Basement Waterproofing and Foundation Repair in Harrisburg, PA

Hydrostatic pressure is a natural force created by the weight of the soil and the water that it contains.

Sudden or significant increases in hydrostatic pressure can be caused in different ways, but it is most likely to occur because of heavy rainfall. This can cause the soil to wash out or flood, or expand and press against your basement walls.

When this happens, structural damage is almost certain because hydrostatic pressure is often applied laterally. Concrete is durable, but it really cannot bend or flex. Lateral pressure can then cause it to crack and buckle. Bowing walls and foundation fragmentation are common outcomes when hydrostatic pressure gets too high. 

Foundation damage is one of the most serious issues that can affect any property. It can result in ongoing cosmetic damage and costly repairs, become dangerous for your family, and render your house unlivable the longer it goes unrepaired. It’s important to contact foundation professionals for an inspection and repairs as soon as you notice something is wrong with your home.

SettleStop PolyRenewal™ foam injection is one of the most effective concrete lifting products on the market today. Compared to older methods like mudjacking, polyurethane foam is less messy, less likely to overburden already weak soil, cures quickly, and easier for skilled professionals to install.

During a professional inspection, our experts at Baker’s Wateproofing will determine the area and amount needed for installation. When the crew arrives to lift your concrete, here’s a look at their process:

• Small, penny-sized holes are drilled into the affected concrete.
• Injection ports are placed in these holes.
• The two-part foam is mixed.
• The foam is injected under the concrete, expanding to fill voids between the soil and slab.
• The slab lifts back to the proper height as the foam cures (within 15 minutes).
• The injection ports are removed.
• The drilled holes are filled and sealed, as are any visible cracks.

If you notice sudden rises in your energy bills, your supplier may have raised their rates. However, your home also could be the problem, especially if you have a crawl space with open vents. These vents bring in hot and humid summertime air, as well as cold winter air, and the precipitation that comes with each season.

Because of the stack effect, the natural airflow in a building from bottom to top, the air in your crawl space travels upward. Whether it is cold or warm, this air makes it difficult for your HVAC to maintain a consistent, comfortable temperature, and will continue to run. Thus, your energy bills will be higher than normal.

To combat this issue and create a more comfortable and energy-efficient home, consider encapsulating your crawl space.