Steve Karlik
Steve was introduced to waterproofing at a very young age. Through the years, he continued to develop his skills and adopt industry-leading techniques to emerge as a true expert in the field. Today, he applies everything he’s learned to help homeowners and business owners across New Jersey stay dry.
Control Moisture to Eliminate Mold Danger For many of us, the term mold conjures images of a blueish loaf of bread decaying on the kitchen counter. At Blue Umbrella Waterproofing, we deal with more dangerous types of mold that grow in damp basements and crawl spaces. Some of these molds contaminate indoor air quality and pose a genuine health risk to occupants. You may have mold in your basement if: The space smells musty. You find pooling caused by rising groundwater, slab or wall infiltration or leaky windows. Your basement has flooded during rain and hail storms. Your house suffers…
Read MoreSteps to Clean Up a Flooded Basement Basement flooding and other household emergencies hit your NJ home when you least expect them. Taken by surprise (and often at the most inconvenient time), your mind races with questions. What should I do first? How do I get rid of all this water? Can I do it myself, or should I call in a professional? What about mold and mildew? How do I dry out my wet basement and everything in it before hazardous mold begins to grow? Experts say rapid flood cleanup is critical to minimizing permanent damage and preventing long-term…
Read MoreHow to Spot Basement Water Damage You may have noticed a damp, stale odor in your basement—but you figured it was just “normal.” After all, basements are moist and musty, right? No. It’s not normal for your basement to feel and smell like a rainforest. Left unchecked, a wet basement can cause a lot of problems. Some of the risks include: Structural & interior damage. Prolonged moisture exposure damages wood beams, drywall, flooring and furnishings. Saturated soil puts pressure on basement foundations and concrete walls, too—leading to cracks and bowing. Mold growth. Many of the homes we visit have major…
Read MoreMold 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…
Read MoreHow 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…
Read MoreGo 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…
Read MoreFinding 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?…
Read MoreYes. 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…
Read MoreDon’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…
Read MoreNot Every Hero Wears a Cape “Alright, what’s our Plan B?” “There is no Plan B.” “…What do you mean there’s no Plan B?” This is about the time when panic sets in. If you could predict the future, you wouldn’t need a backup plan. But life is full of unexpected twists and turns. Just when you think everything is going according to plan, something happens that throws you for a loop. That’s why it’s important to always have a backup plan— especially when there’s a lot at stake. Water can wreak havoc on a home. And it doesn’t take…
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