensive, inclusive idea. In this context, it refers to both water leaks and airborne moisture in the form of excessive water vapor. Recognizing the presence of a water intrusion quickly offers important benefits. It signals the need to obtain more effective waterproofing.

Most homeowners realize a broken pipe gushing water into a basement constitutes a waterproofing emergency, for example. Yet identifying the water intrusion dangers posed by a humid basement, crawl space, or attic sometimes proves more challenging. Moisture collecting in water droplets on walls and ceilings in these locations holds the potential to cause damp, dank conditions. It creates an indoor environment in which mildew and mold proliferate along wet building surfaces. Both visible water leaks and excessive indoor water vapor lead most property owners to consider enhancing waterproofing.

Two: Water Intrusions Worsen Over Time

Unfortunately, uncorrected water intrusions tend to worsen over time. A small leak through a cracked basement level wooden window frame will eventually expand as water warps and rots the wood, for example. After several years of water intrusion, the window will appear very different than it did initially.

Both fixing the damage and correcting the underlying waterproofing issues hold importance in this situation. By paying close attention to waterproofing issues, savvy real estate owners help avoid a recurrence of the same type of damage in the future. Replacing a window damaged by water leaks may prove necessary. Yet most property owners also prefer to correct any underlying yard drainage issues that have contributed to the water intrusion problem.

Three: Repair Water Intrusions Quickly to Save Money

Many popular sayings tout the advantages of avoiding problems. Just consider some of this sage advice from long ago:

  • An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
  • A stitch in time saves nine.
  • An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

These words hold true today in terms of evaluating water intrusions. It usually makes better financial sense to implement waterproofing measures quickly. Delaying corrective action holds no benefit in this situation. Postponing essential waterproofing repair measures simply allows water intrusions to cause more extensive property damage. Ultimately, ignoring water intrusions translates into higher than necessary repair bills down the road.

If you suspect water intrusions have occurred on the premises, requesting an inspection by a qualified waterproofing construction expert offers important advantages. It provides an evaluation of the property from the standpoint of someone skilled in detecting water damage and implementing repair measures. For example, Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. works closely with property owners to resolve possible water intrusion issues. We also seek to develop practical, comprehensive waterproofing plans for real estate. Our efforts frequently result in several suggestions for useful steps to take to prevent (or at least reduce) the impact of water intrusions. This type of planning aids budget-conscious property owners in developing the most effective waterproofing strategies for their unique circumstances.

Obtain Skilled Waterproofing Assistance

If you suspect your home may have developed a water intrusion problem, we can help! Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. offers a full array of waterproofing construction services. We frequently assist property owners by performing waterproofing inspections.

Maintaining dry, comfortable basements and crawl spaces allows residents of Raleigh to obtain greater enjoyment and satisfaction from their homes and businesses. It also safeguards the financial investment a real estate owner makes in the property. Don’t hesitate to contact us for knowledgeable, cost-effective waterproofing services in the Greater Raleigh Area. Lastly, simply call us at 919-877-9969 to schedule a service appointment.

Helpful Resources

1. https://www.raleighwaterproofinginc.com/water-intrusion/

Request Crack Injection Technology to Help Waterproof Leaky Basements

Request Crack Injection Technology to Help Waterproof Leaky Basements

Did you know Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. offers services to help fix some cracked and damaged concrete basements and foundations? We have the top crack injection technology to help fix any crack at any home. This cost-effective technique, when applicable, enables property owners to maintain these locations in a safe, waterproof condition. It potentially offers a way to extend the useful anticipated lifespan of some structures by preventing small cracks from expanding in scope over the course of time. Consider learning more about crack injection to discover an important way to help protect your investment in your real estate:

Crack Injection Technology

How Crack Injection Saves Some Homeowners Hefty Bills

Crack injection does not provide a solution for every type of foundation damage. Yet when applicable, it may indeed help a property owner save thousands of dollars in construction bills. The key to applying this repair involves detecting serious cracks in basements and foundations at the earliest possible point in time.

Crack injection repairs frequently occur upon the recommendation of a consulting structural engineer. During the process of crack injection, a waterproofing specialist typically applies an epoxy-based sealant into gaps formed by developing concrete cracks. This process helps fill the cavity. It also seals the location against damaging impacts from water leaks. This type of repair offers valuable assistance to homeowners. When successful, crack injection helps prevent the deterioration of the vitally important concrete structures underlying the dwelling. The technique in some situations may enable a property owner to avoid significant costs involved in replacing a slab, a foundation, or a basement.

Why Does Crack Injection Offer Protection to Concrete?

The power of water to cause damage to strong foundations and basements seems remarkable (and even difficult to imagine). How can water harm thick, heavy, solid blocks of concrete? One reason why water proves so damaging relates to the need to include rebar within most concrete slabs, foundations and basements.

Concrete in these locations typically requires additional support. Builders include metal rods called “rebar” (and sometimes metal netting) to help reinforce the concrete. If you’ve ever sat on a concrete park bench or walked over a concrete bridge, you’ve likely come into contact with concrete containing these materials. As you know, metal rusts when it comes into protracted contact with water. If water begins leaking through concrete, it sometimes comes into contact with interior rebar. This situation produces a blistering effect on the concrete described by the colorful expressions “concrete cancer” and “concrete spalling”. The connection between the concrete and the enclosed rebar starts deteriorating. The concrete begins cracking and crumbling, sometimes falling away in chunks. This blistering process potentially causes a lot of structural problems for buildings. It remains one important reason to perform waterproofing crack injections.

Consider Crack Injection Before Finishing Basement Living Spaces

Today many homeowners optimize the enjoyment and utility they obtain from their premises by transforming unfinished basements into useful finished rooms. The lowest level of a residence may offer the perfect site for a finished exercise center, additional bedrooms, or even a home office or business. If you’ve contemplated transforming an unfinished basement into a more useful living area, it remains a smart idea to consider requesting a waterproofing inspection first. Sometimes performing crack injection as a preliminary step in this renovation project makes very good sense indeed! Unfinished basements supply ready access to concrete surfaces. A waterproofing specialist can easily undertake crack injection in these locations before a construction crew performs finishing.

Before installing drywall, flooring, and ceilings in this part of the home, why not ensure you’ve asked waterproofing experts to seal any developing cracks in the basement wall? Taking this step ultimately helps waterproof the basement. It may assist you in protecting your investment in finishing this location for use as a downstairs living area or a home business.

Further Information

Do cracks allow water to seep into your home’s foundation or basement? Also, our crack injection technology will help seal any crack at your home or business. Ask Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. to supply fast, effective crack injection technology. This process may help extend the useful lifespan of your residence. It offers a reliable way to seal locations which might otherwise in the future become a significant source of water leaks and repair concerns. Take action now. Lastly, call 919-877-9969 for assistance!

Useful Links:

1. https://www.raleighwaterproofinginc.com/crack-injections.html
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reinforced_concrete

Be Weary of Possible Swimming Pool Leaks Near your Home or Business

Three Waterproofing Tips For  Swimming Pool Owners and their Neighbors

Do basement and crawl space waterproofing issues interest you? If you own a swimming pool, or your home or business stands within close proximity to one, be weary of possible swimming pool leaks. Even as a neighbor to a swimming pool owner, you maintain a vested interest in ensuring water doesn’t leak into your premises! Swimming pools sometimes contain significant volumes of liquid and if the pool begins leaking innumerable problems can occur. Water always follows the path of least resistance. Don’t let your basement, cellar, crawlspace, foundation, or yard become home to the pool leak runoff.

Today, residents of Wake County frequently enjoy the benefits offered by backyard or indoor residential swimming pools. A well-maintained pool can supply many happy hours of fun and recreation. It often provides welcome relief from blistering summer temperatures, too. Perhaps not surprisingly, numerous businesses and homeowners maintain this type of facility in the Raleigh Area. The county routinely inspects public pools to ensure compliance with pool maintenance and safety regulations.

water condensation Swimming Pool

Swimming Pools in Wake County, North Carolina

Local ordinances require anyone installing a swimming pool, a hot tub, or a spa in Wake County to obtain a pool building permit first (receiving this document requires passing a site plan approval and meeting building and electrical inspection requirements). Unfortunately, even well maintained facilities sometimes develop water leaks. To safeguard your premises against damaging leaks effectively, you’ll want to check basements and crawl spaces regularly. Even comparatively tiny leaks in swimming pools may cause water saturation in nearby locations. These three waterproofing tips may prove helpful:

One: Monitor Monthly Water Bills Closely

If you own a swimming pool, you’ll want to track your monthly water usage and bills closely. It remains important to recognize simple evaporation from the surface will result in regular monthly water losses. Some sources advise owners to anticipate a drop in pool levels by as much as 0.25 inches daily during hot weather. By checking the water level every five days over the course of a month, you can develop a water evaporation baseline to help you monitor this figure. If you notice a sudden spike in water losses or a significant jump in water bills, consider requesting professional assistance to locate leaks. Some pools designed to compensate for evaporative losses may develop leaks which don’t seem apparent due to the ongoing replacement of water.

Two: Repair Leaks in Vinyl Swimming Pool Liners Promptly

Today, most backyard pools utilize one of three basic types of pool liner: vinyl, fiberglass, or concrete. While the latter two surfaces infrequently develop leaks, vinyl liners sometimes sustain damage requiring urgent repair action. Even a small leak in a vinyl liner may allow large quantities of water to seep below the base of the pool; water may collect near adjoining slabs or basements. Experts recommend addressing pool repair issues quickly, since delays may permit small cracks or tears to expand in size. Concrete pools will require resurfacing (roughly every decade) to remain leak-free.

Three: Inspect Basements And Yards For Signs of Water Leaks Frequently

Swimming pool leaks may also develop in underground pool water and drain pipes. In many situations these pipes constitute residential sub-utility pipes. Owners of properties located close to swimming pools should consider periodically checking basements, storm cellars, and crawl spaces for signs of dampness or adjoining water-saturated soil. A leaking swimming pool water system potentially deposits significant volumes of water into the ground around the home or business they might be near. In Raleigh, some property owners with homes located close to swimming pools might wish to consider requesting annual or semi-annual inspections from a full-time waterproofing company. This process may help pool owners learn about possible water leaks in a timely manner.

Problems Posed by Swimming Pool Leaks

A swimming pool leak may damage adjoining man-made structures (including residences). While Wake County will inspect commercial pools, private swimming pools don’t necessarily receive close maintenance attention unless property owners remain vigilant for signs of leaks. Regular property inspections can help detect leaks in time to prevent some forms of damage!

Obtain Knowledgeable Waterproofing Assistance

Raleigh Waterproofing, Inc. offers experienced residential and commercial waterproofing assistance in the Greater Raleigh, North Carolina area. If you’d like to better secure a basement against water leaks (including possible leaking from a nearby swimming pool), we provide excellent assistance. Ask us to inspect your premises for signs of water penetrating basements or crawl spaces, or pooling near foundations or slabs.

We can recommend measures to help you obtain dry, mold-free living and work areas. We offer skilled foundation repair services, sump station installations, excavations, and yard drainage assistance. Our firm received an Angie’s List Super Service Award in 2015. Call us at 919-877-9969 to schedule an initial appointment!

Further Information

1. http://www.wakegov.com/inspect/permits/Pages/devpools.aspx
2. https://www.angieslist.com/articles/pool-level-dropping-it-leak-or-evaporation.htm
3. http://www.poolswiki.com/wiki/51/pool-liner
4. https://www.bobvila.com/articles/2464-swimming-pools-101/

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