Radon Testing in Summer
Summary Summer radon tests can be misleading when windows and exterior doors are left open. This blog explains why closed-house conditions matter, how radon levels in Minnesota and the Dakotas compare to the rest of the country, and what homeowners can do to get a more accurate result. It also covers when to consider radon […]
Spring Moisture and Bowed Basement Walls
Quick Summary: Saturated spring soil presses laterally against basement walls, causing them to deflect inward, typically at the midpoint where the wall has the least support. The first visible sign is a horizontal crack running across the middle of the wall, following a mortar joint in block foundations or running straight across poured concrete. Water […]
The Best Waterproofing in Minneapolis
What Are the Best Basement Waterproofing Solutions in Minneapolis? When looking for the best basement waterproofing solutions in Minneapolis, homeowners should prioritize comprehensive systems that manage both interior moisture and water intrusion at the foundation wall. The most effective, long-lasting methods include installing interior drain tile systems, commercial-grade sump pumps with battery backup, vapor barriers, […]
Spring Snow Melt and Midwest Basements
Quick Summary Snowmelt delivers water slowly over weeks into ground that is already compromised from months of freeze-thaw cycles, creating sustained pressure that a single rainstorm doesn’t Flat terrain across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin means meltwater has nowhere to run, putting drain tile systems under prolonged load Block walls are especially vulnerable […]
Helical Piers vs. Push Piers
Summary Helical piers are rotated into the ground using hydraulic equipment and don’t rely on structural load for installation, making them well suited for lighter structures, additions, and tight access sites. Push piers are hydraulically driven using the weight of the structure itself and perform best on heavier foundations with significant settlement. The choice between […]
Rain Storm Basement Checklist
Before the Next Storm Hits: How to Know If Your Basement Can Handle It The radar is already showing it. A line of storms is pushing through, and sometime tonight or tomorrow the rain is going to come down hard. Maybe you’ve been through this before and the basement was fine. Maybe you’ve been through […]