B.K. Roofing & Remodeling

One great use for your home’s basement is to create a functional storage space. This is ideal for bulky things you don’t need often but don’t want to throw out – like kid’s toys, Christmas décor, extra furniture, garden equipment or fitness equipment. However, this doesn’t mean that you should just throw everything in a box and take it down the stairs – your basement needs to be prepared. Here are some tips from our  basement waterproofing  team in Essex County, NJ. Get rid of moisture:  Moisture is dangerous for the structure of your basement and foundation as well as the goods you want to store in it. Even a short period of time in a damp basement can lead to mold setting in, material rotting and papers disintegrating. Running a dehumidifier is a good start, but your basement needs to be professionally waterproofed to ensure it stays dry. Check for leaks:  Basement pipes, windows, and  crawlspaces  are all vulnerable to leaks that can lead to a w...

When we think about home improvement, most of us think about remodeling our bathroom or kitchen, and not about waterproofing our basement. But there are some great advantages to making this project a priority – here are just a few from our  basement waterproofing  team in Staten Island, NY. Reduce your energy costs:  Waterproofing your basement and crawlspace is key to improving the energy efficiency in your home, as it prevents cold air and  moisture from leaking into your basement  – two things that make your heating and air conditioner go into overdrive. Make your home structurally safe:  Sure, your basement may have been damp for years, it might even have been seeping water when you bought it – but what you don’t know is how corrosive that moisture can be over the years. After all, the Colorado river created the Grand Canyon! This moisture weakens the basement and foundation structure on which your home stands, putting your family and investmen...

Owning a home comes with many challenges, and one of the most daunting is dealing with your home’s potential structural problems. It’s understandable that foundation repairs are difficult to deal with – after all, your home is one of your biggest investments in your family’s safety and wellbeing, and most homeowners don’t have the relevant experience to know exactly what they’re dealing with. Fortunately, trusted local professionals do, so our team of basement repair specialists in Rockland County, NY, is sharing some of the most common misunderstandings about this important issue. Basement repair costs too much:  Basements and foundations aren’t usually well-loved, and this makes it difficult to spend money on them – but they are integral to the safety and comfort of your home. Leaving a basement moisture issue can quickly turn a small, inexpensive problem into a hugely costly repair job, so acting quickly is key to keeping costs down. Prices differ according to how much w...

If your home and basement is suffering from peeling paint, there are a number of things you can do to fix it. However, waterproof paint isn’t one of them. Here’s why – from the  basement waterproofing specialists in Bergen County, NJ . Reasons why your home’s paint is peeling  There are several reasons why the paint in your home or on its exterior can start to peel and flake off, including: Your foundation is settling:  When a home is built, it takes a few seasons before the ground underneath it becomes completely stable under the weight of the building. This settling process is normal, but the shifting of the foundation can cause paint to crack and peel. Small cracks can simply be painted over, but if they are bigger and located where water might seep into your walls, they will need a stronger solution. Moisture:  There are many ways moisture can leak into your walls and floors, from cracks that allow water in from outside to leaking pipes. This seeps in...

Crawlspaces aren’t areas homeowners spend much time in or thinking about, but they are integral to the structural integrity of your home. Here are some signs to look out for from basement waterproofing pros in Monmouth County that indicate that your  basement crawlspace  requires closer inspection, maintenance or repairs. Signs that you need to call in the basement repair professionals  Your floors are sagging:  If your floors are squeaking or your wall-mounted décor is rattling as you walk past, your floors are starting to sag. This is a warning sign that your foundation isn’t supporting your home properly or that a water leak is rotting your floor and its best that you call in basement repair specialists to properly inspect it. Puddles and standing water:  Poor drainage or leaking pipes could be the issue here, and this will lead to a weakened foundation as well as mold problems if left untreated. A water egress inspection will help determine where t...

When hurricanes, tropical storms and flooding hit, home and business owners turn to their sump pumps to prevent flood damage and manage basement water levels. Unfortunately, floods and weather events are often accompanied by power outages that make your sump pump inoperable – unless it has a backup battery. If you’re considering buying one of these practical systems, consider this advice from  Morris County basement waterproofing  specialists. Features to consider when buying battery backup for your sump pump  Power and battery type:  AC/DC batteries run off the mains while they’re on, and can kick into DC power when they go down. DC batteries will only run when the mains are down. It’s advised that you choose deep-cycle batteries over wet-cell, as they are sealed and require no maintenance. Float switch:  This is the mechanism that tells the sump pump when to kick into action. Having it automatically triggered in times of crisis is invaluable, as it w...

If you’ve recently noticed water collecting inside the plastic of your basement’s insulation, you’re right to be concerned about it. However, this is a very common issue according to the   basement waterproofing professionals in Essex County, NJ . Here’s everything you should know: Why is there moisture in my basement insulation?  The primary cause of this moisture is condensation. It’s a common issue with basements that are new. You’ll notice this moisture more through the hottest and most humid months. It forms when the warm, moist air in your basement comes into contact with the cooler basement walls – the same result on a cold can of soda when it beads with moisture if outside in the heat. It’s more common in newer basements: the walls often take years to cure and are still releasing moisture into the air from the original concrete mixture. This won’t harm your basement, however, but it’s important to let this process reach its natural end and for the walls to...

Cold, ice, snow and mud – these winter weather hazards can wreak havoc on your basement and home if you aren’t prepared for them. Here are some top tips from local specialists in  basement waterproofing in Staten Island, NY . Insulate your pipes:  Pipes in the basement are especially vulnerable to freezing in the winter, becoming blocked and then leaking as the temperatures warm up. Insulating these pipes properly will keep a steady flow of water to your home and prevent costly repairs. Wrap pipes with heat tape or cables, leave bathroom cabinets open at night to allow warm air near the pipes and drip water from faucets overnight to help prevent freezing. Check your sump pump:  Look for water pooling around your sump pump hose or pools of moisture collecting on your basement floor. These can freeze in winter and prevent your sump pump from working properly to move water out of your basement in the event of a storm. Discharge lines should also move the water well aw...

French drains are also known as rubble drains or sub-surface drains, and weren’t invented by the French – instead, they were the brainchild of Henry French of Massachusetts. These drains are used outdoors in yards and agricultural spaces to help water flow properly and prevent soggy ground. Why do homes need French drains? If your home is on clay soil and you find that rainwater tends to pool in the yard or against your walls, a  French drain  is a must-have feature. Pooled water doesn’t just mean lots of mud for the dogs to track in – it means high hydro static pressure against your foundation and basement walls, which can lead to cracks, sinking, leaks and serious structural damage over time. It’s a good idea to consider a French drain if you have a problem with surface water, your driveway is getting washed out, your basement is getting wet or if you are building a retaining wall into a hillside. How do French drains work?  These drains are low-tech and sim...

Have you ever looked at your basement walls or floor and noticed a white, dusty substance? This is efflorescence. It’s not dangerous in itself, in fact, it’s composed of the minerals found in concrete, soil and water – but it is the sign of a basement leak, and that is a serious problem. Essentially, water leaks through from the soil outside your home, bringing in minerals with it. This water then moves through your concrete basement foundation or walls, picking up more minerals as it goes. Once it leaks out into your basement, it evaporates and leaves behind this mineral residue. The crystals will continue to grow while the leak remains, and while they often are seen on the outside of the wall or floor, they can form inside the structure as well. This often results in something called spalling, which can be seen when the surface starts to peel, crumble and flake as the crystals grow and push through. How to clean off and prevent efflorescence Cleaning efflorescence off you...

Moisture is every basement’s worst enemy – it’s the cause behind mold problems, damp, bad smells and even structural issues. So how can homeowners help prevent it? Here are some tips from  basement waterproofing experts in Monmouth County, NJ . Open sump pump basin :  Your sump pump might be behind your basement moisture problems if it hasn’t been set up properly. The sump pump basin needs a fitted lid to prevent water in the basin from evaporating into the air. Vents from your dryer:  If you use a dryer, you may notice that your basement feels damp and musty. This is likely due an issue with the vent pipe that is supposed to take moist air from the dryer to the outside. Look behind your dryer and make sure that the pipe is securely fastened to the outlet, run your dryer to check for leaks and then seal the pipe with foil tape where needed. Dirt or gravel crawlspaces:  These tend to add to the moisture in the basement because they allow ground moisture to eva...

Basement walls and foundations form an essential part of your home’s structural integrity, supporting the weight of your house and holding back the soil and moisture around them. This means that they are under considerable pressure, which can cause them to crack. Here are some important insights into what causes these cracks and how to repair them, from  basement foundation repair specialists in Morris County, NJ . Types of basement cracks:  These cracks are cause by shrinkage (when the basement foundation dries too quickly after being poured), settling (when the ground isn’t completely compressed under a new home) or movement (where the ground underneath and around the foundation shifts. Leaks through cracks:  This is a very serious issue, as it indicates that pressure from the ground around your home is forcing water through weak points in your basement, which can lead to structural problems. Basement floor leaks may require sealing, a replacement sump pump or be...

Properly configured and installed egress windows are an essential safety feature in any home basement, whether it is a finished space or not. They provide a safe exit in the event of emergencies where stairs and doorways are inaccessible or blocked, and they also provide a safe entry point for firefighters and other emergency workers in the event of a fire. Here are some tips from our basement waterproofing company in Rockland County, NY to help you get the right egress windows for your home. Metal window well liners: If you live in an area with clay soil, these are highly recommended for your egress windows. When clay soil gets wet, it expands significantly, putting considerable pressure on your basement walls and foundations. Liners that are not robust enough, like plastic liners, can easily come lose and let water and debris fill the well, becoming a leak risk for your home. Metal liners withstand this pressure more effectively, and can also survive the icy winter weather w...

While hurricane season only officially starts on June 1 st , this year has already seen significant Atlantic storm activity. Forecasters are predicting the arrival of around 11-17 named storms (winds of 39mph or more), with five of those likely strong enough to become hurricanes with winds over 74mph. Here are some tips from your basement waterproofing company in Bergen County NJ on how to prepare your home and your family. Shutters and coverings: Window shutters and other coverings can provide great protection for your home from flying debris and wind, but only if they are installed correctly – otherwise, they may end up doing more harm than good. Always use approved products and have them installed and inspected by contractors with the correct permits. Have your roof inspected: Roof damage is the biggest reason for post-hurricane insurance claims, and even minor damage to your home’s roof can lead to extensive water and structural damage. Have a licensed contractor inspect...

If you suffer from allergies in the spring, your home may be to blame. Excess moisture from the air or a leak can make cupboards, floors, attics and crawlspaces a haven for mold, and these spores can cause serious breathing problems, allergic reactions and respiratory issues. Here are some tips from  basement waterproofing experts in Morris County, NJ , on keeping your home mold free. Keep moist areas well ventilated:  Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and basements are areas that naturally get exposed to a lot of water, so extra effort is needed to keep them dry. Try to keep windows open in the bathroom and mop up excess water after bathing or showering. If you can, dry laundry outside rather than in a dryer, install an extractor above your stove in the kitchen, or install dehumidifiers in these rooms to extract the excess water out of the air. Check for leaks:  If you find mold or damp in an area that won’t go away, you may have a leak. It’s best to call in th...

Humidity is a fact of life in New Jersey, but the right preparations to your home in the spring time can help you make even the worst of humid summer days bearable. Not only is excess humidity uncomfortable, it also promotes the growth of mold in the home, which can create unpleasant smells, damage to your home and furniture and health complications. Here are some tips from  basement waterproofing specialists in Monmouth County, NJ . Invest in a dehumidifier:  If you don’t already have a dehumidifier built into your air conditioning system, you can invest in a separate unit that you can activate during the summer. These allow you to set the right amount of moisture in your air (it should stay around 40% for optimal health and comfort) and remove excess water by condensing it and extracting it to outside the home. You can get a small unit just for certain rooms in your home, for example, the bathroom, or whole home units. Install fans:  Fans increase air circulati...

As a prudent property owner, one expects to always hire the safest and the most reliable basement waterproofing contractor. However, in some cases, the experience goes bad and the expected results are not achieved. In order to make it easy and comfortable for property owners to choose and work with the best basement waterproofing New Jersey contractors, some essential questions have been listed. By using these pointers as a reference, one can be certain about placing the property into safe hands. 1)    How long have been specializing in the field of basement waterproofing? Substantial experience indicates in-depth expertise and adds to the credibility factor. It assures that the company can handle all types of basement waterproofing NJ repairs. Generally, when a contractor is questioned about his experience, he tends to share details of his previous projects. This is a clear sign of confidence and an opportunity to get references from other clients too. 2)...

A remodeled, functional and attractive basement is a valuable asset to any New Jersey home, so it’s no surprise that this is such a popular project for homeowners to take on. Whether you want to turn your basement into a man-cave, a media room, a guest suite or an office space, it is vital that one thing is always done first: waterproofing. Here’s what the  basement waterproofing specialists in Morris County, NJ  have to say. Basements need more than a superficial fix  Many homeowners think that, like other rooms in their house, a basement just needs a fresh coat of paint, some good flooring and the right furnishings to make it into the perfect space. Unfortunately, because they are underground and form part of the home’s foundations, things are not as simple as that. Prone to leaks, dark and continually subjected to the pressures of soil, water, snow and rain, basement face a lot of wear and tear. This makes them vulnerable to leaks, damp and mold as well as cracki...

If your New Jersey home or business property has a basement or crawlspace, the chances are that it has a sump pump. These pumps work hard through the rainy season as well as when the winter snow starts to melt to remove excess water from your basement and prevent damage to your home. If the pump fails due to a power outage, your basement can flood surprisingly quickly. The best way to prevent this is to have some form of backup power, say basement waterproofing specialists in Bergen County, NJ. Battery backup power for sump pumps  This is the simplest and most affordable system to keep your sump pump running reliably, even in storms where severe flooding occurs and power has to be turned off. These batteries are charged using hydroelectricity and need to be replaced every 5 years and discharged periodically to maintain their ability to hold a charge. These backup systems can be linked to phones and other devices that will send you a notification when they kick in, so you know...

Many leaky basements can be blamed not on their composition or build quality, but on the garden. It might sound surprising but a bad landscaping job can leave you with a soggy, leaking basement that floods, cracks, grows mold and compromises your home’s structural integrity. Here are some tips from basement waterproofing specialists in Morris County, NJ on how to get your landscaping right. • Always channel water away from the home: A surprising amount of gardens are created for their beauty without any thought to how they affect the home. Channeling water away from the home is important because this prevents a buildup of pressure against the basement walls as soil swells up with excess water. If it is too difficult to change the slope of your yard, creating a designated dry creek filled with river rock or stone can be used as a channel to divert water flow. • Know your soil: Soil with a high clay content will absorb water and swell more than soil that is sandier. If you liv...

Basement flooding is a problem that develops unnoticed and can lead to huge losses. Most homeowners neglect the basement and only realize too late that there has been an underlying problem. Whether you are using the basement or not, you need to constantly check for leaks. If you notice standing water on the basement floor, it is time to call a qualified basement waterproofing NJ expert. Here are 5 reasons why you should invest in the services of a basement waterproofing expert: 1.    Increase Your Living Space As the cost of real estate continues to escalate, it is important for a homeowner to maximize available space. Your basement can go from a forgotten room to an amazing games room or even a spare bedroom. Waterproofing experts ensure that they diagnose the source of the water and repair it permanently, enabling you to renovate hassle free. 2.    Improved Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) According to the United States Environmental Protection Age...

It’s the New Year and time for homeowners to make the most of their most significant and useful investments – their properties. Keeping your home warm, dry and mold-free is essential to a healthy, comfortable and structurally sound home – so here’s why Bonded Waterproofing should be your first call for  basement waterproofing in Staten Island, NY . • Not just waterproofing: While waterproofing is our specialty, we can also assist you with other moisture issues in your home. This includes dehumidifiers, installation and servicing of sump pumps, French drain installation, crawl space vapor barrier installation, basement repairs and mold removal/remediation. • Lifetime warranty: Our lifetime warranty is the best in the industry because it covers labor, products and materials not just for the duration of your lifetime, but for the lifetime of your home, including all future owners while the structure stands. That’s how confident we are of the quality of our work! • Free, no obligat...