basement-remodeling

5 Basement Remodeling Tips that Keep Moisture in Mind

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

There is nothing worse than working hard on a basement remodeling job only to find out that it is prone to usual basement moisture problems, rendering all of your hard work useless.

A refinished or remodeled basement is a great addition for any home. The valuable extra square footage is a game-changer when it comes time to sell. So it’s important that when you are planning a basement remodel, you take some extra steps to ensure that your job is done right the first time.

Basement Remodeling

Here are 5 tips to help you along in your basement remodeling process.

1. Check that your basement is candidate for the job. Mitigate mold, water, and other moisture problems early on. If there are obvious signs of moisture or water (especially pools of water), talk to a professional before you begin.

2. Know and follow building codes, if applicable. In many municipalities, a building inspector has to approve major changes. So be prepared if structural changes require permits, and research what is needed in advance.

3. Consider adding a vapor barrier to finished walls. Even after you take care of moisture problems, a vapor barrier is like added protection against any future water entry.

4. Add offset walls to stop any moisture issues. A slight offset between your basement wall and any wall framing that you do, not only stops the appearance of moisture, it helps level wavy and uneven masonry.

5. Leave the utility area of your basement untouched. It is unsafe to surround water heaters, HVAC units and furnaces with finished materials. Plus, building codes are often set for how much open area needs to surround them, so leave their area untouched.

Doing a remodeling job? Need help with your basement waterproofing? Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you make have.

crawl space waterproofing

Take a Minute to Appreciate the Risks of Crawl Space Moisture in East Brunswick NJ 08816

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

An article published on Contracting Business in 2013 posits that over 30% of all new homes built in low lying areas in the U.S are built on crawl spaces. This might not look like a big issue until you factor a study by Basement Health Association (BHA) which reports over 70% of such structures have crawl space moisture problems.

Why then do contractors allow such spaces underneath your home? The answer lies in the water table level. If it is high, building a basement would be akin to building an underground indoor swimming pool filled with filthy ground water.

The Water Leak Problems

The viability of this mode of construction is a debate that has been ongoing for years in the industry. In the meantime, you need to deal with moisture leakage promptly. Such issues arise in case of:

  • Standing bulk water: This arises mostly if you have a leaking drain tile, clogged pipes, poorly laid downspouts, poor grading, among other issues. The water thus drips to the easiest basin which happens to be beneath your home.
  • Moisture evaporation from the ground: Crawl spaces feature an earthen floor which is prone to evaporation. Over time, soil becomes saturated and water starts collecting posing danger to your property.
  • Condensation of outdoor air: If you have a vented space underneath your structure, it is most likely that your contractor convinced you the issue of moisture collection is solved. Well, the National Association of Realtors (NAR®) reckons that warm air flowing into the space raises relative humidity eventually leading to moisture collection.

Dangers of Crawl Space Moisture in East Brunswick NJ 08816

To appreciate the gravity of the matter, consider some of these risks that your home faces:

  1. Health hazards: BHA reckons that high humidity levels beneath leads to toxic mold growth. These spores eventually find their way indoors leading to allergic reactions among other respiratory complications.
  2. Structural damage: Most homes lay on wooden joists which are prone to water damage. With rotting of these supporting beams, your home will be at risk of collapse hence the need for prompt corrective measures.
  3. Pest infestations: Rodents love areas that are moist and if you should not be surprised if you start noticing mice and other vermin crisscrossing your property. These carry diseases and also cause untold damage to utility lines

What do you do then about crawl space moisture in East Brunswick NJ 08816? The fix must start with a diagnostic test by a certified contractor. These professionals can then choose from among a range of solutions such as interior French drain tile, sump pump installation and encapsulation of the entire space, grading, metal flashing, among other effective measures.

Whatever you do, never take this problem for granted lest you lose your precious investment.

sump pump

Irritated by Iron? Ask Our NJ Basement Specialists About GrateSump

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

New Jersey’s iron-bearing rocks and soil have long allowed minerals to seep into the state’s aquifer. Although normal and perfectly safe for living creatures, iron rich water doesn’t bode well for a home’s plumbing system. It traditionally causes a number of problems, including dehumidifier and sump pump clogs. At least that was the norm until the GrateSump came on to the market.

Don’t Let Your New Jersey Basement Flood with Hard Water

Our New Jersey basement specialists and waterproofing contractors have found it to be one of the best weapons in the fight against iron clogs. To begin with, the versatile GrateSump is designed to maximize water flow without adding to a home’s existing humidity, plumbing and foundation problems. Easy to maintain, they are compatible with dehumidifiers and back up pumping systems too.

Best Basement Water Control Systems in NJ Aren’t Beaten by Iron

Speaking of which, there are dehumidifiers and back up pumping systems that are ideal for homes with hard water. We often recommend that our clients use systems that include advance alarm alerts and efficient pumps. They go a long way in heading off iron problems. Similar may be said for running dehumidifiers with distilled or otherwise softened water. In addition, the periodic use of lime scale removal products may help too.

In certain situations, hard water may create staining around damaged foundations and basement areas prone to flooding. Oftentimes, the stains are further ingrained into a home’s floors and walls thanks to iron-fixing bacteria. The good news is they may be safely addressed as well. Furthermore, once the GrateSump and related components are in place, chances are the risk of staining and bacteria formation will reduce significantly.

Solve New Jersey’s Basement Flooding Problems Now

To find out if a GrateSump should be a part of your New Jersey home’s basement water control solution, please contact us at Select Basement Waterproofing today. Our basement and waterproofing experts are ready to conduct evaluations and offer the best solutions to everyone that reaches out to us today.