Tom’s Basement Waterproofing Blog

A solid foundation is the cornerstone of a safe and structurally sound home. It supports the entire structure, ensuring it remains stable and secure. Without a strong foundation, a home is vulnerable to various problems, including structural damage, safety hazards, and decreased property value. Therefore, maintaining a healthy foundation is essential for preserving the integrity … Read more

A solid and stable foundation is crucial for the structural integrity of any home. When the foundation is compromised, it can lead to issues such as cracked walls, uneven floors, and doors or windows that no longer open or close correctly. These problems not only detract from the aesthetics and comfort of your home but … Read more

Whether you have a basement or a solid concrete foundation, problems with your home’s foundation can be potentially catastrophic. Health concerns, loss of value, and costly repairs are just a few reasons you should be aware of the early signs of foundation problems. Intervening before foundation problems become more significant than you can handle is … Read more

Keeping up on essential maintenance and installing preventative measures are the best ways to avoid basement water damage. But why would you feel the need to do so? Basement water damage can lead to several negative consequences that can be harmful not just to your home but also to your health and safety. Mold build-up … Read more

Despite all their versatility, houses with basements come with some glaring weaknesses compared to those without. The most common source of headaches with basements is the foundational element of all living things: water. Many factors, such as leaky pipes, cracks in your foundation, failure of sump pumps, or humid air condensation, can cause moisture buildup … Read more

The foundation of your home is one of the most essential parts of your home, being the very building blocks upon which it is constructed. Therefore, neglecting or willfully ignoring foundation issues can lead to catastrophic and expensive repercussions far worse than the initial repairs. While short-term problems, like leaking or unsightly damage, can be … Read more

Almost every home will encounter some water intrusion difficulty during their lifetimes. Even the most well-constructed and waterproofed basements will degrade over time, and regular maintenance paired with good waterproofing practices is the best way to combat these problems. However, like all construction projects, waterproofing your basement walls can be an arduous process with many … Read more

A sump pump is an essential tool for flood-prone, humid, or leaky basements as it safely removes water and diverts it away from your foundation with minimal intervention. But how do you install one and choose a suitable unit for your home, and when should you call a professional? Please read below for our essential … Read more

Do you have an unfinished or renovated basement that needs to be code-compliant and livable? A finished basement can add thousands of dollars of value to your home, but you will need an egress window to make it safe and habitable. So, what does an egress window installation look like, why do you need one, … Read more

Basement waterproofing is essential to homeownership and can often be overlooked when purchasing or repairing your home. So, what is basement waterproofing exactly? Read on to learn the vital aspects of basement waterproofing, why you should consider it, and how to protect your basement or home’s foundation. Importance Of Basement Waterproofing There are a whole … Read more

Your home’s foundation is the most essential component, as almost every other part of the house relies on a solid foundation to maintain its structure. Foundations hold your home up, distribute its immense weight into the soil, and ensure it does not split apart or sink. If your foundation starts to crack, it could spell … Read more

When hunting for a new home, there are a million little details to consider, and each one can feel equally important as the last, leading to some burnout in an already overwhelming process. While by no means a dealbreaker for a purchasing decision, a damaged foundation can be a significant consideration for price and repair. … Read more

Have you noticed significant foundation damage beneath your home and want to try repairing it yourself? Stop right there and read this article before you even attempt such a colossal undertaking. Would you trust a neighbor without a college degree to perform heart surgery? If you don’t have the specialist skills, tools, and a crew … Read more

Waterproofing your basement can be an exhausting yet essential process. There are innumerable ways, tips, and vendors to choose from, which cast a fog of confusion and will likely become overwhelming. Here at Tom’s Basement Waterproofing, we aim to clear up some of the obscurity and provide three simple basement waterproofing methods and the best … Read more

Waterproofing your basement is a significant investment that can be beneficial for decades after excavation and sealing. Here at Tom’s Basement Waterproofing, we use industry-leading technology and techniques to protect your home and provide essential defenses for you, and your biggest asset, your home. How can waterproofing your basement help you? Check out our in-depth … Read more

If you own a property in Michigan, you’re probably used to the significant weather changes that our state experiences. The cycle of winter’s ice and snow giving way to spring’s thaw is predictable but potentially harmful. If not immediately addressed, this freeze-thaw cycle can damage home foundations resulting in significant repair needs. If you’re a … Read more

Do you have chronic flooding issues, or is your basement constantly inundated with water? French drains are an old-school, but effective method for keeping groundwater out of your basement and away from the sensitive foundation of your home. A French drain installed properly can save you thousands on home repair bills and even improve the … Read more

Water damage is a creeping disaster that can slowly destroy your home’s foundation and basement. It can come from natural sources like flooding, unnatural leaking pipes, or even simple condensation. Porous materials, like wood and insulation, hide water and can absorb it, causing unforeseen damage. The longer that water damage goes untreated, the worse it … Read more

Basement leaks and standing water are serious issues that can lead to more significant problems and structural issues in your home. Unattended water in your basement can lead to mold, spreading unhealthy spores, insect and termite damage, and permanently destroying your home and possessions. But how does basement waterproofing work? How can you protect yourself … Read more

All things in life tend to have a natural enemy. For your basement, that natural enemy is moisture. Unfortunately, because your basement is built below ground level, your basement walls face a daily battle to keep moisture from damaging them. Keeping your basement dry can seem an impossibility, but it is something that you need … Read more

Drainage issues are the bane of houses and other buildings. When it rains, all that water has to go somewhere – okay, so most of it evaporates back into the air, but a lot of it seeps into the ground. If you are not taking the proper precautions or the necessary steps to monitor this, … Read more

Your gutters are like many things around your house – you don’t notice them when they are doing what they are supposed to be doing, but you do notice them when things are going wrong. The lifespan of a home’s gutter system varies depending on the local environment – with the wide range of weather … Read more

With Spring here and Summer right around the corner, rainfall in and around Michigan is on the rise. With an average of 30-38 inches of rain each year, homeowners need to understand the problems that water can cause to their homes and foundations. At Tom’s Basement Waterproofing, we offer a wide variety of basement waterproofing … Read more

Detroit’s humid climate spells trouble due to soil movement, and homeowners are therefore no strangers to leaky crawl spaces and basements. Long-term Michigan homeowners know that both seasons of heavy rain and heavy snow are typical in this region, however, many are still unaware or unprepared for the weather and its effects on their home’s … Read more

Most of us don’t rush out to repair cracks in our foundation, but we should. Small cracks likely don’t seem like a big problem, but the problem is, they can become so. Our foundations are the very base our homes are built on and they need care and maintenance. They hold our homes up and … Read more

Most home and business owners think about their foundations or basements when considering the need for professional waterproofing. However, there is a lesser-known issue that should be addressed to avoid costly repairs or replacements down the road. The hardscaped spaces around a home or business are also important to maintain and the space in question … Read more

Homeowners with a sump pump installed in their basement or crawl space can easily take the system for granted. Not realizing just how vital the sump pump is in keeping your home healthy and dry is easy with them being out of sight. Proper installation from an experienced professional who understands the role of a … Read more

Commercial insurance can be tricky and not all insurance policies consist of the same terms. When signing up for a policy and when filing a claim following the discovery of damage to the property, there are several considerations to keep in mind. First of all, make sure to know the named insured party who owns … Read more

Homes often grow musty and unpleasant through a drawn-out process that goes unnoticed by the homeowner. When moisture is making its way into a basement or crawlspace through a small crack, rather than a large and obvious leak, the results easily go unrecognized. The smells and musty feel of a home with moisture issues that … Read more

Basements can be a double-edge sword for homeowners. A basement provides helpful multipurpose space. On the other hand, though, basements can be a pain in the side of a homeowner—especially if not properly built or cared for by previous owners. Too many homeowners have taken the out of sight, out of mind approach when it … Read more

These are the months in which we prepare for all kinds of visitors with the holidays around the corner. However, the scariest visitor may already be making its way into your home without your knowledge. Mold and mildew are tricky and definitely not a treat for homeowners in the Detroit MI area. Both of these … Read more

  Whether you are determined to find a home with a basement or you have stumbled upon one you are interested in, there are some telltale signs that may point to water issues in the space. That last thing any homeowners wants to deal with is water issues in the basement of their new house. … Read more

One of the most disheartening experiences for a homeowner is having to hire a contractor to perform any number of repairs around the house. It can be frustrating when you contract a “professional” to fix an issue and either the problem is not resolved or reappears shortly after. This is often the case for a … Read more

The installation of egress windows has picked up over the past couple years as more and more families are converting their basements to WFH (work from home) office space. A finished basement provides an optimal environment for productive work. As a naturally insulated space—both for climate control and sound—having a quiet and comfortable area to … Read more

Excess water that is not dealt with properly and finds its way into your home can be a major cause of foundation damage. There are some easily avoidable mistakes homeowners often make that lead to water in the basement! Avoiding these mistakes goes a long way to steering clear of damage down the road. Water … Read more

One of the least fun discoveries to make in a home is walking down your basement steps to retrieve the toy your child just remembered only to find standing water in the space! There is no need to freak out, but there are some steps to take immediately. There are several issues that can lead … Read more

When it comes to damage to our home or business’s foundation, most owners tend to think the cause is near the foundation. The truth, however, is that the cause of damage to your foundation may be coming from further away than you realize. While the landscape, soil, and degree of grading or positioning of downspouts … Read more

Big swings in weather patterns between the seasons of winter and summer can also have a big impact on your home’s foundation. There is a chance that while we are swapping out long-johns for swimming trunks, the foundation of our home is suffering from the change in temperature. Unlike our ability to control the climate … Read more

Have you ever wondered what those wells are on the outside of homes? These are actually the linings around an egress window on the perimeter of a home giving access to the home’s basement. Modern building codes often require the installation of egress windows, but existing homes originally constructed without egress windows benefit greatly from … Read more

Water damage affects a lot more than just your home’s foundation. There is another space we tend to overlook when ensuring our properties are well protected. When the concrete poured to create walkways and driveways around your property settles over time, they can become uneven, which creates a threat to people trying to make their … Read more

When it comes to understanding the benefits of having your basement waterproofed or cracks in your walls and foundation repaired, who better to ask than homeowners who have already made the investment? Everyday homeowners can provide the best insight for those who might be exploring how to make repairs and improvements around their own home. … Read more

Many experts agree basement waterproofing is not only a valuable home repair that is well worth the cost, but should be seen as a vital investment in a homeowners’ biggest asset. When a home’s basement is adequately waterproofed by professionals, the home’s foundation is strengthened. Not only does this important move protect the home against … Read more

When it comes to weather causing issues for your foundation, most of us think about the winter months. With heavy amounts of snowfall coupled with fluctuating temperatures that cause moisture in the soil around a home to contract and expand, winter time can lead to major damage. However, summer can also be a season that … Read more

Certain threats to your basement become more prevalent during different times of the year. For example, homeowners are concerned with pipes bursting and causing water damage to their homes during winter due to freezing temperatures. There are also risks to crawl spaces and basements to be aware of in the summertime as well. Spring and … Read more

Improper drainage can lead to much larger issues than just a wet and muddy yard that never seems to dry out. More than just creating the environment where grass is difficult to grow and weeds or moss thrive, the oversaturation of soil next to your home can lead to massive problems with your foundation as … Read more

As we enter the peak selling season of an already hot real estate market, homeowners looking to sell need to do all they can to make sure their home stands out. While the typical updates to the home are still high on the list of priorities, there is one space that needs attention below. Beyond … Read more

The history of egress windows is one of function, rather than form. Although the addition of functional egress windows can go a long way to brighten up a dark space and even hinder the growth of mold or bacteria, the importance of installing egress windows has much more to do with another purpose entirely. The … Read more

Many homeowners may view waterproofing their basement as optional at best and frivolous at worst. The truth, however, is that basement waterproofing is much more of a necessity than you may think. Having your basement waterproofed is a proactive step in avoiding damage in the future, and also carries several other benefits for property owners. … Read more

When it comes to your sump pump going out, you can quickly be up to your neck in it if you don’t get it taken care of quickly. A sump pump is a vital component to keeping your basement, and other spaces where water tends to collect, safe from damage. This is especially true for … Read more

Depending on the specific location of your home, you may be more prone to foundation damage due to the amount of rain you receive. Heavy amounts of precipitation can leave your home more susceptible to damage during rainier seasons throughout the year. Homeowners in Michigan may be surprised to learn that the driest month of … Read more

While they tend to be an effective means of providing access to different sections of your home, crawl spaces are also a breeding ground for all kinds of issues. Most of the problems associated with crawl spaces are due to moisture that finds its way into the area. When water comes into a crawl space, … Read more

With more of a focus on our health these days, many experts are pointing to a new and invisible cause of concern hiding in our homes. High humidity can wreak havoc on our homes and, ultimately, our own health if not handled properly. Depending on the age of your home and the climate in which … Read more

If you begin to notice cracks in the concrete and brickwork along the exterior of your home or in the walls inside your home, you could be on the road to foundation failure. Although the signs of foundation failure are easy to spot, the causes are much less easy to discern. Moisture is most often … Read more

Most of us as homeowners take for granted the building codes that dictate the design and determine what is included in our homes. Something as mundane as windows has several regulations that require how and where they are installed. The history of these requirements are very interesting. Did you know that what is typically called … Read more

When thinking about adding value to your existing home, many people consider remodeling or renovating a room to increase its overall value. While these superficial changes are an attractive method, there are other ways to increase the value of your home that may have an even higher return on your money. The Best Investment to … Read more

The symptoms of a problem with your foundation are often located at a distance from the foundation itself. You may begin to see a crack forming in the top corner of a wall or become frustrated by a bathroom door sticking every time you open it. In fact, you may have doors that no longer … Read more

With the ground thawing out as warmer temperatures make their way deeper into the soil around your home, you may begin to notice more moisture on the walls of your basement or crawlspace. To deal with this normal home maintenance issue, you may be tempted by advertisements claiming that a quick fix will remedy those … Read more

There are several signs that your home is experiencing water damage due to moisture seeping in through your foundation. The presence of mold and mildew are obvious signs that moisture has made its way in. A less obvious indication, however, is the presence of a crack in your masonry work. Understanding the Structure of Your … Read more

From digging to chewing to burrowing, animals have the ability to find their way into places you would never expect. These unexpected places may include the areas around your foundation and basement walls. Unwanted pests can be the biggest culprit of damage to your home’s footing. Fortunately, there are some ways you can deter these … Read more

Spring weather is notorious for big swings in many areas of our country. In fact, the Weather Channel has named spring as the most dynamic weather season of them all. Snow, thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, high winds are all common weather events in spring. With the variety of conditions, there are some important factors to consider … Read more

It’s true that the addition of egress windows increases the value and curb appeal of your home, but there are even more important reasons to consider installing egress windows in your basement. First of all, what is an egress window? The word egress is defined as the action of going out of or leaving a … Read more

When was the last time you checked your basement walls for new cracks? Once you’ve taken the time to examine your walls to discover cracks, take a good look at them. There’s more to each little fracture than meets the eye. There’s no Need to Panic Cracks in your basement wall means you are in … Read more

All living things on Earth need rain, but the fact that water pours from the sky on a frequent (or infrequent, depending upon where you live) basis causes unwanted problems. It not only ruins holidays, picnics and outdoor events, it also has the potential to damage your home. Here are a few of the areas … Read more

When it comes to your home, there are plenty of jobs that you can do yourself. For example, you shouldn’t really need the services of a professional to put some shelves up, and you might even have the skills to insulate your attic space. One job that should always be left to the professionals is … Read more

If you’re in need of foundation repair, you may be asking yourself if your homeowners insurance will cover this type of repair. Unfortunately, the answer is typically no. While it’s never a bad idea to check with your local insurance agent, typically foundation repair is not covered by most homeowners insurance policies. At Tom’s Basement … Read more

If you’ve noticed foundation cracks around the exterior of your home, you may be asking yourself when should you repair foundation cracks? At Tom’s Basement Waterproofing, it’s always our advice that you repair foundation cracks as soon as possible for a myriad of different reasons. Why You Shouldn’t Put Off Repairing Foundation Cracks There are … Read more

The winter months can be difficult on the structure of a home, including the foundation. The truth is that there are multiple reasons why winter may be hard on your foundation. At Tom’s Basement Waterproofing, we’ve been protecting foundations for over 40 years. So, if you’re ready to keep your foundation protected even during the … Read more

At Tom’s Basement Waterproofing, there’s nothing that gets under our skin more than seeing people ignore their need for foundation repairs. The foundation of your home is critically important when it comes to the life expectancy of your home. The investment that you made in your home is far too great for you to put … Read more

If you are lucky enough to own a beautiful home, then chances are that you’ll do anything and everything to keep it that way. Problems with your house can develop in all types of ways, and some of them are more obvious than others. For example, did you know that around eight out of every … Read more

If you were to choose a favorite room in your home, chances are you won’t spring for your basement (unless you’ve had a basement renovation and turned it into a game room or a man cave). Basements not only tend to be dank and dimly-lit, they tend to be humid too. Having a humid basement … Read more

If you live in humid conditions, then you’ll know all about what it feels like. Not only is it difficult to cope with the heat, in addition there seems to be too much moisture in the air for you to get any oxygen into your lungs. Even the simplest amount of physical exertion can leave … Read more

A home needs a solid foundation, and that is something that simply cannot be denied. You should not take the solidity of your foundation for granted, though. If your foundation is not as solid as it ought to be then you could soon be facing severe problems and some hefty bills. Here are 4 basement … Read more

Is the basement of your home a strong selling point should you ever decide to put your property on the market? Basements are definitely a part of the home that many people are searching for, as long as it is dry. If the basement has water issues, then that may be the exact reason why … Read more

While there is no official rule that says you need to have a foundation inspection performed before putting your house on the market, it is extremely unwise not to. At Tom’s Basement Waterproofing, we want you to get the most out of your home. Whether you are buying or selling, a foundation inspection is likely … Read more

It’s hard to argue against the fact that your foundation is the most important aspect of your home. Without a solid foundation your home will simply, over time, tilt, skew or sink slowly into the ground. A foundation forms the basis for any solid, structurally sound home. So, when it comes to having your foundation … Read more

It can be quite alarming when you venture down to your basement and notice that one of your walls has developed a huge crack. You may think that your home is about to crumble! In truth, basements are prone to cracking and not every crack heralds the arrival of doomsday! Foundation walls are put under … Read more

When hiring a basement waterproofing contractor, you can’t afford to make an uninformed choice. Like most industries, not all waterproofing contractors are created equal. When you trust someone with something as important as your home, you want to be sure that they’ll take the work seriously and that they are capable of doing it properly. … Read more

When searching for a new home to purchase, each house is unique and some may have issues you haven’t ever considered. Nobody wants to move into their new home and discover that they’ve inherited a serious issue like water damage or active leaks. Before you get serious about a particular house and go through the … Read more

You may have found your way here because like many homeowners in the Detroit Metro Area, you’re wondering whether or not it’s worth it to waterproof your basement. Maybe you already have a problem with moisture in your basement or perhaps you’re just looking to make some home improvements to increase the value of your … Read more

It can be distressing to enter your basement and discover pools of water or other signs of moisture and damage. You may be worried that you’re about to face a costly foundation repair. Here at Tom’s Basement Waterproofing, we hate the idea of you paying for significant, but unnecessary repairs just as much as you … Read more

Most people may think that having a damp basement is perfectly normal, but it is, in fact, not so! Basement moisture is very bad news as is could be the sign of a serious leak, and/or a crack in the foundation of your home. Moisture also allows the spread of mold and mildew, and attracts … Read more

It is your sump pump’s job to remove water from areas of your home, typically your basement. Sump pumps are used in areas that are prone to flooding, or in a basement where water intrusion is an issue. Your sump pump can only work properly, if it is properly maintained. If you want your sump … Read more

You may think the main reason for any damage to your basement during a winter storm is self-evident. In truth though, the situation is a bit more complicated than that. Storms bring wind, but the main problem with storms and basement foundations is the rain or snow. This presence of water in the ground can … Read more

Some problems within your home are easy to detect. For example, if you notice water dripping from your ceiling, it’s safe to assume that you have a leak somewhere in an upper story. Such problems are easy to detect, and therefore are often easy to fix. Other issues may not be so easy to be … Read more

You may think that the presence of water in your basement is the only way of telling if you have a leak. In fact, this is often not true. There are plenty of signs that act as early indicators that you may have a leak, and you need to attend to any leak as soon … Read more

In Michigan, basements are common in residential areas. Basements are used differently by homeowners and are truly a space that you can make all your own. Whether you are using your basement as an area for extra storage or turning your basement into a completely separate living area, no one wants their basement to have … Read more

At Tom’s Basement Waterproofing, we often get asked the following question, should I buy a home with foundation problems? The response that we usually provide is to not let a foundation issue scare you off right away. With an experienced team like ours, we can handle those foundation problems for you at an affordable price. … Read more

Has your foundation seen its better days? Rather than replacing your entire foundation, our team at Tom’s Basement Waterproofing offers experienced foundation piering in Southeast Michigan. Many houses in the area have poor foundation supporting the actual structure. If your home falls in this category, it’s time to make a change so that your residence … Read more

Has anyone ever seen The Goonies? Sometimes it feels like our own basement is that same cold, wet dungeon that leads to some crazy cave. The truth of the matter is that your basement doesn’t have to be some dark, wet and leaky space. At Tom’s Basement Waterproofing, we can help you turn your basement … Read more

There are additional things that you have to keep in mind when owning a home that has a basement. One vital thing is ensuring that your basement stays protected and free of water. Most homes with a basement have a primary sump pump, but what happens if it fails? Quite honestly, this is a situation … Read more

Basement waterproofing is a big investment that will help keep your home protected for decades to come. Anytime that you spend a fair amount of money on a home improvement project, you want the work to be guaranteed. That way, if something goes wrong with the repair or service down the road, you’ll have peace … Read more