Foundation problems come in all shapes and sizes, each problem is unique to the specific structure, that requires personalized attention that takes into consideration the unique properties of the structure and the surrounding property. Differences in construction, materials used, previous work, soil type, and landscaping are just a small part of the conditions that need to be evaluated to perform an effective and appropriate repair. We understand that and know that in order to effectively solve your problem to your satisfaction, your problem needs to be professionally evaluated. We suggest that you Contact Us to schedule an appointment so that we may provide you with a professional evaluation.
Down Under Waterproofing has years of experience in foundation repair, from simple cracks to entire foundation replacements. We use the most reputable and time-proven methods to resolve foundation issues to restore structural integrity, comply with zoning and insurance requirements, and secure the longevity of your home. We often employ structural engineers and architectural drawings to insure appropriate and long-lasting repairs.
Many structural problems are often caused by the pressure that water exerts on a foundation, known as hydrostatic pressure. In these cases, proper repair must first resolve the underlying problem, which often involves waterproofing or water diversion to relive the hydrostatic pressure on the foundation. Otherwise, structural integrity will not be maintained. The method of repair depends on a variety of factors, including the type of foundation, the location of the structural problem, and the underlying cause of the problem.
All structural repairs performed by Down Under Waterproofing employ the latest technologies to repair and reinforce residential and commercial foundations that have compromised structural integrity. When you want peace-of-mind and assurance that your foundation is properly repaired and its integrity restored to better than original condition, contact Down Under Waterproofing for an inspection and repair estimate.
We take care of everything when it comes to foundation repair to insure that it is properly and professionally done. If we feel a structural engineer is needed, we will arrange it and even have drawings prepared, and obtain all necessary permits. You just need to relax and have the "peace-of-mind" that Down Under Waterproofing is on the job.
Some of the more commonly encountered foundation problems and their causes include:
A foundation's main purpose, whether it is block, poured, or stone, is to support the load of the building. However, foundations are generally weak in tensile strength and resistance to lateral forces. To compensate for these weaknesses, concrete and other building components incorporate reinforcing materials, such as rebar, to increase the lateral load capacity of the foundation. These reinforcing methods are sometimes not enough and lateral forces overcome the strength of the wall and cracks and bowing results.
Bowed basement or foundation walls occur because of soil loads pushing against the wall. These forces produce lateral bending of the wall and the foundation or basement wall becomes bowed. This condition usually also produces significant cracking. If not addressed, a bowed wall will worsen with time, jeopardizing the structural integrity of the foundation and resale value of the property.
Generally speaking, bows, cracks, bulges, and buckling basement and foundation walls occur most frequently in more older buildings. However, newer buildings are not resistant to quickly developing settling issues. As soil settles outside foundation walls at differing rates following construction, it expands and contracts with seasonal freezing and thawing processes because of hydrostatic pressure in the water table.
Bowing basement or foundation walls is a sign of a serious and potentially dangerous problem in a house. Ignoring the problem or putting off a solution can cause more structural damage to the house and put the occupants in danger in the event of a collapse. If your walls have begun to bow, the bowing can be corrected by a qualified foundation repair specialist.
At Down Under Waterproofing, we use the latest technologies in carbon fiber-kevlar reinforcement techniques, developed and produced by Fortress Stabilization, to produce a non-obtrusive repair that will reinforce, stabilize, and restore the structural integrity of bowed basement and foundation walls in New Jersey and Western Pennsylvania.
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Concrete block foundation or wall cracks occur most commonly in the mortar joints but can also occur across and through the blocks themselves. These cracks may appear in 3 different forms: vertical, diagonal, stair-stepped, or horizontal patterns. Horizontal cracks are generally caused from soil pushing against the foundation, creating points of weakness where the horizontal cracks appear. If these conditions continue, the wall is could possibly collapse. Vertical cracks suggest that the foundation is settling. These cracks typically grow over time, becoming wider, create waterproofing problems, and suggest that the foundation may need additional support to prevent further settling. Stair-step cracks generally occur when the foundation is settling unevenly. Uneven settling occurs when the soil under the foundation unable to support the weight of the structure. As the soil shifts and changes, it forces your foundation to do the same.
If your foundation walls have any of these types of cracks, then you may have a serious foundation issue. It is strongly recommended that you have an expert examine any foundation cracks to ensure that they aren't a threat to the integrity of the building. If they are deemed to be largely cosmetic and not affecting the structural integrity of the foundation, Down Under Waterproofing can suggest several "do-it-yourself" kits to repair it yourself. However, if the cracks are structural in nature, they should be repaired by a professional.>/p>
At Down Under Waterproofing, we use the latest technologies in carbon fiber-kevlar reinforcement techniques, developed and produced by Fortress Stabilization, to produce a non-obtrusive repair that will reinforce, stabilize, and restore the structural integrity of cracked block walls in New Jersey and Western Pennsylvania.
Contact Us for more information.
Concrete blocks, also known as concrete masonry units (CMU), masonry blocks, cement blocks, or cinder blocks, are commonly used for the construction of a wide range of structures from homes to commercial properties. Concrete blocks are made as solid blocks of concrete or with hollow chambers. Although strong and durable, cracks sometimes occur. These cracks are rarely due to failure of the concrete block itself (unlike poured concrete, concrete blocks do not shrink with age or curing), but to other conditions that affect the integrity of the unit as a whole.
Concrete block foundation or wall cracks occur most commonly in the mortar joints but can also occur across and through the blocks themselves. These cracks may appear in 3 different forms: vertical, diagonal, stair-stepped, or horizontal patterns. Horizontal cracks are generally caused from soil pushing against the foundation, creating points of weakness where the horizontal cracks appear. If these conditions continue, the wall is could possibly collapse. Vertical cracks suggest that the foundation is settling. These cracks typically grow over time, becoming wider, create waterproofing problems, and suggest that the foundation may need additional support to prevent further settling. Stair-step cracks generally occur when the foundation is settling unevenly. Uneven settling occurs when the soil under the foundation unable to support the weight of the structure. As the soil shifts and changes, it forces your foundation to do the same.
If your foundation walls have any of these types of cracks, then you may have a serious foundation issue. It is strongly recommended that you have an expert examine any foundation cracks to ensure that they aren't a threat to the integrity of the building. If they are deemed to be largely cosmetic and not affecting the structural integrity of the foundation, Down Under Waterproofing can suggest several "do-it-yourself" kits to repair it yourself. However, if the cracks are structural in nature, they should be repaired by a professional.
At Down Under Waterproofing, we use the latest technologies in carbon fiber-kevlar reinforcement techniques, developed and produced by Fortress Stabilization, to produce a non-obtrusive repair that will reinforce, stabilize, and restore the structural integrity of cracked block walls in New Jersey and Western Pennsylvania.
Contact Us for more information.
There are a host of different ways in which a foundation can move, but the vast majority of causes are the result of differential soil movement and poor construction procedures. The foundation of your home or business was designed to transfer the weight of the structure and contents to the underlying soil.
Seasonal shrinking and swelling of the soil around the foundation will cause a foundation to move - your foundation moves when the soils move. If the foundation and surrounding soils were properly prepared, the foundation will move uniformly with the soil, will not deflect or become unlevel, and the foundation is performing as was designed. However, if some parts move more than others, the foundation undergoes differential movement. It is this differential movement that damages the foundation.
Evidence of differential foundation movement may be seen in pre-warning signs, such as cracking drywall, sticking doors and windows, etc., or in more obvious signs such as:
Repairing and stopping foundation movement depends on the severity of the problem, how the problem is being manifested, and what the underlying cause is determined to be. Solutions may range from simply water diversion and repair of the damage to the need of underpinning and the installation of deep piers to transfer the foundation loads to deeper, less active soils. To adequately resolve serious foundation issues will require structural engineers as well as foundation and waterproofing experts.
At Down Under Waterproofing, we use the latest technologies in carbon fiber-kevlar reinforcement techniques, developed and produced by Fortress Stabilization, to produce a non-obtrusive repairs that will reinforce, stabilize, and restore the structural integrity of your foundation and prevent any further foundation movement in New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania.
Contact Us for more information.
Whether a basement is finished or not, leaks in the floor can cause serious damage to the foundation and items that may be present within the basement. Not only will moisture from the leak ruin flooring and wallboard, it will promote the growth of mold, mildew, and fungus which can be hazardous to your health. Fixing a leaky basement floor will allow you to use your basement as a living space, promote foundation and living health, and increase the value of your home.
Basement floor leaks can come from a variety of sources, but the most prominent sources are cracks in the floor, or the seams where your floor and foundation meet. The leaks occur because the water under the foundation is putting pressure on the foundation and following the path of least resistance (the crack or seam). Simply sealing these areas generally do not work - the crack will either continue to leak or a new crack just forms elsewhere.
If the leaks are minor and sporadic, you can try water diversion (making sure the landscape slopes away from the foundation, installing gutter and downspouts, french drains, etc.), but if thsi doesn't work, there are few realistic options in dealing with the problem:
After the water pressure issues are resolved, the foundation cracks can be repaired.
At Down Under Waterproofing, we use the latest technologies in basement waterproofing systems to produce least obtrusive methods to resolve all waterproofing issues that may exist in your home or commercial building in New Jersey and Western Pennsylvania.
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French drains, also known as land tiles or drain tiles, are trenches filled with rocks, sand or gravel that function to direct ground and surface waters away from a certain location. They are common drainage devices used to protect buildings from permanent damaged caused by ground and surface waters infiltrating building foundations.
Water always flows downhill, and by the easiest route possible. Simply put, french drains work by providing an easy channel for water. Water runs through the spaces between the gravel and into the perforated pipe at the bottom of the trench. The water then runs freely through the pipe and empties in a safe distance from the house. Depending on the situation, water can be diverted to a low-lying area of the property, a drainage ditch, a dry well, or the street. If you have a wet basement or soggy yard, the solution may be an interior or exterior French drain.
French drain are most commonly installed underneath the basement floor on the inside perimeter of the basement. This is the most common use of a french drain today and is the basis of all waterproofing "systems". The perimeter of the basement floor is jack hammered down to the footing and the cement removed. A layer of stone is then laid down and the drain pipe laid on top. Water collected from the basement wall and floor joint enters the french drain, and a sump pump is installed to pump the water out and away from the foundation.
If your landscape is flat, a French drain may be your solution to a dry basement and securing your foundation from water damage. This type of french drain runs around the perimeter of the house at the footing level. It's easy to install during construction, but more difficult and expensive later on. It nevertheless is a viable solution to consider if you have a finished basement. Down Under Waterproofing has installed thousands of french drains using the latest technologies in water diversion to produce the least obtrusive methods to resolve all waterproofing and foundation issues that may exist in your home or commercial building in New Jersey and Western Pennsylvania.
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When it comes to concrete and masonry blocks, Down Under Waterproofing can repair or reinforce it. Retaining wall have increased in popularity because of the flexibility of design, practical uses and aesthetic options such as shape and color of the blocks. However, when damage occurs, the options are to tear-down and rebuild (an expensive proposition) or return the structural integrity of the wall with reinforcement. Retaining walls, which may include a foundation prior to construction of the home, may also crack or suffer damage or be under-constructed for the load.
See a Case Study featuring Down Under Waterproofing essentially putting together the pieces and restoring the stuctutal integrity of a new foundation damaged by a hurricane.
Down Under Waterproofing has repaired hundreds of retaining walls and foundations using the latest technologies to address all sorts of retaining wall and foundation issues that may exist in homes and commercial building in New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania.
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