Replacing Sheet Rock After a Flood Jersey City, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Flooding Can Cause Problems for Your Home

A basement flood in New Jersey is bad enough in an unfinished basement. However, if you have a finished or partially finished basement with any sheetrock as wall board then you will need to replace the sheetrock.

Flooding can lead to wet sheetrock

Sheetrock absorbs water. If it comes into contact with any amount of water (or even moisture for that matter) you have a problem. Sometimes you will only need to replace part of the sheetrock on a wall. You can cut out the wet portion and replace it with new sheetrock. Sheetrock will not dry out on its own before you will have a problem with mold behind the walls. If you leave wet sheetrock, mold will grow behind the wall because mold is using the material in the sheetrock for food. Add the water and the dark, damp spots behind the wall and a serious mold problem could start to grow in no time.

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How to deal with wet sheetrock

If you are trying to save part of the wall, you will need to determine how high the water has traveled up the wall. The longer the sheetrock sits in the standing water, the higher the water problem will be. Typically, water travels up the sheetrock 3-6 inches a day. If it is left for a few days, the water could be halfway up the wall.

One way to check for water damage in sheetrock is to slice the wall with a razor. It will cut easier if the wall is wet. You will notice the blade slide quicker and easier through the wet wall compared to the dry sheetrock. Find where the wall is dry, and cut a straight line there to remove the wet sheetrock.

Like we mentioned above, it is important to remove all wet sheetrock to avoid a potential mold problem. Never leave wet sheetrock after a basement flood in New Jersey or discovered water problem.

Have a professional contractor help fix the problem

contractor cob 150x150 Replacing Sheet Rock After a Flood Jersey City, NJ

A professional basement waterproofing contractor can help you in this process. He can remove the damaged sheetrock after a basement flood in New Jersey and help you install a basement waterproofing system to help avoid any future problems.

The other option is to replace all the sheetrock in the basement with waterproof wallboard. So, if there is another basement flood in New Jersey, you won’t have to replace the walls again. The EPA says basements should be finished with waterproof and water resistant materials. Think tile instead of carpet; plastic waterproof wallboard instead of sheetrock. The basement is inherently wetter and should not be finished like the upstairs even if you have a basement waterproofing system installed.

Contact us for more information about basement waterproofing!

Little Known Foundation Repair Challenges Associated with Leakages Bergen County, NJ

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A leaky foundation is a threat to not only the building structure, but also the property inside. When a home is built, its foundation walls are clean and easily accessible. However, with time the structure may experience problems such as cracking, gaps, and holes. Water begins to take its toll on your home, and if nothing is done to stop it, soon you start counting losses. Leakages in a building are a matter of emergency and should be handled as soon as possible. A foundation repair, if conducted at the right time using effective restoration procedures, can save a homeowner from water damage.

Water seepage shouldn’t be confused with moisture infiltration

There is a difference between water entering the interior of a building and moisture infiltrating a foundation. Some repair procedures are meant to restore problems related with moisture infiltration and not water seepage.

For example, a waterproofing technique helps tackle issues of liquid water entering a basement through cracks, gaps, and holes, but moisture can infiltrate porous cement through pores. The right treatment for moisture infiltration, or migration, is through damp proofing and not waterproofing. These two procedures can offer different remedies in protecting a home. Damp proofing is meant to keep moisture away and may not address the problem of liquid water.

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cracks 150x150 Little Known Foundation Repair Challenges Associated with Leakages Bergen County, NJ

Foundation repair techniques

A number of techniques are applied when repairing foundations. Depending on the nature of the problem, a contractor may decide to use one or more repair techniques. Foundations tend to experience cracking. It is normal for foundations to crack because cement shrinks as it cures.

Shrinkage induces stress on concrete, and that way, cracks form to relieve the stress. This is okay because foundations are designed to handle cracks.

However, if there are external forces such as settlement of the ground acting on foundation walls, it makes cracks widen and grow deeper. Common areas where cracks occur are corners of windows or in the middle of an elongated wall.

Most cracks are vertical and can be corrected using urethane foam technique. In the event that cracks run horizontally, or the wall structure has deflected, cracks may be perceived as structural. In this case, the ergo, epoxy technique is deemed appropriate.

Concisely, before any foundation repair is undertaken, the cause of the problem should be identified. Foundation cracks develop because of shifting ground, improper compaction, too much moisture, and too little moisture. Other cracks may be caused by tree roots growing in close proximity to a building.

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

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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.

Do’s & Don’ts For Basement Finishing – Trenton, NJ

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Are you planning for the finishing of your basement? You may have come across various basement systems designed to help you with this. The following are some tips to help you get the best results no matter which systems you choose to use.

Do:

  1. Include systems for the elimination of moisture

Moisture is your basement’s worst enemy. It is therefore important to eliminate it before you embark on finishing your basement. Don’t let moisture ruin the finished product. Install basement systems that will help to eliminate moisture including waterproofing membranes, vapor barriers, and French drains.

  1. Check building codes

It’s always a good idea to first check with building codes and local legislation before implementing a system. You should be sure that the system you intend to implement meets building code requirements.

  1. Take advantage of the positive

Unfinished basements may not seem like much but they do have some positive aspects that you can take advantage of. A good place to start is natural light. Look for egress window systems that will help you take advantage of natural lighting for your basement.

Don’ts

  1. Try to finish the whole basement area

It is important to consider space for utilities such as the storage of luggage, tools, and other seasonal items. This means that not all your basement would need to be finished. You can save money by spending a premium on the living space and leaving the utility space unfinished.

  1. Try to do it yourself

There are many do it yourself kits available in the market. While these kits encourage homeowners to carry out many of the repairs and renovations on their own, they don’t provide you with the many benefits that a skilled and experienced contractor would provide. There’s a good chance that you will overlook various aspects of the repair and renovation of your basement and end up with damage that is even more expensive and difficult to repair. Some jobs are better left to the professionals.

  1. Go cheap

Don’t be tempted to go cheap when it comes to investing in basement systems. Contractors who offer cheap solutions often have had to cut corners somewhere to be able to offer low prices. Learn to read between the lines and choose systems that offer good value for money.

Whatever systems you choose for your basement, ensure that you consider their long-term benefit.

 

 

French drains

Using French Drains To Create a Healthy Living Environment

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French Drains

One of the greatest concerns for any homeowner is to ensure their living space is safe. While there are many other sources of impurities in the indoor air, the basement is credited with many varieties of pollutants. The problem with these living spaces is their location below the surface making them susceptible to water leakage.

Basement water is a common frustration for homeowners and in fact, it has forced many homeowners to neglect these spaces. Water entry and high moisture levels cause mold growth, which is one of the major indoor air pollutants. By failing to deal conclusively with the water seepage issue, you will also have to grapple with high humidity levels that not only precipitate respiratory problems but also lead to property damage including dry rot and metal rusting.

However, you can now handle basement water through installation of a French drain and in the process, improve the quality of indoor air. If you have noticed an increase in respiratory infections in your family, it is likely that you have mold growth in your basement. While many people try glossing over basement water issues through painting and other temporary measures, it is advisable to talk to a waterproofing contractor who has experience installing French drains.

How a French Drain Helps

A French drain can be installed either externally or internally, but the function it plays is the same. The installation process involves excavation of an outdoor and indoor trench where a perforated PVC pipe is then laid. The pipe should be slanted in such a way that the collected water is driven away quickly. Once this is done, the trench is filled with porous materials such as rocks before the original backfill is returned.

All surface water will find its way into the perforated pipe and driven either to a sump pit for pumping or directly driven away from the property. The principle used here is that water uses the route with least resistance and now that this pipe is perforated and covered in porous materials, surface water will easily flow in to be driven away from your home.

When thinking of home improvement, a French drain might not be on your priority list but looking at the benefits it offers, it should rank up there. French drains not only help protect your home’s foundation against water damage, but they also protect your family by providing a healthy living environment.

crawl space waterproofing

Is Crawl Space Waterproofing a Worthwhile Investment?

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Crawl Space Waterproofing

While the debate on the place of crawlspace in modern construction continues, many homeowners are left wondering what to do with this space. Many others don’t even remember this space exists, which poses even more problems. If your home is in a low-lying area, it is highly likely that there is a crawlspace below the structure. Now that your home is a big investment, it is imperative to learn how to properly care for every part of the structure. This is where crawl space waterproofing comes in.

Understanding Crawlspace Water Problem

One of the main problems associated with crawlspaces is water leakage. The fact that these spaces are located below the ground level makes them susceptible to water entry. Surface and ground water always seeks the easiest way to flow and if there are cracks on the foundation wall, lateral pressure will push water through. Water can also leak through the earth floor especially during the rainy season when the water level rises.

Why worry about Crawlspace Water?

It is true the crawlspace is out of sight, but you will be surprised by the huge impact anything that happens in this space has on the rest of the building. Water in the crawlspace attracts critters and rodents, which might end up tampering with utility wires. These critters might also find their way into the main house.

The dampness and moisture in the crawlspace will provide the best conditions for mold growth. Toxic mold causes respiratory problems, eye and skin irritation among other health problems. Mold spores in this space will eventually travel to the upper levels of the house causing untold health problems to the house occupants. This is a good reason to invest in crawl space waterproofing.

There is also the risk of structural damage when foundation metal fasteners start rusting while wooden joists rot away. Your precious investment could be at risk if you don’t resolve this crawlspace water problem quickly.

Crawl Space Waterproofing Systems

When you hire a professional foundation contractor, they will carry out a professional inspection to identify the source of water leak. There are different waterproofing systems they can choose from including installation of a crawlspace sump pump, crawlspace drainage systems, vent covers, dehumidification, crawlspace pipe insulation, crawlspace vapor barrier and crawlspace encapsulation.

Through crawl space waterproofing, you can add extra room for storage while at the same time protecting your family from health risks. This home improvement project will also protect your home and improve indoor air quality (IAQ) in your home.

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mold remediation

Have a Healthy Home with Professional Mold Remediation in Plainfield NJ

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Mold Remediation in Plainfield NJ

Every homeowner believes their indoor living space is safe. When thinking of home improvement ideas, there is always an attempt to make these indoor living spaces more comfortable and welcoming. There is little concern about the indoor air quality (IAQ) yet this is one of the most important parameters in determining how safe any living space is.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that indoor air pollution is now among the top 5 environmental dangers. Among the main causes of pollution is mold and if your house has a basement or crawlspace, it is important to contract a professional mold remediation service. There are many mold removal kits in the stores, but these will never get the job done as comprehensively as when a certified mold professional does it.

Why Is Mold Remediation Important?

If you are experiencing a musty odor in your basement or you can see a brownish growth on wooden surfaces in the basement, it is time to call in a mold expert. Mold growth is not easy to notice but the effects it has on your family’s health will cost you a lot.

Mold spores travel slowly to the upper levels of the house and cause respiratory problems, eye and skin irritation among other health complications. These allergens can cause fatal asthmatic attacks especially among kids, hence the need to deal with mold growth sooner than later.

Dealing with Mold Growth

Mold growth mainly affects basements because of their location below the surface making them susceptible to water entry. To comprehensively deal with mold growth, an expert will first find out the extent of damage and mark out the affected area. Once this is done, they will identify the water leak and work on how to deal with it.

The problem with DIY mold removal is the fact that it deals with the surface problem and does not focus on the underlying cause of mold infestation. Professional mold remediation goes beyond removal and instead deals with the moisture problem to ensure the homeowner does not have to deal with the issue again.

After the water leak has been sealed through an appropriate waterproofing system, the affected areas are removed. The next phase involves treatment of the affected surfaces and items with eco-friendly chemicals. A mold expert has the tools and gear necessary to handle these chemicals. They also know safety precautions to take to avoid the spread of mold to other areas during the cleanup.

Once the affected areas are cleaned, restoration takes place and testing is done to confirm there is no mold presence.

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egress windows

Egress Windows for a Safe Basement

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Egress Windows

Egress windows are a requirement for the safety of a basement apartment. Building code requires that these windows be installed for emergency purposes. It is therefore common for homeowners to look at these windows as an obligation and fail to see the opportunities they present.

Egress window can not only provide a basement with more light but can also make a basement apartment a safer and healthier space in which to live.

The following are examples of strategically installed windows that make a big difference to basement apartments:

  • Kitchen

A kitchen is a necessary part of any apartment. It is also one of the most active areas of an apartment. Installing a window in the portion of a basement apartment that houses the kitchen can help to reduce humidity as well as smells resulting from cooking.

Kitchen windows also offer a great opportunity for kitchen gardens that can brighten up the apartment.

  • Bedroom

The bedroom section of a basement apartment should be calm and warm. However, adding a window can add a great deal to the appeal of the space. You get to watch the sun rise as you lie in bed especially if your window is an east-facing one.

Windows in the bedroom space can help to regulate temperatures especially in summer. They can help to keep the space cool and allow fresh air into the space, therefore promoting the health of the occupants.

  • Bathroom

You may think that adding a window to the bathroom of a basement apartment may be intrusive. However, a bathroom window will go a long way in not only making the bathroom a light and airy space but also in keeping moisture levels low in the apartment. Steam and moisture in the air can be vented out through the window. This ensures that the rest of the apartment remains dry and free of mold.

When choosing egress windows, it is important to consider the design and layout of the basement apartment. Consider what your windows will be adding to the space. The additional light as well as the opportunity to provide ventilation is a great motivation for the installation of windows in different parts of the apartment.

Ensure that you consult with a professional contractor from the beginning. This will help you select the right windows and identify the right places to have them installed. It will also ensure that you meet building code requirements.

basement remodeling

Basement Remodeling in Woodbridge NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Basement Remodeling in Woodbridge NJ

The housing market has been on the road to recovery for the past few years. There are many homeowners who are now looking forward to selling their homes for good value. Those who are smart are taking a step further by investing in basement remodeling to further increase their profit margins.

Creating a living space in the basement is a great way of increasing the value of your home. It is an easy and inexpensive way of increasing the square footage of living space in your home. You can turn your basement into practically anything including an extra bedroom, an apartment, a home office or even a media room.

However, basement remodeling doesn’t always go right. In fact, many homeowners have found that remodeling their basements resulted in an overall reduction of value to their homes instead of increasing the value of their homes. How?

Remodeling your basement can hurt the value of your home if the remodeling does not meet building code. It can also hurt the value of your home if the remodeling isn’t done right.

What does it take to get good value from basement remodeling? The following are some steps to consider taking.

  1. Know your code

It is important to understand building code and ensure that your plans meet the standards of the code. This is especially important if you’re planning to convert your basement into a living space such as an apartment.

  1. Hire a professional contractor

It is important to consult with a professional contractor from the beginning. Let them advise you in planning. They should oversee the implementation of your plans and ensure that your construction is in line with the requirements of building code.

  1. Invest in waterproofing

If you want to ensure that your investment is for the long term, you should invest in waterproofing. This will ensure that the space is not prone to leaks and other moisture problems that can otherwise undermine the value of your home.

  1. Consider demand

Consider the demand in the area. What are buyers looking for in a home? Do people want an apartment that they can earn some extra money from? Are buyers looking for luxurious spaces? Base your design and choices for the basement renovation on what potential buyers would want in their homes.

Ensure that your basement remodeling project is a success by hiring an experienced contractor to guide you through it.

foundation cracks

Wall Shrinkage Can Cause Foundation Cracks in Morganville NJ

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Foundation Cracks in Morganville NJ

Have you spotted cracks in your foundation? The sight of foundation cracks can be disheartening for any homeowner. It can also be a cause for great anxiety. You may start to wonder what type of damage your foundation has undergone and what can be done about it. Your top fear will probably be how much it will cost to repair the foundation.

Before you go into full panic mode, take some time to call a waterproofing contractor. A full inspection of your basement will help to determine just how bad the situation is. Many homeowners find that things aren’t as bad as they seem and repairs are often done quickly and affordably.

A waterproofing contractor will help you evaluate the foundation cracks and determine the cause of the cracks. They will help you determine the best way to repair the cracks and deal with any other problems.

Shrinkage Cracks

Foundation walls aren’t static. They change in size and shape as they cure. They also shift in reaction to environmental conditions including temperature, groundwater and other such conditions. Cracks can occur in foundations as a result of the stress of shifting and curing.

Shrinkage cracks occur in different types of foundations:

  1. Poured concrete foundations

Shrinkage cracks occur in these foundations as a result of rapid curing, poor mixing of concrete as well as poor reinforcement of the foundation with steel. Changing temperatures can also cause shrinkage cracks when concrete expands and contracts in reaction to temperature changes.

  1. Brick walls

Bricks aren’t commonly used for the construction of foundations in modern houses. However, many old buildings feature these types of foundations. Shrinkage cracks in brick foundations occur in the mortar between the bricks. The bricks themselves never shrink but continue to expand.

  1. Block foundations

Shrinkage cracks in these types of foundations appear as cracks of uniform width at the center of the wall. They occur as a result of curing as well as variations in temperature.

Repairing Shrinkage Cracks

Shrinkage cracks in poured concrete and block foundations often aren’t structural. Their repair is therefore not as intensive as when dealing with structural cracks. Shrinkage cracks in brick walls are often a sign of a structural or support problem in the wall.

It is important to talk to a foundation expert in order to determine the best method for repairing the foundation cracks. Ignoring the cracks will only make matters worse. They can easily progress to pose a structural threat to your home.