waterproofing solutions

Waterproofing Solutions for a Serial DIYer

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

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.

waterproofing solutions 3 Waterproofing Solutions for a Serial DIYer

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.

basement-waterproofing

Make Your Basement More Useful With Basement Waterproofing

Posted by Jerome Fokas 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.

Wet Basement | Union County, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

4 Major Causes of a Basement Leak in Woodbridge NJ 07067

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

Four Major Causes of a Basement Leak and Solutions

The basement is one of the most overlooked spaces in every property. Indeed, the Basement Health Association (BHA) reckons that over 56% of home owners don’t even go down to their basements in over a year and therein lays great danger.

Grave Danger

With gradual neglect, you will soon have to contend with a basement leak. It might not sound like a big deal until you consider that the National Foundation Repairs Association (NRFA) says over 89% of projects done by members relate to wet basements.

The dangers posed by a leaking basement include structural collapse, mold growth leading to health complications among occupants, toxic Radon gas circulation, rodent infestation and high levels of humidity leading to more damage of your property. All these problems lead to loss of value for your home with most agents even avoiding listing it on their websites.

Causes of Wet Basements

To effectively deal with a basement leak and the problems it brings, you have to understand where the problems emanate from. Some of the main causes include:

1. Poor Surface Drainage

Most water problems in the spaces below arise from leaks through foundation walls. Once a house settles, there is a likelihood that surface water will tend to collect next to foundation walls due to the gradient. With ineffective drainage solutions, your walls will bow under the pressure to allow water leaks into the basement. Main drainage problems include poorly laid weeping tiles, gutters and downspouts.

2. Poor Grading

This, according to the Concrete Foundations Association (CFA), is one of the main causes of leaking basements. It accounts for over 45% of problems these contractors encounter. Once construction is done the contractor should rework the grading to ensure water is carried away from the walls.

3. Weak Foundation Walls

This problem arises where the contractor does not wait for concrete to cure before continuing with the rest of the walls. Such structural weakness can lead to devastating effects and this requires external and internal waterproofing. Some of the waterproofing materials used include sodium silicate, polyurethane membranes, among others.
Other repair options for weakened walls include pier supports which help to realign bowing or bulging walls. Carbon fiber strips are also used in such a case to ensure wall gaps don’t allow water to seep in.

4. Ineffective Sump Pump System

A sump pump is the quintessential basement leak solution, but when it is not working optimally, you will encounter myriad problems. There is thus need to ensure a contractor checks whether your sump pump is working efficiently to avoid such leaks

Owning a home is without doubt one of the most significant achievements in life. However, an innocuous looking basement leak can devastate this achievement by affecting the structural strength of your property. With this in mind, isn’t it time to give that basement another look?