Foundation Repair | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Restoring Your Home After Foundation Repair Morganville, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Restoring Your Home After Foundation Repair

Finding signs of foundation problems can be alarming for any homeowner. It can be even more distressing when you realize that the foundation repair solution will result in even more damage to your home. It may require the excavation of your landscape for example, or even the tearing down of your drywall.

As a homeowner, it’s important to understand that repairing our foundation is an investment in the longevity of your home. The repair solution may put an end to many of the structural problems you’re currently experiencing. It is therefore best to go all out and have every issue with your foundation seen to rather than have a temporary solution applied.

Following the repair of your foundation, you may be wondering how soon you can restore normalcy to your home. Before you attempt to have new drywall installed, it is important to understand that foundation repair can impact your home. You may notice some changes in how your doors fit or windows close. You may even notice some cracks in the walls.

cracked foundation repair cleveland 300x193 Restoring Your Home After Foundation Repair Morganville, NJ

For best results with your restoration, apply the tips below:

  1. Clean up

Clean up debris and remove anything from the property that may be a health hazard. Make note of anything that you need to repair or update. This will help you better plan for your repairs.

  1. Give it some time

Do not rush into restoring normalcy in your home. Give your home time to adjust to its new state. Your home may need to settle into a new position for example. This may result in cracking of drywall if you rush to install it right after foundation repair.

As a rule of thumb, wait for at least six months before attempting any cosmetic repairs. This will give your home enough time to adjust. It will also give you enough time to observe for any further need for repair.

  1. Have the foundation inspected

It is a good idea to have your foundation inspected once again after the repair. This ensures that anything that may have been overlooked can be identified and repaired. It also gives you the opportunity to spot any problems that may have developed as a result of the repair and fix them.

It is best to consult with a professional foundation repair contractor about how soon you can embark on the cosmetic repair of your home. This will ensure that you get great results.

 

Hudson County, NJ | Basement Waterproofing - Foundation Repair

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

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

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.

settling foundation lg 300x223 How To Cope With a Sinking Foundation | Hudson County, NJ

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.

Elevator Waterproofing | Morganville, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Elevator Waterproofing – Is Your Elevator Pit a Safety Hazard? | Morris County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Elevator Waterproofing – Is Your Elevator Pit a Safety Hazard?

If you mention the word ‘mosquitos’, it conjures up images of the Amazon or an African savanna to most of us. However, these disease-carrying insects are much closer than you think. They could be breeding right in your elevator pit.

The perfect breeding ground

Warm temperatures, humid environments and stagnant water; these are the requirements for the perfect breeding environment for mosquitos. If you haven’t invested in elevator waterproofing, your elevator pit is probably the perfect micro-environment for these insects.

Water intrusion is very common in elevator pits that haven’t been waterproofed. This is because the elevator pit lies below ground level. Moisture from the surrounding soil can therefore seep into the elevator pit. This is especially common in the spring when the snow from winter is melting and the summer when it rains.

When water leaks into the elevator pit, it collects and forms a pool of water. This stagnant pool of water is perfect for the breeding of mosquitos. It will remain undisturbed for as long as you continue to ignore the need for maintenance.

Elevator Pit Main Image 150x150 Elevator Waterproofing – Is Your Elevator Pit a Safety Hazard? | Morris County, NJ

 

Risky business

Many building owners and managers invest in elevator waterproofing simply to protect their elevator’s mechanism. However, there is much more to it than that. Waterproofing your elevator pit can help to protect the occupants of the building from exposure to various diseases including West Nile Virus and the Zika Virus.

The West Nile Virus is known to cause inflammation of the spinal cord or the brain. The Zika virus has been shown to affect the fetuses of pregnant women exposed to it. Other diseases transmitted by mosquitos include dengue fever and malaria.

Making your building safe

Elevator waterproofing is important for ensuring your building provides a safe environment for occupants and visitors. Ensure that you:

  1. Contact a professional contractor

Not all waterproofing contractors are the same. Search for a contractor that has experience in waterproofing elevators. They will be able to provide you with a solution that is customized to meet your specific needs.

  1. Compare quotes

Different contractors will provide you with different solutions. Be sure to have more than one contractor inspect your elevator pit and provide you with a quote. Compare the quotes for the solution provided as well as the cost. Do your research to find out more about what the contractor is proposing to ensure that it is a long term solution.

  1. Invest in waterproofing

Choose the solution that best meets your needs and invest in waterproofing as soon as possible.

 

Call Select today for a FREE ESTIMATE! (800) 593-8379

 

Ann Arbor, MI | Select Basement Waterproofing

Maximize Your Basement Space with Waterproofing Techniques | Trenton, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Basement Waterproofing

If a basement is comfortable and well ventilated, that is all it needs in order to be used like the other rooms in your house. It doesn’t have to serve as a storage space; it can also be an extra bedroom or a play room. The space in any basement requires more attention and care due to its location. Additional lighting has to be provided too since very little natural lighting gets there.

Homeowners are often faced with problems of wet and flooded basements, especially during the rainy seasons, which is actually the main reason why basements are not utilized for anything other than storage and laundry. Fortunately, there are available solutions to wet basements and it is possible to have a dry and warm basement regardless of the season. All you need to do is carry out basement waterproofing for your basement, and have a well laid out drainage system.

Control measures that a homeowner can take to prevent wetness in a basement:

Uncontrolled water infiltration into a building is a predisposing factor for wet basement problems. What a homeowner needs to do is discourage any chance of water getting to the building by taking the measures below:

Cut off all possible water leak sources

If you can establish where the water in your basement is coming from, then you can be able to cut it off and prevent it from reaching your basement. Check the basement walls, and if you notice any cracks, get them filled immediately and see if there will be any changes.

Wash off that dirt on your gutters

If your gutters and downspouts are dirty and clogged, any water collected on them is likely to get dumped next to the foundation of your building and find its way into your basement.

Direct water in your downspouts away from the foundation of the home

Ensure your downspouts are working to keep water away from your house. If it is directing any water towards the foundation, there is a chance of causing wetness to your basement.

Dealing with a wet basement:

If water gets to your basement anyway, act on it. The longer you wait, the more the dampness will damage your basement and thus limit its use. It is also important to emphasize that a wet basement encourages the growth and multiplication of mold. Molds are known to cause respiratory problems, worsen conditions like asthma and trigger allergic reactions such as nasal congestion and sneezing.

If you want to get that extra living room, office, playroom or even a guest room in your basement, look for basement waterproofing services from professionals who have rendered similar services for many years.

Contact Select Basement Waterproofing with any questions, or concerns! Click here: https://www.selectbasement.com/contact-us/

House Foundation Cracks | Morganville, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Foundation Repair Challenges | Jersey City, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

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.

foundation wall cracks web 1 150x150 Foundation Repair Challenges | Jersey City, 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.

Elevator Waterproofing Hudson County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Elevator Waterproofing Hudson County, NJ

The basic construction of a typical elevator includes an elevator pit. This pit is usually below the floor level of the last floor that the lift services. This pit is used to house the counterweights, wiring and other fixtures necessary for the safe operation of the lift.

It is important to invest in professional elevator waterproofing. This protects your elevator pit from water seepage.

Elevator waterproofing is especially important for the following reasons:

  • It prevents damage to the elevator pistons

If the pistons of the elevator are exposed to a high level of moisture, they are likely to start rusting and will corrode with time. This will result in the leaking of the lift packing. The elevator will therefore become unsafe to use.

  • You’ll save on elevator repairs

Many building supervisors ignore the elevator pit. To them, waterproofing the elevator pit is an expense that can be ignored. However, exposure of the elevator to moisture results in more expensive repairs. You would spend much less by simply ensuring that the pit is properly waterproofed in the first place.

  • Prevent downtime

When damage occurs to your elevator as a result of the water present in the elevator pit, you’ll have to call in your elevator service provider to assist with repairs. However, many elevator service providers will not assist you until you address the seepage issues in your elevator pit. They will consider these conditions unsafe. This will result in extended elevator downtime. This can potentially lead to loss of income in a commercial or residential rental building.

  • Prevent bad odor

While your elevator may continue operating even under these conditions, the collection of water in the elevator pit can lead to the production of a bad odor. The water combines with oil and can become hazardous too.

  • Prevent damage to the traveling cable

As more water accumulates in the elevator pit, there are chances that the traveling cable of the elevator will be damaged. This leads to even more downtime as the lift becomes unusable.

It is important to have the elevator pit inspected by a professional waterproofing contractor. A licensed professional can guide you on the best solution to apply to your pit for the best results.

Waterproofing of the elevator pit often involves draining the elevator pit. The pit is then cleaned and dried out. The contractor then applies their solution of choice to the elevator pit to achieve waterproofing.

How To Check Your Home for Foundation Cracking – Hudson County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

 

While your home’s foundation is initially made to last, foundation cracking can greatly reduce its integrity. No home is safe from a cracking foundation, no matter how well it was built. In fact, environmental issues, such as temperatures and humidity levels, are a top player in how your foundation will hold up in the long run.

 

Every homeowner should take the time to check their foundation for new cracks. However, be aware that not every crack leads to structural damage. That’s why it is so important to know what to be on the lookout for the next time you inspect your home’s foundation.

 

  1. Stair-Step Shaped Cracks

 

  • If your home is built on a cinder block foundation, cracking is often noted in a stair-step pattern. This type of foundation cracking occurs whenever the cinderblocks crack and then separate. These cracks are a sign of pressure from either water or shifting soil.

 

  • Whenever this pattern of cracking is noted, there may already be some structural damage to your home. If a large, horizontal crack is found, then you need immediate intervention from a structural engineer to remedy the situation and save your home from further damage.

 

  1. Cracking Concrete Slabs

 

  • If you have a poured concrete foundation, you may begin to notice cracks sooner than other foundation types. There is no need to worry, though. Most of the time, these are simply hairline cracks that pose no structural risk.

 

  • Even though your cracks may be benign, they should still be repaired. Filling the cracks may prevent water damage or mold growth. Don’t wait for the cracks to grow before you repair them.

 

  1. Cracking or Separating Exterior Brick

 

  • If your home is constructed from brick, you should be on the lookout for any cracks that form. Be sure to inspect all brick areas, including brick facing and even the chimney. Cracks in brick are often caused by foundation shifting.

 

  1. Damaged Interior Walls

 

  • Cracks can also appear in your home’s drywall. Be sure to take note of any cracks, whether they are vertical or horizontal that may appear in the drywall. If they suddenly appear or get wider, it is most certainly because of a structural issue with your foundation. Ill-fitting doors and windows may also point to a foundation issue.

 

No matter where you first notice signs of foundation cracking, be sure to call a professional for advice. They will be able to determine the extent of your damage and provide you with a surefire way to repair your foundation problems.

 

foundation cracks

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

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

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

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

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.

Rhino carbon fiber

5 Advantages of the Rhino Carbon Fiber Foundation Repair

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Rhino Carbon Fiber Foundation Repair

One of the most common structural problems occurring in newly constructed houses is foundation damage. This problem is also evident in older homes where soil movement is common. Once a house begins settling, issues such as bulging and bowing walls will appear.

While there are many approaches to foundation repair, the innovative Rhino carbon fiber technology has proven to be the most effective and affordable system for any type of structure.

Risk of Delayed Foundation Repair

As a homeowner, you have to appreciate the important of immediate foundation repair using modern technology to avoid further deterioration. Foundation failure can result from seemingly harmless problems such as a hairline cracks that will enlarge with time due to water pressure.

If wall damage is not immediately repaired, there is a likelihood of other parts of the house including floors, doors, windows ceilings and chimneys suffering further damage.

Rhino Carbon Fiber in Details

The patented Rhino carbon fiber is now popular with foundation contractors for many reasons. This product comprises carbon fiber strips made with a custom bi-directional weave and double stitching pattern. These strips boast tensile strength of 52,000 pounds per square inch, which guarantees your foundation wall will not move anymore once the carbon fiber strip has been fixed.

The carbon fiber strip is fastened to the wall using a sill plate and it is connected to the foundation base for equal distribution of pressure. To appreciate why this carbon fiber system is so effective, consider these factors:

  1. Durability: Unlike other foundation repair solutions such as epoxy injection, there is no deterioration of the carbon fiber strip once it is in place. It does not stretch or suffer from exposure to weather elements.
  2. Less intrusive technology: There is no need to excavate extensively compared to other structural foundation repairs. Minimal intrusiveness translates to faster and more affordable repair.
  3. Lightweight installation: This is a project that can be done by one qualified contractor within a few hours. There are no disruptions on your property when the work is in progress.
  4. Aesthetic appeal: This foundation repair technology will not devalue the aesthetic appeal of your property. You can even paint over the Rhino carbon fiber to ensure the wall is uniform.
  5. Cost-effective: This is now the most affordable foundation repair solution for different forms of foundation damage including cracks and bowing.

A damaged foundation can ruin your precious investment. It is thus important to call in a qualified contractor to inspect the extent of damage before deploying Rhino carbon fiber technology.