Frequently Asked Questions
How long have you been in business?
We have been family owned and operated since 1979!
Are you a franchise?
No, E&M waterproofing was started by Ed and Maria. E&M Waterproofing is truly a family owned and operated business from inception, Ed and Maria’s goal has been to provide clients with honest and reliable solutions to their waterproofing needs. They accomplish that by having a hands-on personal approach.
Who are the estimators?
Ed (owner), Matt (Son-in-Law), or Steve (Ed’s Cousin)
What is your service area?
We service Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx and Manhattan.
Do you Warranty your work?
Yes! All our work is GUARANTEED for 10 Years!!!
Do You Offer Free Estimates?
All our estimates are free. Estimates are typically provided same day.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, we are fully licensed and insured in Nassau, Suffolk, and NYC.
What types of solutions do you offer?
When choosing a waterproofing company, a very important question to ask is what type of solutions they offer. Many companies only install French drains or hydrostatic pressure relief systems but at E&M waterproofing we offer various waterproofing solutions such as crack foundation repair, window well drainage, property drainage, dry well, sump pump installation as well as French drains. All our work is guaranteed for ten years and is typically completed in one day.
Does waterproofing paint work?
Typically No, If you have a foundation crack that is causing water intrusion. A thin layer of paint applied to your foundation’s interior will not stop water from entering your basement. A home’s foundation is typically 8-12 inches thick and if hydrostatic pressure is strong enough to cause water to enter, a thin layer of paint will not be enough to hold the water back.
The best way to stop water entering your basement through a foundation crack is to stop it from the exterior. Our process involves hand digging to the footing, cleaning the foundation, chiseling the crack and packing it with hydraulic cement, applying a voltex membrane, and back filling the hole. Typically, this process is done within a few hours by our technicians. The process of exterior waterproofing ensures a dry basement and helps maintain the structural integrity of your home’s foundation.
What is the white chalky stuff on my basement walls?
Efflorescence is a white, chalky substance that is a result of salt deposits left behind on your basement’s concrete walls. It’s basically a cosmetics issue but can indicated excess moisture in your foundation. With regards to excess moisture in your basement you must think about what a basement is. A basement is a hole in the ground made of concrete surrounded by soil. If you live on the north shore of long island the soil around your basement will be made of clay which will cause excess moisture because of the poor drainage capabilities of clay soil and if you live on the south shore of long island you may deal with tidal water rising underneath your basement.
How do I get rid of that damp musty basement smell?
When attempting to rid your basement of the “Damp Musty Basement Smell” you must start off doing a little detective work. The first step in the process is to determine if you have water entering your basement. Water could be entering your basement from foundation or plumbing issues. If you have water on a regular basis and not because of rain it is a good idea to consult with a plumber to determine the source.
If you have water entering your basement from rain or tidal changes you must prevent the water from entering, hence limiting excess humidity. If you have a finished basement you will have to inspect all the organic material for signs of mold. If there are signs of mold, you will have to remediate the mold.
Your home’s foundation is made of concrete which is porous by nature and being that it is surrounded by soil it will wick up the moisture from the soil. One of the best ways to limit the excess humidity in a basement is to have a dehumidifier. We are authorized Aprilaire Dehumidifier installers, these units are self-draining and will rid your house of excess humidity resulting in improved air quality. Contact us for free consultation!
What is an egress window?
When builders originally designed homes their vision of a basement was totally different than how we currently utilized our basements on Long Island. Basements were used as places to store our belongings and mechanical systems. Now with families growing and the need for space, basements are being renovated to be playrooms, movie rooms and even bedrooms. Over the last ten years Federal and State laws have been enacted that state that any finished basement must have a 2nd means of egress. So, what does egress mean? A 2nd means of egress is another exit in your basement and is required by law.
We install egress windows which are larger enough for someone to crawl out in the event of a fire. The window and well system is not only required by law but also allows for additional light and ventilation in your finished basement. Bowman Kemp Well systems are strong and durable and will stand up over time.
How do I know if my sump pump is working?
A sump pump is a mechanical device that moves water. Sump Pumps should be inspected regularly to ensure that they are operational. We install Zoeller Pumps with automatic float switches. As the water level rises in our sump pits the buoy will float up and cause the switch to activate resulting in the pump turning on and discharging water. If you don’t have any water in your sump basin you can manually active the float switch by reaching in the pit and gently pulling the handle up to trigger the pump to activate. Another way to check if your pump is operational is to pour water into the sump basin until the float switch is activated.
Can you repair a foundation crack from the inside?
The best way to repair a foundation crack is from the exterior. Your foundation is 8-12 inches thick meaning that water entering your house from the crack is going through 8-12 inches of your foundation before it enters to your basement. You must stop the water from penetrating the foundation and making its way through. Repairing cracks from the Interior tend to be temporary and not a long-term solution. People will sometimes apply a coating of tar to the interior of their foundation walls which could lead to health issues later in life being that tar is a carcinogen. The best way to preserve the integrity of your foundation and prevent water in your basement is to preform exterior waterproofing.
What is hydrostatic pressure?
If you break down the term hydrostatic pressure it just means water pressure. The term is commonly used by waterproofing companies to describe water that is entering your Long Island Basement. If you have a crack in your basement wall and water is entering your basement, one could say hydrostatic pressure is causing it but is it really? As water travels through the soil, it will flow to the path of least resistance so if you have a hole or imperfection in your foundation, it only makes sense that water will enter. If you have very dense soil around your house or a high-water table that causes water to enter your Long Island basement from the floor or cove joint, I would describe that as hydrostatic pressure.
If tidal water or perch water is rising underneath your home, the pressure or force of that water may cause cracks in the basement floor where water will enter. Which will require the installation of a French drain or hydrostatic pressure relief system.
What can I do to prevent water from entering my basement?
Have your gutter cleaned regularly.
Extend your gutters away from your house.
Clean window wells.
Check Sump Pump monthly.
Clean basement Landing drains of leaves
Inspect for signs of mold.
Inspect for foundation cracks.
