When your home ages, it may seem like there’s a new issue every week. Some of these are just side effects of your home aging, but others are signaling to you that you need serious home repairs to keep everything structurally sound and your family safe. Some signs that could indicate foundation issues include:
Foundation damage can be caused by many things. No matter where you live, no home is immune to the potential danger of foundation failure. This can be caused by:
Your foundation is the very bones of your home. Without it, you face a variety of issues that are not only structurally unsafe but medically unsafe for your family. Foundation failure can bring in pests, mold, mildew, and other nasty problems. If you don’t address the issues, your home’s value will go down dramatically each year it continues to be ignored. Not to mention the sheer cost of repairs that will rack up as the problem gets worse. You don’t want to wait to repair foundation issues. Even if it doesn’t seem like a huge deal to you, it could be an indicator of a much larger problem. Call our professional team today.
There are several symptoms that you may encounter in your home or business that indicate that you have a foundation problem. These common foundation problems include:
As a structural repair company, IWP can help you with all the above problems. In addition different common foundation problems can mean different solutions. We can provide you with an inspection that will allow us to diagnose your problem and customize a solution.
As a home or business owner it is a great practice to evaluate your foundation regularly. There are several early warning signs that can be indicators of foundation failure such as:
These are examples of common first signs that your foundation is failing. If you notice any of these issues in or around your property, then it is a good idea to schedule a foundation inspection.
Foundation failure is primarily caused by shifting and moving soils below or around your foundation. Loose, poorly compacted soil begins to compact on its own over time causing your foundation to shift and move with it. This leads to many of the common foundation problems and symptoms that you may see around your home or business.
Hydrostatic pressure can also play a role. This occurs when oversaturated soil around your foundation begins to apply pressure to the exterior walls of your foundation. This is the reason you may discover bowing or leaning walls in your basement. If left unchecked, the bowing walls can collapse inward, which is another form of foundation failure.
Helical Underpinning is a process that will strengthen and reinforce your existing foundation. In the example 3-D model shown, you will see that helical piers have been drilled into the load bearing strata (soil) beneath the home. The steel helical piers are drilled to a pre-determined depth that ensures that your home will remain stable and secure. If you would like to know more about underpinning, do not hesitate to contact us.
For bowing walls, helical tiebacks are utilized in a similar fashion to underpinning. The helical tiebacks are also drilled into the load bearing strata (soil) surrounding your foundation, and the lateral force applied moves the wall back to its original position and provides the reinforcement to maintain a safe, secure foundation.
In the photo example, you will see the part of the helical tieback that is on the inside of a basement with severe bowling walls.
When you notice cracks in your foundation walls or even your drywall, you should check to see both the size of the crack and the direction it moves in. The larger the crack is, the more serious it may be. As a rule of thumb if a crack is larger than 1/4″ then it may be more serious. Diagonal cracks in brick, concrete, and block walls tend to be the most serious, however larger horizontal and vertical cracks can be an issue as well.
If you have cracks that you are concerned or unsure about, we would be happy to schedule an inspection, and provide you with a free estimate.
First, inspect your entire home for signs of foundation failure that were mentioned above. If you happen to see anything, don’t panic. All you have to do is give us a call. You will be connected to one of our qualified professionals who will set up a time to come to your home and inspect the entire property.
Once our professionals inspect your home, we will then provide you with a free quote for the services we will need to perform to get your home back in tip-top shape. As soon as you’ve approved the services and set up a financing plan, we will work with you to create a work schedule so that we are not in your way and so that we finish the project in a timely manner. If you have any specifications for where you would like our team to put our extra materials, where we should park, etc., this is when you should tell us. Once the project is done, you will be notified and anything that is not done to your satisfaction will be addressed with our team and fixed, if possible.
While it is completely understandable that you may want to try and repair your foundation yourself, let’s be honest, your foundation is the structure that your home or business is built upon. When it comes to your property, having a licensed professional inspect and repair your foundation ensures that it is done correctly, the first time, and keeps you safe and secure for years to come.
The foundation repair products that we use at IWP are manufactured here in the USA in Olathe, KS by Earth Contact Products, or ECP. These products are some of the very best, tried and true foundation repair options available in the industry today. In addition, we have a highly skilled team that will walk you through the process step by step, to give you the confidence that your foundation repair is done right. Contact us today for an inspection and free estimate!
You may not immediately notice that your basement is affected by water, especially if you don’t spend a lot of time down there. Some common signs you may be facing basement water problems include:
These are just the beginning signs of issues in your home. If you’ve noticed any of these problems, you don’t want to wait, call our professional team right away.
You may still be on the fence about getting your basement waterproofed. For one thing, you may not think your home will ever flood due to its location or how sturdy it is. This still may not protect you in the case of a flood or improper construction techniques.
Waterproofing your basement will give you peace of mind from issues like extreme flooding, mold and mildew growth, unwanted pests, and more. Not waterproofing your basement causes more harm, even though you might be thinking you’ll save money, the real costs come later on in repairs. It’s better to protect your family’s health and safety by getting our professional services.
The first thing you’ll want to do if you suspect foundation issues is to do a walk through your basement. Our Healthy Basement Checklist can be a handy tool if you’re unsure of what to look for. If you can visibly see any of the problems listed above, that’s how you know it’s time to call. You can also read this helpful article about waterproofing options for more information.
At IWP, we make it easy to get in contact with a professional. All you have to do is either fill out our online form and wait for one of our team members to contact you or give us a call directly to set up a formal inspection. Your quote is completely free, so you don’t have to worry about extra or hidden charges. We will come to your home, conduct a full inspection, and write up a quote based on the services we think your home needs. We only use the best products and our team is highly trained so that you know you’re getting the best experience for your money.
If you’re ready to take the next step in home safety, give IWP a call today and receive your free evaluation!
Have you found water in your basement? There are several causes of water entering your basement:
If you are having consistent issues with water seeping or pooling in your basement, contact IWP for an inspection and free estimate. Check out our Healthy Basement Checklist for more helpful basement tips!
The simple answer to this question is no. If you have water gathering over any period of time, the longer this happens the more problems you may have such as:
The most important thing that you can do for your home’s future if you see water is to get an inspection. IWP can determine the cause of your water issues, and provide you with a free estimate, and basement waterproofing plan to eliminate the problem.
First and foremost, determining the root cause of any water problems is very important to creating a basement waterproofing plan for your home. (See “What causes water to come in to a basement?” above) One, more, or all of these solutions may be recommended for your waterproofing plan:
Scheduling an inspection from IWP will determine the root cause of your water issues. We can create a plan specific to your needs and provide you with a free estimate.
Basement encapsulation is the process of putting up a waterproof vapor barrier around your basement walls. This can be used in combination with additional waterproofing measures to create a fully dry environment in your basement.
Use of a vapor barrier will create vast improvements in moisture and water in your basement such as:
With an inspection, the professionals at IWP can determine if basement encapsulation is the right basement waterproofing option for your home.
Drain tiles are a subterranean porous pipe system that provides the easiest path for water to travel out of your basement. By installing this network of pipes in your basement or around your foundation, you can direct water away from your foundation, thus providing protection from the damage that water can cause. You can watch this helpful video to learn more!
Crawlspace moisture or other issues can cause a wide array of problems ranging from mildly annoying to hazardous to your health or your home’s structural integrity. Here are several:
There are several options when it comes to fixing damp and wet crawlspace, and often depends on the level of repair needed. We offer the following solutions to our customers:
At IWP, we also offer other options depending on your unique situation, including diverters, drainage systems, sump pumps and air quality control systems. We have the expertise to make sure you have the right solution for your crawlspace.
You have noticed that you have sagging or sloping floors, and wonder why be concerned? Sagging floors are a sign that you may have significant structural issues such as foundation failure or damaged floor joists. This can be a result from a wet crawlspace. When you have water in your crawlspace you may see these symptoms:
If you have sagging floors, we recommend an inspection to determine the cause. IWP can provide you with a free estimate and a plan to address your specific needs.
Crawlspace encapsulation is the process of installing a sheet of vapor barrier around your crawlspace to prevent moisture. This can be a very effective part of a waterproofing plan to keep your crawlspace dry. This process may be used combined with other crawlspace repair and waterproofing solutions such as:
Have a wet crawlspace? IWP would be happy to provide you with an inspection and free estimate, as well as a waterproofing plan for your crawlspace tailored to your needs.
When you have sagging floors, it is likely that you have damaged or decaying floor joists due to a wet crawlspace and wood rot. When this happens, IWP may utilize crawlspace jacks as a repair solution to repair your sagging floor and restore stability to your home.
Crawlspace jacks not only support the sagging floor above, but can eliminate and bouncing and squeaking that results from having a sagging floor. Economical and easy to use, crawlspace jacks are often used successfully with crawlspace encapsulation. (See “What is crawlspace encapsulation?” above)
The simple answer here is no. Your crawlspace is meant to be dry, and if you have water and moisture that means that you could have one of a couple different problems causing it such as:
A wet crawlspace could lead to musty odors, pests, humidity, wood rot and more! If you are concerned about water in your crawlspace, contact the pros at IWP for an inspection and free estimate!
A wet crawlspace can be repaired in numerous ways, depending on the cause of your water and moisture.
The most important thing to do when you have a wet crawlspace is get an inspection. Your IWP crawlspace specialist will closely look at your situation and determine the best solution or combination of solutions to solve your wetness problems. Contact us today for an inspection and free estimate! You can view this video to give you more information about crawlspace solutions.
If you are planning a basement remodel or converting your basement into a living or sleeping space, you may have heard that you need egress windows. But what are they? An egress window is a type of window you would use in case of an emergency, like a house fire. Its main purpose is to allow you to escape or to allow a firefighter to gain access.
Egress windows are required in new construction homes, but older homes may not have them. Depending on how old your house is, it’s possible that your basement has windows with a smaller opening than required by the International Residential Code. It is now more popular to use basements as a living room, bedroom, office space, gym, etc., so it is important to make sure your home has this often overlooked safety feature. IWP has all the info you need to learn more about egress windows.
Many homes across America have basements and use them for any number of things –from storage, to extra bedrooms, to hangout spaces for the whole family. Basements are perfect for all of these things, but it’s still important to remember safety. It is likely that the contractor that built your home took into account the best safety practices, but egress windows are often considered an extra. Egress windows are important because they can offer a life-saving escape route in case of fire. You don’t want to take any chances with your family’s health and safety. What are the benefits of an egress window? They include:
The simplest answer is safety. They can likely save your life in case of a fire emergency. However, there are plenty of other reasons to install an egress window in your home!
To make sure that egress windows are safe, they must comply with the following measurement requirements:
They must also be able to open from the inside, and there cannot be any structures obstructing the opening, like grilles or bars.
IWP offers three types of egress windows: concrete, fiberglass, and corrugated metal. They each have their own strengths and weaknesses, and we are willing to help you find the best option for you.
An egress needs a sump pump to prevent water accumulation in the area, particularly in basements or crawlspaces where the egress window is located.
Without a sump pump, water from heavy rains or melting snow can enter through the egress and flood the space, leading to potential damage, mold growth, and structural issues.
The sump pump helps manage and expel excess water, keeping the area dry and ensuring the egress remains functional and safe for use.
To determine if your home has drain tile, start by checking the basement or crawlspace for any visible drainage pipes or a perforated system near the foundation walls or floor. You might also look for signs of drainage systems, such as sump pumps or water collection pits, which often accompany drain tile systems.
If your home was built before 1985, chances are it does not have drain tile.
Another way to see if you have drain tile, you can check for these signs:
Simply put, an egress window is a window that is big enough for a person to escape through in case of an emergency. In most cases the size is this window is dictated by local safety codes. Most often egress windows are installed in basements and in many places they are required for new construction. Typically, egress windows are made of one of three materials:
IWP installs all three types of egress windows, and would be happy to help install yours in your new or existing home.
Aside from the most important benefit: being a life saving emergency exit, egress windows offer other benefits such as:
Contact the egress window professionals at IWP for a free estimate for your new egress windows today!
Egress windows provide safety for you and your family, which all by itself makes them a valuable part of your home. In addition, because of the added safety, you can list your basement rooms as bedrooms which can lead to increased value of your home. Because they are visually appealing egress windows can add interest when listing your home as well. With added natural light and ventilation, overall they make a excellent choice for your home.
Yes you can! At IWP we can come inspect your current basement and advise you on the best course of action. We provide free estimates, and most installations can be done in about three days. Contact us for more details.
Underpinning is the process of installing piers to support, lift, or level your foundation. If done during the construction of your home, you won’t experience a sinking foundation in the future. Piers are installed by driving them deep into load-bearing soil, so they are stable and supportive. Foundations that don’t have piers installed simply sit on top of the soil. That soil will eventually shift, compact, or sink, which will cause the foundation to move. If supported by a pier, rather than unstable soil, you won’t encounter foundation problems.
Even if your home were to somehow sink in the future, the piers can be used to lift it back into place without having to go through the process of installation.
Your new home is one of your biggest investments. With that in mind, protecting that investment with basement or crawlspace waterproofing measures is a way to prevent problems in the future, and keep your home safe and dry. There are a number of waterproofing solutions to be considered as part of a new construction project, such as:
IWP can help start your home off on the right path, ensuring that potential water problems are avoided from the very start!
For a new foundation, waterproofing can be achieved at various levels of protection:
Surface Sealants: Applied directly to the foundation walls, these coatings create a barrier to resist water penetration and protect against moisture.
Waterproof Membranes: These are more robust than surface sealants and are typically applied to the exterior of the foundation walls. They provide a continuous barrier against water intrusion.
Drainage Systems: Includes the installation of drain tiles or perimeter drains around the foundation, which collect and channel water away from the foundation to prevent hydrostatic pressure buildup.
Crawlspace or Basement Liners: These are used in crawlspaces or basements to create an additional layer of protection by preventing moisture from seeping through the walls or floor.
Sump Pumps: Installed to actively pump out water that may accumulate around or beneath the foundation, helping to keep the area dry and preventing water damage.
Grading and Drainage: Proper grading around the foundation and installation of exterior drainage systems ensure that water is directed away from the foundation, reducing the risk of water pooling and seepage.
Each level of waterproofing adds an additional layer of protection, and the choice depends on factors such as the local climate, soil conditions, and the specific needs of the foundation.
One of the ways that you can prevent foundation problems from becoming extreme is by regularly examining the foundation of your business or commercial structure. As you look at the interior and exterior of the foundation and building, check for some of the following symptoms of a foundation problem:
These are telltale signs that you are dealing with a foundation problem. This kind of structural problem is usually caused by the sinking or shifting of the foundation. This can happen for a variety of reasons. One reason foundations begin to settle is the formation of voids under the concrete. This is often the result of soil shrinkage during dry, drought-like periods or erosion after heavy rainfall or snowmelt. It happens over months or years, but can turn into a major problem before you realize it! Settling foundations can also result from poor soil compaction under the foundation at the time that the structure was built and the foundation was laid.
If the foundation of your commercial building is moving, it could be due to excess hydrostatic pressure in the soil. Hydrostatic pressure increases and pushes on the foundation as the ground absorb more water and the soil expands. This pressure can cause the foundation to shift and crack, leading to bowing or leaning walls and water entry in the basement.
The best way to fix your industrial foundation and prevent further damage is to invest in commercial foundation repair services from IWP. We serve many industrial and municipal industries in Wichita, KS and the surrounding areas. We use Earth Contact Products (ECP) foundation repair products to ensure a strong, reliable, and long-lasting fix. Some of the ECP foundation repair products that we use include:
Commercial buildings tend to be larger, and thus have a larger load to be supported by the foundation. Sinking and settling due to poorly compacted soil can be a significant contributing factor for foundation problems for commercial buildings. Signs that you may have a foundation problem include:
As a commercial property owner, if you have concerns about your building’s foundation, IWP is here to help. Contact us today for a free estimate and an inspection of your property.
As the owner of a commercial property, it is a very good idea to look at your foundation regularly. Some cracks in a foundation, when small may just be a sign of insignificant settling. Larger cracks, diagonal cracks, and some vertical and horizontal cracks can be a sign of a foundation problem that may need repair.
Foundation settlement is an issue that needs to be addressed. Helical piers can be utilized in a process called underpinning, to lift and repair your building’s foundation and provide the stabilization that will keep your foundation secure for years to come. If you would like to have an inspection of your commercial property, IWP is here to help.