Foundation Issues Caused by Water

Mid-Missouri Foundation Repair

Missouri has an amazing variety of homes, which also means a large assortment of foundations. Since every home and foundation are different, settling and seasonal changes can affect homes differently. This leads to a variety of issues in basements, and each one requires a unique solution. Thankfully, Ram Jack has the knowledge and solutions available to repair anything from a small leak to a crumbling wall. We will leave your home in better shape than it’s been in years.

CRACK REPAIR

Cracks are normal. We know that no one likes to see cracks in t heir basement, but it really is a natural part of the settling process. Problems will arise if that crack starts leaking. To stop the water before it causes deeper issues, Ram Jack offers a urethane injection. This quick repair (often taking about an hour per crack) starts with an epoxy coating and injection ports being used to seal the outside of the crack. The two parts of the urethane are injected through the ports and quickly expand, pushing the mixture throughout the crack. While in its semi-liquid state, this product can fill even the tiniest offshoots of the main crack. Once it cures, the urethane can stop water and still remain flexible enough to move with your basement walls as they undergo seasonal changes.

INTERIOR DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

If you’re struggling with basement water, but you aren’t seeing any obvious cracks, an interior drain may be the solution! In conjunction with a sump pump, an interior drain is able to collect water from underneath your home and push it a safe distance away. This lowers the hydrostatic pressure around your basement, taking away water’s strength and leaving it unable to force its way through the concrete. Our drains are low-profile and we are able to re-pour these areas bringing it level with the existing floor. Once your new drain is connected to your sump pump you will have a dry basement.

SUMP PUMP & BATTERY BACKUP SYSTEMS

If you have a basement in the Midwest, it is likely that you need a sump pump. The hydrostatic pressure that can build up during large rainstorms is strong enough to force water through your basement walls and floor. Not just a little bit, but several inches of water. Walking down into your basement and finding standing water is not something you want to experience! Sump pumps will collect the water from under and around your home and send it a safe distance away from your basement. This reduces the water pressure immediately around your foundation and takes away water’s ability to force its way inside. As an added bonus, sump pumps can also come in handy in case of a busted pipe or leaking water heater.

Ram Jack’s sump pumps have a few optional upgrades. A battery backup sump pump can make sure water is still being controlled in case of a power outage. “Traffic rated” covers are strong enough to be walked on, and sit flush with the floor. These are a great option for a finished basement.

BATTERY BACKUP UNITS

If you’ve ever lost power during a storm, you may consider a battery backup sump pump. These are secondary pumps that are installed in your sump well and can take over during a power outage. The battery unit charges when it has power, and is automatically triggered to begin working when power is lost. Not only is this a great backup during storms, it can give you added peace of mind when you are out of town!

EXTERIOR WATERPROOFING

Sometimes, there is just too much water or foundation damage for other waterproofing methods to adequately stop the leaking. Other times, people need a watertight basement for health or safety reasons. Whatever the case, Ram Jack has the experience to partially or completely enclose your basement.

Exterior waterproofing can seem like a large undertaking. The affected walls will need to be exposed to the foundation footing, which is often several feet down. If any necessary repairs need to be made to the basement, they will be done after excavation. Then, the specialized waterproofing membrane will be applied to the walls and connected to the footing drain. Finally, the previously removed dirt will be returned to the hole and compacted. Now the basement is watertight and any rain that runs along the membrane will be collected by the drain and routed away from your home.

POLYJACKING

As concrete settles, it rarely drops evenly. Over the years sidewalks, patios and driveways often end up cracked or with large gaps. This not only makes your home look run down, it can also pose a safety hazard. Replacing the concrete is expensive and often ends up taking several days to complete. Ram Jack proudly offers polyjacking as an alternative! This high-density foam can be quickly injected under areas of dropped concrete and will often raise it back to near its original position. It cures quickly, and even driveways can be used again in just a few hours.Since there is no need for heavy equipment, there’s no risk of damaging your landscaping.

RAM JACK WALL ANCHOR

If your basement walls are showing signs of inward movement, but more traditional braces are not an option, Ram Jack is able to install wall anchors. Several small holes are made along the wall and a steel rod is twisted through at an angle. The screw-like head of the rod gives it plenty of power to dig through the surrounding soil until it reaches maximum resistance. The rod is then bolted to your basement wall with a heavy duty plate. For extensive wall movement, Ram Jack offers ongoing straightening service. A technician will return to your home to tighten the basement bolts, which can work to straighten the wall over time.

WALL BRACES

Vertical wall restraints are one of the top 3 most common foundation repairs in the midwest along with crack injections and piers. Also called “braces”, these are simply steel beams installed on leaning or bowing basement walls. The steel is set in your basement floor and anchored to the floor joists. When installed correctly, this repair is hugely successful at getting your home to stabilize itself and stop the inward wall movement.

We are proud to service the Mid-Missouri area including:

Jefferson City, Boonville, Clinton, Columbia, Fulton, Hermann, Sedalia, Versailles, Cole Camp, Warsaw, Bourbon, Conway, Cuba, Lebanon, Jerome, Rolla, Salem, St. Robert and the Lake of the Ozarks.

Make an appointment with Ram Jack - Columbia, MO to learn about specific services we offer or start by calling (573) 342-4000.