services
- 503-209-6222
Get Reliable Crawl Space Repair and Waterproofing in Portland, OR
Offering Comprehensive Crawl Space Solutions
Are you after a basement or crawl space repair or waterproofing system in Salem, Albany, Eugene, or Portland, OR? Are you tired of puddles in your living space? Then you want to contact Waterproofing Technologies of Oregon today! We’re Oregon’s premier waterproofing services. We don’t just handle waterproofing though.
Here are some of the many services we offer:
-Foundation waterproofing & sealing
-Footing drain systems
-Gutter rainwater drains
-Basement drain systems
-Craw space de-watering and drain systems
-Concrete cleaning and repair
-Sump pumps & Battery back-up systems
-Crawl space encapsulation
-Crawl space repair/remediation/remodeling
-Basement waterproofing
-Foundation waterproofing
-Carbon fiber reinforcement
-Crack injection
As you can see, we offer a wide range of services. This sets us apart from our competitors that can only waterproof. We can repair your crawl space or basement, clean your concrete, improve your healthy living space, install rainwater drains, and a ton more! There’s no reason why your home shouldn’t be waterproofed, especially in a rainy state such as Oregon. We’re the absolute best way to ensure your basement, foundation, and crawl spaces stay dry and clean! Don’t wait to give us a call at (503) 209-6222 to get started today! You can also email us with any questions or comments at waterproofingtechnologies@yahoo.com.
BASEMENT WATERPROOFING & BASEMENT REMODELING
Invest In Your Home! Basements add useable storage and living space at a fraction of the cost of additions. The first step in protecting your investment is to waterproof your basement. A wet or leaky basement can reduce the value of your home by 10-20%. Homes with wet basements don’t sell!
A wet basement wastes an entire level of your home. It makes no sense to live in a home with an unusable wet basement or a basement that floods (once in awhile). Waterproofing Technologies of Oregon can provide a solution. Ruined finished basements, damaged stored items and appliances are all a result of wet basements. Why absorb the costs and inconvenience associated with a flooded basement?
Water intrusion can occur anywhere at any time in a basement it is just a matter of when. Unusual seasonal freezes and thaws, earthquakes and settling of the foundation are of the primary causes of water infiltration and typically cannot be predicted.
To assure the protection of your investment a full perimeter water drainage system should be installed. Waterproofing Technologies of Oregon has available two patented waterproof drain systems Water Trek Aqua Route for sub surface and Baseboard Aqua Route for surface mounted. These waterproof drain systems can be installed in both finished and unfinished basements. These products are specially designed to manage the water problem surrounding your structure. These systems by far surpass more traditional methods using corrugated PVC drain pipe products and in addition have a superior warranty period.
These patented products can be applied for other applications as well.
Water Trek Aqua Route is the best solution to an interior drainage system and is the best product available. This system can be custom tailored to each basement water problem and footing configuration under the floor. Not only is it a perimeter drain system it can be used for interior arteries on floors. This system addresses both the water problem at the floor and water intrusions form the walls and are clog free.
Water intrusion is primarily due to pressure commonly referred to as hydrostatic pressure and will follow the path of least resistance seeping in at the cold joints between the floor and wall. The same is true with cracks on the foundation walls and poured floor. This system relieves that pressure at the floor level and evacuating the water out of your home. This system requires the installation of a sump pump.
Water Trek Aqua Route
Baseboard Aqua Route was designed to address specialty floors with very thick, fiber reinforced, rebar poured floors where an interior sub surface system could not be applied. It is designed to look similar to your common household wood baseboard protecting the basement from water at the floor wall joint. This system can be applied on most any poured concrete floor. This system requires the installation of a sump pump.
These two systems resolve the situation of water intrusion through the floor but what about the walls? Both systems will collect the water when it reaches the floor. At this point it is recommended to install SuperSeal® waterproof dimpled membrane. This integral membrane will contain the water and naturally accruing vapor from the foundation walls. Vapor protection will not allowing the moisture from collecting on the insulation, framing and drywall which without it will result in mold and dry rot.
SuperSeal® also has available an All-In-One subfloor moisture barrier for carpets and laminate floor products. This product does not allow the moisture from the concrete floor to absorb into underlay, carpet and wood.
With all three waterproofing systems in place you are now ready to finish that basement with a total piece of mind that your investment is protected with a dry environmentally friendly living space provided by Waterproofing Technologies of Oregon. Remember you live what environment your basement provides. See Healthy Living Spaces.
Why waterproof the inside? The water is coming from the outside. First we can accomplish the same goal from the inside by managing the water properly. The average soil depth surrounding a basement from footing to the top of grade is approximately 6 feet. This would be the first labor intensive task to remove hundreds of cubic feet of soil to expose the wall and to make the area large enough for laborers to waterproof the foundation. The next task would be to navigate the concrete, rock etc. path and driveways surrounding the home typically resulting in complete removal. Just in these aspects the cost is excessive and for the complete job can be 3-4 times more money than addressing the project from inside. It just makes sense!
Not only can Waterproofing Technologies of Oregon Waterproof your basement the right way we can provide complete planning for your basement remodel project from start to finish.
SCHEDULE TODAY FOR A COMPLETE REMODELING CONSULTATION!
CRAWL SPACE WATERPROOFING
Over 80% of Oregonians have a crawl space of which most do not do a routine inspection and in some cases do not even know they have one. The fact is, most crawl spaces are only inspected when the house in going to be sold or bought.
Basements, unlike crawl spaces are, frequently visited by the home owner, water intrusion is quickly noticed along with any other change in conditions but crawl spaces are greatly neglected and should not be ignored. Crawl spaces are very much a part of your living space and influence your living environment more than any other part of your home.
As explained in Healthy living Spaces moisture is your enemy. The objective is to keep the humidity level down. Most all crawl spaces are dirt that retains water which has been doing so for tens of thousands of years. When homes are developed we disturb the natural drainage systems in the earth. Basically we erect dams with foundations and create a low point for water to accumulate. We are here to repair those crawl spaces.
Vapor barriers are installed to restrict the moisture from the soil. Proper installation of vapor barriers should cover the entire ground over the footings and up the foundation walls. This proper installation will help reduce the humidity, ground odors and radon gas from entering your home. You have to keep your crawl space healthy if you want to live healthy. Crawl spaces provide the most ideal environment for unwanted biological contaminants. The Ultimate option from the standard 6mil vapor barrier is an encapsulation system. This is a sealed layering application providing an impermeable barrier from the moisture and organic compounds that may intrude into your living space. It provides a controlled environment and significantly increases air quality and energy efficiency.
Crawl spaces do not have to flood to be a health hazard. Minimal puddles of water are a sign of significant water infiltration within the soil. You are seeing what is only accumulating on the surface and should be inspected by a professional.
Waterproofing Basement Technologies of Oregon provides free inspections and estimates for crawl space repair. We are an honest company that will not try and sell you on a service if it is not necessary. If the crawl space is in need of repair, we will give you an honest, fair price for the repair.
The vast majority of water enters your crawl space under the footings, cold joint where the footing and foundation meet and various fasteners left behind when the forms were removed. The basic solution is to manage the water intrusion with a perimeter drain at the footing in the crawl space with an installation of a sump pump. This system will collect the water at the footing keeping the main body of the crawl space dry greatly reducing the humidity level.
Water travels the path of least resistance and a few puddles in the middle of the crawl space do not necessarily mean that is the point of intrusion. The first reaction is natural springs which are typically not the case. The ground grading outside your home can also be deceiving as well on a variety of aspects when compared to what the crawl space is. A thorough inspection of the property and crawl space is required to determine the primary area or areas of water intrusion.
An interior perimeter drain system, sump pump and installation of a proper vapor barrier is sufficient to resolve most crawl space situations.
We provide services to clean and repair crawl spaces that have been neglected or ravaged by rodents and other animals. These services include clean-outs, heating duct replacement and repair, floor insulation repairs and sealing of intrusion accesses.
CONCRETE FOUNDATION WATERPROOFING & REPAIR
All houses have cracks! Often water intrusion occurs through cracks in the foundation wall. 60% of all new concrete foundations will develop cracks within 1 year. The two most common ways a crack can occur is shrinkage through the curing process and settling of the structure. Applying waterproofing to foundations is a relatively new standard. Asphalt and tar coating products are typical waterproofing in the industry. These liquid applied products which can contain up to 50% water will work well in the first few years but as it dries out they will crack, deteriorate and become brittle no longer protecting the structure from water intrusion. Coatings can trap moisture creating mold and mildew ultimately building pressure which will force the water into the structure. Coatings cannot span existing cracks nor can they expand with
newly developed cracks leaving the foundation vulnerable to water intrusion. Foundations need to breathe and release existing water vapor, coatings seal vapor in. The solution is SuperSeal®. (link to web www.superseal.ca)
A multitude of exterior applications can be applied, relevant to your requirements and budget with advanced product technologies providing longevity.
Waterproofing Technologies of Oregon can provide a variety of services for concrete cracks and concrete strengthening on basement floors and walls, and foundations. Cracks will expand overtime due to structural integrity and water erosion if neglected. Cracks should be treated as soon as they are discovered to prevent further damage. Basement and foundation walls can be strengthened by applying carbon fiber reinforcement straps. In turn, those existing cracks can be repaired and sealed by a variety of methods of negative side waterproofing or crack injection.
A common issue with old foundations is deterioration. The concrete walls begin to crumble having a kitty litter effect. This process can be stabilized or re-mediated. Additionally, those areas can be repaired to look aesthetic once again.
Healthy Living Space
Efflorescence
Efflorescence is a white powdery substance that forms on masonry products commonly on brick, Block and concrete structures. Efflorescence is caused by a chemical reaction between water, salt, lime, and carbon dioxide. Masonry products are porous and naturally absorb water especially when in contact with the soil. As the water is being pushed or drawn through the structure it dissolves the salt and lime. Once it reaches the surface the water evaporates, the salt then reacts to the carbon dioxide leaving a white fluffy crystallized formation. Salt is the primary cause for efflorescence but lime also leaves a powdery deposit as well.
Efflorescence is NOT a health concern like some molds but it is a good
indicator of moisture or water build up behind walls or under floors and can be treated. It occurs under the same conditions as most molds and fungi meaning the environment is humid with heavy condensation and cool temperatures. If you see efflorescence deposits the risk of developing unwanted biological contaminants are greatly increased.
Moisture in conjunction with dark, stagnant conditions invite dry rot, pests, mold, and rust. It can also trap chemical and biological contaminants. During the winter moisture will condense on and around windows and doors often referred to as sweating. Other symptoms of excess moisture include fogged and icy windows and if your home is heating up slowly.
Even though there is no visible sign of water during the summer months you still have humidity. It is during the summer when the mold and mildew will begin to build up creating musty odors almost making the area unlivable. An increase of allergic discomfort during this time could be greatly contributed to the air quality of your home from moisture.
Dry Rot is a wood decaying fungi technically called Serpula Lacrymans. Dry rot occurs at about the 28% level of moisture. From the moldy surface spores then germinate which grow root like structures into the wood. It can grow over masonry to infect other wood structures. Moisture can also saturate in the structure and cause rot inside the walls. Ultimately dry rot can cause structural problems all due to excessive moisture in a basement or crawl space.
The Solution? Install a waterproofing system with Waterproofing Technologies of Oregon.
PROPERTY DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
Water management around your structure is critical to eliminate water penetration into the basement or crawl pace. Property drainage systems are an efficient way to reduce the water intrusion but will not completely eliminate it. Due to Oregon’s wet climate it may be necessary to install an exterior surface drain and an interior sub surface drain system for the best cost effective results.
The objectives of property drain systems are to divert the surface water away from the structure as quickly as possible. Moisture that accumulates around the foundation increases the chances for seepage. Homes that are on hillsides or inclines are notorious for water pooling around foundations lying directly in the path of the natural water flow. Structures built in the first half of the 20th century sometimes utilized footing drains in the form of clay or concrete block and clay pipe which typically do not function today.
There are a variety of ways to resolve the water problem with each property presenting its own challenges. Waterproofing Technologies of Oregon can provide a FREE service to inspect your property to determine the best solution for you.
Curtain or French drain systems are highly effective for surface drainage and depending on the grade of the property it may require the installation of a sump pump or drywell. A drywell in its basic form is a hole located away from the structure filled with rock where the water will accumulate and absorb back into the ground. There are many ways to construct a drywell. The use of a sump pump is the hybrid form of a dry well but can be located near the structure. The water accumulates in the well and then will be evacuated through force to another location via the pump.
There are many basic steps a home owner can do to help manage the water on their property.
- Grading is very important making sure the soil, driveways and patios are sloped away from the structure.
- Check the gutter and downspouts for any debris that may cause blockage.
- Flowers, bushes and trees should be planted away from the structure. The root systems create water ways and pockets in the soil allowing the water to travel easily to the foundation wall. Roots can be very damaging by compromising an exterior waterproofing membrane and existing cracks on the foundation wall.
- Keep basement windows and their wells free of debris and soil build up. Be sure the soil is 3” or more below the sill.
Drainage of the downspouts are critical, be sure they divert the water away from the home using extensions or splash blocks. Using this method is an eye sore to most home owners and is only recommended as a temporary solution. The proper method would be to install a sub surface rain drain diverting the water completely away from the structure. One of Waterproofing Technologies of Oregon specialties is the installation of rain drain systems. We also have available rain recyclers that can be used to water your lawn, wash clothes etc. to save on your water bill.
Set up an appointment today for your FREE estimate.
SUMP PUMPS AND BATTERY BACK UP SYSTEMS
The most effective and reliable waterproofing drainage systems are based on a pumping unit. Sump pumps are the fastest and most reliable device to evacuate the water from the water management system.
The sump pumps we employ are of durable cast iron bodies, heavy duty ball and sleeve bearings, high carbon strength steel and corrosion resistant. It is recommended to service your pumps annually to assure it is functioning properly and extend its life.Waterproofing Technologies of Oregon can education you on how to service your pump or provide you with a yearly service plan.
Pump units run on electricity and are mechanical devices prone to possible failure. The top of the line pump typically only come with a 1 year manufacture warranty but through annual service it can last up to 10 years or longer. Secondary pumps can be installed as a backup system should the main have a mechanical failure. The truth is that some pumps work very hard during their life depending on the volume of water cycling through the system. An unused secondary pump is ready to pick up the slack for many more years.
For added protection in the event of power failure a battery backup system is recommended. A separate float switch and alarm automatically starts the battery powered sump pump backup. Our battery backup system can operate for 9 hours continuously or 24 hours intermittently.
A power outage is a very realistic event often in heavy rain storms which could flood your basement or crawl space in a matter of a few hours.
