sump pump

Tips for Sump Pump Inspection

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Sump Pump

Your sump pump is a key component of the waterproofing system of your home. It prevents your basement from being flooded by rainwater or groundwater. Water that makes it into your basement collects in a well and is pumped out of the basement.

We’d all like our sump pumps to last forever. However, like any other appliance in the home, your sump pump requires regular maintenance. This will help it function properly for longer. Inspection is the first step to maintaining your pump.

How often should your pump be inspected?

Sump pumps come in a wide variety. Maintenance schedules for these pumps vary depending on the requirements of the manufacturer as well as the amount of work the pump does. However, it is recommended that your carry out maintenance of your pump in accordance with the schedules below depending on your situation:

  • Monthly

If your pump is active more often e.g. sump pumps that also have to dispose of water from washing machines and other household appliances, monthly maintenance is required. Monthly cleaning of the inlet and pump screen is highly recommended in these situations.

  • Quarterly

If your pump only disposes of ground water and rain water, maintenance can be done quarterly. This should also include inspection and cleaning of the pump screen as well as the inlet.

Inspecting Sump Pumps Like Pro

There are several things that professional inspectors look for when they check on pumps at annual inspections. These include the following:

  1. Alarms

It is important to purchase a pump with an alarm. This will ensure that you’re alerted in case of a problem. If your pump has an alarm system, it is the first thing that you should inspect. Test the alarm to ensure that it functions properly.

  1. Check valves

These valves help to prevent water that is being pumped out from flowing back down through the discharge pipe. It is important to ensure that the valve is working properly to prevent your basement from flooding.

  1. Pit

The pit in which the pump sits is also inspected. Professionals inspect these pits to ensure that they are large enough. They also inspect them for siltation and signs of underpinning. This helps to ensure the integrity of your foundation.

  1. Backup system

It is important to have a backup system. This kicks in when the primary pump malfunctions. Ensure that this system is working just as efficiently as the primary system.

Contact us today for more information!

Crawlspace Waterproofing | Middletown, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Considerations for Crawl Space Encapsulation in Plainfield NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

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.

egress windows

What You Need To Know Before Adding Egress Windows in Woodbridge NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Egress Windows in Woodbridge NJ

Are you planning to finish your basement? You may be planning to convert your basement into an additional bedroom, game room or other living space. This is a great way to not only add to the square footage of your home but also to add value to your house should you decide to sell it one day.

Many homeowners think that converting a basement is as simple as adding drywall and a few coats of paint. However, there are several other requirements for finished basements depending on the state. One common requirement is the addition of egress windows.

Add a Window

All building codes across the US call for homeowners to add egress windows if they want to convert their basements into habitable spaces. Although requirements vary, they generally call for the window to be large enough for an adult of average build to be able to escape through in case of an emergency such as a flood or fire.

Minimum Requirements

Building codes require that windows in finished basements be large enough to allow a person to escape. They should also be large enough for emergency personnel to enter the home in case they need rescue someone.

Local building codes provide guidelines on the minimal height and width of the windows. It is therefore important for homeowners to check with these requirements before they add their windows. You will otherwise have to replace your window and therefore waste a lot of money in the process.

Other Requirements

There are also various other requirements for the windows. These include the operation of the windows. Windows should be operational not only from the outside but from the inside as well. It is also important to ensure that no special tools are required for the operation of these windows.

There are also various requirements for window wells and other associated structures. For example, window wells for basements below ground level should have ladders installed in them to increase accessibility.

Replacement of Existing Windows

If you already have egress windows in your home, you should check to ensure that they meet the minimal requirements for these windows. If they don’t, you will have to consider having them replaced. Replacement may involve increasing the width or height of your windows. This depends on whether the current window meets the requirements for placement.

Get in touch with a professional to help you with the installation.

Rhino carbon fiber

5 Advantages of the Rhino Carbon Fiber Foundation Repair

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Rhino Carbon Fiber Foundation Repair

One of the most common structural problems occurring in newly constructed houses is foundation damage. This problem is also evident in older homes where soil movement is common. Once a house begins settling, issues such as bulging and bowing walls will appear.

While there are many approaches to foundation repair, the innovative Rhino carbon fiber technology has proven to be the most effective and affordable system for any type of structure.

Risk of Delayed Foundation Repair

As a homeowner, you have to appreciate the important of immediate foundation repair using modern technology to avoid further deterioration. Foundation failure can result from seemingly harmless problems such as a hairline cracks that will enlarge with time due to water pressure.

If wall damage is not immediately repaired, there is a likelihood of other parts of the house including floors, doors, windows ceilings and chimneys suffering further damage.

Rhino Carbon Fiber in Details

The patented Rhino carbon fiber is now popular with foundation contractors for many reasons. This product comprises carbon fiber strips made with a custom bi-directional weave and double stitching pattern. These strips boast tensile strength of 52,000 pounds per square inch, which guarantees your foundation wall will not move anymore once the carbon fiber strip has been fixed.

The carbon fiber strip is fastened to the wall using a sill plate and it is connected to the foundation base for equal distribution of pressure. To appreciate why this carbon fiber system is so effective, consider these factors:

  1. Durability: Unlike other foundation repair solutions such as epoxy injection, there is no deterioration of the carbon fiber strip once it is in place. It does not stretch or suffer from exposure to weather elements.
  2. Less intrusive technology: There is no need to excavate extensively compared to other structural foundation repairs. Minimal intrusiveness translates to faster and more affordable repair.
  3. Lightweight installation: This is a project that can be done by one qualified contractor within a few hours. There are no disruptions on your property when the work is in progress.
  4. Aesthetic appeal: This foundation repair technology will not devalue the aesthetic appeal of your property. You can even paint over the Rhino carbon fiber to ensure the wall is uniform.
  5. Cost-effective: This is now the most affordable foundation repair solution for different forms of foundation damage including cracks and bowing.

A damaged foundation can ruin your precious investment. It is thus important to call in a qualified contractor to inspect the extent of damage before deploying Rhino carbon fiber technology.

crawl space waterproofing

A Short Guide to Crawl Space Waterproofing in Morganville NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

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!

basement remodeling

5 Great Ideas to Reclaim Your Space with Basement Remodeling

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Basement Remodeling

Maintaining your basement in perfect shape is not easy and it is no wonder most homeowners neglect this space. One of the problems that come with improving a basement is containing water seepage. There are many routes through which water seeps into walls, foundation footers, window wells and the floor.

Waterproofing Your Basement

If you are thinking of basement remodeling, it is advisable to talk to a qualified contractor about waterproofing before any renovations are done. Once you have dealt with the moisture blues, it becomes easier to finish this living space and convert it to a room of your dreams. A waterproofed basement is healthier to live in and there are no risks of flooding during storms. You will also protect your valuables in the process.

Your basement might look like a trailer today, but it is easy to transform it to your favorite room in the house. Whatever remodeling ideas you have in mind, an expert basement contractor will bring them to life. Below are a few of functional ideas that you can borrow from to maximize the newly available space:

  1. Guest Suite

As the cost of real estate keeps escalating, most families are being forced to build smaller homes.  Hosting guests can be tricky in such a case but if you remodel your basement, you can create an elegant guest room with a fireplace, cabinetry, artwork and other fixtures. Your guests will be dazzled by your creativity and they will appreciate your hospitality.

  1. Family Entertainment Zone

Every homeowner dreams of having their own entertainment room just like they find in their favorite clubs. You can include a bar of your dreams in the finished basement or transform this into a large kids’ play area. A game area with a pool table, ping pong darts or other games is also a great remodeling idea.

  1. Living Room Area

If you don’t have enough room upstairs, why not transform your basement into a big living room where you can catch movies together? If you have guests, they will definitely love spending time in the cozy space.

  1. Office Area

Most people are now working from home and if not, they are forced to take some work home. Basement remodeling can give you a quiet and exclusive work or study area away from the buzz in the rest of the house.

  1. Wine Cellar

If you are a wine lover, you appreciate the importance of preserving your wine safely and away from light. A wine cellar in the basement and a bar area is a great addition to any area.

There are many other ideas you can use to transform your basement into livable space. Talk to a basement contractor and your interior designer to bring these ideas to life.

sump pump

How to Enhance Flood Protection with a Battery Backup Pump in Woodbridge NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Battery Backup Pump in Woodbridge NJ

Most homeowners struggle to control water in the basements. The Concrete Foundation Association (CFA) says almost 70% of homes aged over 5 years will experience some form of basement leakage. Maintaining a dry can be a daunting task, but with a well installed sump pump system you can easily handle the situation. For this waterproofing solution to work, there must be a primary AC pump and a battery backup pump.

A sump pump system is crucial in drawing both ground water and surface water and directing it away from the basement floor. However powerful your primary pump is, it is important to appreciate the importance of a backup in various situations.

Below are some pertinent issues regarding a backup pump that you need to understand;

How the Battery Backup Pump Works

This pump is mostly installed adjacent to the primary pump and runs on a 24 or 12 DC power supply. The backup system has a float switch that detects rising water levels and immediately goes to work. If the battery is full, the pump can run for several days making it suitable in case of storms. In essence, the battery backup pump aids the primary pump in case of problems. Some of the common problems that require a backup include:

  1. Low or no power supply to the primary pump
  2. Failure of the primary pump
  3. Lending a hand to a struggling primary pump

Buying Your Primary Pump Backup

For this system to work optimally, you have to consider these features when installing one:

  • Capacity: Always buy a backup pump that is of the same or higher capacity than the primary pump. A low capacity backup is counterproductive and might also fail to drive away the rising water.
  • Alert system: Modern backup pumps have automatic alarm systems that go off in case of technical problems or when it is activated.
  • Buy a second battery and get it installed in case there is a long power outage.

Why You Need a Primary Pump Backup

Most homeowners are convinced that their primary pumps have the capacity to keep their basements safe. However, studies have shown increased precipitation in most regions poses a danger to any property. A battery backup pump protects your valuables and prevents foundation damage by ensuring this space remains dry. A perpetually damp basement is also a health risk to your family due to high humidity and toxic mold growth, hence the need to keep your home dry.

Talk to a basement waterproofing contractor today and consult on the best backup pump to install.

foundation repair

Foundation Repair for Summer Foundation Damage

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Foundation Repair

The summer is one of the busiest seasons when it comes to foundation repair. Not only is the weather perfect for outdoor work, but the summer heat also causes great pressure on home foundations.

During the summer, there is less precipitation and higher ambient temperatures. The rapidly changing weather conditions place a great deal of pressure on the foundation. The spring time rains result in extremely wet conditions. Wetter conditions result in the expansion of soil, which in turn exerts increased pressure on the foundation. When the summer comes around, the high temperatures result in the evaporation of moisture from the soil. The soil becomes dry and contracts rapidly. This results in less support for the foundation from the surrounding soil. The foundation may bulge out as a result.

The fall comes around with cooler temperatures and wetter conditions. This results in the expansion of the soil, which in turn exerts pressure against the foundation. This may cause the foundation to bulge inward.

Although foundations are designed to withstand the stresses that come with seasonal changes, the effects of the changing pressure build up over years. The damage is gradual and the foundation can lose its structural integrity over time. It is therefore important to have your foundation inspected periodically.

Summer foundation damage warning signs

It is best to contact a foundation repair specialist in the early stages of foundation damage. This ensures that the damage can be dealt with more easily. It is also less expensive and involving to deal with damage in the early stages. Look out for the following signs of summer foundation damage.

  1. Your doors and windows don’t close as smoothly as they used to. Doors and windows could be getting stuck or locks may not be fitting as they ought to.
  2. Your roof is sagging
  3. Your walls are leaning
  4. Your chimney is tilted
  5. The concrete or bricks used to make the foundation walls are flaky or crumbling
  6. You have faulty toilets, leaking pipes or other plumbing problems
  7. There are gaps at the points where the wall meets the ceiling or floor.
  8. Your house is producing groaning noises

Get in touch with a professional contractor to ensure that your foundation is inspected periodically. This ensures that any damage is spotted early. A professional contractor will recommend the best option for foundation repair based on your particular circumstances and requirements.

French Drain

Interior and Exterior French Drain Solutions

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

French Drain

If you’re having a problem with basement moisture, you may need to install a French drain. This can be a great asset to your home. It offers various advantages including:

  1. It is an effective long term solution for moisture problems

If you want to keep water from flooding your basement, then a French drain is a great solution. This feature will direct water away from the foundation and keep it from causing a flood or other moisture problems. You won’t have to deal with a wet or messy basement ever again.

  1. It is easy to install

This solution for basement moisture is easy to install and requires no maintenance. With the help of an experienced contractor, you can have it installed within a few hours and begin to enjoy the benefits of a dry basement.

  1. It is a green solution

These drains rely on gravity for their function. If you’re looking for an economical and green way to direct water away from your basement, then this is the best solution. You can go a step further by requesting your contractor to use eco-friendly materials for the construction of your drain.

The only difficultly you’ll experience with this solution is deciding on whether you want to have an exterior or interior drain tile.

Interior Drains

An interior drain tile will not prevent water from finding its way into the basement. However, it will collect and guide water into a well where a sump pump can pump it out of the basement. Installing the drain tile involves cutting a channel in the floor along the perimeter of your basement. The soil below the floor is excavated and the drain tile installed. A well and sump pump are also installed in the basement.

Exterior Drains

Exterior drains help prevent water from penetrating the basement walls. The installation involves the excavation of the ground around the basement and installing the drain along the footings and foundation walls. There is no sump pump required in a system where water is guided away from the basement walls and into the storm drain. An exterior sump pump may be installed if the water is not guided to the storm drain.

Talk to your basement contractor and determine which method of waterproofing is best for your basement. Consider the pros and cons of each solution before making your final decision.

basement finishing

Basement Finishing: Should You Hire a Contractor?

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Basement Finishing

As a homeowner in today’s struggling economy, it is tempting to want to do everything on your own. After all, it is a great way to save money. However, can you turn the finishing of your basement into a DIY project and be successful at it?

Basement finishing is a major undertaking. In this article, we examine whether or not you should hire a professional contractor.

The DIY Route

One of the major reasons homeowners decide to take this route is that they believe that they will save money. However, is this really true?

You won’t have to pay a fee for the services of a professional contractor, so you will definitely save on this. However, you may incur larger costs in terms of sourcing material and purchasing the right tools. Should you make any major mistakes while finishing your basement, you’ll incur an even greater cost hiring a professional contractor to ensure that the job is done right.

Another reason people opt for the DIY route is that it gives you complete control over your project. You decide what to do every day. You can change anything at a whim.

The problem with the DIY route is that basement finishing requires the expertise of various professionals ranging from plumbers and electricians to waterproofing contractors. Making mistakes in these critical areas can result in serious repercussions down the road.

There are also building codes and regulations to meet and safety hazards to consider. Finishing a basement is about more than cosmetics. It is about providing a long-lasting living space.

Using a Contractor

When you hire a professional contractor, you will have the benefit of relying on their experience and knowledge. A professional contractor is invaluable when it comes to planning, preparing for and executing the project.

Professionals also have widespread networks having worked in the industry for several years. They know where they can source materials at reasonable prices. They can therefore help you get the most value for the money you have.

Contractors will also help to ensure that all building codes and regulations are met in the execution of your project. They’ll check to ensure that all safety hazards have been considered. You can be sure of your project being completed safely and in accordance with the law.

Ensure that you hire a professional contractor with good references. A trustworthy contractor will ensure that the job is done right the first time round, therefore saving you thousands of dollars.