Elevator Waterproofing – Is Your Elevator Pit a Safety Hazard? New Brunswick, NJ

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

1444242526 eleavtor pit waterproofing 300x169 Elevator Waterproofing – Is Your Elevator Pit a Safety Hazard? New Brunswick, NJ

 

If you mention the word ‘mosquitos’, it conjures up images of the Amazon or an African savanna to most of us. However, these disease-carrying insects are much closer than you think. They could be breeding right in your elevator pit.

The perfect breeding ground

Warm temperatures, humid environments and stagnant water; these are the requirements for the perfect breeding environment for mosquitos. If you haven’t invested in elevator waterproofing, your elevator pit is probably the perfect micro-environment for these insects.

Water intrusion is very common in elevator pits that haven’t been waterproofed. This is because the elevator pit lies below ground level. Moisture from the surrounding soil can therefore seep into the elevator pit. This is especially common in the spring when the snow from winter is melting and the summer when it rains.

Elevator pit water intrusion 300x238 Elevator Waterproofing – Is Your Elevator Pit a Safety Hazard? New Brunswick, NJ

When water leaks into the elevator pit, it collects and forms a pool of water. This stagnant pool of water is perfect for the breeding of mosquitos. It will remain undisturbed for as long as you continue to ignore the need for maintenance.

Risky business

Many building owners and managers invest in elevator waterproofing simply to protect their elevator’s mechanism. However, there is much more to it than that. Waterproofing your elevator pit can help to protect the occupants of the building from exposure to various diseases including West Nile Virus and the Zika Virus.

The West Nile Virus is known to cause inflammation of the spinal cord or the brain. The Zika virus has been shown to affect the fetuses of pregnant women exposed to it. Other diseases transmitted by mosquitos include dengue fever and malaria.

Making your building safe

Elevator waterproofing is important for ensuring your building provides a safe environment for occupants and visitors. Ensure that you:

  1. Contact a professional contractor

Not all waterproofing contractors are the same. Search for a contractor that has experience in waterproofing elevators. They will be able to provide you with a solution that is customized to meet your specific needs.

  1. Compare quotes

Different contractors will provide you with different solutions. Be sure to have more than one contractor inspect your elevator pit and provide you with a quote. Compare the quotes for the solution provided as well as the cost. Do your research to find out more about what the contractor is proposing to ensure that it is a long term solution.

  1. Invest in waterproofing

Choose the solution that best meets your needs and invest in waterproofing as soon as possible.

 

Contact the professionals at Select Waterproofing today! (800) 593-8379

 

Benefits of Using Eco-Friendly Mold Removal Services | New Jersey

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

simon wilkes 345765 unsplash 300x200 Benefits of Using Eco Friendly Mold Removal Services | New Jersey

Is your home a breeding ground for mold? One of the toughest things about dealing with mold is that infestations go much deeper than you think. It is for this reason that hiring a professional mold removal service is a good idea. They will help to ensure that every inch of your home is tested and cleared of signs of mold.

The only drawback of professional services is that many rely on conventional products for the removal of mold. These products may be effective in killing mold and mold spores but are also toxic to the environment and may impact your health. While you may have got rid of one problem, i.e. the mold, you may be presented with another – the use of toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment and possibly your health.

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The green alternative

The good news is that there are many more choices today for mold removal thanks to developments in science and technology. As more consumers become aware of the impact of their choices on the environment, companies are striving to meet the increasing demand for eco-friendly solutions. The mold remediation industry hasn’t been left behind. Not only are there more eco-friendly products for the removal of mold in the market, but also more green mold remediation contractors to provide environmentally friendly solutions to your mold problem.

One of the biggest benefits of using an eco-friendly contractor is that you can be sure that the products used will not expose you to health threats. Many of these products are based on natural products. They are designed to be effective at killing mold and mold spores. They, however, will have minimal impact on other living organisms. These are an especially great option if you have young children or pets.

Another great benefit of an eco-friendly contractor is that you won’t have to worry about the impact of your choices on the environment. These contractors use green practices in everything they do. This includes their choice of mold removal agents and equipment as well as how they deal with waste from the project. You’ll be glad to know that getting rid of mold from your home won’t have to result in the destruction of the environment.

As you search for contractors to help you deal with the mold problem in your home, consider searching for a contractor that can provide you with a green solution. You and the environment will benefit from your choice.

Contact the professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing! (800) 593-8379

Foundation Repair | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Restoring Your Home After Foundation Repair Morganville, NJ

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

Restoring Your Home After Foundation Repair

Finding signs of foundation problems can be alarming for any homeowner. It can be even more distressing when you realize that the foundation repair solution will result in even more damage to your home. It may require the excavation of your landscape for example, or even the tearing down of your drywall.

As a homeowner, it’s important to understand that repairing our foundation is an investment in the longevity of your home. The repair solution may put an end to many of the structural problems you’re currently experiencing. It is therefore best to go all out and have every issue with your foundation seen to rather than have a temporary solution applied.

Following the repair of your foundation, you may be wondering how soon you can restore normalcy to your home. Before you attempt to have new drywall installed, it is important to understand that foundation repair can impact your home. You may notice some changes in how your doors fit or windows close. You may even notice some cracks in the walls.

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For best results with your restoration, apply the tips below:

  1. Clean up

Clean up debris and remove anything from the property that may be a health hazard. Make note of anything that you need to repair or update. This will help you better plan for your repairs.

  1. Give it some time

Do not rush into restoring normalcy in your home. Give your home time to adjust to its new state. Your home may need to settle into a new position for example. This may result in cracking of drywall if you rush to install it right after foundation repair.

As a rule of thumb, wait for at least six months before attempting any cosmetic repairs. This will give your home enough time to adjust. It will also give you enough time to observe for any further need for repair.

  1. Have the foundation inspected

It is a good idea to have your foundation inspected once again after the repair. This ensures that anything that may have been overlooked can be identified and repaired. It also gives you the opportunity to spot any problems that may have developed as a result of the repair and fix them.

It is best to consult with a professional foundation repair contractor about how soon you can embark on the cosmetic repair of your home. This will ensure that you get great results.

 

Morris County, NJ | Basement Waterproofing - Foundation Repair

Black Mold in Basement Could Be Causing Your Rash | Morris County, NJ

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

Do you have dry, itchy skin? Is your skin inflamed in some areas? Your skin condition could be an allergic reaction to black mold in your basement. No amount of topical lotion or tablets will help you get rid of your skin condition until you deal with the mold in your basement.

Black mold and allergies

Black mold is a type of fungus that is everywhere. However, when the conditions are right, a mold infestation can be established. These conditions include high moisture or humidity levels as well as the presence of organic matter.

Wet or humid basements present the perfect environment in which mold infestations can be established. When mold grows, it releases spores into the air. These spores are distributed throughout the home. These spores can be inhaled without knowing it.

Mold spores can cause allergic reactions in people once inhaled. However, because the symptoms of a mold allergy are similar to those of other allergies, many people are unaware that their allergies are the result of exposure to mold spores.

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Common mold allergy symptoms include scaling, congestion, runny nose, itching, dry skin and sneezing. They can also replicate hay fever symptoms as the spores are airborne. They can also make symptoms of asthma much worse. On rare occasions, mold spores can cause an allergic inflammatory response known as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA).

If you want to know whether your skin rash is the result of an allergic reaction to mold in basement, you should get in touch with your doctor. Skin tests, blood work and a physical examination of the rash will reveal the truth.

What to do after diagnosis

If your rashes are determined to be the result of an allergic reaction, you will be prescribed medication. You may also be advised to take antihistamines. These will help to deal with the inflammatory response caused by the mold spores.

This however, isn’t enough. If you don’t want to suffer the allergic reaction anymore, you should get rid of the mold. This means investing in mold inspection and remediation as soon as possible. This will ensure that the infestation is removed.

You should then take measures to ensure that the mold infestation does not recur in the future. This means keeping humidity levels low and ensuring your house is dry. You may, therefore, need to invest in a foundation repair or waterproofing.

Contact the professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing! (800) 593-8379

Holmdel, NJ | Basement Waterproofing - Foundation Repair

Wall Anchors or Carbon Fiber for Repairing House Foundation Cracks | Holmdel, NJ

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

The sight of house foundation cracks is enough to scare any homeowner. The good news is that not all foundation cracks are structural. In fact, many of the narrow cracks that appear on foundation walls won’t have any effect on the integrity of the foundation or your home. However, they can result in water seepage. These can be fixed by injecting the cracks with polyurethane.

Wider cracks (those that are more than an eighth of an inch) can often allow the foundation to move inward or rotate. They are often a result of bowing of the foundation wall. These cracks are therefore an indication of a serious problem that should be dealt with as soon as possible.

foundation cracks 1024x768 300x225 Wall Anchors or Carbon Fiber for Repairing House Foundation Cracks | Holmdel, NJ

You will have two choices to deal with these house foundation cracks.

  1. Wall anchors

These are the more traditional foundation repair method. They involve the installation of a plate into the soil on the outside of the foundation. A threaded rod attached to this plate is passed through the foundation wall and attached to another plate on the inside of the wall. The rod is tightened to pull the wall back into position.

This method of crack repair will result in the straightening of the wall and the closing of the cracks. It can be used no matter how much movement has occurred. The stability provided by the anchor, however, is dependent on the stability of the soil. Movement, swelling or even desiccation of the soil will result in destabilization of the anchor and the wall.

These anchors also require regular maintenance which includes periodic tightening of the rod in order to maintain stability. The anchors are also obtrusive in their appearance and can be an eyesore.

  1. Carbon fiber

Carbon fiber is a repair solution that is taking over the construction industry. The repair method involves installing carbon fiber strips on the wall to prevent further movement. The placement of the strips depends on the direction of movement and the pattern of the cracks.

Carbon fiber strips provide stabilization to bowing walls. However, they cannot help to straighten the wall. There is also a limit to the degree of movement that these strips can be applied to.

The carbon fiber strips, however, are great for basements that are finished or will be finished in the future. They are unobtrusive and can be painted or finished in any other way. They also do not require maintenance once installed.

Having trouble deciding which method to use? Talk to a professional repair contractor to help you determine the best solution for your foundation.

Hudson County, NJ | Basement Waterproofing - Foundation Repair

How To Cope With a Sinking Foundation | Hudson County, NJ

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

Water can be good and bad for your foundation. The ground around your foundation needs a small amount of moisture to support the total weight of your home.

When there is prolonged drought, the moisture content of the ground is depleted. The soil surrounding the foundation of your home will therefore contract. When this happens, the foundation of your home will settle unevenly. This is known as a differential settlement. The result is a sinking foundation.

Signs that you have a sinking foundation

Do you suspect that your foundation is sinking? Are you unsure? You can check for the following signs to find out if you are dealing with a sinking foundation or a different problem.

  • Sloping floors: Does water drain off your floors in a particular direction? If your floor was level before, check to ensure that it is not sloping.
  • Your windows and doors are sticking. If your windows and doors closed and opened smoothly before but are now sticking, your foundation may be sinking.
  • The formation of cracks in the basement, or foundation, is a sure sign of a structural problem with your basement.

If you notice any or a combination of the above signs, contact a contractor to have your foundation checked. This is the best way to confirm what type of problem you are dealing with.

settling foundation lg 300x223 How To Cope With a Sinking Foundation | Hudson County, NJ

Dealing with a sinking foundation

The sinking of a foundation is nothing new. There is, therefore, nothing to be worried about. This type of foundation problem has been plaguing home owners from the time that foundations were first used in houses. There are therefore several different repair methods that have been devised over the years.

The most common methods used for repairing these troubled foundations include:

  • The replacement of the foundation
  • The installation of concrete pilings
  • Installation of helical piers

All these methods are still in use today. However, the replacement of a foundation is the most expensive solution.

A foundation that is sinking cannot be fixed without the assistance of a professional contractor. It is therefore important to contact one as soon as you notice any changes in the slope of your floor, the jamming of your doors and windows or cracks in basement walls.

Elevator Waterproofing | Morganville, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Elevator Waterproofing – Is Your Elevator Pit a Safety Hazard? | Morris County, NJ

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

Elevator Waterproofing – Is Your Elevator Pit a Safety Hazard?

If you mention the word ‘mosquitos’, it conjures up images of the Amazon or an African savanna to most of us. However, these disease-carrying insects are much closer than you think. They could be breeding right in your elevator pit.

The perfect breeding ground

Warm temperatures, humid environments and stagnant water; these are the requirements for the perfect breeding environment for mosquitos. If you haven’t invested in elevator waterproofing, your elevator pit is probably the perfect micro-environment for these insects.

Water intrusion is very common in elevator pits that haven’t been waterproofed. This is because the elevator pit lies below ground level. Moisture from the surrounding soil can therefore seep into the elevator pit. This is especially common in the spring when the snow from winter is melting and the summer when it rains.

When water leaks into the elevator pit, it collects and forms a pool of water. This stagnant pool of water is perfect for the breeding of mosquitos. It will remain undisturbed for as long as you continue to ignore the need for maintenance.

Elevator Pit Main Image 150x150 Elevator Waterproofing – Is Your Elevator Pit a Safety Hazard? | Morris County, NJ

 

Risky business

Many building owners and managers invest in elevator waterproofing simply to protect their elevator’s mechanism. However, there is much more to it than that. Waterproofing your elevator pit can help to protect the occupants of the building from exposure to various diseases including West Nile Virus and the Zika Virus.

The West Nile Virus is known to cause inflammation of the spinal cord or the brain. The Zika virus has been shown to affect the fetuses of pregnant women exposed to it. Other diseases transmitted by mosquitos include dengue fever and malaria.

Making your building safe

Elevator waterproofing is important for ensuring your building provides a safe environment for occupants and visitors. Ensure that you:

  1. Contact a professional contractor

Not all waterproofing contractors are the same. Search for a contractor that has experience in waterproofing elevators. They will be able to provide you with a solution that is customized to meet your specific needs.

  1. Compare quotes

Different contractors will provide you with different solutions. Be sure to have more than one contractor inspect your elevator pit and provide you with a quote. Compare the quotes for the solution provided as well as the cost. Do your research to find out more about what the contractor is proposing to ensure that it is a long term solution.

  1. Invest in waterproofing

Choose the solution that best meets your needs and invest in waterproofing as soon as possible.

 

Call Select today for a FREE ESTIMATE! (800) 593-8379

 

Basement Waterproofing | New Brunswick, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

BEFORE you Remodel Your Basement Do THIS | Passaic County, NJ

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

Basement Remodeling

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.

243701478269094 150x150 BEFORE you Remodel Your Basement Do THIS | Passaic County, NJ

It is important to ensure that your basement is waterproofed. 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.

Basement Waterproofing | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Why You Need to Consider Basement Sealing | Hunterdon County, NJ

Posted by Jerome Fokas on

When you think of a home, the basement is the last thing that comes to mind. However, it is one of the most important spaces in the home. It is the foundation of the home. It is what gives the home its structural integrity.

Water is the worst enemy of basements. It can cause great damage to a basement and the rest of the structure of the home as a result. It is therefore important to ensure that your basement is made waterproof.

There are many benefits to basement sealing – These include:

  1. Increasing the value of your home

If you’re thinking of selling your home in the near future, sealing your basement will contribute a great deal to its value. Ensuring that your basement is sealed will increase the usable space within your home. This means that the square footage of your home increases since your basement will count as a floor as well. Remember that for many people, the basement space makes up about 1/3 of the total space of the home.

 

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  1. Increased usable space

As mentioned earlier, having your basement sealed will ensure that you have more usable space available to you. You can do just about anything with a waterproofed basement. You can turn it into an office, a guest room, a music studio or an extra living room. You can greatly improve your family’s quality of life with extra space to work around.

  1. Protect your family’s health

A humid or damp basement provides the ideal environment for the growth of mold. Mold such as toxic black mold can develop into fully grown mold within 48 hours or less. Although most molds are harmless, some produce toxic chemicals that can result in infections and poisoning.

Molds also produce spores. Exposure to a high spore count can result in allergic reactions including difficulty in breathing and skin irritation.

  1. Preserves the integrity of your home

Basement sealing protects the integrity of your home. Molds and moisture can not only destroy furniture and the beauty of your home’s walls and floors, but also affect the structural integrity of the home. Ensuring that your basement is made waterproof will protect your home from mold and moisture. It will save you a lot of money in repairs for the long term.

Lastly, basement sealing gives you peace of mind. You never have to worry about a flooded basement when you hear claps of thunder in the distance.