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Factors that Could Increase the Cost of Repairing Foundation Cracks Trenton, NJ

Factors that Could Increase the Cost of Repairing Foundation Cracks Trenton, NJ

Have you noticed cracks in your foundation? Many homeowners are apprehensive when it comes to repairing foundation cracks. This is because these repairs can turn out to be costly. However, ignoring the cracks or trying to repair them on your own will not bring the costs of the repair down. In fact, this is only likely to make it more expensive to repair the foundation.

There are several factors that affect the cost of repairing foundation cracks. The following are factors that can increase the costs of your repair.IMG 0827 300x225 Factors that Could Increase the Cost of Repairing Foundation Cracks Trenton, NJ

  1. Excavation of the foundation

There are times when repairing cracks in the foundation will require excavating the foundation. Excavating the foundation in order to access the foundation walls can be costly. There is a lot of heavy equipment involved and more labor required for this process. This process also results in damage to your landscape. You would therefore need to spend even more money in restoring your landscape.

You can discuss alternatives to excavation with your contractor. There are many less invasive methods of repairing foundation cracks available today. However, there may be situations where excavation is the best option.

  1. Clearing the area around the foundation

Clearing the area around the foundation may be required in order to access your foundation. This is the case when you have to excavate the foundation. If there are bushes and trees growing close to the foundation, they will need to be removed. This can be a costly and involved process.

You may want to discuss alternatives with your foundation repair contractor. Polyurethane injection crack sealing.jpg 1200x800 1 300x200 Factors that Could Increase the Cost of Repairing Foundation Cracks Trenton, NJ

Controlling the Costs of Repair

Repairing foundation cracks isn’t always expensive. In fact, you can reduce your costs by getting in touch with a foundation repair contractor as soon as you notice cracks in your foundation. Addressing the cracks early helps you catch the problem early. You can avoid extensive damage to your foundation and therefore apply simple and cost-efficient solutions to the repair of your foundation.

You should also consider having at least three foundation repair contractors inspect your foundation and determine the best approach to repair the foundation. Consider the options available and choose a solution that will provide you with great results in the long term.

Contact us to learn more about foundation crack repair and how we can help.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

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Foundation Repair And Landscaping Issues Morganville, NJ

Foundation Repair And Landscaping Issues Morganville, NJ

foundation repair conterra Foundation Repair And Landscaping Issues Morganville, NJOne of the things that contractors will examine during foundation repair is the grading of your land. Poor grading – where the land slopes towards the foundation – can be one of the leading causes of foundation damage. Water flow from rain can pool around the foundation and lead to cracking, buckling, and other problems. Understanding how landscape grading works is important for keeping your foundation in good shape.

When water flows down a slope, it will naturally follow the path of least resistance. If your land is sloping towards your foundation, then the water will flow towards the foundation when it rains. This can lead to serious problems over time, as the water can saturate the ground around the foundation and cause cracking, buckling, and other damage.

There are a few things that you can do to make sure that your land is properly graded. First, you should make sure that the ground slopes away from the foundation at a rate of about six inches for every ten feet. This will ensure that water flows away from the foundation and doesn’t pool around it.

You should also make sure that there is proper drainage around the foundation. This can be accomplished by installing gutters and downspouts that direct water away from the foundation, or by creating a ditch that channels water away from the foundation.%name Foundation Repair And Landscaping Issues Morganville, NJ

If you’re not sure whether your land is properly graded, you can contact a foundation repair contractor to take a look. They will be able to assess the situation and make recommendations for how to fix it. In some cases, poor grading can be corrected by simply adding more soil to the area around the foundation. In other cases, more extensive work may be necessary.

No matter what, it’s important to address poor grading as soon as possible. If you wait too long, the damage to your foundation could become irreparable. By taking action now, you can protect your foundation and keep your home in good condition for years to come.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

Foundation Cracks | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Foundation Cracks – How Do They Affect Your Home? Trenton, NJ

Foundation Cracks – How Do They Affect Your Home? Trenton, NJ

Are you dealing with foundation cracks? Have you noticed crumbling of your foundation walls? Cracks and crumbling of basement walls are not only aesthetically unappealing but also dangerous. They will not only decrease the value of your home but can also be a sign of foundation issues that could put you and your household in danger. 

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Why your foundation wall is crumbling

The most common causes for crumbling concrete foundation walls include:

Poor choice of materials

The choice of materials during construction of the foundation is important for the longevity of the structure. If substandard materials were used for the construction, the consequences will show up in the deterioration of the structure. Crumbling is only one way.

Crumbling and cracks may also occur as a result of not achieving a good mix of materials. Concrete should be mixed using the right ratio of materials to achieve a strong finish. Poor mixing practices can result in deterioration of the concrete wall.

Excessive moisture

Excessive moisture can not only cause foundation cracks but also result in the crumbling of the foundation wall. This exposure to excessive moisture is usually the result of poor soil drainage. The crumbling may be preceded by cracking of the foundation wall.

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Crack in a white wall with cement brick surface

What to do when you discover your foundation is crumbling

A crumbling foundation is a dangerous foundation. It is a sign of failure that could result in serious structural problems. The following are steps to take if you’ve discovered that your foundation is crumbling.

  1. Have your home inspected by a licensed foundation repair contractor. The inspection should address any issues with your foundation and not just the area that has shown cracking or crumbling. This is because foundation issues are often interconnected and the result of various issues. You’ll need to address the different issues in order to experience long term results.
  2. Compare quotations from at least three different service providers. Compare the solutions provided as well as the cost. The solution should not only address the repair of the cracking or crumbling but also the root cause. Choose the solution that offers the best value for money.
  3. Contact your insurance company to find out if the repairs will be covered under your homeowner’s policy or not.
  4. Engage the contractor and have the walls repaired as soon as possible.

Crumbling and cracking foundations can be a danger to you and your household. Ensure that they are repaired by a foundation repair professional.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

Wall Cracks | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Wall Damage That May Indicate Issues With Your Foundation Trenton, NJ

Wall Damage That May Indicate Issues With Your Foundation Trenton, NJ

The appearance of cracks on your walls, foundation or basement can be unnerving. In addition to making structures look unsightly, cracks may also mean that there is some problem in the structure of walls or the foundation.

While some types of cracks simply indicate the shrinking of concrete and are therefore nothing much to worry about, the appearance of large cracks of any type should worry you. Here are details about four types of wall cracks and what they mean.

bowing or rotating walls Wall Damage That May Indicate Issues With Your Foundation Trenton, NJ

Vertical cracks

Vertical cracks run up and down in an upright position on walls and foundations. These types of cracks may also appear in a slightly slanting position (about 30 degrees relative to the perpendicular position). Vertical wall cracks often occur as a result of concrete shrinkage and are therefore also referred to a shrinkage cracks.

Narrow b are nothing to worry about because they are just a sign that the concrete is shrinking. However, you should be concerned if you see wide vertical cracks (wider than 3 mm or 1/8 inch). You should consult a wall repair expert if you see wider vertical cracks since such cracks may be an indicator of a significant foundation movement.

Diagonal cracks

Diagonal cracks run in a slanting manner (30-75 degrees relative to the perpendicular position) from one point to another on a wall. The cracks may be narrow (referred to as hairline cracks) or wider. Unlike vertical cracks, diagonal cracks are usually a sign of more serious structural issues. Such issues include an uneven shifting or settling of the foundation.

Uneven foundation movement or settling can occur as a result of a house having been built on a slope. It can also be due to excessive moisture in some sections of the soil around the foundation, which will cause the foundation to sink more on one side, leading to diagonal cracking.

Because diagonal wall cracks require more skills and resources to repair compared to vertical cracks, you need to call a professional wall repair company the moment you spot these cracks.

Stair step cracks

Stair step cracks are similar to diagonal cracks, save for the fact that they take the form of a staircase running along the joints between bricks. The causes and implications of stair step cracks are quite similar to those of diagonal cracks, meaning that you should consult an expert if you see stair step cracks.

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Horizontal cracks

Horizontal wall cracks are a sign of severe damage to your building’s walls or foundation. These types of cracks occur due to foundation bowing, which is caused by any of the following factors:

  • Excessive hydrostatic pressure
  • Large roots near the foundation
  • Thermal movement of the soil around the foundation

Horizontal cracks are much more complicated and thus need to be urgently checked and repaired by a skilled technician.

Contact the Professionals at Everdry Waterproofing of S.E. Michigan Today! (732) 526-7770

Basement Wall Cracks | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Foundation Repair Common Misconceptions Trenton, NJ

Foundation Repair Common Misconceptions Trenton, NJ

Do you have basement wall cracks? Chances are that you’re searching the internet for information on how to repair these cracks and whether or not you should be worried about them. While the internet provides us with a lot of useful information, it is also a source of false information. If you’re not careful, you could end up going down a rabbit hole that could steer you off the right path.

before straightened walls wall anchors Foundation Repair Common Misconceptions Trenton, NJ

The following are myths about basement wall cracksthat every homeowner should be aware of.

  1. Cracks only appear on basement walls of homes that were poorly constructed

Foundation cracks are caused by various factors. Poor construction is just one causes of these cracks. Your wall may be cracking because of the natural settlement movements of your foundation. It could also be cracking because of high hydrostatic pressure from the soil surrounding the foundation. The cracking could also be a combination of various factors. The only way you can determine the root cause of the cracking is by having your foundation inspected by a foundation repair professional.

  1. You can fix leaky cracks by sealing them

Sealing cracks using crack injections is effective for stopping water seepage. However, this fix will only be temporary if it is used on its own. In fact, it can result in more serious damage as the water pressure continues to build up behind the wall.

Sealing of cracks should only be done if the underlying problem has been identified and resolved.

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  1. Foundation repair is expensive

Repairing foundation cracks isn’t always expensive. In fact, the faster you act on foundation cracks, the cheaper it is likely to be to have the cracks repaired. Ignoring the cracks will only result in the problem becoming worse and therefore more expensive to repair.

There are many cost-effective solutions for crack repair that offer long-term benefits. For example, installing carbon fiber straps isn’t costly. These straps last for years and provide long-term benefits for your foundation. Discuss your needs with your contractor and find a cost effective solution for the repair of your foundation cracks.

  1. You can’t sell your home with basement wall cracks

While cracks in foundation walls often put off buyers, it is not impossible to sell your home with cracks in the foundation. However, it is best to repair the cracks before putting your home on the market. You will get a better price for the house that way.

If you have a cracked foundation, be sure to discuss your needs with a professional contractor. This will ensure you have all the information you need to make the best choice.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

Foundation Repair | Morganville, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Signs That You Need To Contact A Foundation Repair Pro Immediately Morganville, NJ

Signs That You Need To Contact A Foundation Repair Pro Immediately Morganville, NJ

The foundation of your house plays two very critical roles. First, it supports the building by bearing its weight and ensuring that the walls of the house stand firm. Second, the foundation helps keep moisture out of your building by acting as a barrier against water in the surrounding ground. Therefore, signs of damage to the foundation of your house can be worrying.

Interior Wall Crack and Bowing Walls Signs That You Need To Contact A Foundation Repair Pro Immediately Morganville, NJ

What is more worrying is that some signs of foundation problems can be insidious and not easy to notice. Other signs of foundation damage can be seen very far away from the foundation, such as on door frames and windows.

But the good news is that many foundation problems can be repaired. All you have to do is to act quickly by requesting a foundation repair company to inspect your building in case you see or perceive any signs of foundation damage.You need to call a foundation repair company for help if you see any of the following signs in your house.  

  1. An uneven floor and doors that are out of position

If your floor becomes uneven or suddenly starts slanting towards one side, you are likely to be dealing with a foundation issue. Also, if your doors become really out of position, this could mean that the walls have moved due to foundation issues.

damaged foundation Signs That You Need To Contact A Foundation Repair Pro Immediately Morganville, NJ
  1. Interior and exterior cracks

While small vertical cracks may be nothing to worry about, but you need to be concerned about your foundation if you notice large vertical cracks and diagonal cracks on your foundation or walls. Horizontal cracks also indicate serious foundation issues.

  1. Door and window frames separated from the brick wall

If your door or window frames pull away from the brick wall, you could be having a notable foundation problem.

  1. Tile cracks

Although tiles are hard, they are quite brittle. While there are many causes of tile cracking, too many cracked tiles in one part of your building could be an indication of foundation issues. 

  1. Walls pulling away from each other

If you notice that one or more external walls are pulling away from the rest of your building, you should call a foundation repair expert immediately. Walls pulling away indicates that the foundation is unstable or has settled unevenly.

  1. Bowing foundation walls

Foundation wall bowing occurs due to factors such as increased hydrostatic pressure from the soil that surrounds the foundation or large roots expanding towards the foundation. Wall bowing can cause major cracks and even lead to a building’s collapse if left unrepaired.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

Foundation Wall Cracks | Hunterdon County, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Putting Off the Repair of Foundation Repair Could Be Costing You Money Hunterdon County, NJ

Putting Off the Repair of Foundation Repair Could Be Costing You Money Hunterdon County, NJ

Are you a fan of surprises? If you’re like most people, you probably don’t like surprises that could cost you a lot of money. In fact, if you’re a homeowner, you probably hate any surprises to do with your home’s foundation.

Unfortunately, unexpected events do happen. While it may be tempting to ignore them, it is important that you deal with them when you come across them. One such thing is the appearance of foundation wall cracks.

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Many homeowners try to ignore foundation wall cracks for as long as they can. For many, their primary motivation is to save money. However, ignoring those cracks in your foundation is only causing you to spend more. Here’s how those foundation cracks are costing you money.

  1. They’re causing structural damage in other parts of the home

Foundation cracks are often a sign of weakness in the foundation or increased pressure against the foundation wall. This in turn can result in damage in other parts of the home. You may notice cracks in walls in the upper levels of your home, bulking floors, cracks in the floor and other damage. If you continue to ignore the cracks in your foundation, you will continue spending money on repairs in your home.

  1. They can cause water damage

Cracks in the foundation can be the channel through which water from the soil surrounding the foundation finds its way into your home. This can result in flooding of your basement. It can also result in other moisture-related problems such as rotting wood or a mold and mildew infestation.

Mold remediation would be required to restore the health of your home. You would also need to spend money on the replacement of wooden parts of your home structure that show signs of rot.

cracks Putting Off the Repair of Foundation Repair Could Be Costing You Money Hunterdon County, NJ
  1. They can result in plumbing issues

Water pipes that run below the foundation are often vulnerable to breakage. If the foundation is moving as a result of settling or hydrostatic pressure, there’s a good chance that the foundation will put a lot of stress and strain on the water pipes. This can result in breakage of the water pipes.

Even those with above-ground pipes aren’t safe. These pipes often run through walls or beneath the floors in upper levels of the home. They will also be damaged as the foundation shifts.

If you have cracks in your foundation walls, now is a great time to have them repaired.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

Bowed Basement Walls | Bergen County, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

3 Situations Where You Should Have Your Foundation Inspected By A Professional, Bergen County, NJ

3 Situations Where You Should Have Your Foundation Inspected By A Professional, Bergen County, NJ

Foundation inspection is an important step to take in maintaining the structural integrity of your house. Inspection by a professional foundation repair contractor will help to identify problems early. A professional will help you identify the root cause of the problem and the best solution to apply to it.

IMG 2660 1014x487 1 3 Situations Where You Should Have Your Foundation Inspected By A Professional, Bergen County, NJ

There are various instances when foundation inspection is necessary.

  1. As part of your home’s maintenance

It is a good idea to schedule foundation inspection for your home as part of its maintenance. This will help you identify issues before they become serious problems that are expensive to repair. This type of inspection doesn’t have to be an annual thing, especially since foundation issues such as settling occur very slowly. Inspection every five years is a good idea.

  1. When you want to buy or sell a house

Are you looking to buy or sell a house? Ensuring that the house is in its best condition is vital to getting the best value for it. Buyers should inspect foundations to identify issues and make informed decisions when purchasing properties. You can negotiate for a lower price if there are foundation issues that need repair. You may also choose to avoid buying a property if there is extensive foundation damage.

Foundation inspection is important if you’re planning to sell. You should identify and repair foundation issues in order to get the better value for your home.

  1. If you’ve noticed symptoms of foundation damage

Do you have bowed basement walls? Are your walls cracked? Is your basement damp? Then you need to have your foundation inspected. Ignoring foundation issues will not make the issues go away. In fact, this will result in even more serious damage that will be more expensive to repair. Bowed basement walls will only continue to bow in further and may one day collapse. Foundation damage can also result in other structural issues around the home.

Bowed basement wall 1024x1024 3 Situations Where You Should Have Your Foundation Inspected By A Professional, Bergen County, NJ

You will spend much more on repairs if you don’t get them done as soon as possible. If you notice issues such as cracks or bowing, get in touch with a foundation repair contractor to have the foundation inspected.

What will you do now?

Many professional contractors offer free inspections and consultation. Those that do charge offer these services at very affordable fees. Take advantage of these services to ensure your foundation is in its best condition. An inspection could save you thousands of dollars in repairs.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

Foundation Repair | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Foundation Repair – Understanding Underpinning Trenton, NJ

Foundation Repair – Understanding Underpinning  Trenton, NJ

Foundation issues can arise from a wide variety of causes. Factors such as unstable ground, flooding and drought can contribute to the instability of a foundation. When the damage affects the structure of the foundation, it is important for homeowners to seek a solution as soon as possible.

There are a wide variety of solutions available today. However, many homeowners shy away from foundation repair because of the costs involved. The problem with this is that simply ignoring the need to repair your foundation will not make the problem go away. In fact, the problem will only get worse over time and require more intensive repairs, which will be costlier.

FoundationRepair WallCracks FoundationSettlement Foundation Repair – Understanding Underpinning  Trenton, NJ

An effective solution

If you are looking for a highly effective foundation repair solution, you may be considering underpinning. This is an age-old technique used to repair foundations that have suffered the effects of settlement. However, it can cause a great inconvenience as you will be required to vacate your home for the period in which the work is to be done.

The underpinning process often involves:

  • Excavation of the foundation – This involves removing soil from under the home. Heavy machinery is used. Soil can be removed up to a depth of 10 feet.
  • Removal of soil from the property – The soil is loaded on large dump trucks and transported away from the site.
  • Pouring of concrete – The resulting holes are filled with concrete. The number of piers required will depend on the site and the level of damage to your foundation.
  • Curing – Time is allowed for the cement to cure. The time allowed depends on the type of cement used for the project. This stage could take several days.

Following the curing of the piers, you may proceed with waterproofing your foundation to keep it clean and dry. Many homeowners take advantage of the repair to have their basements finished. This creates extra living space in the home and increases its value.

Underpinning is labor intensive and can take several days or weeks to be completed, but it is highly effective. There will be lots of cement trucks and construction machinery on your property throughout the process. This can result in damage to your landscaping.

If you are considering underpinning for your foundation, be sure to talk to a professional foundation repair contractor. Consider all the options available to repair your foundation and determine which will work best for you.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

Foundation Repair | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Don’t Miss the Signs That Your Home Needs Foundation Repair Trenton, NJ

Don’t Miss the Signs That Your Home Needs Foundation Repair Trenton, NJ

Foundation repair is required in many situations. However, a small crack does not indicate an immediate need for foundation repair. There are plenty of signs and signals that something is not right with your foundation when there happens to be potential serious damage. Unfortunately, many homeowners ignore the signals, allowing things to deteriorate further. If these homeowners had paid attention and called for help at the first sign of trouble, repairs could have taken place before further damage took place. These repairs would have been easier, less expensive, and there would have been less damage to their home and belongings. Below are some signs to consider.

Cracks, Crumbling, and Water

One of the first signs that your foundation is in trouble is usually cracking in the foundation. These cracks allow water to get into the basement. The cracks can and often do become worse over time.

Cracks and walls can get repaired, and your basement can get waterproofed. It is important to note that not all water in the basement points to foundation issues. The water may be coming up into the basement due to a high water level. In this case, having your basement waterproofed will stop the problem.

Doors and Windows that Are Difficult to Open and Close

If your doors and windows are becoming more challenging to operate, it is a sign of foundation problems. Think back to when you first moved into your home, did they open and close more easily? They may become more difficult over a long period, which makes it harder for you to notice, so it’s essential to pay attention.

Look Up

Do your ceiling and molding meet? They did at one time, and they should still meet now. If they do not, your foundation could very well be the cause, and you should have it checked out.

The above are a few of the signs of foundation issues. Pay attention to your house, so that you will be alerted at the first sign of problems. Foundation issues can impact the entire integrity of your structure. If they are allowed to progress, you could experience bowing walls and wall failure. A strong foundation is needed to have a safe and secure home. If you suspect foundation issues, call for a professional inspection today.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770