Chicago Basement Waterproofing

If you own one of the many homes in Chicago with flooding and condensation problems in the basement, you are probably tired of the musty smell and other problems caused by that moisture. Damaged property, moist and mushy carpet, cracked drywall and even dangerous electrical problems all result when a basement floods. The dangers this problem presents to your foundation, carpeting, and wiring are plenty, and they can slowly progress until it is too late to reverse.

Luckily, there are a few easy solutions and preventions that a professional in Chicago basement waterproofing can provide. Safe-Guard Waterproofing offers both repair and protection services that stop the damaging rainwater from entering cracks in your foundation and building pressure that can turn a seemingly small problem into a big one. If your basement has flooded in the past, if you have suspicions that there is moisture trapped, or if you are starting to see unexplained cracks externally or internally, call us today to waterproofing your basement in Chicago before it's too late! You will be able to choose from many different services that will both prevent and repair a precarious foundation, including the Water Trek Aqua Route Waterproofing system (our best and most popular), Interior and Exterior Drain Tiles (a great prevention step for any home), and even sump and other pumps and backups to protect your basement from damaging floods and pipe disasters.

Even if you haven't experienced water damage, there's never a better time than now to prepare with comprehensive waterproofing in your basement. Rest with peace of mind knowing that your home is safe. A flooded basement is a stressful and frightening accident, and we recommend you call us immediately after a flood to assess the damage and answer all of the questions you might have. Don't let your basement fall apart because you waited too long to have the cracks repaired or the window wells strengthened—call the professionals today!

Does your basement flood every time it rains?

Are you tired of the musty smell and other problems a wet basement causes?

If you've been struggling with a leaky basement, you're probably familiar with the problems it can cause. So what causes the leakage? Water that enters the clay bowl around your home can build up hydro static pressure against your foundation. This pressure can exert tons of force causing your basement to leak and crack. And when the soil becomes over saturated, the damage can become extensive.

Water Trek Interior Drain Tile Exterior Drain Tile Sump Pumps Battery Backups Interior Crack Repair Exterior Crack Repair
 Wall Systems Over The Top Exterior Wall Membrane Waterproofing Accessories Window Wells


Water Trek Aqua Route


The Water Trek Aqua Route Waterproofing system is simply the most effective system on the market – bar none!

TOP 5 REASONS TO USE WATER TREK AQUA ROUTE
1- less expensive than typical waterproofing systems.
2- Less invasive than typical waterproofing systems.
3- Clog resistant sits on top of the footing not down in the mud!
4- A unique patented system that can be custom tailored to each home.
5- Carries a lifetime transferable warranty.

Interior Drain Tile



Our crews arrive in company trucks, and in uniforms.


A trench is dug and a rigid 4" PVC Pipe is installed with a filter sock when required by code.


The perimeter of the basement floor is opened up and removed.


The trench is filled with washed stone and the drainage fabric is installed.


Inspection ports are installed to allow for access to the system.


The floor is closed using concrete mix.




A crock, the Main Pump, Battery Back up system and High Water Alarm are installed.


The crock is sealed and the pumps are connected.



Why purchase a Safe-Guard Interior Drain Tile system?

Full lifetime transferable warranties.

A permanent solution to your water problems.

Installed by our own fully trained crew members.

Each system is customized to your home.

Join a growing list of over 70,000 satisfied customers who have chosen to use our 31 year old family owned business.



SAFE-GUARD WATERPROOFING HERE YESTERDAY, TODAY & TOMORROW FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND!


Exterior Drain Tile


When performing an exterior drain tile system any obstacles in the way need to be removed. Some examples are central ac units, decks, and any landscaping in the area around your foundation.

SGBT will then dig down to the footing of the building exposing the foundation wall. Spoils will be placed on a protective material to help protect the surrounding area.

Once the walls are exposed they are professionally cleaned. SGBT then applies HLM 5000, a modified urethane sealant, to the wall followed by Mirafi self sealing membrane. Then Mari Drain backer board is placed over the membrane.

Once the wall is completely sealed we install a 4" rigid pvc drainage pipe with a filter sock. This is surrounded by washed stone and then covered with a landscaping fabric. In the photos above a window well drain is installed.

The window well is reinstalled, removed earth is backfilled to grade and left mounded to allow for future settlement. All debris is removed from the job site and the project is complete, with a full warranty against seepage.

Sump Pumps



AMERICAN MADE QUALITY AT ITS BEST!


Bell & Gossett (ITT)

1/3 - 1/2 - 3/4 Horse Power Pumps


Design Features/Specifications

  • Piggy back plugs
  • Built in thermal overload protection
  • Class B insulation
  • Oil filled design
  • High strength carbon steel shaft
  • Pumps up to 1/2" solids
  • Vertical float swing
  • Cast iron body
  • Corrosion resistant
  • Thermo plastic impeller and cover
  • Heavy duty lower ball bearing construction with upper sleeve bearings




Superior Performance

  • 1/3 HP-appoximately 45 gallons per minute-max head 26 feet
  • 1/2 HP-appoximately 65 gallons per minute-max head 29 feet
  • 3/4 HP-appoximately 77 gallons per minute-max head 37 feet






Hydromatic Submersible Sewage Ejector Pump

Specifications:

Typical Application:

Capacities:

Heads:

Electrical:

Motor:

Float Switch:

Materials of Construction:

Impeller:

Discharge Size:

Solids Handling:

Sewage, high-capacity sump, effluent

up to 180 GPM (11.3 LPS)

up to 20 ft. (6.1 m)

115V, 1ø, 12.0 FLA, 60Hz;

1/2 HP split phase with thermal overload protection, 1750 RPM 140°F (60°C)
SKV50AW = Wide-angle float switch


SKV50AW = Wide-angle float switch


Class 30 cast iron

Thermoplastic recessed

2" (50.8 mm) NPT

2" (50.8 mm)




Performance:







*ASK US ABOUT OUR LIFE TIME SUMP PUMP WARRANTY*


Battery Back Ups


ALL SUMP PUMPS CAN FAIL!!!


Storms, power outages and unforeseen mechanical failure can all cause sump pump failure.
DON’T THINK YOU NEED A BACK UP SYSTEM???

We recommend all Safeguard Waterproofing customers plan for the unforeseen.

Storm Pro

    Features:
  • Battery powered sump pump runs automatically during a power outage.
  • Provides a backup to your primary sump pump if it breaks down.
  • Automatic start-up.
  • Self charging.
  • Indicating lights on charger.
  • Built in alarm system.
  • 12 volt pump.
  • 10 amp battery charger.
  • Float switch.






CAPACITY RATINGS VERTICAL PUMPING DISTANCE
5 Feet 10 Feet
Gallons Per Hour 3,700 3,000
Battery Life (105 Amp Hour Battery) 9 10
Total Gallons Pumped 33,300 27,000




Sump Pro








Performance data based on two 120 Amo hour U.L. Recognized Lead Acid Type batteries used in conjunction with pumps of the published horsepower ratings. All equipment in optimum condition. Endurance may vary depending on the products used.





Nex Pump

Simply the best there is!




KEY FEATURES

NexPump TECHNOLOGY

  • AUTO NOTIFICATION SYSTEM
  • AUTOMATIC SELF TESTING
  • AUTO NOTIFICATION SYSTEM
  • AUTOMATIC SELF TESTING
  • OPERATES ON ELECTRICITY
  • OPERATES ON 12V BATTERY IF ELECTRIC FAILS
  • DUAL HIGH CAPACITY PUMPS
  • DUAL SENSORS
  • ADVANCED MICROPROCESSOR CONTROLLED
  • 5600 GALLONS PER HOUR
  • ADVANCED LOGIC DESIGN
  • 20-AMP BATTERY CHARGER
  • PRIMARY OR BACKUP MODES
  • HIGH-TECH BATTERY LIFE MONITORING SYSTEM
  • PLUMBING ALERT SYSTEM
  • PUMP HOUR TRACKING
  • USER FRIENDLY LCD DISPLAY
  • EASY INSTALLATION
  • Self-testing every 12 hours:
    Components checked and pumps exercised for proper operation
  • Advanced Real-time Diagnosing:
    Logic detects plumbing problems, sensor errors and much more…
  • Notification:
    You receive phone calls and emails to let you know of possible alerts.
  • 24/7 Monitoring:
    Vacationing or working, NexPump will keep you informed of issues.
  • Dual Pumps:
    Full redundancy and high capacity only on the NexPump!
  • Dual Sensors:
    Redundancy, High Water alert system only on the NexPump!
  • Dual Batteries:
    NexPump will support dual battery connection for twice the running time.
  • Limited 3 year warranty
  • Patent Pending Design

*ASK US ABOUT OUR LIFE TIME BATTERY BACK UP WARRANTY*


Interior Crack Repairs



Not all interior crack repairs are the same! Let us explain, there are several ways to try and fix a foundation crack from the inside. At Safe-Guard Waterproofing we almost always use straight epoxy here's why.

Step 1: Surface patching almost never works due to continued wall movement the patch opens back up.

Step 2: Bleeder tubes simply drain the water to under the floor which is not a good idea because water is erosive and this will probably cause larger problems in the future.

Step 3: When a contract states resin injection make sure you ask which resin other contractors use the least expensive alternative.

Step 4: Urethane is a form of resin that swells to fill voids also while its characteristics are water resistant it does not bond the wall back together, and it much less expensive for the contractor to use.

Step 5: Epoxy is another form of resin but is much stronger than urethane and helps bond the broken wall to give a permanent quality repair.

SO DEMAND EPOXY INJECTIONS FOR A PERMANENT REPAIR!


The crack is professionally cleaned.




Epoxy is injected throughout crack.



Surface ports are installed and rapid
set material is applied over repair area.



Finished repair lifetime warranty!


Exterior Crack Repairs



Not all exterior crack repairs are the same! There are a few different ways to fix a crack from the outside.

At Safe-Guard Waterproofing we only fix them one way, the right way, the permanent way!

Step 1: Post hole digging is simply not a great idea. There is no way of knowing that you have sealed the entire crack.

Step 2: The old magic wand –trying to shoot a slurry into the ground simply hocus-pocus!

Step 3: Tar and a plastic sheet Do you really want a plastic sheet used to keep water out of your basement?

Step 4: Dig down to the footing and apply a 4 step process is a sure fire way of doing a permanent repair.


Inspect and locate the crack.




Clean the crack and apply non shrink mortar.



Apply Mari-Drain backer board



Dig down to footing and expose the crack.



Apply HLM 5000 modified urethane sealant and mirafi membrane


Back fill the hole with a bentonite concentrate and leave the earth mounded for future natural settlement.


Wall Systems



Clean Shield Wall Liner:
Is a triple ply, extrusion coated, virgin polyethylene membrane. The Clean Shield is 16 mil thick with fiber reinforcement, designed to yield the highest strength to weight ratio of any product of it's kind. It will help reduce / prevent the transmission of moisture and moisture vapors through your basement walls while providing a semi-finished look.


Finish White Waterproofing Wall Panels:
Cut finishing costs and waterproof at the same time! The panels attach directly to your foundation walls. Providing a clean fresh look to your basement, while helping to control moisture and moisture vapors through your basement walls.


Thermo Insulating Blanket:
This a state of the art insulation / waterproofing blanket has a built in radiant barrier and is certified by ENERGY STAR to achieve up to R 16.8. This helps to reduce energy costs and to control moisture and moisture vapors through your basement walls getting them ready for finishing.




Over The Top



Over the top occurs when the top of your foundation is buried below grade. Some examples would be when landscaping is too high, and when concrete sidewalks are poured up to the building leaving no space between the two.

Above you will notice landscaping, earth, and a sidewalk all built up over the top of the foundation. All prime examples of eventual causes of ways water can leak into your basement.

SGBT will water test your property to verify the below grade spill over, as you can see from the photos above. (Water stains running down the wall).

SGBT can remove any concrete or landscaping and will dig a trench to expose the area of your foundation that is buried below grade level. We then seal the wall with HLM 5000 modified urethane sealant and Mirafi peel and stick membrane. We install our drainage piping and fabric.

SGBT then backfills the trench with washed stone, and re-cements where needed. Then we install a discharge line to move the water to the specified location.

SGBT hooks up the discharge line per city or village codes. Then we remove all debris from the area. SGBT solves your over the top-below grade water problem.

Exterior Wall Membrane




The job site is prepared for
the Dig to repair and seal the wall.




HLM 5000 Modified Urethane
sealant is applied to the wall.




Mari-Drain backer board is
then installed over the membrane.




The wall is professionally cleaned
and any flaws are addressed.




Mirafi self sealing membrane
is then attached to the wall.




The job site is then backfilled
to grade and all debris is taken away.




Waterproofing Accessories



FLOOD CHECK HOSES:
Traditional washing machine hoses may seem strong, but hot water can cause the rubber to become brittle and fail. Flood Check hoses start out with the same rubber tubing but they add two braided rayon reinforcement, a .012"-guage rubber jacket and a .063"-gauge rubber cover. And since most floods start at the coupling, Flood Check hoses are machined from non-corroding solid brass.



TANK PRO:
Hot water tanks can "let go" every 5-10 years. When this happens, the water damage can be devastating. The entire basement gets flooded ruining all your contents. Tank Pro is a patented water tank protector. Designed to contain the water and drain it into your sub system. Hot water tanks, water purifiers, washing machines, etc. Can all be protected. Protect your basement from unexpected hot water tank breaks.



PIPE COLLUMN WRAPS:
Pipe column wraps is a patented product designed to cover any hard pole type object for safety or cosmetic purposes, perfect for any basement finishing project. This material is factory molded and layered with an impregnated Nylon Barrie which gives it it’s strength, capable of with-standing up to 300 lbs. of pressure per layer.



HOT FLOOR:
The Hot Floor is specially insulated padded barrier installed on top of your concrete basement floor and under the plywood and carpet. It’s unique because it actually gives you the warmth and comfortable feeling of a hot floor similar to the top floor of your home. Headroom Height and loss is kept to ¾ to 1" as opposed to the more costly alternatives that cause as much as 4 ½ to 5" of headroom.



Window Wells



Before

During


Complete with grate


Before

During


Complete without grate


Egress Windows



Want to make useable living space in your lower level? Need an alternative escape route? Well most cities and villages require it!

SGBT will check the building codes in your area, we will measure your homes foundation and determine the proper size vinyl thermo pane escape window and escape well. We will remove the old window, dig down and remove the earth. Cut the foundation wall when needed, install the new window, well and cover. Leaving you with an alternative escape route