Waterproofing Solutions for a Serial DIYer

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on October 28, 2015

Waterproofing Solutions

We at Select Basement Waterproofing understand do-it-yourselfers. You are self-reliant, like to figure out solutions to your own challenges, and have a wide range of skills that can get you through most of the problems homeowners routinely face. You like to have control over what work you do and how much you do it. We salute and respect those skills and the do-it-yourself ethic. After all, this country was primarily founded by DIYers. However, there comes a time for every (sane) DIYer to call in the experts. Even George Washington had to hire someone to train the Continental Army.

Finding yourself ankle-deep in water in your basement is the most tempting time to engage your DIY drive and try to fix the problem yourself. Don’t do it! There are a whole range of waterproofing solutions you could, in theory, research on the Internet. You could then buy all the tools and materials you think you need to plug the leak. The problem comes when you get halfway through the project and realize there’s more to the leak than just the water trickling in under the carpet. That’s when the sinking feeling every DIYer dreads kicks in: you’re in way over your head, and the drywall is beginning to mold and buckle.

Call in a Professional

The time to call in the experts is before you give in to your DIY temptation. When you contact us, we will send an expert to appraise your individual basement and assess the possible causes of your flooding problem. We will educate you about your options and help you decide which of our many systems will achieve the best value for your hard-earned dollar, and you retain full control over which system our trained, licensed and bonded expert contractors install. Best of all, the initial estimate is free of charge and obligation. Don’t worry, there will still be plenty for you to dig into. You just won’t have to do it with wet feet.

Make Your Basement More Useful With Basement Waterproofing

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on October 20, 2015

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.

Understanding Basement Waterproofing in New Brunswick NJ 08901

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on June 19, 2015

Basements are usually more disposed to water infiltration than any other part of the building for the mere fact that these areas are underground. Surface run offs and rising damp cause the most problems for basements that have no waterproof measures installed. Basement waterproofing in New Brunswick NJ 08901 prevents water and moisture from seeping into basements where it does a lot of damage to the structure and the fixtures inside. Moisture causes dampness which is a perfect catalyst for the growth of mold, bacteria and fungi, and we all know the trouble these can cause to people’s health and property.

Techniques of basement waterproofing are aimed at preventing water from entering a basement and they include sealers and drainage systems. The build-up of ground water tends to raise the water table which causes an exertion of hydrostatic pressure against basement walls and floors. This pressure forces water into the basement through cracks and other openings. Waterproofing of basements should be looked at as a means of prolonging the life of any building.

Types of Basement Waterproofing in New Brunswick NJ 08901

Advancement of technology has come up with effective means of waterproofing basements. There are two basic ways through which waterproofing of basements can be done. Below are highlights of these two methods.

Interior Waterproofing

With interior basement waterproofing, the work is generally done on the inside of your basement. Typically, this involves techniques that employ the use of special cements or sheet membranes to create a water shield or barrier on the inside. At times, some concrete breakout work is necessary for the waterproofing work to be done properly.

This method is relatively easy and consumes less time as compared to the other method. Since it is an intrusive method, it would certainly see things being moved about and out of the basement. A sump pump is normally installed to remove water that accumulates in the perimeter drains of certain interior waterproofing systems.

Exterior Waterproofing

As the name suggests, this method of waterproofing a basement is done on the outside part of the basement. That’s right; you will have to do some excavation for this method. It involves a lot of work and is quite time consuming. For effective waterproofing, suitable water barriers are placed on the external part of the basement walls.

The good thing with the exterior basement waterproofing method, even though it is a load of work, nothing inside the basement is disturbed. Also, sump pumps may not be necessary with this method even though they are sometimes recommended.

5 Reasons You Need Basement Waterproofing in Edison NJ 08817

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on February 23, 2015

Basements are not often thought about until damage has been done to the foundations, or any other major problems have occurred. This means that basement waterproofing in Edison NJ 08817 is not really thought about by every homeowner.

However, it should be considered is you have not already for a number of reasons.

Basement waterproofing in Edison NJ 08817 can help to keep you and your family healthy

Having a damp and musty basement makes it much easier for you and your family to get ill. This is because if there is excess moisture in the basement, it becomes the perfect habitat for mold and mildew. Then, spores from these organisms can be blown into the air and can easily rise into the rest of the home.

Waterproofing can save you money on your utility bills

This is because heating damp air uses a lot more energy than heating dry air. By waterproofing your basement, the heating and cooling systems will not need to wok as hard and will thus save you money.

If you have not waterproofed your basement, you are wasting space

Your basement is the perfect space for storage if it is kept dry and clean, otherwise your treasured items can become dampened and moldy. Basement waterproofing in Edison NJ 08817 means that you can take advantage of an extra room within your home.

Waterproofing will raise the value of your home

If you ever are planning to sell your house in the future, having a waterproofed basement will significantly add value. If it has been waterproofed, it can even be used as a living space if you are not planning to sell.

Peace of mind

The weather is far out of your control, and basement waterproofing in Edison NJ 08817 will ensure your peace of mind in any case of flash flooding or bizarre weather events. Resulting damage from excess moisture in your basement will probably be more expensive to fix than waterproofing would have been in the first place. This being the case, you will not have to worry about damage occurring when these events occur.

What You Need To Know About French Drains in Morganville NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on December 17, 2014

French Drains in Morganville NJ

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 in Morganville NJ 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 in Morganville NJ 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 in Morganville NJ 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.

How Basement Waterproofing in New Jersey Can Save You Money

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on August 29, 2014

Basement Waterproofing in New Jersey

Basement waterproofing in New Jersey can save you money just like an insurance policy can. It starts saving you money when something goes wrong. And it saves you big money when something really big goes wrong.
A basement waterproofing system is more about prevention than anything. Therefore, when we talk about potential savings, you have to look at your individual situation, see what you have in your basement, and determine what it is worth to you.

Storage Items:

Most people at the very least use the basement for storage. On the low end, basement waterproofing can save you the cost of replacing those storage items. That is if they are even replaceable. Many times what we store away in the basement are priceless heirlooms and keepsakes. It is hard to even put a monetary value on these types of items. The non-sentimental items still have some value. At least, they are valuable enough for us to store them. Basement waterproofing on an unfinished, storage space will save you the heartache of dealing with damaged storage boxes if your basement was to flood.

Finished Basements:

This is where basement waterproofing will save you the most money. The best case scenario for a finished basement is dealing with all water issues and installing a basement waterproofing system BEFORE you finish the basement. This will save you from ever having to re-finish the basement if there is a water issue in the future. Plus, the EPA recommends it when converting the basement to living space. Mold, odors, and high humidity don’t make for the best environment for living space anyway.

According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report, the cost of a mid-range basement remodel is $62,834. That is to create a 20-by-30-foot entertaining area with a wet bar and a full bathroom. That also includes the cost of enclosing a mechanical room, paint and trim, electrical wiring, and plumbing. Construction isn’t cheap and that would not be fun to pay for it twice if you ever had to replace it after a basement flood. Not to mention the cost of cleaning up the mess.

Every basement waterproofer has had to pull out a destroyed finished basement due to a basement leak or flood. It is a hard lesson and a sad day. If they would have installed the system beforehand, basement waterproofing would have saved them so much money!

Future Foundation Repair:

Basement waterproofing not only protects your home and basement from potential water issues, but it also protects your foundation. Water pressure building up outside the foundation wall is the top reason foundations crack. If you don’t deal with the water issues outside the foundation it will inevitably affect your foundation walls. The worst case scenario is a neglected foundation that has moved past hairline cracks and leaks to serious structural problems. The foundation is the most important part of any building, and if the health and integrity of the foundation is compromised, the whole building will eventually see the effects. It is very dangerous to leave alone. Taking care of the water issues with basement waterproofing will save you the cost of future foundation repair, which ranges from $5,000 to $25,000 depending on the situation and the severity.

Peace of Mind:

Knowing you will save yourself a lot of heartache and hundreds to thousands of dollars cleaning up and fixing problems that could have been prevented is worth it. The peace of mind basement waterproofing in New Jersey brings is priceless.

Structural Problems to Look For When Buying a Home in New Jersey

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on August 19, 2014

Buying a Home in New Jersey

When you are house shopping, it is easy to forget to about the foundation. However, making sure the foundation is in good shape and structurally sound may be one of the most important steps when buying a home in New Jersey.

Inspect the foundation

First look at the foundation, and watch for any cracks inside or out. Small vertical cracks may be nonstructural but could potentially cause water infiltration. You can watch for mold or water stains to show the crack does leak. These nonstructural cracks should be fixed prior to moving in just to save you from dealing with major water issues come winter.

The horizontal cracks in a foundation wall are signs of structural damage. Also stair step cracks in block wall foundations or bulging or bowed walls are also signs of structural foundation problems.

Watch for signs upstairs

You can also watch for signs of settlement issues upstairs. If the doors and windows stick or if there are cracks in the sheetrock upstairs in the walls or the ceiling, you may have a foundation problem. Cracks can also be in the trim around the windows and doors. That is a sign the foundation is moving.

Look into the history of the site

Even newer houses can run into potential structural problems if the house was built on unstable ground. Do your research to see what the property was used for in the past. Past gravel pits, old landfills and dumps can be the cause of major foundation problems. Most developers will know not to build over past pits, but sometimes they don’t. There have been issues where developers will bury large tree stumps or garbage on the building site creating massive problems when those decompose. It will create holes in the ground and create an unstable ground.

Watch for water issues and signs of water build-up

Water issues in the basement should never be left alone. Always fix the leaks and other water issues in the basement because not only does it cause mold, mildew, and poor indoor air quality inside the home, but it also is the culprit of foundation damage. Leaving a basement leak or a leaky crack in the foundation will eventually start to deteriorate the foundation wall making it weak and fragile. Water damage to the foundation wall can result in spalling where the concrete starts to break off the foundation wall. Water infiltrating the basement is also a sign there is water build up on the outside wall. If there is water building up in the soil outside, then it is creating hydrostatic pressure, a common cause of structural damage in foundation walls. Basement waterproofing and proper outside drainage systems will relieve hydrostatic pressure and potential structural problems.

You can negotiate in the contract to have the seller solve these foundation issues before you buy the house. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy the house because most of these issues can be fixed. With a professional foundation repair contractor and/or basement waterproofer, you won’t have to worry. Just make sure it gets in the final agreement to either have them fix the issue or drop the price of the house so you can fix the issue after you buy it. It is a good idea to elicit the help of a foundation repair contractor if you suspect foundation issues. They will be able to provide an inspection and quote to help you negotiate and understand what you are really getting into. This information will help you make your decision.

If you’d like a FREE Estimate for foundation repair when buying a home in New Jersey, then please contact us!

The Foundation-Crushing Power of Hydrostatic Pressure

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on June 16, 2014

The Power of Hydrostatic Pressure

In science, engineers study hydrostatic pressure as the natural occurring pressure that standing water creates in relation to an object or barrier. Basically, it is the taller the body of wet material, the greater the force, especially at the bottom. Hydrostatic pressure is what destroys dams, buckles retaining walls, and collapses foundation walls. It is the force behind landslides, moving earth and rocks, and anything else in its path.

Our homes and our basements are really no match for hydrostatic pressure.

Structural damage and leaks

While hydrostatic pressure can cause serious structural damage, it can also be the culprit behind basement leaks. The water buildup in the soil outside of a foundation actually reacts with the concrete. Capillary action naturally pulls the water in through any voids, gaps or cracks in the concrete wall. It can even pull water through the concrete slab or through solid concrete walls. This is known as seepage or weeping. If water weeps through a solid concrete wall, then the best way is to relieve the pressure.

Using drains to stop hydrostatic pressure

The way to stop hydrostatic pressure build-up is through water diversion and drainage tactics. A French Drain installed on the exterior side of the foundation wall will relieve this hydrostatic pressure and allow a place for the water to go. By trenching behind the problem area, you can allow water to find its way to a place that will do no harm. Channel the water to flow downhill away from the foundation.

When you relieve the hydrostatic pressure build up, the job of keeping the basement dry is actually a much simpler job. If those drainage systems are in place, then your basement waterproofing system won’t have to work so hard.

Field drains are also a good option to help keep surface water away from the foundation. They are usually small, round drainage points to control the water and relieve hydrostatic pressure.

Another technique is channel drains. Channel drains are a grill-covered drainage system material commonly placed at the bottom of a driveway recessed into the ground. These capture flowing water and redirect it.

Interior basement waterproofing systems including drain tiles and sump pumps also deal with hydrostatic pressure by capturing the excess water below the concrete slab and carrying it away before it enters the basement.

If you are having water seeping through your basement floor you probably have hydrostatic pressure.

Depending on the situation, a waterproofing contractor may suggest an exterior or interior system or a combination of the two.

Don’t ever ignore hydrostatic pressure. Leaving it alone will only make the problems worse and could lead to even more serious problems. Contact us for a FREE Estimate for basement waterproofing.

How to Beat Mold in the Basement This Spring

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on April 28, 2014

Get Rid of Any Mold in the Basement

The key to mold control is simply moisture control. In other words, the best way to beat mold in the basement is to prevent it in the first place.

If you are spring cleaning and find mold, you need to remove it and fix the water issue. Whether it is a leaky faucet or high humidity levels in your home, you won’t have mold without a moisture issue. If you clean up the mold and fail to fix the water issue, then you haven’t really fixed the problem. The mold will come back!

Moisture is the perfect breeding ground for mold

Mold comes in many colors, as well as white and black. There are hundreds of types of mold however they all have one thing in common: they all need moisture and oxygen to grow. Mold is an important part of the natural environment. Outside in nature, mold breaks down dead organic material like dead tree and fallen leaves and aids in the decomposition process. Mold produces tiny spores when it grows and reproduces. These mold spores float through the air. Mold can begin to grow inside when these spores make it indoors. A mold colony can start to grow in your home if there is water, oxygen and an organic food source. Organic food sources are easy to come by in your home. Mold uses wood like the framing in your house, carpet, and sheetrock.

Eliminate moisture in your home

Because mold is a natural occurrence mold spores are in our environment. It is impossible to keep mold spores out of the air in your home completely. That is why the best way to control mold is to control the moisture. We obviously can’t eliminate air or the presence of mold spores, therefore the only element we can control and eliminate is moisture. Control the water problem and keep your relative humidity level at 50% and you will be able to control your mold issues.

Call a contractor or professional mold remediation specialist

It is important to understand if you have a mold problem: DO NOT WAIT. Remember, mold is decomposing agent in nature. It will eat away whatever it starts growing on and the longer you wait the more damage it will cause. According to the EPA, the rule of thumb is if the moldy area is less than 3 feet by 3 feet than you can handle the clean up yourself. However, if there is a lot of water damage or the mold growth covers a larger area, you need to consider the health risks of removing such a large area of mold. You may want to consider hiring a contractor or professional mold remediation specialist to do the cleanup for you. They will have the right respiratory gear and mold removal products to safety remove the mold. If you suspect the HVAC system is contaminated with mold it could spread throughout the whole building. It is important to consult a specialist to have the mold removed.

Ultimately, when you have a mold problem, deal with the mold issue and the source of the water issue. Remember, if you have a mold problem, you will always have a moisture problem as its partner. Don’t forget to find the moisture problem and fix it. If your mold issue is in the basement, a basement waterproofing contractor can help.

5 Signs You May Have a Basement Leak

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on March 24, 2014

Basement Leak Warning Signs

Standing water is not the only evidence of a leak in your basement. Leaks can be slow, seasonal, and dry up before you even notice. You may never catch puddles on the ground even though you indeed have a basement leak. Sometimes your basement is letting in a small amount of water in the form of moisture, water vapor, or humidity. Water in the air is still water and can cause problems in your home.

Here are five signs your basement may be leaking:

1. Odors

That common dank, musty smell in the basement is a sign your basement may be leaking. Those odors are commonly caused from biocontaminants created from a wet environment. Sometimes the smell is from mold and mildew growing behind the walls or under the carpet pad. While you may not be able to see the problem or find a visible and active leak, the musty smell is a sign of trouble. Even though you may be tempted to fix the symptoms don’t try to mask the odors with air fresheners. That will not solve your water problem. A professional waterproofing contractor will know where to look and where to find the problem in order to solve it.

2. Water Stains

Sometimes you may have a leak but never see anything but water stains on the concrete floor or foundation wall. Even though it is dry right now, a water stain means that “water was here”. Don’t ignore the problem because if water was there, it will be back.

3. Visible White Powder

Efflorescence, the white powder on a concrete block is formed when water reacts to the cement block. If you see this efflorescence on your foundation wall inside or out, it is a sign you may have a basement leak.

4. Rust

Rust is another scientific reaction that needs water to form. If you see rust forming on the basement floor or under metal chair legs, it may be a sign that your basement may be leaking.

5. Mold and Mildew

If you see visible mildew and mold growing on your walls, then you definitely have a water issue. Mold needs water in order to grow. It cannot live in a dry environment. Therefore, mold and mildew, even one spot, is a sign you have water issues. It may be a sign your basement is leaking or that the relative humidity is too high for some reason. Either way, a professional waterproofing contractor can inspect your basement and let you know what is causing the issues.

Don’t ignore these signs of water problems in the basement. If you leave a water issue alone, all it does is get worse! And letting a basement leak get worse will only cause more damage and cost more money to fix. Contact us for a FREE Estimate!

Tag: basement waterproofing