FAQ's

Q:

Why do I have cracks on my basement wall(s)?

A:

All houses will have small cracks when they are settling. But large cracks or walls that are starting to bow are tell-tale signs of increased pressure mounting against your foundation walls.

Solution:

In order to relieve this pressure and eliminate further problems, we go through a process to ultimately remove the expanding soil that pushes against your house and we replace it with #57 Washstone. This stone allows water and moisture to properly drain into a newly installed drain tile to prevent saturation and expansion against your house.

Q:

How does water come into my basement?

A:

Water enters your basement through cracks in the block or in the footer of your wall. It can also enter through a malfunctioning drain tile.

Solution:

During our excavation process, we plug cracks, Thoroseal and tar the wall, and insert a 1” insulation foam board to create a water barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating your foundation. The new drain tile and #57 Washstone help to reroute any excess water away from your freshly sealed wall. Contact us today if you're noticing signs of water damage in Brunswick.

Q:

Why are the cracks in my wall getting bigger?

A:

The clay outside your walls holds water and moisture which allows the soil against your walls to expand and create unneeded pressure. This pressure not only creates cracks within your foundation walls but also causes them to continue to grow.

Solution:

TThe #57 Washstone that we install creates an area that water and moisture can drain through, relieving pressure on your walls. Added pressure can cause many problems, our waterproofing solutions are based around eliminating these causes.ext

Q:

Why is there mold on my wall?

A:

Any time moisture is allowed to saturate and settle against a surface, mold will start to form. The moisture that is stagnant in the ground around your home will create the conditions needed for mold to grow on your basement walls.

Solution:

Mold is always an issue in basements and around foundation walls. Our process for waterproofing your basement creates a tightly sealed water barrier around your foundation walls. This minimizes the chances of mold growing in or water entering your basement.

Q:

How do I know if my sewer is blocked?

A:

The toilets or drains inside your house may start to drain slowly, causing you to smell sewage within or around your household. In more severe cases, sewage can actually overflow from nearby manhole covers or drainage gulleys.

Solution:

Starting at your house and working outwards, we use a camera to scope out your sewage lines to determine where the blockage is located or if there are any cracks or breaks within the piping. After determining where the problem is, we localize our repairs around that area in order to minimize your expenses.

Q:

What can happen if I don’t waterproof my basement immediately?

A:

If you allow moisture or water to penetrate your foundation walls, you risk the integrity of your entire house.  If your foundation is compromised, the chances it could collapse increase. You also increase the chances that mold will grow, creating health hazards within your household. Immediate action is always the best solution and with the quick escalation that can happen from these problems, we recommend taking necessary actions at the first signs of water penetration, water damage, cracks, or wall bowing.

Solution:

Call Olivieri & Son for a Free Estimate Today!