Perma-Seal News and Information

Do you have peace of mind that your home will be safe in the event of a major rainstorm? Perma-Seal has you covered! We put together a checklist and our recommendations to get your home, and yourself, ready for inclement weather that may lie ahead.

1. Have you tested your primary sump pump to ensure it’s working properly? You can do this by either slowly pouring water into the sump basin, or by lifting the float switch by hand for a few short seconds.
2. Do you have a battery backup sump pump? (If not, please contact us for a free estimate!) If your primary sump pump does not have power, it won’t be able to displace water when you need it the most and that’s where the battery backup comes in! To check your battery backup, locate the battery and verify that it’s charged.
3. Are your downspouts extended far enough away from your home’s foundation? Ensure your downspouts are extended between six and eight feet from the foundation of your home.
4. When was the last time you walked around your home’s foundation? While outside, clear debris from your window well drains, and make sure the window well covers are on tight.

Too much water around your home’s foundation commonly ends in seepage, flooding, loss of valuables, money, and your time. These wet conditions also create the unfortunate habitat for mold and mildew, which pose health concerns to you and your family. If you need help, call the experts at Perma-Seal for a free inspection at 800-421-7325.

Arlington Heights in Illinois is a suburb of Chicago and a village in Cook County. Its population is at around 75,000 and is the most populous village in the U.S.

Annually, the village gets pelted by 38.25 inches if precipitation. This makes basements particularly prone to getting damp or flooded all year round. With a climate that is characterized by harsh winters and thunderstorms being common in spring and summer, it’s easy to imagine why.

An affluent city, Naperville in Illinois has evolved from being a quaint farming town into “the second-best place to live” according to Money magazine. The wealthiest city in the Midwest, the city has a population of about 142,000 and is the fifth-largest city in the state.

While it might be the richest city in the area, it still has its share of household issues, namely wet basements. Wet basements don’t choose a home’s size or its owners’ social standing, it just happens, especially if the basement isn’t properly waterproofed.

The third most populous city in the country, Chicago is known for its cultural contributions to art, film, theater, novels, music, and many more. It is also known for its weather, hence earning the nickname the Windy City.

Aside from the harsh winters, Chicago is also prone to thunderstorms, especially during spring and summer. When a heavy storm hits, Chicago basements tend to flood if they aren't properly waterproofed.

Aurora, Illinois – the second most populated city in the state, it is home to about 198,000 people and is located in the outer region of metro Chicago. What was once a mid-sized manufacturing city, Aurora has grown exponentially in the past 50 years to become one of the fastest growing cities in the country.

Though the city grows, one household issue remains constant; and that is basement moisture issues. Because of the high levels of precipitation in the area, with annual levels averaging 38.39 inches, wet basements are always a problem.

A village in Cook County, Illinois with a population of about 57,000, Oak Lawn is a suburb of Chicago that shares borders with the windy city.

Because of the area’s vulnerability to high levels of precipitation, many homes in Oak Lawn have a drain tile to help control basement seepage. However, even the most sophisticated and well-placed drain tile can be prone to clogging, thus resulting in flooded basements.

A suburban municipality in Lake County, Illinois, Highland Park is located on the North Shore of the Chicago metropolitan area and has a population of about 30,000. It is home to many landmark structures, particularly homes designed by famous architects, such as Frank Lloyd Wright, David Adler, and many more.

Lake County is besieged by precipitation all year round, from harsh winter snow to thunderstorms that are common during spring and summer. This causes many basements to become inundated by water, resulting in various moisture issues.

A village in Illinois, Hinsdale is a western suburb of Chicago with a population of about 17,000. It is in the top 1% of wealthiest towns in the state and is known for its beautiful residences and teardown culture.

However, it doesn’t matter whether your home is newly built or long-standing, once your sump pump fails, it is equally prone to basement flooding.

Chicago, Illinois – also called the Windy City, aside from the city’s cultural contributions in art, literature, film, novels, film, theater, and music, it is also known for its extreme weather conditions.

Lying in a humid continental zone, Chicago weather is characterized by harsh winters, and thunderstorms are common during spring and summer. This results in precipitation levels that can reach nearly 40 inches annually.

A suburban city of Chicago, Naperville in Illinois was once voted as the second-best place to live in the U.S. by Money Magazine. It was also rated first on the list of the best cities for early retirement by Kiplinger in 2013.

One of the factors that can help improve your quality of life in Naperville is by making sure that your basement is made waterproof against the elements and other flood-inducing events.

About 23 miles north of Chicago, Highland Park in Lake County, Illinois is one of several municipalities that are located on the North Shore of the Chicago Metropolitan Area.

While being the home of several landmark structures by prominent architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright and David Adler, it doesn’t take a legendary architect to realize that basements in the area should have apt protection against floods and moisture.

Aurora, Illinois is the second most populous city in the state, with a population of about 200,000. It is located in the outer region of Greater Chicago, and has been named as one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S.

As the city and population grows, so too do the number of houses. If you are one of those building a new home in Aurora, be sure you don’t finish your basement until you know it’s sealed.

A suburb of Chicago in DuPage County, Illinois, Lombard was first settled in the 1830s and is now known as the site of the annual Lilac Festival held every May.

The village shares the same climate as the Windy City, which makes it just as prone to damp or flooded basements.

Listed in the top 1% of wealthiest towns in Illinois, Hinsdale is known for its teardown culture and beautiful homes. With a population of about 17,000, the village is part of the Chicago metropolitan area and has a wooded topography.

But whether you live in a newly renovated home, or one that has been standing for decades, given the weather conditions in the area, you would still have to contend with flooded basements if you don't have a waterproofing system or product installed – such as a sump pump.

Living in Chicago is a blast. As the third most populous city in the US, Chicago is home to nearly 2.7 million residents giving you 2.7 million potential friends and neighbors. But what makes it even more interesting is the fact that the city is major cultural hub, with contributions in theater, comedy, films, novels, and music.

However, despite the everyday awesomeness of the city, there are some quirks that homeowners have to deal with. One of these are wet basements. A wet basement isn’t just about dealing with water in your home, it also means dealing with potentially major issues that come with it such as a weakened foundation, cracks in the walls and floors, damage to your paint and electronics, and more.

With a population of about 75,000, Arlington Heights is a village in Cook County, Illinois that is known for being the home of the Arlington Race Track, where the Arlington Million, a Breeder’s Cup qualifying event, is held.

A suburb of Chicago, Arlington Heights shares the same climate with the Windy City, which means winters are harsh and thunderstorms are common in spring and summer. Precipitation levels come in at nearly 39 inches a year, which makes basements particularly vulnerable to floods and dampness.

A city in Illinois, Joliet is named after the French-Canadian explorer, Louis Jolliet. The fourth-most populated city in the state, it has a population of about 148,000 and is the state’s fastest growing city.

Joliet sees an annual precipitation level of about 37 inches, and this accounts for many of the city’s flooded and damp basements. Whether it is caused by the weather or damaged pipes, a wet basement is never good news. Water is highly erosive and it can wreak havoc not just on your basement’s floors and walls, but on your home’s foundation, as well.

Aurora, Illinois – the second most populated city in the state next to Chicago. It is located in the outer region of Greater Chicago area with a population of about 198,000. Once a mid-sized manufacturing city,  it has evolved to become one of the fastest growing cities in the country.

The annual precipitation in Aurora is around 40 inches. A significant amount, it’s no wonder why many households have to deal with flooded basements the whole year round. Because of this, many homes need proper basement waterproofing systems in place to keep them protected.

Chicago, the most populous city in Illinois, and third-most populous in the country, is known for its cultural contributions to art, theater, novels, film, and music. It is also known as the Windy City because of the weather conditions there.

While many new residents build new homes to take advantage of the city’s culture, those who are aware of the climate changes in Chicago know well enough that you don’t finish your basement until you know it’s sealed.

With a population of about 30,000, Highland Park is a suburban municipality in Lake County, Illinois that lies about 23 miles north of Chicago. Part of the Chicago Metropolitan Area, the area is also affected by the same weather patterns as the Windy City with precipitation levels above 30 inches.

A high precipitation level means that basements in the area are more prone to flooding and foundations are more exposed to water. If you find your foundations to be wet all the time, and your basement to be flooded, sometimes the causes are those that you least suspect.

Once a mid-sized manufacturing city, Aurora has grown to become the second-most populous city in Illinois, and was named as one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. With a population of about 198,000, Aurora is located in the outer region of the Greater Chicago area.

With a climate that’s characterized by harsh winters and thunderstorms being common in spring and summer, homeowners in Aurora have to deal with wet or damp basements almost the whole year round. To prevent moisture issues, homeowners realize the importance of basement waterproofing to protect their homes.

Basements, being the lowest room in a home, have a tendency to collect water. Aside from the weather, damp and wet basements are also caused by hydrostatic pressure from the water table below ground, and when sewers back up.

To prevent water from permeating through your basement walls, you’ve no doubt heard of ‘damp-proofing’ and ‘waterproofing’ as the answers to your water problems. While similar in function, the differences in effectiveness are significant and it pays to be able to differentiate the two.

The heart and soul of every waterproofing system is the sump pump. Basically, a sump pump is an appliance that pumps water out away from your home, thereby preventing water build-up and floods.

While a home’s sump pump should ideally be checked everyday, we all know that’s not possible. Instead, try to check if it’s working as it should before any major storm. At the minimum, your sump pump should be check thoroughly at least once a year.

Located in the outer region of Greater Chicago is the second most populous city in Illinois, Aurora. With a population of about 198,000 the city has grown from a mid-size manufacturing city into the one of the fastest growing areas in the country.

While the city grows, so do the problems that plague it. One of these problems are damp or flooded basements.

With 2.7 million residents, Chicago is the third most populous city in the U.S., and the most populated in the Midwest. The city has influenced pop culture throughout history, with contributions in art, theater, novels, comedy, and music among other areas.

Chicago is also known as the Windy City, which is so-named partly because of its climate. The climate here can be characterized by hot summers, cold winters, and thunderstorms are common in spring and summer. These weather changes cause more than just the occasional discomfort for residents, it can also cause leaky foundations.

Arlington Heights, a village in Cook County, Illinois is a suburb of Chicago and is known mostly for Arlington Park Race Track, home of the Arlington Million, a Breeder’s Cup qualifying event. With a population of about 75,000, many find themselves needing a basement waterproofing company more often than not.

Why a basement waterproofing company? Given the climate in the area, especially the cold winters and thunderstorms common during spring and summer, as well as other factors not easily controlled, many homeowners find their basement easily flooded or always damp.

A city in Will and Kendall Counties, Joliet in Illinois is located just 40 miles southwest of Chicago and is the state’s fastest growing city. First planned out in the early 1830s, Joliet has evolved to become the home to close to 147,500 residents today.

Given the city’s proximity to Chicago, it’s not hard to imagine Joliet having the same climate as the Windy City. With hot summers, cold winters, and thunderstorms common during spring and winter, Joliet is inundated annually with a precipitation level of about 37 inches.

A city in Lake County, Illinois, Lake Forest is located along the shore of Lake Michigan and is part of the Chicago metropolitan area. With a population of about 19,400, Lake Forest is noted in the area for its history of polo.

Though its name may invoke images of water, Lake Forest residents would rather their homes be dry than have a body of water sitting in the middle of their basements. To ensure a dry basement, many residents install a sump pump to control flooding.

A suburb of Chicago, Arlington Heights is a village in Cook County, Illinois with a population of about 75,000. It is the most populous community in the country that is incorporated as a ‘village.’

Winters in Arlington Heights can get extremely cold, while summers can be hot and humid. Thunderstorms are common during spring and summer, so many homeowners tend to deal with damp or flooded basements most of the year.

Lake Forest in Illinois is known for being a Tree City USA because of its commitment to having a community forest. With a population of about 19,400, the city is also part of the Chicago metropolitan area and as such, shares a lot of features the Windy City has.

One of these features Lake Forest shares is its climate. Precipitation is an all year round thing here, with harsh winters and thunderstorms common in spring and summer. Because of this, many homes tend to suffer from having too much moisture in the basement.

A city in Illinois, Joliet lies about 40 miles southwest of Chicago and has a population of about 147,500. Once known as ‘Juliet,’ residents changed the town’s name in 1845 before it was incorporated as a city in 1852.

Despite being one of the fastest growing cities in the Midwest, Joliet deals with the same problems it has had for years and years. Due to the precipitation that pelts the city annually, many basements in Joliet tend to get wet all year round.

One of the fastest growing cities in the country, Aurora in Illinois is also the 112th largest city in the U.S. with a population of about 198,000. It is known for being the home of an impressive collection of architecture, including homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Bruce Goff, and George Grant Elmslie.

The climate in Aurora is a play in extremes. Winters can be freezing, while summers are hot and humid. Thunderstorms are also a common occurrence in spring and winter, and with an annual precipitation level of about 40 inches, many residents have to deal with damp and flooded basements.

A suburb of Chicago, Arlington Heights in Cook County, Illinois is known for Arlington Race Track, home of the Arlington Million, a Breeder's Cup qualifying event. With a population of about 75,000, it is the most populous 'village' in the US.

As a suburb of the Windy City, it's a small wonder that Arlington Heights shares the same climate. As such, the village is prone to hot and humid summers, cold winters, and thunderstorms in spring and summer. These weather changes are one of the chief causes of perhaps the most common household problems in the area – wet basements.

The second most populous city in Illinois with a population of about 198,000, Aurora was once a mid-sized manufacturing city, evolving to become the one of the fastest growing cities as per the US Census Bureau.

Situated in the outer region of the greater Chicago area, Aurora is known for its collection of architectural landmarks designed by prominent architects including Frank Lloyd Wright, Bruce Goff, and George Grant Elmslie.

A suburban city of Chicago, Naperville is located in DuPage and Will counties in Illinois and was voted the second-best place to live in the US by Money Magazine in 2006. With a population of about 75,000, it was also named the wealthiest city in the Midwest, and 11th in the nation.

However, sometimes, even the wealthiest forget to buy one unassuming appliance whose importance cannot be understated – the sump pump.

The most populous city in Illinois, and the third most in the US, Chicago is known for its culture, including contributions to the visual arts, novels, film, comedy, and of course, music. Known as the Windy City, it also boasts having a team in each of the major professional sport leagues.

Lying in a humid continental climate zone, this area experiences hot summers, cold winters, and thunderstorms are common during spring and summer. These weather changes can wreak havoc in one's home, especially in the basement where flooding and leaks can occur at any time of the year.

Named number 8 in Forbes' list of America's Friendliest Towns, and number 5 in CNN's list of the Best Places for a Healthy Retirement, Downer's Grove is a village in Illinois with a population of nearly 50,000.

While many doctors, hospitals, and expansive parks promote good health in the village, there lies a health risk underground that many take for granted. Basement moisture may not be on everyone's mental list of things to check for around the house, but if left unattended, it can cause health risks brought about by mold growth, and issues with your home that include poor indoor air quality.

Named after the herd of elk living in a grove in its Busse Woods, Elk Grove Village is more than just a home for elk. Located in Cook County, Illinois, this area is also home to the largest industrial park in the US, with over 3,600 businesses located there.

A neighbor of the Windy City, Elk Grove Village shares the same climate as Chicago with hot summers, cold winter, and thunderstorms are common during spring and summer. These extreme weather changes can cause many problems in the home, particularly basement seepage.

Located in Cook County, Illinois, and known for being the home of the Arlington Million, a Breeder's Cup qualifier, Arlington Heights is a suburb of Chicago that lies just 25 miles northwest of the Windy City.

With its proximity to Chicago, it's natural to assume that Arlington Heights shares the same climate as well – hot summers, cold winters, and thunderstorms common during spring and summer.

The second most populous city in Illinois, Aurora is located in the outer region of the Greater Chicago area. Once known as a mid-sized manufacturing city, it has evolved at such a rapid pace to become one of America's fastest-growing cities. It is home to many architectural landmarks by many well-known architects, such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Bruce Goff.

The climate in Aurora is similar to that of the Windy City's. With an annual precipitation of about 40 inches, it comes as no surprise then that many basements in Aurora are often wet, damp, or even flooded.

Lombard, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago with a population of about 43,000, and it is known for its annual Lilac Festival. The festival happens every May with many lilac-themed events, such as concerts, brunches, arts and crafts fairs, and more.

But while Lombard celebrates its fairs above ground, many things can happen below ground that can ruin your celebration. Basements in the area are prone to getting wet and flooded. This is why having a drain tile in your basement is necessary.

A city in Lake County, Illinois, Lake Forest is part of the Chicago metropolitan area and lies on the shore of Lake Michigan. It was founded in 1857 and has evolved to become the headquarters of several Fortune 500 companies.

The area's climate is one where the summers are hot, winters are cold, and thunderstorms are common during spring and summer. This climate tends to make many basements in the area prone to getting wet, damp, or even flooded.

A city in Will and Kendall counties in Illinois, Joliet is located 40 miles southwest of Chicago and has a population of about 147,500. It is the state's fastest growing city and is currently the fourth-most populated in Illinois.

While Joliet is growing, many residents tend to experience something that many others around the world have to deal with constantly – wet basements. A wet basement might be not too big of a deal now, but in the long run, it can cause rot in wooden posts, weaken your foundation, and cause damage to electronics and appliances.

Known for the herd of elk living in a grove in Busse Woods, the aptly named Elk Grove Village in Illinois is located adjacent to Chicago. With a population of about 33,000, the village is also known for having the largest industrial park in the country.

Nestled beside the Windy City, Elk Grove Village naturally shares the same climate as its more famous neighbor-city. With hot summers, cold winters, and thunderstorms common in spring and summer, many homeowners have to deal with regular basement moisture.

With a population of about 50,000, Downers Grove in Illinois is one of the best places to live in the country. According to Forbes, the village is number 8 in its list of America's Friendliest Towns, and is number 5 in CNN's list of Best Places for a Healthy Retirement.

But nothing is really perfect, for down in the basements of many homes, leaks abound. Leaky basements are not something new, given the climate of the village plus regular wear and tear, a basement with leaks is something everyone has to deal with when they don't have a waterproofing system in place.

Aurora, Illinois – the second most populous city in the state next to Chicago, it is located in the outer region of Greater Chicago and was ranked as the 46th fastest growing city. Nicknamed 'The City of Light' for its early adoption of all-electric streetlights, Aurora also houses an impressive collection of architectural landmarks.

While the streets are littered with beautiful lights and awesome structures, problems may be happening below ground in the basements. Leaky basement walls are a constant source of aggravation for many homeowners, whether brought about by the weather or damaged pipes, and dealing with it is something you cannot afford to put off for another day, week, month, or year.

A village in Illinois, Hinsdale is part of the Chicago metropolitan area with a population of about 16,900. It is one of the top 1% wealthiest towns in the states and is well-known for its teardown culture with about 30% of homes being rebuilds.

But no matter how good your rebuild is, sometimes problems still arise, especially with the basement. Given the climate in the area, it's no surprise that many basements get wet, flooded, or damp.

Lake Forest in Lake County, Illinois, is a city found along the shore of Lake Michigan. It has a population of about 20,000 and is noted for its history of polo. Part of the Chicago metropolitan area, Lake Forest shares the same climate as the Windy City, with hot summers, cold winters, and thunderstorms common in spring and summer.

With all the precipitation that batters the city, melting snow, thunderstorms, and the occasional scattered rain showers, many homeowners deal with cove joint seepage.

In Cook County, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago lies called Arlington Heights. Known for being the home of the Arlington Race Track, where the Arlington Million takes place, the village is also home to the Arlington Heights Memorial Library.

Being a suburb of the Windy City, it comes as no surprise then that the climate in Arlington Heights consists of hot summers, cold winters, and thunderstorms common in spring and summer. While interesting, these weather changes can cause serious basement water problems.

A suburb of Chicago, Lombard is a village in DuPage County in Illinois with a population of about 43,000. First settled in the 1830s, Lombard has grown to become famous for its annual Lilac Festival every May.

Sharing the same weather patterns as the Windy City, many Lombard homeowners have to deal with the same basement issues, such as dampness and floods.

Chicago in Illinois is known as the Windy City, and for good reason. The climate in the third most populous city in the US can be extreme with hot summers, cold winters, and thunderstorms common in spring and summer.

With the changing weather, many Chicago basements have to deal with leaks, dampness, and even floods. These problems cannot be ignored since a wet basement can cause potentially serious issues, such as rot in wooden posts, weakening of the foundation, and even health risks brought about by mold.

A suburban municipality in Lake County, Illinois, Highland Park is known for having several landmark structures by prominent architects, including Frank Lloyd Wright. It is also home to the Ravinia Festival, hosting classical, pop, and jazz concerts in summer.

A suburb of Chicago, Illinois, Lombard is a village with a population of about 45,500. Known for its annual Lilac Festival every May, where lilac-themed events take place such as concerts, brunches, fairs, and tours.

As a suburb of Chicago, many aspects of the Windy City influence Lombard, both good and bad. For homeowners, this means wet basements given the type of weather in the area – hot summers, cold winters, and thunderstorms being quite common in spring and summer.

Adjacent to Chicago, Oak Park in Cook County, Illinois has a population of about 52,000 and is the 29th largest municipality in Illinois in terms of population. The village of Oak Park lies on the shore of Lake Chicago, and while the lake may be ancient, the problem of flooding is still as modern as can be.  

Many basements in Oak Park have a tendency to flood, or at least get wet and damp, thanks in large part to the climate the area shares with the Windy City. A wet basement can cause various issues as well, so keeping it dry is very important.  

An affluent city in DuPage County, Illinois, Wheaton is home to the world-famous Wheaton College. Known more for than just its educational fame, the city was also listed as one of the top 25 earning towns in the United States.

Located just 25 miles west of Chicago and Lake Michigan, Wheaton is no stranger to high annual precipitation levels. Summers can be hot, but like spring, thunderstorms are common. Winters on the other hand, can be cold and unforgiving. These conditions, combined with natural wear and tear, cause many Wheaton basements to become more wet than usual.

Down in Cook County, Illinois lies a large city that's part of the northwestern suburb of Chicago and what is known as the Golden Corridor. Schaumburg is just 10 miles away from O'Hare Airport and has a population of about 75,000.

As near as the city is to the Windy City, it comes as no surprise that it shares the same climate – cold winters, hot summers, and thunderstorms are common in spring and summer. These weather conditions, combined with natural degradation, can cause many a basement to become damp or wet.

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The 19th largest city in the Midwest, and 112th in the country, Aurora in Illinois is located in the outer region of Greater Chicago. It's known as the "City of Lights" due to it being one of the first cities to implement an all-electric street lighting system. Aurora is also home to landmark architectural structures by Frank Lloyd Wright, Bruce Goff, and George Grant Elmslie, among others.

While architectural marvels abound, a majority of residents live in normal homes. But whether your home is an architectural wonder or not, there's one thing that plagues all homes – basement seepage.

Known as The Windy City, Chicago is also famous for its contributions to visual arts, theater, novels, comedy, and music. The third most populated city in the country, and the most populous in the state of Illinois, Chicago and its metropolitan area is sometimes referred to as Chicagoland.

Another thing Chicago is known for is its weather – hot summers, cold winters, and thunderstorms are common in spring and summer. The weather is one of the major reasons why many homeowners experience basement seepage. Basement seepage is when water finds its way into the basement, making it wet, damp, and sometimes even flooded.

Here are 5 spring maintenance tips to ensure a dry basement:

Clean Your Gutters

A village known for its herd of elk living in a grove in the woods, the aptly named Elk Grove Village is located in Illinois just adjacent to the city of Chicago. The village is also home to the country's largest industrial park with over 3,600 businesses.  

Because of its proximity to Chicago, it comes as no surprise that Elk Grove Village shares the same weather patterns as the Windy City – cold winters, hot summers, and thunderstorms being common in spring and summer. These changes in weather plus the amount of precipitation received each year can cause many basements to flood or have moisture issues.  

A suburban municipality in Lake County, Illinois, Highland Park was founded in 1869 with about 500 residents and has evolved to now have a population of about 27,000. It is also famous for having several landmark structures by famous architects such as: Frank Lloyd Wright, David Adler, and Howard Can Doren Shaw, among many others.  

Whether you live in a home designed by a famous architect or not, there's one common thing that each and every one of us has to deal with – damp basements. It doesn't matter if the basement is damp, leaky, flooded, or whatever level of wetness, if it isn't dry, it can cause many problems like damaged electronics, weakening of the foundation, and even health risks caused by mold growth.  

Lake Forest Damp Basement  Located in Lake County, Illinois, the city of Lake Forest is part of the Chicago metropolitan area and has a population of about 20,000. The city has been featured in several movies and TV shows, including Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Vow, and Ocean's Twelve.  

As part of the Chicago metropolitan area, the city shares the same weather patterns as the Windy City, notorious for its cold winters, hot summers, and thunderstorms are common in spring and summer.  

A suburb of Chicago, Lombard in Illinois has an estimated population of about 43,400. It is famous for its annual Lilac Festival that happens in May, which includes events such as concerts, brunches, fairs, and tours.  

Being a suburb of Chicago, Lombard is prone to having cold winters, hot and humid summers, and thunderstorms are common in spring and summer. These temperature changes and the precipitation that falls can cause many basements to become inundated with moisture. A wet basement can cause various issues, as well, such as rot in wooden posts, weakening of the foundation, health risks due to mold growth, and many more unwanted problems. As such, if your basement is more wet than dry the whole year round, you should have it checked.  

A city in Will and Kendall Counties, Joliet in Illinois is located just 40 miles southwest of Chicago. It's one of the fastest growing cities in the state and has been featured in several movies and TV shows, like The Sting, The Blues Brothers, and Prison Break.  

With its proximity to the Windy City, Joliet shares the same weather patterns such as hot and humid summers, cold winters, and thunderstorms in spring and fall. Because of these changes, plus the annual precipitation of 36.7 inches, the city's residents know a thing or two about wet and leaky basements.  

The second most populated city in Illinois, Aurora, is also the 112th largest in the country. Located in the outer region of Greater Chicago, it's no surprise then that Aurora has the same weather patterns as yhe Windy City – cold winters, hot and humid summers, and thunderstorms are common in spring and summer.

Because of the weather, many residents of Aurora have to deal with leaky basements that can cause damage to electronics, rot in wooden posts, weakening of the foundation, and health risks due to mold growth.

The third most populated city in the US, Chicago, is often called Chicagoland. The area is a major contributor to American culture, and has given its share to visual arts, novels, film, theater, comedy, and music.

As nice as it is to live in Chicago, there are some things that stay the same no matter where you live – basement leaks. Given the Chicago weather, this is all the more a problem for residents. Many times, homeowners have been greeted by a damp basement, sometimes flooded, sometimes leaky, but always moist and humid.

Ranked number 8 on Forbes' list of America's Friendliest Towns, and number 5 on CNN's list of Best Places for a Healthy Retirement, Downers Grove in Illinois has a lot going for itself, especially with its expansive parks and number of doctors and hospitals.

However, despite all these great things, there are some things we can't control, like nature. With an annual precipitation of 37.94 inches, and its predilection for cold winters, hot summers, and thunderstorms being common in spring and summer, Downers Grove residents have to deal with waterlogged basements every now and then.

Down in Cook County, in the state of Illinois, lies the village of Arlington Heights. One of the more populated communities in the US, Arlington Heights is more popularly known as the site of Arlington Park Race Track, home of the Arlington Million, which is a qualifying event for the Breeder's Cup.

Having an annual precipitation of about 38.25 inches, Arlington Heights has its fair share of wet days. While pleasant at times, sometimes this can cause rain water build up in basements, which can cause damage to electronics, rot wooden posts, weaken the foundation, and cause health risks because of mold growth

Chicago, Illinois is also known as the "Windy City." It is the third most populated city and has the third largest metropolitan area in the US. But none of these account for its nickname though, which is due largely in part because of its climate.

Having warm summers, cold winters, and thunderstorms common in spring and summer, many Chicago basements suffer from flooding or high humidity levels. Once moisture or water leaches through the basement, it can cause a number of problems for the homeowner.

A large city in Illinois, Schaumberg is a suburb of Chicago and is home to the world headquarters of Motorola Solutions. The city also is home to the 11th largest mall in the US, Woodfield Mall, and the Renaissance Schaumberg Hotel & Convention Center.

Sharing the same climate as Chicago, also known as the 'Windy City,' Schaumberg has cold winters, hot and humid summers, and thunderstorms are common during spring and summer. These changes tend to make basement walls contract and expand, thus causing cracks. These cracks in turn, result in leaks that keep your basement from being completely dry.

The second most populous city in Illinois, Aurora has evolved in the last 50 years from being a mid-sized manufacturing city, becoming one of the fastest growing cities in the US in the past decade. Nicknamed the 'City of Lights' due to it being one of the first cities to employ all-electric lighting systems back in 1881, Aurora is also home to many architectural landmarks that include structures by Frank Lloyd Wright and Bruce Goff.

Despite its evolution and cultural significance, many Aurora residents still suffer from something that plague millions everywhere – basement rain water. Caused by damaged gutters, faulty slope design, and cracks in walls, rainwater gravitates toward basements naturally, due to it being the lowest part of our homes.

A suburb of Chicago, Naperville in Illinois was once voted the second-best place to live in the US by Money magazine. It is the wealthiest city in the Midwest and eleventh in the nation. What once started out as a small farming town, Naperville has evolved to become one of the richest cities in the country.

However, there is one problem Naperville residents share, whether they are rich or not – wet basements. Sharing the same climate as Chicago, Naperville gets hot and humid summers, cold winters, and thunderstorms are common in spring and summer.

An affluent Illinois City, Wheaton was listed as one of the top 25 highest earning towns in the US. It is about 25 miles west of Chicago and Lake Michigan and has grown rapidly since the 1950s.

However, many Wheaton residents experience a common problem due in large part to the area's climate – wet basements. When weather changes from hot and humid summers to cold winters, things expand and contract, such as basement walls. This can cause it to crack, which makes your basement prone to leaks from the thunderstorms common during summer and spring, as well as melting snow.

Being part of Chicago, Oak Lawn is subject to the same weather conditions – cold winters, hot and humid summers, and thunderstorms are common during the spring and summer. These weather patterns and changes can cause moisture issues with basements, which in turn, can cause risks to your home's structural integrity and your family's health.

A wet basement can cause damage to electrical items, rot in wooden posts and furniture, weaken your home's foundation, and cause health risks due to mold and bacteria growth. To prevent these problems from manifesting, it's vital that you get a dry basement all-year round.

One of the best places to live, Downers Grove in Illinois was named by Forbes as number 8 in its list of America's Friendliest Towns, and has one of the country's most educated citizenry according to American Community Survey. Additionally, because of its expansive parks and number of doctors and hospitals, the village is also ranked number 5 in CNN's list of Best Places for a Healthy Retirement.

However, Downers Grove lies in a humid continental climate zone which makes basements prone to moisture issues. No matter how great the village's quality of life is, if your home is not up to standard, you won't have a peaceful and healthy life to live.

Chicago is the third most populous city in country, and is also referred to as the Windy City, most likely due to the extreme weather the city is prone to. With hot summers, cold winters, and thunderstorms common during spring and summer, many Chicago basements may experience moisture issues more times than homeowners care to handle.

A basement with rain water is a cause for concern, and not just because your feet will get wet every time you go down there. A flooded basement can damage your appliances, electronics, cause rot in wooden posts, weaken your home's foundation, and even propagate mold growth.

Named for the herd of elk living in a grove at its Busse Woods, Elk Grove Village in Illinois is also home to the largest industrial park in the US. Adjacent to Chicago, the village shares the 'Windy City's' extreme weather conditions, as well, with hot summers, cold winters, and thunderstorms common in the spring and summer.

While snow and rains can cause flooded basements, not everyone is privy to the fact that hot weather can contribute as well since this is also a time when pipes burst and pipes back up.

A village in DuPage County in Illinois, Lombard is a village that's a suburb of Chicago. With its proximity to the Windy City, it comes as no surprise that Lombard shares the same weather patterns, with cold winters, hot summers, and thunderstorms common during spring and summer.

When winter and thunderstorms arrive, one of the problems many Lombard residents face is having a wet basement. Though it may seem like a trivial problem, wet basements are, in fact, issues that are worth addressing right away at the first sign of dampness.

One of the fastest growing cities in Illinois, Joliet is just 40 miles southwest of Chicago, and thus, shares the Windy City's weather patterns – with cold winters, hot summers, and thunderstorms common during spring and summer.

These changing conditions are major causes for basement flooding, and even in the driest of weather, pipes can burst and sewers can get backed up, effectively making the threat of having a flooded basement a year-round problem.

A municipality located on the North Shore of the Chicago metropolitan area, Highland Park is a suburban municipality in Illinois that's known for its landmark sites from prominent architects, such as Frank Lloyd Wright's Willits House.

Though you may not be as famous as Mr. Wright, you can still tinker around your home to keep it safe, even if it's not an iconic landmark. One of the common jobs that many homeowners do to keep their homes safe is basement waterproofing.

Part of the Chicago metropolitan area, Hinsdale is well-known for its wooded landscape and beautiful homes. Included in the 1% of wealthiest town in the state, Hinsdale is also known for its teardown culture with about 30% of homes being new rebuilds.

Whether you are rebuilding your home, or just looking to keep it safe, one of the things every homeowner should look out for is a damp basement. Damp basements can cause numerous problems, from damaged electronics and appliances, rot in wooden posts, weakened foundations, and health risks brought about by mold growth.

What was once a quaint farming town, Naperville has evolved to become the second-best place to live in the US, as announced by Money magazine. A suburban city of Chicago in Illinois, Naperville was also ranked first on the list of best cities for early retirement by Kiplinger. It is the wealthiest city in the Midwest, and eleventh in the country.

But no matter what social status you attain, homeowners have the same leaky basement problems caused by the weather, damaged pipes, rising water tables, or backed up sewers.

One of the villages that Forbes has included in their top ten list of America's Friendliest Towns, Downers Grove in Illinois is also part of CNN's list of the Best Places for a Healthy Retirement, given the village's number of expansive parks and capable doctors and hospitals.

But to live a healthy retirement, or otherwise, you don't have to rely on doctors and hospitals. You just need to keep your home free from health risks. And while not immediately obvious, basements with water issues are health risks.

A city just 40 miles southwest of Chicago, Joliet in Illinois is one of the fastest growing cities in the area and is home to a population of about 148,000. Sharing the same weather patterns as Chicago, or the "Windy City," Joliet is prone to hot summers, cold winters, and thunderstorms are common in spring and summer.

One of the results of these weather conditions is flooded basements. When snow thaws or when thunderstorms strike, many basements get flooded which, in turn, causes structural integrity issues and health risks because of mold growth.

Arlington Heights is a village in Illinois and is home to the Arlington Race Track. A suburb of Chicago, the village shares the 'Windy City's' weather patterns as well – cold winters, hot summers, and thunderstorms common during spring and summer.

These weather patterns can cause floods, especially in basements, often in-between seasons. And when it comes to basement leaks, one can never be too complacent.

South of Waukegan, along the shore of Lake Michigan, lies Lake Forest, a city in Illinois that was founded around Lake Forest College in 1857. Named a Tree City USA by National Arbor Day Foundation, Lake Forest is recognized for its commitment to community forests.

For a city that's dedicated to trees, you won't expect to see many floods in the area. However, despite this, issues with floods still remain, albeit in basements.

A village in DuPage County, Illinois, Lombard is a suburb of Chicago and has a population of about 43,000. The village is best known for its annual Lilac Festival, which happens in May, and is a 16-day event that includes lilac-themed events, such as concerts, fairs, and more.

While lilacs grow above ground, however, a different kind of species grows below, specifically in basements. Mold is rarely detected in its early stages, given its penchant for flourishing in dark and humid places, but once it has thoroughly infested a basement, an unmistakable musty smell will announce its presence.

Hinsdale, a town in Illinois that's part of the Chicago metropolitan area, is known for its wooded topography and rolling landscape. Being in the top 1% of wealthiest towns in the state, Hinsdale boasts beautiful residences and is known for its teardown culture with about 30% of homes being new rebuilds.

Hinsdale homes, both new and old, will mostly have basements underneath them. Though having a basement can be practical and useful, given the weather conditions of Hinsdale - hot summers, cold winters, and thunderstorms in spring and summer - it can also be a source of many moisture issues.

The second most populous city in Illinois, Aurora was once a mid-sized manufacturing city that has grown and flourished in the last 50 years. With a population of nearly 200,000, the city's nickname is "City of Lights" and is home to architectural landmarks by prominent architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Bruce Goff.

With an abundance of landmark homes, you can be sure that these are protected well from some of the more devastating home killers such as basement leaks. Good for those homes, but how is your home faring when it comes to basement leaks?

Lake Forest, a city in Illinois, lies along the shore of Lake Michigan and is part of the Chicago Metropolitan Area with a population of about 20,000. Sharing Chicago's weather changes, Lake Forest is prone to hot summers, cold winters, with thunderstorms common in spring and summer.

With the kind of weather the city experiences, it's no surprise that many residents often find rain water pooling in their basements. While it may seem like a minor annoyance, in reality, if left unattended, this can cause multiple issues that can harm both your home and your family.

One of several municipalities on the North Shore of the Chicago metropolitan area, Highland Park is a suburban municipality in Lake County, Illinois. Evolving from two settlements with a population of just 500 to a municipality of 30,000 individuals, Highland Park is known for its landmark structures created by famous architects, such as Frank Lloyd Wright and his Willits House.

With houses that serve as landmark sites, you can be sure none of those suffer from wet basements given its destructive effects. Question is, is your Highland Park home protected as well?

A suburb of Chicago, Lombard is a village in Illinois that is home to a population of about 43,000. It is also known for its annual Lilac Festival, a 16-day festival in May where lilac themed events, such as concerts, brunches, fairs, and many other attractions are showcased.

But despite the flowery festivals, many Lombard homes have underground secrets that many of its own residents aren't really aware of. Basements don't usually get the most attention in our homes, and basement waterproofing is one of those procedures that many of us tend to forget.

In the state of Illinois, within the Chicago metropolitan area, lies a town with a rolling and wooded topography that boasts beautiful residences. Hinsdale, with a population of nearly 17,000, is known as being in the top 1% of wealthiest towns in the state, and for its teardown culture with 30% of homes in the village being new rebuilds.

If you are planning to rebuild your home, lots of planning has to be done. From top to bottom, every inch of your home should be planned and mapped out carefully to ensure a safe abode.

Named after a herd of elk that's being kept in the Busse Woods, Elk Grove Village is a municipality in Illinois that's adjacent to the city of Chicago. It is also home to North America's largest business park with about 3,600 businesses operating out of it.

But elk and businesses won't help your Elk Grove Village home from basement water problems. Sharing the same weather conditions with Chicago – hot summers, cold winters, and thunderstorms common during spring and summer – residents of Elk Grove Village often find their basements victim to water problems.

The most populous 'village' in the US, Arlington Heights in Illinois is also known for Arlington Park Race Track, home of the Arlington Million. A boom in development of condos, restaurants, and other businesses has made land and space limited in Arlington Heights, so for residents, taking care of what they have is of the utmost importance.

Taking care of your home can either be easy or hard, it depends on who you look for for help and if you know what to look our for. Perhaps one of the most overlooked parts of a home though, the basement, can also be one of the most important.

The second most populous city in Illinois, Aurora has been listed as one of the fastest growing cities in the US in the last decade and is also known as the 'City of Lights.' With all the lights and fast moving pace the city offers, it's easy to forget some of the things that lie below our feet – our basement.

Weather may be a strong contributor to basement leaks, but sometimes neglect can play a huge part as well. Damaged pipes and rain gutters, cracks in the walls and floors, broken egress window seals, etc.

Known as The Windy City, Chicago is the third most populous city in the US and is renowned for its cultural contributions in the visual arts, novels, film, theater and music. Despite it's harsh weather, where winters are cold, summers are hot, and thunderstorms are common in summer and spring, Chicago residents know how to live well.

However, living well often means making sure your home is in tip top shape, as well. Given the weather, many homes experience basement leaks and floods, which can cause more than just headaches.

Part of the top 1% of wealthiest towns in Illinois, Hinsdale is known for its beautiful residences and rolling, wooded landscapes. A teardown culture exists here, with over 30% of homes being new rebuilds.

If you are planning to rebuild your home, be sure to not neglect the basement. It may be the least celebrated of rooms in your home, but it serves a purpose with the potential to be more.

A village in Cook County, Illinois, Arlington Heights is home to the Arlington Race Track and has a population of about 75,000. A suburb of Chicago, it shares the same weather patterns of the Windy City, that is cold winters, hot summers, and thunderstorms - which are common during spring and summer.

These weather conditions can be a problem for most homeowners, especially in their basements where flooding can occur. While basement flooding isn't caused solely by the weather – it can be caused by damaged pipes and a rising water table. It's a problem that can cause more than just a headache.

One of several municipalities on the North Shore of the Chicago metropolitan area, Highland Park is a suburban municipality in Illinois that's home to about 30,000 people.  It is the site of several landmark structures from prominent architects, including Frank Lloyd Wright's Willits House.

Your home may not be as iconic as the above, but it still deserves proper protection from the elements. Most especially, the least visible of rooms, the basement.

One of the more affluent cities in Illinois, Wheaton was listed in 2010 by Money magazine as one of the 25 highest earning towns in the US. It is also the site of the famous Wheaton College.

For a rich city with solid educational facilities, you would think problems would become a rarity. However, there's one problem many homeowners experience – basement floods and moisture problems.

Schaumberg in Cook County, Illinois is a large city with a population of about 74,000. It is the home of the headquarters of Motorola Solutions and has one of the only two IKEA stores in the state.

Having an IKEA store for home furnishings might be great for decorating your home, but a home won't be too much for decorating if its basement suffers from floods and other moisture issues.

A village in Illinois, Downers Grove was named number 8 by Forbes in its list of America's Friendliest Towns, and was CNN's number 5 in its Best Places for a Healthy Retirement list due to its parks and number of doctors and hospitals.

However, there's one source of health risks that most homeowners tend to overlook in their basements, and these are basement wall cracks. How can basement wall cracks be health risks? Simple. Cracks can let water into basements, which can cause moisture issues and high humidity. These are perfect conditions for mold, mildew and bacteria to grow, which are the main causes of health risks from damp basements.

Known for the Arlington Park Race Track and the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, Arlington Heights is a village in Cook County in Illinois that has a population of about 75,000. The most populous 'village' in the US, Arlington Heights had a population boom in the 1950s and 1960s that coincided with the spread of automobiles.

However, with an annual precipitation of 38.25 inches a year, and a climate that includes cold winters, hot summers, and thunderstorms being common during spring and summer, many residents usually find their basements flooded.

The second most populated city in the state of Illinois, Aurora was once a moderately-sized manufacturing city that has grown to become one of the fastest growing cities in the US. Also called the "City of Lights," due to it being one of the first cities in the US to use electric street lights, the city is also culturally diverse due to it being inclusive and tolerant to immigrants.

Residents, however, often find their simple and quiet lives shaken with basement flooding. This is due in part of the city's annual precipitation of about 40 inches and being prone to heavy snowfalls and blizzards in the winter.

Part of the top 1% of wealthiest towns in Illinois, Hinsdale is known for its rolling topography and beautiful homes. But no matter how beautiful a home is, if the basement is waterlogged and full of problems, living in the home can be an unpleasant experience.

Basements with moisture-issues tend to cause a variety of problems that range from simple to serious. From rot in wooden posts, and damaged appliances, to weakened home foundations and health risks brought about by mold and mildew growth, moisture-issues in basements cannot be ignored.

Part of the Chicago Metropolitan Area, Highland Park is a suburban municipality in Illinois with a population just shy of 30,000. It's also home to several landmark structures by notable architects, including the Willits House by Frank Lloyd Wright.

But not all homes are blessed to be designed by legends, and many Highland Park homes tend to suffer from wet basements as a result either of bad planning, bad luck, or just regular wear and tear.

A village located in Cook County, Elk Grove Village is home to a number of large corporations such as CitiGroup, Pepsi, and United Airlines.

In 2009, the village inaugurated the first Leed Gold Certified Village Hall, a facility that uses both passive and active environmental issues. Though the hall takes care of its own, many residents struggle to keep their basements dry and free from moisture.

Hinsdale is a village in Illinois known for its beautiful residences. Part of the Chicago metropolitan area, Hinsdale has a rolling, wooded topography and is in the 1% of wealthiest towns in Illinois.  

However, despite the wealth and beautiful homes, underground – basements in particular – things can get nasty. A home's basement is probably one of the more overlooked rooms in a home, and as such, is prone to neglect. Cracks are left alone, small puddles may be left to dry on their own, and, unless the basement has been converted into something more than a basement, any mold, mildew or fungi that grows is left undetected, as well.  

A village in DuPage County, Lombard is a suburb of Chicago that's known for its annual Lilac Festival – a 16-day festival that includes lilac-themed events, concerts, fairs, and more.   For such a fragrant celebration, it's nice to think that Lombard is always full of flowery cheer. However, residents have to cope with common house problems, much like everyone else - problems such as basement seepage.  

Basement seepage occurs when water starts to come into your basement through various passages. It can be from the cracks in your walls or floors, from damaged gutters, or from a rising water table. It can also be caused by the land your house is on not sloping away from the foundation. The causes are numerous, but the results are the same, basements have a tendency to experience seepage, and it's up to you to prevent it.  

The third most populous city in the US, Chicago's metropolitan are, called Chicagoland, is home to 9.5 million people. A cultural powerhouse that has contributions in visual arts, films, novels, theater, and music, Chicago is also known as "The Windy City" and has pro teams in each major professional league.  

Large and windy, Chicago residents also find themselves at the mercy of its extreme weather changes. Summers can be hot, winters freezing, while thunderstorms are common during spring and summer. These weather changes can wreck havoc in basements, causing moisture issues and, at times, flooding.  

Downers Grove is a pleasant place to live. The village was listed number 8 in Forbes list of America's Friendliest Towns, was named by the American Community Survey as having one of the country's most educated citizenry, and was ranked number 5 in CNN's list of Best Places for a Healthy Retirement.  

But despite these credentials, many residents still find their Downers Grove homes to be less than perfect due to basement leaks. Issues with one's basement may not seem as earth-shattering as it is, but if you consider the potential issues it can cause, you might change your mind.  

Elk Grove Village – a municipality in Illinois with a population of 33,127, as the name suggests, it is home to a herd of elk in a grove at Busse Woods. It is also home to Alexian Brothers Medical Center (ABMC), CitiGroup, Pepsi Cola Distribution and the headquarters of United Airlines.  

Unfortunately, Elk Grove Village is also home to many waterlogged basements. Despite being composed of just 0.07 square miles of water, many basements in the area suffer from basement moisture issues due to high water tables, damaged pipes, and weather conditions.  

What was once a quaint farming town, Naperville has grown and evolved to become an affluent city, being named the eleventh wealthiest in the nation. A suburban city of Chicago in Illinois, Naperville shares Chicago's extreme weather conditions and has a precipitation of 38.86 inches a year.

With hot summers, cold winters, and thunderstorms common in spring and summer, it's no surprise that Naperville homeowners often deal with wet basements. Though wet basements can be caused by other factors other than the weather – such as damaged pipes, a rising water table, or even backed up sewers – the fact remains that Naperville residents often look for ways to control this wetness.

A suburb of Chicago, Oak Lawn is a village in Illinois that is surrounded by other suburbs, as well. It is home to an expansive park system, from small play lots to vast recreational open parks. Maintaining parks is a wet and complicated process which can be controlled only by trained professionals.  

For a village with well-manicured parks, you can tell that its residents are a meticulous people. However, even the most careful people run into problems with their homes - problems such as having a damp basement.  

Known for Arlington Race Track, home of the Arlington Million, Arlington Heights in Illinois is also the most populous 'village' in the US. The rise of automobile use in the 1950s and 1960s led to this population explosion, and as a result, Arlington Heights also had a development boom in condos, restaurants, and businesses.  

Despite the progress (or because of it), Arlington Heights residents still experience the same household problems that plague homeowners. One of these is having moisture issues in their basements.  

Highland Park is a suburban municipality in Illinois and is part of the Chicago Metropolitan Area. It is also home to the Ravinia Festival, an open-air pavilion that hosts classical, pop, and jazz concerts during the summer. Additionally, the municipality has been the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra since 1936.  Also noted for its landmark structures, you can find Frank Lloyd Wright's Willits House and many other homes designed by prominent architects.  

Highland Park residents may not live in homes worthy of landmark status, but it is their own castle and thus should be treated as such. Unfortunately, nature does not discriminate, which makes basement water problems a common occurrence in the area.  

In Will and Kendall counties in Illinois, there's a city that's been dubbed as the fastest growing in the Chicago metropolitan area. Joliet, the fourth most populated city in Illinois, is a Des Plaines River town and expands up to the DuPage River.  

With its proximity along rivers, and its annual precipitation of nearly 37 inches a year, most Joliet residents need a sump pump to control flood levels in their basements or crawl spaces.  

Chicago, Illinois is also known as the "Windy City." Its weather plays at the extremes with hot summer, freezing winters, and thunderstorms are common in spring and summer. Weather changes such as this can cause problems with any home, especially basements where leaks can occur.  

Basement leaks are the result of many factors. Weather is one factor; precipitation can seep through the ground and walls, causing moisture issues in basements. Broken pipes are another cause of basement leak. Even the water table can contribute to a leaky basement if steps aren't taken to prevent it.  

A recent winter thaw has left many Chicago homeowners with a leaky basement. Fortunately, Perma-Seal is here to help. With more and more snow melting on the lawn and on roofs, it's no surprise that a lot of people are coming home or waking up to flooded basements. However, this isn't a problem that you have to deal with. With our help, we can come to your home, install a new sump pump, wall liner, basement drain, or whatever may be needed to prevent your basement from getting damaged from more snow melt. Also, we can take care of any kind of basement repair work you may need after the water has damaged wooden support beams and floor joists.

Preventing a Leaky Basement

Temperatures are on the rise in the Chicago area, and while it means that going outside is a little more bearable, it also means that the snow is starting to melt. This melting snow means wet basements for a lot of homeowners in the region. This basement moisture can cause serious damage if left neglected for too long. In fact, it could cause the development of nasty mold and mildew. This could make your family really sick. What's more is that this basement moisture could cause serious problems for the structural integrity of your home.

Wet basements cause wooden materials to rot, warp, decay, and deteriorate. This means that your wooden support beams and floor joists are going to start rotting away. These materials are partially responsible for holding up the weight of your home, so it's important that they are strong, stable, and in relatively good shape.

A suburb of Chicago, Arlington Heights in Illinois is best known for being the home of the Arlington Million, a Breeder's Cup qualifying event, held at the Arlington Park Race Track. Sharing the same weather as Chicago, Arlington's annual precipitation is at 38.25 inches. It may not seem much, but it's enough to leave many basements flooded, or at least, cause moisture issues.  Basement moisture can cause a ton of headaches for the homeowner. It can ruin appliances and electronics, cause wooden posts to rot, destroy the foundation, and even cause health issues due to mold and mildew growth.  

In short, wet basements are something you don't want to have. 

One of the fastest growing cities in the U.S., Aurora is the 2nd most populated city in Illinois, and is home to impressive architectural structures by famous architects. A diverse city, it is home to close to 200,000 residents and it’s still growing. With an annual precipitation of about 40 inches however, most residents are also suffering from flooded basements. 

A flooded basement can cause a ton of problems – from ruined belongings, to damaged appliances, rotting wood posts, degrading foundations, and mildew and mold growth that can cause serious health issues – many homes are in dire need of an effective basement drain to prevent flooding. 

Warm temperatures in the area this week have caused snow to melt and basements to flood in the Chicagoland area. So, what can you do in your home to prevent a damaging basement flood?

Along the shore of Lake Michigan, part of the Chicago metropolitan area, sits Lake Forest. A city in Lake County, Illinois, it has been named a Tree City USA due to its commitment to its community forest. However, there are days when even the profusion of trees can't soak up all the water from precipitation, and basements end up getting flooded.  

Granted, precipitation is not the only reason for basement flooding, broken pipes and a rising water table are also culprits. The fact of the matter is, many Lake County basements experience some sort of flooding, which can be a pain.   This is why a majority of homes with basements and crawl spaces in Lake County have sump pumps installed. Basically, a sump pump sucks out water from your basement and pumps it away the house. But what happens if it fails? 

Known as the Windy City, Chicago is the third most populated city in the US and, as an international hub, is home to the second busiest airport in the world. Having had major cultural contributions to the arts, novels, film, theater, comedy, and music, residents have a lot to be proud of with their city.  

However, the weather in Chicago can be quite fickle. Summers are hot, winters are freezing, with thunderstorms common during spring and summer. This see-saw weather contributes a lot to the city's moisture problems, especially basement flooding.  

Aurora in Illinois, has seen tremendous growth in the past 50 years. It has been ranked consistently since 2000 as one of the fastest growing cities in the US. With an annual precipitation of 40 inches, and with floods occurring in the Fox River valley and Blackberry Creek areas, Aurora basements have a tendency to be humid the whole year round.  

Humid basements can foster the growth of fungi and mold, which can become lead to health issues if left untreated. Humidity can also damage electronic appliances and cause wood rot and weakening foundations.  

Arlington Heights is a village in Cook County, Illinois and a suburb of Chicago that is known for Arlington Park Race Track. With an annual precipitation of 38.35 inches a year, there are times when its residents have to deal with wet basements.  

A wet basement can cause all sorts of headaches, from flooding, to wood rot, weakening of the foundation, growth of fungi and mildew, and damage to anything stored in this area of the home.  

Backup Sump Pump Installation in Lake Forest, IL  Located in Lake County, Illinois, Lake Forest is a city along the shore of Lake Michigan that is part of the Chicago metropolitan area. Named as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation because of its commitment to community forests, Lake Forest takes pride and protects its trees. 

However, sometimes trees can't soak up all the water during rains and inclement weather and basements and crawl spaces still get flooded at times. This is why many residents, if not all, have a sump pump installed.   A sump pump is an appliance that basically pumps out water from basement floors and takes it away the home. It's an inconspicuous piece of machinery, yet without it, you will surely notice its absence.  

A city in Will and Kendall counties in Illinois, Joliet is one of the fastest growing cities in the area and is dependent on manufacturing industries. With an annual precipitation of 36.29 inches on average, it's no wonder why many Joliet homes depend on sump pumps to keep their basements dry.  

Basically, a sump pump works by pumping water from the basement out away from the house. This prevents flooding of the basement, which, in turn prevents various moisture issues from occurring such as wooden post rot, deterioration of the foundation, and the growth of mildew and fungi that cause health problems.  

Dubbed ‘The City of Lights,' Aurora was one of the first cities in America to use an all-electric lighting system. It is also one of the fastest growing cities, and the last 50 years has seen Aurora grow from a mid-sized manufacturing city to become the 19th largest city in the Midwest. This growth, however, does not stop the annual precipitation of 40 inches which can cause basement flooding in some areas. Sometimes, nature wins.  

Though we can't do anything about nature, we can do something about its effects. Aurora experiences heavy rains, heavy snowfalls and blizzards periodically, which can cause moisture problems and flooding of basements. This, in turn, can cause damage to our belongings stored here, rot wooden posts, destroy our foundation, and even cause health issues with the growth of mold and mildew.  

Chicago, Illinois - the third most populated city in the US - has been a major industrial and cultural force for more than a century now. The city has numerous stories to tell, from its struggling past, mafia connections, musical contributions, and much more. However, one story that many in the city experience, but don't make the headlines, is the story of a wet basement. 

Chicago is prone to extreme weather conditions, with freezing winters and scorching summers. Thunderstorms are also common during spring and summer. These changes in weather can cause many moisture problems. Whether it's because of bursting pipes, rain water seeping through floor and wall cracks, humidity levels at a high, or even the water table pushing up from below, water can get in your basement and it can cause lots of headaches.  

During periods of heavy rainfall many homes in Chicago will experience a variety of seepage problems.  When water gets into a finished basement it can cause thousands of dollars of damage including ruined carpet, drywall rot and loss of personal property.  The resulting flood should be cleaned up as soon as possible and it's wise to be sure you have someone with high capacity dehumidifiers get all the moisture out of your basement promptly.  Once the short term problem of cleanup is taken care you may begin the search of finding a qualified professional Chicago area waterproofing company who can come in and access the situation in order to prevent this event from reoccurring.

Be sure to take the time to research the reputation of the waterproofing companies you have provide you consultation. Knowing how long they have been in business, their business practices and getting plenty of references from customers in your neighborhood who have had them perform work are the best ways to really feel secure knowing you can trust their opinion.  By having the names and contact information of customers that have worked with the contractor you can get a real first hand opinion of the quality of work, service after the sale and how well they backup any warranty.  Whether you live in Chicago proper, the north, south or western suburbs ask for references in your local area.

The third most populated city in the US, Chicago, Illinois also has one of the most extreme weather patterns. Lying in the humid continental climate zone, summers can be hot and humid while winters are cold. Thunderstorms are also common during the summer and spring.  

These weather changes can cause moisture and humidity issues in any home's basement. Basement humidity and moisture foster mold and mildew growth, and this can cause health issues. It can also make your tools and appliances rusty, and it can affect electronic items you may have kept in your basement.