Buying a house isn’t easy, and for most people, it takes months, if not years, of planning. But aside from the location, price, and whatnot, when looking for a house, buyers should also pay attention to house foundation problems. So, here are some signs a house has foundation problems:
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1. Cracks
   Walls cracks are the most obvious sign a house has a foundation problem. Now if the cracks resemble a web or a net, it’s nothing alarming as they can easily be covered with paint. However, if cracks are wide enough for items to fit in them, then they’re already a concern that can lead to a major house foundation repair.
   
   ​One of the main causes of wall cracks is leaks or water pooling. The water can seep into the house’s foundation wall (weather concrete or wood) and freeze there during winter or cold weather, which causes the wall to crack in places. 
   
   
2. Rotten Foundation Materials
   In relation to the previous item, if there’s a prolonged plumbing or waterproofing problem, there’s a high chance for mold build-up. If left uncontrolled, molds can rot the materials used in the foundation until they crumble. Rotten materials weaken the foundation of a house. So, if you wish to buy a house, it’s better to have the molds removed before you move in.
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3. Eroded Soil
   When scouting for a house, you should be wary of soil erosion. It is typically caused by poor drainage. Too much water leads to erosion of the soil the house is sitting on while, lack of water, dry soil that causes the foundation to shift.​

Foundation problems will often lead to major house repairs if these problems are prolonged and not given immediately resolved. But there are also foundation problems that can be fixed quickly. When buying a house, don’t forget these indicators and always remember to consult with a house foundation repair expert before you sign the deal.

Turn to A+ Environmental, Inc. for Foundation Repair in Madison
At A+ Environmental, Inc., we do our best to help house buyers inspect the foundation of their houses they’ll buy. Whether your house is newly bought or pre-owned, you can count on us to provide long-term solutions for any foundation issues you’ve noticed. So, if you need a house foundation repair in Madison and other areas, get in touch with our team. Give us a call today.

Basements serve different purposes for different households. Some use their basement as a laundry room. Others turn it into a man cave or hangout place. Meanwhile, some people store unused furniture and other items in their basement. Because of its multipurpose use, it’s very important to protect it from one of its most common enemies—water.

Basements usually don’t have windows. So when it’s exposed to water, it can’t rely on sunlight or wind to dry up. And when it’s damp for days or weeks, it can be a breeding ground for molds, mildew, and insects. 

So before things get worse, you should consider waterproofing your basement. To further guide you, here are some signs that can help you tell if your house needs basement waterproofing ASAP:

Your House Is Located in a Flood-Prone Area
Basements suffer the most when there is a flood. That’s why if you live in an area that is prone to flood or strong typhoons, you shouldn’t second-guess about waterproofing your basement.

Your Pipes Are Located in Your Basement
Even if flooding isn’t common in your area, your basement can still get damp due to leaks or burst pipes in your basement. Even rain or snow can cause moisture. And when there’s moisture, mold can sprout anytime.

Mold infestation is never good. It poses a health hazard and can cause damage to your home. Waterproofing your basement is a good way to prevent mold infestation.

Your Basement Smells Musty
Basements are often the most neglected area of the house, and you probably just go there at least once a week. But because of that, you may not be aware that water or moisture has already seeped into your basement. 

Basements that smell musty mean that they’ve been exposed to water for quite some time and mold growth has started. While the mold can be controlled, don’t hesitate to call an expert to have the mold removed, dry the area, and waterproof it to avoid it from happening again.

Turn to A+ Environmental, Inc.
Before water intrusion leads to bigger problems, waterproof your basement as early as possible to avoid heavy repair and restoration later on. At A+ Environmental, Inc., we do our best to help homeowners protect their basements and other areas of their houses. So for high-quality basement waterproofing, give us a call today! We look forward to serving you.

Residential repairs can be extremely costly, which is why before things lead to a major house foundation repair, it’s important to make sure you protect that part of your home. Here are some foundation maintenance tips that can help you: 
 
1. Monitor Cracks 
Never ignore the cracks on your floors because it may indicate that your house’s foundation needs attention. Once you’ve spotted these cracks, it’s crucial for you to monitor them closely and note if there’s a significant change in the following days.  
 
You should also take note if the cracks widen when it was exposed to rain or extreme temperatures. If as days go by, the cracks increase in length, become wider, and even extend to the walls, then it’s better to call a house foundation repair expert to look at it. 
 
Another thing you should watch out for is foundation cracks. Unlike common cracks on the floor, they can’t be spotted that easily and you have to check them from the basement or crawlspace.
 
They can be caused by a lot of factors like extreme heat, earthquakes, too dry or wet soil, and slab leaks. Slab leaks are especially tricky since they’re hardly noticeable. They’re caused by plumbing problems wherein a pipe is damaged or improperly installed.
 
A prolonged slab leak can erode the soil in which your foundation is sitting on. And when it does, it causes the foundation to shift. Eventually, the house or at least a portion of it eventually collapses.
 
2. Make Sure Your Property Is Correctly Sloped 
A good way to avoid overwatering the soil around your house is by making sure that your foundation is on a proper slope. This way, the water drains away instead of seeping deep into the soil. If in case, your house isn’t sloped properly, installing a moisture barrier around your property is a great way to keep the water at bay. 
 
3. Don’t Plant Large Trees Closely to Your House
Plants and trees definitely enhance the appearance of one’s home. But there are also cases where they can be a problem by ruining your foundation. Trees, massive trees, also need to “drink” a massive amount of water for it to grow.  
 
When you plant a huge tree close to your home, its tree roots can compete with the soil around your house’s foundation for water. And since you can’t really control how much water the tree can intake, it can really dry up the soil in which your house is built upon. Too much dry soil is just as bad as too much wet soil. It can do just as much damage to your house’s foundation. 
 
Turn to A+ Environmental, Inc.
At A+ Environmental, Inc., we do our best to help homeowners protect the foundation of their homes. So, for house foundation repairs, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. Give us a call today.

When thinking of a garden, the first image that would pop to one’s mind is a picture of beautiful flowers and nicely trimmed bushes. But maintaining a garden isn’t that easy, and it takes a lot of effort to keep it neat and pretty. 
 
Not being able to tend to your garden for a day or two shouldn’t be a big deal. But what if you’ve been gone for a month? Or you had to stay in another location for at least a year? Chances are, by the time you get back, your garden had already turned into a full-blown jungle.
 
Before you start putting on your gardening gloves and bringing your lawnmower to life, check out these five helpful garden restoration tips that can help you save time and money:
 
1. Observe your garden
If you’ve been gone some time, there may be plants growing in your garden that weren’t there before. Take time off to scan them, then make a list of which ones you’d like to keep.
 
2. Wear proper gardening clothes
Once you’ve decided which flowers or plants you like to keep, now’s the time to get your hands “dirty.” Take out the weeds or any greenery that you think is a nuisance to your garden.
 
Never wander an overgrown garden without wearing proper clothing. Boots, long-sleeved shirts, and gloves can save you from touching or getting in contact with itch-inducing or poisonous plants that may have sprouted in your garden.
 
3. Groom your plants and flowers
Overgrown shrubs would need some trimming to get them back to shape. Meanwhile, some plants need pruning for them to grow at a steady pace and properly receive nutrients. Additionally, the grass bed, which probably grew out of hand, would need to be mowed.
 
4. Consider upgrading your garden
If you want to give your garden a fresh new look, buying new flowers and plants would be a great start. Or you can also choose to add a few decorative pieces, such as white landscape rocks or gnomes figurines. Just make sure to stick to your budget so that you can avoid overspending.
 
5. Take your time
All of this couldn’t be done in a day, so there’s no need to rush. It’s better to mark a ‘garden” day or two on your calendar so you’d have a more well-planned routine.
 
Need Help With Your Garden Restoration? Turn to A+ Environmental, Inc.
At A+ Environmental, Inc., we take on residential and commercial landscaping services. If you need professional help restoring your garden or landscape, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.

A beautiful and functional landscape can be an asset to your business. Creating an enjoyable outer space attracts more customers to your establishment and encourages them to stay longer. But if your landscaping is not well-maintained, it can turn prospective clients away. If that happens, check out these commercial landscape restoration tips to bring back the beauty of your lawn. 

Keep the grass green and the flowers blooming.
Get rid of dry patches on your lawn by replacing them with healthy grass, plants, or flowers. When selecting plants and flowers for the lawn, make sure that the colors and textures match the architectural style of your building. This will create a design harmony that will connect the establishment with the landscape in front of it.
 
Direct the flow of traffic to the main entrance of the building.
From a business standpoint, you will want to direct people to the main entrance of the building. You need to make it obvious and inviting; avoid blocking it with enormous trees or shrubs. Additionally, creating brick walkways that lead to the main entrance can help your customers easily access your business. Bright and colorful landscape elements, such as flowers, shrubs, and low plants, can line these paths and create additional visual appeal for your landscape.
 
Create a focal point in your landscape design.
Create a “focal point” in your design. It can be a monument, statue, or even the entrance of your building. This visual element makes the landscape more interesting and captures the attention of the people passing by. And then, design the rest of the scenery to draw focus on that point. If you need help in doing so, commercial landscape restoration services are just a call away.
 
Ensure proper care and regular maintenance.
Once every element is in place, you just need to ensure regular maintenance to keep the landscape neat and beautiful. Over time, the plants and other visual elements will change, and they can look overgrown and overwhelming.

Get in touch with us at A+ Environmental, Inc for residential and commercial landscaping services. You can also contact us today to learn more about creating beautiful landscapes!

Waterproofing your basement will preserve the strength of your home’s foundation and overall structural integrity. It will keep your basement clean and dry, preventing leaks or mold accumulation. To have your basement waterproofed, you’ll need a reputable waterproofing contractor in Madison, WI.

To help you select the right waterproofing company, you should know more about them and their work. Here are some important questions you should ask:

How long have you been in business?
The longer the company has been in business, the more experience they have in handling waterproofing concerns. This means they have the level of skills and expertise that you need to protect your home. Additionally, they have most likely encountered the problem you are facing, so they can provide foolproof solutions.

Are you licensed and insured?
This is one of the most important questions you should ask a waterproofing company. Basement waterproofing may require a building permit for the contractor to operate. Also, you need to ensure that they have workers’ compensation and liability insurance. These safety precautions will protect you financially in case an accident happens on the job.

What is the best solution to the problem?
The waterproofing company will recommend various ways to solve your water problem at home. You must ask about all the components of their proposed solution—the materials to be used, how long it will take, and why they think it’s the best resolution. This will ensure that their waterproofing recommendation will prevent future problems.

Do you offer warranties?
If they have warranties, you need to know what they cover—materials, labor, or both. You should also ask how long they are valid and if they are transferable. The best offer is a lifetime transferable warranty, which can be passed to the next owner of your home.

Can I see the reviews of your previous customers?
A reputable basement waterproofing company should be able to provide a long list of satisfied customers. You can also check review websites to see if the company is recommended. Be on the lookout for both positive and negative comments.

Make an Informed Decision
Asking the right questions will help you select the best company to repair your water problem. Make sure your chosen waterproofing contractor in Madison, WI will solve your problem for good. 

At A+ Environmental, Inc., we have more than 30 years of professional experience in the waterproofing industry. Turn to us for all your basement waterproofing needs! Contact us today for more information about our services.

Water accumulates in basements for several reasons, such as rain- or groundwater seepage via cracks. It can also be due to condensation from pipes that pass through the area. To prevent leaks and their detrimental consequences, like mold growth and a weakened foundation, you must have your basement waterproofed.

There are many useful basement waterproofing tips you can use to get started on the project. Read on to learn more about them. 

Clean and Secure Your Gutter System

The purpose of gutters and downspouts is to direct the flow of rainwater away from your home. If they get clogged or damaged, water might pool in them, leak into parts of your roof, or find its way down to your basement. To prevent this from happening, make sure to regularly clean and inspect your gutter system.

Extend Your Downspout

You should have your downspouts extended to at least four feet away from your home. This placement of the downspouts will further ensure that no water will be pooling near your foundation—it’ll all be transported away into the yard or, perhaps, an underground well.

Check for Plumbing Issues

Problems in your home’s plumbing system are another threat to the dryness of your basement. Leaks from broken pipes upstairs or within walls can be difficult to diagnose and can cause water to flow down and accumulate in your basement. Make sure to have a professional inspect your house’s pipes and fixtures.

Dehumidify the Air in Your Basement

Having a quality dehumidifier in your basement can significantly help control moisture and humidity levels in it. Make sure to maintain the appliance by having it periodically inspected and cleaned. 

Slope the Soil Away From Your Foundation

Examine the soil surrounding your house. Does it slope away from the foundation? If not, then you better have it regraded as soon as possible. This will help channel the flow of water on the ground away from your foundation and basement.

Apply Waterproof Coatings

For further protection against moisture and water seepage, use waterproofing products for your basement’s interior walls. There are a variety of them available on the market, from simple waterproof paint to concrete sealers.

Keeping your basement clean and dry is important in maintaining the strength of your foundation and, in general, your home’s structural integrity. For all your professional basement waterproofing needs and concerns, turn to A+ Environmental, Inc. in Madison, WI. Get in touch with us to learn more.

Water seepage in your basement is a situation you don’t want. A damp basement can lead to a lot of problems, such as the growth of mold, mildew, and many harmful bacteria. 

A leaky basement calls for a waterproofing job. If it’s your first time to seek basement leak repair in Madison, WI, you should know what to expect from such a service. Read on to learn more.

Before

Prior to the actual waterproofing work, expect an initial visit from the waterproofing contractor. They’ll come and assess your basement to give you a proper evaluation and cost estimate. They’ll also figure out the project scope and level of expertise needed for the job.

If you have conducted an initial inspection of your basement, it would be helpful to relay the information you’ve gathered to the contractor and work together in coming up with the best procedure. This will ensure that you’re on the same page regarding the basement’s condition and the waterproofing service to be done.

During

While the process may vary depending on the particular basement’s issues, these are the usual steps undertaken during a basement waterproofing service:
Breaking the Concrete
This first step is important to make sure that the interior basement drainage system is designed properly. The concrete around the edge of the basement is broken, which will create a shallow ditch surrounding the interior walls. Then, they will dig through the ditch to make a deeper crevice where a corrugated pipe will be placed.
Covering the Crevice
After securing the corrugated pipe, the crevice will then be covered. Loose gravel will make up the first layer. This will be followed by a layer of new concrete to bring the area back to ground level—the same as the rest of the basement.
Installing a Sump Pump
Sump pumps regulate water drainage. When the water rises to a specific level, the pump turns on automatically to channel the water through the new pipes. These then direct the water away from your basement and to an external drainage system safely.
Installing a Vinyl Wall Cove Base
A vinyl cove base or plate is installed to cover the joints where the wall and floor meet, sealing them against water penetration. This will ensure that the basement’s interior is untouched.
Trust a Waterproofing Pro
A delicate job like basement waterproofing should only be entrusted to a skilled and professional contractor so that your expectations are properly met. If you’re looking to get quality basement leak repair in Madison, WI, turn to A+ Environmental, Inc. Contact us today to learn more.