Possiac County , NJ | Elevator Waterproofing | Select Basement Waterproofing

Negative Side Waterproofing for Elevator Waterproofing | Passaic County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Negative Side Waterproofing for Elevator Waterproofing

When it comes to waterproofing, you will most likely come across the terms positive side and negative side waterproofing. It’s important to understand these terms and the differences between them.

The term ‘positive’ in waterproofing refers to the side of the structure on which the hydrostatic pressure is acting on directly. In a basement, the positive side would be the external surface of the basement walls. Therefore, exterior waterproofing of the basement would be positive side waterproofing.

Elevator pits are subject to penetration by water just like basements. The most common culprit of water penetration is water accumulating in the soil surrounding the elevator pit, resulting in an increase in hydrostatic pressure. The water accumulation is often a result of ineffective drainage systems, leaking drain pipes, breaks in supply lines, rising groundwater, backup of neighboring sewer lines, improper grading as well as excessive rainfall.

select image waterproofing 150x150 Negative Side Waterproofing for Elevator Waterproofing | Passaic County, NJ

Waterproofing an elevator pit in an already constructed building can be challenging. You can’t access the positive side through excavation as you would a basement. Another solution for elevator waterproofing must be applied.

Negative side waterproofing is often used for elevator waterproofing in already existing buildings. This solution is not only practical but also the most cost effective solution.

Negative side waterproofing solutions

There are various waterproofing options that allow for waterproofing an elevator from the negative side. In selecting a solution for your elevator pit, ensure that it:

  1. Accounts for the pressure that the water will exert when entering through the walls of the elevator pit. Water entering from the positive side of the elevator pit walls will most likely be pressurized.
  2. Creates a strong bond with the walls of the elevator pit even in the presence of water. This bond should be reliable enough to withstand water and therefore keep the water out of the pit.
  3. Be able to withstand contraction and expansion of the building’s walls. It should be able to move naturally along with the elevator pit walls. It will otherwise succumb to pressure and tear which will result in water seepage.

It is important to discuss your needs for elevator waterproofing with your contractor. Do your own research to find out more about the different products available in the market. This will ensure that you can make an informed decision. The products you apply should be durable, cost effective and efficient. They should be the best products you can get in the market for the best results.

 

Basement Waterproofing | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Why You Need to Consider Basement Sealing | Hunterdon County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

When you think of a home, the basement is the last thing that comes to mind. However, it is one of the most important spaces in the home. It is the foundation of the home. It is what gives the home its structural integrity.

Water is the worst enemy of basements. It can cause great damage to a basement and the rest of the structure of the home as a result. It is therefore important to ensure that your basement is made waterproof.

There are many benefits to basement sealing – These include:

  1. Increasing the value of your home

If you’re thinking of selling your home in the near future, sealing your basement will contribute a great deal to its value. Ensuring that your basement is sealed will increase the usable space within your home. This means that the square footage of your home increases since your basement will count as a floor as well. Remember that for many people, the basement space makes up about 1/3 of the total space of the home.

 

1464985556 4134 150x150 Why You Need to Consider Basement Sealing | Hunterdon County, NJ

  1. Increased usable space

As mentioned earlier, having your basement sealed will ensure that you have more usable space available to you. You can do just about anything with a waterproofed basement. You can turn it into an office, a guest room, a music studio or an extra living room. You can greatly improve your family’s quality of life with extra space to work around.

  1. Protect your family’s health

A humid or damp basement provides the ideal environment for the growth of mold. Mold such as toxic black mold can develop into fully grown mold within 48 hours or less. Although most molds are harmless, some produce toxic chemicals that can result in infections and poisoning.

Molds also produce spores. Exposure to a high spore count can result in allergic reactions including difficulty in breathing and skin irritation.

  1. Preserves the integrity of your home

Basement sealing protects the integrity of your home. Molds and moisture can not only destroy furniture and the beauty of your home’s walls and floors, but also affect the structural integrity of the home. Ensuring that your basement is made waterproof will protect your home from mold and moisture. It will save you a lot of money in repairs for the long term.

Lastly, basement sealing gives you peace of mind. You never have to worry about a flooded basement when you hear claps of thunder in the distance.

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.

Do’s & Don’ts For Basement Finishing – Trenton, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Are you planning for the finishing of your basement? You may have come across various basement systems designed to help you with this. The following are some tips to help you get the best results no matter which systems you choose to use.

Do:

  1. Include systems for the elimination of moisture

Moisture is your basement’s worst enemy. It is therefore important to eliminate it before you embark on finishing your basement. Don’t let moisture ruin the finished product. Install basement systems that will help to eliminate moisture including waterproofing membranes, vapor barriers, and French drains.

  1. Check building codes

It’s always a good idea to first check with building codes and local legislation before implementing a system. You should be sure that the system you intend to implement meets building code requirements.

  1. Take advantage of the positive

Unfinished basements may not seem like much but they do have some positive aspects that you can take advantage of. A good place to start is natural light. Look for egress window systems that will help you take advantage of natural lighting for your basement.

Don’ts

  1. Try to finish the whole basement area

It is important to consider space for utilities such as the storage of luggage, tools, and other seasonal items. This means that not all your basement would need to be finished. You can save money by spending a premium on the living space and leaving the utility space unfinished.

  1. Try to do it yourself

There are many do it yourself kits available in the market. While these kits encourage homeowners to carry out many of the repairs and renovations on their own, they don’t provide you with the many benefits that a skilled and experienced contractor would provide. There’s a good chance that you will overlook various aspects of the repair and renovation of your basement and end up with damage that is even more expensive and difficult to repair. Some jobs are better left to the professionals.

  1. Go cheap

Don’t be tempted to go cheap when it comes to investing in basement systems. Contractors who offer cheap solutions often have had to cut corners somewhere to be able to offer low prices. Learn to read between the lines and choose systems that offer good value for money.

Whatever systems you choose for your basement, ensure that you consider their long-term benefit.

 

 

5 Reasons to Invest in Elevator Waterproofing – Essex County, NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Elevators have become essential as the construction industry shifts focus to high rise buildings in order to make the most of vertical space when acreage is limited.

A lot of thought has to go into elevator design right from the start. Proper planning should include adequate elevator waterproofing. This is because the elevator pit is an integral part of the structure and function of the elevator. If you haven’t had your elevator pit waterproofed, the following are reasons you should contact a waterproofing contractor as soon as possible.

  1. Protect the lift’s mechanical system

The elevator pit is a vital part of the functioning of the elevator. Parts of the mechanical and electrical system of the elevator are located in the elevator pit. Moisture can result in these parts being damaged. Elevator waterproofing keeps water out of the elevator pit.

  1. Prevent the lift from breaking down

Moisture in the elevator pit can cause systems to fail. It can also increase the rate of wear and tear on different parts of the elevator. This can result in the elevator breaking down. Keeping moisture out of the pit will help to prevent this.

  1. Prevent health and safety issues

Leaving your elevator pit open to water penetration allows for the development of various health and safety issues including mold and pest infestations. These issues can cause problems throughout the building. You can save yourself the trouble of having to deal with them by investing in elevator waterproofing.

  1. Environmental issues

Water can pool in the elevator pit when nothing is done to keep it out. This water is likely to be polluted with oil and other lubricants used in the operation of the elevator. The water and the dissolved lubricants may pollute ground water if allowed to sip into the soil below the building.

  1. High costs

Waterproofing your elevator pit will help you save a lot of money in the repair, maintenance, and replacement of parts of the elevator’s operation system. You won’t have to deal with damage and other issues that moisture can cause to the system if allowed to penetrate the elevator pit.

Invest in waterproofing and avoid many of the issues that may arise. Find a reputable contractor with experience in waterproofing elevator pits to help.

 

elevator waterproofing

Why Elevator Waterproofing in Edison NJ is Important

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Elevator Waterproofing in Edison 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.

basement finishing

Important Steps in Preparation for Basement Finishing in Woodbridge NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Basement Finishing in Woodbridge NJ

Basement finishing allows you to turn your basement into a living space. A well finished basement can add value to your home by increasing the square footage of the living space in your home. It can also provide you with an opportunity to make some extra cash if you decide to rent the space out.

The right approach must be followed in basement finishing to ensure that the resulting space is comfortable, functional and safe for the long term. The following are important steps you should take to ensure this.

  • Waterproofing

This is one of the most important things to do before you attempt to finish the basement. Waterproofing will prevent moisture problems, such as the growth of mildew and mold as well as the deterioration of materials in the space.

Have a professional waterproofing contractor come in to inspect the basement and provide you with the best solution for waterproofing it.

  • Repair foundation cracks

Do you have cracks in your foundation? They could be signs of a deeper problem. It is important to have these cracks inspected by a foundation expert. They can identify the underlying cause and help you solve the issue. It is advisable to have vapor barriers installed to prevent seepage into the basement.

If the cracks are non-structural and a vapor barrier has been installed, you can have the cracks sealed to improve the appearance of the walls.

Remember that repairing foundation cracks is not a DIY job. A foundation repair professional should be on hand to determine the best solution.

  • Have a sump pump installed

If you don’t already have one, ensure that a sump pump is installed. Have the space fitted with drain tile and a sump pit. You should also include a battery operated backup sump pump to ensure that flooding is prevented even when the primary sump pump fails.

A contractor should assess the basement and design a drainage system that is adequate for the space.

  • Prepare the floor

Having ensured that the space will remain dry even in bad weather, it is time to prepare the floor for the finishing. This will depend on the type of finishing you want for your basement floors. However, leveling of the subfloor is necessary regardless of the type of flooring you want to install.

Ensure that you choose a reliable and licensed basement contractor to assist you with basement finishing. This will ensure that you can enjoy the results of your investment for many years to come.

Crawl Shield

5 Reasons CrawlShield is Your Ultimate Waterproofing Solution

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

CrawlShield

Managing a crawl space that is exposed to soil is not an easy affair. As a homeowner, you might find it easier to ignore this space than struggle maintaining it, but then this is a dangerous oversight. For starters, such spaces are prone to water and Radon gas infiltration. In addition, you will have to contend with toxic mold growth on the wooden joists which poses a big health risk for your family. Worse still, water in a crawl space compromises the integrity of the wooden supports which can even lead to the collapse of your home.

Effective Solution

One of the most recommended waterproofing solutions in modern times is CrawlShield. This is a 16 millimeter-thick, strong, tear resistant polythene liner. The encapsulation system is built to resist punctures and water, which makes it an effective solution, especially in low lying areas. The liner is designed to make your crawl space airtight and water-resistant, thus preventing mold growth and rodent infestation. The liner is installed by a contractor using specialized sealants and tapes to give a permanent solution to moisture problems.

Why CrawlShield?

Some of the practical benefits you enjoy by opting for CrawlShield encapsulation include:

  1. Improved indoor air quality (IAQ)

The Basement Health Association (BHA) says that over 65% of the air you breathe indoors originates from your crawl space. This would not be a big issue if such air was unpolluted, but as it happens, a crawl space that is not waterproofed allows Radon gas infiltration and mold growth. Mold spores and the toxic gas end up inside your home, thus jeopardizing the health of your family. By insulating your crawl space using this new system, you will shield your family from such risks.

  1. Improved Home Value

The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) says that majority of modern homebuyers consider safety as an integral part of their purchasing decisions. A crawl space which is waterproofed assures buyers that they will not have to contend with toxic mold and other health hazards caused by high levels of humidity.

  1. Improved Space Utilization

After encapsulation, the space gets a new inviting look and it can effectively be utilized for storage. If you are pressed for space indoors, it is time to think outside the box by waterproofing your crawl space and using it for storage.

  1. Ease of Installation

The lightweight liner is easy to install and a contractor can get it done in a day or less. These professionals know how to remediate water problems before installation of the liner.

  1. Improved Structural Integrity

Your home is a great investment and CrawlShield encapsulation helps protect it. The wood joists are protected against moisture, ensuring the foundation functions optimally to hold your property in place.

If you are looking for an effective yet affordable waterproofing solution for your crawl space, you have the answer now.

basement-leaks

Common Causes for Basement Leaks in Morganville NJ

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Basement Leaks in Morganville NJ

Most homeowners are quick to assume that a basement leaks is a result of poor or improper building methods, but that is not always the case. Basement leaks are affected by numerous factors such as rain water management, drainage system, hydrostatic pressure and basement construction framework. Let’s take a look at the most common causes for basement leaks.

Water pressure

The foundation of a home can experience water pressure either laterally due to absorption of excess water by the soil that surrounds it, or from under the surface due to rise in ground water levels leading to floor cracks. Both these situations can cause water to seep through and lead to a basement leaks.

Wall leaks

Your basement walls may lead to leaks due to cracks in the surface that may have developed due to water pressure or deterioration over time. If the basement was built using brick or stone, chances are the mortar that snugly holds each block has allowed water to seep through. In case it uses a concrete construction, it may be caused due to the formation of honeycomb cavities in the wall.

Drainage leaks and clogs

If the sewer pipe suffers a leak, then it naturally affects your basement. Some signs of a drainage leak are stains or  molds on the ceiling, in the vicinity of the problematic sewer pipe in question. Sometimes the sewer line to your home or the local municipal line can get clogged, causing the sewer water to back into the drainage system in your house, and in turn lead to basement moisture and leaks.
A basement waterproofing professional can diagnose the issue that is causing leaks in your basement and help fix it.