Foundation Repair | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Do You Need Foundation Repair in Morganville NJ

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

Foundation Repair in Morganville NJ

Every homeowner takes pride in their home. A lot of time and resources go into making a home comfortable and for most homeowners, home improvement projects are a lifetime undertaking. With most home improvement projects focusing on aesthetics and functionality of the property, one area that receives little attention is foundation repair.

Most homeowners wait until it is tool late before initiating foundation damage inspection and repair. Failure to repair your home’s foundation early could lead to structural failure, flood damage in the basement, health risks caused by mold growth in the basement, diminished value of your home among other risks. When you consider the sacrifices you made to buy or build your house, it becomes obvious that repairing a damaged foundation must be a priority.

With this in mind, it is important to be proactive in home maintenance to ensure any form of foundation damage is detected early as this allows you to initiate immediate repairs. Some of the warning signs of foundation damage that you should be one the lookout for include:

  1. Water in the Basement

Foundation cracks caused by a bowing or bulging foundation could allow water entry due to unrelenting lateral pressure from the soil surrounding the walls. Water seepage through foundation walls comprises the integrity of the foundation and also poses the risk of flood damage. Water in the basement also leads to toxic mold growth, which causes health problems. Rusting, wood rot, effervescence on walls and peeling wall paint are signs of water seepage into the basement.

  1. Developing Gaps between Structures

If you have noticed Gaps between caulking and windows or doors, or between the crown molding and the ceiling, it is highly likely you are dealing with foundation damage. The gradual movement of the foundation walls causes these structures to pull apart and you should immediately call in a certified foundation contractor for diagnostic tests and foundation repair.

  1. Cracks in different Parts of the Structure

In addition to foundation cracking, you should also look for zig-zag cracks in a brick wall, interior walls on the dry wall, stair case cracks, and floor cracks among others. You should never initiate crack repairs with epoxy or other sealants without first carrying out a thorough inspection of the foundation.

  1. Structure Movement

Gaps are also common when the foundation is moving due to any form of damage, so lookout for gaps between caulking and windows or doors and also between crown molding and the ceiling.

Other things to look for include movement of patios away from the main house, sloping of floors, bowed basement walls, Sunken Floors, jamming doors and windows. Any of these signs necessitates foundation repair by a certified foundation contractor.

crawl space waterproofing

Is Crawl Space Waterproofing a Worthwhile Investment?

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

Crawl Space Waterproofing

While the debate on the place of crawlspace in modern construction continues, many homeowners are left wondering what to do with this space. Many others don’t even remember this space exists, which poses even more problems. If your home is in a low-lying area, it is highly likely that there is a crawlspace below the structure. Now that your home is a big investment, it is imperative to learn how to properly care for every part of the structure. This is where crawl space waterproofing comes in.

Understanding Crawlspace Water Problem

One of the main problems associated with crawlspaces is water leakage. The fact that these spaces are located below the ground level makes them susceptible to water entry. Surface and ground water always seeks the easiest way to flow and if there are cracks on the foundation wall, lateral pressure will push water through. Water can also leak through the earth floor especially during the rainy season when the water level rises.

Why worry about Crawlspace Water?

It is true the crawlspace is out of sight, but you will be surprised by the huge impact anything that happens in this space has on the rest of the building. Water in the crawlspace attracts critters and rodents, which might end up tampering with utility wires. These critters might also find their way into the main house.

The dampness and moisture in the crawlspace will provide the best conditions for mold growth. Toxic mold causes respiratory problems, eye and skin irritation among other health problems. Mold spores in this space will eventually travel to the upper levels of the house causing untold health problems to the house occupants. This is a good reason to invest in crawl space waterproofing.

There is also the risk of structural damage when foundation metal fasteners start rusting while wooden joists rot away. Your precious investment could be at risk if you don’t resolve this crawlspace water problem quickly.

Crawl Space Waterproofing Systems

When you hire a professional foundation contractor, they will carry out a professional inspection to identify the source of water leak. There are different waterproofing systems they can choose from including installation of a crawlspace sump pump, crawlspace drainage systems, vent covers, dehumidification, crawlspace pipe insulation, crawlspace vapor barrier and crawlspace encapsulation.

Through crawl space waterproofing, you can add extra room for storage while at the same time protecting your family from health risks. This home improvement project will also protect your home and improve indoor air quality (IAQ) in your home.

Contact us today!