Basement waterproofing and crawl space repair in MI

Foundation Systems of Michigan Receives Award at International Convention in Connecticut

Thu, October 20 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Livonia, MI – Foundation Systems of Michigan was recently honored at a meeting of over 600 guests from all over the United States and Canada at this year’s Team Basement Systems Convention. The annual convention is held each year between Seymour, Connecticut, (where the Basement Systems headquarters is located) and Hartford, Connecticut, and brings together dealerships of the international network for classes, seminars, training, parties and networking.

This year Foundation Systems of Michigan received an award at the Team Basement Systems International Convention. Foundation Systems of Michigan ranked as one of the Top 5th Foundation Supportworks Power Brace Dealers in the United States and Canada.

The convention featured guest speakers Krish Duhnam (of the Zig Ziglar corporation), and the “Pit bull of Personal Development” Larry Winget. A sports-themed party at the Connecticut Convention Center ended the convention week with music, food and performances by the Harlem Wizards and the New England Patriots Cheerleaders.

Basement Systems is an international network of basement waterproofing, crawl space repair and basement finishing contractors. The international headquarters, based in Seymour, Connecticut, also provides sales and service throughout Connecticut and Westchester County, NY. Larry Janesky's Basement Systems has been helping homeowners increase their usable living space for over 20 years across the United States, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom. They have 27 patented basement and crawl space products, designed to help homeowners get more out of their basements and increase their home's value.

Foundation Supportworks™ is an international network of the most knowledgeable and experienced foundation repair contractors in North America and Canada. With independently owned and operated dealerships spanning from coast to coast, Foundation Supportworks works together with each of its dealerships to research and implement the best foundation solutions in the industry. Foundation Supportworks™ focuses on professional training, industry research, and sharing the best practices in the industry.

As a member of both Basement Systems Inc and Foundation Supportworks Inc, Foundation Systems of Michigan is committed to providing the best products and services to homeowners in their service area. They are committed to excellent customer service and high standards in all stages of production - from the sales process, to customer education and final installation.

Call or sign up today for a free basement wateproofing, crawl space repair, or foundation repair estimate today.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Care for your Crawl Space to Prevent Damages

Thu, October 6 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Your crawl space may be costing you more than you think. Surprisingly, that small space that you never enter is very important to your home and may be costing you thousands of dollars each year without your knowledge.

In some homes, crawl spaces can begin to develop black mold or dry rot and adequate steps have not been taken to protect the rest of the house. This neglect has the potential to cause your home to experience structural problems or structural weakening, and this could cause foul odors, as well as affect children and adults suffering with breathing difficulties and asthma as well as significantly decrease your property value.

Sources of Moisture

Many homeowners ignore possible sources of moisture such as windows, doors and vents. Sealing off all windows, doors and vents can help prevent cold air, moisture and humidity from entering your crawl space. By hiring a crawl space expert to properly seal off moisture sources you can reduce your monthly heating and cooling costs - saving you money!

Structural Weakening

A major concern to every homeowner is structural weakening. Structural weakening is caused by moisture, dampness and wetness in your basement or crawl space. A large majority of homes that have structural problems or structural weakening, show signs of uneven or warped floors. Noticeable cracks on the interior walls, usually on dry wall or sheetrock, and damaged or rotted floor beams and floor joists can also be signs of this weakening. This then leads to sagging, uneven or warped floors.

If this sounds like a problem you are experiencing, it is best to resolve the problem before it becomes too significant. It is less costly to make small repairs than it is to replace an entire foundation so don’t try to wait this one out!

Foul Smells, Odors and Mold

Most basements and crawl spaces tend to be dark, cold, and damp – an optimal place where hazardous mold can develop. Bad smells coming from your crawl space is a sure sign your home has an unseen problem with mold.

There are many different types of mold that can swiftly invade your home. A key way to avoid these bad smells is to clean your basement or crawlspace regularly, perform routine inspections looking for sources of dry rot or hollowed wood, and by using products recommended by your waterproofing contractors. This will keep moisture out and your basement clean and healthy.

Find a reputable expert who can protect your home from the elements. They offer some of the best ways to keep your crawl space and basement moisture-free.

Solution

The best and most effective way to keep moisture out of your home is to contact a certified crawl space contractor in your area. The certified contractor will complete an on-site inspection, provide a professional consultation, provide a free estimate and recommend the best and most cost efficient way to solve your unique problem.

Contact the experts at Foundation Systems of Michigan for a free estimate for basement waterproofing or crawl space encapsulation in Detroit and other nearby areas such as Ann Arbor, Flint, Livonia and Warren in Eastern and Central Michigan.

Commons Myths about Foundation Repair - Debunking the Facts from Fiction

Thu, October 6 2011, 00:00:00 -500

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to share horror stories regarding their foundation repair experience. Here, we debunk some of the common myths you may be hearing.

While there are many differing opinions regarding how to repair a foundation and which solution is most effective, we hope to provide a better understanding about foundation repair.

In this article, we examine the most common myths about concrete block and poured concrete foundations, epoxies and polyurethane sealants, and long lasting foundation replacements. If you need more information or have a few questions about something you’ve heard or seen regarding foundation repair please contact your local foundation repair experts, Foundation Systems of Michigan.

MYTH: A foundation made from concrete block is naturally weaker and more likely to crack and settle than one made of poured concrete.

REALITY: The type of foundation isn’t as important as other factors, such as soil conditions at the site, the condition of the footing that supports the wall, and how well the wall was reinforced during construction. Drainage details will also factor-in how well any foundation wall resists soil and water pressure. When properly constructed, a concrete block foundation is no more likely to sustain damage than a poured concrete foundation.

MYTH: Hi-tech epoxies and polyurethane sealants have made it much easier to permanently repair foundation cracks.

REALITY: Modern epoxy and polyurethane sealants designed for masonry repairs do a great job of sealing foundation cracks. Because they’re highly adhesive, strong and flexible, these products usually work more effectively than old-fashioned mortar-based patching compounds. However, there’s an important caveat to consider when repairing a cracked foundation.

If the circumstances that caused the crack aren’t addressed, further foundation damage is very likely to occur. For example, if a concrete slab cracks because of soil settlement, repairing the crack treats the symptom rather than the problem. Additional cracking will occur as soil settlement continues. To make a permanent repair, a foundation specialist may determine that steel piers should be driven beneath the slab, connecting it to sound load-bearing soil at greater depth.

MYTH: Replacing a damaged foundation with a new foundation is a more long-lasting solution than simply repairing a damaged foundation.

REALITY: This is a common misconception that needlessly costs homeowners huge sums of money. Concrete gains strength as it ages, so an existing concrete foundation will be stronger than a new concrete foundation due to its age. An experienced foundation repair specialist will be able to determine what caused the foundation damage, and then correct the problem using engineered foundation repair products like steel piers and wall anchors. When these products are installed, foundation elements (footings, slabs, walls, concrete stairs, etc.) that have shifted, cracked or settled can usually be jacked back into their original positions. The end result is a permanent repair that’s completed more quickly and much more economically than a total replacement job.

Contact the experts at Foundation Systems of Michigan for more truths about foundation repair and to schedule a free estimate for foundation repair in Sterling Heights, Rochester, Livonia and all nearby areas in SE Michigan.

Sunny Weather Next Few Days Is Perfect Time To Repair Foundations in Michigan

Wed, April 13 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Livonia, MI â Rain can cause issues for homeownersâbasements flood, roofs leak, and walls crack. Foundations can experience these same symptoms and worse. As the next few days are projected to be sunny, Foundation Systems of Michigan is encouraging homeowners to have their homeâs foundations inspected before the rain hits Saturday.

Some foundation cracks are ignored and fortunately this isnât always a problem, more often than not, cracks should not be overlooked. As the rain is predicted to hold off until Saturday, now is the best time to evaluate the foundation for cracks and signs of hydrostatic pressure, says Foundation Systems of Michigan.

Itâs not uncommon to find a foundation with buckling or bowing walls. In many cases, these are the results of hydrostatic pressure and heavy rainfall. When rain falls and builds up outside a foundation, it invokes extreme pressures upon the structure. In doing so, the walls begin to crack, bow, or buckle.

Just last month precipitation came in the form of snow and rain. Basements, crawl spaces and foundations were hit hard. Now is the time to venture a look at the sublevels, particularly the foundation. Foundation Systems of Michigan can help.

Foundation Systems of Michigan is a local specialist that wants to help homeowners identify foundation problems early, before the storms hit and make for an expensive repair. Contact them today for a free estimate for foundation repair in Ann Arbor and all surrounding areas.