Dear Glenn: We are hoping you can give us your opinion on a cinder block basement wall (the house was built circa 1953). In 1997, and before my son purchased this house, the basement was waterproofed by the previous owner. My understanding is the wall was dug out, new drain tile was laid, then waterproofed, etc. In the past year or so, one of the horizontal mortar joints separated, and the wall has a slight buckle at the separation. Note: there is no leaking when it rains or after winter thaw. Last year, we brought in several yards of fill to help support the foundation. Ironically enough, in the fall of 2007, the wall seam closed. We thought the problem was resolved, but this winter it separated again. My son also had a very large maple tree removed from the backyard that was very close to that side of the basement. Our question is this: Do you think this needs attention, being there is no water leaking from it, or could this situation become worse and compromise the integrity of the wall? If so (I'm assuming your answer will be yes), can you recommend a reputable waterproofing company to come out and assess the problem?

Dennis, Livonia

Dear Dennis: Have the wall inspected by a foundation repair companies such as Foundations Systems of Michigan (877-379-6424, www.drymich.com) or Elliott Leveling/A-1 Concrete (800-538-3514, www.elliottlevel ing.com).