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

Basement Waterproofing | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Bowing Basement Walls – Why You Should be Concerned in Morganville, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Bowing basement walls occur when moisture or soil exert pressure on the walls, causing them to curve inward. Some of the first signs of bowing basement walls are cracks, and if ignored, the bowing in the walls will become worse over time. If you notice this, you should have your basement walls checked out as soon as possible. Here are the reasons why you need to be concerned about bowing basement walls.

  1. The walls can cause structural problems or even collapse basement lowering new jersey 1 1 300x225 Bowing Basement Walls – Why You Should be Concerned in Morganville, NJ

Even minor bowing in the walls can cause structural problems throughout the home. You may notice cracks in doorways, or doors becoming stuck. Windows can begin to stick, and the floors over the basement walls can become uneven and begin to slope. All these are major structural issues that can be avoided if the bowing basement walls are repaired sooner rather than later.

If the bowing is ignored, eventually it can become so severe that the walls will collapse under the pressure. These walls are the foundation of your home and are an integral part of its structure. If they collapse, your home may also collapse.

  1. The bowing basement walls can cause further moisture problems

The wall cracks that are a sign of bowing in walls are an opening for water to seep through from the outside. Water from the surrounding soil will begin to move into the basement, and you may begin to see water spots and puddles forming.

As water builds up in the basement, it can cause additional problems. For example, the basement may become flooded or wood may begin to rot. Your basement may have an insect infestation, or mold and mildew may begin to grow. Not only do these cause damage, they can also affect your health.

  1. The pipes or fixtures can become damaged

The bowing basement walls can damage the pipes and fixtures that run along them. They may begin to break, which can cause extensive and costly damage. They may also cause a number of additional problems, such as burst pipes or electrocution.

If you have noticed cracks in your basement or that the walls have become bowed, you will want to take action quickly to avoid further damage. An experienced contractor can inspect your home and help you determine the best solution to your problem. In doing so, you can be sure that your home is structurally sound and safe for you and your family.

Contact the professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing today! (732) 526-7770

Elevator Waterproofing | Morganville, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Elevator Waterproofing – Is Your Elevator Pit a Safety Hazard? | Morris County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Elevator Waterproofing – Is Your Elevator Pit a Safety Hazard?

If you mention the word ‘mosquitos’, it conjures up images of the Amazon or an African savanna to most of us. However, these disease-carrying insects are much closer than you think. They could be breeding right in your elevator pit.

The perfect breeding ground

Warm temperatures, humid environments and stagnant water; these are the requirements for the perfect breeding environment for mosquitos. If you haven’t invested in elevator waterproofing, your elevator pit is probably the perfect micro-environment for these insects.

Water intrusion is very common in elevator pits that haven’t been waterproofed. This is because the elevator pit lies below ground level. Moisture from the surrounding soil can therefore seep into the elevator pit. This is especially common in the spring when the snow from winter is melting and the summer when it rains.

When water leaks into the elevator pit, it collects and forms a pool of water. This stagnant pool of water is perfect for the breeding of mosquitos. It will remain undisturbed for as long as you continue to ignore the need for maintenance.

Elevator Pit Main Image 150x150 Elevator Waterproofing – Is Your Elevator Pit a Safety Hazard? | Morris County, NJ

 

Risky business

Many building owners and managers invest in elevator waterproofing simply to protect their elevator’s mechanism. However, there is much more to it than that. Waterproofing your elevator pit can help to protect the occupants of the building from exposure to various diseases including West Nile Virus and the Zika Virus.

The West Nile Virus is known to cause inflammation of the spinal cord or the brain. The Zika virus has been shown to affect the fetuses of pregnant women exposed to it. Other diseases transmitted by mosquitos include dengue fever and malaria.

Making your building safe

Elevator waterproofing is important for ensuring your building provides a safe environment for occupants and visitors. Ensure that you:

  1. Contact a professional contractor

Not all waterproofing contractors are the same. Search for a contractor that has experience in waterproofing elevators. They will be able to provide you with a solution that is customized to meet your specific needs.

  1. Compare quotes

Different contractors will provide you with different solutions. Be sure to have more than one contractor inspect your elevator pit and provide you with a quote. Compare the quotes for the solution provided as well as the cost. Do your research to find out more about what the contractor is proposing to ensure that it is a long term solution.

  1. Invest in waterproofing

Choose the solution that best meets your needs and invest in waterproofing as soon as possible.

 

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Basement Waterproofing | New Brunswick, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

BEFORE you Remodel Your Basement Do THIS | Passaic County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Basement Remodeling

Are you planning to remodel or finish your basement? That is a great idea. Basements can provide the extra living space that you seek without having to invest hundreds of thousands in an extension. Finishing your basement will add value to your home too.

While the prospect of renovation and creating a new space can be exciting, there are many factors to consider before you dive into basement remodeling. Basements aren’t like any other room in your home. There’s a lot more that goes into converting a basement into a living space.

  1. Have your basement inspected

Many builders fail to pay adequate attention to the design and structure of basements. It is therefore not uncommon to find basements with various structural problems. If you intend to convert your basement into a living space, it is important to ensure that the space is not only safe but also comfortable.

It is therefore important to have your basement inspected for structural problems. Contact a professional and experienced contractor to take a close look at your foundation. This ensures that any issues with your foundation are identified early.

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It is important to ensure that your basement is waterproofed. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve discovered cracks in your basement wall or not. Don’t leave waterproofing until after finishing the basement. Water can cause serious damage to your belongings if you give it a chance to penetrate your basement. Be proactive with your basement and ensure that it is waterproof.

Contact a professional contractor and have the basement waterproofed. Ensure that the method you use for waterproofing will give you long term results.

  1. Deal with radon

It is also important to have your basement inspected for radon. Radon is carcinogenic. If you have dangerously high levels in your basement, it is important to deal with it. This will ensure your home is safe. You will need to hire a professional to mitigate this risk by eliminating or reducing your exposure.

  1. Make room for natural lighting

Natural lighting is important in basement remodeling. It will make the basement feel open and more comfortable. A light and airy basement goes a long way to improving the aesthetics of the room.

Consider having window wells installed to increase the natural light in the room. Ensure that the window wells are up to the standards and codes in your area.

Talk to a professional contractor about basement remodeling. This will ensure that you cover all the important factors before you begin the actual renovation and therefore safeguard your investment.

Basement Waterproofing | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Why You Need to Consider Basement Sealing | Hunterdon County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

When you think of a home, the basement is the last thing that comes to mind. However, it is one of the most important spaces in the home. It is the foundation of the home. It is what gives the home its structural integrity.

Water is the worst enemy of basements. It can cause great damage to a basement and the rest of the structure of the home as a result. It is therefore important to ensure that your basement is made waterproof.

There are many benefits to basement sealing – These include:

  1. Increasing the value of your home

If you’re thinking of selling your home in the near future, sealing your basement will contribute a great deal to its value. Ensuring that your basement is sealed will increase the usable space within your home. This means that the square footage of your home increases since your basement will count as a floor as well. Remember that for many people, the basement space makes up about 1/3 of the total space of the home.

 

1464985556 4134 150x150 Why You Need to Consider Basement Sealing | Hunterdon County, NJ

  1. Increased usable space

As mentioned earlier, having your basement sealed will ensure that you have more usable space available to you. You can do just about anything with a waterproofed basement. You can turn it into an office, a guest room, a music studio or an extra living room. You can greatly improve your family’s quality of life with extra space to work around.

  1. Protect your family’s health

A humid or damp basement provides the ideal environment for the growth of mold. Mold such as toxic black mold can develop into fully grown mold within 48 hours or less. Although most molds are harmless, some produce toxic chemicals that can result in infections and poisoning.

Molds also produce spores. Exposure to a high spore count can result in allergic reactions including difficulty in breathing and skin irritation.

  1. Preserves the integrity of your home

Basement sealing protects the integrity of your home. Molds and moisture can not only destroy furniture and the beauty of your home’s walls and floors, but also affect the structural integrity of the home. Ensuring that your basement is made waterproof will protect your home from mold and moisture. It will save you a lot of money in repairs for the long term.

Lastly, basement sealing gives you peace of mind. You never have to worry about a flooded basement when you hear claps of thunder in the distance.

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Maximize Your Basement Space with Waterproofing Techniques | Trenton, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Basement Waterproofing

If a basement is comfortable and well ventilated, that is all it needs in order to be used like the other rooms in your house. It doesn’t have to serve as a storage space; it can also be an extra bedroom or a play room. The space in any basement requires more attention and care due to its location. Additional lighting has to be provided too since very little natural lighting gets there.

Homeowners are often faced with problems of wet and flooded basements, especially during the rainy seasons, which is actually the main reason why basements are not utilized for anything other than storage and laundry. Fortunately, there are available solutions to wet basements and it is possible to have a dry and warm basement regardless of the season. All you need to do is carry out basement waterproofing for your basement, and have a well laid out drainage system.

Control measures that a homeowner can take to prevent wetness in a basement:

Uncontrolled water infiltration into a building is a predisposing factor for wet basement problems. What a homeowner needs to do is discourage any chance of water getting to the building by taking the measures below:

Cut off all possible water leak sources

If you can establish where the water in your basement is coming from, then you can be able to cut it off and prevent it from reaching your basement. Check the basement walls, and if you notice any cracks, get them filled immediately and see if there will be any changes.

Wash off that dirt on your gutters

If your gutters and downspouts are dirty and clogged, any water collected on them is likely to get dumped next to the foundation of your building and find its way into your basement.

Direct water in your downspouts away from the foundation of the home

Ensure your downspouts are working to keep water away from your house. If it is directing any water towards the foundation, there is a chance of causing wetness to your basement.

Dealing with a wet basement:

If water gets to your basement anyway, act on it. The longer you wait, the more the dampness will damage your basement and thus limit its use. It is also important to emphasize that a wet basement encourages the growth and multiplication of mold. Molds are known to cause respiratory problems, worsen conditions like asthma and trigger allergic reactions such as nasal congestion and sneezing.

If you want to get that extra living room, office, playroom or even a guest room in your basement, look for basement waterproofing services from professionals who have rendered similar services for many years.

Contact Select Basement Waterproofing with any questions, or concerns! Click here: https://www.selectbasement.com/contact-us/

Hudson County, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Symptoms of Possible Foundation Leaks | Hudson County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Your home’s foundation is the most important part of its structure. Ensuring your foundation is in good condition will ensure that your home offers a safe environment for your family. Repairing a foundation can be quite costly especially if the damage is extensive. It is, therefore important to regularly inspect your foundation for any signs of a foundation leak.

The following are some obvious signs of a foundation leak you ought to look for:

  1. Musty odor

Is there a musty odor coming from your basement? If so, you may have a foundation leak. A musty odor is indicative of the growth of mold in your basement. Mold can be a problem as its spores can pose health problems to your family.

Mold is not always visible. Mold and mildew tend to grow in dark areas and therefore may grow out of sight. The first sign of their presence is the musty odor. Be sure to investigate for further signs of leaks when you notice a musty smell in your basement.

  1. Damp floors or walls

Moisture on the walls or floors of your basement is a sure sign that you have a foundation leak. Moisture may not always take the form of a standing pool of water on the floor. It may be water stains on walls or floors, condensation on the basement walls or damp spots on your carpet or flooring material. Be sure to check any plumbing running through the basement for leaks before calling a licensed waterproofing contractor to investigate the problem further.

mold and musty eliminator spray 150x150 Symptoms of Possible Foundation Leaks | Hudson County, NJ

  1. Cracks in the floors or walls

By the time cracks in the floors or walls of your foundation become visible; the problem in the structure of your foundation is serious.  Cracks in the foundation are obvious signs of a structural issue in your foundation.

Avoid applying band aid solutions to cracks in the foundation such as filling cracks. The problem may run deeper than a superficial crack. It’s best to call in a professional waterproofing contractor to inspect the foundation and provide you with the best possible solutions for foundation leak repair.

Your foundation plays a vital role in your home. Considering this, it is important to be aware of the signs of damage. This will ensure that you get the problem fixed early and avoid it escalating; the more serious the problem, the more complex and expensive the repair.

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.

 

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

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.