Month: September 2024

Old or aging windows can cause a lot of headaches for homeowners. A lot of heat is lost through old windows. So window replacements, especially those ENERGY STAR windows, can be a great solution. In addition, Vancouver’s damp weather can more easily seep through old, ineffective windows. This excess moisture can cause additional issues for homeowners, like mould growth or drywall damage. For these reasons and more, it could be time for a window replacement.

Here are the top 10 window companies in Vancouver, in no particular order, these great companies offer high-quality and energy-efficient windows that will benefit you and your home.

The Independent Installations Co. is a family-owned door and window company in Vancouver. The team of two brothers has served the lower mainland with their window and door expertise for over 30 years. Their focus for every renovation project is to deliver the best service possible through careful craftsmanship and paying attention to customer needs. The Independent Installations Co. works exclusively with Starline Windows, PlyGem, and All Weather Windows. These three window suppliers can offer a wide range of styles, window shapes, and different degrees of energy efficiency. These three lines of window products will also give homeowners a nice set of options for each budget.

Key Services & Features

– Over 30 years of window and door experience
– Residential window replacement, installation, and repairs
– Commercial window repair, replacements, and installation
– Shower doors and enclosures
– Residential and commercial door installations
– Patio door installation
– Preferred products include PlyGem, All Weather Windows, and Starline Windows

Customer Feedback

Ian was a pleasure to work with on our new home build. Our contractor hired him and his team to do our windows and doors and they exceeded our expectations. one of the windows was missing a part and they sent a service team out to fix it right away. Was a great experience.

-Paul & Susan, Company Website

Networx Windows and More opened in 1999. However, the company’s president and owner have been in the renovation industry for much longer of a time. Tony Van Delft started out as a construction worker before starting his own framing company. In the earlier days, Networx focused on interior renovations but soon grew to include a much larger line of services. The company is now an interior and exterior renovation company with a large product line for window replacements. All of their window products are ENERGY STAR-certified and can add to the beauty of your home in addition to energy efficiency. The Networx window services can be coupled with other exterior renovations like door installations or siding replacement. Networx can also couple new windows with a long list of interior renovation services.

Key Services & Features

– Residential window replacement, installation, and repairs
– Work with a variety of window types: awning, bay, casement, single or double hung, picture, horizontal sliding, or garden windows
– New siding installation with James Hardie or vinyl
– Interior residential renovations
– Entry, patio, and sliding glass doors
– Have a large Vancouver showroom with window, siding, and door products on display

Customer Feedback

We have a 35 year old home in Langley Meadows that needed new siding and windows. Tony and his crew are professional and courteous with attention for detail. We had a number of other companies quote us and we found Networx followed up the fastest and provided an amazing customer focused experience. We love the end result and have had many neighbours and friends comment on the quality of the workmanship! We’re sincerely thrilled and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this company!

-Mark, Google

3. Window Mart Windows & Doors

Window Mart Windows & Doors provide certified ENERGY STAR-rated windows. They are energy-efficient and high quality, making them the perfect choice for Canadian climates. Furthermore, their windows and doors are manufactured in Canada. They specialize in unique vinyl windows custom-built to fit your home. Their fibreglass and steel entry doors are also made to meet your building’s architectural requirements. They offer several payment plans, making financing your window replacement easy and stress-free. When looking for replacement windows, Edmonton homeowners should consider Window Mart Windows & Doors.

Key Services 

– Window and door new installations and replacements
– Canadian-manufactured windows and doors
– Use energy-efficient products
– Many styles and colours to choose from
– Professionally trained installation teams
– Flexible financing options are available
– Lifetime warranty

Customer Feedback

Our experience with Window Mart was great. Denys, our project manager, was very professional, knowledgeable, patient, and overall made the process easy for us. Alex was in charge of our window installation. He and his team worked fast and efficiently to produce a product we are very satisfied with. As for our door, despite the cold weather, Serhiy and his team were able to install our new door in a day and it looks amazing. We’ve received many compliments from our neighbourhood and friends. We HIGHLY recommend Window Mart for anyone looking for fast, yet high quality service!

– PJane Muca, Google

4. Renewal by Andersen

Renewal Andersen began business over 115 years ago. And today, with owner Chris Dunn, Renewal Anderson serves Greater Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and south Vancouver Island. These window and door experts are committed to delivering excellence on every project. And their window and door renovation services can show excellence in various forms.

Renewal Andersen has many window replacement styles from which to choose. Their windows all use ENERGY STAR-certified glass and Renewal Andersen’s patented Fibrex window frames. These Fribrex materials are a wood and vinyl composite that comes in 47 different colour options. The Fibrex windows can be applied to various styles like an awning, casement, bay or picture, sliding, and double-hung windows.

Key Services & Features

– Residential window replacement and installation
– Work with a variety of window types: awning, bay, casement, double hung, picture, sliding, or specialty windows
– Door replacement and installation
– Work with a variety of door types
– Only use ENERGY STAR-certified products
– Window frames are all made of their patented Fibrex material

Customer Feedback

Fantastic experience with Renewal by Anderson. Installation team was very professional and left our home site in excellent condition. The installation team was concerned about our satisfaction and we were very satisfied with the windows that were installed.

-Bryon, Google

5. Tri Cities Glass Station

The Tri Cities Glass Station is a full-service glass shop. It began as a window repair company in Vancouver in 1996. The Tri Cities Glass Station now assists with high-quality glass renovations for all areas of the home, in addition to windows. For all glass renovation projects, their focus is on customers and customer needs. These could include timelines, budgets, and styles.

Furthermore, they are experienced with window repairs of all kinds and offer thorough assessments of old windows before suggesting the best way to save energy in your home. The Glass Station can replace your windows, as well as almost any glass in your house, or on the exterior, such as in railings. Tri Cities also take on commercial glass projects, including all designing and planning.

Key Services & Features

– Residential window replacement, installation, and repairs
– Shower doors and enclosures
– Custom mirrors and glass solutions
– Commercial window repair, replacements, and installation
– Exterior and interior glass railings
– Glass partitions
– Coloured and patterned glasswork
– Routine window maintenance

Customer Feedback

I dealt with this company in 2020 for 2 glass shelves I needed for an IKEA cupboard that had to be cut down to fit in my space. The shelves were beautiful, fit perfectly and ready for my pick up pretty fast. FF to 2023, I decided I needed another shelf for the same cabinet and I called them to see if I had to bring one in. They had me on file and it was incredibly fast and simple to reorder another one. I will definitely keep the Glass Station on file for any future needs. Excellent service!

-D, Google

 

 

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6. LongLife Windows & Doors

LongLife Windows & Doors are a family-owned window replacement company in Vancouver. With a commitment to customer service and satisfaction, they focus on the quality of projects rather than quantity and on staying local. The windows from LongLife are all made with VinylTek, which is manufactured in Delta, and with the lower mainland’s weather in mind. This series of VinylTek windows are ENERGY STAR-certified and can be suited to any style. LongLife can install these local products as convenient sliding windows, sleek casement windows, or any style you desire. These windows are fully customizable with LongLife’s window professionals.

Key Services & Features

– Residential window replacement, installation, and repairs
– Work with a variety of window types, including sliding, casement, and tilt & turn windows
– Residential door replacement and installation
– Patio door installation
– Work with a variety of door types
– Authorized dealer of Emtek door hardware

Customer Feedback

We are so pleased with our new windows! Long Life did our whole townhouse. From start to finish this company paid attention to every detail. The team that came was friendly, professional, and clean!!! They left my floors cleaner than when they arrived! The caulking is perfect. The install was so smooth. Highly recommended!! Thanks Paul and team!

-Lisa, Google

7. West Coast Windows

The West Coast Windows team is considered one of the top window companies in Vancouver and services many other areas. Those in the Okanagan, Fraser Valley, Whistler, on the Sunshine Coast,  or on Vancouver Island can take advantage of these high-quality window installations. And West Coast Windows has nearly 40 years of experience installing windows for this region’s unique climate. West Coast Windows does a great job of mixing the function of these windows with unique styles, as well. They have a number of modern and stylish window installation series. These include Vista, which offers sweeping views of the outside, or the Pinnacle, which offers a classic feel.

Key Services & Features

– Residential window replacement, installation, and repairs
– Work with a variety of window types, including sliding, casement, awning, single hung, picture, bay, bow, and specialty windows
– Offer their own different window-style series
– Residential door replacement and installation
– Work with a variety of door types
– Patio door installation
– Over 45 years of window and door installation experience
– Manufacturer of vinyl windows and doors

Customer Feedback

West Coast windows are a very good company. Their product is great quality and the install, customer service and response from their staff are all first class. They are priced middle of the road and the value for money is worth it. They provided well fitting windows and sliding doors. Their honest advice and attention to detail made the process very easy.

-Barry, Google

8. Centra Windows

Centra Windows is an employee-owned company in Vancouver that install windows and manufacture them. They call themselves the Window Geeks and have over 35 years of combined experience.  All of their window installations are completed with high attention to quality and customer satisfaction. Their window expertise can be applied to other home renovation projects, too, like front doors and patio doors and installations for full strata communities. You can count on Centra to suggest the best type of windows for your needs, too. Centra can install windows that reduce noise or which control moisture, both of which are helpful features in Vancouver windows.

Key Services & Features

– Residential window replacement, installation, and repairs
– Work with a variety of window types, including sliding, casement, awning, bay, bow, picture, and custom windows
– Window replacements and installations for strata communities
– Residential door replacement and installation
– Work with a variety of door types
– Patio door installation
– Close to 40 years of window and door experience
– Manufacturer of windows and doors

Customer Feedback

We were rather daunted at the prospect of replacing all of our windows, but when Centra showed up, all of our fears disappeared! Such a great group of friendly and very professional guys who got the job done in just over a week, and were a real pleasure to work with. Special thanks to Josh L, Scott, Andrew Cartwright, Elijah, Giovanni, Marshall, Graham and Konnor. You were all amazing! Our new windows look stunning!

-Ian, Google

9. A1 Windows

A1 started as a small vinyl window shop in Burnaby 30 years ago. A1 Windows now serve the lower mainland and Vancouver areas with a complete line of window services. They manufacture their own vinyl and aluminum windows, can install each with high standards for quality, and can add door replacements in the process. One of A1’s newest products is the REHAU GENEO Tilt & Turn Windows. These give you the option of bringing the outdoors into your home and are windows that essentially give you more patio space. And while the new tilt & turn windows look great, they also have high functionality with a compressed seal for optimal temperature control and a stable and durable structure.

Key Services & Features

– Residential window replacement, installation, and repairs
– Vinyl windows and patio door installations
– REHAU Geneo Tilt & Turn Window installation
– Aluminum window and aluminum patio door installation
– Large window showroom in Burnaby
– Work with a variety of window types, including sliding, casement, awning, custom, and fixed windows

Customer Feedback

2nd Project that they have done for me and I’m again 110% happy. 7 windows installed in 6 hours in an old 1953 unit. Old ones removed, new ones installed, caulked, cleaned up and old ones to the Dump after. Can’t say enough good things about the owner Sarb, his office staff and installers.

-David, Google

10. Canadian Choice Windows & Doors

Canadian Choice Windows and Doors are a nationwide company with door and window services in Vancouver. They also service Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Southern Ontario. As a Vancouver window and door company, their local sales staff, installers, and managers are experienced with the local climate. For example, they can focus on installing windows for the Vancouver rain and moisture. Canadian Choice uses draftLOCK windows, which work to reflect summer heat, reflect winter cold, and leave out moisture. These windows can be installed in a huge variety of shapes and styles, too, and with additional accessories like security cameras.

Key Services & Features

– Residential window replacement, installation, and repairs
– Residential door replacement and installation
– Coloured and patterned glasswork
– Work with DraftLOCK windows and doors
– Patio door installation
– Vinyl window installation
– Work with a variety of window types including sliding, casement, awning, bay, and bow, double hung tilt, tilt & turn, custom, and architectural windows
– Showrooms located in various Canadian cities in addition to Vancouver

Customer Feedback

We’ve replaced a window in a master bedroom recently. Instead of two small windows, we installed one large window. Everything went through great. Installation was perfect, installers was very professional and polite, the quality of windows is amazing. Thank you guys, will definitely order the rest of the windows for my house with your company. Highly recommend.

-Pavlo, Google

Get started by contacting the listed window companies in Vancouver!

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If you love your home and its location but need more square footage to make home life exceptional, a home addition may be the best solution. Adding to the home you love can be a wise investment if done well, and we’re here to help you establish your goals and find the best design solution for your home and family! If you are searching for inspiration, check out some of our recent home addition projects.

Many factors can make up the total cost of your home addition project, but a few common factors will likely affect the cost of your addition the most. Let’s go through them together as you begin your home addition design-build journey.

1. STRUCTURAL WORK:

Before you begin planning the specifics of your addition, take time to consider what type of addition you need. There are a few different types of additions you can pursue.

Single-Story: If you’re thinking of adding a sunroom, a laundry/mudroom, or bumping out your kitchen or living room to add an island or more living space, a single-story addition is great if you have the space on your property. Single-story additions are categorized as square footage that is added to the ground level of a home without adding additional floors.

Two-Story: Two-story additions are commonly built as a single-story addition with a 2nd floor above it. These are most common when adding a master suite on the second level over an expanded kitchen or other space below.

Second-Story: An addition built on top of an existing floor is categorized as a second-story addition. Second-story additions require more structural planning, support, and construction than single-story additions. They also require a highly skilled and coordinated team of construction professionals since the entire home is exposed to the elements temporarily during construction. These combined elements result in a typically more expensive renovation than a single or two-story add-on.

Basement Addition: Basement additions can be added underneath an existing home. This is an ideal solution if you need additional square footage and cannot build up or out on your property. However, the cost to lift the home, remove the existing foundation, excavate, and build a new basement foundation must be considered when budgeting for this type of renovation.

The foundation of your existing home will need to be carefully evaluated for soundness when planning your project to determine that it can support additional structure and weight.

2. ADDITION SIZE:

The size of your addition is one of the most impactful factors when considering project cost. Homeowners often start by asking how much their addition will cost per square foot. This conversation is best reserved for new home construction where set costs can more easily be predetermined.  Because every addition has unique needs, challenges, and factors that make up the overall cost, it is difficult for any contractor to standardize an accurate price per square foot for addition projects. Homeowners should beware of contractors or architects who may lead with this type of analysis as it may be misleading at best.

As you plan your addition, there are two things that typically ring true no matter the type of addition regarding cost:

– Generally speaking, size does matter. The larger the addition, the more materials and associated labor there will be.

– There will always be fixed costs associated with a home addition regardless of size. Whether it’s 200 square feet or 2,000, there will be architectural and design fees, permitting fees, possibly survey costs, engineering, utility fees, and demolition costs. More square footage only means those fixed costs are spread out.

3. MATERIALS & FINISHES:

Interior Products

Finish products and material selections will impact your overall budget differently depending on what your addition requires, as well as the quality and level of products you choose. Whether it’s flooring, cabinetry, countertops, appliances, fixtures, millwork, etc, an experienced designer can be instrumental in helping navigate your selection options to help you achieve the look and functionality you desire within a predetermined investment range.

Enough can’t be said about the value of employing an experienced design-build team when incorporating the complexity of efficient architectural design of a home addition paired with an interior design team that can package the selection process into the project from the beginning. The predictability of a project’s success in controlling cost can most effectively be achieved when these two things are done in tandem.

Siding

The cost of your siding and roofing can largely depend on what type of material you select. Our team most often installs vinyl, LP SmartSide siding, and Hardie board siding, vinyl typically being the most cost-effective option.

Based on the age of your home, matching your existing siding may be possible. Keep in mind that weather and sunlight may have faded the surfaces even if only a few years old, and new matching siding may still not be a perfect match. If a 90-degree plane is being added, a less-than-perfect siding mismatch may not be obvious.

If your renovation requires the addition of material on the same plane, that entire wall should be planned to be re-done. Sometimes removing material and re-using it from existing areas can be done with both siding as well as with brick or stone especially if a brick or stone is no longer available. A talented team of designers and installers must be utilized to make certain the effectiveness of such solutions will be assured.

Roofing

Roofing shingles are categorized primarily by their expected lifespan, which reflects their durability and performance over time.  Roofs in the Chicagoland area are commonly specified as a 3-dimensional architectural asphalt shingle with a 25 to 30-year expected lifespan.

More upscale options can include increased thickness in asphalt increasing the lifespan, composite roofing that can mimic cedar or shake, or steel that can have up to a 70-year lifespan.  Roofing material choice can significantly impact overall project cost, especially when many homeowners may take the opportunity to re-roof the entire home during a home addition project.

Windows 

Allowing natural light into your new addition is a fantastic way to brighten your space, and no matter what type of windows you select for your addition, they should be thoughtfully considered in your investment.

Vinyl windows are very popular and cost-effective. They are frequently specified for the Northwest geographical area, as many homes are already clad in vinyl. Desirable upgrades include an aluminum-clad exterior with either a primed or unfinished interior ready for staining or painting. Popular finishes like black-framed windows, exterior and interior, often come with an upgrade cost.

Many homeowners opt to replace all of the windows in their home at once, as it can be more cost-effective and convenient to do so while undergoing a renovation. The cost of the window itself is only one factor to consider. Redoing windows must also include a plan to handle millwork/finishing on the interior as well as siding re-work on the exterior to accommodate new window installation.

Options can vary in cost between brands like Pella, Marvin, and Anderson. Partnering with a professional familiar with the pros and cons of different window choices can be helpful to make sure you choose windows that complement both your style and investment goals. Window replacement during renovation may be a wise choice that boosts your home’s aesthetics and relative energy efficiency.

4. PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL, HVAC

If you are planning to include a new kitchen, bath, or laundry room in your home addition, you will likely need new electricity, plumbing, and ventilation. The impact this will have on your investment will vary depending on what is going into your addition and how it will tie into your existing mechanicals.

Existing mechanicals may need to be relocated or upgraded to accommodate the added square footage. An evaluation of your electrical panel most likely will result in the addition of more circuit breakers, upgrading the amp service, and in some cases, the replacement or addition of an entire electrical panel. Tie-ins to your existing furnace system may need to be evaluated and increased to handle the added spaces. The option of radiant heat, which works great in the mid-west to maintain an optimal air environment, may be considered instead of more forced air.

Older homes frequently contain galvanized pipe that has become corroded and may require upgrades to copper (sometimes PEX) for better functionality. We have found in different geographical areas around the Northwest Suburbs that we see differences in what is currently installed and will make recommendations accordingly. Existing plumbing or electrical that might not be to code may need to be addressed if it is exposed during the addition project.

5. HOME ADDITION DESIGN

The shape and architectural complexity of your addition’s design will influence the cost of your addition. Your addition should blend seamlessly with the rest of your home’s aesthetics, and building a structure that achieves this is a primary goal of every good addition design.

Every home has its own mix of architectural details that your design and build team will carefully consider when designing your addition. Each architectural style has its own set of guidelines, which can impact the materials needed for your project. For example, in a true Victorian or Contemporary style, there is often more custom siding, windows, roof angles, and decorative millwork than in homes with blended styles. In the Chicago suburbs, there is a mix of historical homes with distinct architectural styles and neighborhoods with transitionally designed homes that are a blend of different styles.

Transitional style homes are characterized by their mixture of contemporary and traditional aesthetics, and they offer more flexibility when designing an addition. More simplistic or rectangular addition shapes are most economical compared to more non-traditional shapes with complex angles and details. More roof lines and higher pitches on an addition can contribute to your project investment.

6. TIE IN & REWORK

One element that should be carefully considered in your addition is the tie-in and associated re-work that will be required within your existing home. Making sure that every point of contact is sound and secure from the foundation up is crucial. Each addition’s tie-in will be different depending on where the addition will connect to your home. A home addition that requires more linear feet of tie-in may disturb more of the existing space and require more re-work in the existing home.

Areas that tie-in can affect are the foundation, walls, ceilings, and roofs, and of course the interior finishing. Since many homes are receiving an addition because the family needs a larger kitchen or added bath, this may be an obvious factor, but it is still one worth mentioning since interiors can contribute to project costs just as much as the actual structural construction costs.

WHY CONSIDER DESIGN-BUILD?

Many homeowners today who are planning an addition to their home find it most beneficial to work with an experienced design-build team instead of hiring an architect separately and then trying to find an interior designer and contractor to produce the project.

The addition and renovation of an existing home is considerably more difficult than building a new home. There are numerous things to consider in design and product selection that will effectively integrate with your existing home. An experienced design-build team brings all these professionals together from the very beginning to streamline the planning and development process, allowing for a smoother construction process for the most predictable result.

Design-build clients have often reported that the most impactful thing that aided in developing and maintaining their budget was the design-build process with an experienced team.

As you plan your home’s expansion, establish your wants vs. needs list early in the design process. With your qualified design-build team, you will find a solution that complements the beauty of your home inside and out and enhances everyday life for your family. It can be a fun and exciting process that results in extended living spaces for you and your family that will truly change your life. Check out our home addition resources and project case studies to see how other local homeowners have added to their homes.

We are very pleased with the final result. Besides the beautiful finishing, the work was completed very quickly and with no disturbance at all. They are professional, punctual and polite. Also, they provide great customer service: Nik always replied to our emails and answered all our questions.

The quality/price of the Bathroom-Brothers is the best in town and we recommend them wholeheartedly. Next time we need a bathroom renovation, we won’t waste time shopping around, we will just call Bathroom Brothers.

– Masumi Tashiro

Exceptional detail, outstanding attention to specifics, best professionalism when it comes to contractors. Cannot recommend the Bathroom Brothers enough. Nik, Alex and the rest of the crew had gone above and beyond. Excellent value and impeccable results.

– Dennis Ruygrok

Used Bathroom Brothers to replace a basement shower stall. Nik and crew were very professional. Ensured proper precautions were in place to protect the flooring of the unit. Were on time for the job and brought lots of tools to handle the job. Estimated the time to complete the job very well. Went over what they were going to do. Old shower was removed and new one installed. They made some minor adjustments and reassembled the wood work around the shower so it looked great. Really happy with the results. Thanks Bathroom Brothers.

– Mark Kelly

From the initial quote to the final finishes, Richard was clear, knowledgeable and helpful. His crew of three worked at our house for a month and we were impressed with their attention to detail and excellent quality work. On top of this, they were very easy to have around, friendly, and cleaned their work areas every day. I did not expect living through a renovation to be so easy and smooth. We are completely satisfied with the work done.

– Jon and Melanie Alstad

The time had come to replace the cedar deck that wraps around our place. We knew we wanted to move into composite material vs replacing with wood in order to take advantage of “no maintenance”. Given that our house is log construction we wanted it to be done right so it would not look “fake”. We called Richard Lambert at Lambert Brothers Construction for help – he suggested the composite material and they did the work. I couldn’t be happier with the result. Thanks to Richard and Lambert Brothers for a great job!

– Pierre and Chris Bourret

Richard, you and your team know your stuff. My house was build in 1968 and had never been upgraded. We had to take everything down to the frame, redo major plumbing, electrical, structural wall removal, jackhammering the floors in the basement – you name it – we had to do it. The final product is amazing and the design is so much better than I had imagined. For anyone wanting to hire true professionals – You should hire Lambert Brothers. When my friends come over and I show them the renos for the first time – they all say “WOW!” In fact, I’ve already referred Lambert Brothers to 2 of my friends.

– Colin Christopher

What You Need To Know About Mold

The Health Risks of Mold

Molds are a class of naturally occurring fungi which thrive in warm, damp environments. As mold spreads, they slowly consume the surface they are growing on, breaking it down and spreading deeper into any suitable substrate. As these fungi reproduce, they disperse microscopic spores into the air.
Mold spores are a serious public health danger. Many people are sensitive to spores as an allergen. Wheezing, puffy and irritated eyes, and skin rashes can all result from mold exposure. Even mild exposure can cause problems for most people.
In an enclosed environment— like a bathroom or a basement—dangerous concentrations of mold spores can build in the air. Prolonged exposure to airborne mold spores can trigger severe reactions including fever and respiratory disorders.
People with weak or compromised immune systems, including children, cancer patients, and the elderly, are at risk of developing much more serious fungal diseases from mold exposure.
A rare subset of molds actually produce powerful mycotoxins. Acting similarly to heavy metal poisoning, even mild exposure to mycotoxins can cause health nightmares, and high levels of the toxin can cause seizures and death.

Property Damage from Mold

The thought of being hospitalized by invisible mold spores is scary, but mold can also cause damage to the structure of your home.
Mold will break down whatever surface it is growing on. Painted or lacquered finishes and decorative wood can be ruined, structural supports can be compromised, and extensive damage can spread unseen behind walls and under floors from just a single spore left in a humid environment. Mold can easily jump from a home’s walls to furniture and curtains, ruining them as well.

If there is mold in my home, should I get it tested?

There are services which will determine the presence of mold, and if present, the species of mold growing in your home for a fee. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention advises Americans that this is generally not necessary for mold found in a private residence. Problematic mold is plainly visible to the naked eye, so no tests are required to confirm its presence.
Certain cases might require an identification of the mold strain to plan remediation, and remediation experts will advise whether they believe the mold should be tested.
The bulk of diseases related to mold exposure are allergic immune system reactions. These are triggered by sensitive tissue’s exposure to microscopic spores, and the actual species of mold has no particular influence on the allergic response.
Furthermore, there are no medical standards for an “acceptable” level of mold exposure, or an acceptable species of mold in the home. If mold is visible or can be smelled, it is a public health risk and the CDC strongly advises remediation regardless of what strain or concentration of mold is present.

Green, white, red, black—does mold’s color matter?

Nightly news scare stories and old wives tales like to push a dangerous myth: that a certain kind of mold is more deadly than the rest. They call it toxic black mold.
This myth created a misunderstanding that only black molds present a serious health risk. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
Most health risks from mold are an allergic response, and the human immune system doesn’t discriminate between green and black spores as they irritate skin and sensitive tissues like the eyes and lungs. Some rare molds do produce dangerous toxins, but they aren’t limited by color. A fuzzy white mold colony is just as likely to be a toxin-bearing variety as a slimy black one.

How To Get Mold Removed

Mold damages whatever it grows on. Door frames, carpet, drywall, and furniture can all be permanently damaged by a mold colony. Once mold appears, homeowners must act quickly to eliminate the problem or damage will quickly spread.

Bleach and Elbow Grease

Small outbreaks of mold can often be contained by killing the mold with an antifungal agent and scrubbing the mold away with a stiff bristled brush. Chlorine bleach is the most effective cleaning agent for mold, since it kills bacteria and fungus on contact. Even if professional remediation is needed for an extensive outbreak of mold, a quick treatment of bleach by the homeowner can be used to slow the growth of mold till professionals can step in.

Professional Remediation

Scrubbing mold away with bleach might be an option for smaller problems like a moldy bathroom corner. Unfortunately, mold damage often works from the outside in. By the time mold is visible on interior walls, there is likely extensive damage hidden under the surface.
Removing the mold and preventing a recurrence—a process known as mold remediation—is a difficult service requiring a specific skill set and tools.

 Mold is a Sign of Water Problems

Mold is always a sign of water problems. Properly drained and ventilated rooms, even bathrooms or basements, should not develop mold colonies.
In basements, mold is often a result of poor drainage. If water is penetrating the foundation and soaking into walls and flooring, mold can quickly develop in the dark, humid space between walls or under carpets. Leaking pipes or damaged roofing can also lead to extensive mold problems.
By the time this mold is visible on the surface, extensive damage may have occurred behind it. So any remediation company you choose should be more than capable of killing the mold—they should have the tools and expertise to replace and repair damaged interiors as well.

What do professional mold remediators do?

Mold’s greatest danger comes from airborne spores, so professional mold remediators must take steps to prevent those spores from spreading and contamination the rest of a home as they clean the mold away. They must also find and fix whatever is letting water get into a dry space and causing mold to grow.

• Quarantine the Mold Damage

The first step to limiting the damage caused by mold is by containing the spores in an already damaged area.
To do this mold remediators set up special HEPA air filtration and plastic barriers between their work area and the rest of the home. Mold spores are small enough to fit through most home air filters, so a normal home HVAC system can’t stop mold from spreading.
While working in the quarantine zone, mold remediators will don respirators and wear protective clothing to limit their exposure. If this sounds like overkill, remember that certain strains of mold can be highly toxic.

Mold is a symptom of water problems, and the source must be found before mold can be removed for good. Sometimes the water problem is obvious, like a leaking pipe or burned-out sump pump. Other times, the issue can be poor drainage, and a French drain or sump pump installation must occur to prevent water from ruining the remediator’s work.

Some things just can’t be saved. Ceiling tiles, insulation batting, paper products, and some furniture might be impossible to sanitize. The EPA recommends these materials be bagged and discarded with care.
Sanitize and Dry Salvageable Material
Flooring, drywall, and hardwood surfaces can often be cleaned and preserved. Dehumidifiers and fans can accelerate the drying process, while commercial disinfectant can kill lingering mold spores. Concrete block and masonry can usually be saved as well.

The extent of mold damage will dictate how much repair work is needed. Calling professionals early in a mold infestation can limit the damage to some paint and trim work to reclaim a room from mold. Severe, lingering mold might require whole walls and ceilings to be replaced.

Basement Waterproofing by Al: Remediators You Can Trust

If you are facing mold problems in New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania, ask the experts at Basement Waterproofing by Al for a consultation. With over 25 years of experience in the remediation industry, the family owned and operated team is ready to tackle your mold and basement water damage needs.

Visit their website or call (609) 488-4400 to schedule a consultation.

Finishing your basement is one of the most impactful ways to maximize the square footage of your existing home. We’ve said it before, but basements are often the most valuable, untapped square footage of your home! Some of our most exciting projects have been basement remodels – if you need some ideas to spark inspiration, be sure to check out our most popular basement remodels.

As you take your first steps toward this exciting home enhancement, we’re here to help you understand the numerous components that make up the total cost of a basement remodel. Here are the most common factors that can impact your finished basement investment:

1. MECHANICAL MODIFICATIONS:

If your remodel requires you to modify or upgrade your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to heat and cool your basement properly, this can quickly affect your total basement cost. A heat load calculation will typically be completed during the construction walkthrough to see how much airflow is needed for your basement, this will help determine whether or not your existing system needs to be addressed.

The plumbing and electrical work required to add or finish out a basement bathroom, kitchen, wet bar, or laundry room can also impact your investment range. The more of these items you desire to add, the more you need to budget for them.

Sump pumps, which remove water from excess rains, melting snow, or ordinary groundwater are highly recommended for all basements, and are a must for finished ones. If you have an existing sump pump that is old or does not have a battery backup, it’s a good time to replace it as part of your project.  Think of it like an insurance policy on your investment in your finished basement.

2. STRUCTURAL CHANGES:

The lower level of your home often comes with ceiling height limitations and structural beams. Our team most often recommends drywall ceilings in our finished basement projects for a seamless extension of your existing home, however there are a few other ways you can address your ceilings. Some other creative ceiling solutions we produce are dry fall ceilings and designed-in drop ceilings. Each of these options will vary in cost.

What is a dry fall ceiling?

A specialty type of paint/coating that is sprayed to cover your ceiling. It is typically a more cost-effective option, adheres well, and is long-lasting. Clients who are looking for an industrial ceiling style often opt for this option and coat their ceilings and exposed mechanicals black. Your ceiling height doesn’t necessarily change, but it looks more finished and intentional than leaving it as is.

Creative drop ceilings:

A drop ceiling hangs below the main ceiling of your basement to hide mechanicals, typically made of a metal framework and ceiling tiles. In our experience, many clients prefer a drywall ceiling to a drop ceiling, unless they are looking for something like a copper drop ceiling accent above a bar or kitchen. Drop ceilings tend to feel more commercial, think of offices or businesses with ceiling tiles. Drop ceilings do allow you to access plumbing or mechanicals, which can be useful if you need several points of access throughout your finished basement.

Are drywall ceilings ordinary?

No! Drywalling your ceiling will make your basement feel like a seamless, finished extension of your other living spaces. Sometimes mechanicals may need to be moved in order to achieve the most aesthetically pleasing drywalled ceiling design, which can impact your cost. A great design team can achieve a more spacious feel amongst the most difficult mechanicals with creative soffits in the design.

One efficient way to opt for drywall ceilings is to drywall the main living areas and expose mechanical rooms or private storage area ceilings. By doing so, you will still have access to plumbing and electrical mechanicals in the future, and it frees up more of your budget for other fun upgrades! A good design team creates some secret accesses to help with access requirements in the future in a great drywall design.

Adding framing to move or add walls, steel beams/posts, extra footings, or a staircase can influence your basement cost as well. Our designers often may recommend dressing up structural poles with decorative panels to incorporate them into the design if moving or removing them isn’t an option.

Partnering with a team that understands how to blend the creative potential and possible structural or ceiling limitations that come with basement remodels is crucial to maximizing the investment you’re making in your basement.

If your basement has cracks that need to be repaired or needs damp proofing, investing in repairs as part of your remodel may prevent additional moisture issues in the future.

3. CUSTOM FEATURES:

6. BASEMENT SIZE:

BriCor roofing installed our roof in 2012. Corey and his team were thorough, dependable, professional and excellent. (Corey even went around with a metal detector to make sure there were no roofing nails left beside the house that our kids could get hurt on). Fast forward 10 years and we have some ice-damming because the home owner (me) didn’t clean out the eaves…I called Corey out of the blue at 730am on a Monday morning. He was on the roof with his team by 1030am!! They cleared all the snow, removed ice, inspected, made recommendations around eaves and insulation…and wouldn’t take a penny. Truly guaranteed service and connection. Can’t recommend these guys enough!

– Tom Morgan

Bricor Roofing was recommended to me by a Co-worker, and they did not disappoint. Corey was great to deal with and provided exceptional customer service from start to finish. I really liked the way the quote was layed out, it made it very easy to understand all that was getting done. His crew did a great job on the roof and garbage cleanup around the house during/after. My wife and I were bringing our baby home from the NICU and with short notice he accommodated getting the roof done before baby was home. The 5 star rating is more than deserved!

– James Hertwig

Corey and the Bricor team did an amazing job on the roof at my business. They were prompt and professional, completed the job in a timely manner and left the job site clean. I was so impressed that when the roof at my condo needed to be replaced; they were my first call. Corey was there the very next day to do a quote and came in with the best price. The service was impeccable again. I highly recommend Bricor to anyone looking for a new roof. It is refreshing to deal with a company that is so reliable, consistent and fair with their pricing.

– Anita Boucher

Corey and the Bricor team were fantastic to work with. They did a beautiful job replacing the shingles on my complex (100 year-old) home and garage. They kept me in the loop on the schedule when the weather didn’t cooperate and checked with me before moving a bin onto the yard. When Corey completed his final inspection, he snapped some photos so I could see the details of what they’d done. This is the second time I’ve worked with Corey (he completed some minor repairs for me when I first moved in) and I think he’s excellent. He is professional, knowledgable, and friendly. I recommend Bricor to everyone!

– Anna

Water penetrating foundation walls is a leading cause of property damage. The foundation itself can weaken and crack if continuously exposed to water. And once the water penetrates your foundation, mold and mildew can ruin a basement and whatever is inside.

To keep your home dry and mold-free, you need to have your foundation properly waterproofed, ideally before damage happens.

My home is new. Do I still need waterproofing?

Unless you specifically requested full waterproofing on a new-construction home, its unlikely that your foundation is waterproof.

If you are lucky, there might be tar dampproofing, but exterior foundation waterproofing is not standard, even in areas with soggy clay soils and high water tables.

Black Tar Won’t Cut It

Waterproofing tar is the old-school way to keep a basement dry. Years ago most builders didn’t even think about “waterproofing” a foundation. In the last few decades, many builders in wet areas started slapping foundation tar onto poured concrete walls and calling it waterproofing. It’s better than nothing–but not by much.  

Foundation tar is only good as dampproofing. It’s a tough barrier that makes it harder for moisture in damp soil to seep through your foundation.

Once water has pooled up around your foundation, the asphalt is useless against water pressure. It also won’t stop damage from expansive soils, like the clay commonly found across New Jersey and Southeast Pennsylvania.

Get Technical

Construction technology has come a long way in the past thirty years. Technologies like carbon fiber and breathable polymer coatings were once limited to research labs and operating rooms. Now, they can be found at the local hardware store.

While there are a variety of products that can do the job, it is important that a waterproof foundation uses a membrane which actually forms a seal against water. Slapping black goo on your walls won’t do much more than bare concrete or a coat of housepaint to prevent long-term water damage.

Triple Protection

Best practices for waterproofing a foundation draw on three types of protection to keep your foundation as dry and mold-free as possible.

• An exterior foundation sealer is applied to block moisture and standing water.
• A french drain is installed to carry excess moisture away from the home.
• The trench for the french drain and vapor barrier is filled with gravel to promote drainage and keep expansive soil away from your home.

Moisture Barriers

Whether you live in an expensive city like Chicago, or in a suburban home in New Jersey, the most important part of a foundation waterproofing project is a barrier that surrounds a basement and prevents groundwater from reaching the porous concrete or cinderblock walls.

Contractors have quite a few options to create this barrier.

Spreadable Coatings

There are several brands of spreadable asphalt coatings which can be used as waterproofing membranes. Unlike older tar coatings, these newer coatings are flexible and won’t crack under water pressure. As rubber-based products they are also self-healing, so minor tears or damage from freezing and thawing soils will not compromise the protection of your waterproofing.

Sprayable Coatings

Several companies offer polymer-based coatings that can be sprayed on with a paint gun. Very similar to the undercoating on a 4×4 truck, these barriers form a gapless seal around your foundation walls. 

Contractors have to pay special attention to places where pipes penetrate the foundation and any joints or cracks in the poured foundation walls.  

These spots are the most likely place for water to penetrate, and the easiest to overlook

A contractor will need to totally seal around any pipes or outlets. After spraying the first layer, the contractor should stop and spot-fill any gaps or spots where the coating measures too thin. The gap where a basement floor slab meets the foundation wall should also be filled with a compatible sealant.

Plastic Sheeting

A cheaper alternative to a spray coating is the application of thick vapor barrier sheets against the foundation walls. These self-adhesive sheets require the foundation to be primed and any large cracks to be filled before they can go up.

Once in place, they provide a strong, waterproof barrier between the ground and your wall.

Drainage Mat and Gravel Fill

After the waterproof coating has been applied, waterproofing best practice is to apply a drainage board in front of it. This board will keep fill soil from resting against your walls, channel moisture to the french drain, and protect the vapor barrier from abrasion and burrowing animals. Some installation will mount this mat to foam insulation sheets before attaching it to the foundation walls.

A layer of gravel will be filled in around your drainage mat to protect it from clay soils.

French Drain

A french drain is a sloped trench with a pipe that carries water away from your foundation. Farmers have been using the technique for centuries with clay pipes, but modern french drains use PVC pipes and mesh debris guards to stay clear and effective for years. 

The french drain will work with a drainage mat to keep water from building up agianst your house. By backfilling the trench with rocks, the waterproofing company creates a sort of natural aquifer that will keep the space around your foundation relatively dry under normal conditions.

This is the best way to prevent mold and a cracked foundation because even a perfect waterproof membrane is not meant to act like the hull of a ship all the time. Water might not get through the barrier, but it can still put pressure on the poured concrete and eventually crack the foundation.

Picking the Right Contractor

A full waterproofing project is far beyond the scope of DIY. You need to excavate large sections of earth, precisely apply specialty coatings, and fill the whole project with tons of gravel.

It’s important to work with someone you can trust. It’s also important to make sure the contractor is providing quality work.

Ask what materials the contractor is using. Think twice about inferior foundation tar coatings–saving a few hundred dollars won’t mean much if your foundation springs a leak six months later.

Basement Waterproofing by Al is a family run company with over 20 years in the industry. To schedule a consultation call  (609) 488-4400 or visit their website.