Elevator Waterproofing | Morganville, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Elevator Waterproofing – What to Do When You Find Water in Your Elevator Pit Morganville, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Elevator Waterproofing – What to Do When You Find Water in Your Elevator Pit  Morganville, NJ

Have you found water in your elevator pit? Elevator pits lie below the level of the foundation of buildings. This means that water intrusion is a common problem for elevator pits. Elevator waterproofing can help to protect your building from equipment damage and the hazards that water intrusion presents.

If you’ve found water in your elevator pit, the following are some steps you should take for the safety of your elevator system and building.

  1. Stop using the elevator
Elevator pit water intrusion Elevator Waterproofing – What to Do When You Find Water in Your Elevator Pit Morganville, NJ

The mechanics and electrical circuits for running the elevator are located within the elevator pit. If there’s water in the pit, it can cause damage to the circuits and the elevator system. Operating the elevator when there’s water in the elevator pit is dangerous. Be sure to stop usage of the elevator immediately.

  • Get in touch with your elevator service provider

It is important to get in touch with your elevator service provider for support. They should be able to provide you with technicians that are trained to handle such situations. This isespecially important in case systems are damaged and require repair. It is also important for maintenance of the elevator and ensuring that it works well after the water is removed.

  • Contact an elevator waterproofing company

Get in touch with an elevator waterproofing company to remove the water and determine its source. The company will also provide solutions to keep water out of the elevator pit based on the findings of their inspection.

Please note that not all waterproofing companies can provide elevator waterproofing services. You should look for a contractor that is experienced in waterproofing elevator pits. This will increase your chances of success with waterproofing. You will have less to worry about in future.

If you want to get the best deal, you should contact at least three companies and request for quotations. Compare the quotations and choose the company that offers the best value for money.

  • Provide an alternative for elevator users

Waterproofing an elevator pit often isn’t something that can be done in one day. Depending on the issue, waterproofing may take two or three days and, in some cases, even longer. It’s therefore important to provide visitors to the building with alternatives, for example, the use of the emergency stairs or a service elevator.

Waterproofing your elevator pit is important for the safety of your building. Be sure to hire an experienced contractor for the job.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

Foundation Repair | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Foundation Repair – Understanding Underpinning Trenton, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Foundation Repair – Understanding Underpinning  Trenton, NJ

Foundation issues can arise from a wide variety of causes. Factors such as unstable ground, flooding and drought can contribute to the instability of a foundation. When the damage affects the structure of the foundation, it is important for homeowners to seek a solution as soon as possible.

There are a wide variety of solutions available today. However, many homeowners shy away from foundation repair because of the costs involved. The problem with this is that simply ignoring the need to repair your foundation will not make the problem go away. In fact, the problem will only get worse over time and require more intensive repairs, which will be costlier.

FoundationRepair WallCracks FoundationSettlement Foundation Repair – Understanding Underpinning Trenton, NJ

An effective solution

If you are looking for a highly effective foundation repair solution, you may be considering underpinning. This is an age-old technique used to repair foundations that have suffered the effects of settlement. However, it can cause a great inconvenience as you will be required to vacate your home for the period in which the work is to be done.

The underpinning process often involves:

  • Excavation of the foundation – This involves removing soil from under the home. Heavy machinery is used. Soil can be removed up to a depth of 10 feet.
  • Removal of soil from the property – The soil is loaded on large dump trucks and transported away from the site.
  • Pouring of concrete – The resulting holes are filled with concrete. The number of piers required will depend on the site and the level of damage to your foundation.
  • Curing – Time is allowed for the cement to cure. The time allowed depends on the type of cement used for the project. This stage could take several days.

Following the curing of the piers, you may proceed with waterproofing your foundation to keep it clean and dry. Many homeowners take advantage of the repair to have their basements finished. This creates extra living space in the home and increases its value.

Underpinning is labor intensive and can take several days or weeks to be completed, but it is highly effective. There will be lots of cement trucks and construction machinery on your property throughout the process. This can result in damage to your landscaping.

If you are considering underpinning for your foundation, be sure to talk to a professional foundation repair contractor. Consider all the options available to repair your foundation and determine which will work best for you.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

Foundation Repair | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Don’t Miss the Signs That Your Home Needs Foundation Repair Trenton, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Don’t Miss the Signs That Your Home Needs Foundation Repair Trenton, NJ

Foundation repair is required in many situations. However, a small crack does not indicate an immediate need for foundation repair. There are plenty of signs and signals that something is not right with your foundation when there happens to be potential serious damage. Unfortunately, many homeowners ignore the signals, allowing things to deteriorate further. If these homeowners had paid attention and called for help at the first sign of trouble, repairs could have taken place before further damage took place. These repairs would have been easier, less expensive, and there would have been less damage to their home and belongings. Below are some signs to consider.

Cracks, Crumbling, and Water

One of the first signs that your foundation is in trouble is usually cracking in the foundation. These cracks allow water to get into the basement. The cracks can and often do become worse over time.

Cracks and walls can get repaired, and your basement can get waterproofed. It is important to note that not all water in the basement points to foundation issues. The water may be coming up into the basement due to a high water level. In this case, having your basement waterproofed will stop the problem.

Doors and Windows that Are Difficult to Open and Close

If your doors and windows are becoming more challenging to operate, it is a sign of foundation problems. Think back to when you first moved into your home, did they open and close more easily? They may become more difficult over a long period, which makes it harder for you to notice, so it’s essential to pay attention.

Look Up

Do your ceiling and molding meet? They did at one time, and they should still meet now. If they do not, your foundation could very well be the cause, and you should have it checked out.

The above are a few of the signs of foundation issues. Pay attention to your house, so that you will be alerted at the first sign of problems. Foundation issues can impact the entire integrity of your structure. If they are allowed to progress, you could experience bowing walls and wall failure. A strong foundation is needed to have a safe and secure home. If you suspect foundation issues, call for a professional inspection today.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

Battery Backup System | New Brunswick, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Signs That Your Sump Pump or Battery Backup System Needs Replacement New Brunswick, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

If you have a basement or crawlspace, it’s wise to have a sump pump and battery backup system installed to prevent flooding. With these systems in place, you can rest assured that you won’t wake up to a flooded basement.

However, like anything else, sump pumps and backup systems don’t run forever. With regular maintenance, a good system can last for well over 20 years and keep your space moisture-free and safe. There are instances when these systems fail sooner than anticipated. When this happens, your home becomes vulnerable to flood damage. It’s therefore important to be on the lookout for signs that your sump pump or battery backup system needs replacement. sump pit liner 239x300 Signs That Your Sump Pump or Battery Backup System Needs Replacement New Brunswick, NJ

  1. Vibrating excessively

Sump pumps vibrate when water flows through them. They may even vibrate more vigorously when the occasional dirt or gravel is drawn up into the impeller. Solid objects that come into contact with the impellers can damage them. This can result in the unit vibrating excessively.

When your unit sounds louder or is vibrating more than it did previously, it’s time to call in a professional technician to have a look. They can diagnose the issue and provide you with a solution. You may have to replace the pump. You will also have to attend to the part of the system that is letting gravel and dirt into the drain.

  1. Age

How long have you had the sump pump and the backup system? If you’ve had it for several years, it may have reached the end of its life and may not be useful anymore. Your system may not be able to handle the same volume of water it did in the past. It may break down in the middle of a storm and leave you with a flooded home.

Have a technician inspect your system and help you determine if you need to install a new pump.

  1. Rust

Pumping systems with metal bits may succumb to rust over time. This is because the systems are constantly exposed to water and bacteria. This eventually leads to formation of rust. The accumulation of rust in your system, especially around the terminals of the battery, can result in extensive damage and complete failure of the system. It can leave you with a flooded basement.

  1. The system is continuously running

If the system is running even when water is not flowing into the basement, it’s wise to have it checked by a technician. The system may not be working properly. The pump may burn out as a result of running for too long.

Ensure that your system is inspected at least once a year. Regular maintenance can help to prolong the life of your system. However, when the time comes to replace it, be sure you do so as soon as possible to protect your property.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

Crawlspace Waterproofing | Middletown, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Who Cares About Crawlspace Waterproofing? You Should Middletown, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

As a homeowner, you have enough to worry about and take care of around the home. You might consider areas such as the crawlspace unimportant. If this sounds like you, you are mistaken. You may even be one of the many homeowners who think that water in your crawlspace is okay and normal. Again, this is a mistake. Instead of wondering who cares about crawlspace waterproofing, ask yourself if this is something that should concern you. If you have water in your crawlspace, it is something that you should be worried about for many reasons. crawl space waterproofing 300x225 Who Cares About Crawlspace Waterproofing? You Should Middletown, NJ

Mold and Mildew Spreads

If your crawlspace is wet or even just moist, you run the risk of mold and mildew. Don’t automatically assume that the mold infestation is going to stay in the crawl space. Mold can spread and could find its way upstairs to your living space. Mold can cause a variety of ailments that can impact you and your family. Mold can cause headaches, sneezing, stuffy nose, asthma, and more. It needs oxygen, water, and food. All these things that are plentiful in your crawlspace.

You Think You Don’t Have Food in Your Crawlspace.

When you read about what mold needs to grow, you may have thought to yourself that you do not have food in your crawlspace. You may not have food that you would want to eat, but you do have food that mold enjoys.

  • The wet and humid crawl space environment is attractive to insects. As insects die in your crawlspace, they are the perfect thing for mold to feed.
  • Rodents also enjoy living in a wet crawl space.
  • Don’t be surprised to learn that snakes are living in the area, as well.

While the crawl space is not hospitable for humans, insects, rodents, and snakes find the conditions to be perfect.

Air Rises

A wet crawl space is not a healthy crawlspace. The air is unhealthy, and as you know, air rises. That unhealthy air is going into your home. You may not even notice it, but it’s happening.

This information should help you understand why you should care about having your crawlspace waterproofed. Don’t let mold, insects, rodents, and unhealthy air overtake your home. You put so much care and effort into keeping your home clean and healthy, don’t stop at the crawlspace. Call the professional waterproofing company to inspect, diagnose, and waterproof your space.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (800) 593-8379

Basement Waterproofing | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

6 Signs That You Need Help From a Basement Waterproofing Contractor in Trenton, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Basement waterproofing is one of the ways of protecting your basement against damage by water. Left on its own, a basement whose walls and floor are leaking will experience further damage that can ultimately affect the structural integrity of your building. It is essential to be familiar with some signs that suggest that your basement has leaks. If you see the following signs in your basement, it is time to call a basement waterproofing contractor. D001CZHWsAIDNO2 300x216 6 Signs That You Need Help From a Basement Waterproofing Contractor in Trenton, NJ

  1. Growth of Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew thrive in damp conditions. The presence of mold or mildew is a sign that your basement has high humidity. The high humidity could be as a result of a leaking wall. It could also be water that is seeping into the basement through the floor.

  1. Water Puddles in the Basement

The presence of water puddles in the basement indicates that the basement has high moisture. The water puddles could be due to water that leaks into the basement through the wall. It could also be as a result of the condensing dampness in the basement. Any of these signs indicate that the basement is porous and requires waterproofing.

  1. Efflorescence

Efflorescence is the movement of salt to the surface of a permeable material such as concrete or a brick wall. The salt deposits at the surface of the porous material as a white chalky substance. Therefore, the presence of a white chalky substance on the interior basement wall indicates that water and different types of salts are being absorbed by the basement wall. A basement waterproofing contractor will help you solve this problem.

  1. Wetness and Foul Smell

A basement that is wet or damp is a sign that water is seeping into the basement. The foul smell could be signaling the growth of mold or mildew as a result of the high moisture level in the basement.

  1. Cracks on the Basement Wall or Floor

If you spot any type of crack on the wall or floor of the basement, you need to call a basement waterproofing contractor as quickly as possible. Given that many cracks are caused by water damage, any delay in repairing cracks in the basement could lead to further damage to the basement and the foundation wall.

  1. Warped Walls

Warped basement walls result from problems such as the application of hydrostatic pressure on the walls. A certified contractor will help you excavate the exterior section of the basement, fix the wall, and waterproof the wall to avert further damage.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

Basement Sealing on Floor | Hunterdon, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Basement Waterproofing – Methods That Can Work in Morganville, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Basement Waterproofing – Methods That Can Work in Morganville, NJ

Do you struggle with keeping water out of your basement? Does your basement seem to flood every time it rains? A flooded basement can cause a lot of damage, both to your belongings and to the overall structure. That is why you should invest in some type of basement waterproofing. There are several methods of basement waterproofing available, ranging from simple gutter installations to major drainage systems.

Check out a few of your options for basement waterproofing. basement 926 008 300x225 Basement Waterproofing – Methods That Can Work in Morganville, NJ

1. Remove shrub overgrowth

Shrubs and other plants that are too close to your home can cause basement flooding. This is because water tends to flow along the roots of the greenery. If they are too close, the water will flow out and into your basement. Remove all greenery and replant them further away from the home.

2. Exterior grading

The grounds that surround your home should always slope away from it. That way, any water that pools around your property during a storm has a place to go. If your land slopes towards your home or is flat, you run the risk of having water pour into your basement.

This is especially important if you have driveways or concrete pathways around your home. Unlike soil that can absorb the water, water that falls on concrete will simply pool and possibly end up in your basement.

basement waterproofing morganville nj select basement waterproofing.1 scaled Basement Waterproofing – Methods That Can Work in Morganville, NJ

3. Gutters

For a drainage system to work properly, you need to have gutters installed. It is not enough to just ensure that they have been installed properly. You also want to keep them clean so that they do not get filled with debris. This will allow the water to continuously flow through them and away from your home.

4. Crack repair

Cracks in your basement are a sign of damage to your foundation, either from water or other causes. If you see any cracks, you want to get them fixed as soon as possible to prevent more damage. Small, hairline cracks can easily be patched by an amateur, but larger cracks should be inspected by a professional expert.

Interior basement waterproofing

Here are three types of interior basement waterproofing available:

  • A silicate-based sealer can be brushed onto walls that have not been painted or sealed already. This creates a waterproof surface.
  • A concrete waterproof coating is applied with a brush onto concrete surfaces that have not been painted.
  • Waterproof paint can be applied to unpainted or painted walls.

These are just a few options to consider when waterproofing basements. For more options, contact your local contractor.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

Vapor Barriers – Points to Consider when Making Your Selection Hudson County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Vapor Barriers

Keeping moisture out of buildings has been a challenge that homeowners and builders have faced since humans begun constructing houses. Moisture is a builder’s greatest enemy. Moisture can cause structural damage through rot. It can also lead to mold and pest infestations, making a structure unsafe.

The good news is that technology has come a long way. Just as building techniques and technology have improved, so have methods of keeping moisture at bay. Vapor barriers are amongst the many different technologies used to keep moisture out of buildings.

There are various types of vapor barriers available in the market. It is important to take your time and determine the best vapor barrier for your purpose. The following are some things to keep in mind:

QMutu 150x150 Vapor Barriers Points to Consider when Making Your Selection Hudson County, NJ

  1. It should be semi-permeable

People often confuse vapor barriers and waterproof membranes. Unlike waterproof membranes, vapor retarders are not completely impermeable to water. In fact, they are semi-permeable. This feature allows the controlled passage of water through the material. The moisture however, does not get pass through to the other side of the barrier. This protects the internal space from moisture and humidity.

  1. They come with different ratings

These barriers come with varying ratings based on their level of permeability. A barrier rated 0.1 or less has very low permeability for water vapor. A rating higher than 0.1 indicates that the migration of water through the vapor barrier is slowed down.

The rating you select will depend on the type of floor or subfloor you have installed. For example, a wooden floor would do well with a vapor barrier rating of between 0.5 and 50.

  1. Roof felt cannot replace a vapor barrier

Many people are tempted to use roof felt as a vapor barrier because it is also semi permeable. However, it is not designed for this use. It does not undergo the same stringent testing that moisture barriers undergo. It is also too thick for installation in most floors.

  1. Barriers made from plastic trap water

It is important to avoid using a vapor barrier made of plastic. These have a rating less than 0.1. They will end up trapping water below the floor, which will result in an even worse problem when the floor fails.

Be sure to discuss your needs and requirements with a professional and licensed basement waterproofing contractor. This will ensure that you make a choice that suits your specific situation.

Elevator Waterproofing Hudson County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Elevator Waterproofing Hudson County, NJ

The basic construction of a typical elevator includes an elevator pit. This pit is usually below the floor level of the last floor that the lift services. This pit is used to house the counterweights, wiring and other fixtures necessary for the safe operation of the lift.

It is important to invest in professional elevator waterproofing. This protects your elevator pit from water seepage.

Elevator waterproofing is especially important for the following reasons:

  • It prevents damage to the elevator pistons

If the pistons of the elevator are exposed to a high level of moisture, they are likely to start rusting and will corrode with time. This will result in the leaking of the lift packing. The elevator will therefore become unsafe to use.

  • You’ll save on elevator repairs

Many building supervisors ignore the elevator pit. To them, waterproofing the elevator pit is an expense that can be ignored. However, exposure of the elevator to moisture results in more expensive repairs. You would spend much less by simply ensuring that the pit is properly waterproofed in the first place.

  • Prevent downtime

When damage occurs to your elevator as a result of the water present in the elevator pit, you’ll have to call in your elevator service provider to assist with repairs. However, many elevator service providers will not assist you until you address the seepage issues in your elevator pit. They will consider these conditions unsafe. This will result in extended elevator downtime. This can potentially lead to loss of income in a commercial or residential rental building.

  • Prevent bad odor

While your elevator may continue operating even under these conditions, the collection of water in the elevator pit can lead to the production of a bad odor. The water combines with oil and can become hazardous too.

  • Prevent damage to the traveling cable

As more water accumulates in the elevator pit, there are chances that the traveling cable of the elevator will be damaged. This leads to even more downtime as the lift becomes unusable.

It is important to have the elevator pit inspected by a professional waterproofing contractor. A licensed professional can guide you on the best solution to apply to your pit for the best results.

Waterproofing of the elevator pit often involves draining the elevator pit. The pit is then cleaned and dried out. The contractor then applies their solution of choice to the elevator pit to achieve waterproofing.

Controlling Moisture With Basement Dehumidifiers Ocean County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Basement Dehumidifiers Ocean County, NJ

Excess moisture in your basement can become a serious problem over time, eventually causing damage to your foundation and possibly affecting your home’s air quality. Fortunately, with basement dehumidifiers  and other preventative measures, you can control moisture problems in your home’s basement and protect your home.

Use a Basement Dehumidifier

If the humidity levels in your home are high, consider investing in a basement dehumidifier, which is a unit that, while running, can remove excess moisture from the air and prevent condensation, mold, and mildew from forming around your basement walls. A dehumidifier is one of the best options for controlling moisture in any space.

Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clean

Another possible way to control moisture in your basement is to keep your gutters and downspouts clean. Surprising, right? By keeping gutters and downspouts clean, however, you can prevent water overflow from running down into the ground near your home and seeping towards the foundation–especially during rainy times of the year. Furthermore, always make sure that your downspouts are directing water at least several feet away from the foundation of the home.

Be on the Lookout for Plumbing Leaks

Finally, be on the lookout for signs of plumbing leaks that could be sending water into the walls and/or ceiling of your basement. Specifically, look for signs of leaks behind walls and above ceiling drywall by checking for discoloration of the paint. Often times, this is indicative of water damage caused by a burst or leaky pipe.

As you can see, there are a few simple ways to go about keeping your basement’s moisture levels down. For more information on keeping your basement moisture-free, contact us today.