Serving Greater Pittsburgh, Cranberry Township, McKeesport, Bethel Park

Technical Papers

Basement Waterproofing Technical Papers

How To Plan For A Large Home Improvement Project
A large home improvement project can be a big deal. Like most tings, much of how it goes depends on how well planned you are from the beginning. This paper will give some insight on how to better navigate and plan a large home improvement project.
Sunday, April 2nd, 2023
Transform Ugly Basement Walls with BrightWall
BrightWall® panels transform bare walls into bright, durable, maintenance-free finished walls BrightWall® Basement Wall Panels can easily transform damp, ugly basement walls into bright, beautiful walls that never need paint or other maintenance. The BrightWall® system includes semi-rigid, white plastic panels, trim strips used to join panels together and plastic fasteners that are used to attach panels to the foundation wall.
Wednesday, March 1st, 2023
Icicles and Wet Basements
Icicles on gutters can be a beautiful sight, but they can also be a hazard. The weight of the icicles can cause gutters to become misaligned and malfunction, leading to wet basements during spring rains.
Wednesday, February 15th, 2023
Bad Grading and Basement Wetness
It is imperative to ensure that proper grading conditions around a home are in compliance with the Pennsylvania residential building code and best practices in order to reduce basement wetness and foundation damage. This includes proper slope, grade height, fill material selection, and gutter and downspout installation. By following these guidelines, homeowners can reduce the risk of basement wetness and foundation damage, preserving the integrity of their homes and foundations and protecting their biggest investments...their home.
Monday, February 6th, 2023
Water Can Destroy Concrete Foundations
To prevent water damage to residential foundations, it is important to take a proactive approach. This can include regular inspection and maintenance of the foundation, including sealing cracks and holes to prevent water from penetrating the surface. It is also important to manage the growth of vegetation around the foundation, by removing any trees or shrubs that may be putting pressure on the foundation. In addition, it is important to monitor the water table around the foundation, and take steps to lower it if necessary.
Saturday, February 4th, 2023
What is the White Powder on My Basement Walls?
Efflorescence is a white, powdery substance that can form on the surface of residential foundation walls and is a common issue in many homes.
Saturday, February 4th, 2023
Hydrostatic Pressure and Basement Leaking
Hydrostatic pressure is a condition that occurs when water accumulates in the soil surrounding a home. This water can come from various sources such as rain, snow melt, or a high water table. When the water accumulates, it creates pressure that can eventually push through basement walls and floors, causing leaks. In a typical home, the basement is constructed with a waterproof barrier, such as a membrane or a sealant, to prevent water from penetrating the walls and floor. However, these barriers can deteriorate over time or be damaged by shifting soil, causing leaks to occur.
Thursday, February 2nd, 2023
A Brief History of the Internal French Drain
The history of internal French drain systems can be traced back to the mid-19th century when Henry Flagg French, a civil engineer and author, introduced the concept of subsurface drainage in his book "Drainage for Health and Beauty."
Thursday, February 2nd, 2023
What is Hydrostatic Pressure
H ydrostatic pressure refers to the pressure exerted by a fluid (usually water) at rest, such as in a static state in a container or in the ground. This pressure is caused by the weight of the fluid above the point in question and is proportional to the height of the fluid and the density of the fluid. When it comes to basement waterproofing, hydrostatic pressure can be a major concern. When the ground around a building becomes saturated with water, it increases the hydrostatic pressure against the foundation walls. Over time, this increased pressure can cause water to seep into the basement through cracks, porous concrete, or other openings.
Wednesday, February 1st, 2023
A History of Flooding in McKeesport, Pennsylvania
McKeesport, Pennsylvania is a city located in the Monongahela River Valley and has a history of severe flooding dating back to the late 19th century. Over the years, the city has been affected by numerous major floods, causing damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. In this essay, we'll examine the history of flooding in McKeesport and the measures taken to mitigate the impacts of such events.
Wednesday, February 1st, 2023
The United States Army Corps of Engineers Protecting Pittsburgh, PA
The United States Army Corps of Engineers has played a critical role in protecting the city of Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas from devastating floods. Over the years, the Corps has implemented various measures to reduce the risk of flood damage, ranging from structural improvements to river management strategies.
Wednesday, February 1st, 2023
How to Fix a Frozen Sump Pump Discharge Line
A frozen discharge line is a common and major problem for sump pump systems. When the water in the discharge line freezes, it can cause the pump to burn out or even fail completely. This is because the pump has to work harder to push water through the frozen line, putting extra strain on the motor and other components. In extreme cases, the frozen line can even cause the pump to overheat and stop working altogether.
Tuesday, January 31st, 2023
Hurricane Ivan Floods Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania
On September 16th, 2004, Hurricane Ivan brought heavy rainfall to the Pittsburgh area, dumping over five inches of rain in just a few hours. The amount of rainfall was unprecedented, and it caused severe flooding in many parts of western Pennsylvania.
Tuesday, January 31st, 2023
The Pittsburgh St. Patricks Day Flood of 1936
The 1936 St. Patrick's Day Flood in Pittsburgh, PA was one of the worst natural disasters to hit the city in its history. On March 17, 1936, heavy rain and melting snow from the previous winter caused the three rivers that run through the city - the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio - to overflow their banks. The resulting flood caused widespread damage and displacement, and claimed the lives of at least 84 people.
Tuesday, January 31st, 2023
Can Melting Snow Flood My Basement?
When snow melts, it can cause a basement to leak and flood. This is because melted snow can seep into the ground and then into the basement through cracks or other openings in the foundation. Additionally, it can overwhelm existing below ground drainage systems that are old, clogged or working at some diminished capacity. Once inside, the water can cause damage to the walls, floors, and belongings stored in the basement.
Saturday, January 28th, 2023
Why Are There So Many Wet Basements in Pittsburgh
Wet basements are a common problem in Pittsburgh, and there are several reasons why this is the case.
Saturday, January 28th, 2023
Fixing Wet Basement Walls in Style
BrightWall® Basement Wall Panels can easily transform damp, ugly basement walls into bright, beautiful walls that never need paint or other maintenance. The BrightWall® system includes semi-rigid, white plastic panels, trim strips used to join panels together and plastic fasteners that are used to attach panels to the foundation wall.
Thursday, January 26th, 2023
Ice Dams and Basement Wetness
Sometimes a wet basement is caused by malfunctioning gutters and poor foundation drainage.
Wednesday, January 25th, 2023
How Does Water Damage Cement Block and Concrete
Water is essential to the creation of concrete, but it can also destroy it.
Monday, January 16th, 2023
What Does a Basement Dehumidifier Do?
This article explains what dehumidifiers do and spotlights the Sedona. The SaniDry™ Sedona is the world's most efficient, high-performance dehumidifier and filtration system (without a bulky heat exchange core). When installed in your basement or crawl space, the Sedona can help prevent mold and reduce musty odors, giving you dry healthy air and total comfort. The Sedona is small in size, yet powerful enough to lower humidity in even the dampest environment, such as the basement or crawl space.
Monday, January 16th, 2023
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Total Technical Papers: 28

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