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

House Foundation Cracks | Middleton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

How to Diagnose and Fix House Foundation Cracks Middleton, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

House foundation cracks come in a wide range of sizes and shapes. It is common for foundation cracks to develop within about one year after the construction of a new building. Cracks commonly appear near windows, on the walls, on the floor, and in some sections of the foundation. Most cracks occur as a result of concrete settling and are therefore not a cause for alarm. But if cracks expand or allow water seepage, you need to contact an expert.

Having some knowledge about how to diagnose house foundation cracks and how they are repaired can help you know whether any crack that appears on your building warrants calling a crack repair company. Below, you will get some details about how to diagnose three types of cracks and what a crack repair contractor will do to repair the cracks.

Identifying Diagonal and Vertical Cracks foundation repair 2 300x200 How to Diagnose and Fix House Foundation Cracks Middleton, NJ

In most cases, diagonal or vertical cracks in the foundation of a house occur as the concrete settles in. Such cracks are common in new buildings. Diagonal cracks are positioned diagonally while vertical cracks are perpendicular to the floor or the ground. Small vertical and diagonal cracks (less than 1/8 inch wide) are nothing to worry much about but still need to be repaired. However, vertical and diagonal cracks that are wider than 1/8 inch indicate a more serious foundation problem and need to be inspected by an expert.

Identifying Horizontal Cracks

The presence of horizontal cracks on the foundation of a house suggests that there is a more severe structural problem. For instance, there could be considerable hydrostatic pressure from the surrounding soil as it absorbs water. This can lead to foundation bowing, more severe cracks, and even foundation failure.

How to Fix Vertical and Diagonal Cracks

Small vertical and diagonal cracks can be repaired using repair methods such as polyurethane and epoxy injections. The StablWall technology, which uses carbon fibers, can be used to repair large vertical and diagonal cracks. StablWall has unique properties such as high tensile strength and stiffness, as well as the ability to withstand high temperatures. These properties enable the material to form strong bonds and prevent further crack expansion.

How to Fix Horizontal Cracks

Technologies likeStablWall, repair beams and rods can be used to fix horizontal house foundation cracks. It is important to involve an experienced contractor when dealing with horizontal cracks and large vertical and diagonal cracks.

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

Foundation Repair | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Restoring Your Home After Foundation Repair Morganville, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Restoring Your Home After Foundation Repair

Finding signs of foundation problems can be alarming for any homeowner. It can be even more distressing when you realize that the foundation repair solution will result in even more damage to your home. It may require the excavation of your landscape for example, or even the tearing down of your drywall.

As a homeowner, it’s important to understand that repairing our foundation is an investment in the longevity of your home. The repair solution may put an end to many of the structural problems you’re currently experiencing. It is therefore best to go all out and have every issue with your foundation seen to rather than have a temporary solution applied.

Following the repair of your foundation, you may be wondering how soon you can restore normalcy to your home. Before you attempt to have new drywall installed, it is important to understand that foundation repair can impact your home. You may notice some changes in how your doors fit or windows close. You may even notice some cracks in the walls.

cracked foundation repair cleveland 300x193 Restoring Your Home After Foundation Repair Morganville, NJ

For best results with your restoration, apply the tips below:

  1. Clean up

Clean up debris and remove anything from the property that may be a health hazard. Make note of anything that you need to repair or update. This will help you better plan for your repairs.

  1. Give it some time

Do not rush into restoring normalcy in your home. Give your home time to adjust to its new state. Your home may need to settle into a new position for example. This may result in cracking of drywall if you rush to install it right after foundation repair.

As a rule of thumb, wait for at least six months before attempting any cosmetic repairs. This will give your home enough time to adjust. It will also give you enough time to observe for any further need for repair.

  1. Have the foundation inspected

It is a good idea to have your foundation inspected once again after the repair. This ensures that anything that may have been overlooked can be identified and repaired. It also gives you the opportunity to spot any problems that may have developed as a result of the repair and fix them.

It is best to consult with a professional foundation repair contractor about how soon you can embark on the cosmetic repair of your home. This will ensure that you get great results.

 

Holmdel, NJ | Basement Waterproofing - Foundation Repair

Wall Anchors or Carbon Fiber for Repairing House Foundation Cracks | Holmdel, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

The sight of house foundation cracks is enough to scare any homeowner. The good news is that not all foundation cracks are structural. In fact, many of the narrow cracks that appear on foundation walls won’t have any effect on the integrity of the foundation or your home. However, they can result in water seepage. These can be fixed by injecting the cracks with polyurethane.

Wider cracks (those that are more than an eighth of an inch) can often allow the foundation to move inward or rotate. They are often a result of bowing of the foundation wall. These cracks are therefore an indication of a serious problem that should be dealt with as soon as possible.

foundation cracks 1024x768 300x225 Wall Anchors or Carbon Fiber for Repairing House Foundation Cracks | Holmdel, NJ

You will have two choices to deal with these house foundation cracks.

  1. Wall anchors

These are the more traditional foundation repair method. They involve the installation of a plate into the soil on the outside of the foundation. A threaded rod attached to this plate is passed through the foundation wall and attached to another plate on the inside of the wall. The rod is tightened to pull the wall back into position.

This method of crack repair will result in the straightening of the wall and the closing of the cracks. It can be used no matter how much movement has occurred. The stability provided by the anchor, however, is dependent on the stability of the soil. Movement, swelling or even desiccation of the soil will result in destabilization of the anchor and the wall.

These anchors also require regular maintenance which includes periodic tightening of the rod in order to maintain stability. The anchors are also obtrusive in their appearance and can be an eyesore.

  1. Carbon fiber

Carbon fiber is a repair solution that is taking over the construction industry. The repair method involves installing carbon fiber strips on the wall to prevent further movement. The placement of the strips depends on the direction of movement and the pattern of the cracks.

Carbon fiber strips provide stabilization to bowing walls. However, they cannot help to straighten the wall. There is also a limit to the degree of movement that these strips can be applied to.

The carbon fiber strips, however, are great for basements that are finished or will be finished in the future. They are unobtrusive and can be painted or finished in any other way. They also do not require maintenance once installed.

Having trouble deciding which method to use? Talk to a professional repair contractor to help you determine the best solution for your foundation.

Hudson County, NJ | Basement Waterproofing - Foundation Repair

How To Cope With a Sinking Foundation | Hudson County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Water can be good and bad for your foundation. The ground around your foundation needs a small amount of moisture to support the total weight of your home.

When there is prolonged drought, the moisture content of the ground is depleted. The soil surrounding the foundation of your home will therefore contract. When this happens, the foundation of your home will settle unevenly. This is known as a differential settlement. The result is a sinking foundation.

Signs that you have a sinking foundation

Do you suspect that your foundation is sinking? Are you unsure? You can check for the following signs to find out if you are dealing with a sinking foundation or a different problem.

  • Sloping floors: Does water drain off your floors in a particular direction? If your floor was level before, check to ensure that it is not sloping.
  • Your windows and doors are sticking. If your windows and doors closed and opened smoothly before but are now sticking, your foundation may be sinking.
  • The formation of cracks in the basement, or foundation, is a sure sign of a structural problem with your basement.

If you notice any or a combination of the above signs, contact a contractor to have your foundation checked. This is the best way to confirm what type of problem you are dealing with.

settling foundation lg 300x223 How To Cope With a Sinking Foundation | Hudson County, NJ

Dealing with a sinking foundation

The sinking of a foundation is nothing new. There is, therefore, nothing to be worried about. This type of foundation problem has been plaguing home owners from the time that foundations were first used in houses. There are therefore several different repair methods that have been devised over the years.

The most common methods used for repairing these troubled foundations include:

  • The replacement of the foundation
  • The installation of concrete pilings
  • Installation of helical piers

All these methods are still in use today. However, the replacement of a foundation is the most expensive solution.

A foundation that is sinking cannot be fixed without the assistance of a professional contractor. It is therefore important to contact one as soon as you notice any changes in the slope of your floor, the jamming of your doors and windows or cracks in basement walls.

House Foundation Cracks | Morganville, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Foundation Repair Challenges | Jersey City, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

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.

foundation wall cracks web 1 150x150 Foundation Repair Challenges | Jersey City, 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.

Bergen County, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Here’s Why You Should Be Concerned About those Tiny House Foundation Cracks | Bergen County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Here’s Why You Should Be Concerned About those Tiny House Foundation Cracks

Homeowners often get concerned when they notice large house foundation cracks and rightly so. These cracks will not only result in moisture problems in the basement, but can also cause structural problems in the home.

Homeowners, however, aren’t too concerned when they notice small cracks. This is because many believe that cracks should only be dealt with when they are very large.

What happens when you ignore small cracks?

Small cracks may seem innocent enough, especially when they are not leaking. However, these small cracks are still a good reason to call a waterproofing professional. Ignoring these house foundation cracks will result in:

  1. The problem only becoming worse

Foundation cracks, both large and small, are often a sign of an underlying issue affecting your foundation. Ignoring the cracks won’t make the problem go away. In fact, you will only be allowing the problem to become even worse. foundation crack 150x150 Here’s Why You Should Be Concerned About those Tiny House Foundation Cracks | Bergen County, NJ

If you notice small cracks in your foundation, get in touch with a waterproofing contractor as soon as you can. They can help you resolve the issue before it becomes worse. This will save you a lot of money in repairs.

  1. Water penetration

The cracks may not be letting water in now, but they eventually will. There are many instances where homeowners have ignored cracks that were dry only to find their basement flooded after some weeks or months.

If you want to avoid water penetrating the basement, deal with the cracks as soon as you notice them. Small cracks are easy to repair, especially when they are still dry.

  1. Growth of mold and mildew

Even small cracks can let moisture into the home. You may not notice this when you examine the cracks. However, you may notice a musty smell in your basement as you continue to ignore the cracks.

The growth of mold and mildew is not only detrimental to the air quality of your home, but will also result in the destruction of your property. Getting rid of mold is expensive and intensive. You can avoid all this loss by having the cracks repaired as soon as you notice them.

Repairing house foundation cracks

There are different methods that contractors may suggest for the repair of the cracks. The methods depend on the size of the cracks, their location, whether they are leaking, and the type of foundation. Be sure to choose a method that will give you long-term results.

 

Morris County, NJ | Select Waterproofing

Is Your Sump Pump Discharge Line Working Against You? | Morris County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Sump Pump Discharge Line

The sump pump discharge line is the pipe that gets the water out of your basement.  The sump pump is tied into the discharge line that goes up and out of the basement and from there filtered through another drain pipe and out into a drainage area in the yard.  If your sump pump system is designed correctly, it can keep your basement dry.  If it isn’t, your discharge line could be working against you.

Pump Strength with Discharge Line Length (or head)

First, make sure that the pump is the right size and strength for the length of the discharge line and the amount of water you need to be pumping.  The efficiency of a pump is figured by how many gallons of water it can pump out per hour.  The length of the discharge line, or head, is factored into the equation. Sometimes when a pump states the amount of gallons per hour, it is at zero foot head. That means that is how fast it can pump out the water at the floor level.  If a pump says it pumps 2,000 gallons at an 8 foot head (which is about what you need to get the water out of a typical basement) that is a good, strong pump.  A professional basement waterproofing contractor can help you determine the right pump to install in your system.

maxresdefault 150x150 Is Your Sump Pump Discharge Line Working Against You? | Morris County, NJ

The Force of Gravity

Another way a discharge line could be working against you is with gravity.  The discharge line is usually vertical and goes up the basement wall. If you don’t have the proper check valve on the discharge line (and backup check valves in place) water will start going the wrong way back down into the sump pit or liner.  Generally one third to two thirds of the total water pumped will slip back down if you don’t have a one-way valve to stop the water from going back down into the pit for the pump to pump it out again.  Make sure your check valve is working properly and your discharge line isn’t working against you.

Keep the Discharge Line Clear

While the sump pump is the heart of the waterproofing system, the discharge lines are the veins and arteries. If either part fails, your system is in trouble.  If the water can’t exit the basement due to clogged or frozen discharge lines, the whole system won’t work to keep the basement dry.  There will be water backed up, and even if the pump is working, your basement could flood.  It is important to take precautions to make sure the lines don’t freeze or clog.  Regular check and maintenance on the discharge lines will make sure they don’t get full of debris. The vertical discharge line and the lines on the outside of the house should be in good working condition for the system to work effectively.

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

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

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.

Contact Us! We Can Help! 732-360-5052

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.