The Basement Doctor of Cincinnati Q&A

Getting your crawl space encapsulated and fitted with the appropriate products is an investment that can help to lower your heating costs and improve the air quality within your home. It is also important to have the vents sealed off to prevent outside air from coming in. 

Mold cannot live without a source of water, so one important step to treat mold in your crawl space is to get rid of the moisture.  We are the waterproofing experts in the area and have products to rid your house of too much moisture, such as the SaniDry Sedona.  Schedule an appointment with one of our certified inspectors, who will meet with you one-on-one to give you the best solution to your home.  Homeowners-call today for a free, no-obligation appointment!

Concrete is frequently installed on top of loose soil during a home's construction. Over time this concrete can start moving as the soil settles, shrinks, or washes away. This will result in the uneven, sinking, or tilting concrete surfaces that PolyLevel is used to raise. 

The primary ways that water gets into the crawl space area through vents, condensation, and leaks.

PolyLevel is injected beneath concrete fixtures through a series of strategically-drilled pea-sized holes. This foam fills the gap between the concrete fixture and the compromised soil. As it dries, PolyLevel expands - pushing slabs and concrete fixtures upward. Afterward, the pea-sized holes are patched and become nearly invisible. Once it cures, PolyLevel will provide permanent support between the concrete slab and the ground. 

There can be several sources of water in a leaky basement. Water could be infiltrating the space through a doorway or window - or perhaps through a crack in the wall. There are different solutions for each. For water coming in through a doorway, we would use a TrenchDrain to capture the water before it enters the basement. For a window leak, we would use a WellDuct window well to capture the water and channel it to the drainage system. For water coming in through a basement crack, we would use a FlexiSpan cover or basement paneling to drive the water down to the drainage system.

The four main culprits for crawl space damage are humidity, moisture, temperature changes, and water. 

Pitting and flaking are the results of water damaging the surface of your concrete over time. After heavy rain, the surface of the concrete will absorb water (like a sponge). When this water then evaporates or freezes, it creates or widens existing surface damage on the face of the concrete. Many people attribute this damage to salt laid down in the winter, but that is not totally accurate. Laying down salt can melt existing ice and snow into water, which then refreezes on the surface of the concrete - widening imperfections. This damage worsens every year as the seasons and weather change until it is noticeable to the naked eye. This can decrease your property value and create pathways in the concrete’s surface for further damage.

Having a wet basement can prevent you from being able to use the space the way that you want.  Our patented waterproofing system can turn your wet basement into a dry, comfortable space you can use for extra storage or living space!  Schedule an appointment with a certified inspector who can show you the best options for your home and family.  

A crawl space vapor barrier is a moisture-proof barrier, sometimes made of plastic sheeting, that is placed on the floor of the crawl space area.  The vapor barrier separates the crawl space from the ground below.  Our CleanSpace Encapsulation System is made of a 20-mil plastic, similar to a pool liner, that is permanently attached to the floors and walls of the crawl space giving you extra protection from moisture that can cause mold, mildew and musty odors.

A sump pump is used to pump water out of a "sump pit" or "sump basin." "Sump basins" are pits that have been carved into the floor of a home or basement, and collect any pooling water. The sump pump is designed to take this collected water and pump it out of the home (usually back outside). 

PolyLevel is a high-strength polyurethane foam used to raise and level concrete slabs and fixtures. It is light-weight, environmentally friendly, and durable enough to support heavy loads. 

Our FlexiSpan Crack Repair system is the best concrete patch solution.  A common way to fix leaking cracks in the basement walls is to fill it with some type of sealant.  That will work for a while, but as the house continues to settle the crack may open letting the water in again.  Our Flexispan Wall Crack Repair System consists of three layers of protection, a bead of sealant, a foam drain strip, and a sealant overlay.  Water will not be able to get through these three lines of defense.  

Concrete issues don't get better over time, so putting off making a concrete repair appointment is only going to lead to more unevenness and deterioration. The earlier you decide to fix your concrete problems, the earlier a professional can help to prevent further damage and save you money down the line. If you ever plan to sell your home or have it evaluated, you are going to wish that you had repaired your concrete when you first noticed the damage. 

The Basement Doctor of Cincinnati uses Polylevel Injection System to lift concrete slabs.   Tripping over a sidewalk slab is no fun and not being able to pull into the driveway because the slab is uneven with the garage is a pain!  Schedule an appointment with a certified inspector to find out how Polylevel would be the best solution for your sunken concrete problems!

A sump is a vital and integral part of any basement waterproofing system. Along with a water collection and drainage system, the sump pump ensures that pooling water in the basement can be safely and quickly transported back outside. This will help to prevent damage to the home caused by flooding or water infiltration. 

Concrete is porous - meaning it can absorb substances like oil, mold, dirt, fertilizer, and more! This forms ugly stains over time that damage your concrete and lower your property value. 

Lots of different variables contribute to concrete deterioration, but the main 5 culprits are loose fill-soil, wash-out, dry-out, slab expansion, and water entering grid lines. 

Mold needs a source of water to be able to thrive.  Mold in a crawl space will die if it does not have a form of moisture.  The problem with this is the MOLD SPORES can regenerate if the water source returns!  The best solution would be to make sure the water cannot return to the crawl space.  Our CleanSpace Encapsulation System, along with other products, will keep your crawl space dry eliminating the water for the mold to be able to grow.  Every home has unique needs.  Schedule a free estimate with a certified inspector, who can provide you with the information to make the right decision for your home.