The 4 Permanent Basement Waterproofing Solutions Union County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Basement Waterproofing

When searching for a solution for your leaking basement, you’ll be bombarded with a wide variety of massages. If you’re not familiar with basements and how they function (like most homeowners), you may fall for a scam.

As a homeowner, it is important to seek as much information about basements as possible when considering basement waterproofing solutions. This will ensure that you make an informed choice and avoid being lured by flashy sales gimmicks.

Call Us! We Can Help! 732-360-5052

 

build french drain dsbrody standard c125d56484ad75eb229266c2ba5224fa 150x150 The 4 Permanent Basement Waterproofing Solutions Union County, NJ

There are many different types of solutions for basements in the market. However, the following are the basic permanent waterproofing solutions currently available:

  1. Waterproofing membranes

Water can find its way into your basement through cracks and crevices in foundation walls. A waterproofing membrane can be applied on the external surface of the foundation wall to prevent water from penetrating into the basement.

This waterproofing solution involves excavating the soil around the foundation wall and installing the membrane. The soil is then returned.

  1. French drains

Water collecting in the soil can exert pressure on the walls of your foundation. The water in the soil is then forced through the cracks and crevices in your foundation walls and into your basement. This is especially common in homes built in areas with a high water table.

The best way to solve this problem is by relieving the hydrostatic pressure. This is possible through the installation of a French drain. The water collects in the French drain and is guided into a well.

  1. Sump pumps

These are usually installed together with French drains. The sump pump is installed in a sump pit or well where water from the surrounding soil collects. The water is then removed from the well by the pump. This reduces the hydrostatic pressure on the foundation walls. It also prevents the flooding of the basement especially during heavy downpours.

  1. Grading

Your landscape plays a major role in the health of your basement. If the landscape slopes towards your home, water will follow the slope. It is therefore important to ensure that the land around your foundation slopes away from the foundation. This will reduce the pressure of the water against the foundation walls.

These are only a few of the many solutions that professional contractors can offer you for permanent basement waterproofing. It is important to discuss your options with a contractor and find what will work best for you. The solutions can be applied on their own or in combination for the best results.

Elevator Waterproofing Hudson County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Elevator Waterproofing Hudson County, NJ

The basic construction of a typical elevator includes an elevator pit. This pit is usually below the floor level of the last floor that the lift services. This pit is used to house the counterweights, wiring and other fixtures necessary for the safe operation of the lift.

It is important to invest in professional elevator waterproofing. This protects your elevator pit from water seepage.

Elevator waterproofing is especially important for the following reasons:

  • It prevents damage to the elevator pistons

If the pistons of the elevator are exposed to a high level of moisture, they are likely to start rusting and will corrode with time. This will result in the leaking of the lift packing. The elevator will therefore become unsafe to use.

  • You’ll save on elevator repairs

Many building supervisors ignore the elevator pit. To them, waterproofing the elevator pit is an expense that can be ignored. However, exposure of the elevator to moisture results in more expensive repairs. You would spend much less by simply ensuring that the pit is properly waterproofed in the first place.

  • Prevent downtime

When damage occurs to your elevator as a result of the water present in the elevator pit, you’ll have to call in your elevator service provider to assist with repairs. However, many elevator service providers will not assist you until you address the seepage issues in your elevator pit. They will consider these conditions unsafe. This will result in extended elevator downtime. This can potentially lead to loss of income in a commercial or residential rental building.

  • Prevent bad odor

While your elevator may continue operating even under these conditions, the collection of water in the elevator pit can lead to the production of a bad odor. The water combines with oil and can become hazardous too.

  • Prevent damage to the traveling cable

As more water accumulates in the elevator pit, there are chances that the traveling cable of the elevator will be damaged. This leads to even more downtime as the lift becomes unusable.

It is important to have the elevator pit inspected by a professional waterproofing contractor. A licensed professional can guide you on the best solution to apply to your pit for the best results.

Waterproofing of the elevator pit often involves draining the elevator pit. The pit is then cleaned and dried out. The contractor then applies their solution of choice to the elevator pit to achieve waterproofing.

What You Need To Know About French Drains – Ocean County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Water is bad for foundations, but it is a natural part of the world we live in. When it rains, water seeps into the ground. There is also groundwater that is already present in the ground and can seep up to destroy a foundation.

So, how can you keep your foundations sound?

The answer is a French drain. Also known as a weeping, uncertain or rubble drain, this drain consists of a trench that is filled with rocks or gravel. Many French drains also contain a perforated pipe. The primary use of the drain is to prevent surface or ground water from penetrating into or damaging the foundations of a building.

The name does not come from France, the country but was named after the person who promoted the idea in 1859 through his book on drainage on farms, Henry French.

How they work

French drains are constructed around foundations to give water an easy channel through which it can flow. Water in the surrounding soils runs into the gravel that fills the drain and down through the perforations in the pipe that is often located at the bottom of the trench.

Water collects in the pipe and is channeled away from the foundations to a point some distance away from the house.

It is important for the trench bottom to be constructed at a slope of about 1 inch for every 8 feet traveled in the direction that the water will flow. The French drain may terminate in any place depending on your situation and preference. Some examples include:

  • Low lying areas within your property
  • Dry wells
  • The street
  • Drainage ditches

Deciding when to put in a French drain

French drains have become necessary to help with drainage. This is true especially for:

  • Homes that are experiencing a problem with surface water. You may have a soggy lawn or driveway that washes out.
  • Homes whose basements are being damaged by water. It is important to ensure that water from the surrounding soil is directed away from the foundations. This ensures that the foundation is not destroyed.
  • Homes that are being constructed on a hillside. It is important to install a French drain if you will be building a retaining wall.

Surface water problems

Shallow French drains in Morganville NJ are a great way to deal with surface water problems. The French drain should be constructed to intercept water on the property and channel it away from the building’s foundations.

Contact us for a FREE Estimate!

basement waterproofing

Signs of Basement Leaks – Union County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

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.

Contact us to get your FREE Estimate today!

Simple Tips to Help Prevent Basement Flooding – Monmouth County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

There’s nothing worse than coming home only to discover your basement flooded while you were away. Any homeowner who has experienced a flooded basement will tell you they didn’t see it coming. It’s important to take the necessary steps to help prevent basement flooding.

 

How Is Your Sump Pump?

 

Your sump pump is always hard at work, pumping away water from underneath your home. Excessive rain, melting snow, and even broken pipes may cause your sump pump to work overtime. If your sump pump is unable to keep up, water will overflow the basin, leading to a devastating flood in your basement.

 

You can make sure your sump pump is properly functioning by checking it once a month. The easiest way to do this is by filling your sump basis with several gallons of water. Keep an eye on the basin to see how long it takes for the sump pump to discharge the water. If you are able to fill up the basin all the way without the pump clearing away the water, you need to have it inspected by a professional technician.

 

Sump pumps can also fail in the event of a power outage. Short term outages are usually harmless, but if you face an extended outage, then you are at a higher risk of flooding. Keeping a battery-operated pump on hand is the best way to avoid this situation and prevent basement flooding.

 

How Does Your Foundation Look?

 

Damage to your foundation may also lead to basement flooding. Even small cracks can let in unwanted water. Larger cracks can quickly turn into a huge disaster. Inspect your foundation at least once or twice a year to look for any new cracks. The sooner you are able to repair foundation cracks, the less likely you are to face a flood in your basement.

 

Even if you don’t see any cracks in your foundation, you still need to make sure it is properly waterproofed. The exterior of your home should have proper waterproofing precautions in place, including waterproof sheeting and drain tiles. The goal of these products is to direct water away from your foundation.

 

A properly waterproofed basement is less likely to flood. Both the sump pump and foundation are crucial to keeping your basement dry. Regular inspections of your waterproof system will help you prevent basement flooding. Any problems that are noted should be addressed right away to keep water from entering your home.

Elevator Waterproofing | New Brunswick, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Elevator Waterproofing – Fixing Leaks in Elevator Pits – Bergen County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Elevator pits are sensitive areas. However, they are often forgotten. These pits are often below the ground floor of the building. Modern elevators are constructed in the foundation and have concrete poured around them.

Leaks often occur in elevator pits that are found below the water table. The water table rises and falls as a result of changes in seasons. This results in movements in the soil surrounding the foundation and the elevator pit. The elevator pit develops structural problems that result in leaks.

Faulty elevator waterproofing:

If you ensured that elevator waterproofing was installed in the construction phase of the building, you probably think that you won’t have any seepage problems in your elevator pit ever again. The truth is that the installation of these systems is often faulty. This is especially true when the contractor carrying out the installation is not a professional waterproofing contractor.

In other cases, the leaking may occur simply as a result of the wear and tear of time. As the elevator pit succumbs to age, the waterproofing system will also begin to fail. The membranes used to keep water out of the elevator pit begin to disintegrate and this affects the performance of the system.

Take action:

The solution you apply to solve the elevator pit leaks will depend on the cause of the leaks. It is best to deal with the root cause of the problem before you deal with the cracks that are letting water into the pit.

The solutions you choose for sealing leaking cracks in elevator pits will depend on the construction of the elevator pit.

  1. Sealing leaks in poured concrete walls:

If the elevator pit has poured concrete walls, you can seal the cracks using a crack injection. It is important to choose a crack injection that you can use in both wet and dry conditions. It should not react with water and should form a tight seal within a short time.

     2. Sealing brick and block walls:

If the elevator pit is constructed from block or brick, the water is most likely seeping through the joints between the individual blocks. These joints are points of weakness in the wall. Sealing leaks in this case would require the use of grout to seal the joints.

Talk to an elevator waterproofing contractor to determine your options. They will guide you on the best solution for waterproofing your elevator pit.

 

5 Benefits of Basement Lowering

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Basement Lowering

Do you look at your basement and sigh? Do you have dreams of a full height family room in your basement, but can’t envision it in your current cramped basement? If so, don’t give up on your dream. You can have a full height room in your basement by investing in basement lowering. 

If you’re still uncertain whether basement lowering is the right solution for you, consider the following benefits:

  1. Renew your home

The lowering process will uncover what lies beneath your home, which in many cases includes the working mechanics of your home. This will make them more accessible for repairs, upgrades and regular inspection. It will also give you the opportunity to replace old insulation, electrical and plumbing systems and therefore modernize your home. If your foundation is in need of waterproofing, this is a great time to do it too.

  1. Stabilize your foundation

Is your home in an area with extreme climate or a poor soil type e.g. clay? Was your home built by inexperienced workers? Do you experience any foundation problems? Basement lowering could be the answer to all your prayers. It is a great way to stabilize and strengthen your foundation. It will help you increase your home’s value and give you the peace of mind you need.

  1. Increased floor space

Lowering your basement by up to 50% will greatly increase your home’s floor space. You can easily turn an unusable storage space into a comfortable living space that can be used for just about any function.

  1. Improve lighting

Does your basement feel cramped and dark? Many basements with low ceilings do. Lowering the basement can help to create a feeling of space as well as improve the lighting in the space. With increased headroom, you can install window wells or other forms of lighting to improve the space.

  1. Affordable way of increasing floor space

Lowering your basement is an affordable way to increase your floor space. It is much cheaper and faster than investing in an extension for your home.

Whether you want to increase the value of your home or are simply looking for a way to improve the usability of your basement, lowering your basement is a great option to make better use of space that is already available to you. Get in touch with a professional and experienced foundation contractor to determine whether this option will work for you.

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.

mold removal

Tips to Help You Choose a Professional Service for Mold Removal in Plainfield NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Mold Removal in Plainfield NJ

Mold is a general term used to refer to fungi and fungi-like parasites that invade our property. They feed on any organic matter and thrive in areas with high moisture levels. Molds are therefore often a sign of water issues in a home.

Although many people would prefer to ignore their growth, molds are dangerous to our health. They can cause serious respiratory infections, asthma attacks, allergic reactions, skin rash and neurological disorders.

It takes much more than a bottle of bleach or vinegar to get rid of mold. Mold is resilient. There are spores and hidden mold all over the home. If you spot an infestation, chances are that it runs much deeper than what you see on the surface. A professional mold removal service will help to ensure that the mold is removed completely from your home and that you won’t have to fear a repeat infestation.

However, not all companies that claim to be professional will provide you with great services. The following tips will help you choose the best one for you:

  • Experience

It is important to choose a professional who has experience to perform effectively. They should be experienced in the mold removal methods they use. This will ensure safety and efficiency in the remediation process.

  • Referrals

It isn’t enough for the service to tell you that they have years of experience in their field. It is important for the company to have satisfied customers to show for their years of service. Check testimonials and success stories for evidence towards this. Check with the Better Business Bureau for any complaints against the business too.

  • Provide advice

The contractor should not only be focused on removing the mold that currently exists in your home, but also in helping you prevent an infestation in the future. An expert is concerned about your health and will give you more information on how to safeguard your home from a recurring infestation.

  • Free estimates

Many people don’t compare service providers since they are afraid of having to pay for estimates. However, many professional services will provide you with a free estimate. This will ensure that you’re able to compare their services with what others provide. You’ll therefore be able to get better value for your money.

Following the above tips will help you identify a professional company that will help you get rid of the mold for the long term. Get in touch with contractors today and begin your search.