egress-windows-morganville-nj-select-basement-waterproofing-3

4 Key Facts You Need to Know about Egress Windows Morganville, NJ

4 Key Facts You Need to Know about Egress Windows Morganville, NJ

Egress windows are an important aspect that you should consider when building a new house or renovating your home. The International Residential Code (IRC) requires all habitable spaces such as living rooms and basements to have egress windows. Also, every indoor space or room that is intended to be utilized as a bedroom, including rooms within a basement, should have an egress window.

Skylight egress window 1 4 Key Facts You Need to Know about Egress Windows Morganville, NJ

Egress windows should meet some specifications in order to serve their functions well. When installing these windows, it is important to work with a professional contractor to ensure that the specifications are met. Here are the key facts that you need to know about egress windows.

1. The Meaning and Uses of Egress Windows

The term egress window is coined from the word ‘egress’, which means ‘to exit’. As the name suggests, the window is used to exit the room or building in which it has been installed during an emergency. Egress windows are installed in basements, bedrooms and the first floors of split-level buildings among other areas.

In addition to playing a key role as emergency exits, egress windows can also be used to allow the entry of natural light into the rooms in which they have been installed and promote ventilation. Therefore, well-installed egress windows ensure that spaces such as basements are well-lit and well-ventilated.

2. Egress Window Specifications

The IRC stipulates that every space that is used as a bedroom should have at least one egress window. Additionally, each egress window that is installed should meet the following requirements:

· The window should be designed in such a way that when it is open, an individual can crawl and use the window to quickly exit.

· The window’s opening should be clear and have a minimum area of 5.7 square feet.

· Height: Not less than 24 inches

· Width: Not less than 20 inches

· The window’s lower part should be at the height of no more than 44 inches to allow easy access.

· It should be possible to open and close the window from the inside.

· The window should not have grilles or bars which block the opening.

· It should be possible to open the window without using any other separate equipment such as a key.

download 1 4 Key Facts You Need to Know about Egress Windows Morganville, NJ

Special Considerations for Basement Windows

It is not necessary for all basement windows to be designed as egress windows. If you have an unfinished basement, you may only need to install ordinary windows for ventilation. But an egress window is required in the basement if this room is used as a living space or as a bedroom.

You can also combine ordinary windows and egress windows in your basement to improve lighting and ventilation.

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

 

Foundation Wall Cracks | Hunterdon County, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Putting Off the Repair of Foundation Repair Could Be Costing You Money Hunterdon County, NJ

Putting Off the Repair of Foundation Repair Could Be Costing You Money Hunterdon County, NJ

Are you a fan of surprises? If you’re like most people, you probably don’t like surprises that could cost you a lot of money. In fact, if you’re a homeowner, you probably hate any surprises to do with your home’s foundation.

Unfortunately, unexpected events do happen. While it may be tempting to ignore them, it is important that you deal with them when you come across them. One such thing is the appearance of foundation wall cracks.

%name Putting Off the Repair of Foundation Repair Could Be Costing You Money Hunterdon County, NJ

Many homeowners try to ignore foundation wall cracks for as long as they can. For many, their primary motivation is to save money. However, ignoring those cracks in your foundation is only causing you to spend more. Here’s how those foundation cracks are costing you money.

  1. They’re causing structural damage in other parts of the home

Foundation cracks are often a sign of weakness in the foundation or increased pressure against the foundation wall. This in turn can result in damage in other parts of the home. You may notice cracks in walls in the upper levels of your home, bulking floors, cracks in the floor and other damage. If you continue to ignore the cracks in your foundation, you will continue spending money on repairs in your home.

  1. They can cause water damage

Cracks in the foundation can be the channel through which water from the soil surrounding the foundation finds its way into your home. This can result in flooding of your basement. It can also result in other moisture-related problems such as rotting wood or a mold and mildew infestation.

Mold remediation would be required to restore the health of your home. You would also need to spend money on the replacement of wooden parts of your home structure that show signs of rot.

cracks Putting Off the Repair of Foundation Repair Could Be Costing You Money Hunterdon County, NJ
  1. They can result in plumbing issues

Water pipes that run below the foundation are often vulnerable to breakage. If the foundation is moving as a result of settling or hydrostatic pressure, there’s a good chance that the foundation will put a lot of stress and strain on the water pipes. This can result in breakage of the water pipes.

Even those with above-ground pipes aren’t safe. These pipes often run through walls or beneath the floors in upper levels of the home. They will also be damaged as the foundation shifts.

If you have cracks in your foundation walls, now is a great time to have them repaired.

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

Basement Waterproofing | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Things You Should Know About Basement Waterproofing Cost Estimates Trenton, NJ

Things You Should Know About Basement Waterproofing Cost Estimates Trenton, NJ

Are you considering investing in basement waterproofing? One of the biggest concerns homeowners have when faced with the need to waterproof their basement is how much it will cost. The best way to get this information is by having a professional contractor provide you with an estimate.

The following are some things you should know about basement waterproofing estimates.

basement waterproofing new jersey Things You Should Know About Basement Waterproofing Cost Estimates Trenton, NJ
  • The cost of waterproofing will depend on the solution provided by the contractor

There is a wide range of options available for waterproofing basements. The estimate you will be provided with will depend on the type of solution suggested by the contractor. You may therefore be provided with different costs by different contractors depending on the solutions they offer and the price of their labor.

  • You can seek estimates from different contractors

Many homeowners go with the first waterproofing contractor they contact. They don’t take the time to consider other opinions or to compare different estimates. This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when considering basement waterproofing. Comparing estimates from different contractors is the best way to identify great deals as well as the best solution for your basement.

  • Many contractors give estimates for free

If you’re worried about the cost of getting an estimate, don’t be. Many professional contractors offer this service for free. You can therefore contact different contractors and request for their estimates for the waterproofing project to compare. You are under no obligation to go with any particular contractor until you choose the contractor you will engage for the project.

  • Estimates are just that

Estimates aren’t an accurate calculation of the cost of the project. An estimate is just an estimate. There is therefore a good chance that you will spend more on the project than was outlined in the estimate. The estimate is just a guideline of how much the contractor thinks the project would cost.

  • Never go with an estimate that is too low

It can be tempting to go with the contractor offering the lowest estimate in an effort to save money. However, you may end up regretting this. In many cases, extremely low costs are achieved by cutting corners. This could result in failure or damage that will require you to pay a different contractor to fix.

Go through the estimates and determine which contractor meets your needs. Choose a cost-effective solution for your basement. 

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

Elevator Waterproofing | Morganville, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Features to Consider For Egress Windows – Middlesex County, NJ

Egress Windows

Egress windows in basements are important for safety. They should be properly configured in order to provide a reliable route of escape in case of an emergency. They should also be able to provide an entry way for emergency personnel who may have no other way to access your home. Keeping these functions of the windows in mind is vital when selecting windows for your basement.

If you want to ensure that your egress window is able to meet the requirements for safety discussed above, you should consider the following factors when choosing a window:

  1. Ground and cored corners

The installation process involves cutting a hole into the wall of the basement. Most contractors rely on a concrete saw for this. The round cutting blade limits how the contractor will cut the opening in the wall. To prevent cracking and leaking, use cored corners before applying a grinder to get 90 degree corners is best.

  1. Install metal window well liners

If you want to avoid the effects of hydrostatic pressure on your windows and foundation walls, it’s a good idea to install metal window well liners. These window well liners will be able to withstand the constant pressure exerted by expanding soils especially in the winter and during heavy rains.

Plastic liners are a bad idea since they can be torn as a result of extreme pressure. They can also be heaved upward as a result of the pressure of freezing soil.

  1. Consider choosing casement windows

There are various types of egress windows to choose from in the market today. Where possible, it’s best to go for casement windows. These are easy to open when there is an emergency. They are also large enough for an adult emergency worker with emergency equipment to climb through.

  1. Install a working drain

It’s important to ensure that the egress window has a working drain. This will ensure that water does not collect in the window well like an aquarium. The window can break under this pressure and you will have to deal with a flooded basement and the expense of replacing your egress window.

  1. Include a cover

Consider having a window with a cover. This may be in the form of reinforced polycarbonate. These covers not only provide privacy for the basement but will also keep pets, children and even adults safe from falling into the window well. The cover will also keep debris out of the window well.