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A basement is a valuable part of your living space, but it is most vulnerable to water damage. Minor issues of moisture will have dire consequences, like structural damage, mold infestation, and expensive repairs. Understanding the early signs of water damage is the answer to saving your property and investment. 

This guide from Bill’s Custom Concrete will walk you through the common signs that it is time to intervene, and help you consider solutions such as basement waterproofing in Oklahoma City or other relevant methods.

Seeing the Red Flags

Do not wait for a puddle to appear. Several of the early signs of water intrusion are subtle. Knowing what to look for can help discern an issue before it becomes a bigger problem. You might even ask yourself, can you waterproof a basement from the inside? This is a common consideration when early symptoms start to appear, and our team can help. 

Mold or Mildew

One of the most noticeable signs of a moisture issue is mold or mildew growing. This type of substance enjoys warm, humid temperatures, and basements are a perfect breeding spot. You will want to look for black, green, or white patches on walls, ceilings, and around floor joists. Make sure to look in areas of restricted circulation, such as in corners and behind stored objects. When dealing with such problems, it’s essential to know how to waterproof a basement wall so you can take immediate action.

Chronic Musty Odor

You can usually smell water damage even when you can’t see it through your eyes. A lingering musty or damp odor is a good sign of unseen moisture and mold development. Even if you cannot spot anything visible, this particular smell is an indication that water has come through into a spot of drywall, carpeting, or insulation.

Stains on Walls and Floors

Staining on your basement walls or floors is another obvious indication. Yellow or brown discolorations are usually an indication of a slow, steady leak from pipes or from cracks found in a basement’s foundation. These stains will sometimes be damp to the touch or come as rings indicating where moisture has been present. Is basement waterproofing worth it? It becomes crucial when repeated stains persist over time.

Peeling or Bubbling Paint

Trapped moisture behind a coat of paint will sooner or later make it fail. When you see paint that is bubbling, cracking, or chipping off from walls, it is an indication that you have moisture inside the wall itself. Moisture drives the paint off from the face as it seeks a way to come out. In many cases, waterproofing basement walls from inside the space can address these problems and prevent them from worsening.

Warped or Buckling Flooring

The floor coverings will have varied responses to moisture presence, yet all will have evidence of damage. Buckling, warping, or cracking along joints will occur to laminate or wood floor covering. Lifting may start to happen in vinyl floor tiles, as carpet becomes saturated and stained. Any visible change in your floor covering appearance or feel calls for further examination.

Powdery White Substance on Concrete

If you spot a powdery deposit of white on your masonry or concrete walls, this is likely a sign of efflorescence. This is when water seeps through concrete and later dries out and precipitates salts behind. Though it is never harmful in itself, it is a sure sign of water intrusion.

Protect Your Foundation

Fixing these signs immediately is important to maintaining your house’s construction integrity and a healthy living environment. Leaks will quickly turn into severe issues and cost a lot of money to mend (as well as create health risks from mold). You can protect your asset years down the road by checking your basement frequently and fixing something right away when you spot an issue. Contact Bill’s Custom Concrete for tailored advice today! 

The most important part of your property is its foundation, and its maintenance is necessary to keep it safe and valuable. When the ground under your house shifts or settles, it results in severe structural issues. Foundation piering is an established method of fixing and securing a deteriorating foundation to provide a permanent solution to a seemingly disastrous problem. Are foundation piers a good repair? The answer is yes – when installed correctly, they offer long-term stability.

What is a foundation pier? This guide from Bill’s Custom Concrete will demonstrate exactly what you need to know – what they are, when they’re needed, and how they can protect your property into the years to come.

Types of Foundation Piers

Our foundation repair specialists can employ a number of different piers that are suitable depending on a given soil condition and structural requirement. Knowing about these will allow you to make an educated decision about your house.

Steel Piers

Steel piers are strong, durable support columns that are driven deep into the ground to a point where they reach hard bedrock or a bearing layer of ground. They’re a sought-after solution because they’re so reliable and provide a lot of lift to a settling foundation. Because they’re driven so deep into the ground, steel piers provide a permanent solution that will not be affected by shifting of surface soils. 

Their only real drawback can be cost, as this is a highly labor-intensive procedure. Many foundation repair companies in OKC recommend steel piers for challenging soil conditions, but it’s not the only option. 

Concrete Piers

Concrete piers for foundation repair consist of filling holes drilled into the ground with concrete. Concrete piers are made on-site and can be reinforced with steel rebar to make them stronger. With this in mind, these piers are an affordable and efficient approach to securing foundations when you have areas where it is not too deep to reach bedrock. 

They do have to have time to harden before securing a structure upon it, and installing them can disrupt landscapes. But some homeowners appreciate having a house on concrete piers because of the reliable support they offer in various soil types.

Helical Piers

Helical piers, also known as screw piles, look like large screws and are twisted into the ground using hydraulic machinery. Their helical plates provide anchoring strength against the soil. These piers are excellent for lighter structures or in soil conditions where deep driving is difficult. Helical piers can be installed quickly with minimal disruption, but they may not be suitable for supporting very heavy structures or in areas with rocky soil.

When Foundation Piers are Needed

Knowing about signs of foundation distress will give you a chance to correct issues before major problems happen. You may sometimes need to put up piers when you notice specific signs or when your house is placed in a challenging environment.

One of the most common signs is that of cracks in your floor, walls, or even your foundation. Floors that slip or slope, as well as doors that stick or do not even close are good indications of a settlement of a foundation.

Some types of soil, such as expansive clay that becomes swollen and contracts when moisture is altered, put a tremendous load on a foundation. Houses constructed on shifting ground, a severe slope, or near a body of water are also top contenders for foundation piering to ward off future shifting.

Secure Your Foundation for Good

Foundation piers are a valuable asset when it comes to settling a house right and providing long-term stability to a house. By lifting and securing the structure from solid ground far below the surface, they create a permanent solution to a house’s foundation issues.

If you have discovered any evidence of cracking of foundations, do not hesitate to have it fixed. Professional examination from our team at Bill’s Custom Concrete will reveal if it is a result of an uneven settling or a defect in a structure.

Call us now for a complete inspection and consultation to safeguard your property’s foundation! 

Concrete: the humble hero holding up everything from your backyard patio to towering skyscrapers. It looks solid almost as soon as it’s poured, but don’t be fooled by its stoic exterior. Its true strength comes from a process called curing, and doing it properly is key. Think of it as concrete’s glow-up. As the best concrete contractors in Edmond, OK, Bill’s Custom Concrete understands that this transformation is crucial for any project’s success, unless you enjoy the thrill of structural uncertainty.

Factors Affecting Drying of Concrete

It is no mathematical equation how long it will take concrete to reach its potential. There are a number of important variables that will speed it along or slow it down.

Environment Conditions

The environment, our fickle friend, throws a wrench (or a fan) into things. Blazing heat might seem like a fast track to dry concrete, but if it’s too toasty, the water escapes too quickly, leaving you with weak concrete. Think of it as a tan that’s all sizzle and no substance. 

Humidity, on the other hand, is concrete’s slow-and-steady mentor, extending drying time for concrete sealer but ensuring a proper cure. Then there’s wind, the impatient one, eager to dry the surface. Great for speed, terrible for cracks if you’re not paying attention.

Concrete Mix Proportions

The actual concrete mix recipe is yet another important aspect. The cement-to-water ratio is especially important. A lower cement-to-water ratio will produce a harder, more robust concrete that will cure faster. Too much water will produce a less strong concrete that will take longer to set. 

Chemical admixtures can also be added to affect drying time, accelerating it or slowing it down depending on what is required of a project. How long does it take for concrete sealer to dry? Factors like your mix and additives play a significant role.

Slab Thickness

It would stand to reason that a thicker concrete slab would require a longer time to harden all the way through. The surface may be hard to the hand in a day or so, yet on a heavy foundation the interior will remain wet and undergo that chemical hardening for a much longer time. This is similar to concrete sealer dry time, where thicker applications may take longer to finish curing.

Grasping the Curing Timeframe

So, how long should you wait? A commonly agreed rule of thumb in construction work is that concrete will achieve about 70% of its ultimate strength in a week and its stated compressive strength in 28 days. This 28th day is the typical reference point of complete curing.

But usability time is much earlier. You can typically walk on a new concrete patio or walkway in 24 to 48 hours. To apply heavier loads to it, such as moving patio furniture outdoors, it is best to wait a week. A new concrete driveway is required to cure a minimum of a week prior to having a vehicle driven upon it. 

When it comes to structural pieces like foundations, it is necessary to adhere to the full 28-day curing time prior to putting heavy loads upon it. 

How long after sealing concrete can you walk on it? Most experts recommend waiting at least 24 hours, but always check the sealer manufacturer’s guidance. At Bill’s, we’ll always provide all the advice you need before the project ends. 

The Dangers of Improper Curing

Rapid drying can result in severe problems. Drying concrete far too quickly doesn’t give it enough time to develop hard crystalline bonds that give it its strength. This can result in a looser finished product that is subject to such defects as surface cracking, dusting (the formation of a powdery topcoat), and a lower overall durability. Such defects can work to weaken and shorten the life of your finished structure. Always factor in proper concrete sealer dry time to avoid these issues.

Plan Ahead for a Strong Finish

Patience is a virtue when dealing with concrete. While it could be tempting to just want to use your new patio or driveway once it seems to be dry, it is important to let it cure appropriately in order to develop long-term strength and stability. 

How long does it take for concrete sealer to dry? Knowing what will affect drying time and adhering to recommended timelines will allow you to have confidence that your concrete project will stand up to years to come. Contact the friendly team at Bill’s Custom Concrete for tailored advice! 

If you’re set to undertake a concrete work, you have most likely come across the word “rebar” when talking about this project to contractors or when researching construction guides. But what is rebar, and why is it so important to a concrete work? Knowing this important construction material will allow you to make better decisions about your project and keep it standing even in subsequent years. Even if you’re seeking residential concrete services in OKC from Bill’s Custom Concrete, it’s still worth being in the know.

Rebar is a short form of ‘reinforcing bar’ that is a mesh or a steel rod located within concrete to strengthen it. While concrete can resist compression force effectively, it is rather poor when it is stretched or pulled. Rebar makes up for this deficiency by providing tensile strength to create a composite material that resists compression as well as a force of tension effectively.

Material of Rebar and Types of Coating

Not all rebar is of equal quality. While most standard rebar is made of carbon steel and provides optimal strength as a lower price, some work will necessitate special types.

Stainless steel rebar is more expensive but has better corrosion resistance and is best used in marine environments or extreme weather applications. For applications where a rebar product must be non-magnetic, such as near an MRI machine, a product like fiberglass rebar is a viable solution.

The coatings also have a crucial contribution to make in rebar performance. An epoxy-coated rebar has a coating that inhibits rust and corrosion and helps to prolong your concrete structure’s life. Another corrosion-inhibiting rebar is found in galvanized rebar, although it is usually costlier than plain carbon steel.

Advantages of Adding Rebar to Concrete

The real benefit of rebar is that it stops concrete from cracking and breaking up. When concrete is cracking under pressure, rebar allows that pressure to spread to a larger area so that small cracks do not escalate into a structural failure.

What size rebar is used in residential concrete? It depends on the project type, but choosing appropriate sizes helps extend the lifespan of your concrete structures. Concrete without rebar will develop hairline cracks that let in moisture, and freeze-thaw damage will further deteriorate it. Rebar reinforcement allows structures to keep their integrity when settling or temperature fluctuations happen.

Temperature changes make the concrete expand and contract and could result in stress cracks. Rebar allows this expansion to happen while keeping the structure strong overall, so your investment will be solid through the decades.

Necessary Applications of Rebar

Foundation work is one of the most significant applications of rebar. While building a house, garage, or even an entrepreneurial venture, reinforced concrete foundations allow you to have a solid base to support all of it. The rebar redistributes weight evenly and does not permit settlement cracks.

What size rebar for a concrete slab? If you’re trying to determine the right rebar size for slab, consulting with Bill’s Custom Concrete on the structural requirements ensures you get the durability you need for the specific load and usage.

Sidewalks and driveways also require rebar reinforcement to a large extent, particularly if these have to bear heavy traffic or difficult soil. Freeze-thaw cracking and heavy loads are prevented by the steel reinforcement.

Retaining walls require rebar to handle the immense pressure from soil and water behind them. Without proper reinforcement, these structures can fail catastrophically, potentially causing property damage and safety hazards.

Whether installing a walkway or using rebar for a concrete patio, rebar makes sure your surfaces resist cracking and wear, especially with heavy use and changing weather conditions.

Making the Right Choice About Your Project

Understanding rebar’s role in concrete construction empowers you to have meaningful discussions with contractors and make decisions that protect your investment. While adding rebar increases upfront costs, it provides tremendous value through improved durability and reduced maintenance needs over time.

Whether it is a small patio or an elaborate basement, talking to our team at Bill’s about rebar options is a surefire way to make your concrete project last a lifetime. Proper reinforcement now wards off costly repair and replacement in the future.

A dry basement keeps the foundation healthy, stops mold development, and creates added living space. Exterior waterproofing offers the most comprehensive protection, though there are cheaper interior methods that a property owner may consider. Basement waterproofing in Oklahoma City is a wise solution that ensures long-term protection.

Interior waterproofing addresses the moisture issues from the inside of your basement, fixing the problem before it reaches the structure or air quality within a home. Can you waterproof a basement from the inside​? The answer is yes, and Bill’s Custom Concrete has extensive experience in basement waterproofing.

Common Basement Waterproofing Issues

Wall Leaks and Foundation Cracks 

Hairline-sized cracks in both your floors and concrete walls allow moisture penetration. They most typically occur when the house settles or as a result of hydrostatic pressure caused by groundwater. Hairline-sized cracks even allow quite a significant amount of penetration by moisture when snowing or raining. Understanding how to waterproof a basement wall can help prevent these issues effectively.

Condensation Issues 

Poor ventilation causes condensation due to warm humid air meeting cold basement surfaces. Water droplets appear on the walls, on stored objects, and on the pipes, and everything provides conditions conducive to mold growth and mildew.

Basement Window Well Problems 

The window wells collect water during rainstorms, and broken seals on basement windows provide an entrance. Poor drainage around the areas is one of the contributing factors. 

So, is basement waterproofing worth it​? Absolutely, especially when facing such persistent issues.

Interior Waterproofing Methods

Waterproof Paints and Sealants 

Waterproofing paints employed on the job provide a watertight finish on basement walls. The paints seep into the concrete’s pores and create an impermeable water film. Clean walls thoroughly and seal minuscule cracks before getting it painted for the best result. 

Hydrophilic cement sealants are especially suited to sealing on active leaks. They quickly set and upon curing expand to form watertight seals within gaps and fissures.

Vapor Barriers and Membrane Systems 

Interior walls can be covered in plastic sheeting or with dedicated vapor barriers to prevent moisture migration through concrete. They perform best if sealed properly at penetrations and all edges. 

More advanced membrane systems utilize dimpled plastic sheets that allow for air gaps to be formed between the finished surfaces and the wall, upon which the trapped moisture drips down to collection systems. These methods are effective for waterproofing basement walls from inside.

Interior Drainage Systems 

Perimeter drains surround basements to capture water seeping through walls or between floor joints. The system funnels the water to sump pumps that push water from your basement. 

Baseboard systems offer less intrusive alternatives, which collect the rainwater at the floor-wall intersection without deep excavations into the floor.

Whole-House Dehumidifiers 

Whole-house dehumidifiers ensure proper humidity levels all year. The systems avoid allowing condensation to be an issue, and indoor rooms are healthier. Sizing the systems properly avoids wasting energy as well as making sure the systems adequately remove moisture.

How Experts Can Assist 

Waterproofing contractors assess your particular moisture problems and design the appropriate solutions. Correct installation offers the proper system design, adequate drainage capacity, and long-term reliability. 

Bill’s Custom Concrete can even find problems that the do-it-yourself fix might overlook, including inadequate exterior drainage or structural flaws that need to be fixed immediately. Most commercial-grade waterproofing systems come with a guarantee to secure your investment. Professional evaluation is especially justified where there are several regions of dampness or where do-it-yourself remedies have previously failed to eliminate lingering issues.

Protecting Your Investment 

Waterproofing the inside provides practical remedies to most basement moisture problems. You should start with the less challenging remedies like the application of waterproof paints to small problems, though do not hesitate to spend on complete drainage systems when facing recurring water problems. 

Routine maintenance on the chosen waterproofing system keeps the system effective. Check humidity, watch for seals every year, and repair new cracks instantly to keep the basement area dry and healthy!