Basement Cleaning and Cleanup Chicago 773-885-8528

Get Your Basement Cleaning and Foundation Fixes Chicago

You've been diligent about following all the recommendations for preventing basement flooding. You take care of cleaning out your gutters and maintaining the perfect grade away from the foundation. You've got a sump pump installed and even added a battery back-up in case of a power outage. Then, you do your annual inspection and find it...the dreaded basement wall crack. Before you panic and start to worry, read about the different reasons cracks occur, what to do to repair them and what else you should watch out for.

Causes of Foundation Damage

A wide number of factors contribute to foundation damage. No matter how proactive you are with waterproofing, no house is completely safe from flooding danger. Common causes include:  Overly wet or dry soil, frequent temperature changes, loose soil, poor construction, bad drainage and earthquakes. There are many symptoms of damage that may indicate minor or serious problems.

Foundation Cracks & Other Symptoms

There are three basic types of foundation cracks you'll notice: Shrinkage - generally found with poured concrete; horizontal - caused by soil or water pressure; and settlement - this occurs in most homes but the size and location of the cracks will determine how much has occurred. A little unevenness caused by settling is normal, but you should watch for these more dramatic changes inside:

• Drywall cracks in main house walls and ceilings
• Misaligned doors and windows
• Ceramic tile and brickwork cracks
• Sloping floors
• Bowing walls

There are other structural components supporting your home. Posts, concrete supports or piers are placed in specific locations in your basement or crawl space to provide load-bearing support. They should be straight and fit tightly underneath the rafter beams. The posts shouldn't lean or move and the base should be firmed affixed to a concrete pier.

An outside check will help you determine if there are major concerns brewing. Look down the foundation wall from each corner to check for leaning or bowing. Problems like this could mean the foundation has shifted or that there is pressure from expanding and contracting soil.

Concrete deterioration is another problem you may encounter. If the exterior walls appear to be chipping or flaking, probing with a screwdriver may help you find a more serious issue. You shouldn't be able to damage it, but if pieces chip or break off, you'll need to contact a professional.

Monitoring a Potentially Dangerous Problem

Cracks can form in both poured concrete and block foundations. As concrete and mortar between blocks dry, it shrinks. Cracks often originate in 90-degree corners, so check those places carefully. Stepped cracks along block foundations or brick walls may be caused by upheaval. The best way to stave off major repair work is to monitor the crack width. Mark a spot along the crack and accurately measure the width with a ruler. Check back often to re-measure. If the crack begins to get wider at one end, it may be a sign of big trouble. Anything ½ inch or wider should be evaluated by an engineer for safety.

A horizontal crack that appears in the bed joint of a brick or concrete block wall should not be ignored. This signals a major breakdown. Pressure of the soil behind the wall has pushed it to a point of bending or breaking. Corroded wall ties, an inadequate number of ties or wind pressure can also cause the wall to bend. This is a serious problem and must be addressed quickly to avoid structural collapse.

Just like the horizontal crack is bad news, so is a vertical crack. Cracks that present wider at the top usually mean the foundation is dropping or the center of the foundation is heaving. For cracks that are wider at the bottom, the foundation is likely heaving and the center is dropping. Either way calls for a structural engineer visit to evaluate your situation.

Not All Cracks Require Attention

Luckily, there are some cracks that are more aesthetic in nature and really won't hurt anything if left untreated.

Angular cracks can occur in the top 12-16 inches of a brick wall that is laid directly on a concrete foundation. They are caused by brick expansion during summer months and the outer foundation corner being pushed with it. No need to repair them, as they'll likely occur every year as the temperatures heat up.

Cracks in the upper levels of your home may appear above interior doors, windows and archways.

While they may be a sign of settlement, most times, they are simple relief joints. As temperatures outside change, so will the size of these cracks. Running a humidifier in the winter and dehumidifier in the summer will help control these harmless eyesores.

Basement floor hairline cracks are also common, and unless they widen to a 1/2 inch or more, should only affect the appearance. The crack usually starts at a 90-degree offset corner and radiates into the room. Wait about a year for it to finish growing before filling it in with urethane caulk or hydraulic cement.

Conclusion

By taking a proactive approach to changes in your home's structure, you may be able to avoid major renovation work.  Should you still need basement work done, don’t forget basement cleaning Chicago, or basement restoration services.  Your local Chicago basement cleaning company can be a big help!

Basement Cleaning & Repairs 773-885-8528

You've been diligent about following all the recommendations for preventing basement flooding. You take care of cleaning out your gutters and maintaining the perfect grade away from the foundation. You've got a sump pump installed and even added a battery back-up in case of a power outage. Then, you do your annual inspection and find it...the dreaded basement wall crack. Before you panic and start to worry, read about the different reasons cracks occur, what to do to repair them and what else you should watch out for. 

Causes of Foundation Damage

A wide number of factors contribute to foundation damage. No matter how proactive you are with waterproofing, no house is completely safe from flooding danger. Common causes include:  Overly wet or dry soil, frequent temperature changes, loose soil, poor construction, bad drainage and earthquakes. There are many symptoms of damage that may indicate minor or serious problems.

Foundation Cracks & Other Symptoms

There are three basic types of foundation cracks you'll notice: Shrinkage - generally found with poured concrete; horizontal - caused by soil or water pressure; and settlement - this occurs in most homes but the size and location of the cracks will determine how much has occurred. A little unevenness caused by settling is normal, but you should watch for these more dramatic changes inside: 

·     Drywall cracks in main house walls and ceilings

·     Misaligned doors and windows

·     Ceramic tile and brickwork cracks

·     Sloping floors

·     Bowing walls

There are other structural components supporting your home. Posts, concrete supports or piers are placed in specific locations in your basement or crawl space to provide load-bearing support. They should be straight and fit tightly underneath the rafter beams. The posts shouldn't lean or move and the base should be firmed affixed to a concrete pier.

An outside check will help you determine if there are major concerns brewing. Look down the foundation wall from each corner to check for leaning or bowing. Problems like this could mean the foundation has shifted or that there is pressure from expanding and contracting soil.

Concrete deterioration is another problem you may encounter. If the exterior walls appear to be chipping or flaking, probing with a screwdriver may help you find a more serious issue. You shouldn't be able to damage it, but if pieces chip or break off, you'll need to contact a professional.

Monitoring a Potentially Dangerous Problem

Cracks can form in both poured concrete and block foundations. As concrete and mortar between blocks dry, it shrinks. Cracks often originate in 90-degree corners, so check those places carefully. Stepped cracks along block foundations or brick walls may be caused by upheaval. The best way to stave off major repair work is to monitor the crack width. Mark a spot along the crack and accurately measure the width with a ruler. Check back often to re-measure. If the crack begins to get wider at one end, it may be a sign of big trouble. Anything ½ inch or wider should be evaluated by an engineer for safety.

A horizontal crack that appears in the bed joint of a brick or concrete block wall should not be ignored. This signals a major breakdown. Pressure of the soil behind the wall has pushed it to a point of bending or breaking. Corroded wall ties, an inadequate number of ties or wind pressure can also cause the wall to bend. This is a serious problem and must be addressed quickly to avoid structural collapse.

Just like the horizontal crack is bad news, so is a vertical crack. Cracks that present wider at the top usually mean the foundation is dropping or the center of the foundation is heaving. For cracks that are wider at the bottom, the foundation is likely heaving and the center is dropping. Either way calls for a structural engineer visit to evaluate your situation.

Not All Cracks Require Attention

Luckily, there are some cracks that are more aesthetic in nature and really won't hurt anything if left untreated.

Angular cracks can occur in the top 12-16 inches of a brick wall that is laid directly on a concrete foundation. They are caused by brick expansion during summer months and the outer foundation corner being pushed with it. No need to repair them, as they'll likely occur every year as the temperatures heat up.

Cracks in the upper levels of your home may appear above interior doors, windows and archways. While they may be a sign of settlement, most times, they are simple relief joints. As temperatures outside change, so will the size of these cracks. Running a humidifier in the winter and dehumidifier in the summer will help control these harmless eyesores.

Basement floor hairline cracks are also common, and unless they widen to a 1/2 inch or more, should only affect the appearance. The crack usually starts at a 90-degree offset corner and radiates into the room. Wait about a year for it to finish growing before filling it in with urethane caulk or hydraulic cement.

Conclusion

By taking a proactive approach to changes in your home's structure, you may be able to avoid major renovation work.  Should you still need basement work done, don’t forget basement cleaning, or basement restoration services.  Your local Chicago basement cleaning company can be a big help!

Basement Cleaning 773-885-8528

Basement Cleaning

Your basement can be ground zero for problems related to water and mold damage, and for obvious reasons. Basements are by their very definition the lowest level of any structure. Combine that with the fact that water loves to run downhill, and bingo, the stage is set for water and mold damage problems. In the wake of water damage in your basement, there are a few common sense steps that need to be taken in order to make sure that the cleanup process proceeds smoothly and without further issues.

First off, take proper precautions when working in and around the flood waters caused by excessive water damage. The water may very likely be contaminated, especially if the spill is the result of a sewage backup. So wear protective clothing, boots, waterproof gloves, and masks. Take pictures and video of the damaged area, as this may prove invaluable for insurance purposes. Remove as many loose, damaged items as you can. Uncluttering the area will make cleanup easier.

Turn off the power. Water and electricity do not mix. Trust us on this one. Do not turn the power back on until the cleanup process is complete, and then only after approval from a qualified electrician.

You can remove standing water with towels, buckets, shop vacs, or sump pumps. Don’t make the common mistake of trying to use your regular vacuum cleaner to remove water; you will only trash your vacuum. Again, trust us on this.

Fans and other air moving devices as well as dehumidifiers can be used to dry the affected area. Close doors to the area, since you don’t want any mold that may be present to be spread to the other part of the home.

The basement cleaning area will need to be thoroughly dried out and all affected surfaces cleaned, disinfected, and sanitized. If humidity levels are a problem, install a couple of dehumidifying units to bring those levels down within acceptable limits.

If you don’t have water in your basement now, it may be only a matter of time. Be proactive and check to make sure that all exterior drains are unclogged and in good operating condition. The landscaping around your home should also slope away from the structure for a distance of no less than ten feet, but ideally more. In the event of a sudden deluge, you want water flowing away from your home, not towards it!

For full and complete basement cleaning service, contact the pros at The CleanUP Guys!

Basement Cleaning - Hoarding Junk Removal 773-885-8528

Basement Cleaning & Cleanup

If your basement looks anything like the picture above, there is a definite need to get a good basement cleaning job done!  This type falls into the category of hoarding and water damage too.  Both are lethal in themselves in terms of cleanup, but especially when there is the combination issue involving both.  It creates a difficult project due to heavy, wet items that need to be removed or discarded.

Hoarding is a particularly challenging assignment for a few reasons:  the homeowner is obviously attached deeply to the items in the basement, usually there is an underlying sentiment as to why these things have accumulated to this point, mostly emotional trauma as in the case of a loss of a loved one or beloved pet, is involved. Some in the industry call it separation anxiety.  Not wanting to lose something else that the homeowner has full control and say-so over.

We have cleaned up quite a few projects like this in our industry due to excessive pile up of items in a facility where basement cleanup is needed.  One project that our company was involved in up in Zion IL took about 27 or so thirty-yarders to clean out the facility.  It was needless to say a very nasty mess.  But with our expertise in doing these hoarding cleanups, and a courteous staff, we worked through the project.

What can sometimes be a particular challenge too, is if the homeowner wants to sort through every piece one at a time.  And while this may seem reasonable to them, it can slow up the process.  In either case, if that is what it takes to make the homeowner or person responsibility feel more comfortable with the process, then certain and definite patience is needed.  We carry such a staff to assist with these projects.  It is a very delicate circumstance when a homeowner needs to part with items they have had in their possession for years.

Once the items are out of the way and there becomes working room, it makes the job so much easier as the process starts to "pick up steam" as it were.  Properly bagging and disposal of these items is of the utmost importance as well as getting rid of unwanted, old, dilapidated furniture and appliances.  Sometimes we have run into heavy mold in the basement and there needs to be basement mold remediation done as well.

In either case a good basement cleaning company knows how to handle not only hoarding aspect of the assignment, but the water damage and mold remediation portions as well.  Make sure you choose the right company for your basement cleaning need.

Basement Cleaning Chicago 773-885-8528

BASEMENT CLEANING CHICAGO

Finished or unfinished, any basement can be a challenge to maintain and keep clean.  Believe it or not, as you might already know, it is much easier to clean a basement that is empty than it is when there is clutter, or furniture that takes up the empty space.  In addition to having clean the basement floor spaces, walls, and open areas, when furnished, the items in the basement need attention too, as they collect dust, pollens, microbes, bacteria and even moisture.

Basement cleaning can be a difficult when you have given it much attention and/or time.  The "giant storage locker" can become filled with items that you may never ever use.  Why not make it a family project?  Go down and analyze what you want to keep and what you want to throw out.  It may take a little effort but roll up those sleeves, put on a not-so-good pair of jeans and your worst shoes, and dig in.  Expect to get dirty!  You have been negligent, right?

It is always a matter of wisdom to make sure you take inventory of what goes on in your basement.  This becomes especially so when flooding occurs, or you have water damage, or even mold removal is required.  These pesky concerns can lead to much heartache and can possibly dig into your pockets if not maintained, or if allowed to overflow.

We can't tell you how many basements we have cleaned over the years and we have seen them all.  From hoarding, to clutter, to messiness, to water damage, to mold infested.  You name it, we've seen it.  It is the foundation of your home.  It can assist you in breathing well and sleeping at night, or it can cause asthma, bronchitis, skin irritations and other problems if the basement is not kept clean and orderly.

While the picture above is a worse case scenario, it doesn't mean it can't happen to you.  We are receiving record rains.  More than ever before.  Be ready.  Have a game plan in place for your basement.  Know what's down there, and know what shouldn't be (i.e. mold, water damage, condensation, unwanted dust, bacteria).

Keep tabs on what is going on in your basement.  Should you get water from flooding, rains, backed up sewer, drain backup, leaky pipe or a pipe that bursts from cold, call a professional basement cleaning company to take care of it.  The CleanUP Guys has lots of experience doing just that!

Basement Cleaning Chicago 773-885-8528

All too often, a homeowner finds that more is needed than just simple basement cleaning when it comes to what we like to call the lower storage area.  The more junk piled up in the basement, the harder it is to realize when there are other services needed.  Clutter can mask hidden dangers lurking behind the walls or even in the flooring space.  Thus, with any basement cleanup there needs to be a reorganizing of items there to periodically check that nothing more serious or sinister is happening.

For instance, when it comes to a leaky pipe or a cracked foundation space, the problem of mold could start to surface and fester over time.  Mold loves dark and damp places where it can thrive unabated.  Bacteria development can happen fast and attach itself to any item that stands in its way.  Therefore, it is a great idea from time to time to rearrange the clutter in the basement, better yet, get rid of things that are not being used.  Sure it takes time in a busy schedule to do this, but the rewards will be great down the line should you have a more serious problem in your basement.

Once a water leak occurs or a more sinister fellow, mold develops it is very difficult to unload and get rid of things that need to be thrown out, because you have to handle mold differently than any other problem.  Generally, it is a better to call a professional basement cleaning company to handle the problem of water damage, mold removal or decontamination and sanitizing of a basement. 

If there is mold there, it will have to be properly confiscated in bags and removed from the premises immediately before the spread of it gets worse.  A good basement cleaning takes into account the presence of possible moisture intrusion as well as mold remediation.  Especially is this the case if the basement does not have proper air flow or ventilation.  Good circulation of air in a basement along with a moisture removal device, like a dehumidifier is well worth the investment.  This can serve to keep your basement flowing with good air and keep moisture levels at bay.

Basement cleaning is a task that all too often gets kicked to the side.  But, if you find yourself in need of a good basement cleaning and reorganization, don't put it off.  Get it done today!  Your basement cleaning professional is waiting for you!

Basement Cleaning Chicago & Suburbs 773-885-8528

The Basement as a storage unit is just fine.  That is until the clutter gets out of hand.  It seems many of us just use the basement as a throw everything down there that is not needed right away until we are ready to use it storage locker.  While that may be fine at the outset, over time the clutter can become completely unmanageable.  It is high time for a little organization and restructure.  Ah, you think I mean the basement, well that's true too.  But, maybe it is time to rethink or reorganize the way we think or strategize in dealing with our clutter.

Let's face it all of us accumulate things people give us.  We buy things we really don't need at the garage, or yard sale because it's the fun thing to do.  And before you know it we need to have a garage or yard sale ourselves.  But, it is hard to get around to it.  Many of us lead such busy lives.  We could try to do it ourselves.  We could call a few relatives over and try it, but they are dealing with their own mess.  We could call a professional basement cleaning company to do it.  That might be the way to go.  They could offer timely suggestions on how to clean things up systematically and work along with you, "shoulder to shoulder" as it were to get that basement looking the way it did before you moved in.

So you can go from clutter and shear disarray to......

manageable space again.

Don't worry it can be done.  No basement cleaning job is too hard to handle when managed properly.
In our profession we have seen all kinds of basements and all kinds of floors, situations, shapes, sizes, dimensions, hoarding, clutter, damage, etc. 

One of the major problems with using the basement as a storage is when you get water from a flood or basement water damage.  Then everything in the basement becomes an enemy.  Most of it becomes unsalvageable and has to be thrown out anyway.  What a terrible loss when that happens.  Valuables that may have great sentimental value can be completely destroyed.

Maybe managing those items better by putting them on racks or stands, or high shelving would be better.  Or if they are near and dear, storing them upstairs in a closet or pantry might be a better idea.
At any rate, managing what you put in the basement and organizing it can really help when it gets to be a bit too much stuff in the locker.