When it comes to securing Raleigh waterproofing services, you want to do it the right way. There is no point in paying top dollar for a job that will only get halfway done. This is all the more crucial if you happen to live in an area that is subject to heavy flooding. The time to get your home fully secured is now.

Why is Waterproofing Your Home So Crucial?

There are a number of reasons why you are very soon going to need expert Raleigh waterproofing services. The main thing to keep in mind is that, even though concrete is rock hard and not eroded by moisture, it’s still heavily absorbent. It can pick up and hold water for many years. It is also very porous to vapor.

The upshot of these qualities is that concrete can very quickly become a means of viable transport for water. Keep in mind that concrete is everywhere in your home, especially in your foundation. This means that it can easily bring that water indoors. And when it does, it will dump it on you without any warning.

Can Damp proofing Be a Viable Alternative?

Many people believe that damp proofing can be a viable solution to the usual type of Raleigh waterproofing services. However, this is a belief that is all too easy to prove mistaken. It is true that damp proofing can do a lot of good for your property. But it doesn’t accomplish as much as you may wish for it to.

The most that damp proofing can really do is to slow down the movement of water vapor from the soil outside your home to your basement. However, you need to keep in mind that this will absolutely not do anything to prevent excess water leakage. It will also be of very limited help if your home should be flooded.

The truth is that, even if you have excellent maintenance in place with your gutters, water can still get into your home. This will be the case even when you have managed your surface water with proper grading. The reality is that there are always bound to be high levels of moisture that will be present in the soil.

Dampproofing isn’t Meant to Deal with Flooding

Damp proofing usually consists of a thin black coating that covers nearly all foundation walls. It’s basically a covering made primarily of asphalt. The intention behind damp proofing is to reduce the transit of water vapor through concrete or block. It does its job well enough under most normal circumstances.

Damp proofing can go a considerable length toward retarding the path of this moisture. But it can’t put a stop to it altogether. And if the progress of the moisture from the soil to your home is unchecked, it can lead to serious damage. This can include flooding into your basement from the slab and the four walls.

The major issue with damp proofing is that it stops only a limited amount of moisture that creeps in from the soil that surrounds your home. It has never been intended as a long term solution to the progress of large amounts of liquid water. It also doesn’t help to bridge the cracks that appear in concrete walls.

Waterproofing is Your Best Solution in Raleigh

If you live in an area that is subject to the effects of heavy flooding, you are going to need more than routine damp proofing. This is all the more true when the rainy season begins. Raleigh waterproofing services can provide your home with a much more viable system. This is a solution that will save you energy and money.

A full waterproof coating is much thicker and more resilient than any kind of damp proofing. It provides a coated base that is tough, durable, yet still fully flexible. As a result, it can far more easily perform the basic task of patching over any small gaps that may appear in the foundation walls that line your home.

A further proof of the efficiency of waterproofing is that it can go a great deal farther to keep water out of your home. It can do so by blocking water from breaching the walls of your foundation.

This is particularly crucial when it comes to water that accumulates over the years against your foundation base. A professional waterproofing job will keep the water from causing hydrostatic pressure against your foundation.

The Time to Secure Your Home is Now

There is no time like the present to get started on securing your home. You should begin to do so by starting right at the most vulnerable area. This will be the foundation of your home. You can contact Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions, LLC for expert Raleigh waterproofing services and a great deal more.

Can Drain Tile Save Your Basement? Coming home to a flooded basement is a nightmare no home owner cares to face. You can take plenty of preventative measures to prevent this bad dream from ever coming true. One of the smartest things that you can do in order to keep your basement safe and dry is to install drain tile. Doing so is a quick, easy move.

How Can Drain Tile Protect Your Basement?

Drain tile is not actually tile. It’s actually a system of subterranean drainage that is laid around the footings of your foundation. Think of it more as a sort of drainage pipe that is useful in a home, rather than business, setting. When properly put together, it will act to keep water from running into your cellar.

It’s important to keep in mind that, if given half a chance, water will always try to creep into your home. In doing so, it will always choose the path that offers it the least amount of resistance. If you have a basement in your home, you can be sure that it is always in an appreciable level of danger from water.

This is where drain tile, once properly installed, can come in to save the day. Drain tile will give water the easy path it craves. As it does so, it will draw the water into the pipe system rather than the floor of your basement. This is due to the fact that the pipe used for drain tile is made to be very porous.

After the water has been directed into the pipe, it will then be drained away. True to its name, drain tile uses a specially calibrated combination of gravity in conjunction with your sump pump. It will then direct the water into a nearby dry well. It may also release it above ground to go to a storm or sewage drain.

Drain Tile Can Be Retrofitted to Your Home

One of the main questions that you may have may concern whether or not drain tile will work in an older home. You may live in a home that was built in the middle of the last century or even before. As such, it naturally includes a drainage system that seems incompatible with more modern and efficient models.

However, this does not mean that you can’t make use of a drain tile system to help modernize your home. As it happens, you can easily retrofit your drainage system to take full advantage of the latest developments in this crucial area. It’s a cost effective move that will save you a great deal of time and energy.

Retrofitting will involve the digging of a drainage trench around the outside of your home. This will take place at the foundation level. The installer will use a large backhoe. Keep in mind that in order to gain access to the foundation, you may need to remove pathways, decking, or trees that may be in the way.

Drain Tile Works Best in New Homes

It is true that retrofitting drain tile in an older home is not as expensive or time intensive as people may think. However, its most effective location will be in conjunction with the foundation of a newly built home. This will give you the maximum level of flexibility that you will need to complement your home design.

Drain tile can be installed shortly after the foundation of your home is near to being finished. When this time comes, you will need to dig a deep trench. This will be laid alongside the footings on the exterior of your home. The people who do the work will place the pipe in the trench and cover it with washed gravel.

One thing to note is that you will need to employ a very special size and grade of gravel. It needs to be at least 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch in size. This will help avoid future blockages. After the gravel has been laid in place, it will then be covered up. The installers will do so with landscape matting or other fabric.

The fabric needs to be porous in order for the water to drain through. Once this fabric is safely in place, it will be covered in soil. It can then be safely brought up to ground level. The entire process is usually completed in a few hours.

Contact Drainage & Waterproofing for More Info

Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions, LLC is here to serve your needs in these vital areas. If you live in Raleigh, Wake Forest, Chapel Hill, or Durham, give us a call. We can waterproof your home and attend to all of your property drain tile needs. Years of expertise make us the go-to service in North Carolina.

Flood damage is a major topic of concern in North Carolina. This is due to the fact that climate change has caused flooding to be more prevalent. It has also caused the level of damage that occurs during flooding to grow more acute. As a result, you will need to do all that you can to protect your home and family.

Clean Out Your Gutters and Spouts

North Carolina is a region of the country that is very prone to floods. Since you can’t do anything to prevent flood damage, you may as well prepare for it. The best thing you can do in this regard is to make sure that all of your various drains are clean. This includes all of your home’s gutters and spouts.

Contrary to popular belief, huge floods aren’t the real culprit. It really won’t take a whole lot of water to produce flood damage in your yard. As a matter of fact, the fault for the damage is almost more on you than on nature. This is because you may have failed to take a number of simple and routine precautions.

However, this doesn’t mean that your efforts to protect your home are doomed. The best thing you can do to give your home added safety against flood damage is to prepare in advance. Make sure that all of your gutters and spouts are cleaned and emptied on a regular basis. This will soften the impact of heavy flooding.

The point of cleaning out your drains is so that the water left behind by flooding will drain in a safe manner. The best way to guarantee this will be to make sure that all of the downspouts are cleaned and facing outward. Doing so will channel the water to a location that is safely out of reach of your home.

Make Sure Your Roof is Properly Reinforced

Another key method to use when trying to prevent flood damage will be to make sure your roof is in good shape. If you are like most home owners, you may not even think of your roof as being an effective deterrent for floods. In fact, you may not even have thought about damage to your roof unless you have seen it.

If you have ever had to replace shingles or stop a leak, you know how crucial your roof really is. A leak in your roof, no matter how minor at first, can lead to a high level of flood damage. Your best bet to keep your home safe is to make sure that you replace your roof. You should do so at a rate of every 25 years.

While you renovate or replace your roof, you should also consider adding a layer of waterproofing material. This can be set up at an interval that lies just beneath the shingles. The idea here will be to make it much harder for rainwater to penetrate your roof. This will prevent damage to your walls and your ceiling.

Pay special attention to the walls, ceilings, and floors in your home. If there has been a major storm recently, check all of these areas for flood damage. You want to look for leaks, stains, pools of water, and strange smells. Doing so will prevent further damage from water as well as dangerous mold and bacteria.

Move Your Expensive Furnishings to Higher Ground

One of the most crucial things that you will need to do is protect your home furnishings. This is all the more true if they are antique, rare, or otherwise expensive and irreplaceable. They may be items that you can’t easily replace. If this is the case, you will want to do all that you can to protect them.

Your best bet will be to move them to a much higher area in your home. You may also wish to move them into storage in an area of increased elevation. Flood damage can occur at any time of the day or night. For this reason, you’ll want to have these items moved out of the way even before the storm begins to brew.

You need to keep in mind that the number of flood zones in the state of North Carolina has been steadily on the increase in recent years. 1 in 5 areas in this area see flood insurance claims that come from well outside of the normal flood zone areas.

Contact Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions for Info

Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions, LLC is here to be your go-to authority for flood damage and other issues. We serve clients in Raleigh, Southern Pines, Fayetteville, and surrounding areas in North Carolina. Our goal is to give you full protection for your home and property. Contact us today for more info.

Property Drainage Do’s and Don’ts

Property drainage is a major issue. This is due to the fact that many areas in the region are prone to extreme differences. Some properties will be in hilly areas. Others will be in places where the ground is more level. The key to correct property drainage will be knowing what the situation needs.

Do Install Trench and Channel Drains

It’s a very good idea to install trench and channel drains. These type of drains are needed to contain and direct water so it doesn’t pool. This will be all the more true if your drains are located near areas that are inconvenient. You don’t want standing water causing drainage or sanitation problems in your back yard.

Don’t Dig Trenches on Your Property

It’s one thing to install properly formed trench and channel drains. This will be essential to get the property drainage you desire. But just digging trenches without proper drainage materials will lead to disaster. It can create huge pools of muddy water that will soon overflow. More harm than good will be done.

Do Let Drainage Water Go Back to Earth

The key to property drainage done right is letting the water that is drained find its way back to the earth. This is a natural process that you ought to do all that you can to encourage. Once it does so, it will be subject to a series of natural filtration processes. These will purify it before it goes elsewhere.

Don’t Allow Runoff to Flow into the Drainpipe

You don’t want to add to pollution by letting your runoff flow directly into the drainpipe. This can allow all kinds of debris and dangerous chemicals to run into local water sources. It’s better to filter this water through plants or soil before you send it back down the drainpipe. This will help to purify it.

Do Make Use of In-Ground Drainage Systems

You should always use an in-ground property drainage system. You can install one either in or directly below the surface. Doing so will heighten the ability to drain off this excess water. It will help to keep bulky and unsightly pipes from gaining attention from animals. The beauty of your landscape will be untouched.

Don’t Ignore Signs of Mold or Mildew

Never ignore signs of excess dampness in your basement. This can lead to the growth of dangerous mold and mildew. They can also be tell tale signs of a very serious drainage issue. If you spot any damage, you should take action to fix it immediately. Excess water, mold, and mildew can cause serious foundation issues.

Do Make Sure Your Home Foundation is Sloped

It’s always best to have a home foundation that is sloped. You want it to have dimensions that are well suited to encourage a higher level of runoff. A sloped foundation is far more manageable in this regard. If your foundation is not well rounded, you can alter it. It’s best to hire an expert local service to do this.

Don’t Channel Your Drainage Toward Your Home

One of the worst mistakes that you can make is to allow drainage to channel back to your home. Letting this water get back into your home will cause pools of standing water to form. This can cause damage to your property and also the foundation. It can also encourage the growth of dangerous mildew and bacteria.

Don’t Try to Change Your Natural Slope

When it comes to efficient property drainage, you want to make sure you have every angle covered. If your home is on a natural slope, you already have a lot of the work done for you. You should ignore advice from so-called experts who claim you should change this slope. Doing so will cause more harm than good.

Do Hire an Expert Local Drainage Service

You may not know the first thing about property drainage or how it affects your home. This is the reason you should always hire an expert local property drainage service to take care of these issues on your behalf.

It’s much better to bring in an expert instead of poking around and possibly making things worse. The local service you hire can diagnose any issues you have. They can then do the work to fix them.

Contact Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions for Info

Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions, LLC is here to be your one stop shop for all of your needs in this area. We serve clients in Raleigh, Fayetteville, Southern Pines, and the surrounding region. Our friendly service team can come to your home to quickly fix any issue. Get in touch with us today to get more details.

Waterproof a Crawl Space

Have you ever thought about how to waterproof a crawl space in your home? There are many reasons why this may be needed. The area is a very critical part of the structure of your home. Flooding in this area is always a possibility. If this happens, it can cost a lot of money to fix, not to mention time and energy.

What Are the Main Dangers of a Flooded Crawl space?

There are a lot of reasons why you need to make sure that your crawl space never gets flooded. The main reason is because this area is so crucial to the well being of your basic structure. If this area should get waterlogged, it can compromise its integrity. This can lead to it being evacuate or even demolished.

This is the area from which most of the air in your home will circulate. You can’t afford to let the air get contaminated by standing water. It will create humidity issues that can make the quality of the air suspect. It can also give mold and bacteria a free space in which to multiply and lead to health issues.

A Vapor Barrier Will Protect Your Soil

The soil in your crawl space needs to be kept as dry as possible. This is an area where flooding or excess humidity is very undesirable. Many crawlspace floors are left completely unprotected. Instead of keeping this area bare, you can cover it up with plastic sheets. This will prevent water from forming pools.

This is the kind of job that you may not be qualified to do on your own. Getting the plastic sheets laid just right can be a tricky operation. They need to cover the area in a symmetrical and effective fashion. They also need to be monitored to make sure they are doing their job. Your best bet is to hire a pro to do it.

You Need to Seal Up the Leaks

Your crawl space is not an area where you can afford to have too many gaps, leaks, cracks, and other fissures. You don’t want rain or flood water getting into this area and causing all many of issues. Water can also enter through the vents, piers, foundation, and many other points. The time to stop this is now.

This is all the more crucial if the house was not new when you bought it. One of the very first things you will need to do is give this area a thorough going over. It may not have received this kind of attention since it was first built. If this is the case, there may be problems that are just building up to occur.

Sealing off all of the areas where water can enter is a good way to extend the life of your home. You can use caulk and other materials to seal off some of them. However, there may be other areas, especially around your foundation, where you may need expert help. A crawl space drainage pro can handle this task.

You May Need to Use a Sump Pump

If water has already gotten into your crawl space, you may need to hire a sump pump to get it out. This is the kind of job that may require more than one person to handle. The main issue will be using the right size pump to cover the area. Your best bet will be to hire an expert service to gauge the details.

A sump pump is the best solution to handle flooding issues. This is true even if the water has been standing there for a long time. It may take a few hours to get every last drop of water out. However, the sump pump system is a complex and thorough one. It can remove water from even the most hidden nooks and crevices.

Make Sure Your Drainage System is Working

The last thing you need to make sure of is that each and every element of your drainage system is working in good order. This is crucial since, without the proper amount of drainage, you can expect your crawl space to flood on a regular basis.

You can hire a professional service to handle this task on your behalf. The goal will be to check the exterior and interior drainage systems in your home. This will certainly include your crawl space. Getting a clean bill of health in this area is essential to your safety.

Contact Drainage and Waterproofing to Waterproof a Crawl Space

Drainage and Waterproofing Solutions is here to be your one stop for all of your water drainage needs. We serve customers in Raleigh, Fayetteville, Southern Pines, and surrounding areas. We realize that these are critical issues that demand cost effective solutions. Get in touch with us today for more info about how to waterproof a crawl space.

Landscape Drainage Issues

Have you been noticing suspicious pools of water in your yard? Are your gutters not draining out the way they should be? These and other landscape drainage issues may be signs that your drainage isn’t proceeding in the right fashion. They can be indicators that a minor problem is about to develop into a big one.

Is Water Still Pooling After a Storm?

If your yard in Raleigh is still muddy even days after a storm, this can be a sign of poor drainage. Pooling water is one of the most common landscape drainage issues in the area. Your best bet is to take notice of the issue and act before it grows into a larger one. If not, the issue is sure to get worse.

Pooling water may be a sign of clogged drains in your yard. It may also be the result of your sump pump backing up. Whatever the issue may be, it will make for a nasty mess. If not treated in time, your entire yard could be flooded out. This is a situation that calls for fast diagnosis and treatment by an expert.

Is Water Building Up in Your Spouts?

Another tell tale sign of landscape drainage issues is water pooling up in your spouts. If this occurs, you will have a blockage that could lead to messy pools of water and debris all over your yard. The water that forms can quickly turn putrid. This can cause harmful bacteria and mold to build up into a hazard.

It’s a very good idea to inspect your drain spouts on a regular basis. This is crucial to make sure that they are doing their job in the proper fashion. If you notice any blockages, now is the time to take action to remove them. If you are not able to do so, you can hire an expert local service to do the job for you.

Is the Soggy Area Still Getting Bigger?

You may already have noticed and taken measures to deal with soggy areas in your yard. This is one of the most severe landscape drainage issues that home owners report. However, you may also have to admit that nothing you do seems to work. The soggy area in your yard may still be there and may even be growing larger.

This may be due to any number of causes. If you have recently had rain storms or are expecting them, the problem may grow even worse. The area may continue to grow larger, causing your yard to become a serious health hazard. If this occurs, you can experience serious and very costly damage to your property.

Is the Soil in Your Yard Eroding?

One of the most unpleasant landscape drainage issues that you can experience is soil erosion. This can happen when the water backing up in your yard is allowed to sit for too long. It can slowly but surely start to eat away at the soil in your yard. This can leave your property a soggy mess where nothing can grow.

You may notice the formation of rivulets in the affected area. The water may soon turn nasty, thanks to the growth of bacteria and mold. You may also begin to see fissures forming under the water. This is due to soil in your yard being eroded. The time to call in experts to drain the area and fix the issue is now.

Do You Notice Stains on Your Foundation?

There are few things more worrying to a home owner than a potential issue with their foundation. This is the area that literally underpins the entire structure of your home. It’s a problem that goes well beyond average landscape drainage issues. You will be in serious trouble if it develops a crack or an open break.

Your best bet in a situation like this is to get to the root of the issue. You can do so by doing a full inspection of your foundation. Landscape drainage issues can cause water to pool around or leave stains on your foundation.

If you notice any such stains, you need to take action right away. If water is left too long at the base, it can begin to erode and crack your foundation. This is an issue that can lead to damage that costs serious money to repair.

Contact Us Today for More Info

If you are currently experiencing any of these issues, the time to act is now. You can call Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions, LLC for prompt and expert service. Our goal is to help home owners in the Raleigh area take care of all of their landscape drainage issues. Call us today to learn what we can do for you.

Problems Caused by Poor Drainage Outside Your Home

Poor drainage is a bigger problem for your home than you may think. In fact, it is a major cause of structural damage to homes throughout the Triangle Area. But you can avoid this type of structural damage through a well-designed exterior drainage system. Below, we explore problems caused by water and how you can protect your Raleigh area home.

Effects of Poor Drainage

Poor drainage outside can cause a multitude of health, financial and safety problems in and around your home. Many of these issues occur because of the absence of gutters. Other causes include sloping landscapes and excess soil moisture.

Problems caused by poor drainage around your home include:

• Structural foundation damage and loss of foundation stability
• Insect infestation
• Mold and allergens
• Termite infestation
• Premature aging and discoloration of exterior brick and concrete
• Soil erosion and landscaping damage
• Interior and exterior wall cracks
• Sticking doors and windows

When your home does not have an adequate solution for outdoor water management, you face the expense of structural damage and the other issues listed above. Your home also loses value. But you can overcome the effects and problems of poor drainage through implementation of a proper water management system. Such a system fixes poor drainage and prevents foundation damage and the other concerns related to water and excess moisture.

Four Types of Exterior Drainage Systems

There are four primary types of exterior drainage systems. These include:

French Drains
French drains are the most widely used drainage systems. These drains direct water through channels to a drainage ditch, other areas of the property, a dry well or the street for routing to the sewer system. The water first flows into a trench filled with gravel. It is then directed into a perforated pipe that carries it away from your home.

Footing Drain
Also called a foundation drain, a footing drain keeps water out of your home through use of a perforated pipe installed around the foundation. Installation of this type of water management system starts with a trench dug around the home’s perimeter. Then the drain is installed with the concrete footing and walls that form the foundation. Waterproofing methods are also used on the foundation’s exterior to prevent moisture intrusion.

Gutters
The role of gutters does not end with directing water away from your home’s roof. Gutters must also adequately divert water away from the home’s foundation and walls. Poor drainage from gutters can quickly cause expensive damage. But through use of properly installed gutters and downspouts, this type of water management system directs runoff to a catch basin or storm sewer.

Grading Drainage
A sloped lawn can cause many problems because of poor drainage. But reworking the grading around your home can direct water into a storm sewer. Drainage and waterproofing professionals assess the gradient need and make changes according to the building code, of course.

Call the Raleigh Drainage & Waterproofing Pros to Fix Your Poor Drainage Problems

As you can see, poor drainage is both costly and damaging. But these water management problems are easily corrected through a logical drainage system. The types listed above are the common methods used for homes with and without basements. Because these methods involve more than just installing pipes or digging trenches, it is important to work with reputable contractors. Using a search engine such as Google.com can be a reliable resource for searching for a tried and trusted contractor. In the Raleigh-Durham area, your local expert is Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions, LLC. Call the pros at Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions at (919) 508-7503 for a consultation.

What Causes Concrete Foundation Cracks?

Modern homes are well-designed and constructed to meet stringent government standards, including those enforced by your local lawmakers. Still, components of your Raleigh home construction can wear down over time and under exposure to the elements. Particularly vulnerable to damage is your foundation. If you experience concrete foundation cracks, it is very important to find the problem and repair it as quickly as possible. Otherwise, the damage and impact on your wallet only increase.

Concrete is prone to cracking wherever it is used. This material expands and contracts according to temperature changes. Moisture and drainage problems also wreak havoc on concrete, particularly in your foundation that supports the weight of your entire home. You may not find concrete foundation cracks for long after they form. But even cracks that have been around for awhile need repair.

Where Concrete Foundation Cracks Typically Occur

Concrete foundation cracks most frequently occur in weak areas such as around basement window frames, corners, along walls and piping areas. After you find concrete foundation cracks, check on them often to maintain awareness of their progress. 

Meanwhile, call your local foundation waterproofing and basement moisture control pros. They will find out if water drainage is the source of your concrete foundation cracks. You possibly need a French drain to direct water away from the outer walls of your foundation. Whatever the damage or moisture problems, your Drainage & Waterproofing pros will develop a written plan to fix your problems and control moisture within your basement.

If your concrete foundation has not shown any cracks but you have moisture or water seepage in your basement, Drainage & Waterproofing pros can help. Excess moisture causes many problems beyond those associated with foundation damage or other structural problems. You can also experience health issues related to mold and mildew.

Causes

Concrete foundation cracks occur from a variety of problems. These include:

Excess Moisture or Drought

The soil around your foundation is very reactive to moisture and drought. It shrinks up when dry, pulling away from your home’s foundation and leaving a void, as a result. That void where earth once supported the foundation now leaves room for the concrete under your home to shift and move. The most minor movement leads to concrete foundation cracks. 

Likewise, excessive moisture in this soil around your home causes the earth to expand and provide too much pressure against the concrete. The moisture or improperly draining water can cause cracks, seepage through the walls and too much moisture in your basement or crawlspace.

Earthquakes

Although the Raleigh, Southern Pines, Fayetteville and surrounding areas of North Carolina do not generally experience earthquakes, even slight earth trembling can create similar effects. An unstable foundation weakens over time and can move or shift. This leads to concrete foundation cracks and moisture problems.

Stormy Weather

What our region lacks in earthquake activity, it makes up for in storms. Particularly during spring and summer months, we experience wet spells of torrential rain. We are also frequently bombarded by hurricane-related weather. Even in winter we can experience a snowstorm now and then or sudden freezing and thawing. Any weather producing water or moisture can cause concrete foundation cracks.

If you already have cracks in your foundation or new ones occur, moisture only becomes a bigger problem. Even without cracks, you may notice water seeping almost from nowhere through the walls of your basement. Or maybe you encounter standing water after a storm in your basement or crawlspace. These are all problems for which you need a complete and immediate solution to prevent costlier structural issues.

Plumbing Problems

Your pipes must be secured and leak-free. It is also important to have a sump pump and basement waterproofing to ensure excess water does not cause concrete foundation cracks and other concerns.

Flooding or Drainage

Whatever causes excess water around your foundation, such as from flooding or improper drainage, your foundation is at risk. Water creates hydrostatic pressure that your foundation cannot bear. Over time, your basement or crawlspace experience moisture control problems, leaks, seepage, flooding or concrete foundation cracks.

Intense Heat

Your foundation can crack because of intense summer heat. Concrete expands under the sun’s extreme temperatures. Then, at night when it cools, the foundation shrinks back to its previous position. This is a lot of pressure on your structure and undoubtedly can lead to concrete foundation cracks and all of the moisture problems explored above. 

Protect Your Foundation, Basement and Crawlspace to Protect Your Entire Home

It may seem minor that your basement occasionally feels moist, has an odd odor or sometimes has standing water after a storm. But these are major issues that lead to concrete foundation cracks and excess moisture at the base of your home. In turn, you can experience expensive structural damage throughout your home and even major health problems. 

Concrete foundation cracks caused by water intrusion, drainage problems or moisture are preventable and can be fixed. Even in newly constructed homes, it is important to place moisture control, drainage and waterproofing at the top of your list of home maintenance priorities. 

To make this easier, simply call the pros of Drainage & Waterproofing for a consultation. We provide a range of key services to help you avoid concrete foundation cracks, in the first place.

Our services include:

• French drains
• Basement waterproofing
• Foundation waterproofing
• Crawl space moisture control
• Basement moisture control
• Crawl space sealing
• Retaining walls

Call Drainage & Waterproofing today at (919) 508-7503 to make your home’s foundation, drainage, moisture control and waterproofing a priority. We look forward to creating a custom solution for all of your concrete foundation crack prevention, drainage and waterproofing needs.

Do’s and Don’ts of Building Retaining Walls

Many North Carolina homes are built on properties with slopes, hills or inclines. This makes building retaining walls to prevent landscaping issues, soil erosion and protect your foundation from improper drainage very important. Even a slight incline can keep you from achieving your lawn and garden dreams. The drainage issues such a slope creates can also cost you a lot of money if water reaches your foundation. All of these reasons make building retaining walls a necessity.

Building retaining walls is generally best left to the experts. Although there are many aspects of lawn care that you can DIY, these structures require drainage planning and skillful engineering. Below, we explore some do’s and don’ts of building retaining walls to help you visualize your project and enlist the right professionals when you are ready to begin.

Don’t start building retaining walls without proper permits.

Many communities require permitting before building retaining walls. While this sounds like unnecessary red tape, the permit serves a highly valuable purpose. 

The permit process serves to ensure the walls built on your property do not direct water and drainage problems onto your neighbors’ land. Sometimes these permits require submission of engineering plans and compliance with a property inspection. Your local Raleigh, Southern Pines and Fayetteville area pros of Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions understand your city’s laws and proper methods of building retaining walls.

Do choose materials that suit your property.

Building retaining walls includes the process of choosing the right materials for your property. There are many materials to choose from. You can request natural stones, bricks, poured concrete, timbers and other options. But your best choice are materials designed specifically for this purpose. 

Working with the pros of Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions makes the material selection process easy. We know which materials will suit your terrain and aesthetic when building retaining walls around your home or commercial property. We can make recommendations for the greatest value and longevity of your retaining walls. 

Do choose pros with experience in building retaining walls.

Besides needing expert help in getting through the permitting process for building retaining walls, you need pros who know how to engineer these structures. The last thing you want is a disaster on your hands after a heavy rainfall. 

When building retaining walls, proper engineering means many things. For example, the walls need strong support. This support starts with appropriate trenching and foundation material. 

Your retaining walls also require a perfectly leveled surface. Otherwise, your walls will lean like the Leaning Tower of Pisa before falling apart after a downpour. Any slant at the bottom looks exaggerated at the top.

Proper engineering and for building retaining walls you also must ensure proper stacking of the above-ground materials. While you do not want a wall that improperly leans, you do need one with a slight backward slope to prevent soil erosion. You need walls with appropriate drainage and backfill, too.

Don’t build one wall where you need multiple.

Many people building retaining walls try to cut corners by building one wall where multiple will work better. Tiered walls require close attention to positioning, distance and height to ensure strength and support. 

Having tiered walls instead of one tall one adds visual depth and interest to your property. These shorter walls are less prone to failure, too. Being shorter, they hold less soil weight and therefore experience less pressure. 

The pros of Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions can develop an engineering plan that meets all of the support needs for your property while also providing the most visual interest. 

Do call upon the experts of Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions.

For your Raleigh, Southern Pines, Fayetteville or surrounding area property in North Carolina, call upon the experts of Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions for your retaining wall design, engineering and construction. We are the pros for building retaining walls and other drainage, waterproofing and moisture control services such as:

• French drains
• Basement waterproofing
• Foundation waterproofing
• Basement moisture control
• Crawl space encapsulation
• Retaining walls
• Crawl space sealing

Call Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions today at (919)508-7503.

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Conquer Yard Drainage Problems

In an earlier blog at DrainagenWaterproofing.com, we explored some common causes of a muddy yard. Now, let’s explore six ways to fix yard drainage problems in North Carolina. Of course, the easiest way to understand why your yard does not drain as it should is to call on the pros of Drainage & Waterproofing for help. Meanwhile, we provide these insights into solving drainage issues around your Raleigh, Southern Pines or Fayetteville area home.

1. Extend Downspouts on Your Gutters

Your home needs an effectively designed gutter system to direct water from the roof to the ground for it to drain away. But if water pools near your foundation, your downspouts are probably not doing their job. Water pooling at the corners of your foundation or creating a muddy soup in these areas can quickly lead to bigger problems. 

An easy solution is extension of your gutter downspouts to direct the water away from your home. You can also install a catch basin to fix yard drainage problems like these.

2. Install a French Drain

French drains are another way to cease yard’s drainage issues. This type of drain uses an underground drainpipe and pea gravel to properly channel water from where it pools to where it can effectively flow away.

Drainage & Waterproofing professionals install French drains to improve the yard condition and prevent foundation damage for homeowners in Raleigh, Southern Pines and Fayetteville, NC. We also serve surrounding communities.

3. Install Retaining Walls

If you soil and landscaping are eroding with each rainfall, you probably need to fix yard drainage problems. Retaining walls can hold your landscaping beautifully in place, preventing this type of erosion. They also prevent foundation damage caused by erosion and washed-up soil. 

Drainage & Waterproofing is your local expert for North Carolina retaining walls. We can install retaining walls to fix drainage problems and the foundation damage erosion of this nature causes. 

4. Add a Swale Creek Bed

If Mother Nature is working against your lawn and foundation, sometimes you can fix yard drainage problems by working with nature. An example of this is creating a creek bed where the flooding problems occur. 

This process begins with digging a shallow drainage ditch, called a swale. You define the swale’s shape by lining it with rocks to prevent yard erosion and run-off. During the hottest and driest months of the year, even a dry stone-lined creek bed can provide an attractive feature for your property.

As an addition to your creek bed, consider installing a rain garden where the diverted water flows. A rain garden is one filled with plants that thrive in swampier conditions.

5. Create a Dry Well

A dry well is another way to direct run-off to fix yard drainage problems. Instead of installing a rain garden at the run-off point of your swale creek bed, you create a place for the excess moisture to absorb back into the soil. This requires arrangement of the creek bed stones to direct the water to the well. It is important to cover the dry well’s opening with a grate to ensure the safety of people and pets. 

6. Consult with the Pros Who Can Fix Yard Drainage Problems

The easiest way to fix yard drainage problems once and for all is to call upon the pros who provide the right services and solutions. In the Raleigh, Fayetteville and Southern Pines areas of North Carolina, you can find those pros at Drainage & Waterproofing. 

We have the knowledge, skill, equipment and experience to properly fix yard drainage problems. At the same time, we protect your foundation, basement, crawlspaces and landscaping from water damage and erosion. We also provide waterproofing and moisture control services for basements and crawl spaces. Call the local professionals of Drainage & Waterproofing today at (919)508-7503.

Do you end up with a soupy, swampy, soggy mess in your yard every time it rains? Does rainfall saturate your lawn and garden, drowning the grass? Water collection in your yard can certainly dampen your love for your property. It also makes it difficult to get the full potential out of your lawn. Below, we look at the most common reasons why you have a muddy yard so you can find the right solution.

Drainage & Waterproofing of North Carolina specializes in French drains, retaining walls and other services designed to prevent drainage problems. If you have a muddy yard, you only need to call the pros of Drainage & Waterproofing for help. We have the advanced knowledge, skill and equipment to fix yard drainage problems and help you reclaim your yard.

Why Do I Have a Muddy Yard?

There is one thing every muddy yard has in common. That is, rainfall. When it rains, people with yard drainage problems share the aggravation that natural precipitation brings. Whether from a light rain, thunderstorm or torrential downpour, rain is a muddy yard’s biggest threat. Although the Raleigh area gets little snow, this winter precipitation can also cause swampiness.

In essence, your lawn only needs so much moisture. In areas where you experience flooding, rain quickly oversaturates the earth and provides more moisture than the ground needs. Without proper drainage, the water has nowhere else to go except the surface. It takes time for it to evaporate or absorb into the soil, particularly after substantial rainfall.

With yard drainage problems come other issues. A muddy yard can provide standing water for mosquitos to hatch. Grass and plants die because of the flooding. The yard becomes slick and people and pets track the mud into your home. Additionally, excess groundwater can seep into your foundation and cause very expensive damage.

Poor Elevation

If water is collecting near your home’s foundation, you have much bigger concerns than just a muddy yard or dying plants. Yard drainage problems like these need quick attention. Most occur because of poor elevation at the home’s foundation.

In fact, poor elevation is the most frequent cause of yard drainage problems for homeowners. If you have this issue and do not get it fixed, you can experience major foundation damage. At the least, over a prolonged period of time your home will suffer moisture problems, floor damage or drywall damage.

Landscaping Design Issues

A muddy yard can also occur through improper landscaping design. This most often happens when someone without experience installs the yard or garden elements, accidentally creating yard drainage problems. 

You can find landscaping design problems if your plants always seem to have too much moisture in the soil around them. Another visible sign around plants is that they do not hold onto soil at their base. These signs indicate that the installer disrupted the natural groundwater flow in certain areas. Instead of the water flowing over the ground and in the right direction, it pools or improperly drains elsewhere.

Trapped Water

If you notice a muddy yard with small pools after rainfall, you probably have some water traps. These yard drainage problems occur because of inadequate grading. You have some dips in the yard’s surface where water collects and cannot flow away.

Concrete Placement

With improper concrete installation a muddy yard can also occur. An experienced concrete contractor must know where to install concrete and how to ensure appropriate yard drainage when doing so. Otherwise, water gets trapped and pools. The same issues can happen with improper installation of paver stones, bricks, gravel, mulch or rocks. The ground surface requires grading before installation of these hard surfaces.

Blocked and Overflowing Gutters

It is very important that you have an effective gutter system installed around the drip edges of your roof. You must also properly maintain these gutters and downspouts to ensure you do not end up with a muddy yard. Without this maintenance, gutters and downspouts can clog and overflow, directing water where it is not meant to go.

Another problem with gutters is improper placement of the downspouts. Yard drainage problems and foundation damage easily occur as a result of incorrect water routing like this.

Compacted Soil

Heavy use of your property can even create a muddy yard. Compacted soil in heavily used areas leaves no space for water to absorb into the ground. This often occurs on dirt driveways and heavy equipment pathways. It can also happen where kids play often, such as around a swing set or jungle gym.

Soil consistency plays a big role in these yard drainage problems. Soil with high sand content is less likely to compact and flood when compared to ground with high clay content.

High Water Table

If you live in an area with a high water table, you can experience a frequently muddy yard. Water table is the depth of water saturation in the ground. A high water table means water is closer to the surface than in other areas, often creating yard drainage problems. 

Drainage & Waterproofing Pros Can Fix Your Drainage Problems

The pros of Drainage & Waterproofing in Raleigh can determine the cause of your muddy yard and provide the proper solutions. We install French drains and retaining walls for customers with yard drainage problems and to prevent foundation issues and interior flooding. 

Our services include:

• French drains
• Retaining walls
• Basement waterproofing
• Foundation waterproofing
• Basement moisture control
• Crawl space encapsulation
• Crawl space sealing

Drainage & Waterproofing serves Raleigh, Fayetteville, Southern Pines and surrounding areas in North Carolina. Call us today at (919) 508-7503 for a consultation and to find the solution for your muddy yard and yard drainage problems.

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Have you decided to waterproof your basement? An experienced contractor offers valuable technical assistance completing this project. Dry, comfortable premises contribute to the long term value of real estate in North Carolina. Consider exploring some of these important waterproofing technologies soon.

The Importance of Careful Planning to Waterproof Your Basement

Before discussing basement moisture control & waterproofing measures, it seems important to mention one key point. The steps required to waterproof a basement vary, based upon the circumstances. Every project remains unique.

For example, one homeowner may struggle to correct seasonal flooding caused by water intrusions. Another might obtain the best waterproofing results installing a rooftop gutter system. A third residence might simply require sump pump maintenance. Before you waterproof your basement, consider discussing this project in depth with an experienced contractor. This precaution usually helps save time, money, and aggravation.

Five Ways to Help Waterproof Your Basement

In North Carolina, several basement waterproofing measures enjoy wide popularity. It may prove helpful to explore some of these projects with your waterproofing contractor:

One: Install a Sump Pump

One popular way to help waterproof a basement involves adding a sump pump. Choose either an above-drain pedestal model or a below-drain submersible pump. Your contractor can help you select the best type for your basement floor plan.

Gravity causes leaking water to flow towards the lowest point in a home. Placing a sump pump in this location offers a way to force water down a drain. It helps prevent the formation of stagnant pools of standing water indoors. Many homes in North Carolina benefit significantly from this technology.

Two: Add a Rooftop Gutter System to Your Home

Occasionally, damp basements result from inadequate rooftop guttering systems. This problem sometimes surprises homeowners. Yet in North Carolina, residential roofs often receive high volumes of rain. It proves vitally important to channel this moisture away from the perimeter of the home.

When you waterproof your basement, always pay close attention to the condition of the surrounding ground. Does water saturate the soil adjoining your home’s basement? Has this situation allowed water to seep into the home? Would adding a new rooftop gutter and downspout system to your residence correct this problem? A waterproofing expert can help answer these questions.

Three: Construct an Interior Basement Drain

You may also decide to waterproof your basement by building a new interior basement drain. This step requires the assistance of a skilled contractor. You’ll want to ensure the construction project won’t accidentally damage your home’s foundation.

In many cases, adding an interior basement drainage system works very well. This step may help prevent basement flooding, in fact. The project often proves highly cost-effective over the long term. Invest in preventing basement water damage.

Four: Install a Dehumidifier

Sometimes the installation of a dehumidifier greatly assists basement waterproofing. However, first it is very important to identify the most likely cause of a damp basement. Hot, humid conditions in North Carolina sometimes contribute to water condensation. The installation of a dehumidifier may solve this problem.

Dehumidifiers today fall across a spectrum of prices. Therefore, consider asking your waterproofing contractor to assist you. More often than not, an experienced contractor supplies turnkey services installing basement dehumidifiers.

Five: Waterproof Your Basement Doors And Windows

Water seeping indoors through doors and windows also causes wet basements. Not every homeowner in NC encounters this problem. Residential floorplans, prevailing weather conditions, and landscaping features differ, of course. Yet water intrusions potentially produce significant damage unless corrected.

To waterproof your home in this situation, consider asking an experienced waterproofing contractor to inspect the basement. Many technologies offer effective assistance preventing water seepage through below-ground level windows or doors. Typical solutions may involve replacing doors and windows and/or installing window wells.

Waterproof Your Basement This Year

Selecting a skilled waterproofing company remains perhaps the single most important step in securing effective residential waterproofing. Have you decided to waterproof a basement or a crawl space this year? If so, Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions, LLC offers valuable assistance. We serve clients across the Greater Raleigh Area. Our service zone includes Southern Pines and Fayetteville, NC.

We welcome the opportunity to serve as your waterproofing contractors. To discuss your project, simply contact our company. Call us at 919-508-7503. We look forward to speaking with you soon!

Today, economic hardships caused by the coronavirus pandemic prompt many households to explore ways to earn additional money. Finishing or remodeling a basement may ultimately increase the value of realty. Consider asking an experienced waterproofing basement repair company for assistance with this project.

In North Carolina, Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions, LLC offers skilled services. We realize a fully finished, useful basement tends to increase property values. You’ll want to ensure this type of project remains waterproof, however. Disastrous consequences occur when NC realty owners attempt to improve leaking or damp basements without addressing waterproofing first.

Important Precautions

Consider consulting with a waterproofing basement repair company before initiating any of these popular projects. Homeowners may discover they increase the value of their realty by exploring these exciting building modifications. Of course, not every projet proves suitable in every site.

Before starting any of these projects, experts recommend taking two important steps. First, consult with an experienced real estate attorney about your plans. It may prove necessary to comply with zoning laws, municipal regulations, and HOA rules. Occasionally, homeowners discover they cannot finish (or remodel) their realty for a desired purpose.

Second, all of these projects do require an investment. It usually makes sense to discuss remodeling funding in advance with specialists. Create a realistic budget before starting construction. Taking this step may prevent disappointment at a later date.

Five Popular Basement Building Projects

Currently, property owners in the Raleigh Area often search for smart home improvements. Finishing or remodeling a basement sometimes furthers this goal. Homeowners frequently explore these exciting projects:

1. Finish Your Basement to Expand The Size of Your Home

In many cases, improving an unfinished basement provides a way to increase the value of your reality. Also, the scope of the project usually hinges upon the size of the available unfinished space. The homeadvisor.com website reports finishing a basement of 400 to 1500 square feet on average costs $18,395.

2. Remodel Your Basement to Create a Rental Apartment

In some places, homeowners can rent a finished basement to tenants. This capability may help generate extra income. Also, possessing a floorplan with a separate outside entrance usually matters.

3. Install a New Home Office in Your Basement

Do you work extensively from home? Sometimes NC property owners remodel basements to create home offices. The cost varies widely. Expect to pay between $10,000 and $30,000 for this project.

4. Create a Basement Beauty Salon

Licensed beauticians sometimes install hair salons in residential basements. This project requires close adherence to zoning laws. Also, the cost of this remodeling covers a broad spectrum. Consider starting on a small scale, and expanding as your business grows.

5. Outfit Your Basement to Serve as a Commercial Kitchen

Installing a commercial kitchen assists many small businesses. Caterers, bakeries, and meal delivery firms sometimes use this strategy. Furthermore, creating a commercial kitchen may offer an alternative to operating a food truck. The cost of building a commercial kitchen in Winston-Salem stands at approximately $149.47 per square foot. Always check local ordinances and health department rules carefully before launching this project!

Why Dry, Waterproof Basements Matter

Why should you call upon a waterproofing basement repair company before undertaking finishing or remodeling? Basically, damp, wet conditions will destroy fine craftsmanship. Even elegant remodeling sustains harm if the premises do not remain waterproof!

Every year, some homeowners in North Carolina sustain preventable losses due to water damage. You must repair moist, wet conditions in order to enjoy the benefits of construction projects. Water damages wood, drywall, carpeting, and many other building materials. Also, by including waterproofing measures in a basement renovation project, you’ll increase the chance of long-term success. A waterproofing basement repair company contributes solid value.

By working closely with this type of contractor, a homeowner may avoid water damage due to waterproofing failures. Water causes wood to rot and warp. Moist conditions may lead to mold and mildew formation. Also, these problems usually require a remodeler to completely replace installations. The bottom line: address waterproofing concerns before launching a basement finishing or remodeling project!

Obtain Waterproofing Basement Repair Company Services

Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions, LLC assists real estate owners in North Carolina. We offer experienced waterproofing basement repair company services. Call us to ensure your basement supplies dry, waterproof living spaces. Before beginning any home remodeling project, it makes sense to prevent dampness and leaks.

Our company serves residents of Raleigh, NC. We also assist customers in outlying areas, including Southern Pines and Fayetteville. Contact us at (919)508-7503 or (919)235-5219. We look forward to helping you!

Why Retaining Wall Installation Makes Financial Sense

Today, builders in North Carolina sometimes opt to do retaining wall installation for an entire subdivision. This type of large construction project often produces excellent results. It frequently helps reduce waterproofing concerns within a neighborhood. This outcome, in turn, may boost the value of new homes. Subdivision-wide retaining wall installations also offer several other important benefits.

Retaining Walls as Waterproofing Tools

For centuries, human beings have used retaining walls to help control the flow of water. Additionally, in many parts of Asia and South America, terraced retaining walls promoted agriculture along steep mountain slopes. Today, these structures still assist many property owners in preventing erosion. Installing this type of wall sometimes prevents water runoff from damaging building foundations and other structures.

Include Retaining Walls Within Site Development Plans

Developers gain important advantages by considering every aspect of a new subdivision in advance. Managing water runoff and yard drainage issues proves essential, for example. In certain situations, grading hillsides and installing retaining walls during development assists large construction projects. By addressing a subdivision’s retaining wall needs comprehensively, builders may create significantly safer, easier working conditions. Erecting a series of homes often proceeds more cost-effectively this way.

Real Estate Buyers Appreciate Pre-Installed Retaining Walls

Today, buyers sometimes prefer to purchase homes on hillsides already protected by retaining walls. A correctly placed waterproofed retaining wall may help prevent unsightly soil erosion problems. If often helps safeguard building foundations against pooling water. Additionally, well-graded surfaces provide more easily maintained spaces for installing outbuildings, yards, and gardens. Imagine the difference in mowing a level terraced yard compared with one on a steep slope?

Some Benefits of Subdivision-Wide Retaining Walls

When a developer considers the need for subdivision retaining walls comprehensively, a neighborhood avoids many potential water runoff problems. First, HOA covenants may create uniform guidelines for retaining wall installations. This practice often contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood.

Second, planning for retaining wall installation comprehensively at the subdivision level often prevents future problems. Developers may create easements for the installation of a long retaining wall across multiple lots. Taking this step alone may prevent dissension and lawsuits at a later date.

Third, by considering water runoff issues comprehensively, a developer can lay out lots and roadways to help minimize residential flooding. New homes tend to command higher sales prices when a builder devotes attention to waterproofing and yard drainage issues. Sometimes new buyers lack the financial resources to install a retaining wall immediately. Also, a builder may view this structure as an essential component of the neighborhood infrastructure.

Assisting Well Established Neighborhoods, Too

Of course, residents in older neighborhoods also frequently discover benefits in considering this issue. In some cases, homeowners join together to install retaining walls across multiple tracts. They may combine resources to repair or replace an aging retaining wall. Taking this step helps property owners create eye-catching neighborhoods. It also helps ensure water runoff creates fewer drainage problems.

Retaining wall installation sometimes proves complex in a well-established development. Furthermore, individual landowners may need to address a variety of unique concerns. Yet in some cases, retaining walls provide excellent solutions for local yard drainage and erosion issues. Requesting a waterproofing inspection conducted by an experienced contractor offers valuable assistance to impacted homeowners.

Obtain Knowledgeable Retaining Wall Installations

Perhaps you’ve contemplated developing a new subdivision in the Greater Raleigh Area? Also, perhaps you simply need to coordinate the construction of several different retaining walls on a large tract? Furthermore, consider calling upon Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions, LLC. We’ll install a single retaining wall or multiple retaining walls.

Our firm specializes in using retaining walls to help waterproof man-made structures. We serve clients across Raleigh, NC. We also provide this service in Fayetteville, Southern Pines, and outlying areas. Our business possesses expertise installing and repairing retaining walls for landowners.

We’ll gladly assist developers and contractors seeking to prepare effective waterproofing plans for new construction. Yet we also help individual homeowners obtain effective solutions for waterproofing problems. Contact us at 919-508-7503 or 919-235-5219 to speak with us. We look forward to helping you!

Winterizing Your Crawl Space

As a new year rapidly approaches, real estate owners in North Carolina prepare for colder weather. Many people consider crawl space winterizing options. Companies like Drainage and Waterproofing Solutions LLC provide valuable assistance. We help households maintain dry, more comfortable premises.

About Crawl Spaces

Virtually all homes today possess at least one crawl space. Some structures include multiple sites, in fact. It provides an access corridor to facilitate the maintenance of important building systems. In North Carolina, it frequently lies immediately beneath the house.

For example, trailer homes often possess skirting surrounding the crawl space. Builders sometimes place wood frame houses directly atop a concrete foundation. They typically create a crawl space to permit access to the plumbing system, however. Garages or utility rooms also sometimes include these.

Sealing And Encapsulation: A Great Option

Most people rarely visit their residential crawl spaces. A technician may require access to this location if a home requires system maintenance or repair services. Yet a poorly waterproofed crawl space sometimes causes significant property damage. Winterizing these locations sometimes helps conserve heat. It may deter wildlife from seeking shelter in the space during colder months.

Sealing and encapsulating the crawl space may help ensure this area remains dry and watertight. It often proves more effective than performing annual winterizations. Homeowners frequently prefer this solution.

Winterizing a Crawl Space

In the absence of sealing and encapsulation, consider checking your home’s crawl space before winter arrives. Ideally, the site should appear clean and dry. It proves important to protect this location against water intrusions during the winter.

Some home improvement experts recommend performing helpful winterization to safeguard unsealed, unencapsulated spaces. Residential floor plans differ, so not every homeowner needs to perform every type of winterization. Consider taking measures useful in your home’s unique circumstances. These steps may include:

1. Inspect the area for signs of leaks and water damage.

Pay close attention to indications of possible water damage. Sometimes crawl spaces remain dry most of the year, but grow wet on a seasonal basis. Investigate the reasons for persistent puddles or leaking water in this location.

2. Also check for indications of wildlife damage.

Crawl spaces, as infrequently used places, sometimes attract wildlife seeking winter shelter. For example, foxes, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, skunks, birds, and rodents sometimes move into these sites. In some cases, these unwelcome house guests may cause damage. For example, they may claw or burrow into wooden surfaces, or build nests in vents.

3. Consider protecting any exposed water pipes against freezing conditions.

Protracted periods of cold temperatures sometimes permit water to freeze inside unprotected water pipes. As water freezes, it expands in size. This process may twist the pipe out of shape. When water thaws and begins flowing again, a leak may arise.

4. Do not automatically seal off outside vents in this location without a good reason, however.

Sometimes sealing a vent causes condensation problems inside a crawl space and results in long term water damage. Builders install vents for a reason. You need to know the purpose underlying the vent before modifying it.

5. Do fix obvious air gaps, such as broken trailer skirting.

Sometimes wildlife seeking winter shelter damage trailer skirting. Replacing broken components helps maintain the property. Community HOA rules address this subject in some residential areas.

6. When in doubt, obtain expert advice before winterizing.

Your home’s crawl space plays an important role in safeguarding essential home systems. Before modifying this location, you’ll want to consider the impacts on the residence. Ensure winterizing measures don’t cause unintended harm!

Why Pre-Winterization Crawl Space Inspections Make Sense

Many homeowners contact a waterproofing firm like Drainage and Waterproofing Solutions LLC to request crawl space inspections. Experienced waterproofing contractors know how to identify signs of previous water damage inside a crawl space. Also, this type of inspection helps a property owners evaluate the condition of this important maintenance site accurately.

Obtain Crawl Space Services

Do you require assistance sealing a space? Drainage and Waterproofing Solutions LLC frequently install vapor barriers. We also seal and encapsulate areas for customers. In fact, our company offers a wide variety of useful waterproofing services.

We help customers across Raleigh, NC. Our service area includes Southern Pines, Fayetteville, and outlying locations. Contact us online to schedule an appointment. You may also call us at (919) 508-7503 or (919)235-5219. Lastly, we look forward to speaking with you soon!

Installing an Interior Drain System

Should you consider obtaining the installation of an interior drain in your North Carolina home? Every year, some property owners in our area consider the feasibility of this project. Creating this may help prevent seeping water from damaging basements or crawl spaces. Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions, LLC offers valuable assistance evaluating the pros (and the cons) of interior drain installations.

About Interior Drains

An interior drain often supplies an excellent waterproofing solution. It may assist a realty owner in preventing water from pooling within a basement or a crawl space. Homeowners in North Carolina sometimes encounter water seeping indoors into low-lying areas. Also, building an interior drain system may help alleviate this problem.

What does interior drain installation involve? Essentially, an experienced contractor excavates a trench within a basement or a crawl space. The waterproofing firm then installs pipe or drainage tiles to channel seeping water. Generally, a sump pump then sends the flow down a drain, out of the residence.

Some Important Interior Drain Advantages

The use of an this drain offers several advantages. Today, many North Carolina homes utilize these systems. Also, they help prevent water from remaining within basements and crawl spaces over extended periods of time. Consider just four of the most important reasons to use these systems:

1. Cost Effectiveness

Angie’s List reports this home improvement currently costs between $50 and $75 per linear foot on average. Installing a drain system usually proves less expensive than obtaining exterior waterproofing solutions. This type of home improvement can offer significant value.

2. Prevent Basement Flooding

In many cases, interior drain systems play a pivotal role in preventing basement or crawl space flooding. Furthermore, in some locations, indoor water seepage occurs seasonally. Also, adding a new interior drain may help prevent significant water damage.

3. Select From Impressive Technologies

During recent years, the technology for creating efficient interior drains has become more widely available. Property owners often enjoy a choice of system components. Also, an experienced waterproofing contractor offers assistance selecting high-quality products.

4. Enjoy Drier, More Comfortable Basements And Indoor Crawl Spaces

Preventing the pooling of seeping water creates more comfortable premises. Also, a drain helps route standing puddles outdoors. Furthermore, it offers assistance controlling the damp conditions that foster infestations of molds and mosquitoes.

Negative Aspects of an Interior Drain

Of course, every waterproofing method holds both benefits and disadvantages. Installing an interior drain often involves significant challenges. Consider some negative aspects of this modification:

1. Not Always an Available Waterproofing Solution

Unfortunately, a drain does not always supply the best waterproofing solution. Also, sometimes, property owners need to consider other (or additional) options for creating dry, comfortable premises. Properties may differ significantly in terms of the source and the extent of water seepage.

2. Not a DIY Project

Experts agree this type of home improvement requires the assistance of a knowledgeable contractor. It proves essential to avoid causing structural damage during the installation process, for example. A botched interior drain installation sometimes proves very expensive over the long term.

3. Customized Solutions Matter

The effectiveness of an interior drain hinges upon the location and the correct deployment of the system. Furthermore, unusual basement or crawl space layouts may require customized drain installations. Additionally, it proves important to tailor this modification to fit individual floor plans.

An Interior Drain Requires Periodic Maintenance

Just like a French Drain, an interior drain system does demand periodic maintenance. Over the course of time, seeping water eventually transports silt and debris. Also, clogs may develop and impede efficient drainage.

Does your home already use an interior drain system? If so, consider asking a waterproofing firm to check over the components. Additionally, a clean, well-maintained system functions more effectively.

Request Knowledgeable Assistance

Deciding whether or not to request the installation of a drain sometimes proves challenging. Also, it usually helps to discuss this issue with an experienced waterproofing contractor. Also, in some situations, this type of home improvement represents the best solution for preventing significant water damage. In other cases, exterior waterproofing measures prove preferable.

Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions, LLC possesses extensive experience installing and maintaining your drainage systems. Also, we serve customers across this region of North Carolina. Contact us to request a waterproofing inspection in Raleigh, NC. We also assist customers in Southern Pines, Fayetteville, and nearby areas.

Visit us online at https://www.drainagenwaterproofing.com to read more about interior drains. Call us at 919-508-7503 or 919-235-5219 to request our services. Lastly, we look forward to helping you achieve better waterproofing in North Carolina this year!

Retaining Wall Installation Company

Has a retaining wall started buckling on your North Carolina property? Fortunately, this problem occurs infrequently today. Yet sometimes, retaining walls near yards, driveways, roads, or flower beds gradually lose proper alignment. Also, the wall may begin cracking or tilting precariously. Furthermore, property owners should not ignore these changes: consider calling a retaining wall installation company for assistance!

Why Buckling Retaining Walls Require Prompt Attention

A buckling retaining wall will eventually break apart completely. This problem sometimes proves quite serious. Also, it may permit retained earth to spill across sidewalks, driveways, or hillsides. Erosion sometimes results after this type of mishap.

If you notice a retaining wall beginning to buckle, consider correcting the problem quickly. The damage to this man-made structure won’t resolve naturally. Property owners essentially enjoy two options in this situation. One completely demolishes the wall (and then rebuild). Two, contact a retaining wall installation company to provide skilled repair services.

Two Common Types of Retaining Walls

A retaining wall installation company typically constructs two basic types of retaining walls. Also, both kinds of walls serve the same basic purpose. These man-made structures help contain soil within a desired location effectively:

1. A Gravity Wall: Very common in NC, these types of walls typically taper in width proceeding from the base to the top. A cross-section of the wall resembles a trapezoid. The thick base of the wall helps confine loose soil within a desired location.

2. A Cantilever Wall: This kind of retaining wall resembles a backwards “L” shape. The long heel of the wall extends deep into the surrounding earth. Typically, heavy steel reinforces the vertical section of this structure.

Retaining Walls And Pressure

An experienced retaining wall installation company understands this structure must withstand considerable lateral pressure. Furthermore, the weight of the retained earth presses against its entire length. Most walls of this type require strength simply in order to remain plumb. Probably for this reason, builders generally use cement, concrete, or heavy stone during retaining wall construction.

Both the height and the thickness of the retaining wall and the amount of contained soil typically matter. A retaining wall installation company needs to exercise care designing retaining walls. Therefore, these structures must resist lateral pressure from the retained earth. Construction errors ultimately weaken this landscaping feature.

The Vital Importance of Proper Drainage

As you probably suspect, yard drainage also impacts retaining walls. Persistently waterlogged soil may contribute to the pressures placed upon this structure. Also, usually, a waterproofing retaining wall installation company will include a drainage system for the wall. Also, this feature helps channel water run off in a desired direction.

Waterproofing companies sometimes serve as installers of retaining walls for this reason. These firms possess the skills needed to assess yard drainage issues. In conclusion, they appreciate the importance of protecting a retaining wall against water damage.

Seven Common Causes of Retaining Wall Buckling

Property owners should remain alert for signs of possible retaining wall problems. Additionally, pay close attention if you notice a wall appearing to bend out of alignment. Also, cracks in this structure often serve as an early warning sign of buckling. Even damage to low-lying retaining walls proves unsightly and inconvenient.

Buckling occurs for a variety of different, complex, reasons. For example, engineers recently listed seven common causes of retaining wall damage:

1. Faulty Design
2. Construction Mistakes
3. Inadequate Drainage
4. Soil Exapansion or Contraction
5. Inadequate Reinforcement
6. Poor Foundation Footing
7. Wall Overloading

It usually makes sound financial sense to obtain fast assistance if you observe possible retaining wall damage. Don’t wait to seek help until the wall actually buckles!

Seek Waterproofing Retaining Wall Installation Company Services

Drainage and Waterproofing Solutions LLC serves as a popular residential retaining wall installation company in North Carolina. Additionally, we help customers across Raleigh, NC by building attractive retaining walls to promote waterproofing. We also offer this service in Fayetteville, Southern Pines, and outlying areas. Call us to install, repair, or replace retaining walls!

Our firm offers basic waterproofing skills to help property owners maintain dry basements, crawl spaces, and foundations. We frequently install French drains and retaining walls, for example. Furthermore, if you need prompt assistance to correct a buckling waterproofing retaining wall, simply contact us. Lastly, call 919-508-7503 or 919-235-5219, we look forward to speaking with you!

Crawl Space Encapsulations

Residents of Raleigh, North Carolina frequently seek crawl space encapsulations. This home improvement supplies a number of potential benefits. Today, some builders automatically install systems to encapsulate dirt crawl spaces beneath floors. Yet probably the majority of new residential construction lacks this amenity.

What prompts numerous homeowners in North Carolina to seek crawl space encapsulation services from a waterproofing company? Also, adding crawl space encapsulations holds impressive advantages. Consider some leading reasons to obtain the installation of this feature soon!

About Crawl Spaces

While crawl spaces exist in most homes, property owners visit these sites infrequently. Usually located beneath the floor, a crawl space provides a way to access important home systems. Unfortunately, in North Carolina, builders often leave these sites unsealed and unencapsulated. Additionally, moisture from the ground may wick upwards through crawl spaces and eventually damage the residence. Moisture control is your only answer.

Unencapsulated crawl spaces pose other problems, too. These areas may attract wildlife and insects. They tend to become dirty. Also, in some locations, persistently damp crawl spaces develop thriving mold colonies.

Eight Significant Benefits of Crawl Space Encapsulations

Maintaining a crawl space in a clean, dry, well-illuminated conditions holds advantages. The encapsulation process helps accomplish this goal. Just consider eight benefits of crawl space encapsulations:

Create a Safer, More Easily Managed Property

One leading reason to request crawl space encapsulations relates to comfort. Maintaining these sites in a clean, dry condition helps prevents them from becoming sources of foul odors. Also, property owners tend to enjoy better control over encapsulated, dry crawl spaces.

Reduce Risks From Mildew And Mold

Encapsulation using waterproof materials helps prevents moisture from creating moldy conditions inside crawl spaces. Molds, microscopic plants, frequently grow on persistently wet wood, brick, and cement surfaces. By keeping these location dry, homeowners avoid many potential mold-related issues.

Undertake a Cost-Effective Home Improvement

If performed before extensive water damage occurs, crawl space encapsulations may assist property values. Also, nationwide, the average cost for this service stands at $5,500. Prices reportedly range from a low of $1500 to a high of $15,000.

Reduce Risks From Wildlife And Insect Infestations

Encapsulation may help prevent wildlife and vermin from entering a crawl space. It also deters insect infestations. By excluding these pests, homeowners can maintain cleaner, more pleasant crawl spaces. If it ever becomes necessary to access the crawl space, everyone appreciates the encapsulation!

Enjoy Long-Lasting Results

Generalizations prove impossible, of course. Yet this type of waterproofing improvement ranks as comparatively long lasting. An encapsulation project typically lasts for well over a decade. This represents a solid value in the use of home improvement dollars.

Improve Air Quality

Encapsulation also sometimes improves indoor air quality. This situation proves apparent when dank, musty crawl spaces have released foul odors into the vicinity. Also, some homeowners consider this enhancement one of the most important benefits of encapsulation.

Prevent Needless Property Damage From Water

By providing a barrier to the entrance of water into the premises, encapsulation offers better waterproofing protection. Over the course of time, water damage often proves very destructive. Additionally, encapsulations supply a better alternative than periodically repairing damaged subflooring, masonry, or foundations.

Lowering Some Utility Bills

In some cases, crawl space encapsulations help property owners reduce high utility bills. The additional insulation may lower these costs. Results vary, and depend in part upon the size and the location of the crawl space.

Seek Crawl Space Encapsulations Today!

Have you decided to search for a qualified contractor to perform crawl space encapsulations? Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions, LLC offers this service in our region of North Carolina. Also, we serve customers in Raleigh, Southern Pines, and Fayetteville. Our company possesses extensive experience in installing crawl space encapsulations.

We offer a full roster of other key waterproofing services, too. For example, ask us to install an interior basement or crawl space drain. Also, we provide basement waterproofing and basement moisture control services. Our firm also installs retaining walls and French Drains. Lastly, contact us now at 919-508-7503 or 919-235-5219 to receive fast, friendly assistance!

Sump Pumps – Today, homeowners across North Carolina widely appreciate the need for adequate property waterproofing. Even a limited water backup incident sometimes produces thousands of dollars of damage. By working closely with an experienced waterproofing firm, residents obtain assistance in reducing water intrusions risks. In many cases, an expert will advise a property owner to install a sump pump and a backup pumping system.

Although rare, sump pump failures do occur sometimes. Have you taken steps to protect yourself from property losses in this situation? Knowing six key pieces of information proves helpful.

Avoiding Water Damage Losses

A sump pump in a basement or a laundry room may help prevent costly water backup losses. In some cases, a broken water pipe or a leaky hot water heater causes expensive damage. When water begins pooling in a home, the sump pump helps channel this runoff safely outdoors.

Unfortunately, sump pump failures (while infrequent) do entail considerable expense. Water readily damages floor coverings, appliances, and furniture. Additionally, malfunctions sometimes require drywall replacement. Property owners may need to conduct mold testing after this type of incident.

Six Key Points

The topic of sump pumps and insurance sometimes appears complicated. Waterproofing companies urge customers to investigate this subject before an emergency arises. Also, ensuring adequate protection for your home against water damage proves important. Additionally, knowing six vital pieces of information assists most homeowners in North Carolina:

1. Many Modern Sump Pump Brands Include Warranties

Fortunately, most high-quality sump pumps arrive with manufacturer warranties. Also, these contracts help protect purchasers against faulty pumps and components. Also, always retain this documentation (in case you need it later if the pump malfunctions). Remember to check the time period covered by the product warranty.

2. Homeowners Insurance Typically Doesn’t Cover Sump Pump Failures

What happens if a pump stops working unexpectedly and water damage results? Typically, a homeowner’s insurance policy won’t cover this type of loss. You’ll usually require a special policy rider to obtain protection against water damage.

3. Obtain a Policy Rider to Cover Water Backup And Sump Pump Failure

Some insurance companies offer policy riders covering water backup and sump pump failures. Sump pumps usually don’t fail. Yet losses may prove catastrophic when a breakdown occurs. This type of rider generally costs an extra $50 to $250 in premiums annually.

4. An Equipment Breakdown Endorsement Helps Replace Damaged Sump Pumps

Homeowner’s insurance policy riders for water backup and sump pump failures don’t cover sump pump replacement costs. Also, look to manufacturer warranties for this protection. Additionally, purchasing a separate homeowner’s equipment breakdown endorsement offers additional coverage, too. Furthermore, make sure the rider specifies coverage for residential sump pumps.

5. Did Sump Pump Failure or Flood Damage Occur?

If flood damage or basement leaking harms your home (as opposed to a sump pump failure), insurance usually won’t cover the loss. Also, an adjuster makes this critical determination. Furthermore, consulting with your attorney may prove helpful if you feel coverage was denied unfairly.

6. You Must Perform Sump Pump Maintenance to Recover For a Pump Failure Claim

Consider keeping a sump pump maintenance logbook. Record measures are taken to test and maintain home sump pumps as they occur. Also, note the date. Additionally, this documentation proves valuable if the pump ever fails. An insurance adjuster may demand proof that you regularly took steps to maintain the equipment.

Request Affordable Waterproofing Assistance

Furthermore, do you have concerns about the reliability of your home’s sump pumps in NC? Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions, LLC offers valuable assistance! We help customers in Raleigh, Southern Pines, and Fayetteville (and outlying areas). Additionally, ask us to assist you in waterproofing your home or business effectively.

For example, we sometimes recommend the installation or replacement of residential sump pumps. Also, our company assists customers in maintaining dry, watertight basements, and crawl spaces. We work closely with customers to help them develop long term waterproofing plans.

Our company offers a full range of waterproofing services. We possess personal familiarity with conditions in this region of North Carolina. Contact us online, or call us at 919-508-7503 or 919-235-5219. Lastly, we look forward to meeting you!

Prepare For Heavy Rains

Have you prepared your property to withstand damage from heavy rains? Our basement waterproofing company assists homeowners in performing this type of planning. No one can prevent some types of flood losses, of course. However, advanced emergency preparedness frequently helps minimize injuries to lovely homes in Raleigh, NC.

Our Basement Waterproofing Company is Preparing Raleigh, North Carolina Homes for Heavy Rain

This part of North Carolina receives an average of 45.8 inches of rain annually. In fact, you can look forward to 108 rainy days here during a typical year. Additionally, with frequent downpours, property owners need to maintain effective waterproofing to remain comfortable.

Rain As a Cause of Flooding

Rain in North Carolina may cause local flooding. Many factors enter into this situation. Also, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”)lists rain as a common source of floods. Today, flooding remains the single most frequent type of natural disaster reported in the USA.

In many locations, persistent rains contribute to waterlogged soils. This problem may result in seasonal water runoff issues. Also, basements and underground crawl spaces sometimes sustain floods when rain saturates the surrounding ground.

A Basement Waterproofing Company: One Useful Resource

Consulting with a basement waterproofing company offers assistance in implementing solutions for leaky basements. Even short-term basement flooding proves inconvenient and potentially costly. A skilled waterproofing expert may suggest a number of affordable ways to improve basement waterproofing.

Nine Smart Flood Preparation Precautions

Consider using some of these tips to help protect your home (and your loved ones) during floods caused by heavy rains. Not all these suggestions pertain to every home or business during every rainstorm. Yet these guidelines could prove lifesaving:

Check to determine whether your property requires flood insurance.

Even inland buildings sometimes lie within flood planes. Visit this FEMA government website to determine if your home or business proves eligible for federal flood insurance.

Maintain roofs, gutters, and downspouts in good repair.

By keeping roofs, gutters, and downspouts in well-maintained conditions, property owners avoid some types of rain damage. Water leaking indoors through the roof sometimes penetrates into basements.

Waterproof basements and low-lying crawl spaces.

Water flows downhill, towards the lowest point in a building. Consequently, waterproofing basements and underground crawl spaces usually proves wise. A basement waterproofing company offers help installing sump pumps in these locations.

“Inspect and test basement sump pumps at least once annually”, says local Waterproofing Company

Even top-quality equipment eventually wears out. Consider having basement sump pumps checked over on a regular basis.

Heed any evacuation orders.

Never ignore mandatory evacuation orders. Some types of flooding occur rapidly. Taking action to leave the area could prove lifesaving.

Sign up to receive community warnings and alerts.

Many municipalities provide phone alerts to residents about weather-related concerns or other disasters. Additionally, consider signing up to receive these notices. Also, you’ll ensure you learn about threats in your neighborhood.

Store valuable documents in waterproof containers.

Consider storing important documents and photos in a waterproof (and fireproof) home safe. Also, taking this step might prevent disappointment if a flood occurs.

Never drive across a flooded roadway.

Did you know, even foot-high flowing water can transport a vehicle off a roadway? Experts advise never driving on flooded roads.

Avoid wading through floodwater whenever possible.

FEMA also recommends not wading through floodwaters whenever possible. Frequently, these waters contain dangerous debris and/or contaminants. Additionally, they may also conceal damaged electrical cords, and thus pose an electrocution risk. Avoid flooded basements.

Consulting With a Basement Waterproofing Company

An experienced basement waterproofing company offers a variety of helpful services. Also, do you need assistance in installing or checking a sump pump? Would adding an interior basement drain enhance waterproofing? Could the installation of a new retaining wall or French Drain promote better water runoff?

Request help from a basement waterproofing company in creating a comfortable, dry basement. Potentially, a variety of strategies promote basement waterproofing. Also, no one can prevent flooding 100% of the time. Yet making advanced preparations frequently helps reduce expensive damage from these events.

Schedule an Appointment Now With Our Basement Waterproofing Company

Would you appreciate consulting with an experienced basement waterproofing company? Drainage & Waterproofing Solutions LLC offers a full spectrum of services. Also, we frequently help customers develop tailored waterproofing solutions for basement flooding caused by heavy rains. Yet we also offer many other useful waterproofing services. We supply free estimates.

To schedule an appointment with us, simply contact us now online or by phone. Also, we serve customers across the Greater Raleigh Area. Our coverage zone includes Southern Pines, Fayetteville, and outlying communities. Lastly, Call 919-508-7503 or 919-235-5219 today!