A problem in the basement strikes fears in the heart of any homeowner. A problem with the basement is like a broken bone and one that must be remedied before further damage can be done. The good news is, the following repair techniques are ready and available to fix the problem as soon as possible.
The 4 Essential Parts of a Basement System:
Foundation – The foundation is the literal basement itself. It is typically an eight-foot or deeper hole (or room) under a structure that ends in a concrete slab against the soil. The foundation is designed to do three things: To support the above structure, keep out any groundwater and act as a barrier between the structure and water or soil vapor. For the vast majority of the damage done to a foundation, water is the primary culprit. Variations in moisture cause components of the soil to swell or shrink, leading to movement beneath your foundation.
Crawl Space – Expanding on the previous point, the crawlspace is a smaller section of a basement, typically one only suitable for humans to crawl through (hence the name). This area is designed as an insulated vent to release water vapor that is drawn out of the soil under and around the structure. Ideally, crawl spaces would be created with fiberglass, in order to dissuade any moisture from affecting the wooden fixtures that make up the home or structure. Due to being under the structure, the humid environment introduces a number of hazards, including mold and mildew growth, musty odors, and moist sills and framing that can lead to both structural damage and pest infestations.
Waterproofing a Basement – There are few things worse for a homeowner than a wet basement. If you are a homeowner and concerned about the return on the biggest investment of your life, waterproofing your basement provides a great option. Unlike remodeling or renovations, waterproofing techniques of a basement will never go out of style and provide a real, tangible benefit to you and your family for years to come.
Concrete Lifting – A method for those who are already aware of the issues in the foundation of their home, and aim to keep costs down as they try to avoid bigger problems down the line. Concrete lifting is the process of repairing or correcting an already cracked or diminished foundation by jacking up the concrete as opposed to a completely new pour of concrete into the foundation. Removing a slab and replacing it with a new one creates a lot of noise, dust, and dirt. Concrete Lifting or slab jacking, however, is a much cleaner process that leaves no waste behind.
All of these techniques are aimed at different predicaments that homeowners find themselves facing in the basement. The issue with structural or foundational problems with a home is if they do not get fixed, they will only lead to worse issues within the structure. There are many different Colorado basement repair companies offering a free consultation so to find the best and most affordable repair techniques possible for you and your home.
