B.K. Roofing & Remodeling

It’s going to be another snowy New Jersey winter out there and homeowners should know the weather isn’t just freezing your toes – it’s freezing your home’s basement walls too. While in summer, water in your basement walls seeps through as a leak, it freezes in winter – creating big problems when the spring thaws hits. Here’s why. In the winter, snow falls against your basement walls, building up into drifts. The heat from your home slowly melts this snow and it runs into  small cracks in your basement walls and foundation . When the temperatures drop at night, it freezes – expanding as it does so and widening the crack in the process. By spring, what used to be tiny hairline cracks are now more significant gaps which allow even more water in. When this happens over a period of years, the problem simply grows, leading to mold infestations, rot and dangerous structural problems. The best solution is to call in  Rockland County basement waterproofing professionals  as s...

Winter is a challenging season of heavy snows and freezing weather – a fact that Bergen County, New Jersey residents know all too well. Being prepared for this season is key to reducing risks to your property and, in many cases, preventing damage all together. Here are some tips for getting your home ready for winter: Service your heating system:  It’s best to make sure that your heating system is in good working order as early as possible, as technicians will be in high demand during the coldest months. For a small fee, they can come through and do a comprehensive check-up, giving your system the tune-up it needs to work efficiently through winter. In addition to your furnace and water heater, have your fireplace and flue checked for safety purposes. Clear gutters:  To manage the affects of snowfalls, make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris, and reinforce any loose pieces of gutter so that they stay fixed to the roof. Also, be sure to check that water c...

Home DIY has always been a great way to save money and many people enjoy putting their own sweat and effort into the maintenance of their property – but is  basement waterproofing  one of these projects? DIY basement waterproofing  Where is the source of the leak?  It’s tempting to simply seal a leaking crack and say the problem is solved, but where is that water coming from? It could be a result of moisture coming through from the ground outside your basement, from a leaking pipe, or even from a structural fault. It’s difficult to tell the extent of the issue without specialized leak detection equipment which is not available to DIY-ers. What product should I use?  If you do know the source of the leak and know how to fix it, which products should you trust? Often, a popular or expensive product simply doesn’t offer the lasting solution you’re looking for – and you’ll be back dealing with your leak in a few months’ time. Is the problem bigger than you t...

Sump pumps perform important functions for your home all year round, collecting and removing excess condensation from your air conditioner and protecting your home from rising groundwater – but it’s in the rainy season that they really start to pay off.  Basement waterproofing experts in Morris County, NJ , know that having a well-maintained sump pump is key to preventing flooding – so here are some top tips for testing your equipment and making sure it’s all in good working order. Find your sump pump’s outlet pipe and inspect it for damage and clogging. Clear it of any debris and ensure it is positioned to direct water away from the foundations of your home. Check the sump pump’s electrical cord for damage and replace if necessary. Plug the cord into an outlet (many people unplug their sump pumps over the dry season) and ensure it is getting power. Inspect the interior of your sump pump for leaves or debris, removing anything that can cause clogs. Pour water into the basin ...

It’s easy to forget about your sump pump or French drain - but when the weather starts to turn, you’ll want to be assured they are in great working condition. Here are some great home maintenance tips for these systems to help  prevent a wet or flooded basement . How to maintain your sump pump  These are fairly low-maintenance machines, so they don’t require intensive care or repairs too often. To keep it functioning smoothly, you need to: Regularly check the discharge line to ensure it isn’t clogged or frozen. Remove debris from the inlet screen to prevent clogging a few times a year. Remove debris, stones and mud from the pit area. Testing the float component to ensure it can move unobstructed. Test the pit in dry seasons by pouring a bucket of water into the pit. The float should rise and trigger the pump. Check the outlet to make sure the water is being discharged efficiently in a direction away from your home. Replace your backup power battery every 2 to 3 ye...

With New Jersey’s climate of heavy rains, snowstorms and melting snow, every homeowner knows the potential water damage the weather can bring.  Waterproofing your home's basement  is the best defense against this damage and specialists will recommend certain solutions out of a wide range of methods, including interior and exterior waterproofing. What is exterior waterproofing?  This is your home’s first line of defense, designed to prevent water from penetrating the outer walls of your home. It usually consists of a system of gutters and downspouts which collect water and direct it away from your home, as well as a waterproof membrane that is installed against your home’s foundations to create a waterproof seal. Exterior waterproofing can also include drainage systems that are installed in trenches around the base of your home and covered with gravel. These drains will prevent water from pooling around the foundation. Without this membrane or an adequate drainage ...

Excess moisture around your house can cause a myriad of problems. The only real solution is taking preventative action.   This is where basement waterproofing services come into play! The cost of waterproofing a basement isn’t as much as you might think, and the peace of mind it brings knowing that you and your family are living in a home free from excess moisture and potential health-related issues is priceless. Here are the top five signs that your home is in need of basement waterproofing . Your Basement Stinks! If you notice that your basement or crawlspace has an unusual odor of dampness you may have mold and mildew. That “musty” smell is most likely the presence of millions of microorganisms or mold who are enjoying the damp, high humidity environment in your basement.  Starting to Feel Ill? The presence of mold in the home is one of the most silent health hazards you can face.   Mold can cause health problems that range from itching ...

If your home has been impacted by flood or other water breakdowns, you may be at risk for mold growth. Mold can grow quickly in damp and moist environment as a result of stagnant water. Did you know more than 65 million mold spores can exist in a postage size area? Mold inspection will bring to light some of the hidden issues that you may not even be aware of within your home. Read on for more about the hazards of mold and how to prevent it! Mold comes in all shapes, sizes and colors The most common types of mold include:   ·        Aspergillus, ·         Cladosporium, ·           and Stachybotrys chartarum Mold grows in wet environments, most commonly inside of wallpaper, insulation, paints, fabric, upholstery, drywall, and carpeting. The dangers of mold at home! Mold is extremely hazardous and can cause health issues for you and your family ...

Mold is a common problem faced by New Jersey home and business owners – a problem that can cause structural and health issues, as well as leave an unpleasant smell in your property. Fortunately, there are ways to  prevent mold infestations : Stop leaks quickly:  Moisture is vital to mold growth, so fixing leaks and other sources of excess moisture as soon as they appear is the best way to keep your property mold-free. If flooding has occurred, be sure to clean up and dry out your home within 24 to 48 hours to reduce the risk of mold growth. Low indoor humidity:  Humid air makes it easy for molds to breed, so keeping your home at a humidity level of below 60% is ideal. Inexpensive humidity meters can help you track your home’s relative humidity and, if it is too high, installing a dehumidification system is an affordable and highly effective option. Bonded Waterproofing sells and installs Dehumidification systems that are among the finest in the industry and that are ...

If you look closely at any basement you may see different kinds of cracks and damage on the floors and walls. Many of these are superficial but certain types of cracks are precursors of serious structural problems and potential water leaks . For this reason it’s important to understand what your basement cracks are saying to you. Stress Points Whenever you core through the wall for sewer installation or any other electric and gas lines, this weakens the concrete and gradually leads to cracking. Cracks are more common to occur at the corners of basement windows. Soil Saturation Oversaturation of footings may lead to the expansion of the earth next to your foundation. This can be identified by the diagonal cracks arising from the corners. The main reasons for oversaturation of footings are: ·          improper grading ·          bad gutters ·       ...

Why do Basements Flood? There are many ways water can enter your basement including burst pipes, rain, melting snow, broken gutters, leaky windows, a damaged foundation and more. Fortunately, you rely on Bonded Waterproofing for all your basement waterproofing needs. Choosing a Basement Waterproofing Contractor If you’re dealing with the stress of a wet basement, you don’t want the added hassle of a waterproofing contractor who charges hefty fees or unreliable work. If you’re looking for an experienced basement waterproofing contractor, here are the few tips to make your search successful. Registration and License Check the contractor’s license validity, certification and registration to verify that they have the competent manpower & efficient resources to handle all your basement waterproofing needs. Years of Experience and Services Offered Before you decide on a basement waterproofing contractor, you have to make sure that they are equipped ...