WATER PROBLEMS

 

Solving water problems can be an interesting challenge involving a multiple of items from roof pitches and downspouts to the

topography and soils of the surrounding area.

 

We bring a unique perspective of knowledge and understanding of building, construction and landscape that helps us

properly diagnose and solve water problems. Many times when people have called us thinking they have a site problem we

have determined they really need to address gutter or flashing issues.

 

In cases where there are disputes, we have expert witness experience and have worked with attorneys and insurance

companies to provide analysis, reports and testimony.

 

About Water Problems

Most water problems occur where heavy clay soils are prevalent and where water either flows toward the house or pockets

in low areas and can’t escape.

 

Water problems usually become more apparent in the summer after heavy rain falls or during the winter or spring after a

rapid snow melt.

 

Significant structural problems, cracking and heaving, can develop over the course of many years from heavy saturated soils,

expanding clays, freeze thaw cycles and hydrostatic pressures.

 

Common Water Problems

     -  Wet and cracked basement walls, mold and efflorescence

     -  Water coming into the basement at the floor or through the walls

     -  Standing water or water logged lawns

     -  Drowning and anemic plants

     -  Dead lawn areas

     -  Cracked and heaved concrete in garages, on walks and patios

     -  Water coming into the garage

     -  Water flooding down from uphill runoff

 

Unusual or Less Frequent Water Problems

     -  Continually running sump pumps

     -  Water coming up through cracks in the floor

     -  Seepage under siding

     -  Cracked masonry on the above grade walls

     -  Water coming in through the window wells

     -  Rotted siding or floor joist below grade

Solutions: Easy Repairs (Sometimes easier said than done)

 

In many cases an easy fix may take care of your problem. In these cases you can do it yourself or a lawn service can help you.

 

     -  Clean out your gutters and downspouts

     -  Make sure your downspout extensions are attached and exit at least 4 feet away

     -  Make sure your soil pitches away from your foundation. This can be deceiving as gravel or bark mulch on the surface

         may appear to pitch away but the underlying soil pitches back toward the house.

 

Solutions: More Complex Repairs

(Frequently involve many components)

 

In some cases many items may need to be addressed to correct a problem. In these cases you need a knowledgeable and

experienced expert to properly diagnose and design a solution.

Items may include:

 

     -  Grading and excavation: swales, berms

     -  Drain tiling: French drains, downspouts/sump pump, catch basins,

         sump pumps

     -  Upper foundation work: masonry repairs, tuck pointing, water proofing,

         flashing, window wells,

     -  Construction items: Concrete, retaining walls

Case Studies

Brookfield

Problem: During heavy rains, water flowed from the surrounding properties into the back yard creating flooding conditions. It remained so wet you could sink up to your ankles even during dry periods.

Elm Grove

Problem: Water would come into the basement during a heavy rain.

Fox Point

Problem: Water would come into the finished basement area at the floor level during heavy rainstorms. The stairwell would flood and the well wall was cracked and buckling.

Hales Corners

Problem: Garage wall was cracked and bowed with efflorescence forming on the bottom. The bottom course of block slipped inward 1.5 inches.

New Berlin

Problem: Water would come into the basement at the northwest corner. Horizontal cracks were beginning to develop along the back yard wall.

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