Cracks, water intrusion, crawl space moisture, settlement, etc.
Insights, tips, and news to help you protect and maintain your home’s foundation and waterproofing systems.
Many homes in the Midwest have a basement under their home, as part of their foundation. These are where your HVAC unit, pipes, and other utilities live. In many cases, your laundry room may be in this area as well. But for many homeowners, that’s all they’re used for. You may store holiday decorations or […]
Garage floors take a lot of wear and tear from vehicles, heavy equipment, and seasonal temperature changes. Over time, these factors can lead to cracks, uneven surfaces, and other problems that affect both safety and appearance. COMMON ISSUES WITH GARAGE FLOORS Garage floors can sink or crack due to soil settling or erosion, often caused […]
Spray foam is the best insulation for crawl spaces, but only when applied correctly. Fiberglass insulation is a poor choice—it absorbs moisture, leading to rot, mold, and structural damage. Spray foam seals gaps, resists water, and prevents mold, making it ideal for crawl space insulation. Best place to apply spray foam: the joist box, where […]
A bowing or bulging basement wall is caused by hydrostatic pressure—water buildup in the soil pushes against the foundation. Ignoring the issue leads to major structural damage, including wall collapse, broken pipes, and costly repairs. Early action saves money—minor bowing can be fixed with carbon fiber straps, while severe cases require wall anchors or helical […]
Many homeowners look for affordable ways to control moisture and odors in their crawl spaces, but not every solution is safe or effective. Using lime may seem like a quick fix, yet it often leads to more harm than good over time. Lime (calcium hydroxide) is NOT a solution for moisture or odor issues in […]
Crawl space insulation impacts energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and home stability. Avoid fiberglass batt insulation—it absorbs moisture, promotes mold growth, attracts pests, and deteriorates over time. Best insulation options: Spray foam (closed-cell): High R-value, moisture-resistant, prevents air leaks. Foam board: Good for crawl space walls but requires strong adhesion. Blanket insulation (Radiant Armor): Long-lasting, […]
Crawl spaces are highly vulnerable to moisture, which can create problems like mold, wood rot, and poor air quality inside the home. A vapor barrier acts as a protective layer, helping to block ground moisture and keep the space dry. Vapor barriers prevent moisture from entering your crawl space, improving air quality and protecting your […]
Elgin, IL, is a historic city celebrated for its picturesque setting along the Fox River. However, the area’s shifting soil, fluctuating temperatures, and exposure to moisture can take a toll on home foundations and concrete surfaces. Over time, these environmental factors may lead to structural concerns, compromising the integrity of buildings. If you’ve observed cracks […]
You may not immediately notice signs of basement wall bowing. It's usually a slow, gradual process. One of the first warning signs is cracks forming in the wall, which may indicate increasing pressure against your foundation. A bowed or buckling wall is a critical concern because it compromises the structural integrity of your home. Your […]
No one likes discovering that a basement leak repair is necessary when water starts seeping into your home. It’s a universally unpleasant experience. In fact, there’s only one thing that makes it worse: you find the water intrusion by stepping in it while wearing socks. There’s something deeply unsettling about soggy wet fabric stuck to […]
