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Basement Overflow Underpinning

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As Henry Ford once said “Quality is doing things right when no one is looking”. Doing things right when no one is looking is an absolute must when it comes to basement waterproofing.

INTRODUCTION

DON’T BUILD UP OR OUT – BUILD DOWN

BASEMENT RENOVATIONS HAVE CHANGED

DOING IT RIGHT

6 Step Repair Process:

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Scope of Work

Understanding what scope of underpinning you require. Is it strictly structural or is it to increase living space?
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Documentation

Choosing an experienced structural engineer in your area within underpinning and residential structural envelopes.
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Structural Iron Work

To ensure a safe, secure, initial load bearing wall support base, structural IBEAM repairs need to be completed prior to any basement lowering project or single structural underpinning repair.
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The Robust Choice

Many styles of underpinning exist but many styles are equally problematic over time. Choose the proven preferred method, the MacRae Overflow Vibro-Pak Underpinning system.
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Cost Vs Workmanship

With dozens of contractors out there, be sure you are getting what you pay for. Beware of the recently saturated marketplace.
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Drainage!

Maintain your eavestrough and downspouts year round; ensure your grade is positively pitched away from your foundation walls.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is the difference between hand excavation and machine?

Hand excavation affords less overall damage to the property and its surroundings. Heavy machinery is also difficult to operate in tight-access residential situations. Overall, we prefer hand excavation over machinery wherever possible.

What time of year can this type of work be completed in?

Exterior and interior foundation repair and waterproofing can be completed by an experienced crew at any time during the year, but keep in mind that heavy rains and snow storms can slow the progress.

Do I need to obtain a permit for this work?

Generally speaking, waterproofing and drainage considerations do not require permits as the structure of your home is not being changed in anyway. However, permits are required for underpinning and major structural repairs.

If digging from the outside, what about my gardens and shrubs?

Our hand excavation waterproofing process protects the esthetics of your home in a way that machine excavation is not capable of doing. Interlocking stone, garden beds and shrubbery can be reinstalled with minimal effect to the esthetics of the property.

Do you lay down tarps before work starts?

Yes. As excavations take place tarps separate the excavated soil from contaminating your grounds. Once our backfill is complete, the grounds are restored to their original condition.

Does insurance typically cover this work?

Generally speaking, residential insurance policies do not cover foundation seepage or cracks in the foundation walls unless these protections were specifically instituted at the onset of your policy. For more information, call your insurance company directly.

What about my interlocking patio or walkway?

After completion of repairs, the soil is back-filled and power tamped to ensure minimal overall settlement. Our crews can then reinstall your interlocking patio.

Do you recommend a battery backup system for my sump pump?

Most power outages occur during large storms, which is precisely the time that you need your sump pump working at peak performance. Battery backup systems guarantee sump pump evacuation regardless of essential service outages.

Do my eavestroughs really affect the integrity of my foundation walls?

Absolutely. Upwards of 85% of foundation issues originate from blocked or improperly installed eavestrough, fascia and/or downspouts. Trough maintenance is crucial.

Should I ever backfill a repair completely with gravel?

Gravel should only be installed around the weeping tile system at footing level. Native soil is always recommended to be returned to an excavation after repairs have been complete. Complete gravel backfills are not recommended.

Do you locate underground services before the work begins?

Yes. We take care of all below-grade service locates prior to any excavations taking place. These locates includes Hydro, Gas and Data (but may not include any third-party lines)

Do you recommend hiring an engineer for my project?

An engineer is not required for every project, but in the event that a P. Eng is required you can provide a structural engineer of your choosing or we can provide one for you. Overall, engineers are key to underscoring clarity and determining overall specifications for large-scope projects. Their knowledge and insight is second to none.

Our Awards

A warranty is only as meaningful as the company that issues it. We don’t simply issue a document, we issue a true guarantee.
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