Basement Waterproofing | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Things You Should Know About Basement Waterproofing Cost Estimates Trenton, NJ

Things You Should Know About Basement Waterproofing Cost Estimates Trenton, NJ

Are you considering investing in basement waterproofing? One of the biggest concerns homeowners have when faced with the need to waterproof their basement is how much it will cost. The best way to get this information is by having a professional contractor provide you with an estimate.

The following are some things you should know about basement waterproofing estimates.

basement waterproofing new jersey Things You Should Know About Basement Waterproofing Cost Estimates Trenton, NJ
  • The cost of waterproofing will depend on the solution provided by the contractor

There is a wide range of options available for waterproofing basements. The estimate you will be provided with will depend on the type of solution suggested by the contractor. You may therefore be provided with different costs by different contractors depending on the solutions they offer and the price of their labor.

  • You can seek estimates from different contractors

Many homeowners go with the first waterproofing contractor they contact. They don’t take the time to consider other opinions or to compare different estimates. This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when considering basement waterproofing. Comparing estimates from different contractors is the best way to identify great deals as well as the best solution for your basement.

  • Many contractors give estimates for free

If you’re worried about the cost of getting an estimate, don’t be. Many professional contractors offer this service for free. You can therefore contact different contractors and request for their estimates for the waterproofing project to compare. You are under no obligation to go with any particular contractor until you choose the contractor you will engage for the project.

  • Estimates are just that

Estimates aren’t an accurate calculation of the cost of the project. An estimate is just an estimate. There is therefore a good chance that you will spend more on the project than was outlined in the estimate. The estimate is just a guideline of how much the contractor thinks the project would cost.

  • Never go with an estimate that is too low

It can be tempting to go with the contractor offering the lowest estimate in an effort to save money. However, you may end up regretting this. In many cases, extremely low costs are achieved by cutting corners. This could result in failure or damage that will require you to pay a different contractor to fix.

Go through the estimates and determine which contractor meets your needs. Choose a cost-effective solution for your basement. 

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

Elevator Waterproofing | Morganville, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Elevator Waterproofing – What to Do When You Find Water in Your Elevator Pit Morganville, NJ

Elevator Waterproofing – What to Do When You Find Water in Your Elevator Pit  Morganville, NJ

Have you found water in your elevator pit? Elevator pits lie below the level of the foundation of buildings. This means that water intrusion is a common problem for elevator pits. Elevator waterproofing can help to protect your building from equipment damage and the hazards that water intrusion presents.

If you’ve found water in your elevator pit, the following are some steps you should take for the safety of your elevator system and building.

  1. Stop using the elevator
Elevator pit water intrusion Elevator Waterproofing – What to Do When You Find Water in Your Elevator Pit  Morganville, NJ

The mechanics and electrical circuits for running the elevator are located within the elevator pit. If there’s water in the pit, it can cause damage to the circuits and the elevator system. Operating the elevator when there’s water in the elevator pit is dangerous. Be sure to stop usage of the elevator immediately.

  • Get in touch with your elevator service provider

It is important to get in touch with your elevator service provider for support. They should be able to provide you with technicians that are trained to handle such situations. This isespecially important in case systems are damaged and require repair. It is also important for maintenance of the elevator and ensuring that it works well after the water is removed.

  • Contact an elevator waterproofing company

Get in touch with an elevator waterproofing company to remove the water and determine its source. The company will also provide solutions to keep water out of the elevator pit based on the findings of their inspection.

Please note that not all waterproofing companies can provide elevator waterproofing services. You should look for a contractor that is experienced in waterproofing elevator pits. This will increase your chances of success with waterproofing. You will have less to worry about in future.

If you want to get the best deal, you should contact at least three companies and request for quotations. Compare the quotations and choose the company that offers the best value for money.

  • Provide an alternative for elevator users

Waterproofing an elevator pit often isn’t something that can be done in one day. Depending on the issue, waterproofing may take two or three days and, in some cases, even longer. It’s therefore important to provide visitors to the building with alternatives, for example, the use of the emergency stairs or a service elevator.

Waterproofing your elevator pit is important for the safety of your building. Be sure to hire an experienced contractor for the job.

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

Foundation Repair | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Don’t Miss the Signs That Your Home Needs Foundation Repair Trenton, NJ

Don’t Miss the Signs That Your Home Needs Foundation Repair Trenton, NJ

Foundation repair is required in many situations. However, a small crack does not indicate an immediate need for foundation repair. There are plenty of signs and signals that something is not right with your foundation when there happens to be potential serious damage. Unfortunately, many homeowners ignore the signals, allowing things to deteriorate further. If these homeowners had paid attention and called for help at the first sign of trouble, repairs could have taken place before further damage took place. These repairs would have been easier, less expensive, and there would have been less damage to their home and belongings. Below are some signs to consider.

Cracks, Crumbling, and Water

One of the first signs that your foundation is in trouble is usually cracking in the foundation. These cracks allow water to get into the basement. The cracks can and often do become worse over time.

Cracks and walls can get repaired, and your basement can get waterproofed. It is important to note that not all water in the basement points to foundation issues. The water may be coming up into the basement due to a high water level. In this case, having your basement waterproofed will stop the problem.

Doors and Windows that Are Difficult to Open and Close

If your doors and windows are becoming more challenging to operate, it is a sign of foundation problems. Think back to when you first moved into your home, did they open and close more easily? They may become more difficult over a long period, which makes it harder for you to notice, so it’s essential to pay attention.

Look Up

Do your ceiling and molding meet? They did at one time, and they should still meet now. If they do not, your foundation could very well be the cause, and you should have it checked out.

The above are a few of the signs of foundation issues. Pay attention to your house, so that you will be alerted at the first sign of problems. Foundation issues can impact the entire integrity of your structure. If they are allowed to progress, you could experience bowing walls and wall failure. A strong foundation is needed to have a safe and secure home. If you suspect foundation issues, call for a professional inspection today.

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

Jersey City, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

How to Mess Up a French Drain Installation | Jersey City, NJ

French Drain Installation

French drains are a wonderful solution to a wet basement problem. Based on an old invention designed to move water via gravity, they have been in use for nearly 200 years. So while they are a great solution to wet basement problems, they can (and often are) installed wrong, and fail to work as designed.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Because when a French drain is installed correctly, it can save your basement from drainage problems, and pretty much fix any wet basement problem that you have.

With that, here are some typical ways to screw up a French drain installation.

French drain big 5798f4f23df78c3276b3e569 150x150 How to Mess Up a French Drain Installation | Jersey City, NJ

Wrong Way Facing Holes

When installing your perforated piping, you face the holes upward instead of down, which is completely opposite to the point of a French drain. This error stops entry water from routing out of your home, and allows it to stagnate and sit idle. Always check that the holes or slots are pointed towards the ground so optimal drainage can take place.

Too Little Gravel Beneath

Gravel beneath your perforated pipe is as important to the process as the pipe itself. Because without adequate gravel, water does not drain. Too much dirt and not enough gravel stops up the holes and prevents water from removing itself from the situation. Always ensure that you are using the right amount of gravel for your French drain so that they work as intended.

Bad Pipe Slope

This part isn’t tricky, but for how a French drain functions, it’s perhaps the most important. If you fail at having enough slope (or fall) on the drain pipe routing water away from your home, you’re going to have a bad time. The pipe absolutely needs to drain downhill, far away from your home’s foundation. The last thing you want is to go through all that work just to find out that the water exiting your basement is just seeping back in a few hours later.

Installing a French drain is a great solution to a basement water problem. But when done incorrectly, can end up costing you more than just simply paying a professional from the start.

For more information on how we can help you, please contact us any time.

The 4 Permanent Basement Waterproofing Solutions Union County, NJ

Basement Waterproofing

When searching for a solution for your leaking basement, you’ll be bombarded with a wide variety of massages. If you’re not familiar with basements and how they function (like most homeowners), you may fall for a scam.

As a homeowner, it is important to seek as much information about basements as possible when considering basement waterproofing solutions. This will ensure that you make an informed choice and avoid being lured by flashy sales gimmicks.

Call Us! We Can Help! 732-360-5052

 

build french drain dsbrody standard c125d56484ad75eb229266c2ba5224fa 150x150 The 4 Permanent Basement Waterproofing Solutions Union County, NJ

There are many different types of solutions for basements in the market. However, the following are the basic permanent waterproofing solutions currently available:

  1. Waterproofing membranes

Water can find its way into your basement through cracks and crevices in foundation walls. A waterproofing membrane can be applied on the external surface of the foundation wall to prevent water from penetrating into the basement.

This waterproofing solution involves excavating the soil around the foundation wall and installing the membrane. The soil is then returned.

  1. French drains

Water collecting in the soil can exert pressure on the walls of your foundation. The water in the soil is then forced through the cracks and crevices in your foundation walls and into your basement. This is especially common in homes built in areas with a high water table.

The best way to solve this problem is by relieving the hydrostatic pressure. This is possible through the installation of a French drain. The water collects in the French drain and is guided into a well.

  1. Sump pumps

These are usually installed together with French drains. The sump pump is installed in a sump pit or well where water from the surrounding soil collects. The water is then removed from the well by the pump. This reduces the hydrostatic pressure on the foundation walls. It also prevents the flooding of the basement especially during heavy downpours.

  1. Grading

Your landscape plays a major role in the health of your basement. If the landscape slopes towards your home, water will follow the slope. It is therefore important to ensure that the land around your foundation slopes away from the foundation. This will reduce the pressure of the water against the foundation walls.

These are only a few of the many solutions that professional contractors can offer you for permanent basement waterproofing. It is important to discuss your options with a contractor and find what will work best for you. The solutions can be applied on their own or in combination for the best results.

French drains

Using French Drains To Create a Healthy Living Environment

French Drains

One of the greatest concerns for any homeowner is to ensure their living space is safe. While there are many other sources of impurities in the indoor air, the basement is credited with many varieties of pollutants. The problem with these living spaces is their location below the surface making them susceptible to water leakage.

Basement water is a common frustration for homeowners and in fact, it has forced many homeowners to neglect these spaces. Water entry and high moisture levels cause mold growth, which is one of the major indoor air pollutants. By failing to deal conclusively with the water seepage issue, you will also have to grapple with high humidity levels that not only precipitate respiratory problems but also lead to property damage including dry rot and metal rusting.

However, you can now handle basement water through installation of a French drain and in the process, improve the quality of indoor air. If you have noticed an increase in respiratory infections in your family, it is likely that you have mold growth in your basement. While many people try glossing over basement water issues through painting and other temporary measures, it is advisable to talk to a waterproofing contractor who has experience installing French drains.

How a French Drain Helps

A French drain can be installed either externally or internally, but the function it plays is the same. The installation process involves excavation of an outdoor and indoor trench where a perforated PVC pipe is then laid. The pipe should be slanted in such a way that the collected water is driven away quickly. Once this is done, the trench is filled with porous materials such as rocks before the original backfill is returned.

All surface water will find its way into the perforated pipe and driven either to a sump pit for pumping or directly driven away from the property. The principle used here is that water uses the route with least resistance and now that this pipe is perforated and covered in porous materials, surface water will easily flow in to be driven away from your home.

When thinking of home improvement, a French drain might not be on your priority list but looking at the benefits it offers, it should rank up there. French drains not only help protect your home’s foundation against water damage, but they also protect your family by providing a healthy living environment.

French drains

Did You Account for Radon Gas in the Design of Your French Drain

French Drain

When considering the design of a French drain, many home owners will be mostly concerned about its capacity to deal with the water problem in their basement. However, it is important to note that these systems are meant to deal with much more than just water problems.

Radon Gas

While water seepage is a serious problem in basements, it isn’t the worst thing you will face when it comes to the basement. Radon gas is even more dangerous than water damage or mold that result from water seepage problems.

Radon gas occurs in the soil. It can seep up through the soil and into the air of the basement. It can then be dispersed in the air within the home as a result of stack effect. It is a tasteless, colorless and odorless gas. It is therefore impossible to tell if your home is affected without professional inspection and testing.

Radon gas is considered dangerous because it is known to cause cancer. Studies show that it is the leading cause of cancer in non-smokers. Data from the National Academy of Sciences shows that there are over 21,000 deaths attributed to Radon exposure annually.

Keeping Radon Gas in the Ground

Radon gas is often difficult to deal with. It can seep through the natural gaps in the floor. It can also seep through vapor barriers. Homes are often at risk without even knowing it.

It is especially important to consider radon gas when designing your French Drain. Installing the drain may leave your home exposed to the deadly gas. Your first step to protecting yourself is having your basement tested for radon gas. This involves the use of a highly sensitive air quality analyzer.

The second step is to invest in a system that is designed to keep radon gas in the ground. Such as system would be a closed system that does not allow radon gas and other gaseous pollutants enter the basement.

One such system is the Grate Drain system. It is specifically designed to ensure a healthier indoor environment for households. The system addresses various issues in the basement including water seepage, humidity as well as chemical pollutants that are present in the soil.

The system is designed to provide protection as well as durability. It will ensure that your basement remains waterproof while keeping your home environment safe and healthy.

Contact us today for more information!

French drain installation

Common Mistakes – Why You Should Leave French Drain Installation to the Professionals

French Drain Installation

As a homeowner, you may be tempted to carry out a French drain installation by yourself. However, there’s much more to the installation than meets the eye. If you want the best results from the process, be sure to have your drain installed by a professional.

The following are common mistakes that the DIY homeowner makes during a French drain installation. These mistakes often lead to damage that costs even more to repair:

  • Trenches that are too narrow or too wide

The size of the trench in which the drain ought to be installed should be well planned for. If the trench is too narrow, the drain is likely to get clogged much faster. If the trench is too wide, then the drain won’t be effective in guiding water away from the foundation.

Your situation is unique and a professional basement contractor will view it as such. They will determine the right trench width for the best results.

  • Installing the pipe with the holes facing up

This is a common mistake with DIY homeowners installing a French drain. They will assume that the holes ought to face up in order for the water to trickle into the holes.

Professionals will ensure that the holes are facing down to allow water to flow quickly into the pipe. They will also choose the right pipe for the different parts of the basement. For example, a professional will know that a pipe with slots will work better in a deep trench while one with holes will work better in a shallow trench.

  • Not placing enough gravel in under the pipe

The gravel under the pipe is vital for ensuring that the drain works well. An adequate amount of gravel is required to ensure that the water is guided into the holes of the pipe. The water will enter the pipe more quickly with a good base of gravel. A professional contractor will know the right amount of gravel to include in the trench.

  • Poor sloping for the pipe

The slope of the pipe determines just how well it drains the water. The right slope for the drain should be about 1%. This allows for the normal flow of water by gravity. A professional will determine the right slope for the drain.

Don’t attempt to install your drain yourself. Ensure that you have a professional contractor to help. This ensures you get it right the first time round.

French drains

What You Need To Know About French Drains in Morganville NJ

French Drains in Morganville NJ

Water is bad for foundations, but it is a natural part of the world we live in. When it rains, water seeps into the ground. There is also groundwater that is already present in the ground and can seep up to destroy a foundation.

So, how can you keep your foundations sound?

The answer is a French drain. Also known as a weeping, uncertain or rubble drain, this drain consists of a trench that is filled with rocks or gravel. Many French drains in Morganville NJ also contain a perforated pipe. The primary use of the drain is to prevent surface or ground water from penetrating into or damaging the foundations of a building.

The name does not come from France, the country but was named after the person who promoted the idea in 1859 through his book on drainage on farms, Henry French.

How they work

French drains in Morganville NJ are constructed around foundations to give water an easy channel through which it can flow. Water in the surrounding soils runs into the gravel that fills the drain and down through the perforations in the pipe that is often located at the bottom of the trench.

Water collects in the pipe and is channeled away from the foundations to a point some distance away from the house.

It is important for the trench bottom to be constructed at a slope of about 1 inch for every 8 feet traveled in the direction that the water will flow. The French drain may terminate in any place depending on your situation and preference. Some examples include:

  • Low lying areas within your property
  • Dry wells
  • The street
  • Drainage ditches

Deciding when to put in a French drain

French drains in Morganville NJ have become necessary to help with drainage. This is true especially for:

  • Homes that are experiencing a problem with surface water. You may have a soggy lawn or driveway that washes out.
  • Homes whose basements are being damaged by water. It is important to ensure that water from the surrounding soil is directed away from the foundations. This ensures that the foundation is not destroyed.
  • Homes that are being constructed on a hillside. It is important to install a French drain if you will be building a retaining wall.

Surface water problems

Shallow French drains in Morganville NJ are a great way to deal with surface water problems. The French drain should be constructed to intercept water on the property and channel it away from the building’s foundations.

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