Basement Water Control VS Basement Waterproofing
A while back we wrote a blog about Basement Water Control VS Basement Waterproofing. In older homes it is especially important to know the difference between these two option for your basement water issues. Just last week Lakewood issued a strong warning about using Interior Water Control systems, like many major competitors use. Water Control Systems should not be used without first insuring your basement structure will remain intact with this system. Structural issues have become a big concern in Lakewood. Lakewoods statement is below, followed by our blog on the difference between a basement water control system and basement waterproofing. To be clear, On-Call provides Basement Waterproofing Systems. If you want to know more about the difference in these two options, please call us. We are happy to talk with you 440-476-3602
Interior Water Controlling/Wall Bracing Contractors
Building Permits Department, City of Lakewood, Ohio
2/1/2023
Be it advised that some of our basement walls are in ill repair due to the age and material type that the foundations were built with. We have speed tile foundations, double wythe brick, sandstone, and rubble foundations in many locations. Many of these foundation types were originally set on undisturbed clay and do not have any footings, or full 4” thick basement floors that are required to install many of these systems. Water controlling specifications need to be submitted to the Building Department annually and with every project for review, as well as wall stabilization systems requiring steel beams to be placed vertically on the existing foundation wall, affixed to full footings, and tied to existing floor framing. Starting in 2023, the Building Department is requiring proof that footings and full 4” thick basement floors exist, along with engineered plans to install these systems. We will not issue any permits for stabilization systems for foundation walls that require the structural members be installed or permanently affixed to footings that (A) don’t exist or (B) are structurally inadequate. The burden will fall on the contractor and engineer/design professional (registered to practice in the state of Ohio) to prove to us that the system specified can be installed in every situation that is uncovered. Should you have any questions you may contact the Building Commissioner directly, (216)529-6295.
Our previous blog on Basement Water Control VS Basement Waterproofing
The State of Ohio now distinguishes between basement waterproofing and interior water control systems. Basement interior water control is a method for removing water once it has entered the basement. Interior water control is not basement waterproofing.
So how are they different? Water control systems involve drain tiles connected to a sump pump which drain water from your basement to keep you basement dry, thus the term “water control”. These systems work to remove water once it has entered your basement but they do not keep water out.
Basement waterproofing, as identified by Ohio’s code, is external waterproofing. It involves excavating the exterior to keep water from entering your basement. It involves external drainage and sealant application along with several other steps to keep water from entering your basement.
Do you want water to enter your basement and then be removed after it has seeped in or do you want an external water barrier to keep the water out? We offer waterproofing. If you have a basement moisture or water problem and want basement waterproofing, call us 440-476-3602. We are happy to demonstrate the difference between these processes.
What to Know About Your Home and Water That Can Save You Money
- Know where your main water shut off valve is located
- Turn off your water supply when going on vacation
- Use braided supply hoses whenever possible
- Check your water supply hoses for leaks regularly
- Make sure downspouts are pointing away from your house.
- Clean your gutters
- Make sure your gutters are fastend correctly
These tips can help save you money in the long run. Keeping water away from and out of your basement is a priority for us. If you do have a water issue, please call us. We are here to help.
Basement Water Control VS Basement Waterproofing
The State of Ohio now distinguishes between basement waterproofing and interior water control systems. Basement interior water control is a method for removing water once it has entered the basement. Interior water control is not basement waterproofing.
So how are they different? Water control systems involve drain tiles connected to a sump pump which drain water from your basement to keep you basement dry, thus the term “water control”. These systems work to remove water once it has entered your basement but they do not keep water out.
Basement waterproofing, as identified by Ohio’s code, is external waterproofing. It involves excavating the exterior to keep water from entering your basement. It involves external drainage and sealant application along with several other steps to keep water from entering your basement.
Do you want water to enter your basement and then be removed after it has seeped in or do you want an external water barrier to keep the water out? We offer waterproofing. If you have a basement moisture or water problem and want basement waterproofing, call us 440-476-3602. We are happy to demonstrate the difference between these processes.
On-call Waterproofing is looking for a few good workers. Are you looking for a job?
Here is what we are looking for:
- Individuals with a strong work ethic. You show up for work on time, prepared to work for the day and work towards achieving the days goals.
- Dependable workers who show up and follow through are critical.
- Positive attitude, we know the work that needs to be done and how to keep our team safe. Our pay is above average and we offer good benefits. An individual willing to work and contribute to our team with a good attitude makes everyones day better.
- Self motivated individuals are welcome. We need individuals that will take care of the job they are assigned.
- Team oriented workers are welcome. We work together to do our jobs and we look out for each other. Want to be a part of a great team, contact us.
- Good communications skills are necessary. Problems occur and being able to tell us what the problem is so we can address the issue is critical. You need to be willing to tell others what is going on with the work you are assigned, especially if there is an issue.
- You need to be flexible with your assignments. You may be assigned to a project that is delayed and asked to work at another site. You may be asked to do a different job the second half the day. Life happens to us too and work schedules change. We need employees that are flexible with changes. Our work day is pretty standard but the daily work can change.
- Honest workers who do not take property that is not theirs and are good for their word.
If you show up, do your work, cooperate with the team and contribute positively you are a good employee and we would like the opportunity to speak with you. We will train you. We offer good pay and benefits.
Interested? Contact us via our employment opportunities page.
Water Issues for Homes on Cement Slabs
We were reminded of the saying; “buyer beware” this spring. We were called by new home owners to help with their slab home in Westlake. They had a water problem. And unfortunately it was bigger than they knew.
Their “water problem” had created additional issues. In a slab home the slab contains plumbing and HVAC air ducts. In this case the metal air ducts were deteriorating, rotting and showed mold growth due to the water condensation inside the air ducts because the slab base was not properly graded.
The good news is our friends at Advanced Air Duct Solutions, Inc. were able to help with the HVAC air duct issues. The bad news is they had to rip up the floor to fix the air ducts. This is a costly repair.
To avoid water issues going forward we installed drain tile around the homes perimeter. This allows the water to drain away from the home properly and keep water from getting into the cement slab.
In addition to fixing the air ducts and drain tile, the city required the down spouts be connected to the storm sewers as part of the permitting to fix the water issue. This added an additional $1000 to the job.
The cost of the job was well over $10,000 to repair the “water issue”. The silver lining is the previous owner, who was looking to “flip” the house had contacted Advanced Air Duct Solutions but was unwilling to do the right thing to repair the water problem he knew existed. Unfortunately this means a law suit to recover the money spent by the new home owners.
So BUYER BEWARE! Get a thorough home inspections before you purchase a home. Check the foundation and look for water issues.
Custom Construction with a Basement Water Problem
Did you say tough and dry? You mean compressed and damp here's a picture of us scraping off tough and dry waterproofing. There was no gravel next to it this home which is less than 10 years old. Because the Builder did not backfill the outside of the basement with gravel wet clay was all along the outside of the foundation next to the tough and dry board. The water from our Northern Ohio clay soil seeped into the waterproofing boards rendering them useless and created dampness in the walls.
The home in question is a large custom built home with a beautiful finished basement. Water in the basement was not part of the design plans. We were able to fix the problem. We had to dig out the foundation. Scrape the installed wet waterproofing barrier off the foundation and properly install waterproofing that works in our region. On-Call Waterproofings solution will keep the basement dry for many years to come. If you have new construction and a damp basement issue call us. We can help.
Would you rather spend $20,000 to NOT fix your basement water problem or $3,500 to fix it?
The tree roots in the sewer line pictured below were causing water issues in our Parma clients basement. We were able to determine this by using our sewer camera enabling us to clearly see the tree roots. Another waterproofing contractor gave this homeowner an estimate of $20,000 to waterproof the basement which would not have solved the problem. The basement water issue being experienced by the homeowner was with the lateral sewer line to the street being blocked by tree roots and backing up water into their basement. The roots could not be water jetted out. We had to excavate to replace the main connections. Our price to correct the actual problem: $3,500. It pays to determine the cause before you "fix" the problem. We get to the root of your basement water problems. In this case quite literally.
Guard Your Mobile Phone Around Sewer Work!
Note to self, when you climb into a hole to finish a job for a client be aware of how you handle your mobile phone. Our own Frank Tomaro climbed into a hole to continue work to on a drainage line. While working on the drainage line in the hole Frank took a client call. Unfortunately when Frank hung up he inadvertently put his phone in his hoody pocket and not in the inside pocket where it would be protected. Going back to work on the clearing the line he thought nothing more about it.
The work that day was very important. It involved insuring the proper drainage of sewer lines in the event of a storm water surge. In the Cleveland area Lake Erie often becomes contaminated with sewer water after a large rain storm due to a problem with older sewage drainage systems. After large storms Lake Erie can be unsafe for swimmers because of sewage contamination in the storm surge water that drains into the lake. The West Creek Conservancy is working to stop this from happening. On-Call Waterproofing is a partner with WCC in their focused effort to keep sewer water out of the storm surge. On-Call takes extra steps to test for these issues and correct sewer contamination problems.
The day Frank lost his phone he was focused on correcting just such a contamination issue and insuring proper sewer line connections. He did not notice when his phone slid from his pocket into the muddy water at his feet. In fact he did not realize until hours later when the work was completed and the hole was filled in that his phone was missing. In the end his phone was a small price to pay to protect the quality of our water in Lake Erie. Thankfully his wonderful wife, Bernadette, raced out to get Frank a new phone and update it with all his contact information. After all his phone is his lifeline to you, our clients.