Preventing Basement Humidity and Mold

If you have a smell problem coming from your St. Louis area basement, it might be mold.

Humidity is the key offender of places that grow mold spores.  When the relative humidity is over 60%, mildew and mold have enough moisture in the air to seriously thrive. In Columbia and other Metro East Missouri areas, we certainly have humidity high enough for this to be a challenge.  They also live on organic materials (anything of carbon origin) like wood, paper, cardboard, and insulation so mildew and mold have a field day and blossom in that space.

If basements acquire a water leak or wetness that is caused by something else like moisture, it may cause mold development. Mold may start to grow in two days after any water leak or moisture has been caused. You might not see it but it may or will be there hiding from you somewhere in your house. Mold will only grow if there's moisture or wetness in the area. If the places in your house are dry, mold can't grow, and you simply will not get harmed from it. It's a nasty mess of fungus that can grow in homes, buildings, outside, or anywhere it wishes. It propagates and reproduces.

This could cause significant damage, and the professionals need to remove it for you so it's not going to harm you. Mold can show up anyplace if it isn't dried out and cleaned. It will get worse and the cost to eliminate it and the repairs for the damage it's done will be higher, too. If moisture becomes worse, the mold will spread to other areas of the house or other places in the basement. You will be able to tell there's mold by the smell in the atmosphere because all you need to do is smell it. The aroma can smell like moldy must or even worse than that. The moisture can release it in the air, causing it to develop beneath things like carpets and appliances, in the air vents, and in your stuff.

Everybody is by nature allergic to fungus since it is an organism which inflames our immune systems. However, there are various degrees to which each person are allergic to it. Quite often, people have chronic allergies as a result of the mildew and mold coming up from their moldy basement. This may create sniffling, sneezing, chronic asthma, chest congestion, fatigue, amongst other symptoms.

If you are considering remodeling your basement, you really need to make sure you have a dried out basement. Even if you are not renovating your basement into a finished one, basement dampness is not a challenge you should ignore. Basement dehumidifiers are frequently the easiest and most beneficial solution to basement humidity issues.

Once you have taken out the water source (like leaks) and transferred the water outside (with drains and sump pumps) you will then wish to install a dehumidifier to keep your basement air below 50% humidity.

A skilled waterproofing company which specializes in this area can give you an inspection and estimate of the many costs of converting your basement into a dry, livable space. A waterproofing contractor may be cheaper than trying this on your own, in any down time you've got.

Please feel free to let us know for more information, or answers to any questions you might have.

Finding The Right Sump Pump Systems For Your Basement

The sump pump is at the core of any basement waterproofing system. Sump pumps eliminate water that has accumulated in a sump pit when the water enters via the perimeter drains of the basement waterproofing system.  They are your final protection against flooding.

Sump pumps require upkeep. Pumps will fail eventually. Keeping the sump pit clear of dirt, gravel, sand and debris will prolong your pumping system's lifespan.

A number of contractors will claim that their sump pump includes a lifetime warranty--be careful! Pumps will crash, so the best way you'll know it's time for your "lifetime warranty" replacement will be when your basement is flooded.

Many homeowners invest a lot of cash on the proper drainage system, and then attempt to take shortcuts when it comes to picking a pump. It simply doesn’t make sense! Don’t allow an inferior, “handyman-center” pump spoil your investment. Protect your house and belongings with a quality sump pump system.

Sump pumps will stop operating whenever there is a power failure causing ALL electric pumping systems to crash. This is why we suggest a battery powered backup system to anyone that has a storm water (submersible) sump pump.

Are You Protected When:

Pump Failure? - Circuit Trips? -  Power Outage? -  Pump Gets Unplugged?
Even the smallest quantity of water infiltration could become a larger issue down the road if not taken care of properly right from the start.

You will need to understand that the Pump is the heart of the device, and exactly like the old saying "A chain is only as strong as its weakest link", a drainage system is only as strong as the pump!

The Fast Sump liner contains a reliable Pro Series pump. The Pro Series pump has a three-year warranty and it in addition to the Fast Sump liner is designed in a way that doesn't weaken the integrity of the foundation. A double switch that makes certain it turns on when it is supposed to ensures its dependability.

Traditional sump pump liners can remove sediment from under the basement footing causing the foundation to deteriorate.  The Fast Sump lessens clogging and enhances water flow and the inbuilt pump stand keeps waste away from the pump and aids in cleaning.

Fast Sumps can be linked together to add an extra back-up sump pumping system. The almost airtight cover reduces ground humidity from entering the basement.

AC Primary Pump Features
•   Stainless steel cast iron
•   High efficiency (less than 50% electricity used among leading pumps)
•   Upper and lower ball bearing (Perfectly balanced shaft and impeller)
•   Removable strainer
•   Dual float controller (for added reliability)
•   Continuous duty construction
•   Alarm system hook-up (get connected to home security system)
•   Alarm Alerts home owner of switch or even pump problems
•   Three-Year Manufacturers Warranty

The PHCC Pro Series AC pumps are rated for continuous duty, meaning they are built to run all the time 365 days per year, 24 hours a day. They are strong and dependable, and when they are used periodically in a sump application, it expands the longevity of the pump.

Pro Series 2400 Battery Back Up System

•   Pumps as much as 2400 GPH at 10 ft head 13 amp fast recovery charger
•   Pumps on AC power in addition to DC battery power
•   Dual float switch for additional reliability
•   Advanced alarm system
•   Alerts you when batteries need replacing
•   Provides a simple test switch
•   Tells you when AC power to the unit is out (circuit breaker blown or unit unplugged)
•   Signals you when pump is clogged or broken and needs to be cleaned or exchanged
•   Pumps automatically when water volume exceeds the ability of the main AC pump
•   Pumps up to 7.5 continuous hours on a single battery
•   Efficient 12-volt pump puts less drain on the batteries so they can pump longer
•   Batteries may be linked for extended pump ability (Two battery system equals as much as 33,000 gallons)
•   User Friendly - Detects irregularities, sounds an alarm, and pinpoints concerns and solutions on the control panel
•   3-year manufacturer's warranty (on pump) 1-year warranty on batteries

Houses in St. Louis, St. Charles, Chesterfield, Warrenton, and the surrounding communities flood; there is no denying that. Why put yourself and your property at risk when Ramjack of St. Louis is here for you? Give us a call today and let's work together to secure your home's future.

Repairing Bowed or Leaning Walls

Should you have bowed or leaning foundation walls, these may cause serious structural damage if not fixed. From an engineering explanation, this condition originates when hydrostatic pressure from high water gets to be too great. This affects the soil surrounding the dwelling, which enlarges and applies stress. All this pressure pushes the foundation wall in. The basement wall cracks you notice in your St. Charles or St. Louis house are proof that the structure is moving.

Bowing basement walls with a block foundation have symptoms that can include cracks in mortar joints, stair-step cracks at exterior corners, horizontal shearing towards the bottom of the wall and tipping at the top of the wall.  You may see basement walls that are bulging and have cracks throughout the wall.  If this is actually the case, the wall is possibly on the verge of a collapse.

Poured foundation walls show warning signs like the tipping of the wall, diagonal cracks at exterior corners, and vertical or horizontal fractures in the wall.

The good news is we at Ramjack of St. Louis have experience solving these kinds of bowed wall problems using proven engineered helical wall anchor systems. We use these machined anchors, which are machine drilled past the active zone of moving earth at a descending angle, to support the structure or even restore your house to its initial position.

Soil exerts pressure on your foundation wall

Helical wall anchors are installed to straighten and stabilize bowed walls

Foundation wall is than backfilled and water drainage is addressed

It's also possible to deal with footing drain issues that may have been the cause of the issue at the same time.  We also carry a full line of helical tieback anchors and soil nails for commercial applications where engineered solutions are needed.

So don't take a chance with someone that doesn't really know what they are going, contact Ram Jack of St. Louis today!

Types And Tips When It Comes To Basement Leaks

Locating where liquid is penetrating your home is key to addressing the wet basement issue, so tag the source when the seepage is active. Basement leaks in the St. Louis area are infuriating and can cause difficulties for your house.

Through the walls:

The most common basement leak is caused by seepage through wall cracks. These cracks will continue to weaken and will eventually leak, and this seepage gets worse over time. Other possible wall leaks are tie rod ends, honeycombed concrete and pipe penetrations.

Through the floor or floor/wall joint:

Most modern homes are designed with a drain tile system around the footings to help keep water from creating pressure against the floor or cove area (floor/wall joint). Certain drain tiles run into the sump pump, others to the city storm sewer system. If seepage occurs in this particular area, examine your pump's operation first, if that's working normally, then your drain tile is not.

Over the top of the wall:

Water entering towards the top of the wall is a type of basement leaking problem, between the concrete and wooden sill-plate, is caused by one of two things: The soil grade has been built up outside of the home, higher than the cement. Homeowners, in efforts to keep water away from the foundation, build the dirt level higher than the concrete wall, ironically making a seepage problem through the below grade brick or siding.

Sometimes there's an above grade penetration of water, as a result of caulking or tuckpointing problems. Any water that permeates the veneer of the property is going to run down the backside of the siding and appear at the sill-plate juncture inside the basement. The most sure way to confirm which of these two "spillover" problems you have is to water test by running a hose on a lawn on a dry day. If liquid comes in, it's a below-grade problem. If water doesn't come in, then it's an above grade problem that will require caulking, tuckpointing, or possibly roofing repairs.

Surface water runs down foundation walls:

Saturated soil then causes the groundwater to be pushed through porous concrete and cracks by hydrostatic pressure causing leaky basement issues.  Leaking gutters cause basement water problems and storm sewers may also back up during heavy rains leading to a leaking basement.

Blocked gutters are a leading source of surface water. Keeping gutters totally free of debris is important maintenance for homeowners to avoid the buildup of surface water. If the gutters are clean, perhaps there are not enough downspouts on the property's guttering system to deal with a heavy rain.
Check during a heavy rainstorm and see if the gutters are overflowing. If they are, another downspout may relieve the amount of water collecting near your foundation. Extending the downspouts away from the home by at least 10 feet will minimize the surface water. Ten feet is the minimum distance required to discharge water coming off your roof.

Paved areas that slope to the house will funnel surface water towards your foundation. Occasionally paving settles over time due to aging or improper installation. It is important to make sure all paved segments slope from the home.

The ground around the house should also slope away from the foundation. Ten feet is the recommended distance the water should be moved out from the foundation. If the ground has any indentations within those 10 feet, they should be stuffed with dirt so water drains out from the house. Choosing a clay rich soil in the depressions will repel water far better than sand based soil, which will absorb the moisture into the surface instead of repel it.

One other reason surface water may build up is irrigation systems that give off too much liquid near the house. The irrigation system should include a rain stat that turns the unit off when the ground is drenched.

Ramjack of St. Louis is the place to go if you are having trouble with foundation problems. Whether a leaky foundation, a cracked or bowed wall, or any other issue, call Ramjack of St. Louis today and see for yourself why we're the best in St. Louis, St. Charles, Chesterfield, or anywhere else in the area!

French Drains? Mai Oui!

French drains are sensible in some cases in working with exterior yard drainage issues around the St. Louis area.  French drains however, have a limited life span. They are filtered by gravel that surrounds the French drain.

Mud and sediment can accumulate in the gravel and then begin to clog the French drain. Once blocked, water accumulates and the hydrostatic pressure will find it's way into your house if there isn't a backup plan.

Water can build up in the masonry in your St. Louis area home and dissolve elements like calcium, lime and other minerals out of your cement, weakening the concrete.

When blocked, French drains no longer drain properly, water seeps up through splits and the seams in the flooring. Pools of water could form at the low points of the floor.  Water that builds up around the foundation because of French Drain failure creates pressure on basement walls, which can crack or buckle.

When A French Drain Is A Good Solution:
-A house with a low crawl space that's having water issues
-Sometimes outside landscaping is causing major water problems because of neighbor's yards all draining that way
-Water coming over the top of a foundation wall
-Water causing problems in the garage or patio

We install French drains where they make sense. We could possibly suggest a French drain and interior waterproofing system also to make certain you keep your basement dry all the time and also to remedy erosion issues from surface water. If a great deal of water is a problem outside, it could be coming over the top of the foundation.

We're able to help assist you in determining what is the right solution for your situation.  Give Ram Jack of St. Louis a call today.

Seawall Repair By Ram Jack of St. Louis

Typical difficulties with seawalls or retaining walls at Lake St. Louis and Lake of the Ozarks are they:

Pull away towards the top
Bow at the center
Kick out at the bottom.

Many of these issues are a result of construction practices (insufficient reinforcement) or not built deep enough into the soil.  Bad Missouri dirt also plays a part exerting strain against seawalls forcing them outward.

Marina managers and property owners at Missouri lakefronts could only replace the seawall prior to now.  At Lake Saint Louis or Lake of the Ozarks, patented anchoring systems for seawalls by Ram Jack are the inexpensive solution for seawall repair preventing the high cost of seawall replacement.
Utilizing the same technology used to anchor basement walls and commercial structures, the seawall anchor is installed past the inferior soil into good bearing layers of soil and rock to lock your seawall in place.  The system in enviromentally friendly and may be used in confined locations.

Ram Jack of St. Louis Seawall Solutions provides a patent pending method of repair for concrete, steel, wood and vinyl seawalls.

The system returns leaning seawalls to their original position.  The Ram Jack Seawall Solutions can permanently support these seawalls.

If you have a seawall problem at Lake of the Ozarks, Lake St. Louis, or any other lakefront in Missouri, call Ram Jack of St. Louis right now for a free estimate.  Retain the value of your lake property and go back to making the most of your time at the lake.

Foundation Repair Solutions In St. Louis

Our trademarked steel piering or piling systems are put in to depths well beneath the problem St. Louis area earth that cause in foundation settlement. In fact, our resistance piers will reach all the way to bedrock or appropriate load bearing stratum before installation is complete.

These steel piers are rigid columns of high strength steel that are attached to your foundation's footing using heavy duty steel foundation brackets to create the new permanent support for the structure.
The steel piers are hydraulically pushed to stable bedrock or load bearing strata and the weight of the structure transferred to the steel brackets coupled to the foundation. This attachment is below the ground so absolutely nothing is exposed whenever the process is done.

Each pier is load tested with a safety factor calculated to ensure a reliable permanent solution. The installation is fast and can be installed in limited areas. The structure is properly restored by lifting in unison on each pier or sections of piers.

On the majority of St. Louis area foundation stabilization projects, windows and doors that used to cling will turned out to be functional, and cracks and other blemishes can be permanently repaired without concern for them reappearing.

Our exclusive pier solutions provide the strength and stability that could only be found in the best American steel. Keep the value of your structure by eliminating your foundation failure issues for good.

We Provide Several Foundation Repair Possibilities For:
•   Below-slab vertical piers
•   Porch piers
•   Pre-construction piers
•   Center beam piers
•   Low profile piers

Pier Driving Head

The Ram Jack driving head delivers rapid power to long sections of piling for faster installation and a stronger pile.

Hydraulic Rams

The Ram Jack system integrate dual rams that drive deeper into permanent strata.

Pier Guide Sleeve

Variable-length guide sleeves, that are chosen by engineers, are built to stiffen the piling in less-compacted surface layers.

Quality American Steel Pier / Pile Product

Steel driven, powder-coated piers offer a long term solution to your foundation support concerns.

So the next time you need to fix your foundation, call Ram Jack today!