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

 

Replacing Sheet Rock After a Flood Jersey City, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Flooding Can Cause Problems for Your Home

A basement flood in New Jersey is bad enough in an unfinished basement. However, if you have a finished or partially finished basement with any sheetrock as wall board then you will need to replace the sheetrock.

Flooding can lead to wet sheetrock

Sheetrock absorbs water. If it comes into contact with any amount of water (or even moisture for that matter) you have a problem. Sometimes you will only need to replace part of the sheetrock on a wall. You can cut out the wet portion and replace it with new sheetrock. Sheetrock will not dry out on its own before you will have a problem with mold behind the walls. If you leave wet sheetrock, mold will grow behind the wall because mold is using the material in the sheetrock for food. Add the water and the dark, damp spots behind the wall and a serious mold problem could start to grow in no time.

Contact Us! We Can Help! 732-360-5052

How to deal with wet sheetrock

If you are trying to save part of the wall, you will need to determine how high the water has traveled up the wall. The longer the sheetrock sits in the standing water, the higher the water problem will be. Typically, water travels up the sheetrock 3-6 inches a day. If it is left for a few days, the water could be halfway up the wall.

One way to check for water damage in sheetrock is to slice the wall with a razor. It will cut easier if the wall is wet. You will notice the blade slide quicker and easier through the wet wall compared to the dry sheetrock. Find where the wall is dry, and cut a straight line there to remove the wet sheetrock.

Like we mentioned above, it is important to remove all wet sheetrock to avoid a potential mold problem. Never leave wet sheetrock after a basement flood in New Jersey or discovered water problem.

Have a professional contractor help fix the problem

contractor cob 150x150 Replacing Sheet Rock After a Flood Jersey City, NJ

A professional basement waterproofing contractor can help you in this process. He can remove the damaged sheetrock after a basement flood in New Jersey and help you install a basement waterproofing system to help avoid any future problems.

The other option is to replace all the sheetrock in the basement with waterproof wallboard. So, if there is another basement flood in New Jersey, you won’t have to replace the walls again. The EPA says basements should be finished with waterproof and water resistant materials. Think tile instead of carpet; plastic waterproof wallboard instead of sheetrock. The basement is inherently wetter and should not be finished like the upstairs even if you have a basement waterproofing system installed.

Contact us for more information about basement waterproofing!

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

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.

basement waterproofing

Signs of Basement Leaks – Union County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Basement leaks in New Jersey have many common causes. First, water that is on the ground can seep into your foundation and basement floor. Water could also leak into your basement due to issues with your gutters. Your gutters may overflow due to heavy rain, clogs, a sudden thaw, or poor installation. If you do not have enough gutters, water will also leak. Basement leaks in New Jersey are also often caused by disconnected downspouts, poor planning in terms of landscaping, and sprinklers aiming at your home. Finally, basement leaks in New Jersey are also a risk if your pipes have excessive condensation or if your interior walls have water inside them.

Signs of Basement Leaks in New Jersey

To catch basement leaks before they become serious floods, watch for these common signs.

  • Staining: Water stains on your basement floor or walls are a definite indication of a basement leak.
  • Odor: If your basement smells damp or musty, it is likely that there is excessive moisture and a potential leak.
  • Mold: Mold will also appear in a basement that has a leak, and it can come in many colors. If you suspect mold, you should have it tested.
  • Efflorescence: Efflorescence is a condition in which salt deposits are left by water that has evaporated. These may appear on your walls as gray or white ash, and it can sparkle.
  • Spalling: This also refers to salt deposits that are left behind, but spalling occurs when the surface that the salt is on begins to peel away or otherwise come off.

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

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

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.

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.

foundation leak

3 Signs That You Have a Serious Foundation Leak in Edison NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Foundation Leak in Edison NJ

Your home’s foundation is the most important part of its structure. Ensuring your foundation is in good condition will ensure that your home offers a safe environment for your family. Repairing a foundation can be quite costly especially if the damage is extensive. It is, therefore important to regularly inspect your foundation for any signs of a foundation leak.

The following are some obvious signs of a foundation leak you ought to look for:

  1. Musty odor

Is there a musty odor coming from your basement? If so, you may have a foundation leak. A musty odor is indicative of the growth of mold in your basement. Mold can be a problem as its spores can pose health problems to your family.

Mold is not always visible. Mold and mildew tend to grow in dark areas and therefore may grow out of sight. The first sign of their presence is the musty odor. Be sure to investigate for further signs of leaks when you notice a musty smell in your basement.

  1. Damp floors or walls

Moisture on the walls or floors of your basement is a sure sign that you have a foundation leak. Moisture may not always take the form of a standing pool of water on the floor. It may be water stains on walls or floors, condensation on the basement walls or damp spots on your carpet or flooring material. Be sure to check any plumbing running through the basement for leaks before calling a licensed waterproofing contractor to investigate the problem further.

  1. Cracks in the floors or walls

By the time cracks in the floors or walls of your foundation become visible; the problem in the structure of your foundation is serious.  Cracks in the foundation are obvious signs of a structural issue in your foundation.

Avoid applying band aid solutions to cracks in the foundation such as filling cracks. The problem may run deeper than a superficial crack. It’s best to call in a professional waterproofing contractor to inspect the foundation and provide you with the best possible solutions for foundation leak repair.

Your foundation plays a vital role in your home. Considering this, it is important to be aware of the signs of damage. This will ensure that you get the problem fixed early and avoid it escalating; the more serious the problem, the more complex and expensive the repair.

foundation-repair

Little Known Foundation Repair Challenges Associated with Leakages

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 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 Repair | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Are you in Need of Foundation Repair New Jersey?

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

As a homeowner, maintenance and repair of your home is an expected expense. Your home’s foundation is the most important part of your home. Ensuring that you carry out foundation repair New Jersey in good time will ensure that you avoid serious problems that can result in your using thousands of dollars to fix an even worse situation. It is therefore important to learn how to identify these problems as soon as possible.

Warning signs

Houses are designed to be dynamic. They move and settle over a period of time. This is natural. However, when the settling occurs unevenly, then there is need for concern. It is therefore important to stay alert and keep track of any dramatic changes or early warning signs including:

  • A door in your house begins to ham or the latch fails to fit. This may be a sign that the foundation is shifting.
  • The appearance of cracks on the walls. Cracks on walls when there is a foundation problem cracks usually occur over windows, doorways and where the wall meets the ceiling.
  • The appearance of cracks in your floor tiles or on your concrete floors
  • When windows in your home that used to open or close easily begin sticking or can’t close completely. 

Checking for foundation problems

Foundation repair New Jersey can cost you thousands of dollars if the problems are not identified early enough and are allowed to develop into serious problems. It is therefore important to develop a routine of checking your home for signs of foundation problems.

It is important to retain the services of a professional contractor to carry out maintenance and repair on your foundation at least once a year. However, it is also important to carry out your own personal checks every so often. This will ensure that any problems with your foundation are identified early. 

Here’s how to check foundation problems:

  • Check the perimeter

Carry out a visual check of the outside of your foundation. Walk along the length of the foundation and check the walls from corner to corner. The walls should be straight from side to side as well as from up to down.

If there is any sign of leaning, bulging or curving then the foundation may have shifted. It may be that the soil around your foundation is expanding, contracting or placing some pressure on the walls of your foundation.

  • Check the concrete

If you have a poured concrete foundation, check to see if there is chipping of flaking. You can do this by poking it with a study screwdriver. A good concrete foundation should be very hard. It shouldn’t get damaged when poked by the screwdriver.

If you manage to break of chip at the surface, then the concrete may be deteriorating. It may have been mixed with too much water, salty or dirty sand. Contact a contractor as soon as possible to fix this problem.

  • Check the structure

There are various aspects of the foundation aside from the perimeter wall. If you have a crawl space of basement, be sure to check the concrete supports, posts or piers used to support the home. These should be standing firmly and straight. They should be firmly planted on the concrete piers beneath.

Cracks in foundations

Foundational cracks are the most important sign of a problem with the foundation. It is therefore important to identify what type of crack you’re dealing with.  Different types of cracks include:

  • Hairline cracks indicate minor problems and shouldn’t be a cause for worry
  • Stair step cracks occurring in masonry joints indicate bulging of walls or moisture problems
  • Horizontal cracks are the most serious. They are indicative of serious damage to the foundation. You may need a completely new foundation.