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Considerations for Crawl Space Encapsulation in Plainfield NJ

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

Crawl Space Encapsulation in Plainfield NJ

Have you ignored the conditions in your crawl space? You will likely feel the effects in your home. The quality of air in your home is dependent on the state of your crawl space. The state of your home’s structure relies a great deal on the health of your crawl space. It therefore makes sense to pay close attention to your crawl space.

As people become more informed about crawl spaces and indoor air quality, they are learning the importance of crawl space encapsulation. People now understand that more than 50% of the air they breathe in their homes is actually flowing up from their crawl spaces. They know it is important to keep these spaces clean and dry.

Considerations Before Crawl Space Encapsulation

When you read about encapsulating your crawl space, it can seem like a straight forward process. However, there are various factors you have to consider before the actual process in order to ensure long term success. These include:

  1. Bulk water issues

Does water collect in your crawl space? Have you observed standing pools of water in or near your crawl space? Inspect your crawl space. Look for pools of water as well as water stains on the walls and structures in the crawl space.

Bulk water issues have to be dealt with before you can encapsulate your crawl space. The source of water must be determined and a means to deal with the water identified. This will help to prevent water from collecting in or near your foundation. Solutions may include installing drainage around the crawl space or even correcting the grading of your landscape.

  1. Termite control

Termites are attracted to crawl spaces for the wood that is easily accessible to them. When the wood in the crawl space is affected by rot, it only becomes more attractive to termites.

While encapsulation keeps moisture out of the crawl space, it may not be as effective against termites. It is therefore important to have the space treated to keep termites out. Contact a termite control company to help you find ways of keeping termites out of your crawl space.

  1. Dealing with back drafting

Is any equipment vented into your crawl space? Many homes with crawlspaces have their air conditioning and heating equipment vented into the crawl space. Venting into an encapsulated crawlspace may result in back drafting. A professional crawl space contractor can help you find a way to prevent this from occurring.

Ensure that you rely on a professional contractor for successful encapsulation of your crawlspace.

mold remediation

Mold Remediation and White Water Mold

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

Mold Remediation

There is a lot of talk about black mold and how dangerous it is. Little is said about white water mold. This is probably because the information about this fungus is only relevant to those with pools or ponds on their property.

What is white water mold?

White water mold is a fungus that has a white tissue-like appearance. The fungus has a heavy protective coating. This coating provides it with a high level of protection, making it resistant to various chemicals including those based on halogens such as bromine and chlorine. The fungus is also resistant to various other sanitizers and germicides. This characteristic of the fungus means that you cannot get rid of it with household cleaning products or even with the treatment of pool water with chlorine-based cleaners.

The fungus has also been shown to be highly resilient. It is able to re-contaminate the same surface a long time after its destruction. Homeowners are therefore advised against carrying out their own mold remediation when dealing with this fungus.

Treating the problem

White water mold is commonly found on floats, steps, pool ladders and other parts of swimming pools. It is important to take action even if the mold has only been detected in small quantities. It occurs as a result of poor maintenance of pools and pool equipment.

Proper care and maintenance of pools and equipment is therefore necessary for prevention. Scrubbing pools with brushes and allowing exposure of equipment to UV rays from the sun are vital to prevention of infestation. Lids from pools should be removed to allow for exposure to the sun for several hours every day.

If white water mold is detected, be sure to get in touch with a mold remediation company. The process of getting rid of the mold will include inspection to determine how deep the infestation is. It will also include the removal of the mold and cleaning of infested parts as well as general cleaning of the entire pool.

Special treatment solutions are used to kill and prevent the growth of the mold. For example, algaecides can be used in varying doses depending on the level of infestation.

Follow-ups are made after several days to ensure that the mold does not grow again.

It is important to ensure that you get professional help for mold remediation. This will ensure that you deal with the infestation once and for all.

egress windows

What You Need To Know Before Adding Egress Windows in Woodbridge NJ

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

Egress Windows in Woodbridge NJ

Are you planning to finish your basement? You may be planning to convert your basement into an additional bedroom, game room or other living space. This is a great way to not only add to the square footage of your home but also to add value to your house should you decide to sell it one day.

Many homeowners think that converting a basement is as simple as adding drywall and a few coats of paint. However, there are several other requirements for finished basements depending on the state. One common requirement is the addition of egress windows.

Add a Window

All building codes across the US call for homeowners to add egress windows if they want to convert their basements into habitable spaces. Although requirements vary, they generally call for the window to be large enough for an adult of average build to be able to escape through in case of an emergency such as a flood or fire.

Minimum Requirements

Building codes require that windows in finished basements be large enough to allow a person to escape. They should also be large enough for emergency personnel to enter the home in case they need rescue someone.

Local building codes provide guidelines on the minimal height and width of the windows. It is therefore important for homeowners to check with these requirements before they add their windows. You will otherwise have to replace your window and therefore waste a lot of money in the process.

Other Requirements

There are also various other requirements for the windows. These include the operation of the windows. Windows should be operational not only from the outside but from the inside as well. It is also important to ensure that no special tools are required for the operation of these windows.

There are also various requirements for window wells and other associated structures. For example, window wells for basements below ground level should have ladders installed in them to increase accessibility.

Replacement of Existing Windows

If you already have egress windows in your home, you should check to ensure that they meet the minimal requirements for these windows. If they don’t, you will have to consider having them replaced. Replacement may involve increasing the width or height of your windows. This depends on whether the current window meets the requirements for placement.

Get in touch with a professional to help you with the installation.