Common Basement Problems in Alabama
Having a basement can add a lot of valuable storage space or living space to your Alabama home. However, there are a lot of problems that might appear in your Alabama basement due to harsh weather or soil issues. Take some time to examine your basement for the following problems and call us right away if you see any issues.
Basement Wall Problems
It is common for residents of Alabama to discover problems in their basement walls. When the soil near your foundation swells as it soaks in water, it will push on the basement walls. This can cause several different problems:
- Basement Wall Cracks: The soil pressure can cause the walls to crack. Wall cracks lower the structural integrity of the wall, the basement, and the above home, and can allow water to leak into the basement.
- Bowing Leaning Basement Walls: Swollen and water-logged soil outside can also cause the walls to bow or lean, which creates gaps and spaces that can let water or pests can get in and cause an unstable base for the structure.
- Basement Wall Damage: If the basement wall is deteriorating due to moisture exposure, the structural stability of the home may be in danger.
If your basement wall is falling or moving, or if you see other signs of basement wall damage or problems, call our repair team right away for a solution.
Basement Water Leakage
If your basement has cracks, water will likely start to leak inside. However, basement leaks can also occur when water seeps through the concrete basement walls. When water pools around your foundation, it will seep into the porous concrete, weakening the foundation walls and leaking into the basement.
Basement leaks can be a serious problem and can result in basement flooding if it is not taken care of before the next major storm. If you see any of the following symptoms of basement water, contact us right away:
- Puddles in basement
- Pooling water outside
- High humidity
- Mold and mildew growth
- Pest infiltration
- Wet or damp humidity
- Condensation on pipes
- Musty odors
These are all indicators that there is moisture in your basement. We offer multiple solutions to remove moisture and keep it from coming back.
Settlement or Shifting Basement Foundation
If your foundation starts to sink or shift, you will likely notice some signs in your basement. Shifting foundations might cause basement walls to move and cause gaps or spaces to open between the basement walls and ceiling or the ceiling and floor above. Sinking foundations can cause brick compaction or basement wall cracks. You might also see signs of basement wall problems in the rest of your home. If you see sloped floors, wall or ceiling cracks, or notice windows or doors that won’t open or close, call us right away, as it could be a sign of foundation sinking and basement wall movement.
Solutions for Basement Problems
We offer foundation repair techniques that will stabilize your home and correct damaged or moving basement walls as well as basement waterproofing options to keep water out of your home.
For structural basement problems, we offer the following solutions:
- Pier Installation: We offer the installation of helical piers to lift and stabilize your foundation. These piers install deep underground and screw into the ground for added stabilization. They are able to hold the weight of the home while also lifting the foundation to fix basement wall issues and return the home to its proper position.
- Helical Tiebacks: If your basement walls are bowing inward, we can straighten them using helical tiebacks. These devices work like helical piers, but are installed horizontally into the ground through basement walls. This allows them to pull the basement walls straight.
- Plate Anchors: This is another option for leaning, bowing, or falling basement walls. This repair option involves installing an anchor in the yard and attaching it to the basement wall with a thin steel rod and a bracket. Once attached, the bracket can be tightened to pull the wall outward and straighten it, closing cracks and reversing bowing.
For basement water issues, we offer the following solutions:
- Interior Waterproofing: Interior waterproofing systems, such as a sump pump and pit, remove water that makes its way inside so that it cannot cause mold growth or damage your home and belongings.
- Exterior Waterproofing: To prevent water from seeping inside, you can have an exterior drainage system installed. This system includes a waterproof membrane for the foundation and a drainage board to keep water from penetrating your concrete foundation walls.
- Surface Drainage: Surface drainage systems are designed to prevent water from pooling near your foundation so that it cannot seep into your basement. These systems include things like a French drain to reroute surface water away from your basement walls.
If you notice basement water or other basement problems in your Alabama home, contact us right away. We will give you a free quote and come up with the best solution for your needs.
