A wet basement in Warren, NJ is not a new thing
Some buildings in Warren date back to the 1700’s, so we know how long there has been a wet basement problem. Warren Township is located in Somerset County, NJ. It was formed in 1806 from Bridgewater and Bernards Townships. In 2006 Warren celebrated its bicentennial.
The Township was named Warren Township after Joseph Warren. He fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
The Township is 19.64 square miles and has 15,311 residents as of the U.S. Census 2010. It is nestled between the first and second Watchung Mountain ranges. The Land was Lenape Indian land prior being developed by immigrants’ in the 1700’s. The Kirch- Ford House and the Baptist Meeting House are examples of buildings from the 1700’s in Warren.
The wet basement is caused by the tar sealing washing away
- Tar is a very good waterproofing substance and has been used forever.
- During construction tar is usually applied to the exterior of the concrete walls before the backfill is done
- The tar applied to most homes is good for 30-40 years or so.
- Once the tar is gone the foundation is no longer sealed and you get a wet basement.
Wet basement waterproofing with a French drain is preferred
In 1856 Henry F. French put in a cellar drain in his home. That’s why its called a French drain. French Drains are still the standard because they work.
The system is designed prevent water from flooding your basement. It is installed inside the basement, below the floor, around the perimeter. This French Drain controls the water, delivers it to the sump pump(s), and discharges it out of the house. This system comes with a life-of–house transferable guarantee that your basement floor will not have any water on it.
