Wet Basement | New Brunswick, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Waterproofing Solutions for a Weekend Warrior | Mercer County, NJ

Waterproofing Solutions

We at Select Basement Waterproofing understand do-it-yourselfers.  You are self-reliant, like to figure out solutions to your own challenges, and have a wide range of skills that can get you through most of the problems homeowners routinely face.  You like to have control over what work you do and how much you do it.  We salute and respect those skills and the do-it-yourself ethic.  After all, this country was primarily founded by DIYers.  However, there comes a time for every (sane) DIYer to call in the experts.  Even George Washington had to hire someone to train the Continental Army.

tools 150x150 Waterproofing Solutions for a Weekend Warrior | Mercer County, NJ

Finding yourself ankle-deep in water in your basement is the most tempting time to engage your DIY drive and try to fix the problem yourself.  Don’t do it!  There are a whole range of waterproofing solutions you could, in theory, research on the Internet.  You could then buy all the tools and materials you think you need to plug the leak.  The problem comes when you get halfway through the project and realize there’s more to the leak than just the water trickling in under the carpet.  That’s when the sinking feeling every DIYer dreads kicks in:  you’re in way over your head, and the drywall is beginning to mold and buckle.

Call in a Professional

The time to call in the experts is before you give in to your DIY temptation.  When you contact us, we will send an expert to appraise your individual basement and assess the possible causes of your flooding problem.  We will educate you about your options and help you decide which of our many systems will achieve the best value for your hard-earned dollar, and you retain full control over which system our trained, licensed and bonded expert contractors install.  Best of all, the initial estimate is free of charge and obligation.  Don’t worry, there will still be plenty for you to dig into.  You just won’t have to do it with wet feet.

Controlling Moisture With Basement Dehumidifiers Ocean County, NJ

Basement Dehumidifiers Ocean County, NJ

Excess moisture in your basement can become a serious problem over time, eventually causing damage to your foundation and possibly affecting your home’s air quality. Fortunately, with basement dehumidifiers  and other preventative measures, you can control moisture problems in your home’s basement and protect your home.

Use a Basement Dehumidifier

If the humidity levels in your home are high, consider investing in a basement dehumidifier, which is a unit that, while running, can remove excess moisture from the air and prevent condensation, mold, and mildew from forming around your basement walls. A dehumidifier is one of the best options for controlling moisture in any space.

Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clean

Another possible way to control moisture in your basement is to keep your gutters and downspouts clean. Surprising, right? By keeping gutters and downspouts clean, however, you can prevent water overflow from running down into the ground near your home and seeping towards the foundation–especially during rainy times of the year. Furthermore, always make sure that your downspouts are directing water at least several feet away from the foundation of the home.

Be on the Lookout for Plumbing Leaks

Finally, be on the lookout for signs of plumbing leaks that could be sending water into the walls and/or ceiling of your basement. Specifically, look for signs of leaks behind walls and above ceiling drywall by checking for discoloration of the paint. Often times, this is indicative of water damage caused by a burst or leaky pipe.

As you can see, there are a few simple ways to go about keeping your basement’s moisture levels down. For more information on keeping your basement moisture-free, contact us today.

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.

 

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Understanding Basement Waterproofing in New Brunswick NJ 08901

Basements are usually more disposed to water infiltration than any other part of the building for the mere fact that these areas are underground. Surface run offs and rising damp cause the most problems for basements that have no waterproof measures installed. Basement waterproofing in New Brunswick NJ 08901 prevents water and moisture from seeping into basements where it does a lot of damage to the structure and the fixtures inside. Moisture causes dampness which is a perfect catalyst for the growth of mold, bacteria and fungi, and we all know the trouble these can cause to people’s health and property.

Techniques of basement waterproofing are aimed at preventing water from entering a basement and they include sealers and drainage systems. The build-up of ground water tends to raise the water table which causes an exertion of hydrostatic pressure against basement walls and floors. This pressure forces water into the basement through cracks and other openings. Waterproofing of basements should be looked at as a means of prolonging the life of any building.

Types of Basement Waterproofing in New Brunswick NJ 08901

Advancement of technology has come up with effective means of waterproofing basements. There are two basic ways through which waterproofing of basements can be done. Below are highlights of these two methods.

  • Interior Waterproofing

With interior basement waterproofing, the work is generally done on the inside of your basement. Typically, this involves techniques that employ the use of special cements or sheet membranes to create a water shield or barrier on the inside. At times, some concrete breakout work is necessary for the waterproofing work to be done properly.

This method is relatively easy and consumes less time as compared to the other method. Since it is an intrusive method, it would certainly see things being moved about and out of the basement. A sump pump is normally installed to remove water that accumulates in the perimeter drains of certain interior waterproofing systems.

  • Exterior Waterproofing

As the name suggests, this method of waterproofing a basement is done on the outside part of the basement. That’s right; you will have to do some excavation for this method. It involves a lot of work and is quite time consuming. For effective waterproofing, suitable water barriers are placed on the external part of the basement walls.

The good thing with the exterior basement waterproofing method, even though it is a load of work, nothing inside the basement is disturbed. Also, sump pumps may not be necessary with this method even though they are sometimes recommended.

basement waterproofing in new jersey

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

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!