basement moisture

Common Solutions to Basement Moisture Problems

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Basement Moisture

One of the most important things you can do for your home and your sanity is to deal with basement moisture problems. This will go a long way in not only protecting the value of your home but also the health of your family.

Wet basements are nasty places. They not only smell but feel nasty. If left unchecked, they can provide the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. They can also be the perfect home for other pests and insects.

If you’re determined to keep basement moisture out, here are a few strategies to get you started:

  1. Add extensions to your gutters

Basement moisture problems aren’t confined to the ground level. They can result from further up. This includes the runoff from your roof. If the runoff is not been drained far enough from the foundation, it can result in moisture problems by increasing hydrostatic pressure against the basement walls.

You can prevent this from happening by adding extensions to the gutters. These extensions should drain water not less than five feet away from the house.

  1. Fix the plumbing

Are the pipes in your home leaking or dripping water near the foundation? Call your plumber and have these pipes fixed or replaced. This will prevent the leaking from continuing. You will not only save your basement but save money by preventing water wastage.

  1. Redirect surface water

If the landscape around your home is sloping towards the foundation, then surface water will flow towards your home. You’ll need to create a berm or trench that can direct water away from the foundation of your home.

One of the most effective ways of dealing with excess water in the soil is to install an exterior drain tile around the foundation walls. This will drain water from the soil and guide it away from the foundation walls. Be sure to have a professional basement contractor install this for the best results.

  1. Waterproof your walls

If you want to keep the water out, then you need to ensure that the basement walls are impermeable. The best way to do this is by installing a waterproof membrane on the exterior surface of the foundation walls. These membranes keep the water out and ensure your basement is kept nice and dry.

These methods used in combination will ensure that you have a dry basement for the long term. Contact a professional contractor to help you find the best solution for your basement.

Wet Basement | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

3 Major Causes of Basement Moisture in Woodbridge NJ and Effective Remedies

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Basement Moisture in Woodbridge NJ

If your home is built over a basement or crawl space it is highly likely that you are experiencing moisture problems in these spaces. According to American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) 60% of American homes suffer from basement moisture and 38% of these run the risk of toxic mold growth.

Why Care about Water in Basements?

The damage that is caused by such moisture cannot be underestimated. The National Foundation Repair Association, Inc. (NAFR) says over 70% of their members’ projects have to do with foundation damage caused by water leakage. What’s more, the risk of toxic mold growth to families is well detailed in studies by EPA.

Your family is at risk of respiratory complications, eye and skin irritation among other health issues due to such mold growth. Wooden foundation supports are also at risk of rotting which compromises your home’s structural integrity. High indoor humidity level also increase chances of bacteria growth and also diminishes quality of indoor air.

Major Causes and Solutions for Basement Moisture

Here are some major causes of basement water and techniques contractors prefer to correct them:

  1. Surface Runoff

Flowing water on the surface poses great danger to your basement. It causes lateral hydrostatic pressure against walls which eventually seep through wall cracks and gaps. Crawl bowl effect where porous soil stands next to walls also causes basement water. Your contractor will correct the poor grading to force water away from your walls. Other techniques include external water proofing and installation of a weeping tile in your yard.

  1. Subsurface Water

If your basement is constantly wet even when there are no storms your foundation might be sitting on a high water table. When the water level rises, pressure against your concrete floor forces water through the floor. The most applicable solution here is use of a sump pump which automatically drains such rising water away from your basement. An interior drainage system along the walls can also be used in conjunction with the sump pump depending on the level of subsurface water.

  1. Condensation

This is one of the most overlooked causes of basement moisture but your contractor will help identify if this is the major cause. Condensation shows up in form of droplets on walls and the floors. It occurs when warm air through vent windows comes into contact with un-insulated pipes or cold surfaces in the room. Use of a dehumidifier in the basement has been found to work effectively in drawing away moisture in the basement to avoid damage.

There are many other techniques to remedy basement moisture including improving surface drainage, proper basement window well drainage among others. The bottom-line is that this is a problem that you can’t dare ignore.

basement finishing

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

Posted by Kevin Angelescu on

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.

moisture-control

5 Techniques for Effective Moisture Control in Your Home

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Moisture Control

Are you frustrated with dealing with basement and crawl moisture problems? If so, you are not alone. The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) says 87% of homes over 10 years old suffer the same problem. As a homeowner you will concur that nothing is more disgusting than a damp space which always has a musty odor.

Not only does a leaking basement devalue your precious investment but also poses a health risk to your family.  Growth of toxic black mold on the floor and walls will lead to increasing respiratory health issues especially among your children. Moisture also compromises the strength of your foundation walls which again jeopardizes your home.

These are good reasons to learn a few solutions for this vexing moisture control problem. Here are some ideas:

  1. Foundation Walls Repair

Surface water is the main culprit in basement leakage and you should thus have a professional look at your foundation walls. Most likely there are hair cracks that are allowing water to flow in.  Indeed, hydro-static pressure according to the Concrete Foundation Association (CFA) is responsible for over 94% of water-related problems in these spaces.  Sealing these cracks using epoxy or other materials is the first step in remedying the problem.

  1. Foundation Walls Waterproofing

This is the surest way of moisture control in your home.  Not only is it a durable solution but it also adds extra protection to the walls. There are different materials available for external and internal waterproofing. They include polyurethane sheets and waterproof foams sprayed on the outer walls.

  1. Extend the Downspout

Your downspouts could be causing your basement moisture nightmare. If the discharge pipe is not well positioned or if it is short it will drain water right next to the foundation walls.  Water flows using the easiest path and if your walls have cracks you will have a problem on your hands. You should thus get a contractor to clean the downspout and extend the discharge pipe away from the walls.

  1. Improve the Grading

Naturally a house settles within months or a few years and this will create a clay bowl situation. This means the area around the walls will slope inwards and surface water will in turn stand here.  Such standing increases hydro-static pressure on the walls and water eventually seeps through cracks and gaps. A landscaping contractor reworks the grading to let water flow away from the walls.

  1. Sump Pump

This according to the National Foundation Repair Association (NFRA) is the ultimate moisture control solution for your basement. A sump pump pit collects any rising ground water and then the pump directs it out of the room through a discharge pipe. This keeps your basement in pristine condition.

Well, you must leverage professional help if you want to deal with moisture problems permanently. They have the skills and tools to make your basement a pleasant place to visit.