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Q&A

The Basement Doctor of Central Kentucky Q&A

Do I need a vapor barrier in my basement?

Yes! It is always wise to have your crawl space encapsulated to prevent vapor from entering into the crawl space through the surrounding earth.

How can I protect my crawl space from water?

Getting your crawl space encapsulated and fitted with the appropriate products is an investment that can help to lower your heating costs and improve the air quality within your home. It is also important to have the vents sealed off to prevent outside air from coming in. 

How do I lower the humidity in my crawlspace?

Moisture in a crawlspace can cause a lot of problems in your home.  Moisture can cause wood rot, mold and mildew.  As a homeowner, sometimes it is hard to find the source of the moisture.  Why not call the crawlspace and basement experts?  A certified inspector will inspect the crawlspace.  Yes, he is going in that dark, wet space...he will find the problem with the crawl space and give you the best options for your home.  Our inspectors are very knowledgeable, friendly and are passionate about helping people to find the best solutions for their homes!

How does concrete become uneven?

Concrete is frequently installed on top of loose soil during a home's construction. Over time this concrete can start moving as the soil settles, shrinks, or washes away. This will result in the uneven, sinking, or tilting concrete surfaces that PolyLevel is used to raise. 

How does water get into my crawl space?

The primary ways that water gets into the crawl space area through vents, condensation, and leaks.

How is PolyLevel installed?

PolyLevel is injected beneath concrete fixtures through a series of strategically-drilled pea-sized holes. This foam fills the gap between the concrete fixture and the compromised soil. As it dries, PolyLevel expands - pushing slabs and concrete fixtures upward. Afterward, the pea-sized holes are patched and become nearly invisible. Once it cures, PolyLevel will provide permanent support between the concrete slab and the ground. 

What can be some causes of basement leaks?

There can be many reasons why water leaks into a basement.  Sometimes hydrostatic pressure causes water to work its way in, or there can be cracks in the foundation that the homeowner doesn't even realize are there!  If you are experiencing a leaky basement, why not call the waterproofing experts in your area?   Schedule an appointment with one of our certified inspectors who will inspect your basement and sit down with you to explain the best solution to your leaky basement.

What causes concrete failure?

Lots of different variables contribute to concrete deterioration, but the main 5 culprits are loose fill-soil, wash-out, dry-out, slab expansion, and water entering grid lines. 

What causes crawl space damage?

The four main culprits for crawl space damage are humidity, moisture, temperature changes, and water. 

What causes pitting concrete?

Pitting and flaking are the results of water damaging the surface of your concrete over time. After heavy rain, the surface of the concrete will absorb water (like a sponge). When this water then evaporates or freezes, it creates or widens existing surface damage on the face of the concrete. Many people attribute this damage to salt laid down in the winter, but that is not totally accurate. Laying down salt can melt existing ice and snow into water, which then refreezes on the surface of the concrete - widening imperfections. This damage worsens every year as the seasons and weather change until it is noticeable to the naked eye. This can decrease your property value and create pathways in the concrete’s surface for further damage.

What happens when there is standing water in your basement?

Stillwater pooling in your basement can lead to several problems in your home, like mold, mildew, mosquitos (and other parasites), and water damage. It is best to call a contractor to remove pooling water from your basement as soon as possible. After the water has been removed you should schedule an appointment with a professional to install some waterproofing measures to prevent future issues.

What is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is used to pump water out of a "sump pit" or "sump basin." "Sump basins" are pits that have been carved into the floor of a home or basement, and collect any pooling water. The sump pump is designed to take this collected water and pump it out of the home (usually back outside). 

What is PolyLevel?

PolyLevel is a high-strength polyurethane foam used to raise and level concrete slabs and fixtures. It is light-weight, environmentally friendly, and durable enough to support heavy loads. 

What should I do about uneven concrete?

Concrete issues don't get better over time, so putting off making a concrete repair appointment is only going to lead to more unevenness and deterioration. The earlier you decide to fix your concrete problems, the earlier a professional can help to prevent further damage and save you money down the line. If you ever plan to sell your home or have it evaluated, you are going to wish that you had repaired your concrete when you first noticed the damage. 

What to do about water in basement?

Having a wet basement can prevent you from using the space as you would like.  Our patented waterproofing system can turn your wet basement into a dry, comfortable space that you can use for storage or extra living space.  Think of all the things you can do with that space...a family room, extra bedroom??  Schedule an appointment with a certified inspector to find the solution for your home and turn your wet basement into a basement that you can enjoy!

What type of vapor barrier to use in crawl space?

A vapor barrier is usually made of plastic sheeting set into place on the crawl space floor.  This provides a barrier between the ground and the inside of the crawlspace.  The problem with just the plastic sheeting is you are not stopping the water from coming in.  You could have plastic sheeting that is swimming in water.  Every home has different needs and sometimes it is difficult to find out what they may be.  Maybe you need a SmartSump Crawl Space Drainage System...or CleanSpace Encapsulation System...why not call the basement and crawlspace experts to find the best solution to your home.  

Who can make a crawl space dry?

The Basement Doctor of Central Kentucky can make your crawlspace dry!!  We are your crawl space and basement experts!  Having a wet crawlspace can cause problems not only in the crawl space area but in the home above.  Schedule an appointment with one of our certified inspectors.  He will take the time to inspect your crawl space and provide you with the best solution for your home. 

Who do you call for water in the crawl space of the house?

The Basement Doctor of Central Kentucky!!  We are your crawl space and basement experts.  Not a lot of people look into the crawl space that often, and when you do you may be surprised to find that there is water sitting in there.  Call The Basement Doctor of Central Kentucky to find the source of the water and the best solution to keep the crawl space dry!   

Why do basements flood?

There are a number of reasons that a basement can flood.  Water finds its way in through the walls, floor, through cracks...any number of ways! The important thing to do is to find the solution for the unique needs in your basement.  Our patented WaterGuard Basement Waterproofing system intercepts the water that is coming into your basement and drains it to the sump pump system to be pumped away from the house.   Need a sump pump, or a battery back-up sump pump?  We can help you find the right combination for your home.

Why do I need a Sump?

A sump is a vital and integral part of any basement waterproofing system. Along with a water collection and drainage system, the sump pump ensures that pooling water in the basement can be safely and quickly transported back outside. This will help to prevent damage to the home caused by flooding or water infiltration. 

Why does concrete become stained?

Concrete is porous - meaning it can absorb substances like oil, mold, dirt, fertilizer, and more! This forms ugly stains over time that damage your concrete and lower your property value. 

Why does it sound like I hear water under my house and it's not raining?

If it sounds like it's raining under your house that cannot be a good thing.  One reason could be a plumbing leak.  Our SmartSump Drainage System is designed just for crawl spaces.  It has a unique lid design so water from a plumbing leak fills the alarm pocket on the lid sounding a WaterWatch alarm.  The WaterWatch Alarm will alert you to a problem with the pump due to a water leak, power failure or pump failure.  Having a SmartSump with a WaterWatch alarm could save you from the cost of repair due to water damage or high water bills due to a plumbing leak.  Find out how you can protect your crawlspace by calling us today!

Why does my crawl space collect water around the foundation when it rains?

Your crawl space may not be properly sealed or may have a leak. There are several waterproofing measures that you can take to help prevent this problem. You should consult a professional contractor to see what they recommend for your specific crawl space issues.

Why does my crawl space smell?

Air that comes in through your crawl space travels upward, infiltrating the rest of your home. If there is mold, mildew, dust, bacteria, or any other unhealthy agent in your crawl space - you can bet that it is in the air in your home as well. This can lead to allergies, asthma, and illness. 

Why is my crawl space not insulated?

Your crawl space is likely not insulated because it is what we would call a "dirt crawl space" - meaning it is positioned directly above the earth with no form of protection. These types of crawl spaces can allow moisture, critters, and other unpleasant things into your crawl space. It is best to get your crawl space insulated and fitted with a vapor barrier to uncouple the effects of the ground from your crawl space. An insulated crawl space can also lead to warmer floors, lower heating costs, and healthier home air.

Why is there small amount of water in my basement?

Basements are known to be wet places in houses.  Water seems to find its way in through cracks in the foundation or sometimes just seeps right through the wall or floor.  A small amount of water could end up causing big problems later on, not to mention, that having even a small amount of water could prevent you from being able to fully use your basement.  It doesn't have to stay that way...with a little help from The Basement Doctor of Kentucky we can turn your wet basement into a dry space that you can use for storage or extra living space.  

our service area

We serve the following areas

  • Berry
  • Carlisle
  • Clearfield
  • Corinth
  • Crittenden
  • Crockett
  • Cynthiana
  • Denniston
  • Dry Ridge
  • Elizaville
  • Elkfork
  • Elliottville
  • Ewing
  • Ezel
  • Farmers
  • Flatgap
  • Flemingsburg
  • Frenchburg
  • Ghent
  • Hillsboro
  • Hope
  • Isonville
  • Jonesville
  • Keaton
  • Mason
  • Millersburg
  • Moorefield
  • Morehead
  • Mount Olivet
  • Mount Sterling
  • New Liberty
  • North Middletown
  • Olympia
  • Owenton
  • Owingsville
  • Paris
  • Plummers Landing
  • Sadieville
  • Salt Lick
  • Sanders
  • Sandy Hook
  • Sharpsburg
  • Sitka
  • Stambaugh
  • Wallingford
  • Wellington
  • West Liberty
  • Williamstown
  • Worthville
  • Wrigley
Our Locations:

The Basement Doctor of Central Kentucky
22 Reilly Rd
Frankfort, KY 40601
1-859-795-5068