Basement Waterproofing and Foundation Repair in Clarksburg, WV

In the simplest possible terms, hydrostatic pressure is pressure or weight exerted on the structure of your property by the soil around it. This weight can increase or decrease based on the amount of water in the soil and, as such, is impacted by the weather, snowmelt, and even underground water sources. In fact, a plumbing flood could also contribute to the levels of hydrostatic pressure around your property, especially if it is serious or prolonged.

All properties have to deal with some level of hydrostatic pressure, of course, and they are designed to withstand it to a certain extent. The real troubles begin when the level of hydrostatic pressure around your home exceeds its ability to withstand it. When this happens, damage is sure to be the result. Spreading cracks, fragmentation, and bowing walls are just some of the issues that can come about as a result of hydrostatic pressure.

Ensuring that your property has good drainage options in place is one of the best things that you can do to prevent hydrostatic pressure from reaching untenable levels around your property. This means making sure that your gutters are clear, that you have adequate ground level drainage, and that the interior of your property is protected from water. Preparing your yard via grading and proper planting can also be of great help when it comes to managing moisture in the soil effectively.

Foundation damage is one of the most serious issues that can affect any property. It can result in ongoing cosmetic damage and costly repairs, become dangerous for your family, and render your house unliveable the longer it goes unrepaired.

That’s why it’s important to reach out to local foundation professionals for an inspection and repairs as soon as you notice something is wrong with your home.

Foundation damage can take many forms, but the top concerns to be on the lookout for include wall cracks in your basement and drywall, uneven floors, and windows and doors that are difficult to open and close.

SettleStop PolyRenewal™ foam injection is one of the most effective concrete lifting products on the market today. Compared to older methods like mudjacking, polyurethane foam is less messy, less likely to overburden already weak soil, cures quickly, and easier for skilled professionals to install.

During a professional inspection, our experts at Baker’s Wateproofing will determine the area and amount needed for installation. When the crew arrives to lift your concrete, here’s a look at their process:

• Small, penny-sized holes are drilled into the affected concrete.
• Injection ports are placed in these holes.
• The two-part foam is mixed.
• The foam is injected under the concrete, expanding to fill voids between the soil and slab.
• The slab lifts back to the proper height as the foam cures (within 15 minutes).
• The injection ports are removed.
• The drilled holes are filled and sealed, as are any visible cracks.

If you notice sudden rises in your energy bills, your supplier may have raised their rates. However, your home also could be the problem, especially if you have a crawl space with open vents. These vents bring in hot and humid summertime air, as well as cold winter air, and the precipitation that comes with each season.

Because of the stack effect, the natural airflow in a building from bottom to top, the air in your crawl space travels upward. Whether it is cold or warm, this air makes it difficult for your HVAC to maintain a consistent, comfortable temperature, and will continue to run. Thus, your energy bills will be higher than normal.

To combat this issue and create a more comfortable and energy-efficient home, consider encapsulating your crawl space.