Frontier Foundation & Crawl Space Repair Q&A

Are you licensed and bonded?

Yes, you can rest assure we are an insured general licensed contractor. We know and are committed to the laws that protect your project and our employees.

Can I get an estimate over the phone?

No. We do not give pricing over the phone.

Our goal is to give you an accurate diagnosis of your problem so that we can leave you with a written proposal and the exact price that will provide you with the specific outcome you want. To do this, we need to do a thorough on-site inspection and analysis first.

Every home is different and your families needs and priorities are unique to you. Without seeing the home and your concerns we would not be able to give you an accurate estimate.

Our inspectors use a very specific program to diagnose your home and the best permanent solution. This system also figures some of those numbers, there are price breaks at different square footage sizes as well.

Can PolyLevel shift concrete or move it sideways?

No, PolyLevel cannot move concrete over, it can only stabilize, lift it back up into position and fill voids left after soil has been washed away.

Do crawl space ventilation fans work?

Crawlspace ventilation fans or power vents causes all the humidity evaporating off the damp dirt, damp foundation walls, and hot humid air from the other crawlspace vents to be drawn to one central spot; the power vent itself. This always makes the area around the power vent more humid than the rest often creating mold and wood rot in the area. Ventilation is 100% climate specific. Ventilation works better in Arizona than Tennessee. Tennessee is too tropical and humid for ventilation to be effective. Air sealing the entire crawlspace off from all humidity sources is the only real solution.

Do you hire temp employees?

None of our employees are temps. They are our employees, and we take the time to train them right so that we only send highly qualified people to your home.

Do you offer financing?

Yes, we offer financing through a reputable bank. When the rep comes to your home, he can explain that thoroughly to you. It just takes minutes to get approved.

https://www.frontierbasementsystems.com/about-us/financing.html

Do you use high-pressure tactics? Are you going to pressure me into buying?

No, we consider our sales appointments to be consultations rather than sales pitches – we take the time necessary to inspect, educate, and really to consult with you about what your goals are for your home. We will not pressure you into buying anything. And, if you don’t need anything from us, we will tell you that too

Does extending downspouts away from the foundation solve basement or crawl space waterproofing problems?

Extending downspouts well away from the foundation will always help but cant be expected to solve the problem.

Does the appointment cost anything?

No, it’s free and there is no obligation.

How do I properly seal up my crawl space?

5 Steps to Encapsulation 1. Address any Water Issues Make sure to waterproof before you lay a barrier down. Do you have proper drainage? Do you need a sump pump? 2. Use a true vapor Barrier Be sure to use a plastic that is thick and durable Overlap joints, seal any leaks. Fasten properly to the block Wrap columns. 3. Stop Outside Air Seal crawl space vents with proper insulation and foam or caulking Seal around plumbing, electrical, or other lines. Invest in an insulated crawl space door and seal 4. Insulate R-10 rating on the walls & rim joist. Joist are the leakiest areas. https://youtu.be/0DVPSBVSLPM

How do you mitigate radon?

Mitigate means to lessen or make less severe, so to mitigate radon is to remove the gas from your home using a mitigation system. A typical radon mitigation system consists of a large-diameter plastic pipe that connects the air beneath your foundation to the outdoors. An in-line fan sucks radon-rich air from beneath your foundation and expels this hazardous air to the exterior. Instead of entering your basement or other living space area through numerous gaps and cracks in the foundation, radon gas is extracted from beneath your foundation before it can permeate into interior space.

How does water get into a basement or crawl space?

Leakage, capillary action, vapor transmission, and/or condensation are 4 ways water can get into a basement or crawl space.

How long have you been in business?

Over 35 years.

How much will this cost?

The costs will vary depending on your specific issue and also your goals for your home. Every job is customized for just the problem in your home. We couldn’t possibly give you an estimate without a thorough inspection. Solutions can cost in the hundreds to the thousands depending on the issue and what your goals are. The best way to find out exactly what is going on and what it will cost to fix it is to get a free estimate from one of our design specialists. We'd love to have one of our system design specialist help figure out your question.

Is it true that 50% of the air you breathe on the first floor of your home comes from the crawl space below?

Yes!

Radon is only a problem in certain parts of the country.

False, Radon is found in every part of the country.

What are the steps to fixing a dirt crawlspace to ensure the crawl space has no negative effects on the home?

Fix groundwater seepage, isolate the home from the earth, seal vents, and all outside air and condition or dehumidify the crawlspace air.

What does a service appointment include for a waterproofed basement?

Flood test system to make sure water is flowing through it properly.
Cycle and water test the pumps operations.
We inspect the impeller inside the pump and remove obstructions so it can continue to pump water up and out of your discharge line.
Check the switch function so the pump is turning on and shutting off.
Install new batteries in water watch alarm
Check the humidity level of basement or crawlspace.
Check for domestic water leaks-from plumbing or HVAC.
Perform inspection of foundation, grading and gutters in the basement or crawlspace.
Clean sump liner and air tight lid inside of sediment and/or silt.

What does a service appointment include for a waterproofed crawl space?

Check the CleanSpace liner for any rips or tears. Check all the seams to ensure they are still sealed properly and make any necessary repairs.
Cycle and water test pump operations.
We inspect the impeller inside the pump and remove obstructions so it can continue to pump water up and out of your discharge line.
Check the switch function so the pump is turning on and shutting off.
Install new batteries in water watch alarm
Check the humidity level of basement or crawlspace.
Check for domestic water leaks-from plumbing or HVAC.
Perform inspection of foundation, grading and gutters in the basement or crawlspace.
Clean sump liner and air tight lid inside of sediment and/or silt.

What does a service appointment include for my dehumidifier?

Ensure the Sanidry is working properly and that it is on the correct setting.
Change the filter (as requested by home owner, not included in service fee).
Clean coils.
Clean condensate pan.
Oil Sanidry (if older model)

What is a french drain and how does it work?

A French drain is a drainage trench filled to ground level with fragments of brick, rock, etc. It is designed to catch "Surface" water and redirect it, typically around a house, Good for stopping erosion, but not good for stopping underground water seepage. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZaCzub5ZXw

What is a french drain?

These seems to be a lot of confusion on the difference between a french drain and a curtain drain. The French drain by definition is located at the footing of the foundation; it collects and diverts water from the perimeter of the home, alleviating pressure off the foundation wall. Typically it is a trench with gravel or rock that collects and diverts water from the foundation.

What is a radon mitigation system?

A typical radon mitigation system consists of a large-diameter plastic pipe that connects the air beneath your foundation to the outdoors. An in-line fan sucks radon-rich air from beneath your foundation and expels this hazardous air to the exterior. Instead of entering your basement or other living space area through numerous gaps and cracks in the foundation, radon gas is extracted from beneath your foundation before it can permeate into interior space.

What is a radon system?

A radon system is comprised of a sump liner, a 4 inch diameter pipe connecting the flow of air through the foundation soil and liner out of the home by a exterior fan. By fully encapsulating or sealing the crawlspace or basement ensures that the radon is prevented from rising into the home and forced out through the system.

What is a sump pump?

A sump pump is an electromechanical device used to move water. This pump can be submerged in water and will move the water up and out of a basement or crawlspace.

What is an encapsulated crawlspace?

A crawl space encapsulation: 1. Address any Water Issues 2. Provides a true vapor Barrier 3. Sealed; Stops Outside Air 4. Insulates 5. Controls Humidity. https://youtu.be/VWCfmddpS8o https://youtu.be/0DVPSBVSLPM

What is efflorescence?

Efflorescence is salt residue left behind as moisture vapor evaporates through the concrete.

What is french drainage?

A French drainage is a trench filled to ground level with fragments of brick, rock, etc. It is designed to catch "Surface" water and redirect it, typically around a house, Good for stopping erosion, but not good for stopping underground water seepage. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZaCzub5ZXw

What is involved in a good crawlspace encapsulation?

5 Steps to Encapsulation 1. Address any Water Issues Make sure to waterproof before you lay a barrier down. Do you have proper drainage? Do you need a sump pump? 2. Install a true vapor Barrier Be sure to use a plastic that is thick and durable Overlap joints, seal any leaks. Fasten properly to the block Wrap columns. 3. Stop Outside Air Seal crawl space vents with proper insulation and foam or caulking Seal around plumbing, electrical, or other lines. Invest in an insulated crawl space door and seal 4. Insulate R-10 rating on the walls & rim joist. Joist are the leakiest areas. 5. Control Humidity. Keep humidity levels below 55% Anything greater than 60% is a breeding ground for mold. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWCfmddpS8o

What is radon inspection?

Once you have had your home tested for radon and received results of elevated picocuries the next step is to have an inspection to talk about installation options for a mitigation system. An experienced radon mitigation contractor will be able to provide installation advice, as well as more information about radon and why radon testing is so important.

What is radon testing?

Radon testing is to measure the picocuries (pCi/L) found in the air of your home. For a valid test result, the test must be performed under Closed House Conditions, for 12 hours before the test and during the exposure period. The test should be performed in the lowest area of the home, that could be used regularly. E.g. bedroom, play area or workshop. The test device should be left in place for at lest 48 hours. Once completed it should be sent back for analysis straight away or the results could be invalid!

What is the best thing to use for basement leaks?

The best solution to basement leaks is water management. Provide a permanent solution for collection and discharge of the water leaks. Interior perimeter drains are the most effective, permanent solution. Advantages include: accessibility to do the job, more affordable than and outside system, installs in a day or two, easily serviceable year around, effective. https://youtu.be/f-ONJTLMjyE

What is the main cause of a wet basement problem?

Surface water from rain soaking the backfill is the main cause of a wet basement.

What is the proper location of a radon mitigation fan?

A radon mitigation fan should be installed on the exterior of the home. This ensures that the fan remains clear of mud and water from the foundation and in the event of a leak, there won't be concentrated radon leaking into the home.

What products do you sell?

We sell a wide variety of products, depending on your unique situation and goals. We have 28 patents on waterproofing systems, a variety of sump pumps, dehumidification systems, crawlspace liners, foundation stabilization systems, and basement finishing systems, just to name a few!

Where does most water come from on a foundation with poured concrete walls?

Most water comes in between the footing and wall and up the floor-wall joint on a foundation with poured concrete walls.

Who does crawl space encapsulations Hendersonville TN?

Frontier Basement Systems has encapsulated more crawl spaces in middle Tennessee than anyone. Free inspection!

Who will you send to my home?

We will send one of our highly trained foundation/basement experts. All have been on jobs to actually install the products so they can really understand them. We also train them in product knowledge and diagnosis. Some have looked at nearly 20,000 basements. When we send the pre-appointment packet, we’ll include a bio and a picture of the person we are sending to your home.

Why can't you give me some advice on my issue over the phone?

Our reps are the experts on this issue. Because they are currently out in the field inspecting customer’s homes. They are definitely the ones you want to give you advice on your issue. They’ll carefully inspect your foundation, see what goals you have about fixing your foundation or water issue and then provide you with a custom solution just for your home.

Why would a foundation wall move inward and crack horizontally?

Expanding and contracting of the soil moving the foundation wall inward causes horizontal cracks.

Will cold weather or a quick freeze effect the integrity of the PolyLevel foam?

PolyLevel cure time is 15 minutes, the product is set before your foreman leaves your home.

You will also have a 5 year warranty if you notice any changes just give the office a call.