basement remodeling

Things to Consider Before Basement Remodeling in Morganville NJ

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

Basement Remodeling in Morganville NJ

Are you planning to remodel or finish your basement? That is a great idea. Basements can provide the extra living space that you seek without having to invest hundreds of thousands in an extension. Finishing your basement will add value to your home too.

While the prospect of renovation and creating a new space can be exciting, there are many factors to consider before you dive into basement remodeling. Basements aren’t like any other room in your home. There’s a lot more that goes into converting a basement into a living space.

  1. Have your basement inspected

Many builders fail to pay adequate attention to the design and structure of basements. It is therefore not uncommon to find basements with various structural problems. If you intend to convert your basement into a living space, it is important to ensure that the space is not only safe but also comfortable.

It is therefore important to have your basement inspected for structural problems. Contact a professional and experienced contractor to take a close look at your foundation. This ensures that any issues with your foundation are identified early.

  1. Resolve moisture issues

It is important to ensure that your basement is waterproof. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve discovered cracks in your basement wall or not. Don’t leave waterproofing until after finishing the basement. Water can cause serious damage to your belongings if you give it a chance to penetrate your basement. Be proactive with your basement and ensure that it is waterproof.

Contact a professional contractor and have the basement waterproofed. Ensure that the method you use for waterproofing will give you long term results.

  1. Deal with radon

It is also important to have your basement inspected for radon. Radon is carcinogenic. If you have dangerously high levels in your basement, it is important to deal with it. This will ensure your home is safe. You will need to hire a professional to mitigate this risk by eliminating or reducing your exposure.

  1. Make room for natural lighting

Natural lighting is important in basement remodeling. It will make the basement feel open and more comfortable. A light and airy basement goes a long way to improving the aesthetics of the room.

Consider having window wells installed to increase the natural light in the room. Ensure that the window wells are up to the standards and codes in your area.

Talk to a professional contractor about basement remodeling. This will ensure that you cover all the important factors before you begin the actual renovation and therefore safeguard your investment.

vapor barriers

Vapor Barriers – Points to Consider when Making Your Selection

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

Vapor Barriers

Keeping moisture out of buildings has been a challenge that homeowners and builders have faced since humans begun constructing houses. Moisture is a builder’s greatest enemy. Moisture can cause structural damage through rot. It can also lead to mold and pest infestations, making a structure unsafe.

The good news is that technology has come a long way. Just as building techniques and technology have improved, so have methods of keeping moisture at bay. Vapor barriers are amongst the many different technologies used to keep moisture out of buildings.

There are various types of vapor barriers available in the market. It is important to take your time and determine the best vapor barrier for your purpose. The following are some things to keep in mind:

  1. It should be semi-permeable

People often confuse vapor barriers and waterproof membranes. Unlike waterproof membranes, vapor retarders are not completely impermeable to water. In fact, they are semi-permeable. This feature allows the controlled passage of water through the material. The moisture however, does not get pass through to the other side of the barrier. This protects the internal space from moisture and humidity.

  1. They come with different ratings

These barriers come with varying ratings based on their level of permeability. A barrier rated 0.1 or less has very low permeability for water vapor. A rating higher than 0.1 indicates that the migration of water through the vapor barrier is slowed down.

The rating you select will depend on the type of floor or subfloor you have installed. For example, a wooden floor would do well with a vapor barrier rating of between 0.5 and 50.

  1. Roof felt cannot replace a vapor barrier

Many people are tempted to use roof felt as a vapor barrier because it is also semi permeable. However, it is not designed for this use. It does not undergo the same stringent testing that moisture barriers undergo. It is also too thick for installation in most floors.

  1. Barriers made from plastic trap water

It is important to avoid using a vapor barrier made of plastic. These have a rating less than 0.1. They will end up trapping water below the floor, which will result in an even worse problem when the floor fails.

Be sure to discuss your needs and requirements with a professional and licensed basement waterproofing contractor. This will ensure that you make a choice that suits your specific situation.

Crawl Shield

Why You Should Choose Crawl Shield to Keep Your Crawl Space Dry

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

Crawl Shield

Waterproofing a crawl space is hard work. It isn’t something any homeowner would like to do again if possible. It’s not only labor intensive but it can also be expensive and invasive. It’s therefore not surprising that you’ll want to spend money on a waterproofing system that is not only effective but also durable.

There are many different solutions for waterproofing in the market. However, not all solutions are created the same. Every solution has its benefits and disadvantages. Here, we discuss reasons to choose Crawl Shield for waterproofing your crawl space.

  1. Keeps out moisture

The membrane is effective at keeping moisture out of your crawl space. When the entire crawl space is encapsulated in the membrane, it will effectively keep moisture out and reduce condensation. Your crawl space will remain dry and free of mold.

  1. Keeps radon gas out

The membrane is effective in improving indoor air quality. It will not only ensure that the air is free of moisture and mold spores by keeping the crawl space dry, but it will also keep radon gas out. Radon is a gas that occurs in the soil. It is radioactive, odorless, colorless and tasteless. It has been shown to cause lung cancer.

  1. Creates a safe space for storage

The membrane can be used to completely close off the crawl space. This creates a clean and dry storage space. You can store items that are not used often in the space and be sure that they are safe.

  1. Keep the pests out

Crawl spaces provide the ample environment for many pests such as rats and cockroaches. However, with the help of Crawl Shield, you can keep pests out of your crawl space. The membrane is strong. Pests will find it difficult to penetrate. It will keep out large and small pests alike.

  1. Easy to install

Many waterproofing contractors that use this membrane find it easy to install. Many are able to install the membrane within a matter of hours depending on the size of the crawl space. You therefore only have to put up with the invasion of your home for only a few hours.

  1. Affordable

This is one of the most affordable solutions in the market. You get great value for your money.

Contact a waterproofing professional to discuss your options for your crawl space. Ensure that you only use a professional and licensed contractor for the installation process.