United Sealants Waterproofing — Morton Grove Company Closes Doors
We have learned that United Sealants & Waterproofing of Morton Grove has gone out of business. United Sealants specialized in drain tile and crack repair and had enjoyed a good reputation among its customers since 1978. We certainly considered them a worthy competitor and regret their misfortune.
Another local company, DuraShield Basement Waterproofing of Barrington, has also shut down.
In our business, new companies spring up from time to time, companies that might be one guy working out of his garage. They, like us, may offer a lifetime warranty on their work. The moral of the story for homeowners is that when even a good company like United Sealants with a long history can fall on hard times, what’s the likely future for the one-man shop? Remember, lifetime warranties are only as good as the company that stands behind them.
What Happens to United Sealants’ Customers?
We have been contacted by several customers of United Sealants who have had warranty issues or who needed additional help in keeping their basements dry and usable. Although we cannot assume responsibility for the warranty, we are happy to offer a free consultation and will recommend a cost-effective, permanent solution to the problem.
For those who have encountered new problems with basement seepage, here are some of the ways U.S. Waterproofing can help:
Crack Repair – We employ both new and traditional technologies to seal non-structural foundation wall cracks, depending on the situation. To fill cracks from the inside, we inject expanding polyurethane, which not only fills the crack all the way to the outside soil but maintains a permanent, flexible seal that will not re-crack with minor shifts and settling of the foundation. From the outside, we use sodium bentonite clay, a time-tested approach that creates a permanent “positive side” barrier against further seepage.
Drain Tile – Drain tile, interior or exterior, can be one of the best ways to ensure a dry basement and a healthy foundation. Our decades of experience in installing drain tile has taught us the best combination of materials, placement and protection from debris and we are proud to say that none of the thousands of drain tile systems we installed has ever failed due to clogging with mud.
Waterproofing Membranes – Another very effective “positive side” safeguard against seepage is the exterior waterproofing membrane, not to be confused with “damp proofing.” This asphalt-modified polyurethane is applied in a thick coat, by trowel or heavy-duty sprayer, to the outside of foundation walls to prevent water infiltration. It is particularly effective on masonry foundations that are porous and can work even better when covered with drainage board that channels water down to exterior drain tile.
Sump Pumps – We install and service only the industry’s finest and most durable sump pumps, both primary sump pumps and back-up systems. Our proprietary BOSS line of backup sump systems includes both battery and AC/DC powered pumps to ensure that your basement is always protected.
Water Management – The first defense against a wet basement is keeping water away from the foundation. We design and install underground piping systems for downspouts and sump discharges, bubbler pots, dry wells and other means to ensure that rain water outside doesn’t end up on the inside.
Structural Foundation Repair – Not exactly basement seepage but another problem created by water is structural foundation damage caused by dropping or sinking foundations and bowed or tipped basement walls. We have a specially trained group of advisors and technicians who can permanently stabilize and restore your foundation through underpinning, wall bracing, foundation anchors and other technology.
We wish the best to United Sealants’ former owners and employees and stand ready to help its former customers with their basement waterproofing and foundation repair needs. U.S. Waterproofing is one of the country’s and largest basement waterproofing companies; we have helped more than 300,000 customers in Chicago, northwest Indiana and southeastern Wisconsin keep their basements dry and their homes healthy since our founding in 1957. Please contact us if we can be of service.