basement waterproofing in new jersey

Basement Waterproofing in New Jersey: Do it Once, Do it Right

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Basement Waterproofing in New Jersey

There is only one thing more dreaded than needing a basement waterproofing contractor to come fix your basement: needing that basement waterproofer to come back!

Honestly, basement waterproofing in New Jersey should be a one-time deal. Usually, if there is an issue in the basement, a basement contractor can install a full basement system that will keep the basement dry for years to come. With some maintenance, a basement waterproofing system should and will last a long time. Some waterproofing contractors offer a life-time guarantee and a transfer policy to the new homeowners if the house is ever sold.

Partial work

One of the most common call back situations when it comes to basement waterproofing is when only one portion of the basement is fixed. Sometimes there is a leak on one side of the basement. The homeowner will hire the contractor to come in and fix the problem area only to notice a similar leak on the adjacent wall the next year. A good basement waterproofing contractor offers a whole basement solution. If they only offer partial work, then an honest contractor will make sure homeowner understands that the issue is really more of a whole house problem. Of course, there are situations where partial work is the better option. Families with budgetary constraints may decide to only do some of the work and do the rest of the work later. It is just important to understand that a contractor who offers a whole basement solution is not trying to sell you something you don’t need. They are just trying to do it once!

A bad system

There are bad systems out there and some inexperienced contractors who may install a good system improperly. However, most of the basement waterproofers in business today are good, honest and reputable. Manufacturers and suppliers have designed various system models, wall boards, sump pumps, and crack injection materials that use the latest technology. The industry as a whole has come a long way to offer basement waterproofing products that allow for contractors to offer a do it one, do it right approach.

A good system fails

Sometimes one of those good systems will fail. Usually, it is due to a preventable issue with proper inspection and maintenance. Sometimes the systems will become clogged with debris. Contractors can come out and flush the system to make sure it works properly. Other times components of the basement waterproofing system will fail or give out and need to be replaced. For example, sump pumps no matter how heavy duty will not last forever. The sump pump is one component that needs to be replaced every five to seven years depending on the make, model and wear on the pump and the pump’s motor.

Overall, if you are having basement water issues it is important to do it right the first time. That will start with a correct assessment and inspection of your property and the basement issues. Choose your waterproofing contractor carefully. Don’t base your decision strictly on price. Review the contractor and his certifications and qualifications. Ask for referrals and call them. Do your best to choose the right contractor who will offer a “once and for all” fix to your basement problems.

Contact us if you have any questions about basement waterproofing or if you want to get a FREE Estimate!

foundation repair in new jersey

Foundation Repair in New Jersey: 4 Key Misconceptions

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Foundation Repair in New Jersey

Fixing a broken foundation is a hard concept to understand as it is. Then the world adds myths and misconceptions about foundation repair in New Jersey. Here are a four misconceptions debunked.

Misconception #1: You don’t need foundation repair because concrete cracks.

It is true that concrete cracks. It is not a matter of if but when. The concrete sidewalk or your concrete patio is not as important. However, when it comes to your concrete foundation, when it cracks it needs to be fixed. Cracks in your foundation ultimately weaken the structure and need to be fixed. Even nonstructural cracks can cause problems with water infiltration, mold growth, and pests.

Misconception #2: Small cracks are no big deal.

Even small hairline cracks can cause problems with your foundation. The most common problem with hairline cracks is water. Water doesn’t need a large opening to enter your home. Those small cracks can be letting in water and causing an array of issues including mold and mildew, or letting in bugs, rodents, or soil gases like radon. If you look at it that way, small cracks are a big deal.

Small cracks also can be a sign of future problems. If ignored, small cracks can become big cracks and lead to even bigger foundation issues. Foundation cracks may seems as if they are staying the same but over the years the nonstructural cracks can become structural cracks if the soil outside the foundation changes.

Misconception #3: Foundation Repair doesn’t really fix the problem.

This misconception is referring to a common scenario. A foundation repair contractor will come to assess the basement situation. There will be a problem zone on one side of the foundation. Even though the problem area is only on one side of the foundation, the foundation repair contractor suggests an entire foundation solution. The homeowner will choose to only do one side of the foundation where the problem currently exists. The foundation repair contractor can only do what the homeowner authorizes him to do. They try to educate the homeowner as much as possible about the potential of a return visit to fix the rest of the foundation in the future. The homeowner sometimes misses the big picture and thinks that the work that was done didn’t really fix the problem. But the truth is he chose to only fix one portion of the problem.

If a homeowner hires a reputable and knowledgeable foundation repair contractor and follows his advice to provide the proper solution to repair the foundation, it will work. Contractors guarantee their work. And if you do partial work on the foundation, only the area where the work was done will be on warranty.

Misconception #4: Foundation Repair is too expensive.

While many homeowners think they can’t afford foundation repair work, the truth is they can’t afford not to. If your home needs foundation repair work, and you choose to ignore it, it will get worse before it gets better. If you fix the problems when they are small, it will cost much less. If you wait until the problem is massive and dyer and your home on the verge of collapse, then it will be expensive.

If you ever want to sell your house, you will have a hard time selling with foundation repair issues. You will have to fix them before you sell.

Honestly, the best practice is to inspect your basement and keep it in good health throughout the lifetime of your house. The basement environment impacts the environment of the rest of the house. The foundation is the most important part of the house. If it is not sound, the whole structure of the house is in danger.

Contact us for a FREE Estimate!

basement waterproofing in new jersey

How Basement Waterproofing in New Jersey Can Save You Money

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Basement Waterproofing in New Jersey

Basement waterproofing in New Jersey can save you money just like an insurance policy can. It starts saving you money when something goes wrong. And it saves you big money when something really big goes wrong.
A basement waterproofing system is more about prevention than anything. Therefore, when we talk about potential savings, you have to look at your individual situation, see what you have in your basement, and determine what it is worth to you.

Storage Items:

Most people at the very least use the basement for storage. On the low end, basement waterproofing can save you the cost of replacing those storage items. That is if they are even replaceable. Many times what we store away in the basement are priceless heirlooms and keepsakes. It is hard to even put a monetary value on these types of items. The non-sentimental items still have some value. At least, they are valuable enough for us to store them. Basement waterproofing on an unfinished, storage space will save you the heartache of dealing with damaged storage boxes if your basement was to flood.

Finished Basements:

This is where basement waterproofing will save you the most money. The best case scenario for a finished basement is dealing with all water issues and installing a basement waterproofing system BEFORE you finish the basement. This will save you from ever having to re-finish the basement if there is a water issue in the future. Plus, the EPA recommends it when converting the basement to living space. Mold, odors, and high humidity don’t make for the best environment for living space anyway.

According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report, the cost of a mid-range basement remodel is $62,834. That is to create a 20-by-30-foot entertaining area with a wet bar and a full bathroom. That also includes the cost of enclosing a mechanical room, paint and trim, electrical wiring, and plumbing. Construction isn’t cheap and that would not be fun to pay for it twice if you ever had to replace it after a basement flood. Not to mention the cost of cleaning up the mess.

Every basement waterproofer has had to pull out a destroyed finished basement due to a basement leak or flood. It is a hard lesson and a sad day. If they would have installed the system beforehand, basement waterproofing would have saved them so much money!

Future Foundation Repair:

Basement waterproofing not only protects your home and basement from potential water issues, but it also protects your foundation. Water pressure building up outside the foundation wall is the top reason foundations crack. If you don’t deal with the water issues outside the foundation it will inevitably affect your foundation walls. The worst case scenario is a neglected foundation that has moved past hairline cracks and leaks to serious structural problems. The foundation is the most important part of any building, and if the health and integrity of the foundation is compromised, the whole building will eventually see the effects. It is very dangerous to leave alone. Taking care of the water issues with basement waterproofing will save you the cost of future foundation repair, which ranges from $5,000 to $25,000 depending on the situation and the severity.

Peace of Mind:

Knowing you will save yourself a lot of heartache and hundreds to thousands of dollars cleaning up and fixing problems that could have been prevented is worth it. The peace of mind basement waterproofing in New Jersey brings is priceless.

Contact us for a FREE Estimate for basement waterproofing in New Jersey.

buying a home in new jersey

Structural Problems to Look For When Buying a Home in New Jersey

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Buying a Home in New Jersey

When you are house shopping, it is easy to forget to about the foundation. However, making sure the foundation is in good shape and structurally sound may be one of the most important steps when buying a home in New Jersey.

Inspect the foundation

First look at the foundation, and watch for any cracks inside or out. Small vertical cracks may be nonstructural but could potentially cause water infiltration. You can watch for mold or water stains to show the crack does leak. These nonstructural cracks should be fixed prior to moving in just to save you from dealing with major water issues come winter.

The horizontal cracks in a foundation wall are signs of structural damage. Also stair step cracks in block wall foundations or bulging or bowed walls are also signs of structural foundation problems.

Watch for signs upstairs

You can also watch for signs of settlement issues upstairs. If the doors and windows stick or if there are cracks in the sheetrock upstairs in the walls or the ceiling, you may have a foundation problem. Cracks can also be in the trim around the windows and doors. That is a sign the foundation is moving.

Look into the history of the site

Even newer houses can run into potential structural problems if the house was built on unstable ground. Do your research to see what the property was used for in the past. Past gravel pits, old landfills and dumps can be the cause of major foundation problems. Most developers will know not to build over past pits, but sometimes they don’t. There have been issues where developers will bury large tree stumps or garbage on the building site creating massive problems when those decompose. It will create holes in the ground and create an unstable ground.

Watch for water issues and signs of water build-up

Water issues in the basement should never be left alone. Always fix the leaks and other water issues in the basement because not only does it cause mold, mildew, and poor indoor air quality inside the home, but it also is the culprit of foundation damage. Leaving a basement leak or a leaky crack in the foundation will eventually start to deteriorate the foundation wall making it weak and fragile. Water damage to the foundation wall can result in spalling where the concrete starts to break off the foundation wall. Water infiltrating the basement is also a sign there is water build up on the outside wall. If there is water building up in the soil outside, then it is creating hydrostatic pressure, a common cause of structural damage in foundation walls. Basement waterproofing and proper outside drainage systems will relieve hydrostatic pressure and potential structural problems.

You can negotiate in the contract to have the seller solve these foundation issues before you buy the house. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy the house because most of these issues can be fixed. With a professional foundation repair contractor and/or basement waterproofer, you won’t have to worry. Just make sure it gets in the final agreement to either have them fix the issue or drop the price of the house so you can fix the issue after you buy it. It is a good idea to elicit the help of a foundation repair contractor if you suspect foundation issues. They will be able to provide an inspection and quote to help you negotiate and understand what you are really getting into. This information will help you make your decision.

If you’d like a FREE Estimate for foundation repair when buying a home in New Jersey, then please contact us!

flood in new jersey

Replacing Sheet Rock After a Flood in New Jersey

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

A Flood in New Jersey Can Cause Problems for Your Home

A basement flood in New Jersey is bad enough in an unfinished basement. However, if you have a finished or partially finished basement with any sheetrock as wall board then you will need to replace the sheetrock.

Flooding can lead to wet sheetrock

Sheetrock absorbs water. If it comes into contact with any amount of water (or even moisture for that matter) you have a problem. Sometimes you will only need to replace part of the sheetrock on a wall. You can cut out the wet portion and replace it with new sheetrock. Sheetrock will not dry out on its own before you will have a problem with mold behind the walls. If you leave wet sheetrock, mold will grow behind the wall because mold is using the material in the sheetrock for food. Add the water and the dark, damp spots behind the wall and a serious mold problem could start to grow in no time.

How to deal with wet sheetrock

If you are trying to save part of the wall, you will need to determine how high the water has traveled up the wall. The longer the sheetrock sits in the standing water, the higher the water problem will be. Typically, water travels up the sheetrock 3-6 inches a day. If it is left for a few days, the water could be halfway up the wall.

One way to check for water damage in sheetrock is to slice the wall with a razor. It will cut easier if the wall is wet. You will notice the blade slide quicker and easier through the wet wall compared to the dry sheetrock. Find where the wall is dry, and cut a straight line there to remove the wet sheetrock.

Like we mentioned above, it is important to remove all wet sheetrock to avoid a potential mold problem. Never leave wet sheetrock after a basement flood in New Jersey or discovered water problem.

Have a professional contractor help fix the problem

A professional basement waterproofing contractor can help you in this process. He can remove the damaged sheetrock after a basement flood in New Jersey and help you install a basement waterproofing system to help avoid any future problems.

The other option is to replace all the sheetrock in the basement with waterproof wallboard. So, if there is another basement flood in New Jersey, you won’t have to replace the walls again. The EPA says basements should be finished with waterproof and water resistant materials. Think tile instead of carpet; plastic waterproof wallboard instead of sheetrock. The basement is inherently wetter and should not be finished like the upstairs even if you have a basement waterproofing system installed.

Contact us for more information about basement waterproofing!

hydrostatic pressure

The Foundation-Crushing Power of Hydrostatic Pressure

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

The Power of Hydrostatic Pressure

In science, engineers study hydrostatic pressure as the natural occurring pressure that standing water creates in relation to an object or barrier. Basically, it is the taller the body of wet material, the greater the force, especially at the bottom. Hydrostatic pressure is what destroys dams, buckles retaining walls, and collapses foundation walls. It is the force behind landslides, moving earth and rocks, and anything else in its path.

Our homes and our basements are really no match for hydrostatic pressure.

Structural damage and leaks

While hydrostatic pressure can cause serious structural damage, it can also be the culprit behind basement leaks. The water buildup in the soil outside of a foundation actually reacts with the concrete. Capillary action naturally pulls the water in through any voids, gaps or cracks in the concrete wall. It can even pull water through the concrete slab or through solid concrete walls. This is known as seepage or weeping. If water weeps through a solid concrete wall, then the best way is to relieve the pressure.

Using drains to stop hydrostatic pressure

The way to stop hydrostatic pressure build-up is through water diversion and drainage tactics. A French Drain installed on the exterior side of the foundation wall will relieve this hydrostatic pressure and allow a place for the water to go. By trenching behind the problem area, you can allow water to find its way to a place that will do no harm. Channel the water to flow downhill away from the foundation.

When you relieve the hydrostatic pressure build up, the job of keeping the basement dry is actually a much simpler job. If those drainage systems are in place, then your basement waterproofing system won’t have to work so hard.

Field drains are also a good option to help keep surface water away from the foundation. They are usually small, round drainage points to control the water and relieve hydrostatic pressure.

Another technique is channel drains. Channel drains are a grill-covered drainage system material commonly placed at the bottom of a driveway recessed into the ground. These capture flowing water and redirect it.

Interior basement waterproofing systems including drain tiles and sump pumps also deal with hydrostatic pressure by capturing the excess water below the concrete slab and carrying it away before it enters the basement.

If you are having water seeping through your basement floor you probably have hydrostatic pressure.

Depending on the situation, a waterproofing contractor may suggest an exterior or interior system or a combination of the two.

Don’t ever ignore hydrostatic pressure. Leaving it alone will only make the problems worse and could lead to even more serious problems. Contact us for a FREE Estimate for basement waterproofing.

crawl space mold removal

The Importance of Crawl Space Mold Removal

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Crawl Space Mold Removal

Many homeowners don’t treat the crawl space as part of the home.  They ignore it and don’t worry about water problems until they start affecting the rest of the house.  What they don’t understand is the environment in the crawl space is affecting the house already.

One of the biggest problems with the crawl space environment is when mold is present. If you have mold in the crawl space you need to remove it. The dangerous part of mold is two-fold: one breathing in mold spores can cause respiratory problems and two letting mold grow uncontrollably can actually cause rot if it gets into the wood framing and destroys the structure of the house.

If mold is contaminating the air in the crawl space, that air can and will travel upstairs to the air you and your family breathe every day. The EPA says 50% of the air found in the upper levels of the house actually comes from the basement or crawl space. The air moves up through chimney effect or stack effect. As the warmer air rises and escapes through the roof new air has to replace that air. The natural occurrence is pulling the air from outside and from under the house.

Structural damage caused by mold

Mold that is ignored can cause serious structural damage. Mold alone can destroy natural materials like wood studs; however, it is also a sign of moisture problems in the crawl space. Any water problems and high levels of moisture anything above 50% relative humidity need to be corrected.

The best option is to remove the mold and completely waterproof the crawl space with a preventative system to keep water from getting in as well as a water diversion system with a French drain system to allow for the water to get out. The crawl space should be lined and encapsulated to prevent future problems. Remember, never use fiberglass bat insulation in the crawl space or basement. It does not work well if there was a moisture problem.

Basement waterproofing contractors can help

The process of crawl space mold removal can be dangerous. If you are doing it yourself, protect your skin and wear a respirator. Don’t ever breathe in mold spores or work around mold without a respirator. It is best to call a professional contractor to help you remove the mold. Basement waterproofing contractors, crawl space contractors or mold remediation contractors can help.

If you have a mold problem in the crawl space or anywhere in your house, don’t put it off. You will regret it. Contact us for a FREE Estimate!

mold in the basement

How to Beat Mold in the Basement This Spring

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Get Rid of Any Mold in the Basement

The key to mold control is simply moisture control. In other words, the best way to beat mold in the basement is to prevent it in the first place. 

If you are spring cleaning and find mold, you need to remove it and fix the water issue. Whether it is a leaky faucet or high humidity levels in your home, you won’t have mold without a moisture issue. If you clean up the mold and fail to fix the water issue, then you haven’t really fixed the problem. The mold will come back!

Moisture is the perfect breeding ground for mold

Mold comes in many colors, as well as white and black. There are hundreds of types of mold however they all have one thing in common: they all need moisture and oxygen to grow. Mold is an important part of the natural environment. Outside in nature, mold breaks down dead organic material like dead tree and fallen leaves and aids in the decomposition process. Mold produces tiny spores when it grows and reproduces. These mold spores float through the air. Mold can begin to grow inside when these spores make it indoors. A mold colony can start to grow in your home if there is water, oxygen and an organic food source. Organic food sources are easy to come by in your home. Mold uses wood like the framing in your house, carpet, and sheetrock. 

Eliminate moisture in your home

Because mold is a natural occurrence mold spores are in our environment. It is impossible to keep mold spores out of the air in your home completely. That is why the best way to control mold is to control the moisture. We obviously can’t eliminate air or the presence of mold spores, therefore the only element we can control and eliminate is moisture. Control the water problem and keep your relative humidity level at 50% and you will be able to control your mold issues.

Call a contractor or professional mold remediation specialist

It is important to understand if you have a mold problem: DO NOT WAIT. Remember, mold is decomposing agent in nature. It will eat away whatever it starts growing on and the longer you wait the more damage it will cause. According to the EPA, the rule of thumb is if the moldy area is less than 3 feet by 3 feet than you can handle the clean up yourself. However, if there is a lot of water damage or the mold growth covers a larger area, you need to consider the health risks of removing such a large area of mold. You may want to consider hiring a contractor or professional mold remediation specialist to do the cleanup for you. They will have the right respiratory gear and mold removal products to safety remove the mold. If you suspect the HVAC system is contaminated with mold it could spread throughout the whole building. It is important to consult a specialist to have the mold removed.

Ultimately, when you have a mold problem, deal with the mold issue and the source of the water issue. Remember, if you have a mold problem, you will always have a moisture problem as its partner. Don’t forget to find the moisture problem and fix it. If your mold issue is in the basement, a basement waterproofing contractor can help.

basement leak

5 Signs You May Have a Basement Leak

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Basement Leak Warning Signs

Standing water is not the only evidence of a leak in your basement. Leaks can be slow, seasonal, and dry up before you even notice. You may never catch puddles on the ground even though you indeed have a basement leak. Sometimes your basement is letting in a small amount of water in the form of moisture, water vapor, or humidity. Water in the air is still water and can cause problems in your home.

Here are five signs your basement may be leaking:

1. Odors

That common dank, musty smell in the basement is a sign your basement may be leaking. Those odors are commonly caused from biocontaminants created from a wet environment. Sometimes the smell is from mold and mildew growing behind the walls or under the carpet pad. While you may not be able to see the problem or find a visible and active leak, the musty smell is a sign of trouble. Even though you may be tempted to fix the symptoms don’t try to mask the odors with air fresheners. That will not solve your water problem. A professional waterproofing contractor will know where to look and where to find the problem in order to solve it.

2. Water Stains

Sometimes you may have a leak but never see anything but water stains on the concrete floor or foundation wall. Even though it is dry right now, a water stain means that “water was here”. Don’t ignore the problem because if water was there, it will be back.

3. Visible White Powder 

Efflorescence, the white powder on a concrete block is formed when water reacts to the cement block. If you see this efflorescence on your foundation wall inside or out, it is a sign you may have a basement leak.

4. Rust

Rust is another scientific reaction that needs water to form. If you see rust forming on the basement floor or under metal chair legs, it may be a sign that your basement may be leaking.

5. Mold and Mildew

If you see visible mildew and mold growing on your walls, then you definitely have a water issue. Mold needs water in order to grow. It cannot live in a dry environment. Therefore, mold and mildew, even one spot, is a sign you have water issues. It may be a sign your basement is leaking or that the relative humidity is too high for some reason. Either way, a professional waterproofing contractor can inspect your basement and let you know what is causing the issues.

Don’t ignore these signs of water problems in the basement. If you leave a water issue alone, all it does is get worse! And letting a basement leak get worse will only cause more damage and cost more money to fix. Contact us for a FREE Estimate!