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

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.

crawl space waterproofing

Is Crawl Space Waterproofing a Worthwhile Investment?

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.

Contact us today!

Crawlspace Waterproofing | Middletown, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Considerations for Crawl Space Encapsulation in Plainfield NJ

Crawl Space Encapsulation in Plainfield NJ

Have you ignored the conditions in your crawl space? You will likely feel the effects in your home. The quality of air in your home is dependent on the state of your crawl space. The state of your home’s structure relies a great deal on the health of your crawl space. It therefore makes sense to pay close attention to your crawl space.

As people become more informed about crawl spaces and indoor air quality, they are learning the importance of crawl space encapsulation. People now understand that more than 50% of the air they breathe in their homes is actually flowing up from their crawl spaces. They know it is important to keep these spaces clean and dry.

Considerations Before Crawl Space Encapsulation

When you read about encapsulating your crawl space, it can seem like a straight forward process. However, there are various factors you have to consider before the actual process in order to ensure long term success. These include:

  1. Bulk water issues

Does water collect in your crawl space? Have you observed standing pools of water in or near your crawl space? Inspect your crawl space. Look for pools of water as well as water stains on the walls and structures in the crawl space.

Bulk water issues have to be dealt with before you can encapsulate your crawl space. The source of water must be determined and a means to deal with the water identified. This will help to prevent water from collecting in or near your foundation. Solutions may include installing drainage around the crawl space or even correcting the grading of your landscape.

  1. Termite control

Termites are attracted to crawl spaces for the wood that is easily accessible to them. When the wood in the crawl space is affected by rot, it only becomes more attractive to termites.

While encapsulation keeps moisture out of the crawl space, it may not be as effective against termites. It is therefore important to have the space treated to keep termites out. Contact a termite control company to help you find ways of keeping termites out of your crawl space.

  1. Dealing with back drafting

Is any equipment vented into your crawl space? Many homes with crawlspaces have their air conditioning and heating equipment vented into the crawl space. Venting into an encapsulated crawlspace may result in back drafting. A professional crawl space contractor can help you find a way to prevent this from occurring.

Ensure that you rely on a professional contractor for successful encapsulation of your crawlspace.

crawl space waterproofing

A Short Guide to Crawl Space Waterproofing in Morganville NJ

Crawl Space Waterproofing in Morganville NJ

The crawl space happens to be one of the most neglected parts of a home. Most of these spaces, especially in older homes, are vented to allow moisture removal through ventilation. However, this has been found to be a counterproductive strategy as it leads to mold growth, condensation and pest infestation. The main problem with crawl spaces is the fact that 60% of the air in these spaces eventually flows to the upper levels of your house.

Risks of Crawl Space Flooding

On the surface, crawl space moisture might not look like a big issue until you consider the consequences. High moisture presence will lead to rusting of utility piping and other appliances such as furnaces. This might necessitate expensive repairs in future. Worse still, wood rot affects the integrity of the foundation and this can ruin your home.

Due to high moisture levels, toxic mold growth poses a big risk to the occupants as it may lead to respiratory issues such as asthmatic attacks. The presence of moisture also attracts pests which can be a nuisance in your house. To avoid all these problems, it is important to invest in crawl space waterproofing.

If you suspect that your crawl space is flooded, it is important to call in an established contractor for a free inspection and treatment of the problem.

Ideas for Crawl Space Waterproofing

Waterproofing this space is not only beneficial to the occupants but also protects your precious investment. There are different methods used in crawl space waterproofing. These are:

  1. Crawl space encapsulation: This involves sealing all the space, including the walls and the floor, with overlapping polyethylene sheets. The material is waterproof and prevents entry of water and vapor through the earthen floor and wall cracks.
  2. Sump pump installation: A crawl space sump pump is installed at the center of the floor in combination with an interior drainage system along the inner perimeter of the foundation walls. All water collected is pumped away from the property.
  3. Vapor barrier: A vapor barrier is used to prevent entry of moisture and gases through the walls. The barrier should also cover all utility wires and other obstacles including the boiler.
  4. Dehumidifier: This is installed to ensure the crawl space remains dry irrespective of the weather. A safe humidity level is important to improve the indoor air quality (IAQ) in the rest of the house.

Crawl space waterproofing is a great home improvement idea. It will improve the overall indoor air quality in your house and this space can be used for storage. Contact us today!

crawl space waterproofing

How to Get a Crawl Space Waterproofing Repair Quotation

Crawl Space Waterproofing

Have you noticed any changes in your home? Are the floors sagging? Do your doors or windows jam when trying to open or close them? Is there a musty smell in your home? Are your energy bills much higher than they once were?

These are all signs of problems in your crawl space. If you haven’t already, now is the time to invest in crawl space waterproofing. If your crawl space has been encapsulated already, there may be issues that need to be addressed.

Whether you need your crawl space repaired or waterproofed, it is important to ensure that you use a professional contractor to address the issues in the damp space.

Finding professional crawl space waterproofing contractors is now easier with the internet. Many have websites that you can visit to see the services they offer. Finding the right contractor for your needs is where the challenge lies.

  • Educate yourself

Every home owner should take some time to learn about how to maintain their property. Educating yourself about crawl spaces is part of this process. This will help you determine what needs to be done and therefore avoid been scammed.

  • Seek referrals

The best way to find a reliable contractor is by seeking referrals from people you know who live in the area or other consumers online. Referrals help you gather information on the backgrounds of contractors so you can make an informed choice.

  • Contact contractors

Get in touch with contractors who have a good track record based on the information you’ve gathered. Ask them how you can get a quote from them. End any communication with contractors who provide you with instant quotes before inspecting your crawl space.

  • Compare quotations

Now comes the hard part. Comparing quotations isn’t as easy as eliminating all the high quotes. Money is important since you should be able to afford the services, but it isn’t everything.

Carefully go over the services and actions included in the quotations. Look over how the cost is broken down. Are there any hidden costs that you should be concerned about? Is there anything that isn’t clear? Get in touch with the contractor for further clarification.

  • Make your choice

Finally make your choice based on which contractor will give you the best value for your money. You should choose a contractor that is professional and easy to work with.

Remember that all crawl spaces are unique. Don’t be cheated into taking a one size fits all solution.

crawl space vapor barrier

Enjoy a Healthier Home with a Crawl Space Vapor Barrier

A Healthier Home Starts with Installing a Crawl Space Vapor Barrier

According to the EPA, our indoor environment is two to five times more toxic than the outdoor environment. Since forty percent of the air you breathe comes from your crawl space, a crawl space vapor barrier is an improvement you should consider.

Often, people don’t want to venture into their crawl spaces, since they’re damp, dark, cold, and often unfinished. Since they’re humid, they can invite threats that go unnoticed until they become serious. These include mold and wood-boring bugs, which, in turn, might invite rodents and other pests.

A Solution for Moisture

Moisture naturally emanates from the soil, and a crawl space vapor barrier, sometimes called an encapsulation system, can mitigate moisture. It’s a thick, plastic liner installed over the dirt floor and up the foundation walls. We perform these installations at Select Basement Waterproofing and ensure:

  • The vapor barrier has a good “perm” rating number, which measures the transference of vapor through the product (the lower the number, the higher the product’s resistance)
  • Proper liner overlapping
  • Correct taping of seams and anchoring to the foundation

Other Remediation Suggestions

Of course, the list above is a simple overview. It’s also important to look at the overall site and offer other remediation suggestions. Insulation may need removal or replacement. Leaky pipes, dryer vents, or outside sources may be causing moisture and need repair. If there is mold, it will need removal before installing the crawl space vapor barrier.

crawl space vapor barrier Enjoy a Healthier Home with a Crawl Space Vapor Barrier

If you suspect or know of outside sources of moisture intrusion, you may want to discuss remedying those as well. French drains, for example, are efficient systems for drawing water away from homes.

Once moisture is no longer a problem in your crawl space, you’ll be free to use it for storage or other purposes. In any event, you’ll gain peace of mind in knowing your home is a healthier place than it was. If you’d like a professional evaluation, contact us.