How Does a French Drain Work?

By:    |   Published June 19, 2024

A French drain is an effective solution for managing water issues in various settings. Whether you’re dealing with a wet basement, a soggy yard, or preventing water buildup around your home or business, understanding how a French drain works can be invaluable. But how does a French drain work exactly? read more

Basement Braces to Solve Bulging Foundation Walls

By:    |   Published April 8, 2024

There are few things in your home as important as the basement foundation wall. It helps ensure the structural integrity of your home and fights against the tide of moisture and soil pressing against your basement interior. If it fails, it can devastate your home.

Foundation wall failure typically happens slowly over time, and there are signs that you can see. But only if you know what to look for! Learn how to spot the signs and identify what’s going wrong with your wall before it fails completely.

How Do You Know If Your Foundation Wall is Leaning, Bowed or Bulging?

Fortunately, there are several indic

There are few things in your home as important as the basement foundation wall. It helps ensure the structural integrity of your home and fights against the tide of moisture and soil pressing against your basement interior. If it fails, it can devastate your home.

Bulging foundation walls are how it starts. And then it deteriorates from there. But there’s a way to help mitigate the damage – and that’s by using basement braces to help straighten basement walls and prevent additional leaning.

Read on to learn more about basement braces and how they can help prevent catastrophe in your home!

Types of Basement Braces to Fight Back Against Bulging Foundation Walls

When it comes to dealing with leaning foundation walls or other inward movement, basement braces can be a great solution. They provide structural support, reinforce stability, and overall enhance long-term durability for your foundation. Here are some of the most common types of basement braces you may find:

Wall Anchors

For common bowing or leaning walls, heavy duty wall anchors can help reverse inward movement and restore stability. These anchors are installed into the soil outside of your foundation wall and are connected to a plate on your wall. The heavy-duty steel helps stabilize the wall. It can also straighten the wall back into place.

Versatile anchors are effective for most wall repair situations. The biggest drawback is that they require a large space outside of the home for access. In areas with homes that are built close together, the anchors can’t be installed.

Steel Beams

When wall anchors are not appropriate or possible, steel beams are a popular option. The installation is very straightforward: steel beams are set vertically along the failing foundation wall. While they can’t reverse the bowing, they will prevent any further inward movement.

Steel beams come with a significant downside: their bulk. The beams are large and steal space from your usable basement area. Many homeowners find this undesirable and opt for more modern options.

Helical Piers or Helical Piles for Basement Foundations

Helical piles are steel shafts with helical plates used to stabilize and support basement foundations by transferring loads to stable soil or bedrock. They’re versatile, require minimal excavation, provide immediate load transfer, and can be adjusted to suit different conditions. Their installation is environmentally friendly and offers long-term cost savings. Proper design and installation are crucial for optimal performance and compliance.

Carbon Fiber Wall Braces

You can achieve the bracing effect of steel beams without the bulk by using carbon fiber, the strongest man-made material on the planet. Carbon fiber is a modern marvel that has become accessible due to more affordable mass production methods. Previously, it was only used for applications like space shuttles and bridge repairs.

Carbon fibers are woven together into a sheet that’s resistant to stretching. Attached to the wall with epoxy, the sheet will not only prevent the wall from shifting inward, it will actually reinforce the wall to make it stronger than before.

In addition to its exceptional strength, carbon fiber sheets are extremely thin. Unlike steel beams, this option will be practically invisible. You’ll lose no noticeable space in your basement!

EverDry Toledo recommends StablWall™ carbon fiber for weak walls and aging foundations. This permanent solution can extend the life of your foundation by years and becomes unnoticeable when painted over.

How Do You Know If Your Foundation Wall is Leaning, Bowed or Bulging?

Fortunately, there are several indicators that can help you identify when your basement foundation wall is compromised. When looking for structural issues, they can present themselves differently depending on the type of inward movement your walls are experiencing.

Here are some of the most common signs of problems with your basement foundation wall:

  • Cracks in your walls more than 1/8 inch wide
  • Angled cracks from the corners of the wall or across the center
  • Unleveled flooring
  • Water seepage
  • Walls sliding inward at the bottom or leaning in at the top

Distinguishing Between Types of Basement Foundation Inward Movement

Not all foundation damage is the same. If you think you’ve identified the early signs of failure, it can help to distinguish between leaning walls or bulging walls. The difference may not seem important, but it can help with locating the source of the problem and deciding on a solution.

Bulging walls in your house often have horizontal cracks, as the pressure is closer to the center of the wall and will cause it to fold in from the center. You can measure for a bulged wall by using a plumb string attached to the ceiling and measuring the distance of the wall, bottom to top. If the wall measures longer than the plumb line, it indicates a failing wall that is likely to be bulging.

Leaning foundation walls will angle slightly. Most homeowners expect leaning walls to lean in from the top. In some cases, the inward movement comes from the bottom instead. Make sure to look for both.

What Can Cause a Foundation Wall to Fail?

Drainage

Inadequate drainage is one of the most common ways that foundations suffer damage read more

How to Prevent Frost Heave to Protect Your Property

By:    |   Published January 31, 2024

In the midst of a harsh winter, protecting your property from frost heave becomes a critical concern. This phenomenon, occurring when the ground repeatedly freezes and thaws, can cause significant damage to structures like foundations, driveways, and patios. Often undetected until it’s too late, frost heave can undermine the stability and integrity of your property. read more

Types of Basement Waterproofing: A Comprehensive Guide

By:    |   Published December 13, 2023

Basement waterproofing is an essential aspect of home maintenance, often overlooked until a problem arises. A dry basement not only protects your home’s foundation but also provides a healthier living environment. In this guide, we’ll delve into the top three types of basement waterproofing methods – interior sealants and coatings, exterior waterproofing, and drainage solutions – to help homeowners make informed decisions about protecting their homes from water damage. read more

Common Crawl Space Waterproofing Problems & Solutions

By:    |   Published June 29, 2023

Basements have a lot of nooks and crannies, but the biggest space to watch out for is your crawl space. This large, open area is a magnet for moisture and pests due to its size and how infrequently it’s accessed. Many homeowners run into crawl space waterproofing issues because their home wasn’t properly waterproofed in the past.

If you’re tired of mold growth or other moisture-related problems, read on to learn about the most common issues with crawl space waterproofing and how to keep moisture out once and for all.

Why Do You Need a Sump Pump for Your Basement?

By:    |   Published February 27, 2023

Some parts of your home do their job without you even realizing it; a sump pump is one of those things. It’s surprisingly common for many home owners to know very little about their pumps unless it’s not working correctly. Because of this, some new homeowners may ask “why do you need a sump pump at all?” Read on to discover the risks of foregoing this crucial part of protecting your home.

How Long Does Basement Waterproofing Last for My Home?

By:    |   Published January 20, 2023

Basement waterproofing is an important part of homeownership for many reasons. While it can be perceived as costly, when you consider the benefits and the cost of fixing up after a flood, its value becomes clear. By investing in proper basement waterproofing, you can protect your home from water damage, avoid losing irreplaceable belongings, and help maintain the value of your home. However, many homeowners may wonder how long their basement waterproofing will last. This is an important question, as it can help you determine whether or not the upfront cost of basement waterproofing is worth it. read more

How Drainage Around Your House Affects Your Foundation

By:    |   Published November 1, 2022

Although you may never see it, the foundation of a home is a vital aspect to its strength and stability. A proper foundation does more than keep your house above ground: It should also keep out moisture, insulate against the cold and resist movement of the ground surrounding it. There are many factors to consider, such as drainage around your house and soil condition, to help avoid a cracked foundation. The type of soil can have a big impact on the quality and lifespan of your home’s foundation.

Types of Soil

Soil shifts and moves over time often as a result of how it handles moisture and the climate — including the freeze / thaw cycle. As soil shifts, it changes the support around your foundation, which can lead to cracks. And it’s those cracks that can allow in moisture and maybe even some pests.

Each type of soil is comprised of different properties that have various effects on the bedrock of a home. Soil with good structure is going to be more stable. The way in which soil handles wetting and drying cycles is also an important consideration, as expanding soil can put unwanted pressure on foundations and soil that retains too much moisture can cause the foundation to weaken.

Here are the most common types of soil and how they measure up:

Peat: Usually dark in color, peat is easily compactable because it holds a great deal of water, which makes it prone to shifting. This is not ideal soil for a foundation.

Clay: Because it’s made up of tiny particles, clay shrinks significantly when dry and expands when it’s moist. The extreme changes can put pressure on the foundation, which opens the door to potential cracks.

Silt: Usually smooth to the touch, this type of soil tends to retain water longer and drains poorly. This can push against and weaken foundations when wet.

Sand / Gravel: A better choice than peat, clay or silt, sand / gravel drains easily and does not retain moisture because it’s made up of larger particles. However, when wet, these particles can be washed away leaving gaps around the foundation.

Loam: Typically, a combination of sand, silt and clay, loam is an ideal soil type for supporting foundations, as it is able to maintain water at a balanced rate.

Rock: The strength and stability of rock makes it a great choice for foundations. However, it can be difficult to dig into, and homeowners should be sure the rock is level before constructing the foundation.

Effects of Drainage Around Your House on Your Foundation

So, what exactly happens when you have poor drainage around the house? More than you might think! Keeping your foundation safe is paramount to protecting your home and everyone in it. Here are some of the effects that constant, unmanaged drainage can have on your property:

Soil Erosion

Moving water affects anything it touches, which includes the soil around your home. The more drainage there is, the more erosion that will happen. Over time, that erosion will cause a significant amount of soil to be displaced.

Because your foundation was built with that soil around the home, any loss can cause shifting and reduce its overall support from the environment around it. The longer this erosion goes, the weaker your foundation becomes due to cracks and further shifting.

Soil Expansion

In addition to being displaced, soil also absorbs moisture. Depending on the type of soil around your home, its level of expansiveness can vary. The more expansive it is, the more risk your home is at when drainage is left uncontrolled.

Certain soils can absorb a great deal of moisture, expanding significantly. This puts pressure on your foundation and can quickly lead to cracks and shifting.

Soil expansion is a threat that can’t be completely eliminated. However, reducing drainage to the soil goes a long way to mitigating how much expanding it can do. Waterproofing around your foundation can often be the only way to prevent problems if you have soil with high potential for expansion.

Concrete Absorption

We like to think of concrete as sturdy and reliable. While that is true, the properties of concrete aren’t exactly what you may expect. Primarily – did you know it’s porous? All those holes in concrete are susceptible to incoming moisture – and it’s common for most homes to experience absorption.

In small amounts, this absorption isn’t a major problem. The moisture enters in small amounts and can evaporate. But in home foundations with poor drainage issues, the constant assault of moisture means the concrete keeps absorbing more and more.

Over time, this water breaks down the concrete and leads to cracks. Those cracks weaken the foundation, and continue to grow unless dealt with. One ignored crack in your foundation is all it takes to lead to leaks and eventually major damage!

Improving Drainage Around Your House

Whether your home is resting on stable or not-so-stable soil, water drainage is an important part of maintaining the life of a foundation. Poor drainage can cause problems like water in the basement or structural damage, while proper surface drainage can lead moisture away from your home ultimately protecting the precious foundation. Here are some things you can do to ensure better drainage.

Roof gutters and downspouts: Gutters should be kept free of debris and direct water to downspouts that carry it away from the foundation. Be sure they’re draining at least six feet away from the home — downspout extensions can help!

Sufficient grading: Check to see if dirt is graded away from the home. Housing codes have various requirements, but it’s helpful if the ground slopes away from the foundation for a distance of eight feet or more.

Basement windows: Sometimes debris and water can collect near basement windows, so be sure to provide adequate drainage to the foundation drain.

Sump pumps remove excess water from around your basement and are best for minor amounts of groundwater. Ensure your sump pump is in good, working condition and consider a battery back-up.

Install foundation drains: This repair consists of removing portions of existing basement slab, installing new drains directing water to a sump pump and then installing new slab. Learn more about

basement waterproofing options read more

Protect Your Home from Water Damage with DIY Rain Gutter Repair

By:    |   Published October 12, 2022

Your gutter system is one of the most important parts of your home. Unfortunately, it’s one of the most common things that homeowners forget about until there’s a problem. Don’t let out of sight be out of mind – when your gutter isn’t functioning correctly, it could mean major damage! While waterproofing your basement is a good start, damaged gutters can affect your home’s siding and even the roof if not corrected in time.

Performing your own rain gutter repair is often a lot easier than you expect, even for novice DIYers. Find out the most common gutter and downspout problems and how to fix them from EverDry Toledo!

Common Gutter Problems & Solutions

Clogged & Obstructed Gutters

One of the most common problems with rain gutters is clogging. Over time, debris builds up in your gutters and prevents water from flowing properly. In severe cases, it can even dam the flow of water completely, which puts your roof at risk for damage.

How to Repair It: While clogged rain gutters are common, they are fortunately easy to fix. Depending on the size of your house, all you may need is a ladder and a pair of gloves. Simply go around each section of the gutter, removing debris and inspecting it for possible damage.

Most homeowners will only need to do this about once per year, and spring is one of the best times to do it – not to mention some other important outdoor maintenance. However, if your house is surrounded by one or more trees, you may want to consider cleaning you gutters a few times each year. The more trees that can drop leaves or branches into the gutters, the quicker the buildup can hit critical mass.

It may also be worth investing in a gutter guard that helps prevent debris from entering your gutter in the first place. This doesn’t mean you never have to clean your gutters again, but it can help keep them flowing better between cleanings.

Leaks, Holes, or Deterioration

Your gutter is made up of multiple sections that are sealed or connected with gutter joints. Over time, no matter how they are joined together, the connection will deteriorate. Even well maintained gutters can sometimes suffer physical damage that opens holes or gaps. This results in leaking that drops water right against your siding or foundation.

How to Repair It: There are two ways to fix a leaky gutter. If the leak is coming from a tiny hole, such as one the size of a nail head, all you need is a little caulk. Silicone or gutter caulk can seal the leak without any additional help. Just make sure the gutter is free of any debris before you begin.

If the leak is much larger, you may need to use metal flashing to patch your gutter. Many home improvement stores sell gutter patch kits. Even if you can’t find a kit, you can create a patch by using tin snips to cut out metal flashing and using sealant to glue it in place.

Downspout Draining Too Close to House

A perfectly functional gutter system can be ruined by a downspout draining improperly. It’s important to make sure that the end of the downspout is taking the water an appropriate distance away. If it’s not, all the water caught and flushed away by the gutters will come right back.

Drainage plays a significant factor in the health of your home’s foundation read more

Controlling Basement Humidity for Whole Home Health

By:    |   Published September 6, 2022

If walking in your basement is best done with an umbrella, you have a problem! Water condensation drops on your basement ceiling is a sure sign you are in need of help in controlling basement humidity. Not all basement humidity issues are as obvious as “rain” in your basement, but controlling basement humidity is important for your home’s foundational health as well as the health of you and your family. read more