Elevator Waterproofing Hudson County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Elevator Waterproofing Hudson County, NJ

The basic construction of a typical elevator includes an elevator pit. This pit is usually below the floor level of the last floor that the lift services. This pit is used to house the counterweights, wiring and other fixtures necessary for the safe operation of the lift.

It is important to invest in professional elevator waterproofing. This protects your elevator pit from water seepage.

Elevator waterproofing is especially important for the following reasons:

  • It prevents damage to the elevator pistons

If the pistons of the elevator are exposed to a high level of moisture, they are likely to start rusting and will corrode with time. This will result in the leaking of the lift packing. The elevator will therefore become unsafe to use.

  • You’ll save on elevator repairs

Many building supervisors ignore the elevator pit. To them, waterproofing the elevator pit is an expense that can be ignored. However, exposure of the elevator to moisture results in more expensive repairs. You would spend much less by simply ensuring that the pit is properly waterproofed in the first place.

  • Prevent downtime

When damage occurs to your elevator as a result of the water present in the elevator pit, you’ll have to call in your elevator service provider to assist with repairs. However, many elevator service providers will not assist you until you address the seepage issues in your elevator pit. They will consider these conditions unsafe. This will result in extended elevator downtime. This can potentially lead to loss of income in a commercial or residential rental building.

  • Prevent bad odor

While your elevator may continue operating even under these conditions, the collection of water in the elevator pit can lead to the production of a bad odor. The water combines with oil and can become hazardous too.

  • Prevent damage to the traveling cable

As more water accumulates in the elevator pit, there are chances that the traveling cable of the elevator will be damaged. This leads to even more downtime as the lift becomes unusable.

It is important to have the elevator pit inspected by a professional waterproofing contractor. A licensed professional can guide you on the best solution to apply to your pit for the best results.

Waterproofing of the elevator pit often involves draining the elevator pit. The pit is then cleaned and dried out. The contractor then applies their solution of choice to the elevator pit to achieve waterproofing.

basement waterproofing

Signs of Basement Leaks – Union County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Basement leaks in New Jersey have many common causes. First, water that is on the ground can seep into your foundation and basement floor. Water could also leak into your basement due to issues with your gutters. Your gutters may overflow due to heavy rain, clogs, a sudden thaw, or poor installation. If you do not have enough gutters, water will also leak. Basement leaks in New Jersey are also often caused by disconnected downspouts, poor planning in terms of landscaping, and sprinklers aiming at your home. Finally, basement leaks in New Jersey are also a risk if your pipes have excessive condensation or if your interior walls have water inside them.

Signs of Basement Leaks in New Jersey

To catch basement leaks before they become serious floods, watch for these common signs.

  • Staining: Water stains on your basement floor or walls are a definite indication of a basement leak.
  • Odor: If your basement smells damp or musty, it is likely that there is excessive moisture and a potential leak.
  • Mold: Mold will also appear in a basement that has a leak, and it can come in many colors. If you suspect mold, you should have it tested.
  • Efflorescence: Efflorescence is a condition in which salt deposits are left by water that has evaporated. These may appear on your walls as gray or white ash, and it can sparkle.
  • Spalling: This also refers to salt deposits that are left behind, but spalling occurs when the surface that the salt is on begins to peel away or otherwise come off.

Contact us to get your FREE Estimate today!

Elevator Waterproofing | Morganville, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Consider Elevator Waterproofing During Construction – Newark, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

We don’t have to tell you how important elevators are especially for commercial buildings. Although many people don’t think much about them, they are a vital part of the functioning of a building. Everyone notices when the elevator is not working and they have to trudge up many flights of stairs to get to their destination floor.

If you’re in the process of constructing a commercial building, now would be a great time to start thinking about elevator waterproofing. Too many people leave this until the last minute; when water has seeped into the elevator pit and is causing problems in elevator operation.

Elevator waterproofing is something that ought to be done during the construction phase in order to ensure the lifespan of the elevator and its components. A lot of planning is required to ensure that the elevator pit is not only structurally sound but also waterproof. This is because the elevator pit is essentially below grade.

Considering the options

The elevator pit lies underground. It should therefore be given similar consideration as in the construction of a basement. This is because it will suffer the same water problems that a basement suffers including hydro-static pressure and seepage. The difference is that if water should make it into the pit, the mechanical and electrical systems of the elevator will most likely be damaged, spelling doom for your elevator system.

There are various methods that can be used to achieve elevator waterproofing. One of the most common involves the application of waterproofing membrane around the pit. This is an effective method for waterproofing the pit however, it can fail if not applied correctly. Many project managers make the mistake of not hiring professional waterproofing contractors to carry out the job. After all, they reason that the elevator pit is only a small part of the construction.

Applying a waterproof membrane is a tedious job. It requires precision to ensure that it is installed correctly. In addition to this, care must be taken to ensure that the membrane isn’t damaged during the pouring of concrete. This will result in leaking in the future.

Another popular method of achieving a waterproof elevator pit is by applying a liquid waterproofing product. This is especially beneficial as construction of elevator pits often results in spaces in the joints. A liquid system will ensure that these spaces are filled and the joints protected.

Consider planning to include elevator pits in the overall design of your construction project in order to achieve the best results. Ensure that you work with a professional waterproofing contractor for the best long term results.

 

Do’s & Don’ts For Basement Finishing – Trenton, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Are you planning for the finishing of your basement? You may have come across various basement systems designed to help you with this. The following are some tips to help you get the best results no matter which systems you choose to use.

Do:

  1. Include systems for the elimination of moisture

Moisture is your basement’s worst enemy. It is therefore important to eliminate it before you embark on finishing your basement. Don’t let moisture ruin the finished product. Install basement systems that will help to eliminate moisture including waterproofing membranes, vapor barriers, and French drains.

  1. Check building codes

It’s always a good idea to first check with building codes and local legislation before implementing a system. You should be sure that the system you intend to implement meets building code requirements.

  1. Take advantage of the positive

Unfinished basements may not seem like much but they do have some positive aspects that you can take advantage of. A good place to start is natural light. Look for egress window systems that will help you take advantage of natural lighting for your basement.

Don’ts

  1. Try to finish the whole basement area

It is important to consider space for utilities such as the storage of luggage, tools, and other seasonal items. This means that not all your basement would need to be finished. You can save money by spending a premium on the living space and leaving the utility space unfinished.

  1. Try to do it yourself

There are many do it yourself kits available in the market. While these kits encourage homeowners to carry out many of the repairs and renovations on their own, they don’t provide you with the many benefits that a skilled and experienced contractor would provide. There’s a good chance that you will overlook various aspects of the repair and renovation of your basement and end up with damage that is even more expensive and difficult to repair. Some jobs are better left to the professionals.

  1. Go cheap

Don’t be tempted to go cheap when it comes to investing in basement systems. Contractors who offer cheap solutions often have had to cut corners somewhere to be able to offer low prices. Learn to read between the lines and choose systems that offer good value for money.

Whatever systems you choose for your basement, ensure that you consider their long-term benefit.

 

 

5 Reasons to Invest in Elevator Waterproofing – Essex County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Elevators have become essential as the construction industry shifts focus to high rise buildings in order to make the most of vertical space when acreage is limited.

A lot of thought has to go into elevator design right from the start. Proper planning should include adequate elevator waterproofing. This is because the elevator pit is an integral part of the structure and function of the elevator. If you haven’t had your elevator pit waterproofed, the following are reasons you should contact a waterproofing contractor as soon as possible.

  1. Protect the lift’s mechanical system

The elevator pit is a vital part of the functioning of the elevator. Parts of the mechanical and electrical system of the elevator are located in the elevator pit. Moisture can result in these parts being damaged. Elevator waterproofing keeps water out of the elevator pit.

  1. Prevent the lift from breaking down

Moisture in the elevator pit can cause systems to fail. It can also increase the rate of wear and tear on different parts of the elevator. This can result in the elevator breaking down. Keeping moisture out of the pit will help to prevent this.

  1. Prevent health and safety issues

Leaving your elevator pit open to water penetration allows for the development of various health and safety issues including mold and pest infestations. These issues can cause problems throughout the building. You can save yourself the trouble of having to deal with them by investing in elevator waterproofing.

  1. Environmental issues

Water can pool in the elevator pit when nothing is done to keep it out. This water is likely to be polluted with oil and other lubricants used in the operation of the elevator. The water and the dissolved lubricants may pollute ground water if allowed to sip into the soil below the building.

  1. High costs

Waterproofing your elevator pit will help you save a lot of money in the repair, maintenance, and replacement of parts of the elevator’s operation system. You won’t have to deal with damage and other issues that moisture can cause to the system if allowed to penetrate the elevator pit.

Invest in waterproofing and avoid many of the issues that may arise. Find a reputable contractor with experience in waterproofing elevator pits to help.

 

Simple Tips to Help Prevent Basement Flooding – Monmouth County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

There’s nothing worse than coming home only to discover your basement flooded while you were away. Any homeowner who has experienced a flooded basement will tell you they didn’t see it coming. It’s important to take the necessary steps to help prevent basement flooding.

 

How Is Your Sump Pump?

 

Your sump pump is always hard at work, pumping away water from underneath your home. Excessive rain, melting snow, and even broken pipes may cause your sump pump to work overtime. If your sump pump is unable to keep up, water will overflow the basin, leading to a devastating flood in your basement.

 

You can make sure your sump pump is properly functioning by checking it once a month. The easiest way to do this is by filling your sump basis with several gallons of water. Keep an eye on the basin to see how long it takes for the sump pump to discharge the water. If you are able to fill up the basin all the way without the pump clearing away the water, you need to have it inspected by a professional technician.

 

Sump pumps can also fail in the event of a power outage. Short term outages are usually harmless, but if you face an extended outage, then you are at a higher risk of flooding. Keeping a battery-operated pump on hand is the best way to avoid this situation and prevent basement flooding.

 

How Does Your Foundation Look?

 

Damage to your foundation may also lead to basement flooding. Even small cracks can let in unwanted water. Larger cracks can quickly turn into a huge disaster. Inspect your foundation at least once or twice a year to look for any new cracks. The sooner you are able to repair foundation cracks, the less likely you are to face a flood in your basement.

 

Even if you don’t see any cracks in your foundation, you still need to make sure it is properly waterproofed. The exterior of your home should have proper waterproofing precautions in place, including waterproof sheeting and drain tiles. The goal of these products is to direct water away from your foundation.

 

A properly waterproofed basement is less likely to flood. Both the sump pump and foundation are crucial to keeping your basement dry. Regular inspections of your waterproof system will help you prevent basement flooding. Any problems that are noted should be addressed right away to keep water from entering your home.

Elevator Waterproofing | New Brunswick, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Elevator Waterproofing – Fixing Leaks in Elevator Pits – Bergen County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Elevator pits are sensitive areas. However, they are often forgotten. These pits are often below the ground floor of the building. Modern elevators are constructed in the foundation and have concrete poured around them.

Leaks often occur in elevator pits that are found below the water table. The water table rises and falls as a result of changes in seasons. This results in movements in the soil surrounding the foundation and the elevator pit. The elevator pit develops structural problems that result in leaks.

Faulty elevator waterproofing:

If you ensured that elevator waterproofing was installed in the construction phase of the building, you probably think that you won’t have any seepage problems in your elevator pit ever again. The truth is that the installation of these systems is often faulty. This is especially true when the contractor carrying out the installation is not a professional waterproofing contractor.

In other cases, the leaking may occur simply as a result of the wear and tear of time. As the elevator pit succumbs to age, the waterproofing system will also begin to fail. The membranes used to keep water out of the elevator pit begin to disintegrate and this affects the performance of the system.

Take action:

The solution you apply to solve the elevator pit leaks will depend on the cause of the leaks. It is best to deal with the root cause of the problem before you deal with the cracks that are letting water into the pit.

The solutions you choose for sealing leaking cracks in elevator pits will depend on the construction of the elevator pit.

  1. Sealing leaks in poured concrete walls:

If the elevator pit has poured concrete walls, you can seal the cracks using a crack injection. It is important to choose a crack injection that you can use in both wet and dry conditions. It should not react with water and should form a tight seal within a short time.

     2. Sealing brick and block walls:

If the elevator pit is constructed from block or brick, the water is most likely seeping through the joints between the individual blocks. These joints are points of weakness in the wall. Sealing leaks in this case would require the use of grout to seal the joints.

Talk to an elevator waterproofing contractor to determine your options. They will guide you on the best solution for waterproofing your elevator pit.

 

basement waterproofing

Basement Waterproofing For Finished Basement

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Basement Waterproofing

Is your basement finished? That’s great. You have an additional living space that can be used for just about anything. Finished basements are a great way to add to the floor space of your home without investing heavily in construction.

But what’s this? You’ve spotted signs of water seepage in the basement. This can seem like a nightmare. Finishing a basement may be cheaper than constructing an extension of the home, but it is still a significant investment. Water seepage in the basement can seem like a big setback.

How to Waterproof Your Finished Basement Without Tearing it to Shreds

The fear that most homeowners have when they hear that they need to invest in basement waterproofing is that they will lose their investment in their finished basement. However, there is good news for you. An expert waterproofing contractor can help you waterproof your basement without having to tear it apart.

In many instances, seepage into the basement is a result of water penetration through non-structural cracks in the basement walls or floors. If your basement were finished, these cracks would have been repaired from the interior. However, with a finished basement, your contractor will probably opt to approach repair from the exterior. The following are some things to expect in the basement waterproofing process:

  1. Excavation

The area around the basement wall will be excavated. This will allow the contractor access to the cracks from the exterior surface of the wall. You can discuss the need to save any plants you hold dear with your contractor in order to have them moved before the excavation begins.

  1. Crack repair

The crack will be repaired from the exterior surface of the wall. This may involve the use of a filler such as granular sodium bentonite clay. This clay will absorb water from the soil surrounding the wall. This helps to form an even tighter seal against the water.

  1. Installation of waterproofing membrane

The exterior of the basement wall will then be covered with a waterproofing membrane. This will help to prevent penetration of water in the future and keep your finished basement safe.

  1. Installation of exterior drain tile

If your contractor finds that the water table that surrounds your foundation is high, they will suggest that you have an exterior drain tile installed next to the footings of the foundation. This will help to alleviate the hydrostatic pressure on your basement wall and prevent the flooding of your basement.

  1. Backfilling

The soil around the foundation will be backfilled.

Contact us today for more information!