basement moisture

Common Solutions to Basement Moisture Problems

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

Basement Moisture

One of the most important things you can do for your home and your sanity is to deal with basement moisture problems. This will go a long way in not only protecting the value of your home but also the health of your family.

Wet basements are nasty places. They not only smell but feel nasty. If left unchecked, they can provide the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. They can also be the perfect home for other pests and insects.

If you’re determined to keep basement moisture out, here are a few strategies to get you started:

  1. Add extensions to your gutters

Basement moisture problems aren’t confined to the ground level. They can result from further up. This includes the runoff from your roof. If the runoff is not been drained far enough from the foundation, it can result in moisture problems by increasing hydrostatic pressure against the basement walls.

You can prevent this from happening by adding extensions to the gutters. These extensions should drain water not less than five feet away from the house.

  1. Fix the plumbing

Are the pipes in your home leaking or dripping water near the foundation? Call your plumber and have these pipes fixed or replaced. This will prevent the leaking from continuing. You will not only save your basement but save money by preventing water wastage.

  1. Redirect surface water

If the landscape around your home is sloping towards the foundation, then surface water will flow towards your home. You’ll need to create a berm or trench that can direct water away from the foundation of your home.

One of the most effective ways of dealing with excess water in the soil is to install an exterior drain tile around the foundation walls. This will drain water from the soil and guide it away from the foundation walls. Be sure to have a professional basement contractor install this for the best results.

  1. Waterproof your walls

If you want to keep the water out, then you need to ensure that the basement walls are impermeable. The best way to do this is by installing a waterproof membrane on the exterior surface of the foundation walls. These membranes keep the water out and ensure your basement is kept nice and dry.

These methods used in combination will ensure that you have a dry basement for the long term. Contact a professional contractor to help you find the best solution for your basement.

basement finishing

Important Steps in Preparation for Basement Finishing in Woodbridge NJ

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

Basement Finishing in Woodbridge NJ

Basement finishing allows you to turn your basement into a living space. A well finished basement can add value to your home by increasing the square footage of the living space in your home. It can also provide you with an opportunity to make some extra cash if you decide to rent the space out.

The right approach must be followed in basement finishing to ensure that the resulting space is comfortable, functional and safe for the long term. The following are important steps you should take to ensure this.

  • Waterproofing

This is one of the most important things to do before you attempt to finish the basement. Waterproofing will prevent moisture problems, such as the growth of mildew and mold as well as the deterioration of materials in the space.

Have a professional waterproofing contractor come in to inspect the basement and provide you with the best solution for waterproofing it.

  • Repair foundation cracks

Do you have cracks in your foundation? They could be signs of a deeper problem. It is important to have these cracks inspected by a foundation expert. They can identify the underlying cause and help you solve the issue. It is advisable to have vapor barriers installed to prevent seepage into the basement.

If the cracks are non-structural and a vapor barrier has been installed, you can have the cracks sealed to improve the appearance of the walls.

Remember that repairing foundation cracks is not a DIY job. A foundation repair professional should be on hand to determine the best solution.

  • Have a sump pump installed

If you don’t already have one, ensure that a sump pump is installed. Have the space fitted with drain tile and a sump pit. You should also include a battery operated backup sump pump to ensure that flooding is prevented even when the primary sump pump fails.

A contractor should assess the basement and design a drainage system that is adequate for the space.

  • Prepare the floor

Having ensured that the space will remain dry even in bad weather, it is time to prepare the floor for the finishing. This will depend on the type of finishing you want for your basement floors. However, leveling of the subfloor is necessary regardless of the type of flooring you want to install.

Ensure that you choose a reliable and licensed basement contractor to assist you with basement finishing. This will ensure that you can enjoy the results of your investment for many years to come.