What You Need to Know Before Finishing Your Basement

Before

 So, you're ready to finish your basement. There are a few things that you should know before you invest in finishing your basement. 

1. Make sure your foundation is strong and stable. If you have any structural weaknesses or basement wall cracks then all of your hard work could be wasted. 


Foundation damage needs to be repaired ASAP otherwise you could end up with a lowered home value and serious structural problem. 

2. Waterproofing is critical. You want to make sure that your basement has appropriate waterproofing. An unexpected flood is expensive and stressful. Not to mention it will undo all of the work you put into remodeling your basement. 

Types of Foundations

Shallow foundation for a home

There are two types of foundations: shallow and deep.

Shallow Foundations
A shallow foundation, or footing, doesn't extend deeper than a standard home basement. These types of foundations are typically found in homes and smaller structures. Shallow foundations are prone to problems with settlement and shrink-swell soils.

Slab on grade, basement and crawl space are all types of shallow foundations. While it has recently become common practice to build concrete foundations, concrete block, treated wood and stone foundations are also common throughout Virginia.

The hole where a footing will
be placed

Speaker's Bureau

We provide free continuing education classes, seminars, and "Lunch & Learns" to home inspectors, architects, real estate agents, engineers, property managers, insurance adjusters, civic groups and home owner associations.

If you want to learn more about foundation repair, crawl space moisture management or basement waterproofing, you can now have a JES expert speak to your group, association or office.

for more information on topics or to schedule a guest speaker.

What's Carbon Fiber Foundation Repair?

Carbon fiber foundation repair uses a strong, carbon fiber strip that's glued to your basement foundation walls to prevent movement and stabilize the wall.

Carbon fiber foundation repair has become popular due to the ease of installation, strength of the product and affordability. Just keep in mind that it's not always the best solution to cracked or bowing foundation walls.

Capital Home & Remodeling Show

Marketing VP, Eric Lackey

Looking for something to do this weekend? Visit us at the Capital Home & Remodeling Show in Chantilly, VA. We'll be there all weekend!

It's the perfect opportunity to ask your foundation, crawl space and basement waterproofing questions.

Do You Have Cold Floors?

Cold floors are more than just a reason to buy new slippers - they could be a sign that your crawl space is increasing your electric bill.

If you have a vented or unsealed crawl space then the heat you're pumping into your home is only being wasted because of the vents.

Hiring: Web/Graphic Designer

Established, fast-growing regional firm based in Hampton Roads looking for a multi-talented designer who’s proficient in online and offline design.

Position Title: Web/Graphic Designer
Reports To: Vice President of Marketing

Job Summary
The Web/Graphic Designer’s primary responsibility is for the design and implementation of dynamic web pages/sites, utilizing industry standard CMS platforms such as DotNetNuke. The Designer will design, develop, test and deliver websites, applications and components. They will also be responsible for maintenance and ongoing design of websites and marketing materials.

Celebrating MLK

Today we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. King was a leader in nonviolent activism for the civil rights movement and successfully protested discrimination in federal and state laws. We celebrate Dr. King and his accomplishments by volunteering with local non-profits.

Name That Crack

Hydrostatic Pressure
This basement wall crack is caused by hydrostatic pressure.

Hydrostatic pressure is the weight of water pushing up against an object. In this case it's a basement foundation.

You can see that the force of the water against the foundation has caused bowing and a series of cracks that form a star. If this was allowed to continue the homeowner would have ended up with a collapsed wall.

Did You Know? Radon Gas & Encapsulation

CleanSpace can reduce radon
gas in your crawl space

Did you know that encapsulating your crawl space can reduce radon gas entry?

What's Radon Gas? 

Radon is a radioactive gas that causes lung cancer. Yikes! It's created through the natural decomposition of uranium that's found in the ground.

You can't see or smell it but it's estimated to cause thousands of deaths each year.* The Surgeon General has even stated that radon gas is the 2nd leading cause of lung cancer in the US.

Dear JES: Help! My Porch Steps are Sinking!

Dear JES:

My front porch is sinking! I've stumbled over the steps a couple of times and you can see that there's a 1 1/2-inch difference between the landing and the steps. How do I fix this? 

Doug W. -Chester, VA

Did You Know? JES Teamed up with Extreme Makeover Home Edition

In February 2011, Team JES teamed up with Extreme Makeover Home Edition to help a Virginia Beach family. JES prepared the foundation and installed exterior drain tile and a sump pump for the family in need.

JES Foundation Repair Announces Launch of Mobile Website JESwork.com

Virginia Beach, Va. (January 2, 2012) –  JES Foundation Repair, a structural engineering, foundation repair, basement waterproofing, and crawl space repair company, is proud to announce the public launch of the newly designed mobile version of its flagship site, http://www.JESwork.com/mobile.

Crawl Space Drainage 101

If you're reading this blog, then you understand the importance of having a dry crawl space.

A dry crawl space can help reduce your home's energy costs, virtually eliminate the risk of pest invasions and can even cut health risks (mold, mildew and dust mites).

Crawl space drainage is something that's best left to the experts. There are two reasons for this:

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Foundation

Happy New Year! Now's the time when we make our resolutions and set some goals. While you're planning for 2012, are you taking your home into account?

If you haven't made any plans for your home yet, here are a few handy resolutions that include your foundation. These simple steps will help keep your home healthy and your foundation strong.