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Factors that Could Increase the Cost of Repairing Foundation Cracks Trenton, NJ

Factors that Could Increase the Cost of Repairing Foundation Cracks Trenton, NJ

Have you noticed cracks in your foundation? Many homeowners are apprehensive when it comes to repairing foundation cracks. This is because these repairs can turn out to be costly. However, ignoring the cracks or trying to repair them on your own will not bring the costs of the repair down. In fact, this is only likely to make it more expensive to repair the foundation.

There are several factors that affect the cost of repairing foundation cracks. The following are factors that can increase the costs of your repair.IMG 0827 300x225 Factors that Could Increase the Cost of Repairing Foundation Cracks Trenton, NJ

  1. Excavation of the foundation

There are times when repairing cracks in the foundation will require excavating the foundation. Excavating the foundation in order to access the foundation walls can be costly. There is a lot of heavy equipment involved and more labor required for this process. This process also results in damage to your landscape. You would therefore need to spend even more money in restoring your landscape.

You can discuss alternatives to excavation with your contractor. There are many less invasive methods of repairing foundation cracks available today. However, there may be situations where excavation is the best option.

  1. Clearing the area around the foundation

Clearing the area around the foundation may be required in order to access your foundation. This is the case when you have to excavate the foundation. If there are bushes and trees growing close to the foundation, they will need to be removed. This can be a costly and involved process.

You may want to discuss alternatives with your foundation repair contractor. Polyurethane injection crack sealing.jpg 1200x800 1 300x200 Factors that Could Increase the Cost of Repairing Foundation Cracks Trenton, NJ

Controlling the Costs of Repair

Repairing foundation cracks isn’t always expensive. In fact, you can reduce your costs by getting in touch with a foundation repair contractor as soon as you notice cracks in your foundation. Addressing the cracks early helps you catch the problem early. You can avoid extensive damage to your foundation and therefore apply simple and cost-efficient solutions to the repair of your foundation.

You should also consider having at least three foundation repair contractors inspect your foundation and determine the best approach to repair the foundation. Consider the options available and choose a solution that will provide you with great results in the long term.

Contact us to learn more about foundation crack repair and how we can help.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

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Vital Steps To Take When Repairing A Foundation Morganville, NJ

Vital Steps To Take When Repairing A Foundation Morganville, NJ

The foundation of your house carries the entire weight of the building. Therefore, it is natural for you to be worried if you find any type of crack in the foundation. The good news is that many types of cracks do not signal structural damage to the foundation. However, you should be concerned if you see horizontal cracks or diagonal and vertical cracks that keep expanding by the day.

The best way to address any type of crack in the foundation is to investigate its cause and to repair it as soon as you can. Here are some key tips for repairing cracked foundations.

  1. Repairing Hairline Cracks

You don’t need to be so worried about small hairline cracks in the foundation since these cracks often indicate the normal settling of the foundation. Hairline cracks also occur as a result of the expansion and shrinking of the foundation as it cures. These cracks often don’t indicate that there is structural damage to the foundation, but you still need to repair them so that they do not expand over time.

A technician can easily repair hairline cracks in your foundation using grout and an appropriate cement or by applying a suitable masonry paint.

foundation crack morganville nj select basement 1 Vital Steps To Take When Repairing A Foundation Morganville, NJ

  1. Repairing Cracks Between 3 mm and 6 mm

Cracks that fall in the range of 1/8 to ¼ inch (3 mm to 6 mm) often occur due to foundation settling or shrinking of the concrete just a few months after construction. While these cracks may also not pause a structural problem, it is a good idea to seal them in order stop further expansion and prevent seepage of water and moisture through them.

You should let a technician who is experienced in repairing cracked foundations examine the cracks in order to determine the best way to repair them. 1/8 to ¼ inch cracks typically need to be repaired by applying crack repair materials such as epoxy.

  1. Horizontal Cracks or Large Vertical and Diagonal Cracks

Horizontal cracks in your foundation may indicate serious structural problems such as foundation wall bowing or severe foundation shifting. Large vertical and diagonal cracks can also cause sections of the walls to collapse.

foundation crack morganville nj select basement 2 scaled Vital Steps To Take When Repairing A Foundation Morganville, NJHorizontal cracks and large vertical and diagonal cracks need to be repaired as quickly as possible by a professional contractor. Since the repair work may involve straightening of walls or joining disconnected sections of walls, the contractor will use a strong bonding material such as carbon fiber when repairing cracked foundations.

Contact the professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing – 732-360-5052

Foundation Cracks | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Foundation Cracks – How Do They Affect Your Home? Trenton, NJ

Foundation Cracks – How Do They Affect Your Home? Trenton, NJ

Are you dealing with foundation cracks? Have you noticed crumbling of your foundation walls? Cracks and crumbling of basement walls are not only aesthetically unappealing but also dangerous. They will not only decrease the value of your home but can also be a sign of foundation issues that could put you and your household in danger. 

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Why your foundation wall is crumbling

The most common causes for crumbling concrete foundation walls include:

Poor choice of materials

The choice of materials during construction of the foundation is important for the longevity of the structure. If substandard materials were used for the construction, the consequences will show up in the deterioration of the structure. Crumbling is only one way.

Crumbling and cracks may also occur as a result of not achieving a good mix of materials. Concrete should be mixed using the right ratio of materials to achieve a strong finish. Poor mixing practices can result in deterioration of the concrete wall.

Excessive moisture

Excessive moisture can not only cause foundation cracks but also result in the crumbling of the foundation wall. This exposure to excessive moisture is usually the result of poor soil drainage. The crumbling may be preceded by cracking of the foundation wall.

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Crack in a white wall with cement brick surface

What to do when you discover your foundation is crumbling

A crumbling foundation is a dangerous foundation. It is a sign of failure that could result in serious structural problems. The following are steps to take if you’ve discovered that your foundation is crumbling.

  1. Have your home inspected by a licensed foundation repair contractor. The inspection should address any issues with your foundation and not just the area that has shown cracking or crumbling. This is because foundation issues are often interconnected and the result of various issues. You’ll need to address the different issues in order to experience long term results.
  2. Compare quotations from at least three different service providers. Compare the solutions provided as well as the cost. The solution should not only address the repair of the cracking or crumbling but also the root cause. Choose the solution that offers the best value for money.
  3. Contact your insurance company to find out if the repairs will be covered under your homeowner’s policy or not.
  4. Engage the contractor and have the walls repaired as soon as possible.

Crumbling and cracking foundations can be a danger to you and your household. Ensure that they are repaired by a foundation repair professional.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

Holmdel, NJ | Basement Waterproofing - Foundation Repair

Wall Anchors or Carbon Fiber for Repairing House Foundation Cracks | Holmdel, NJ

The sight of house foundation cracks is enough to scare any homeowner. The good news is that not all foundation cracks are structural. In fact, many of the narrow cracks that appear on foundation walls won’t have any effect on the integrity of the foundation or your home. However, they can result in water seepage. These can be fixed by injecting the cracks with polyurethane.

Wider cracks (those that are more than an eighth of an inch) can often allow the foundation to move inward or rotate. They are often a result of bowing of the foundation wall. These cracks are therefore an indication of a serious problem that should be dealt with as soon as possible.

foundation cracks 1024x768 300x225 Wall Anchors or Carbon Fiber for Repairing House Foundation Cracks | Holmdel, NJ

You will have two choices to deal with these house foundation cracks.

  1. Wall anchors

These are the more traditional foundation repair method. They involve the installation of a plate into the soil on the outside of the foundation. A threaded rod attached to this plate is passed through the foundation wall and attached to another plate on the inside of the wall. The rod is tightened to pull the wall back into position.

This method of crack repair will result in the straightening of the wall and the closing of the cracks. It can be used no matter how much movement has occurred. The stability provided by the anchor, however, is dependent on the stability of the soil. Movement, swelling or even desiccation of the soil will result in destabilization of the anchor and the wall.

These anchors also require regular maintenance which includes periodic tightening of the rod in order to maintain stability. The anchors are also obtrusive in their appearance and can be an eyesore.

  1. Carbon fiber

Carbon fiber is a repair solution that is taking over the construction industry. The repair method involves installing carbon fiber strips on the wall to prevent further movement. The placement of the strips depends on the direction of movement and the pattern of the cracks.

Carbon fiber strips provide stabilization to bowing walls. However, they cannot help to straighten the wall. There is also a limit to the degree of movement that these strips can be applied to.

The carbon fiber strips, however, are great for basements that are finished or will be finished in the future. They are unobtrusive and can be painted or finished in any other way. They also do not require maintenance once installed.

Having trouble deciding which method to use? Talk to a professional repair contractor to help you determine the best solution for your foundation.

Hudson County, NJ | Basement Waterproofing - Foundation Repair

How To Cope With a Sinking Foundation | Hudson County, NJ

Water can be good and bad for your foundation. The ground around your foundation needs a small amount of moisture to support the total weight of your home.

When there is prolonged drought, the moisture content of the ground is depleted. The soil surrounding the foundation of your home will therefore contract. When this happens, the foundation of your home will settle unevenly. This is known as a differential settlement. The result is a sinking foundation.

Signs that you have a sinking foundation

Do you suspect that your foundation is sinking? Are you unsure? You can check for the following signs to find out if you are dealing with a sinking foundation or a different problem.

  • Sloping floors: Does water drain off your floors in a particular direction? If your floor was level before, check to ensure that it is not sloping.
  • Your windows and doors are sticking. If your windows and doors closed and opened smoothly before but are now sticking, your foundation may be sinking.
  • The formation of cracks in the basement, or foundation, is a sure sign of a structural problem with your basement.

If you notice any or a combination of the above signs, contact a contractor to have your foundation checked. This is the best way to confirm what type of problem you are dealing with.

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Dealing with a sinking foundation

The sinking of a foundation is nothing new. There is, therefore, nothing to be worried about. This type of foundation problem has been plaguing home owners from the time that foundations were first used in houses. There are therefore several different repair methods that have been devised over the years.

The most common methods used for repairing these troubled foundations include:

  • The replacement of the foundation
  • The installation of concrete pilings
  • Installation of helical piers

All these methods are still in use today. However, the replacement of a foundation is the most expensive solution.

A foundation that is sinking cannot be fixed without the assistance of a professional contractor. It is therefore important to contact one as soon as you notice any changes in the slope of your floor, the jamming of your doors and windows or cracks in basement walls.

Bergen County, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Here’s Why You Should Be Concerned About those Tiny House Foundation Cracks | Bergen County, NJ

Here’s Why You Should Be Concerned About those Tiny House Foundation Cracks

Homeowners often get concerned when they notice large house foundation cracks and rightly so. These cracks will not only result in moisture problems in the basement, but can also cause structural problems in the home.

Homeowners, however, aren’t too concerned when they notice small cracks. This is because many believe that cracks should only be dealt with when they are very large.

What happens when you ignore small cracks?

Small cracks may seem innocent enough, especially when they are not leaking. However, these small cracks are still a good reason to call a waterproofing professional. Ignoring these house foundation cracks will result in:

  1. The problem only becoming worse

Foundation cracks, both large and small, are often a sign of an underlying issue affecting your foundation. Ignoring the cracks won’t make the problem go away. In fact, you will only be allowing the problem to become even worse. foundation crack 150x150 Here’s Why You Should Be Concerned About those Tiny House Foundation Cracks | Bergen County, NJ

If you notice small cracks in your foundation, get in touch with a waterproofing contractor as soon as you can. They can help you resolve the issue before it becomes worse. This will save you a lot of money in repairs.

  1. Water penetration

The cracks may not be letting water in now, but they eventually will. There are many instances where homeowners have ignored cracks that were dry only to find their basement flooded after some weeks or months.

If you want to avoid water penetrating the basement, deal with the cracks as soon as you notice them. Small cracks are easy to repair, especially when they are still dry.

  1. Growth of mold and mildew

Even small cracks can let moisture into the home. You may not notice this when you examine the cracks. However, you may notice a musty smell in your basement as you continue to ignore the cracks.

The growth of mold and mildew is not only detrimental to the air quality of your home, but will also result in the destruction of your property. Getting rid of mold is expensive and intensive. You can avoid all this loss by having the cracks repaired as soon as you notice them.

Repairing house foundation cracks

There are different methods that contractors may suggest for the repair of the cracks. The methods depend on the size of the cracks, their location, whether they are leaking, and the type of foundation. Be sure to choose a method that will give you long-term results.

 

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.

Little Known Foundation Repair Challenges Associated with Leakages Bergen County, NJ

A leaky foundation is a threat to not only the building structure, but also the property inside. When a home is built, its foundation walls are clean and easily accessible. However, with time the structure may experience problems such as cracking, gaps, and holes. Water begins to take its toll on your home, and if nothing is done to stop it, soon you start counting losses. Leakages in a building are a matter of emergency and should be handled as soon as possible. A foundation repair, if conducted at the right time using effective restoration procedures, can save a homeowner from water damage.

Water seepage shouldn’t be confused with moisture infiltration

There is a difference between water entering the interior of a building and moisture infiltrating a foundation. Some repair procedures are meant to restore problems related with moisture infiltration and not water seepage.

For example, a waterproofing technique helps tackle issues of liquid water entering a basement through cracks, gaps, and holes, but moisture can infiltrate porous cement through pores. The right treatment for moisture infiltration, or migration, is through damp proofing and not waterproofing. These two procedures can offer different remedies in protecting a home. Damp proofing is meant to keep moisture away and may not address the problem of liquid water.

Contact Us! We Can Help! 732-360-5052

cracks 150x150 Little Known Foundation Repair Challenges Associated with Leakages Bergen County, NJ

Foundation repair techniques

A number of techniques are applied when repairing foundations. Depending on the nature of the problem, a contractor may decide to use one or more repair techniques. Foundations tend to experience cracking. It is normal for foundations to crack because cement shrinks as it cures.

Shrinkage induces stress on concrete, and that way, cracks form to relieve the stress. This is okay because foundations are designed to handle cracks.

However, if there are external forces such as settlement of the ground acting on foundation walls, it makes cracks widen and grow deeper. Common areas where cracks occur are corners of windows or in the middle of an elongated wall.

Most cracks are vertical and can be corrected using urethane foam technique. In the event that cracks run horizontally, or the wall structure has deflected, cracks may be perceived as structural. In this case, the ergo, epoxy technique is deemed appropriate.

Concisely, before any foundation repair is undertaken, the cause of the problem should be identified. Foundation cracks develop because of shifting ground, improper compaction, too much moisture, and too little moisture. Other cracks may be caused by tree roots growing in close proximity to a building.

foundation cracks

Winter Is The Time For Foundation Cracks – Essex County, NJ

No one wants to be told that they have cracks in their foundation, but truth be told, no one is immune from foundation cracks. It’s true that your foundation can develop cracks during any season, but the winter is when most homeowners first notice problems. The environmental changes that come with winter make your foundation more prone to damage.

 

  • Why is winter so damaging for foundations?

 

  • There is an easy scientific explanation for why so many homeowners experience foundation cracking during the colder months, and it is known as frost heave. Simply put, frost heave happens when freezing water expands and puts extreme pressure on your foundation. It is one of the top reasons for foundation cracks to form.

 

  • How can you protect your home from frost heave?

 

  • The easiest way to prevent cracking due to frost heave is by protecting your home in advance. You want to try to eliminate all the places where water can enter your foundation. Finding and sealing all existing cracks is a must.

 

Your foundation probably already has a few cracks. While many of them may not pose a structural concern, they can still allow water to enter. Here are a few ways to treat the most common types of cracks.

 

  1. Hairline Cracks

 

  • Some of the smallest hairline cracks don’t pose a water concern, but you must seal them before they get any larger. This is a job that you can easily complete on your own. Simply fill these small cracks with some masonry caulk. Use enough caulk to completely cover the entire length of the crack.

 

  1. Leaking Cracks

 

  • If you notice a crack is weeping, then you need to remedy the situation as quickly as possible. These cracks are a prime location for frost heave. It’s best to hire a professional to repair these wet cracks for you. If you attempt the job on your own, you may only camouflage the situation instead of correcting it.

 

  1. Structural Cracks

 

  • The most damaging foundation cracks are the ones that cause actual structural damage to your home. Signs of structural cracks include doors that are difficult to close or windows that no longer seal properly. Only a professional technician can properly repair these cracks. Ignoring them will only lead to more foundation damage later on.
  • No matter how benign a crack may seem, any noticeable crack in your foundation should be filled in order to avoid even more cracking. Be sure to schedule an inspection by a foundation expert to get a full report on the integrity of your foundation.

 

Foundation Repair | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Do You Need Foundation Repair in Morganville NJ

Foundation Repair in Morganville NJ

Every homeowner takes pride in their home. A lot of time and resources go into making a home comfortable and for most homeowners, home improvement projects are a lifetime undertaking. With most home improvement projects focusing on aesthetics and functionality of the property, one area that receives little attention is foundation repair.

Most homeowners wait until it is tool late before initiating foundation damage inspection and repair. Failure to repair your home’s foundation early could lead to structural failure, flood damage in the basement, health risks caused by mold growth in the basement, diminished value of your home among other risks. When you consider the sacrifices you made to buy or build your house, it becomes obvious that repairing a damaged foundation must be a priority.

With this in mind, it is important to be proactive in home maintenance to ensure any form of foundation damage is detected early as this allows you to initiate immediate repairs. Some of the warning signs of foundation damage that you should be one the lookout for include:

  1. Water in the Basement

Foundation cracks caused by a bowing or bulging foundation could allow water entry due to unrelenting lateral pressure from the soil surrounding the walls. Water seepage through foundation walls comprises the integrity of the foundation and also poses the risk of flood damage. Water in the basement also leads to toxic mold growth, which causes health problems. Rusting, wood rot, effervescence on walls and peeling wall paint are signs of water seepage into the basement.

  1. Developing Gaps between Structures

If you have noticed Gaps between caulking and windows or doors, or between the crown molding and the ceiling, it is highly likely you are dealing with foundation damage. The gradual movement of the foundation walls causes these structures to pull apart and you should immediately call in a certified foundation contractor for diagnostic tests and foundation repair.

  1. Cracks in different Parts of the Structure

In addition to foundation cracking, you should also look for zig-zag cracks in a brick wall, interior walls on the dry wall, stair case cracks, and floor cracks among others. You should never initiate crack repairs with epoxy or other sealants without first carrying out a thorough inspection of the foundation.

  1. Structure Movement

Gaps are also common when the foundation is moving due to any form of damage, so lookout for gaps between caulking and windows or doors and also between crown molding and the ceiling.

Other things to look for include movement of patios away from the main house, sloping of floors, bowed basement walls, Sunken Floors, jamming doors and windows. Any of these signs necessitates foundation repair by a certified foundation contractor.