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Signs of Basement Leaks in New Jersey

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Basement Leaks in New Jersey

Basement leaks in New Jersey have many common causes. First, water that is on the ground can seep into your foundation and basement floor. Water could also leak into your basement due to issues with your gutters. Your gutters may overflow due to heavy rain, clogs, a sudden thaw, or poor installation. If you do not have enough gutters, water will also leak. Basement leaks in New Jersey are also often caused by disconnected downspouts, poor planning in terms of landscaping, and sprinklers aiming at your home. Finally, basement leaks in New Jersey are also a risk if your pipes have excessive condensation or if your interior walls have water inside them.

Signs of Basement Leaks in New Jersey

To catch basement leaks before they become serious floods, watch for these common signs.

  • Staining: Water stains on your basement floor or walls are a definite indication of a basement leak.
  • Odor: If your basement smells damp or musty, it is likely that there is excessive moisture and a potential leak.
  • Mold: Mold will also appear in a basement that has a leak, and it can come in many colors. If you suspect mold, you should have it tested.
  • Efflorescence: Efflorescence is a condition in which salt deposits are left by water that has evaporated. These may appear on your walls as gray or white ash, and it can sparkle.
  • Spalling: This also refers to salt deposits that are left behind, but spalling occurs when the surface that the salt is on begins to peel away or otherwise come off.

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mold remediation

Don’t Mess Around with Basement Mold

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

The Importance of Basement Mold Detection and Removal

Whether or not you’ve got a finished basement, a soon-to-be-finished basement, or just a musty old storage space you don’t really live in, it is important that you pay attention to potential basement mold growth.

Believe it or not, mold is a living organism, and it can be very harmful to the health of you and your family. Mold doesn’t need much to start developing a colony; only 60% relative humidity and as little as 24 hours. Scary, huh? Fortunately, the risk of health-related issues due to toxic black mold can be greatly reduced by taking immediate action, or avoided altogether by taking preventative action.

If you hadn’t had a chance to take preventative action, and mold has already taken up residence in your home, here’s a quick tip for killing it:

  • (Wearing a dust mask) Spray a 10/1 water to bleach mixture on the affected areas. Take a firm sponge and scrub the entire area for 2-3 minutes, spraying more solution if necessary. Repeat this process 3 times over the next 2 weeks, and you will have effectively killed your mold colonies. Alternatively, you may use hydrogen peroxide in your solution.

Got another tip? Let us know in the comments below!

It is important to recognize, however, that spot treatment may not be the long-term solution to your basement mold epidemic. If moisture is still infiltrating your home, mold will just find somewhere else to grow. In this case, you may want to consider having a basement waterproofing professional inspect your home for water penetration, foundation cracking, and other potential sources of excess moisture. Contact us for more information.

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