What Home Buyers Need to Know about Foundation Repair Morganville, NJ

What Home Buyers Need to Know about Foundation Repair Morganville, NJ

Are you looking to buy a home? You probably have a vision of what you want in the home you purchase. However, the reality is that you probably won’t get the perfect fit. Many home buyers find that they have to compromise on some things when they buy a house.

While you can possibly compromise on some things, such as the size of your master bedroom, you shouldn’t compromise on the safety of the house you want to purchase. The condition of the foundation of your house is critical to the structural integrity of the rest of your home. It is, therefore, important to pay attention to the foundation of the house you’re interested in purchasing. The following are some things you should know about foundation repair when buying a house.wallcrack 300x245 What Home Buyers Need to Know about Foundation Repair Morganville, NJ

  1. Signs of foundation damage aren’t only in the foundation

It is important to be able to spot signs of foundation issues in a house that you’re interested in buying. The signs vary depending on the type of damage the foundation is experiencing and the extent of the damage. The signs that the foundation is in need of repair are also not confined to the foundation. They may include doors that are not shutting properly, cracks around door and window frames in upper levels of the home, gaps around window and door frames, and cracks on the floor.

  1. You’ll need to have the foundation inspected by a foundation repair expert

A general home inspection can help to reveal problems in the foundation. You will need to hire a foundation expert to inspect the property and assess the foundation problems. A foundation expert will explain to you the nature of the foundation problem, the extent of the damage and what caused the damage in the first place. A foundation expert will also provide you with possible solutions to the problem and a quotation.5acb974424de1 inspection4 300x225 What Home Buyers Need to Know about Foundation Repair Morganville, NJ

  1. You can negotiate for a lower buying price if the house needs foundation repair

If you are determined to buy the house with the foundation problems, you can negotiate for a lower buying price. Many sellers are willing to lower the price of the home when the buyer is willing to incur the costs of repair on the property.

Remember that it is best for you to do the repairs. The seller may compromise on the quality of repairs in their haste to sell the house or their desire to make a bigger profit.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

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Factors that Could Increase the Cost of Repairing Foundation Cracks Trenton, NJ

Factors that Could Increase the Cost of Repairing Foundation Cracks Trenton, NJ

Have you noticed cracks in your foundation? Many homeowners are apprehensive when it comes to repairing foundation cracks. This is because these repairs can turn out to be costly. However, ignoring the cracks or trying to repair them on your own will not bring the costs of the repair down. In fact, this is only likely to make it more expensive to repair the foundation.

There are several factors that affect the cost of repairing foundation cracks. The following are factors that can increase the costs of your repair.IMG 0827 300x225 Factors that Could Increase the Cost of Repairing Foundation Cracks Trenton, NJ

  1. Excavation of the foundation

There are times when repairing cracks in the foundation will require excavating the foundation. Excavating the foundation in order to access the foundation walls can be costly. There is a lot of heavy equipment involved and more labor required for this process. This process also results in damage to your landscape. You would therefore need to spend even more money in restoring your landscape.

You can discuss alternatives to excavation with your contractor. There are many less invasive methods of repairing foundation cracks available today. However, there may be situations where excavation is the best option.

  1. Clearing the area around the foundation

Clearing the area around the foundation may be required in order to access your foundation. This is the case when you have to excavate the foundation. If there are bushes and trees growing close to the foundation, they will need to be removed. This can be a costly and involved process.

You may want to discuss alternatives with your foundation repair contractor. Polyurethane injection crack sealing.jpg 1200x800 1 300x200 Factors that Could Increase the Cost of Repairing Foundation Cracks Trenton, NJ

Controlling the Costs of Repair

Repairing foundation cracks isn’t always expensive. In fact, you can reduce your costs by getting in touch with a foundation repair contractor as soon as you notice cracks in your foundation. Addressing the cracks early helps you catch the problem early. You can avoid extensive damage to your foundation and therefore apply simple and cost-efficient solutions to the repair of your foundation.

You should also consider having at least three foundation repair contractors inspect your foundation and determine the best approach to repair the foundation. Consider the options available and choose a solution that will provide you with great results in the long term.

Contact us to learn more about foundation crack repair and how we can help.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

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Foundation Repair And Landscaping Issues Morganville, NJ

Foundation Repair And Landscaping Issues Morganville, NJ

foundation repair conterra Foundation Repair And Landscaping Issues Morganville, NJOne of the things that contractors will examine during foundation repair is the grading of your land. Poor grading – where the land slopes towards the foundation – can be one of the leading causes of foundation damage. Water flow from rain can pool around the foundation and lead to cracking, buckling, and other problems. Understanding how landscape grading works is important for keeping your foundation in good shape.

When water flows down a slope, it will naturally follow the path of least resistance. If your land is sloping towards your foundation, then the water will flow towards the foundation when it rains. This can lead to serious problems over time, as the water can saturate the ground around the foundation and cause cracking, buckling, and other damage.

There are a few things that you can do to make sure that your land is properly graded. First, you should make sure that the ground slopes away from the foundation at a rate of about six inches for every ten feet. This will ensure that water flows away from the foundation and doesn’t pool around it.

You should also make sure that there is proper drainage around the foundation. This can be accomplished by installing gutters and downspouts that direct water away from the foundation, or by creating a ditch that channels water away from the foundation.%name Foundation Repair And Landscaping Issues Morganville, NJ

If you’re not sure whether your land is properly graded, you can contact a foundation repair contractor to take a look. They will be able to assess the situation and make recommendations for how to fix it. In some cases, poor grading can be corrected by simply adding more soil to the area around the foundation. In other cases, more extensive work may be necessary.

No matter what, it’s important to address poor grading as soon as possible. If you wait too long, the damage to your foundation could become irreparable. By taking action now, you can protect your foundation and keep your home in good condition for years to come.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

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Vital Steps To Take When Repairing A Foundation Morganville, NJ

Vital Steps To Take When Repairing A Foundation Morganville, NJ

The foundation of your house carries the entire weight of the building. Therefore, it is natural for you to be worried if you find any type of crack in the foundation. The good news is that many types of cracks do not signal structural damage to the foundation. However, you should be concerned if you see horizontal cracks or diagonal and vertical cracks that keep expanding by the day.

The best way to address any type of crack in the foundation is to investigate its cause and to repair it as soon as you can. Here are some key tips for repairing cracked foundations.

  1. Repairing Hairline Cracks

You don’t need to be so worried about small hairline cracks in the foundation since these cracks often indicate the normal settling of the foundation. Hairline cracks also occur as a result of the expansion and shrinking of the foundation as it cures. These cracks often don’t indicate that there is structural damage to the foundation, but you still need to repair them so that they do not expand over time.

A technician can easily repair hairline cracks in your foundation using grout and an appropriate cement or by applying a suitable masonry paint.

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  1. Repairing Cracks Between 3 mm and 6 mm

Cracks that fall in the range of 1/8 to ¼ inch (3 mm to 6 mm) often occur due to foundation settling or shrinking of the concrete just a few months after construction. While these cracks may also not pause a structural problem, it is a good idea to seal them in order stop further expansion and prevent seepage of water and moisture through them.

You should let a technician who is experienced in repairing cracked foundations examine the cracks in order to determine the best way to repair them. 1/8 to ¼ inch cracks typically need to be repaired by applying crack repair materials such as epoxy.

  1. Horizontal Cracks or Large Vertical and Diagonal Cracks

Horizontal cracks in your foundation may indicate serious structural problems such as foundation wall bowing or severe foundation shifting. Large vertical and diagonal cracks can also cause sections of the walls to collapse.

foundation crack morganville nj select basement 2 scaled Vital Steps To Take When Repairing A Foundation Morganville, NJHorizontal cracks and large vertical and diagonal cracks need to be repaired as quickly as possible by a professional contractor. Since the repair work may involve straightening of walls or joining disconnected sections of walls, the contractor will use a strong bonding material such as carbon fiber when repairing cracked foundations.

Contact the professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing – 732-360-5052

Foundation Cracks | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Foundation Cracks – How Do They Affect Your Home? Trenton, NJ

Foundation Cracks – How Do They Affect Your Home? Trenton, NJ

Are you dealing with foundation cracks? Have you noticed crumbling of your foundation walls? Cracks and crumbling of basement walls are not only aesthetically unappealing but also dangerous. They will not only decrease the value of your home but can also be a sign of foundation issues that could put you and your household in danger. 

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Why your foundation wall is crumbling

The most common causes for crumbling concrete foundation walls include:

Poor choice of materials

The choice of materials during construction of the foundation is important for the longevity of the structure. If substandard materials were used for the construction, the consequences will show up in the deterioration of the structure. Crumbling is only one way.

Crumbling and cracks may also occur as a result of not achieving a good mix of materials. Concrete should be mixed using the right ratio of materials to achieve a strong finish. Poor mixing practices can result in deterioration of the concrete wall.

Excessive moisture

Excessive moisture can not only cause foundation cracks but also result in the crumbling of the foundation wall. This exposure to excessive moisture is usually the result of poor soil drainage. The crumbling may be preceded by cracking of the foundation wall.

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Crack in a white wall with cement brick surface

What to do when you discover your foundation is crumbling

A crumbling foundation is a dangerous foundation. It is a sign of failure that could result in serious structural problems. The following are steps to take if you’ve discovered that your foundation is crumbling.

  1. Have your home inspected by a licensed foundation repair contractor. The inspection should address any issues with your foundation and not just the area that has shown cracking or crumbling. This is because foundation issues are often interconnected and the result of various issues. You’ll need to address the different issues in order to experience long term results.
  2. Compare quotations from at least three different service providers. Compare the solutions provided as well as the cost. The solution should not only address the repair of the cracking or crumbling but also the root cause. Choose the solution that offers the best value for money.
  3. Contact your insurance company to find out if the repairs will be covered under your homeowner’s policy or not.
  4. Engage the contractor and have the walls repaired as soon as possible.

Crumbling and cracking foundations can be a danger to you and your household. Ensure that they are repaired by a foundation repair professional.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

Wall Cracks | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Wall Damage That May Indicate Issues With Your Foundation Trenton, NJ

Wall Damage That May Indicate Issues With Your Foundation Trenton, NJ

The appearance of cracks on your walls, foundation or basement can be unnerving. In addition to making structures look unsightly, cracks may also mean that there is some problem in the structure of walls or the foundation.

While some types of cracks simply indicate the shrinking of concrete and are therefore nothing much to worry about, the appearance of large cracks of any type should worry you. Here are details about four types of wall cracks and what they mean.

bowing or rotating walls Wall Damage That May Indicate Issues With Your Foundation Trenton, NJ

Vertical cracks

Vertical cracks run up and down in an upright position on walls and foundations. These types of cracks may also appear in a slightly slanting position (about 30 degrees relative to the perpendicular position). Vertical wall cracks often occur as a result of concrete shrinkage and are therefore also referred to a shrinkage cracks.

Narrow b are nothing to worry about because they are just a sign that the concrete is shrinking. However, you should be concerned if you see wide vertical cracks (wider than 3 mm or 1/8 inch). You should consult a wall repair expert if you see wider vertical cracks since such cracks may be an indicator of a significant foundation movement.

Diagonal cracks

Diagonal cracks run in a slanting manner (30-75 degrees relative to the perpendicular position) from one point to another on a wall. The cracks may be narrow (referred to as hairline cracks) or wider. Unlike vertical cracks, diagonal cracks are usually a sign of more serious structural issues. Such issues include an uneven shifting or settling of the foundation.

Uneven foundation movement or settling can occur as a result of a house having been built on a slope. It can also be due to excessive moisture in some sections of the soil around the foundation, which will cause the foundation to sink more on one side, leading to diagonal cracking.

Because diagonal wall cracks require more skills and resources to repair compared to vertical cracks, you need to call a professional wall repair company the moment you spot these cracks.

Stair step cracks

Stair step cracks are similar to diagonal cracks, save for the fact that they take the form of a staircase running along the joints between bricks. The causes and implications of stair step cracks are quite similar to those of diagonal cracks, meaning that you should consult an expert if you see stair step cracks.

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Horizontal cracks

Horizontal wall cracks are a sign of severe damage to your building’s walls or foundation. These types of cracks occur due to foundation bowing, which is caused by any of the following factors:

  • Excessive hydrostatic pressure
  • Large roots near the foundation
  • Thermal movement of the soil around the foundation

Horizontal cracks are much more complicated and thus need to be urgently checked and repaired by a skilled technician.

Contact the Professionals at Everdry Waterproofing of S.E. Michigan Today! (732) 526-7770

Battery Backup System | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Why You Should Have A Battery Backup System Trenton, NJ

Why You Should Have A Battery Backup System Trenton, NJ

If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, you need to have a dependable sump pump and a good battery backup system. Because of their location below other floors of a building, basements and crawlspaces are prone to flooding, and this can cause notable damage and health issues in your home.

download Why You Should Have A Battery Backup System Trenton, NJ

When water accumulates in your basement or crawlspace, the moisture can cause significant damage to the floor and walls. Humid conditions also cause the growth of mold, which apart from causing damage to drywalls walls, ceilings and other structures, also causes health problems like allergies and respiratory issues.

It is therefore important to have a mechanism that can efficiently and consistently remove water from areas that are prone to flooding. One of the ways to achieve this is by installing a sump pump and having a reliable battery backup system.

Sump pump?

This is a device that is used to remove water from areas that are susceptible to flooding. To play their role effectively, sump pumps are positioned in the lowest points in a home, notably within the crawlspace or the basement.

home basement sump pump and float switch Why You Should Have A Battery Backup System Trenton, NJ

How a sump pump works

A sump pump is designed such that it turns on automatically when the level of water at the point where it is located reaches a certain point. This happens during occurrences such as flooding when it rains or when there is a substantial leakage from the plumbing systems. The sump pump removes the water and dumps it at a designated area outside through its discharge pipe.

How a battery backup system can help you

A battery backup system helps ensure that your sump pump is on standby at all times. Interestingly, flooding of the basement is in most cases associated with bad weather. Storms and falling trees can leave you without power. Yet it is during storms that your sump pump needs to be up and running.

With a battery backup system, you are able to protect your home from flooding by ensuring that your sump pump has power even when the mains electricity fails. A battery backup system turns on automatically any time there is a power outage in your home.

So, by installing a good battery backup system, you will not have any reason to worry in the event that there is a storm because your sump pump will function normally.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

Basement Wall Cracks | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Foundation Repair Common Misconceptions Trenton, NJ

Foundation Repair Common Misconceptions Trenton, NJ

Do you have basement wall cracks? Chances are that you’re searching the internet for information on how to repair these cracks and whether or not you should be worried about them. While the internet provides us with a lot of useful information, it is also a source of false information. If you’re not careful, you could end up going down a rabbit hole that could steer you off the right path.

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The following are myths about basement wall cracksthat every homeowner should be aware of.

  1. Cracks only appear on basement walls of homes that were poorly constructed

Foundation cracks are caused by various factors. Poor construction is just one causes of these cracks. Your wall may be cracking because of the natural settlement movements of your foundation. It could also be cracking because of high hydrostatic pressure from the soil surrounding the foundation. The cracking could also be a combination of various factors. The only way you can determine the root cause of the cracking is by having your foundation inspected by a foundation repair professional.

  1. You can fix leaky cracks by sealing them

Sealing cracks using crack injections is effective for stopping water seepage. However, this fix will only be temporary if it is used on its own. In fact, it can result in more serious damage as the water pressure continues to build up behind the wall.

Sealing of cracks should only be done if the underlying problem has been identified and resolved.

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  1. Foundation repair is expensive

Repairing foundation cracks isn’t always expensive. In fact, the faster you act on foundation cracks, the cheaper it is likely to be to have the cracks repaired. Ignoring the cracks will only result in the problem becoming worse and therefore more expensive to repair.

There are many cost-effective solutions for crack repair that offer long-term benefits. For example, installing carbon fiber straps isn’t costly. These straps last for years and provide long-term benefits for your foundation. Discuss your needs with your contractor and find a cost effective solution for the repair of your foundation cracks.

  1. You can’t sell your home with basement wall cracks

While cracks in foundation walls often put off buyers, it is not impossible to sell your home with cracks in the foundation. However, it is best to repair the cracks before putting your home on the market. You will get a better price for the house that way.

If you have a cracked foundation, be sure to discuss your needs with a professional contractor. This will ensure you have all the information you need to make the best choice.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

Foundation Repair | Morganville, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Signs That You Need To Contact A Foundation Repair Pro Immediately Morganville, NJ

Signs That You Need To Contact A Foundation Repair Pro Immediately Morganville, NJ

The foundation of your house plays two very critical roles. First, it supports the building by bearing its weight and ensuring that the walls of the house stand firm. Second, the foundation helps keep moisture out of your building by acting as a barrier against water in the surrounding ground. Therefore, signs of damage to the foundation of your house can be worrying.

Interior Wall Crack and Bowing Walls Signs That You Need To Contact A Foundation Repair Pro Immediately Morganville, NJ

What is more worrying is that some signs of foundation problems can be insidious and not easy to notice. Other signs of foundation damage can be seen very far away from the foundation, such as on door frames and windows.

But the good news is that many foundation problems can be repaired. All you have to do is to act quickly by requesting a foundation repair company to inspect your building in case you see or perceive any signs of foundation damage.You need to call a foundation repair company for help if you see any of the following signs in your house.  

  1. An uneven floor and doors that are out of position

If your floor becomes uneven or suddenly starts slanting towards one side, you are likely to be dealing with a foundation issue. Also, if your doors become really out of position, this could mean that the walls have moved due to foundation issues.

damaged foundation Signs That You Need To Contact A Foundation Repair Pro Immediately Morganville, NJ
  1. Interior and exterior cracks

While small vertical cracks may be nothing to worry about, but you need to be concerned about your foundation if you notice large vertical cracks and diagonal cracks on your foundation or walls. Horizontal cracks also indicate serious foundation issues.

  1. Door and window frames separated from the brick wall

If your door or window frames pull away from the brick wall, you could be having a notable foundation problem.

  1. Tile cracks

Although tiles are hard, they are quite brittle. While there are many causes of tile cracking, too many cracked tiles in one part of your building could be an indication of foundation issues. 

  1. Walls pulling away from each other

If you notice that one or more external walls are pulling away from the rest of your building, you should call a foundation repair expert immediately. Walls pulling away indicates that the foundation is unstable or has settled unevenly.

  1. Bowing foundation walls

Foundation wall bowing occurs due to factors such as increased hydrostatic pressure from the soil that surrounds the foundation or large roots expanding towards the foundation. Wall bowing can cause major cracks and even lead to a building’s collapse if left unrepaired.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

Foundation Wall Cracks | Hunterdon County, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Putting Off the Repair of Foundation Repair Could Be Costing You Money Hunterdon County, NJ

Putting Off the Repair of Foundation Repair Could Be Costing You Money Hunterdon County, NJ

Are you a fan of surprises? If you’re like most people, you probably don’t like surprises that could cost you a lot of money. In fact, if you’re a homeowner, you probably hate any surprises to do with your home’s foundation.

Unfortunately, unexpected events do happen. While it may be tempting to ignore them, it is important that you deal with them when you come across them. One such thing is the appearance of foundation wall cracks.

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Many homeowners try to ignore foundation wall cracks for as long as they can. For many, their primary motivation is to save money. However, ignoring those cracks in your foundation is only causing you to spend more. Here’s how those foundation cracks are costing you money.

  1. They’re causing structural damage in other parts of the home

Foundation cracks are often a sign of weakness in the foundation or increased pressure against the foundation wall. This in turn can result in damage in other parts of the home. You may notice cracks in walls in the upper levels of your home, bulking floors, cracks in the floor and other damage. If you continue to ignore the cracks in your foundation, you will continue spending money on repairs in your home.

  1. They can cause water damage

Cracks in the foundation can be the channel through which water from the soil surrounding the foundation finds its way into your home. This can result in flooding of your basement. It can also result in other moisture-related problems such as rotting wood or a mold and mildew infestation.

Mold remediation would be required to restore the health of your home. You would also need to spend money on the replacement of wooden parts of your home structure that show signs of rot.

cracks Putting Off the Repair of Foundation Repair Could Be Costing You Money Hunterdon County, NJ
  1. They can result in plumbing issues

Water pipes that run below the foundation are often vulnerable to breakage. If the foundation is moving as a result of settling or hydrostatic pressure, there’s a good chance that the foundation will put a lot of stress and strain on the water pipes. This can result in breakage of the water pipes.

Even those with above-ground pipes aren’t safe. These pipes often run through walls or beneath the floors in upper levels of the home. They will also be damaged as the foundation shifts.

If you have cracks in your foundation walls, now is a great time to have them repaired.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770