The Benefits of Crawlspace Waterproofing for Your Home, Morganville, NJ

The Benefits of Crawlspace Waterproofing for Your Home

If you’re a homeowner, you know that moisture and water damage can be a nightmare. One of the most overlooked areas for potential water damage is the crawlspace. Most homeowners do not give due diligence to waterproofing this space, but it is crucial for the protection of your house and health. Besides protecting your home from potential water damage, there are many other benefits of waterproofing your crawlspace that you may not have considered. In this blog post, we will be discussing the top benefits of crawlspace waterproofing so you can have peace of mind and keep your home safe and healthy.

1. Preventing Mold Growth

Moisture is a significant contributing factor to mold growth. The crawlspace is an area prone to having moistureD0 CjqXX4AAEErT 300x199 The Benefits of Crawlspace Waterproofing for Your Home, Morganville, NJ accumulate, especially if you live in an area with high humidity. Mold growth is not only unattractive, but it can also pose a severe health hazard, especially if there are people with respiratory conditions in your home. Crawlspace waterproofing can help prevent mold growth by reducing the amount of moisture that enters the space, therefore making your home safer and healthier.

2. Improving Indoor Air Quality

Mold growth in your crawlspace can have a significant impact on the air quality inside your home. Mold spores can travel from the crawlspace to the living area of your home, creating respiratory issues and other health problems. Waterproofing your crawlspace can provide a solution to this problem. A dry crawlspace means cleaner air in your home, leading to improved indoor air quality.

3. Protecting Your Home’s Foundation

Moisture in the crawlspace can cause the wooden beams that make up your home’s foundation to become weakened and start to decay. Over time this can lead to the foundation of your home sinking, which can create issues with the structure of the entire home. A waterproof crawlspace will eliminate moisture and protect the foundation of your home.

4. Saving Energy and Money

Air leaks in your crawlspace can allow cold air to enter your home and hot air to escape during the winter season. This means that your HVAC system has to work harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, leading to higher energy costs. Crawlspace insulation, combined with waterproofing, can help reduce energy loss, which will result in lower energy bills and savings in the long run.

5. Increasing Your Home’s Value

Waterproofing your crawlspace is an investment in your home. It is not only an expense that can protect your home, but it’scs vapor barrier lg 4 300x194 The Benefits of Crawlspace Waterproofing for Your Home, Morganville, NJ also an attractive feature for prospective buyers if you ever decide to sell your home. A waterproof crawlspace shows potential buyers that the home has been well-maintained, which can make your home stand out in a competitive market.

Crawlspace waterproofing isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. It’s a crucial step in protecting your home’s foundation, preventing mold growth, improving air quality, and saving money on energy costs. Besides these benefits, waterproofing your crawlspace can increase your home’s value and make it stand out in a crowded real estate market. If you haven’t thought about it before, give crawlspace waterproofing serious consideration as it’s an investment that will pay off in the long run.

Contact a professional waterproofing contractor to discuss the options available for your home.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! 

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Want to Install an Egress Window? Find Out Why a Professional Should Do it For You, Morganville, NJ

 Want to Install an Egress Window? Find Out Why a Professional Should Do it For You

Homeowners should always consider the installation of an egress window, as it offers a range of benefits such as increased natural light and improved ventilation. Furthermore, it is vital for creating a safe environment in case of emergencies; however, installing an egress window isn’t something that you can do on your own. To ensure safety and adherence to regulations, this project requires professional expertise from an experienced contractor. Here are some reasons why you need to get help from anSkylight egress window 1 300x225 Want to Install an Egress Window? Find Out Why a Professional Should Do it For You, Morganville, NJ egress window installation specialist:

  1. Expertise: Installing an egress window is a complex job that requires the right set of skills. Professional contractors have years of experience in working with these windows, so they’re well-versed with all their nuances. Plus, they possess the necessary tools and equipment to get the task done swiftly while still ensuring safety protocols are met at all times.
  2. Adhering to Codes and Regulations: To guarantee your safety as well as the resale value of your home, it is necessary that specific codes and regulations are met when installing an egress window. Professional contractors understand those standards inside out, so you can be certain they will make sure everything conforms accordingly.
  3. Efficiency: Professional installation guarantee: Expert contractors have the right tools and equipment to fit egress windows with maximum speed and efficiency. They know how much soil to remove, where and when to cut into a foundation wall without causing damage, all while making sure that your home’s structure remains intact.
  4. Increased Protection: Aspiring to install an egress window involves cutting through the foundation wall, a potentially hazardous action if done without care. Thankfully, professional contractors are certified and experienced in performing such tasks properly and safely so that your home remains intact while all occupants remain safe.
  5. Superior Workmanship: Professional contractors take immense pride in producing superior workmanship for eachc 300x205 Want to Install an Egress Window? Find Out Why a Professional Should Do it For You, Morganville, NJ project, utilizing the best quality materials to guarantee that installation is done accurately. With a reliable team of experts, you don’t have to be concerned about any leaks or other complications arising at a later date.

Hiring a professional contractor to install an egress window is the ideal choice. Doing so guarantees that your home and family remain safe and secure, as it meets all building codes and regulations. Moreover, this decision provides assurance of superior quality in terms of timely completion and craftsmanship – thus making your living space more comfortable, valuable, and safe!

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4 Signs You Are in Need of Crawlspace Waterproofing, Morganville, NJ.

4 Signs You Are in Need of Crawlspace Waterproofing

Approximately 15% of all newly built houses in the United States have a crawlspace. A crawlspace serves many functions including providing access to do repairs for electrical wiring, plumbing, and cooling and heating systems without the need to excavate the area around your home. You can also use your crawlspace to store some items.

The fact that your house is located above the crawlspace means that as much as 50% of your indoor air can circulate from the crawlspace. Hence, it is important to ensure that your crawlspace is clean and dry at all times. Moisture can damage thecrawl space moisture sources foundation walls 300x225 4 Signs You Are in Need of Crawlspace Waterproofing, Morganville, NJ. structure of your crawlspace and negatively affect the quality of air in this space.

You need to waterproof your crawlspace if you see any of the following signs.

1. Musty smell

If your crawlspace becomes stuffy or has a musty smell, it could be having high humidity and mold. High humidity makes air stagnant such that allergens like dust, dust mites, mold, and pollen can become trapped in the air. Mold grows in highly humid conditions and releases microbial volatile organic compounds, which have an unpleasant smell, as it grows.

If your crawlspace becomes stuffy or smelly, this may mean that water or moisture is seeping in and promoting the growth of mold. You should probably call a crawlspace waterproofing technician.

2. -Visible signs of mold or mildew

Mold and mildew are harmful fungi that grow in humid places. Mold will appear as greenish, black, gray, white or brown patches on walls, wood, and other surfaces. Mildew on the hand presents as flat growths that are black, white, gray, brown or yellow in color.

Mold and mildew in your crawlspace indicate that the space is letting in moisture or water. The solution is to look for a crawlspacedownload 4 Signs You Are in Need of Crawlspace Waterproofing, Morganville, NJ. waterproofing expert.

  1. Wood decay

If wooden items or pieces of wood in your crawlspace start to decay, this means that the crawlspace has a lot of moisture. Wood decay or dry rot occurs when wood-decay fungi decompose damp wood. This usually happens when the wood has a moisture content exceeding 20%. Call a crawlspace waterproofing company if you see signs of dry rot in your crawlspace as this indicates that the space is unusually moist.

  1. Cracks on the floor and walls

Cracks on the floor and walls of your crawlspace can cause water to seep in. If the seepage increases, the cracks will become larger and this may affect the structural integrity of the crawlspace’s walls and the foundation of your house. A crawlspace waterproofing specialist will help you by sealing the cracks.

 

Landscaping Tips to Prevent Bowed Basement Walls, Trenton, NJ

Landscaping Tips to Prevent Bowed Basement Walls, Trenton, NJ

Who doesn’t want to have their own private oasis? We invest thousands of dollars in our landscaping. We take the time and are images Landscaping Tips to Prevent Bowed Basement Walls, Trenton, NJ willing to spend money on creating a landscape that is beautiful and functional. We spend even more time and money to maintain this beautiful landscape. However, many of us don’t take the time to consider how our landscapes affect our foundations.

The soil around your foundation has a big impact on the state of your foundation. The significant expansion of soils around the foundation and the retention of excess moisture are the main causes of bowed basement walls. With this knowledge, you can take steps to improve your landscape while protecting your foundation.

How to Protect Your Foundation

In order to prevent bowed basement walls, it is important to pay attention to the behavior of the soil around the foundation. Your goal should be to prevent pressure from building up against the foundation walls and causing bowing. There are several ways you can do this using landscaping.

  1.       Leave some of your foundation exposed

Yes. It can be tempting to want to have your foundation completely hidden away. However, it is important to leave the foundation wall partly exposed. This will allow you to inspect the wall from the outside for damage. You will be better able to take action to prevent extensive damage to your foundation if you can pick up on signs of damage early. Leave about 5 inches of your foundation exposed for regular visual inspections.

  1.       Keep drains and outlets clear

Be careful about where you position your plants and shrubs. Avoid positioning them in the form of drains and outlets. Covering drains Bowed basement wall 300x300 Landscaping Tips to Prevent Bowed Basement Walls, Trenton, NJ and outlets will restrict the movement of water. It will prevent the water from draining out into the yard and may cause it to pool near the foundation.

  1.       Slope hardscapes away from the foundation

Are you having a hardscape such as a walkway installed? These are often paths for runoff when it rains or when snow melts. Ensure that hardscapes are sloped in a way that guides water away from the foundation. This will prevent water from accumulating around the foundation resulting in bowed basement walls.

  1.       Install surface drainage

Installing surface drainage in your yard is a great way to prevent water from pooling in your yard and creating a swamp. It is also an effective way to prevent the soils from absorbing and retaining too much water. It will help to prevent damage to your foundation.

Use the landscaping tips above to protect your foundation.

 

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4 Key Facts You Need to Know about Egress Windows Morganville, NJ

4 Key Facts You Need to Know about Egress Windows Morganville, NJ

Egress windows are an important aspect that you should consider when building a new house or renovating your home. The International Residential Code (IRC) requires all habitable spaces such as living rooms and basements to have egress windows. Also, every indoor space or room that is intended to be utilized as a bedroom, including rooms within a basement, should have an egress window.

Skylight egress window 1 4 Key Facts You Need to Know about Egress Windows Morganville, NJ

Egress windows should meet some specifications in order to serve their functions well. When installing these windows, it is important to work with a professional contractor to ensure that the specifications are met. Here are the key facts that you need to know about egress windows.

1. The Meaning and Uses of Egress Windows

The term egress window is coined from the word ‘egress’, which means ‘to exit’. As the name suggests, the window is used to exit the room or building in which it has been installed during an emergency. Egress windows are installed in basements, bedrooms and the first floors of split-level buildings among other areas.

In addition to playing a key role as emergency exits, egress windows can also be used to allow the entry of natural light into the rooms in which they have been installed and promote ventilation. Therefore, well-installed egress windows ensure that spaces such as basements are well-lit and well-ventilated.

2. Egress Window Specifications

The IRC stipulates that every space that is used as a bedroom should have at least one egress window. Additionally, each egress window that is installed should meet the following requirements:

· The window should be designed in such a way that when it is open, an individual can crawl and use the window to quickly exit.

· The window’s opening should be clear and have a minimum area of 5.7 square feet.

· Height: Not less than 24 inches

· Width: Not less than 20 inches

· The window’s lower part should be at the height of no more than 44 inches to allow easy access.

· It should be possible to open and close the window from the inside.

· The window should not have grilles or bars which block the opening.

· It should be possible to open the window without using any other separate equipment such as a key.

download 1 4 Key Facts You Need to Know about Egress Windows Morganville, NJ

Special Considerations for Basement Windows

It is not necessary for all basement windows to be designed as egress windows. If you have an unfinished basement, you may only need to install ordinary windows for ventilation. But an egress window is required in the basement if this room is used as a living space or as a bedroom.

You can also combine ordinary windows and egress windows in your basement to improve lighting and ventilation.

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

 

Foundation Waterproofing | Morganville, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

5 Unmistakable Signs Your Home Needs Foundation Waterproofing Morganville, NJ

5 Unmistakable Signs Your Home Needs Foundation Waterproofing Morganville, NJ

Foundation water damage occurs when the foundation of your house is exposed to water or wet soil for a prolonged period. Water damage causes the house to start shifting due to the inability of the foundation to hold its weight. The building’s vertical integrity is also compromised and the structure sinks more into the ground. You may also experience foundation and basement wall bowing as a result of water damage.

You can avoid the havoc caused by water on your building by waterproofing its foundation. Foundation waterproofing entails techniques and materials that are used to stop water from seeping through the basement of a building. When effectively done, foundation waterproofing eliminates seepage of water and moisture through the foundation, thus helping you avert foundation water damage.

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To protect your property and stay safe, you need to be on the lookout for signs that your foundation needs to be waterproofed. Here are some key signs.

1. Damp Basement Walls

Basement walls should be dry unless there is some water leakage inside the basement. If there is no visible leakage within the basement and basement walls are wet, this is an indication that water is seeping in from outside. Foundation waterproofing is necessary to avert any damage by water to the foundation.

2. Puddles of Water on the Basement Floor

If you spot unexplained puddles of water on the floor of your basement, you need to let a certified foundation waterproofing contractor inspect the basement. Water could be penetrating through some sections of the foundation and collecting at some points on the floor of the basement. The contractor will also check for seepage from the floor of the basement since this can also damage the foundation and basement walls.

3. Musty Odor

Basements usually have musty odors if they are damp. The musty smell is associated with the growth of mold. Since mold grows in damp conditions, the presence of musty odor in your basement is a sign that the basement is constantly wet or humid and the foundation of your house needs to be waterproofed.

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4. Mold Growth

Apart from the presence of musty odor in your basement, you may also come across patches of mold at various points in the basements. The growth of mold is a clear signal that your basement is damp and needs to be fixed.

5. Cracks on the Foundation Walls

Although some types of cracks are common on foundations, you should be worried when you see cracks that keep on expanding. Large cracks can allow water to penetrate the foundation and cause serious structural damage.  You need to call a foundation waterproofing company if you see cracks on your foundation.

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

Morris County, NJ | Basement Waterproofing - Foundation Repair

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

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

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

 

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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.

Vapor Barriers – Points to Consider when Making Your Selection Hudson County, NJ

Vapor Barriers

Keeping moisture out of buildings has been a challenge that homeowners and builders have faced since humans begun constructing houses. Moisture is a builder’s greatest enemy. Moisture can cause structural damage through rot. It can also lead to mold and pest infestations, making a structure unsafe.

The good news is that technology has come a long way. Just as building techniques and technology have improved, so have methods of keeping moisture at bay. Vapor barriers are amongst the many different technologies used to keep moisture out of buildings.

There are various types of vapor barriers available in the market. It is important to take your time and determine the best vapor barrier for your purpose. The following are some things to keep in mind:

QMutu 150x150 Vapor Barriers   Points to Consider when Making Your Selection Hudson County, NJ

  1. It should be semi-permeable

People often confuse vapor barriers and waterproof membranes. Unlike waterproof membranes, vapor retarders are not completely impermeable to water. In fact, they are semi-permeable. This feature allows the controlled passage of water through the material. The moisture however, does not get pass through to the other side of the barrier. This protects the internal space from moisture and humidity.

  1. They come with different ratings

These barriers come with varying ratings based on their level of permeability. A barrier rated 0.1 or less has very low permeability for water vapor. A rating higher than 0.1 indicates that the migration of water through the vapor barrier is slowed down.

The rating you select will depend on the type of floor or subfloor you have installed. For example, a wooden floor would do well with a vapor barrier rating of between 0.5 and 50.

  1. Roof felt cannot replace a vapor barrier

Many people are tempted to use roof felt as a vapor barrier because it is also semi permeable. However, it is not designed for this use. It does not undergo the same stringent testing that moisture barriers undergo. It is also too thick for installation in most floors.

  1. Barriers made from plastic trap water

It is important to avoid using a vapor barrier made of plastic. These have a rating less than 0.1. They will end up trapping water below the floor, which will result in an even worse problem when the floor fails.

Be sure to discuss your needs and requirements with a professional and licensed basement waterproofing contractor. This will ensure that you make a choice that suits your specific situation.