basement-remodeling

5 Basement Remodeling Tips that Keep Moisture in Mind

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

There is nothing worse than working hard on a basement remodeling job only to find out that it is prone to usual basement moisture problems, rendering all of your hard work useless.

A refinished or remodeled basement is a great addition for any home. The valuable extra square footage is a game-changer when it comes time to sell. So it’s important that when you are planning a basement remodel, you take some extra steps to ensure that your job is done right the first time.

Basement Remodeling

Here are 5 tips to help you along in your basement remodeling process.

1. Check that your basement is candidate for the job. Mitigate mold, water, and other moisture problems early on. If there are obvious signs of moisture or water (especially pools of water), talk to a professional before you begin.

2. Know and follow building codes, if applicable. In many municipalities, a building inspector has to approve major changes. So be prepared if structural changes require permits, and research what is needed in advance.

3. Consider adding a vapor barrier to finished walls. Even after you take care of moisture problems, a vapor barrier is like added protection against any future water entry.

4. Add offset walls to stop any moisture issues. A slight offset between your basement wall and any wall framing that you do, not only stops the appearance of moisture, it helps level wavy and uneven masonry.

5. Leave the utility area of your basement untouched. It is unsafe to surround water heaters, HVAC units and furnaces with finished materials. Plus, building codes are often set for how much open area needs to surround them, so leave their area untouched.

Doing a remodeling job? Need help with your basement waterproofing? Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you make have.

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Understanding Basement Waterproofing in New Brunswick NJ 08901

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Basements are usually more disposed to water infiltration than any other part of the building for the mere fact that these areas are underground. Surface run offs and rising damp cause the most problems for basements that have no waterproof measures installed. Basement waterproofing in New Brunswick NJ 08901 prevents water and moisture from seeping into basements where it does a lot of damage to the structure and the fixtures inside. Moisture causes dampness which is a perfect catalyst for the growth of mold, bacteria and fungi, and we all know the trouble these can cause to people’s health and property.

Techniques of basement waterproofing are aimed at preventing water from entering a basement and they include sealers and drainage systems. The build-up of ground water tends to raise the water table which causes an exertion of hydrostatic pressure against basement walls and floors. This pressure forces water into the basement through cracks and other openings. Waterproofing of basements should be looked at as a means of prolonging the life of any building.

Types of Basement Waterproofing in New Brunswick NJ 08901

Advancement of technology has come up with effective means of waterproofing basements. There are two basic ways through which waterproofing of basements can be done. Below are highlights of these two methods.

  • Interior Waterproofing

With interior basement waterproofing, the work is generally done on the inside of your basement. Typically, this involves techniques that employ the use of special cements or sheet membranes to create a water shield or barrier on the inside. At times, some concrete breakout work is necessary for the waterproofing work to be done properly.

This method is relatively easy and consumes less time as compared to the other method. Since it is an intrusive method, it would certainly see things being moved about and out of the basement. A sump pump is normally installed to remove water that accumulates in the perimeter drains of certain interior waterproofing systems.

  • Exterior Waterproofing

As the name suggests, this method of waterproofing a basement is done on the outside part of the basement. That’s right; you will have to do some excavation for this method. It involves a lot of work and is quite time consuming. For effective waterproofing, suitable water barriers are placed on the external part of the basement walls.

The good thing with the exterior basement waterproofing method, even though it is a load of work, nothing inside the basement is disturbed. Also, sump pumps may not be necessary with this method even though they are sometimes recommended.

basement remodeling

Your Wish Is Our Command: Basement Remodeling in Trenton NJ 08601

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Do you feel like the walls of your home are closing in on you? Do you feel like you can’t relax because the kids’ toys are always strewn about in your living space? Do you want to just pack up and move because you need more space, but the thought of leaving your beloved neighborhood brings tears to your eyes? It sounds like you might be in the market for basement remodeling in Trenton NJ 08601, and Select Basement Waterproofing is the company for you.

When most people think of basement remodeling in Trenton NJ 08601, they think of a dark, dingy area that smells of must and sweat socks. It might bring back nostalgic memories of first kisses at high school parties or “borrowed” Budweisers from your dad’s mini-fridge while you and your college buds rung in 1997. That is not the basement remodel you’re in need of now. You need a space that will be aesthetically pleasing to you and your loved ones, offer functional space for your family and guests, and increase your property value when you do decide to sell. You need basement remodeling by Select Basement Waterproofing; we can provide all of these things.

Our four-step foundational process offers you the protection you need to ensure that your basement does not become a leaky, musty, mold remediation zone. The process offers you peace of mind while satisfying the foundation for later aesthetics. Our foundational process is as follows:

  1. Complete Total Basement Waterproofing: Interior and exterior basement walls are cased with a rubber membrane, and the basement floor is protected below the slab.
  2. Install Thermal Barrier: Reflective insulation is installed to lower electricity bills and eliminate wall moisture.
  3. Frame Unsightly Obstructions: HVAC and other obstructions are framed and hidden using either wood or galvanized studs.
  4. Install Choice Rock: You choose: Sheet-Rock, Purple-Rock, Dura-Rock, or Aqua-Fiber Rock, whichever you pick, we know you’ll be pleased!

After the four-part foundational process is finished, you are free to customize until your heart is content. Do you need just a simple office space? We’ve got you covered. Do you HAVE to build a guest space for your… um…wonderful mother-in-law’s impending (I mean upcoming) 3 month visit? We can make her… and you… happy. Do you desire a kick-butt theatre room with an awesome state-of-the-art design? Check out ours! Your wish is our command.

So if you’re ready to turn your current home into your own personal palace, or if you just need some extra space to make your home livable, contact us, Select Basement Waterproofing. We promise you’ll love your basement as much as you love the rest of your home, maybe even a little more!