Bowing block walls
Clay soil and freeze-thaw cause horizontal cracks and inward bowing in block basements across the state.
Bowing Basement Wall RepairNortheast & Mid-Atlantic · PA
Basement waterproofing in Pennsylvania
Cold winters with many freeze-thaw cycles and wet springs, with heavier lake-effect snow near Erie. Clay-rich soils over shale are common in the west and north; southeastern Pennsylvania has limestone areas where sinkholes can form.
Free referral · Pennsylvania
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What kinds of foundations do homes in Pennsylvania have?
Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and the coal and steel towns have huge numbers of pre-1940 homes on stone and brick foundations; post-war homes mostly have block basements. Rowhouses share party walls, so one home's drainage can affect its neighbors.
What basement and foundation problems are most common in Pennsylvania?
Stone foundation seepage
Mortar erosion in old rubble-stone walls lets in water and silt.
Sandstone & Stone Foundation RepairLimestone sinkholes
In karst areas of southeastern and central Pennsylvania, settlement can be caused by voids below the soil; diagnosis comes before repair.
Foundation Settlement RepairWhich Pennsylvania cities have local guides?
Which parts of Pennsylvania are covered?
- Philadelphia
- Pittsburgh
- Allentown
- Erie
- Reading
- Scranton
- Harrisburg
What do Pennsylvania homeowners ask most?
Is a horizontal crack in my block wall serious?
A horizontal crack along a mortar joint usually means soil pressure is pushing the wall inward. It should be measured and monitored; if the wall has moved, reinforcement with straps, beams or anchors is typically recommended.
What does Pennsylvania require of home improvement contractors?
Contractors doing more than a small amount of home improvement work per year must register with the Attorney General, carry liability insurance and use written contracts that include their registration number.
Where can I verify this information about Pennsylvania?
- 1USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: Web Soil SurveyLook up soil drainage class and shrink-swell potential for any lot in Pennsylvania.
- 2NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information: U.S. Climate NormalsAverage precipitation, snowfall and temperatures for weather stations near Pennsylvania.
- 3U.S. Geological Survey: Sinkholes (Water Science School)How sinkholes form in limestone (karst) areas such as parts of Pennsylvania.
- 4U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: RadonWhy basements in Pennsylvania should be tested for radon, and how sealed sumps fit with mitigation.
- 5Federal Trade Commission: Hiring a ContractorWhat to check before hiring: licensing, insurance, written estimates and payment terms.
Wet basement or cracked foundation in Pennsylvania?
By calling, you agree to be connected with an independent waterproofing contractor, who may call or text you back about your request at the number you call from. Calls may be recorded for quality and routing. Consent is not a condition of any purchase; you can opt out at any time, and message and data rates may apply. Privacy policy.