Basement Waterproofing & Crawl Space Repair in Salisbury, MD & Easton, DE | Foundation Repair in Delmarva

Three Reasons You Should Encapsulate your Crawlspace

2023-09-15T00:00:00.05Z

Encapsulating your crawlspace with DryZone involves covering the walls and floors of your crawlspace with our CleanSpace barrier along with sealing the vents. Here are three reasons why you should encapsulate your crawlspace with DryZone today!

Prevent Moisture Problems

Moisture in the crawlspace can lead to mold, mildew, and wood rot. Encapsulation helps to keep moisture out by sealing the space and preventing water from entering through the walls and floor. This can improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of health problems associated with mold.

Energy Efficiency

Encapsulating your crawlspace can help to improve the energy efficiency of your home. By sealing the space and insulating the walls, you can prevent air leaks and reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home. This can result in lower energy bills and a more comfortable living environment.

Pest Control

An encapsulated crawlspace can also help to prevent pests from entering your home. By sealing the space and covering the floor, you can prevent rodents and other pests from nesting in your crawlspace and gaining access to your home. This can help to reduce the risk of damage to your home and the spread of disease.

What is your reason to want your crawlspace encapsulated? We would love to hear from you. Reach out to us today and let us know what your crawlspace concerns are! [[phone]]

Two Major Causes of Wall Cracks

2023-02-22T00:00:00.05Z

When you see cracks in your wall, sometimes your first reaction is to wonder why? Well, here are two of the primary whys:

Major causes…

In Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland there isn’t a lot of rocky soil. If you get up into Wilmington or New Castle you might find some, but for the most part its either sand or clay. These are really the 2 biggest causes of foundation cracks.

Dense soil (such as clay)
Loose soil (full of sand)

Dense soils will expand a lot when they are full of water, and shrink up when there is a drought. When the soil expands and contracts it moves the foundation walls. This will cause new cracks to form and existing wall cracks to get worse.

Loose soils that are mostly sand can get very soupy when they are full of water. The problems are similar to the dense soils because the process moves the walls. It is also easier to see a “sinking” action in this kind of soil. This is a big reason why they build houses on the huge telephone pole pilings are the beach. The idea is to reach a more solid soil and rest the house on that. If it sounds a lot like our push piers, that is because the idea is basically the same.

Other reasons…

While the soil is the most common reason, foundation cracks can also form due to:

Vibration (like those from an earthquake)
The roots of a tree pushing on the outside of the wall
Improper drainage (landscaping problems)

While exploring why is important, the follow-up to that question is what to do now. The answer to that is simple.

Call [[phone]] today and get advice from one of our foundation specialists.

What Your Sticking Windows and Doors Are Telling You

2022-04-14T00:00:00.05Z

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. But when it comes to your home’s windows, they might just be the eyes that help you see its foundation problems.

Stick with us here.

Actually, sticking is the key to the issue. When windows and doors stick in their frames, most people will chalk it up to a case of an older home “settling” and simply live with the inconvenience. After all, it’s not that big a deal to have to put a little extra effort into closing a window or a door, right? You might even pass it off as a charming quirk of your unique home.

But when your home was new, those windows slid up and down effortlessly. Your doors, too, opened and closed without issue. So, what’s going on?

Your initial thought that your home is settling is likely the culprit. But “settling” isn’t just some catch-all folk tale; it’s a real thing. What happens is, when your home’s foundation sinks into the soil beneath it over time, it doesn’t do so evenly. One part usually sinks deeper than another. This ends up throwing off the geometry of your home’s entire structure — which includes its window and door frames. And now that they’re no longer square and true, these frames aren’t able to allow their doors and windows to operate smoothly.

So you see, sticking doors and windows are more than just a quirk of owning an older home. They can indicate a deeper problem that could have severe repercussions down the line.

What “Settling” Actually Means

Your home was likely constructed on a block or poured concrete foundation that was itself built on an excavated piece of land. That means your house is essentially sitting on a bunch of dirt. So now you’re probably thinking, “The soil used to support my house just fine. What changed?”

The answer is, the soil changed.

Each layer of soil beneath your home has different properties, such as soil type and moisture content. How compact or loose each layer is also varies. These layers formed over time, starting with the Earth’s original formation. Some were carried and deposited by water, some by wind and some by glaciers. The company that developed the land for your home’s construction may have even placed layers of fill soil

over the soil created or deposited by natural processes. The layers closest to the surface tend to be the least compacted, making it easier for plants and other vegetation to grow.

The presence or absence of moisture due to heavy precipitation, drought, tree and plant roots, etc., can cause the soil layers beneath your home to compact over time, which in turn causes your home’s foundation to sink.

That fill soil we mentioned earlier may have also been poorly compacted when your home was built, causing it to compress over time from the sheer weight of the structure above it.

Solutions for Settling Foundations

Foundation problems don’t get better with time. That means they don’t get less expensive to repair, either. But there are permanent solutions that are less expensive and disrupted than total foundation replacement.

These typically involve using steel piers, which are pushed or screwed deep into the soil, to connect your home’s foundation to solid bedrock or load-bearing strata below. Once this solid layer is reached, the structure can often be jacked up to its original level, creating a permanent fix.

Why You Should Fix Your Foundation Now

As mentioned earlier, foundation problems don’t get better or less expensive to fix with time. And they can cause more than just sticking doors and windows. Floor and ceiling gaps. Separating chimneys. These are all symptoms of foundation problems as well. Ultimately, if left long enough, a settling foundation can fail, leading to the loss of the home itself.

You can understand why it makes sense to repair it now rather than later.

Foundation repair is no small undertaking, and this can be intimidating. Which is why it’s essential to get your home inspected by a reputable foundation repair company rather than a general contractor or handyman.

But this is your home we’re talking about. More than your biggest investment, it holds and protects your family, your pets and all your most precious possessions. It really is something worth saving.

Plus, think how great it will be to throw open those windows on a nice spring day without having to throw your back out to do it!

Home Shows Return

2022-04-12T00:00:00.05Z

Have you seen someone from DryZone in your area recently? For the past couple of years, we had to limit our in person meetings, but now we are back! We could not be more excited to be meeting homeowners and sharing how DryZone can help protect your investment thru basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, foundation repair and concrete lifting and leveling. Don't forget, we can also make your home more useful and beautiful thru basement finishing and concrete staining and protecting. So be on the look out at home show, fairs and events near you! Come out and meet us!

Building and Empowering Experts thru ManagementU

2022-04-12T00:00:00.05Z

When Supportworks challenged members from across the national network to rise up and become better leaders for their company and communities, DryZone was one of the first in line!

DryZone sent our leadership team: Martin Haro, Amy Brown and Todd Moran on a 10 month long training. During this training, they traveled to Omaha, Nebraska for onsite training twice. They read 6 challenging books, with over 1000 pages of life changing content. Our team members had course content to complete which helped apply what they learned right away within DryZone and Hello Garage of Delmarva. Throughout the course, our leadership team participated in bi-weekly live meetings with other leaders from across the network to discuss and deepen their understanding of the course content. From developing as leaders, to identifying the best team members to recruit and hire, to the best way to tackle challenging conversations, we have seen each team member grow and rise with each and every challenge.

In April, our team members graduated and received the treat of a lifetime! They, along with the other 120 graduates of the ManagementU program were given an opportunity to have a private lunch with John Maxwell, renowned leadership author and inspirational speaker. This program and DryZone’s commitment to our team member's participation is a testament to the integrity of our mission statement which is to build and empower experts. While this experience was for our leadership team, DryZone believes that each and every team member should aspire to be more each day than they were the day before. DryZone provides incredible training opportunities from individual training courses to hands-on learning in the field. If you are interested in growing and having a huge impact on your family and your community, DryZone is the company for you!

2022 Spring Rally

2022-04-11T00:00:00.05Z

The DryZone and Hello Garage teams gathered together to celebrate the incredible impact that our team members have had with our homeowners so far this year and at the end of 2021.

We celebrated team members who have been with the company for two years by giving them their two-year jacket. This has been a tradition with our company since our second year! This year Manny Mendez, Darren Lane, and Jamie Abbott received their two-year jackets!

We also set some pretty lofty goals for our team members and this year, three incredible team members hit those goals and beyond. Phil Dixon, Joseph Groff and Aaron Jackson all will be commemorated on our shovel which celebrates excelling team members each year.

Bill Anderson shared some inspirational words with the team, reminding us all that being down does not mean that we are out and there is always more we can aspire to achieve tomorrow than we achieved today.

We also rolled out our “Earn Your Stripes” program. This program will enable our team members to take personal responsibility for their growth as they continue to learn and grow in skills within our company. As team members are built and empowered, their stripes will show their progress!

We are proud of the impact that we have had as a company, but we are not resting on where we have been. We continue to build and grow towards brighter tomorrows for our homeowners!

Benefits of the TripleSafe Sump Pump

2022-03-04T00:00:00.05Z

A sump pump is a necessity for any basement waterproofing system or crawl space. As you can see by these photos, not all sump pumps are created equal. Our company is very excited to be able to offer the TripleSafe sump pump. It has three pumps to give you complete protection and peace of mind.

If the first pump fails, the second one takes over. When the first pump can’t keep up the second one automatically turns on and runs at the same time which adds double the capacity. If your power goes out, the Ultra Sump with battery back-up turns on and takes over.

The TripleSafe sump pump is engineered from top to bottom to be the best and most reliable sump pump on the planet! Three patented pump stands are designed to fit at the bottom of the TripleSafe, ensuring that silt and sediment washing don't block the flow to the water inlet on the bottom of the pump. The TripleSafe is also equipped with an airtight floor drain so water can go down but damp air cannot come up into your basement or crawl space. You can see clearly the other pump doesn't offer this feature. TripleSafe also has an extra safety feature: our patented WaterWatch Alarm. The WaterWatch Alarm is similar to a water detector. This feature warns you if there is a problem before any damage may occur. The TripleSafe offers dehumidifier drain ports, two separate discharge lines, and a two-piece airtight lid that will stand the test of time.

7 Best Ways to Prep your Home for Spring

2022-02-09T00:00:00.05Z

A changing of seasons is an exciting time of year. Because it is such a big shift in weather and mood, it can take some preparation to get into the new season. Here are some ways you can get ready for a new season approaching!

1. Change Candle Scents

Scents in your home can match the season perfectly. For fall, pumpkin and maple fill the air. However, for spring, floral, citrus, and berry scents help bring life back into your home. Don't forget wax melters as well!

2. Purchase Fresh Cleaning Products

Spring means Spring Cleaning! To get ready, make sure your favorite cleaning products are restocked. Purchase cleaning products with scents that compliment your candle choices. Some products we suggest are dusting sprays, disinfecting wipes, and glass cleaner (to let that long-lost sun in).

3. Clean your Filters

Filters in HVAC systems are best changed at the beginning of spring and fall. If you are due for annual maintenance on your SaniDry dehumidifier in the crawl space or basement, definitely schedule to have those filters changed as well. With rainy months approaching, having your dehumidifier working with a fresh filter will ensure it is ready for humidity changes.

4. Change Out Winter Attire and Bedding

With warm weather approaching, there is not much of a need for heavy coats and quilt bedding. Store the winter supplies and grab the bright blues and pinks that were worn last spring. Or take advantage of spring sales and revamp your wardrobe!

5. Clean Outdoor Furniture

After being inside for most of the winter, your outdoor patio and patio furniture have probably been feeling rejected. Take some time to clean unused furniture and get it ready for a sunny spring. Also, open patio umbrellas to clean out any cobwebs or dust that collected.

6. Prepare your Garden

Time to refresh your plants outside! At the start of the season, it is best to mix the dirt that might have gotten packed and frozen in the winter snow. Visit your local greenhouse and get some flowers to surround your home. Grab a bag or two of fertilizer or fresh topsoil to encourage growth.

7. Protect your Home from Rainy Seasons

In the last two years, the spring season brought on more rain than expected. Make sure your home is ready for any weather that may come! Schedule a free inspection of your crawl space or basement to learn how we can help protect it from water intrusion.

Take it one day at a time! Spring preparation can not all be done in a day. Have fun with the process and picture it as a breath of fresh air!

16 Years of Helping Homeowners!

2022-02-01T00:00:00.05Z

When it comes to being a small business, the test of time is an indicator of success. After five years, 48% of small businesses cease to exist. At 10 years, that percentage almost doubles. According to the business financial company Nav, the average lifespan of a small business is roughly 8 years. In February of 2022, DryZone effectively doubled that life span and celebrated 16 years of success.

In 2006, DryZone was just starting out encapsulating crawl spaces. Since then, DryZone has grown into the largest waterproofing company in Delmarva! This of course came with some challenges and necessary changes. Over the years DryZone has improved its methods for training, installation, and product line. They ensure each crew member receives thorough training and has the tools available to review and retrain themselves throughout their employment. And with the install process being improved, even the Basement Systems network calls to ask Bill for advice! DryZone makes sure to use the best products as well as build and empower experts to continue their growth and make a world where extraordinary is the expectation.

In the past few years, DryZone has started a second business called Hello Garage, specializing in garage floor coatings and storage. This company has been growing rapidly alongside DryZone and both companies have shown a lot of progress together. They always say they are two companies with the same goal, helping homeowners improve their homes and protect their investment.

Both Bill and Heather Anderson are very excited to see how far this company has come and how much farther it can go. Heather has already started planning a big celebration for when DryZone reaches the 20-year milestone in 4 short years!

How Frost Affects your Foundation

2022-01-27T00:00:00.05Z

This photo shows how the frost line goes deep under the topsoil,
putting pressure on the foundation

Many homeowners hear "frost" and bring in potted plants or plan on starting their car extra early in the morning. When they wake up, they expect to see nothing more than ice covering the grass in the yard and side of the home. However, frost is more than surface-level ice you see coating grass and vehicles outside. What homeowners cannot see is the frozen water that is below their topsoil. Depending on where you live, this frozen ground can be a couple of inches or even a few feet below the topsoil.

During winter seasons with consistently low temperatures, the frost line goes farther down until it reaches a point where the ground is not affected by freezing temperatures. Once the ground is frozen, the soil expands, putting pressure on your foundation. When this pressure changes with changing weather, home foundations can no longer support that pressure and can start to bow inwards on basements and crawl spaces. When walls bow, not only does it cause sticking doors and windows, but it also forms a large crack in your foundation. Warmer weather turns the same ice in the frost line to water that seeps through the crack in your foundation, causing your crawl space and basement to flood as soon as it melts.

Homeowners can take steps to protect their homes from frost line damage by limiting the amount of water that gets into the soil around their homes. Using proper drainage systems and making sure no irrigation pipes are leaking are two ways to prevent excess water in the soil. But, if a homeowner is already seeing horizontal cracks along the frost line, it’s time to call in an expert to protect and stabilize their foundation. An experienced foundation repair contractor will have the tools to identify damage due to frost, along with the right wall repair products to fix the problem permanently.

Groundbreaking Signs of Foundation Failure

2022-01-28T00:00:00.05Z

Breaking ground for a home seems like an easy process. Test the soil, dig out a few feet of virgin soil, build a foundation, and backfill dirt back to support the new foundation. However, this process can have long-lasting effects on newly built homes.

When virgin soil is dug and moved to the side, clay and loose topsoil mix and no longer their own layer. As a result, the backfill is a new porous dirt mixture around the perimeter of the home. This produces the Clay Bowl effect. Water from melted snow and rainy seasons is absorbed into expanding clay and topsoil mix that presses heavily on the new foundation causing what’s called hydrostatic pressure. After some time, the expanding and contracting soil becomes too heavy for the foundation to handle.

Some of the signs of foundation stress include:

Interior wall cracks: Cracks in the drywall that start on corners of window and door frames. These cracks grow over time if a foundation issue is not addressed.
Sticking doors and windows: When foundation shifts and causes a home to be unlevel, fixed structures such as doors and windows have uneven frames. Uneven frames can trap doors and windows or cause them to open or close faster than normal.
Uneven or sloping floors: Noticeable gaps between floors and wall trim show that wet and soft soil is affecting the foundation walls as well as piers holding floors.
Unlevel sidewalk slabs: The sidewalk around your home is a subtle sign that the backfill soil is becoming uneven from varying moisture levels.
Leaning chimney: A chimney is built into the foundation and feels the same effects of hydrostatic pressure. When the ground becomes wet, it is too soft to hold up the weight of the chimney.
Bowing foundation: As hydrostatic pressure changes over time, the foundation can become so weak it bows inwards.

Foundation failure can be shown in multiple ways. Sometimes multiple signs show at the same time. Luckily, DryZone trains experts in foundation repair. Schedule a free inspection to see which method of foundation repair works best for you and your home!

5 Best Plants for your Basement

2021-12-27T00:00:00.05Z

Plants are the most popular form of home decor. No matter what your home looks like, there is a type of plant that can match your decor. However, caring for plants can become a challenge if your space can't meet the requirements. Your basement, most likely, meets the requirements for the following plants to thrive year-round!

Spider Plants

Despite the creepy crawler name, these plants are a fun and beautiful addition to your basement. These plants are perfect for low-light areas with high humidity. And soon enough, your spider plant can produce smaller sprouts or “baby” spider plants.

Pothos

A common houseplant is a pothos! With many different variegations and sizes, there are many options for you to choose from. Low light is not a problem when it comes to these plants. Even the high humidity of your basement will cause your pothos to grow long vines all year round!

Bird’s Nest Fern

High humidity is a great friend to any fern. The bird’s nest fern doesn't only love high humidity but does not need much light. Placing this in any indirectly lit area will help this plant thrive.

Chinese Evergreen

Dark basements are perfect for Chinese evergreens. Low light rooms are an ideal place for these plants to be to produce new leaves.

Peace Lily

The peace lily is known for being a sensitive plant and prefers a specific living environment. However, a basement is a great place for a peace lily to live in! High humidity and low light are ideal conditions for this plant.

You're probably wondering why all of these plants are for high humidity rooms. Basements hold much more humidity than other rooms in your home. In fact, the humidity levels in your basement might even be too high for these plants to fully thrive. Not only will these plants decline, but some parts of your home might endure damages due to high humidity. How can we fix that?

DryZone offers basement waterproofing that includes lowering the humidity of your basement to protect the health of your home and your favorite plants! Give DryZone a call for a free estimate!

DryZone Makes the Inc. 5000 for 2021!

2021-10-08T00:00:00.05Z

For the last 15 years, DryZone has been trusted by countless homeowners to protect their investments. The last three years have shown over 45% growth in their business while also adding another company, Hello Garage, to the mix. As a result of that growth, DryZone is honored to have made the list of Inc.’s top 5000 fastest-growing private companies in America.

Making the Inc. 5000 list is even more than what owners Bill and Heather Anderson expected for their small business. However, years ago, they set their company vision on a world where extraordinary is the expectation. As a reminder for their employees, there is a mural on the wall at the entrance of their office with this statement. This vision was not just for large goals like the Inc. 5000 but was also for homeowner expectation whenever choosing to trust DryZone with their home. It is this vision that made their ranking on the Inc. 5000 achievable.

DryZone made the list for Inc. 400 at spot #4,834 for all companies. They also placed #271 for construction, #21 for top companies in the state of Delaware, and #5 for top companies in Salisbury, MD.

Removing Standing Water in a Camden Crawlspace

2021-08-30T16:03:24.05Z

The first step to removing moisture is isolating the crawlspace from outside air with CleanSpace. To further control the air, adding a SaniDry Sedona dehumidifier pulls moisture from the air and deposits it into the TripleSafe sump pump. The sump pump removes the ground water and dehumidifier water from the crawlspace through a drainage pipe. Attached to the drainage pipe is an IceGuard that prevents ground water from freezing as it leaves the home.

Improving Drainage in a Felton Basement

2021-08-13T16:17:27.05Z

CleanSpace and WaterGuard was installed at the bottom of the wall to catch and guide any water that comes into the basement through the brick foundation. After the systems were installed, a TripleSafe Sump pump was added to catch the water and pump it out of the home through a discharge line. Outside of the home, Ice Guards were added to prevent the pipes that are exposed from freezing.

Sealing a Crawlspace in Smyrna, DE

2021-07-20T10:10:55.05Z

This homeowner called in with an interest in the Turtl crawlspace entry well. Before calling DryZone, the homeowner took a look under the home and discovered some effervesence on the block foundation and standing water on a thin plastic vapor barrier. Having water on the walls of your foundation can indicate a high moisture content in the air.

After a free inspection, the DryZone design specialist saw deep puddles of water underneath the home. As a result, there was a significant amount of black spores on the wall near where the water level reached. It was also noted that the crawlspace vents were open and close to the ground level on the outside of the home, which allowed water entry when there was heavy rainfall.

How is Your Concrete Impacted by Summer Weather?

2021-06-17T00:00:00.05Z

In the summer months, a lot can happen to the concrete in and around our homes. And with more people out and about, concrete issues might feel more noticeable – and more annoying. From a sunken sidewalk slab to a cracked concrete driveway, our beautiful beach weather has a direct impact on the soil and, ultimately, the concrete on top of it.

Moisture in the early summer months, pop up thunderstorms and sticky days can defintely impact your concrete. The rain saturates the soil and can soften it, making concrete slabs sink. Rain and water can also wash away the dirt under and around concrete. This erodes the support underneath the concrete, causing it to crack and drop.

But rain isn't the only culprit. Dry weather and the hot summer sun can also dry out the soil around your home. As the moisture in the soil evaporates, the dirt shrinks, taking up less space and impacting the stability underneath the concrete. Just like when dirt is washed away, the lack of support can cause the concrete to crack and fall. While it may only drop a few inches or centimeters, it can be make a big difference in the way that you use your concrete (tripping hazzard).

While weather patterns might feel like a never-ending cycle of concrete problems, there are simple and permanent fixes. DryZone has helped countless homeowners by lifting their sunken sidewalk slab, repaired their cracked driveway and, ultimately, restored their curb appeal and safety around their home. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation inspection.

FlexiSpan in a Home in Millville, DE

2020-10-28T12:35:40.05Z

After a free, no obligation estimate, we recommended our product FlexiSpan for both areas to prevent further leaking and cracking. FlexiSpan seals the crack and provides a built-in secondary repair strategy in case the seal fails.

The first step in the FlexiSpan process is to prep the surface by cleaning the cracked area and removing the debris.

Next a small drywell is dug out underneath the crack to allow the weeping crack to full drain into the perimeter drainage system. After the drywell is created, we remove the excess concrete debris and once again, clean the area before installing.

A special polyurethane ether foam strip that extends into the drywell is then applied with our specialized caulk over the crack. The sides, bottom and top are then caulked over before spreading the caulk on the whole strip to cover the area.

After the application of the strip and the caulk, a well duct is added onto the bottom area of the wall.

Drainage gravel is then added to the drywell before the area is re-concreted over flush with the existing concrete.

Now that the wall crack is sealed, if any water ever gets past the seal, it will drain down into the drywell and through the perimeter drainage system. The results of a dry wall and a dry floor are now achieved for a lifetime because FlexiSpan is flexible and no amount of wall movement will make it leak again!

Rain is in the forecast. Are you prepared? Don't get caught in the rain!

2020-06-24T13:52:31.05Z

Sure you think “I don’t have a BIG leak” in my basement or crawlspace now. But what if over time, it gets worse and the weather and ground affect it even more? There are several ways water gets into a house. Groundwater seeps, leaks, and even rush into many crawlspaces and basements. It enters under the footing, between the footing and the walls, right through block walls and through cracks in poured walls. After it seeps in, it just lies there in puddles, slowly evaporating upward into the house. On wet, rainy days, not only can water leak in but water vapor, also called relative humidity, can affect your crawlspace or basement, even more, venting your space with wet air.

If it is a rainy day, checking these three areas of your home can help you gauge if your home is a candidate for potential water damage.

1. Check Your Downspouts

Are they effectively taking water AWAY from the foundation of your home?

Is there erosion being caused by rushing water on your sidewalks or driveway?
Is there pooling along the base of your home? You want that water moving away from your foundation!

2. Check your Access Well

Is the access well to your crawl space-filling with water?
What about your Egress Window access?

3. Visible Signs of Dampness and Water

Grab a flashlight and take a peek into your crawl space. Is there any standing water? What about dampness on the walls?
Head to your basement, check for damp walls.
Check out the floors of your basement, particularly near your sump pump. Is your sump pump working properly?

Did you see anything that concerns you? Maybe you aren't sure whether you should be concerned or not. No worries, our DryZone team is here to help! Call us at (302) 684-5034

Garage Floor and Stem Wall is Transformed in Lincoln, DE

2019-10-18T16:18:29.05Z

The solution to the stains that DryZone presented and installed was a polyaspartic concrete floor coating. This technology turns stained and cracked concrete garage floors into a beautiful, durable and long-lasting surface that withstands the activities which are common in garages, specifically for this homeowner, oil spills.

In one day, DryZone installed the coating on the garage floor and stem wall providing a space on that this homeowner could be proud of for years to come. The DryZone installation team took care to measure the hardness of the surface of the concrete and then ground down the surface of the concrete in accordance with the results of the hardness testing. Upon completing the concrete preparation, the installation team installed the base polyaspartic coating which is mixed with pigment which will be beautiful for years to come and resistant the impact of UV rays. Upon laying an even pigment base coat, the team applied flakes which give it the beautiful, granite-like appearance for which it is known but also provides a slip resistant surface that will give peace of mind on rainy days. The final step was a clear polyaspartic top coat which will make for simple cleanup for all spills. A few sprays of Simple Green will take care of all of the oil spills which are not cleaned up with a swipe of a paper towel. No more stains and now this homeowner has a garage that he can host his friends and repair cars for years to come.

PolyLevel at the Delaware State Housing Authority

2019-08-20T15:41:20.05Z

The sidewalk which allowed access to the Delaware State Housing Authority in Dover, DE was sinking towards the building. The potential impact of this situation on the structure of the building was dire.

While 16 The Green is not itself a building of historic significance, it is surrounded by buildings with intense amounts of history, so due caution needed to be utilized in the pursuit of any construction on this property. In addition, this is the location of the Delaware State Housing Authority. Access to this building is critical and disruption of access would have caused issues for both the Delaware State Housing Authority employees and the public persons that their actions impact.

These two factors, the historic impact of the area and the desire to lessen disruption led the Steve Gherke to contact DryZone to address an issue of the sidewalk on the property settling towards the building, causing potential damage and creating a dangerous walk area. Steve was aware of the PolyLevel process by which high-density polymers are used to raise slabs to the desired level. This is done by drilling small holes (smaller than a penny) in the slab and then specially designed equipment is used to inject structural grade polymers into the void. After the void is filled, the expansion of the polyurethane allows for a precise lift and stabilization of the slab. This process is much less invasive than standard concrete removal and replacement, thus making it the perfect solution in this instance.

Wet Crawlspaces Cause REAL Problems

2018-01-17T10:45:13.05Z

Don't stand for standing water in your crawl space! Act now before the problems multiply. To discover the impact that standing water has in your home, be sure to tune in throughout the week as DryZone appears on television, radio and Facebook Live to discuss the damage water can do in a home. On Wednesday, tune into "Live with Walls and Weller" on the WRDE Facebook page from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. On Friday morning, tune into the "Dan Gaffney Show" on 105.9. Saturday morning, watch DryZone on My Cozi Tv or listen to them on 105.9 on "Weller Does Delmarva" to hear the problems that only grow as the water stays in your crawl space.

DryZone Marks 10 Years as a Member of the BBB

2017-10-17T15:43:16.05Z

On Thursday, October 12^th, DryZone was honored to be presented with a certificate commemorating their ten years as a Better Business Bureau Accredited Business. DryZone is pleased to be a company which is committed to BBB’s high standards of trust and integrity. “Confidence will build credibility! A lot of homeowners have had confidence in us because of the credibility of the BBB,” said DryZone owner Bill Anderson. DryZone is a winner of the 2016 BBB Torch Award for Ethics. The Torch Award for Ethics is presented annually to companies which demonstrate best practices, leadership, social responsibility and high standards of organizational ethics which benefit their customers, employees and community.

The presentation took place at the Better Business Bureau End of Summer Mixer held at the Crooked Hammock. Company Owners Bill and Heather Anderson were in attendance along with Martin Haro, Service Adviser and Barry Adkins, Marketing and Appointments Adviser were on hand for this event. For more information about how DryZone can help you with your crawl space, basement waterproofing and finishing, foundation repair and concrete lifting, contact them at 302.684.5034 or check their website www.dryzone.com.

DryZone Welcomes Frank Bradley to our Team

2017-10-14T13:03:46.05Z

We are thrilled to announce that Frank Bradley will be joining Team DryZone. He will join our team of skilled System Design Specialist who inspect homes and design solutions for homeowners who are challenged with wet crawl spaces and basements, sinking concrete or foundation issues. Frank has built two homes and has a background in architectural engineering and industrial supply, all of these experiences will be a great asset to DryZone and the homeowners that we serve.

Frank is a well-known voice in our area from his years of work in the radio industry. Frank looks forward to utilizing his legendary radio voice to speak for homeowners who need help protecting the homes, their greatest investment, and the health and wellbeing of their families.

Frank was drawn to become a team member at DryZone due to our reputation for being an honest, family oriented company that truly puts homeowner satisfaction as our greatest priority.

If you would like more information about career opportunities or how DryZone can help you with your crawl space, basement, foundation or concrete slab, contact us at 302.684.5034 or discover more at www.dryzone.com

DryZone Receives Top Accolades

2017-10-05T14:10:01.05Z

DryZone LLC based in Ellendale, DE was recently awarded as one of the top dealers in both Basement Systems and Clean Space Crawl Space Encapsulation Systems among over 400 international basement waterproofing and crawl space encapsulation dealers. DryZone was ranked 25th internationally in total Basement Systems sales and eighteenth in total Clean Space sales.

DryZone has been helping homeowners protect their investment and their families by encapuslating crawl spaces and waterproofing basements since 2006. DryZone is a family owned local company that puts homeowners first.

Nanticoke Memorial Hospital PolyLevel Project

2017-08-14T15:40:50.05Z

To complete the lifting of the hallway in Nanticoke Hospital located in Seaford, DE, DryZone LLC utilized PolyLevel. PolyLevel is an expanding, high-density foam which is engineered to permanently raise and level sunken concrete in many different applications.

The PolyLevel process utilizes and expanding, two part, closed cell polyurethane foam to raise sunken concrete. One of the perennial challenges of working with PolyLevel is the very specific nature in which the activator and resin blends are to be combined. The activator material contains a hardening substance which is ultra-moisture sensitive. This, in combination with the resin which is not moisture sensitive and varies based upon the needs of any specific job, creates a light weight, quick curing material which has a high capacity of lifting strength.

DryZone to Offer Opportunity to Community to Support Habitat for Humanity

2017-06-15T15:28:52.05Z

DryZone, in conjunction with Lane Builders, "Weller Does DelMarVa" and Catch it Live Studios will be offerring the community an opportunity to support Habitat for Humanity one board at a time. This opportunity will be available on Saturday morning, July 8th from 7:00 am until 10:00 am and will be held at the DryZone Red Barn on Rt 16 in Ellendale during the live recording of "Weller Does DelMarVa" celebrating their 200th show.

Pieces of 2x4 lumber have been donated for the event by Lane Builders courtesy of Jeff Burton. These pieces of lumber can be personalized by members of the community for the donation of five dollars per piece of lumber. The lumber and the donations collected for personlization will then be donated to Habitat for Humanity. The lumber will be used in a later building project. The lumber meets criteria established by Habitat for Humanity officials.

"Weller Does DelMarVa" is a show that is carried on Delaware 105.9 from 7:00 am to 9:00 am and on MyCozi TV DelMarVa, WellerDoesDelmarva.com and Facebook Live from 7:00 am to 10:00 am every Saturday morning. Streaming and production for this show is done by Catch it Live Studios. In addition to the Habitat for Humanity community support opportunity, there will be a prize wheel, pancake eating contest and a bevy of other exciting activities. There will also be a drawing for a free crawlspace encapsulation being given away by DryZone.

Team DryZone is an enthusastic supporter of Habitat for Humanity and is thrilled to offer the community a chance to get involved in such a fun and meaningful way! You are encouraged to come and be a part of this celebration at 16507 Beach Highway in Ellendale.

2017 Talk of the Town Award Winner

2017-06-07T14:51:49.05Z

For the sixth consecutive year, DryZone is honored to be awarded a perfect five out of five star ranking by The Talk Awards of Delaware. The Talk Awards assembles online reviews, comments to social networks and business ratings to measure customer satisfaction.

DryZone earns awards throughout the year for various reasons, but the awards from direct customer feedback are the most treasured. Since first opening their doors in 2006, DryZone's mission has always been to focus on the homeowner and strive for total customer satisfaction. Each member of Team DryZone prides themselves in putting the homeowner first and being active problem solvers.

DryZone will always put customer service at the top of its priority list. Providing valuable services, from waterproofing basements and transforming crawl spaces, to repairing unstable and sagging foundations means nothing if the homeowners aren't happy with the process and results. It is great to see that they are!.

Welcome Amy Brown to Team DryZone

2017-06-07T13:47:15.05Z

DryZone is excited to welcome Amy Brown to our team. Amy is joining our team in the marketing department. Amy comes to DryZone with a background of caring for and supporting people. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Tennessee Technological University. This degree field and her background in caring for people makes her a perfect fit with Team DryZone, pairing people with solutions which will improve their health, the condition of their homes and protect the lifelong investment of homeowners.

"I have been impressed by the team atmosphere and professionalism of DryZone for years. It will be an honor to work with the best in the business who are working daily to redefine the industry!" Amy says of her new position.

When not helping homeowners learn more about how DryZone can help them, Amy can often be found running with friends as she strives to run daily. She is the mother of two incredible children and has a passion for all things Disney. Amy adds,"Disney's business standards are the highest in their field, I am thrilled to join Team DryZone who shares Disney's customer care philosophy."

DryZone, LLC awarded the 2016 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics in Delaware

2016-12-20T08:37:19.05Z

On December 13, 2016, DryZone, LLC was honored to accept the 2016 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics in Delaware. The BBB Annual Award Night with a holiday twist was held at University and Whist Club in Wilmington, Delaware. The mission of BBB serving Delaware is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. In this spirit, BBB conducted its annual Torch Awards for Ethics program to gain public recognition for companies that maintain a solid commitment to conducting their business practices in an ethical manner. Companies of different sizes are selected from Delaware to receive the distinguished Torch Award for Business Ethics.

DryZone has dedicated the award to their employees and community. The Torch Award for Ethics is a verification to who they are. DryZone believes in old-fashioned values. These values such as looking after their neighbors, having a commitment to redefine their industry and being fair and respectable hold true in their mission to preserve healthy and stable structures through old-fashion values and new-world technology.

Their employees are held to a higher expectation than most on the shore. Employees understand the value the community has in the structures they preserve. They work daily to protect the most important investment, the home and/or business. DryZone has a one team mentality meaning they are unified as a family and empowered to be extraordinary. They value a one community mentality, as well, requiring each member to be humble and grateful for the opportunities put before them and to return the blessings as ripples of goodness in the community.

As for the community, DryZone knows they could not be the company they are without the continued support and embracement from the DelMarVa community. DelMarVa has given DryZone the opportunity to employ the best in the industry on the shore and to provide the best products and services through new-world technologies. DryZone is determined to educate all homeowners and business owners through their in-person presentations and providing supporting materials. DryZone wants the community to be able to make a sound purchasing decision even if the homeowner/business owner does not chose their company.

By receiving the 2016 BBB Torch Award for Ethics indicates DryZone is headed in the right direction “Redefining” the industry in Delaware.

Rehoboth Beach Convention Center Helical Piers

2016-10-17T13:02:34.05Z

Although, this was by no means a “difficult job,” there are always challenges to every job that must be overcome. One of the challenges that we faced was completing a job in a busy town setting. Making sure that we were able to get the equipment on site, safety was our number one priority. We also were conscious to not disturb the flow of traffic and disturb business in the area. This challenge was met by our foreman, who was able to bring in the heavy machinery and to drive in the helical piers without disrupting the flow of the town of Rehoboth. Our excavator also needed to be maneuvered safely while on the job site. Scheduling the job properly was also key in ensuring the success of the job. This project was able to be completed in April, just before the busy beach season. This took planning and coordination between all of the companies involved to keep the project on time and on track. We were also tasked with installing the piers in sandy soil. Our foreman needed to make sure that we installed the piers safely and efficiently and to the specifications of the engineer. DryZone needed to meet the proper depth and create a lasting, stable solution for the life of the building.

DryZone Sponsors The National MS Society

2016-07-15T14:11:48.05Z

On Wednesday, July 13, 2016, DryZone sponsored a Paint Night Fundraiser to raise money for the National MS Society along with several other sponsors. The sponsors include Weller’s Utility Trailers, Beyond Training Wheels, CopyCat Paint Parties, That Granite Place, Brendon T. Warfel Construction, L&W Insurance, and Walls Service Center. With over sixty people at DryZone, the night was full of laughter, smiles, and paint brushes. Not only was paint a huge hit during the event but also the desserts, snacks, and 50/50 raffle.

One of DryZone’s missions is to help serve the community and this paint night fundraiser was a perfect opportunity to sponsor a great cause. Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects every person differently. It has an effect on the brain and spinal cord. Early MS symptoms include weakness, tingling, numbness, and blurred vision.

In 2007, Jason Troyer was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis but that did not stop him from living his life, instead, he turned to biking. Several of Jason’s friends enjoyed biking and asked Jason to join them for the ride, which he did and soon enough an entire team formed. At first, Jason started riding 7.5 miles then 40 miles, which soon turned into 75 miles. At this point he was no longer riding with training wheels, Jason was beyond that. This is where the name “Beyond Training Wheels” came from. Jason and his friends started this bicycle team to raise money for the National MS Society and bring recognition.

As a company, our DryZone team was happy to support the National MS Society. Overall, the fundraiser was a great success and $2,015.25 was raised for the foundation.

Hall House- Governor's Mansion Guest House

2016-06-28T13:28:03.05Z

DryZone specializes in many products but the specific ones we used for this project were TrenchDrain, TripleSafe Sump Pump, and IceGuard System. When deciding on which drainage system to use, DryZone chose TrenchDrain for the basement. In order to keep the authenticity of the home, TrenchDrain was the right product to use because it sits at the same level of the basement floor, which was requested by those tasked with preserving the historical property. Next, The TipleSafe Sump Pump was installed to control the flow of water in the basement and to keep the area dry all the time. Lastly, the IceGuard System was installed. This product has many benefits, such as allowing water to escape from a sump pump discharge line if the pipe freezes or becomes blocked for any reason. Even if the pipe is buried under snow or an animal makes a nest, the water can escape, which allows the sump pump to keep the basement dry all the time. All three products were installed to control the flow of water in the basement of the Hall House.

We were able to meet the water challenge at the Hall House with our trusted waterproofing services and products. DryZone is happy to contract historical properties such as the Hall House and save the integrity of the historical mansion in Dover, Delaware.

DryZone is Growing and Expanding!

2016-06-08T09:46:22.05Z

DryZone, LLC is excited to announce they have expanded their growing team and have brought on new employees to fill major roles in their organization.

DryZone has also brought on TJ Parkinson as Commercial Account Specialist. TJ comes to DryZone with experience in sales and customer service, as well as with a mechanical background. TJ has 4 years of architectural engineer experience which gives him great insight into our commercial client's requests. TJ will be responsible for commercial sales, and district awareness of DryZones capabilities in the commercial sector. TJ will be working town, city and state infrastructure on their foundation and concrete needs, as well as, working with local business. “TJ will bring new life and new opportunities for DryZone through our commercial accounts. TJ is going to be a real asset to our growing team,” said Bill Anderson about the designation of TJ to Commercial Account Specialist. Outside of work, TJ loves to spend quality time with his beautiful wife and daughter camping and traveling.

And newest to Team DryZone is Jessica Cregan. In the past, Jessica has worked as a marketing intern for Sylvio Kovacic Designs in New York City. There she worked with the designer on photoshoots and events. Jessica has an associates degree in fashion business manager and is continuing her bachelor's degree at Wilmington University in marketing. Jessica works with our Marketing Director daily to bring awareness to our target audience about DryZone's work with Basements, Foundations, Crawl Spaces, and Concrete through social media, our website, and events. Jessica loves that she is able to use her creativity throughout her work and likes to help market DryZone to the homeowners throughout Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia here on Delmarva. “ I am excited to bring on Jessica, I think that her addition to our team will make a huge impact in the organization of DryZone’s marketing initiative. This is going to be a great partnership!” Jackie Jablecki, DryZone’s marketing manager, added about her new marketing partner. “Expanding the department was necessary, as the company grows our marketing department should too, we are going to do more events and will be able to accomplish so much more! We have big plans for the rest of the year!”

About DryZone, LLC

DryZone, LLC is Delaware & Maryland’s locally owned and operated home improvement company specializing in basement waterproofing, foundation repair and crawl space repairs.

Since we opened our doors in 2006, DryZone, LLC has been serving residents from all over Delmarva, transforming wet and unusable basement environments into dry and functional areas.

As a member of both Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks, we are apart of two of the largest contractor networks across the country, providing state-of-the-art solutions and warrantied products for each and every waterproofing and foundation job we perform.

Our focus as a home improvement contractor in Delmarva is everything underneath the home. From crawl space encapsulation to foundation wall crack repairs and basement waterproofing – there’s no basement problem we can’t handle! Installing nothing but state-of-the-art and warranted waterproofing and foundation repair systems, we effectively address any ailment in your basement. We understand just how important the basement can be a home, so we put all of our focus toward keeping the area fully functional, safe and dry.

DryZone Welcomes Kathryn Phillips to the Team!

2016-03-03T13:19:53.05Z

Ellendale, DE - DryZone is pleased to announce that Kathryn Phillips has joined the organization to further develop our customer service and communications with homeowners on Delmarva. Kathryn comes with a wealth of experience within the industry, with past experience in customer service, sales, and construction.

Kathryn, also called Kat, will be working with our System Design Specialist team, providing the very best customer service to homeowners across Delmarva. Kat comments “What I like most about my new position is that I get to reach out to homeowners and let them know they and their homes are not forgotten. I love that I have the ability to identify issues plaguing homes and create solutions to fix those problems. Then making those solutions easier to obtain by letting our homeowners know about all their options.”

Bill Anderson, owner of DryZone said “Kat has so much knowledge and experience making her a great addition to the DryZone family. We love her enthusiasm and her personality, we know homeowners will appreciate her friendliness and depth of knowledge. We view the addition as a sign of our commitment to being the leading company in our industry and to provide the very best service to our homeowners. I’m confident that Kat will play a key role in providing and implementing high quality solutions for our homeowners.”

About DryZone, LLC

DryZone, LLC is Delmarva's locally owned and operated home improvement company specializing in basement, foundation, and crawl space repairs, as well as, concrete lifting and leveling. Since opening our doors in 2006, DryZone has been serving local residents, transforming wet and unusable below grade environments into dry and functional areas and are the regional experts in foundation repair and concrete slab solutions. As a member of both Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks, we are apart of two of the largest contractor networks across the country, providing state-of the art solutions and warrantied products for each job we perform.

Contact Us:

DryZone, LLC

Jackie Jablecki, Marketing Advisor

302-684-5034

jackie.jablecki@dryzone.com

Welcoming Brian Barczak to the DryZone Team

2015-10-26T16:41:52.05Z

DryZone, LLC is happy to introduce to their team, Brian Barczak. Brian will be heading up our team of talented System Design Specialist, as their sales manager. Brian comes with a wealth of knowledge and has over 12 years experience in the construction field and 8 years in sales. He has built 3 homes, countless remodels, decks, patios and additions.

Brian's focus with DryZone is to create a great customer service experience for all homeowners. He will be working to help grow DryZone’s already established, successful sales team and take them to the next level. Brian shows a great level of leadership, that when coupled with his knowledge and experience make him an exceptional addition to the team.

Owner, Bill Anderson, “Brian’s wealth of experience and industry knowledge has already made him a key addition to the DryZone family. We view bringing Brian on to lead our sales team, as a commitment to provide the best service and products to our homeowners and community. Our company has grown expedientially and to keep up with the increasing demand from our homeowners it led us to look for an addition to our team who would fit with the culture of our company and continue to provide the exceptional service we have been know to produce. We are fortunate to find someone of Brian’s caliber to fulfil this leadership role. I have full confidence that Brian will play a key role in providing high quality solutions for our clients.”

Brian is married to his wife Beth and they have 2 children - Will and Adam. They moved from the Newark area to Seaford area in 2007. Brian enjoys spending time with his family, cooking and playing the guitar. He also loves being outdoors biking and hiking with friends and family.

About DryZone, LLC

DryZone, LLC is Delaware & Maryland’s locally owned and operated home improvement company specializing in basement waterproofing, foundation repair and crawl space repairs.

Since we opened our doors in 2006, DryZone, LLC has been serving residents from all over Delmarva, transforming wet and unusable basement environments into dry and functional areas.

Our focus as a home improvement contractor in Delmarva is everything underneath the home. From crawl space encapsulation to foundation wall crack repairs and basement waterproofing – there’s no basement problem we can’t handle! Installing nothing but state-of-the-art and warrantied waterproofing and foundation repair systems, we effectively address any ailment in your basement. We understand just how important the basement can be to a home, so we put all of our focus toward keeping the area fully functional, safe and dry.

Welcoming Brian Barczak to the DryZone Team

2015-10-26T16:26:38.05Z

About DryZone, LLC

DryZone, LLC is Delaware & Maryland’s locally owned and operated home improvement company specializing in basement waterproofing, foundation repair and crawl space repairs.

Since we opened our doors in 2006, DryZone, LLC has been serving residents from all over Delmarva, transforming wet and unusable basement environments into dry and functional areas.

Our focus as a home improvement contractor in Delmarva is everything underneath the home. From crawl space encapsulation to foundation wall crack repairs and basement waterproofing – there’s no basement problem we can’t handle! Installing nothing but state-of-the-art and warrantied waterproofing and foundation repair systems, we effectively address any ailment in your basement. We understand just how important the basement can be to a home, so we put all of our focus toward keeping the area fully functional, safe and dry.

Void Filling at Paradise Grill

2015-10-22T13:59:02.05Z

DryZone specializes in a product called PolyLevel. Our System Design Specialist inspected the walkway and made agreements to have our PolyLevel team come out to fill the void. With this application we are able to fill the void under the walkway without lifting or disturbing the slab above. Although, in other applications PolyLevel is strong enough to lift concrete, we wanted to control the flow of the PolyLevel foam to only fill the void. The unique qualities make this the right solution for the job.

What makes PolyLevel® Foam unique from other applications, like mud jacking, is that it is lightweight, fast, waterproof, and environmentally friendly. Mudjacking is a old fashion method to leveling concrete and filling voids, like the one at Paradise Grill. Mudjacking uses high pressure grout that is pumped below the slab to fill the void.

One of the main advantages of PolyLevel® versus mud jacking in this type of application is its quick set up and cure time. Mudjacking can take several days to cure and there was no guarantee that it would be ready for runners to use the walking path before the day of the race. PolyLevel sets up in seconds and is ready for traffic in 15 minutes.

Mudjacking is also very heavy, coming in at a whopping 120 pounds per cubic foot. This can add a significant amount of weight to the soil that supports the slab. This can often create an even bigger problem or make it worse because the slab could potentially start to sink more in the future. PolyLevel® is light weight, less than 4 pounds per cubic foot. PolyLevel is waterproof, this walking path was located right on the water and the high tides would often reach the top of the slab. PolyLevel® won’t ever wash out from beneath the concrete.

The view from Paradise Grill is of the pristine Indian River. During the summer you can sit on the pier, enjoy live music, and watch the beautiful sunset over the river. You can often catch a glimpse of fish jumping, great blue herons flying by, and fishermen coming in with the day’s catch. Those that live, work, and enjoy the area know health of the waterway is of the utmost importance. PolyLevel was a great choice for this project because it is environmentally friendly. PolyLevel® foam will never rot or deteriorate over time, protecting the area habitat.

Void Filling at Paradise Grill

2015-10-22T13:44:45.05Z

Why Insulate your Crawl Space?

2022-02-01T00:00:00.05Z

According to the Farmers Almanac, Winter 2021-2022 is looking like a "frosty Flip-Flop Winter" with a drop in precipitation percentages and a fluctuation of temperatures. Farmers' Almanac even states "We’re forecasting a “winter whopper” for parts of the Northeast and Ohio Valley toward the end of February." Despite the cold weather, the ever-changing temperatures make it hard to predict warm days vs cold days.

If you are having a hard time remembering what the temperatures were like last year, here is a little refresher. According to the NOAA National Center for Environmental Information, last winter the regional average was much below normal. Checking in at a frigid 15 degrees and flip-flopping to 60 degrees. Precipitation was also just as confusing with cold, heavy rains and no snow until the 2022 new year started.

Understanding and knowing the forecast for this year, it is important to take the time to make the necessary preparations and think about what you could be doing to prepare your whole home. Ensuring that your home stays warm and comfortable is priority #1. Your crawl space is notorious for bringing in cold air. Almost 15% of your home’s heat can be lost through the crawl space floor.

Many crawl spaces have vents to allow for airflow designed to mitigate moisture and humidity. Studies have indicated that in some climates, crawl space ventilation can actually contributes to the moisture in the crawl space. The ventilation also allows for that cold winter air free passage under the home. The cold air makes for cold floors and could travel into your home. You wouldn’t leave a window in your home open all winter long, your crawl space shouldn’t be treated differently. On top of causing cold and discomfort, this can add to the energy inefficiency in your home. Your crawl space is an important area in your home, it houses ductwork and plumbing and grants access to repair those areas. Allowing freezing air to enter your crawl space can affect the pipes and cool down your heating system, raising your heating cost.

When making the choice to encapsulate your crawl space make sure that you include insulation. Although encapsulating ensures that outside air and moisture won’t enter the space, it doesn’t stop heat loss through the walls and floor of your crawl space. Not all insulation is created equal. Fiberglass batts typically used in insulation are not ideal for our crawl space because they absorb moisture, compress, and can fall on the crawl space floor, encouraging the growth of mold. There are other options out there for specialty insulation designed specifically for your crawl space. Speaking with trained, experienced, professional contractors like DryZone, LLC can help design a solution that fits your home’s specific needs. We recommend installing SilverGlo® rigid foam insulation against the crawl space walls and TerraBlock® foam insulation over the floor. Both of these types of insulation offer high R-value, do not absorb moisture, support mold.

SilverGlo® is a special type of insulation, infused with graphite to improve insular ability by 24%. SliverGlo® insulation is versatile and effective; it can be customized for special projects or local code requirements. On the surface, the silver radiant heat barrier provides an insulation rating of R-11 on your crawl space walls. Ideal for cold winters and for hot summer. TerraBlock® is specifically designed and installed on the floor of your crawl space. This insulation is able to be installed on uneven crawl space floors. TerraBlock® has a white vapor barrier that keeps moisture from entering through the dirt, stone, or concrete. Insulation is just one part to complete the finishing of your crawl space. Finishing and protecting your crawl space give you additional storage under your home without fear that moisture and critters will destroy your belongings.

Insulation and finishing your crawl space can also save homeowners an average of 15-18% on their energy costs. And did you know that your local utility company may offer rebates for professional insulation projects? Make sure to contact your utility company before beginning a project to see what incentives are available in your area. You may also be eligible for financial assistance to make improvements to your crawl space through your state's Weatherization Assistance Program.

Working with a qualified contractor like DryZone will ensure your home is safe, healthy, and warm not just through the winter but for years and years. Call us to set up a free no-obligation assessment of your home. We can recommend the best system to make sure you are prepared for this winter and winter to come.

Preparing for Hurricane Joaquin

2015-10-02T11:41:59.05Z

DryZone will be available this weekend for PowerPack Sump Pump battery backup installations this weekend before Hurricane Joaquin impacts the Mid-Atlantic and Delmarva area. Although the storm is predicted to stay off the coast we are expected to feel some of the effects of the storm. Joaquin is anticipated to cause coastal flooding and more rainfall through the weekend, adding to the already saturated Delmarva area. High winds and drenched soil can cause trees to uproot and effect power lines.

The PowerPack can be installed and works with most Sump Pump systems in the event that your home loses power. Without a PowerPack you sump pump is virtually useless. Having a backup is a good as having insurance, giving you peace of mind. Be prepared for the storm contact DryZone to schedule a service technician to come to your home.

For all of our existing homeowners we want to make sure you remember that we are available for you 24 hours a day for service. If you are a homeowner who is out of town and in need of service we are available to visit the home.

About DryZone, LLC

DryZone, LLC is a locally-owned and operated home improvement company, specializing in basement waterproofing, foundation repair, and crawl space encapsulation throughout Delaware and Maryland. Since opening their doors in 2006, DryZone, LLC has been helping residents from all over Delmarva to transform their wet and unusable basement environments into dry, functional areas. As a member of Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks, two of the largest contractor networks across the country, they provide customers with state-of-the-art solutions and warranted products they can trust.

Bridge Supported on Bike Trail in Sussex County

2015-08-31T13:59:32.05Z

For this project, we needed to support a pedestrian bridge that is part of the new Assawoman Canal Trail in Sussex County. The trail was built to provide a safer alternative for cyclists and pedestrians to travel.

Our job was to support a bridge on a trail to ensure safety and durability. There were several challenges involved with this job, starting with the location of the bridge. We were working on marshy conditions, which meant we had to be very careful while using our excavator. We also faced the challenge of working with engineers to meet all requirements and design custom brackets for the job. Geo Technical engineers were always onsite while the piers were being pushed into the ground.

High water table and heavy rains leads this homeowner to choose the proper crawlspace door

2013-07-23T13:03:26.05Z

The Turtl is the perfect way to keep water and moist air out of the crawlspace entrance. It is a sturdy two piece unit (lid and main body). Since it doesn't require a traditional door frame, the Turtl can be installed on a home where the blocks are broken and chipped at the entry. It is affixed straight to the foundation and sealed tight so that there are no leaks. In fact the only water that will ever be inside the Turtl is from when people open the lid without wiping it off first.

Massive crack in the foundation of this Wilmington home

2013-07-19T14:41:58.05Z

There is no way to tell someone that there is a typical foundation problem. Every single foundation repair project is unique in some way. DryZone crew members are used to installing push piers and helical piers, but the spacing between the piers is never exactly the same. This home had a massive crack in the exterior, it is clearly visible from more than 15 feet away. The size and location of the crack is taken into consideration when designing a system to fix the problem.

Lewes, DE basement flooded after heavy rain storms and sump pump failure

2013-07-19T11:56:25.05Z

This office building flooded after a lot of heavy rains. It would've been fine if someone had not plugged an appliance into the same outlet as three sump pumps. The breaker popped and the pumps stopped working. There was over 7 inches of water in the 5,000 square foot basement. The biggest challenge was being able to get to the sump pumps, remove them, and diagnose the problem. Were the pumps broken or just not getting power? Also, with that much water there is a real danger of electrocution. Everyone was on high alert to be sure that we all stayed safe.