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 an 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 each 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!

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 the 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 crawlspace waterproofing expert.

3. 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.

4. 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

Who doesn’t want to have their own private oasis? We invest thousands of dollars in our landscaping. We take the time and are 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.

2.       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 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.

3.       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.

4.       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.