Educational Articles
How Does a Basement Waterproofing System Work?
If your basement has ever taken on water after heavy rain or you’ve noticed musty smells, damp walls, or visible cracks, you’re not alone. Many homeowners across St. Louis and surrounding areas deal with basement moisture and the question we hear most often is, “How does a basement waterproofing system
How the Clay Bowl Effect Gets Worse in Cold, Wet Weather in St. Louis
If you’ve ever noticed new foundation cracks or basement leaks popping up after a round of winter storms, you’re not imagining things. In St. Louis, where we get heavy rainfall, freeze-thaw cycles, and expansive clay soil, these seasonal changes can put your home under serious stress. One of the biggest
Why Basement Waterproofing Isn’t a DIY Job Trust the Experts at Perma Jack of St. Louis
DIY projects can be a rewarding way to save money and take pride in your home. But when it comes to your foundation, the very thing holding your house together, it’s not the time to grab a shovel and a waterproofing kit. Foundation waterproofing is complex, labor-intensive, and high-stakes. If
What Is the Clay Bowl Effect and How Does It Affect Homes in St. Louis?
When it comes to protecting your home’s foundation, understanding how your soil behaves is just as important as the construction itself. In areas like St. Louis, where expansive clay soils are common, one major factor contributing to foundation issues is something called the Clay Bowl Effect. It’s a term many
Egress Window Code Requirements in St. Louis
Why Egress Windows Matter for St. Louis Homes Whether you’re finishing a basement, converting a space into a bedroom, or just want your home to be safer and code-compliant, egress windows play a critical role. These openings serve as emergency escape routes and give first responders access in the event
Bowed Wall Repair in St. Louis: Causes, Warning Signs, and How Perma Jack Fixes Them
What Are Bowed Foundation Walls? Bowed walls are one of the most common and concerning signs of foundation stress—especially in areas like St. Louis, where clay soils and fluctuating moisture levels are a constant threat. A bowed wall is a basement or foundation wall that is bulging or curving inward
How Downspout Extensions Help Prevent Foundation Damage in St. Louis
One of the Easiest Ways to Protect Your Foundation? Redirect the Water If you’re dealing with foundation cracks, bowing walls, or water in the basement, you might think the problem starts underground—but it often starts above it. One of the most overlooked causes of foundation damage is poor roof drainage,
How Does Winter Weather Affect Foundations in St. Louis?
If you’ve lived through a few St. Louis winters, you know the wild temperature swings and wet-to-frozen soil cycles aren’t just tough on roads, they’re tough on your foundation, too. Winter weather introduces a perfect storm of conditions that can damage foundations: freeze-thaw cycles, expanding soils, hydrostatic pressure, and shifting
What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation?
If you’ve ever walked into your crawl space and felt the humidity hit your face or noticed a musty odor drifting up into your living space, you’re not alone. Crawl spaces are often the most overlooked part of a home, yet they can have a major impact on indoor air