Adirondack Basement Systems Q&A

• Can damaged concrete be fixed, or does it need to be replaced?

  In many cases, concrete can be repaired rather than replaced. Depending on the severity, solutions may include crack repair, surface restoration, lifting and leveling (if slabs have settled), or protective sealants to prevent future damage. Addressing the issue early can save significant time and money.

• How do I prepare my basement for Fall and Winter?

  There are many ways to prepare your basement for the Fall and Winter! See the following tips for preparation:

   

  1. Clean out gutters and make sure there is proper drainage available. Our RainChutes and Gutter Downspout Extensions can help with this.

  2. Make sure any foundation cracks and holes are sealed. Our FlexiSpan Foundation Crack Repair can fix this to guide water away from the home. 

  3. Update and check on your basement windows. We have Egress Windows, Egress Window Wells and a WellDuct Basement Window System to help with this. 

  4. Prevent mold growth and toxins with our SaniDry Sedona and Aspen Air Purifier.

  5. Keep heat in and bad air out with our SilverGlo Wall Insulation.

  6. Make sure all of your current systems are up-to-date and see if anything needs to be added or maintenance by one of our service technicians. 

• How do you level sinking concrete on sidewalks, pool decks, garages, etc?

  We use a variety of products, depending on the situation. One solution is for our team to go in with PolyLevel, a high-density polyurethane foam that fills voids, stabalizes, and lifts uneven concrete slabs. This is a 2-in-one system that is waterproof AND keeps the concrete lifted, for much longer than traditional mudjacking methods. We can also go in with NexusPro Joint Sealant and NexusPro Concrete Repair, which comes in a variety of colors, or SealantPro. All 3 products can be combined for project optimization. 

• How do you waterproof a concrete basement floor?

  Installing a perimeter drainage system like our WaterGuard will help protect your basement floor from water.

• How to get rid of damp mildew in crawl space?

  Our patented SaniDry Sedona dehumidifier is the perfect solution for preventing the growth of mildew and filtering the air in your crawlspace. Due to the "smokestack" effect, the air in your crawlspace travels up through the rest of your home which can be harmful to your health if not addressed. Our dehumidifier is designed specifically for crawlspaces and basements, keeping the relative humidity at 55%. It also has a MERV 8 filter that keeps mold and mildew out of the air you breathe.

• How to install a french drain?

  Our highly trained production team installs interior french drain systems almost every single day. Unlike old-fashioned drain tile systems installed on the outside of the home, WaterGuard® is installed just underneath the perimeter edge of the basement floor. The system sits on top of the footing, away from the "mud zone" underneath your floor. It is concealed with concrete once in place. The channels drain into the sump pump system allowing for discharge out and away from the foundation. Contact us today for your FREE estimate!

• How to install a sump pump?

  Installation begins with excavating a sump pit to place the sump pump liner into. Next, clean gravel is backfilled around the liner allowing for proper drainage into the liner, especially if you have a perimeter drainage system installed as well. An airtight sump pump lid including rubber grommets around all pipes and wires keeps odors and humidity from rising out of the sump pit, while also preventing items and debris from falling in from the basement floor. To complete the sump pump installation, the floor is restored flush for a clean, attractive look.

• How to moisture proof a basement?

  To control moisture levels in a basement we recommend our high-performance SaniDry dehumidifier. Designed specifically for basements and crawlspaces, the SaniDry dehumidifier will keep it at 55% humidity and filter the air for any particulates.

• How to repair a cracked foundation?

  If your walls are cracking due to foundation settlement issues, foundation piers may be your solution. If your foundation walls are failing due to expansive soils, a wall anchor system may solve your problem.

• How to turn a basement that gets wet into a dry basement?

  Since most basements flood from the wall-floor joint, one of the most common ways to stop the flooding is to install a perimeter drainage system along the edge of the basement floor. This would collect the water and direct it to a sump pump, which would then discharge it out of your home. However, at Adirondack Basement Systems, we have an approach to solving water problems of all types. Our solutions cover all surfaces of the basement, including the foundation walls, basement floors, and even wet crawl spaces.

• How will an Aspen Air purifier help my seasonal allergies?

  An Aspen Air Purifier can help relieve seasonal allergies by removing airborne allergens like pollen, dust, and mold spores using its advanced multi-stage HEPA filtration system. By continuously cleaning the air, it reduces the concentration of allergy triggers indoors, providing cleaner, healthier air to breathe. Our purifiers can usually circulate the air through most of a single story home, depending on the size. They are small and quiet, so you barely notice it there!

• What should I do if my concrete is already cracking or deteriorating from winter freeze?

  First, stop using harsh deicing salts to prevent further damage. Small surface issues can worsen quickly if ignored, allowing moisture to penetrate deeper and compromise the slab. The best next step is to have the concrete professionally evaluated to determine whether it needs repair, resurfacing, or replacement.

• What to do to prevent rain water seeping through foundation?

  There are two important factors that contribute to basement leaking -- the clay bowl effect and hydrostatic pressure. When it rains, water collects most densely in the excavated and backfilled area around your foundation. In areas where the soil has clay in it, this is called the "Clay Bowl" effect. When the soil around your foundation becomes saturated with water, the exterior footing drains can become overwhelmed and the water pressure builds up. This leaves the water no place to go other than seep through any crack or gap it can find. Even a well-constructed basement foundation can't provide a perfect barrier against hydrostatic pressure. Our waterproofing experts recommend an interior waterproofing system to keep your basement dry. With our system, water is collected along the major leakage area: where the basement floor meets the basement wall. Our patented interior french-drain WaterGuard, collects the water without fear of clogging due to silt or roots. The water flows through the channels to our sump pump system where it then travels out of your home and away from the foundation. Contact us today for your FREE estimate with one of our highly knowledgeable Design Specialists!

• What type of salt is safe to use on concrete?

  Not all ice melt is created equal. Traditional rock salt (sodium chloride) is inexpensive and effective, but it’s also the most damaging to concrete—especially newer or decorative concrete. Safer alternatives include calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) or magnesium chloride, which are less corrosive and gentler on concrete surfaces. Always look for ice melt labeled “concrete safe” and avoid over-applying.

• Why does salt cause concrete to crack or deteriorate?

  Salt speeds up the freeze–thaw cycle. When snow melts, water seeps into tiny pores and cracks in the concrete. As temperatures drop again, that water freezes, expands, and slowly breaks the concrete apart. Over time, this leads to surface scaling, flaking, cracking, and spalling—especially in driveways, walkways, and garage slabs.