Mold and Moisture and Mildew, Oh My! Years ago, basements were used mainly for storage space. Basements derive from root cellars which were used to store food before refrigerators were invented. Over time, basements have transitioned from practical storage areas to valuable living spaces. From home offices to elaborate game rooms, basements are an extension of the home and can serve many different purposes. No matter how you use your basement, you never want moisture to become a problem. While basement waterproofing effectively removes the water in your basement, it doesn’t remove humidity. That’s why, when you schedule basement waterproofing…

How It Affects Your Basement and What You Can Do About It. If you’re a fan of the band Queen, you know their hit song “Under Pressure.” (Did the song just start playing in your head? You aren’t alone!) As waterproofing experts, the word “pressure” resonates with us. Why? Because we work with pressure every day! That is, hydrostatic pressure. Hydrostatic pressure refers to the pressure of standing water. Here in New Jersey, hydrostatic pressure is a force to reckon with. While we can’t combat nature and stop water from infiltrating the soil, there’s plenty we can do to protect…

Go on the Offensive With an Interior French Drain While NJ spring rains mark the start of a vibrant growing season, those April and May storms come at a price. Spring precipitation and hailstorms can strike quickly: deluging your yard, crawl space and basement with water and putting your home and health at risk. Blue Umbrella partners with residents in Union County and beyond to develop French drains and moisture management systems that keep homes safe and families dry. What Is a French Drain? At their most basic, French drains are trenches filled with rock designed to direct water away…

Finding the Best Basement Waterproofing Company Water problems are a messy, smelly hassle—and they could put your health at risk. When there’s standing water in your basement, foundation walls are bowed or your crawl space is damp and musty, it’s time to call a New Jersey waterproofing expert. The longer you wait to tackle basement water problems and foundation repairs, the more likely you’ll be stuck with toxic mold growth, costly water damage or a structural catastrophe that leaves you scrambling. You know you need someone FAST, but choosing a Union County waterproofer can be tricky! Who can you trust?…

Yes. Here’s Why. If you’ve ever taken a music class, you probably learned about pitch. The note should ring out clear without sounding too sharp or too flat. Whether you’re singing or playing an instrument, the pitch can make or break any musical performance. Pitch takes on a different meaning in the basement waterproofing industry, though it’s just as important. When we’re completing a sump pump installation in Cranford, NJ, or another waterproofing service in NJ, we focus on the pitch. Just like a singer aims to hit the perfect pitch, we do the same with our waterproofing systems. Much…

Don’t Leave Your Basement in the Cold So far, it’s been a forgiving winter. Despite some cold snaps, there’s been very little snowfall (did we just jinx it?!) But we aren’t in the clear yet. If you recall past winters, we’ve seen our fair share of snow in New Jersey. Question is: How do snow and cold temperatures affect your home? Whether you’re already living with a leaky basement or you’re starting to notice some small changes to your walls or floors, here’s what you should know about winter and your basement. Water Expands When It Freezes Burst pipes are…

Time to Rake in the Benefits If there’s one thing New Jersey saw plenty of this summer, it’s rain. According to NJ state climatologist Dave Robinson, over the past month and a half, parts of the state were hit with up to three times more rain than normal. Wet summers like these can wreak havoc on basements that are already damaged. If your basement floods or you’ve noticed other issues such as wall cracks, musty smells and bowed walls, consider partnering with your local waterproofing company in Union County, NJ, to protect your basement this fall. The Autumn Weather Is…

Time to Relieve That Pressure Do you remember learning about dams in science class? These barriers are used to retain water and provide more control over a water supply. Wet basements are similar to dams…with one major difference. While dams are designed to release water on demand, basements don’t have this luxury. When water infiltrates the foundation, it will continue to rise and exert pressure on the walls, which can result in a leaky basement, structural damage and more. This is when weep holes make all the difference. By drilling weep holes into the foundation, we’re able to reduce hydrostatic…

Protect Your NJ Home With the Experts This Summer Temperatures are rising. Families are vacationing. After a long and unforgiving winter, summer is finally here. Just in time for the celebrations, we’re making a splash with our brand new website! As your local waterproofing contractor in Union County, NJ, Blue Umbrella Waterproofing will be making its way across the state this summer. Not sure where to find us? Send us a message online! One Umbrella, Decades of Experience Though the company is new, our industry expertise runs deep. Owner Steve Karlik was first introduced to waterproofing at a young age.…