Keystone Basement Systems is a basement specialist in Pittsburgh who does Waterproofing, Structural Repair, and Mold Removal.

Home > FAQs

Do you charge homeowners for basement waterproofing and repair estimates?
No, nor do we feel that you should do business with anyone who does. Homeowners are never charged for basement inspections. If you don’t need our services, we’ll be the first to tell you. If you do need our services, we’ll tell you precisely what we propose to do, how we do it, when we’ll do it, and the exact cost. There are no hidden costs. The price we quote is the price you pay.

Why does my basement leak?
Basement water leakage is caused by several factors. The drain tile that is installed on most new homes may become clogged with silt and settlement, causing it to fail. The parging done on the outside of the home may have deteriorated and is allowing water to enter the foundation. A professional inspector is trained to notice these signs and determine the exact reason you are seeing the water.

Is a wet basement the sign of a poorly built home?
Not necessarily. A recent study in the Washington, D.C. area found that over 86 percent of cement block constructed homes over 25 years old had moisture problems. The National Association of Realtors states that, during the life of a home, almost all will experience some form of water problem.

How serious is my basement water problem?
Unfortunately, the water you see in your basement is the least of the problem. This water will evaporate into the air eventually. The water that is not escaping through the foundation wall is the source of trouble. This water will cause lower wall deterioration, cracks, bulges in walls, efflorescence, and many other concerns. Our licensed inspectors are trained to notice these signs and convey their knowledge to you in an understandable way so you know what is best for your situation.

Does a little or occasional basement leakage cause permanent problems?
Not necessarily. Occasional leakage may be caused by a combination of weather conditions and poor drainage around your house. If you have water in your basement after ordinary precautions, then it’s probably time for you to call us. Hydrostatic pressure against your basement walls can cause cracking, bowing, even collapse in severe cases. Of course, any type of basement water problem impacts unfavorably upon the value of your home, to say nothing of its livability. Keystone Basement Systems has systems is designed to eliminate water pressure inside the blocks of your basement walls and from underneath your floor, effectively removing the source of basement leakage problems.

How can I tell where the water is coming from?
Water can enter a foundation through several different ways. The most common is at the cove area (where the basement floor and the wall meet). This, simply put, is a natural seam in which water can most easily penetrate your foundation. Another common source is hydrostatic pressure. This will cause water to penetrate through cracks in your basement floor. Several other sources are common, though not as easily noticeable. Our licensed inspectors are trained to determine the exact source of your problem, and resolve the most effective solution for your unique situation.

Why can't I just repair the basement cracks and put liquid sealer on the basement walls?
Because it doesn’t work! If this type of easy “solution” worked, very few basements would be wet and we wouldn’t be in business. These types of treatments attack the symptoms rather than the causes. Almost every year there are new products on the market to repair cracks and seal basement walls. They cost less but aren’t effective. Homeowners spend millions of dollars every year for ineffective, “quick-fix” products to “solve” basement water problems.

What causes the musty smell in my basement? Obviously, the musty smell you have is much more than just a bad smell. Mold and fungus spores that float in the air cause it. This will contribute to allergy and asthma problems, as well as other health issues. We provide mold removal.
I have cracks in my basement wall or floors. Cracks in your walls can be caused by several sources, resulting in several different effects. Cracks can be a sign of settling in the foundation. However, cracks can also be caused by pressure build up of water around and/or under your foundation. A crack in a foundation wall is a sign of movement. With an average of 42 tons resting on your foundation walls, the integrity of your walls must be maintained.

Is there anything I can do myself to correct the problem in my basement?
Depending on the situation, correcting the problem yourself is very much a possibility. If your trained inspector feels the problem is minimal, he will give you tips and idea as to how you can take care of it yourself. However, if the problem is one that would need professional services, he will review all of the options available to you so you know your home is in the best condition possible.

What does it cost to have my basement waterproofed?
It depends on the problem, what work needs to be done, and which method you choose to correct the problem. For this very reason, we offer our inspections and basement waterproofing estimates free of charge for any current homeowners in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. This way, you can find out the information you need to know to take care of your home.