Chattanooga Basement Waterproofing, Foundation Repair, and Concrete Lifting

Homeowners in Chattanooga, TN, are not strangers to rain and high humidity levels all throughout the year, but what many do not know is how this type of climate can wreak havoc on the clay soil that dominates the region. Soil problems bring about many structural issues and can increase the risk of water damages. Therefore, it is not uncommon for basements, crawl spaces, and home foundations to need some sort of repair eventually.

Clay soil, the prominent soil type in Eastern Tennessee, is unable to drain water efficiently due to its smooth particle surface and its tightly knit structure. When clay soil particles absorb water, they expand. This can cause the other soil particles around it to shift around. When these soil particles dry, it shrinks back into its original size. Constant rain, yet hot summers, can cause clay soil particles to cycle repeatedly between expanding and shrinking.

Repeated shrink-swell cycles, on top of clay soil’s inability to drain water well, can alter basements, crawl spaces, and foundations because the soil is constantly applying outward pressure against your home every time it swells. Basement and foundation walls can buckle inwards due to the expansive soil and the large intake of water. Crawl spaces will retain high moisture levels, which can increase mold and mildew growth, cause wood damage and rot, as well as invite pests. Concrete, despite being strong and heavy, can still succumb to this repeated stress from below, and may crack, sink, or possibly break apart. Furthermore, clay soils underneath concrete slabs tend to become weakened over time and can become compacted and settled, leading to a whole host of other concrete structure issues.

 It is important for homeowners to be able to identify the problem signs of home repair so that you can avoid issues from escalating into something more damaging. Fortunately, most basement repairs are quite noticeable. For drainage problems, you may find that you have water puddles on your floor, damp walls, or stains. You may also notice a musty smell—characteristic of a leaking or flooding basement, as well as the presence of pests—and the growth of mold or mildew near water sources. Other less noticeable warning signs are increased humidity levels and clogged or broken sump pumps or drains.

Being able to detect issues in your crawl space tends to be a bit more difficult. Some of the easier to spot warning signs are structural, such as cracked walls near your floor and uneven flooring, however, this is not always the case. Much of the air inside your home actually originates from within your crawl space. Therefore, if there are water damages, pests, and mold growth in your crawl space, the air quality will be affected and will leak into the home. These can manifest as foul odors or increased allergies or asthma symptoms. 

Many foundation problem signs are structural, therefore, it is not very common for homeowners to miss them. Some of the warning signs overlap basement and crawl space warning signs as well, such as uneven floors (both inside your house or on your concrete), cracked walls, and a sagging crawl space. Bowing walls, one of the most common warning signs of foundation problems, can be found in either basement or crawl space walls. Homeowners may also notice their foundation beginning to sink, windows and doors that get stuck in their frame, or displaced foundation slabs and home structures.

One of the most used waterproofing products that AFS Foundation and Waterproofing offers is the vapor barrier that is available for both basements and crawl spaces! Made from a patented AquaStop® Wall Liner plastic covering, your basement and crawl space are protected from water damage, condensation, and humidity—guaranteed. The very durable plastic protectant is also anti-microbial, protecting your home from mold and mildew growth and making it more difficult for pests to enter your home. It is also quite flexible, so you do not need to worry about any odd-shaped walls or layouts being excluded from waterproofing. If you are interested in an even more durable option, the AquaStop Wall Panels® can redirect any moisture from outside basement walls to your drainage systems (available for basements only).

Other waterproofing solutions that are available for homeowners are interior basement drainage systems, such as the AquaStop Drain®. The AquaStop Drain® can effectively remove water from both your basement walls and any that collects around the footing. Its unique design also enables it to drain water without being clogged with mud, which is a common occurrence in competing drainage systems. The system is also able to collect water from the leaks from basement walls, however, it is tucked directly into the edges of your basement floors. Do not be worried about space because this drainage system blends seamlessly into your floor without being bulky.

The AquaStop Air System, a powerful dehumidifier, can remove moisture from your basement or crawl space air. Because it can curb crawl space humidity, this helps prevent mold growth, thus improving your home’s air quality! If your crawl space is prone to flooding, you may want to consider a crawl space sump pump to drain large amounts of water that may accumulate.

If you are experiencing bowing or buckling foundation walls, AFS Foundation and Waterproofing offer two options to repair them: the SettleStop Brace System and the Wall Anchor System. The SettleStop Brace System is able to stabilize and even correct your bowed in foundation walls. The Wall Anchor System works in a similar manner but is also able to prevent more cracks from forming on the walls. Both systems are constructed from a zinc-coated steel that resists corrosion and rusting and is non-invasive to your space.

The Wall Anchor System does include two additional options depending on your needs, the SettleStop Street Creep Repair and the SettleStop Channel Anchor System, however, they require contractors to install them into the ground. Therefore, if you have concerns about your landscape space or aesthetics, you may want to consider other options. The SettleStop Street Creep Repair is installed into your driveway to help relieve pressure on your foundation walls, potentially straighten them over time, and prevent future damages from happening. For more extreme cases, the SettleStop Channel Anchor System can immediately stabilize precarious walls without demolishing them upon installation. It is also made from a special steel that is resistant to corrosion and rust, further ensuring its longevity.

Sunken or settled foundations require a different solution, such as the Slab, Push, or Helical Pier System. Each Pier System is capable of supporting unstable foundation slabs but can also potentially return your foundation towards its original position. The Slab Pier System is primarily for fixing settled concrete slab foundations. Both the Push Pier System and the Helical Pier System can help to permanently stabilize sunken foundations regardless of the soil type you have.

There is a reason why there are three different sump pumps offered by AFS Foundation and Waterproofing. They are powerful drainage machines that can be important to have in your arsenal to fight against the rain and high humidity levels that occur all year round. Basements and crawl spaces can easily become leaky or flooded in Chattanooga, TN, so having numerous sump pumps to choose from provides homeowners with the luxury of finding one that suits their lifestyle and budget the most.

The most basic and economical sump pump that is offered is the AquaStop Sump Pump System. However, do not be fooled into thinking that just because it is the most basic option that it is not effective, because it can drain thousands of gallons of water from your basement. For an even more powerful option to ensure the job gets done, the AquaStop Triple Complete Sump Pump System is equipped with two pumps in case the primary one fails. Homeowners also have the option to install the backup battery-powered sump pump system along with their sump pump of choice to ensure that it will continue to function in the event of a power outage.

Because crawl spaces are much smaller than basements, the AquaStop Compact Crawl Space Sump Pump System is the solution for you and your crawl space woes. This sump pump was specifically made to fit into your crawl space with the same capabilities as the other sump pump options. The Compact Crawl Space Sump Pump is still effective in preventing leaks, flooding, and ultimately, crawl space damage. Much like the basic AquaStop and the AquaStop Triple, you have the option to have the battery backup sump pump installed.

AFS does not forget their customers. Although all the repairs and tools by AFS are constructed to be a long-lasting solution, the longevity of those repairs and tools depend on regular maintenance. When homeowners join the Customer Care Club, you no longer need to worry about regularly maintaining them yourself! You can rely on the experts to make sure that your repairs and tools still function as they should to help you live a comfortable and safe life.

Customer Care Club members receive annual inspections for all products that you have bought from AFS! This also includes care and maintenance of any future products you may purchase. But not only are all products serviced by AFS experts, but members receive a 10% discount on any future products that they may buy. Customer Care members of AFS will also always receive priority scheduling. Do keep in mind that members do not receive replacements for completely damaged products, so you will still need to re-purchase a product in the event it becomes severely unfunctional.

Furthermore, the warranty on sump pumps is increased to a lifetime warranty—just for members. The Customer Care Club also provides complimentary radon gas testing. Radon gas is a naturally occurring gas that forms from the breakdown of soil, rock, and water. In significantly large quantities, radon gas can have negative health consequences, such as respiratory problems, weight loss, and, in the most extreme cases, lung cancer. While it is not incredibly common for homeowners to experience radon gas poisoning or significant exposure, it is still a viable risk, which is why the AFS service technicians will help test for it on annual inspections.