House Foundation Cracks | Middleton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Changes In Foundation Walls Can Cause Cracks | Mercer County, NJ

Have you spotted cracks in your foundation? The sight of foundation cracks can be disheartening for any homeowner. It can also be a cause for great anxiety. You may start to wonder what type of damage your foundation has undergone and what can be done about it. Your top fear will probably be how much it will cost to repair the foundation.

Before you go into full panic mode, take some time to call a waterproofing contractor. A full inspection of your basement will help to determine just how bad the situation is. Many homeowners find that things aren’t as bad as they seem and repairs are often done quickly and affordably.

A waterproofing contractor will help you evaluate the foundation cracks and determine the cause of the cracks. They will help you determine the best way to repair the cracks and deal with any other problems.

Shrinkage Cracks

Foundation walls aren’t static. They change in size and shape as they cure. They also shift in reaction to environmental conditions including temperature, groundwater and other such conditions. Cracks can occur in foundations as a result of the stress of shifting and curing.

Shrinkage cracks occur in different types of foundations:

  1. Poured concrete foundations

Shrinkage cracks occur in these foundations as a result of rapid curing, poor mixing of concrete as well as poor reinforcement of the foundation with steel. Changing temperatures can also cause shrinkage cracks when concrete expands and contracts in reaction to temperature changes.

  1. Brick walls

Bricks aren’t commonly used for the construction of foundations in modern houses. However, many old buildings feature these types of foundations. Shrinkage cracks in brick foundations occur in the mortar between the bricks. The bricks themselves never shrink but continue to expand.

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  1. Block foundations

Shrinkage cracks in these types of foundations appear as cracks of uniform width at the center of the wall. They occur as a result of curing as well as variations in temperature.

Repairing Shrinkage Cracks

Shrinkage cracks in poured concrete and block foundations often aren’t structural. Their repair is therefore not as intensive as when dealing with structural cracks. Shrinkage cracks in brick walls are often a sign of a structural or support problem in the wall.

It is important to talk to a foundation expert in order to determine the best method for repairing the foundation cracks. Ignoring the cracks will only make matters worse. They can easily progress to pose a structural threat to your home.

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.

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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.

Elevator Waterproofing | Morganville, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Consider Elevator Waterproofing During Construction – Newark, NJ

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.

 

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

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.

basement finishing

Basement Finishing: Should You Hire a Contractor?

Basement Finishing

As a homeowner in today’s struggling economy, it is tempting to want to do everything on your own. After all, it is a great way to save money. However, can you turn the finishing of your basement into a DIY project and be successful at it?

Basement finishing is a major undertaking. In this article, we examine whether or not you should hire a professional contractor.

The DIY Route

One of the major reasons homeowners decide to take this route is that they believe that they will save money. However, is this really true?

You won’t have to pay a fee for the services of a professional contractor, so you will definitely save on this. However, you may incur larger costs in terms of sourcing material and purchasing the right tools. Should you make any major mistakes while finishing your basement, you’ll incur an even greater cost hiring a professional contractor to ensure that the job is done right.

Another reason people opt for the DIY route is that it gives you complete control over your project. You decide what to do every day. You can change anything at a whim.

The problem with the DIY route is that basement finishing requires the expertise of various professionals ranging from plumbers and electricians to waterproofing contractors. Making mistakes in these critical areas can result in serious repercussions down the road.

There are also building codes and regulations to meet and safety hazards to consider. Finishing a basement is about more than cosmetics. It is about providing a long-lasting living space.

Using a Contractor

When you hire a professional contractor, you will have the benefit of relying on their experience and knowledge. A professional contractor is invaluable when it comes to planning, preparing for and executing the project.

Professionals also have widespread networks having worked in the industry for several years. They know where they can source materials at reasonable prices. They can therefore help you get the most value for the money you have.

Contractors will also help to ensure that all building codes and regulations are met in the execution of your project. They’ll check to ensure that all safety hazards have been considered. You can be sure of your project being completed safely and in accordance with the law.

Ensure that you hire a professional contractor with good references. A trustworthy contractor will ensure that the job is done right the first time round, therefore saving you thousands of dollars.

basement finishing

Basement Finishing in Trenton NJ: 3 Ideas to Give Your Home More Space

Basement Finishing

Whether you have a basement that’s unfinished or finished but being used only for storage, you’re in need of a basement finishing project. Of course, first you’ll need to decide what to do with the extra space. After ensuring it’s waterproofed, you can make plans to turn it into a functional space, where you and your family can spend many enjoyable hours. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started planning.

Wine Cellar

If you enjoy entertaining or enjoy wine with your meals, a wine cellar is the perfect use of your basement space. During your remodeling project, your contractor can build special wine racks to display your collection. A contractor can section off part of your basement and install temperature regulators to keep your wines at the perfect temperature at all times.

Second Kitchen

“My kitchen is too big,” said no one ever. If you do a lot of entertaining or host family holidays, you’re always looking for additional counter space, cabinets, refrigerator room, oven space and dishwasher racks. Installing a second kitchen in your finished basement provides you with all the cooking space you’ll ever need.

Entertainment Room

Everyone dreams of having a movie theater in their home and this is your chance to do just that. You can bring in a projector and surround sound system. Your contractor can create a sloped design in your basement to give you that stadium feeling and ensure everyone has a great view no matter where they sit. You can add a wet bar with small refrigerator and microwave for snacks during the films.

At Select Basement Waterproofing, we’re ready to help you waterproof the space. Contact us today for more information.