How to Improve Your Basement
How to Improve Your Basement
You have a great amount of usable floor space if you have a basement. The typical basement of a one-story house has just as much floor area as the first floor. That’s why it’s often said that you can double the living space in your house by making full use of your basement.
Basement space is being used by enterprising homeowners in many amazing ways. One bowling enthusiast put an alley down there. A Long Island builder constructed homes with a basement swimming pool. A rifle enthusiast turned his basement into a range.
Fallout shelters are appearing in basements more and more. Basements have been used as music rooms, movie theaters, print shops, photo studios. Countless thousands of Americans have converted their space below grade into recreation rooms, hobby areas, laundries, workshops, bedrooms, even separate apartments. So what you do with your basement will be limited only by your own imagination.
Waterproofing
The first step in improving your basement should be either to get rid of two hazards if they exist – excessive moisture and termites – or to prevent them. The wet basement has become a butt of cartoonists’ jokes. But, except in rare cases, they can be made dry so that you can use the room in perfect comfort.
You can make a simple moisture test to insure that your basement does not have hidden water hazards. Place a piece of cardboard about two feet square on the basement floor with its edges tied down firmly by bricks or other heavy objects. If the cardboard remains dry for several days after a heavy rainfall, you can be fairly sure that you do not have an underground water hazard.
Make the same test on your walls. Tape the cardboard tightly to the foundation, about two feet above floor level. After a heavy storm, remove the board and examine the side that was against the wall. If the cardboard is dry, it has passed the test. But if it is even slightly damp, you probably should take extra precautions to keep water from seeping in.
Waterproofing of basement walls has been simplified by the development of easy-to-apply paints with a cement base. They are sold in powdered form. Following the manufacturers’ directions, you merely mix them with water and brush them on.
Most cellar walls are bare, and the cement paint can be applied to them directly. But if the wall has been painted, it may be necessary to scrape the paint off. A water-soluble remover will do the job with wall paint. And muriatic acid, scrubbed on with a brush and rinsed off several times, will do the job for whitewash.
It is not difficult to apply cement-base paint. First wet the walls thoroughly with either a brush or spray. Then apply the waterproofing paint to the walls, working from the bottom up. After the wall has dried thoroughly – in two days or so – add another coat.
Sometimes a more drastic treatment is indicated. For example, intense water pressure may be built up outside and exerted against the foundation. You may reduce some of this pressure by cleaning out roof gutters and downspouts, and by otherwise making sure that all rain that lands on the roof is carried off harmlessly and given no chance to come back into the basement.
Once you have tackled this problem it may be time to see whether you have to deal with termites.
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Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: Basement, Improve
Do It Yourself Basement Waterproofing
Do It Yourself Basement Waterproofing
Many Basements are often more or less subject to water leakages especially during damp wet climate. Leakages tend to flood the basements leading to a number of serious problems which all can be hard to deal with. For example, a downspout that is improperly or incorrectly positioned to drain against the side of the house, can allow water to collect in certain areas that normally have good basement waterproofing and can seep into the cellar. A wet basement water problem or issue can be fixed by many experienced personnel. Basement remodeling and finishing of the basement is a cost-effective home improvement that can save you a lot of money in the future, should there be a flood, storm, or other cause of heavy water fall, to avoid damage and loss. Chronic basement leakage is a serious problem that can destroy furnishings and appliances among other things. Basements can leak out for a throng of many reasons. Depending on the topography drainage conditions of the soil and groundwater level it can be possible that the water table might be too high. Vehicle a basement-remodeling contractor in your area requires some substantial inquiry. If only once a year the primary pump fails to keep up with the volume of water you will have extensive water damage. Each year thousands of homeowners who have basement waterproofing systems will flood at any rate. Cracks can form as soon as the concrete is poured.
So it’s best to get the basements waterproofed beforehand, so as to avoid serious problems that might be caused later by heavy water damage.
The steps to be followed for the basement waterproofing process are as follows:
1) The first and foremost thing you would do is prepare the substrate. This meaning remove any loose or unstable crumbly substrate, make sure the substrate is clean, dry, and free of any previous applied products, and foreign matter.
2) Prime the substrate with PermaFlex (240 sq ft per gal). Cement block surfaces need 2 prime coats of PermaFlex. Place the first coat then let dry for about an hour then place another generous coat.
3) Patch and profile any joints, seams, cracks, holes and rough areas using LRB/TAV mixture (Liquid Rubber Base, Thickening Activator). 2-parts LRB is mixed with 1-part TAV. LRB can be used by itself (as a liquid membrane) to smooth out a rough floor. Wall/floor junctions require a 1″ diameter bead of LRB/TAV mixture and most cracks use a 3/4″ diameter bead.
4) Topcoat using PermaFlex (240 sq ft per gal).
Poured concrete basements mostly tend to need a total of 2 coats PermaFlex; on the walls and floors. Concrete block walls need a total of 3 coats PermaFlex because blocked walls are extremely porous. Once the Sani-Tred products have been applied, water, moisture or vapor can never enter the basement. PermaFlex can be brushed, rolled or even sprayed! Sani-Tred products also eliminate problem radon.
Thus you can make your basement waterproofed and make your house worth living at the same time!
This article was written by Sam Compton. In this article Sam explains the reasons for and the process of Basement Waterproofing. If you are interested in Waterproofing your basement, Sam recommends visiting Floodright.com because of their professional expertise in Boston Water Damage and Belmont Water Damage clean up and repair.
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Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: Basement, Waterproofing, Yourself
Finished Vs. Unfinished Basements: Getting Someone Else to Get it Done
Finished Vs. Unfinished Basements: Getting Someone Else to Get it Done
Buying real estate always seems to involve making more decisions than you ever thought necessary, or even possible. One such decision, often overlooked or taken for granted, is the question of the finish condition for the basement. Assuming you are buying in an area where basements are the norm, and not in a place such as Southern California where no one has them, you can take it to the bank that having a basement is a definite advantage, both for living in the home and when it comes to resale. So yes, you should get a house with a basement. Now for the more often overlooked question: should it be a home with a basement that is already finished, or would it be better to get a home with an empty basement and finish it yourself?
The answer, especially if you have a do-it-yourself orientation, may surprise you. Finishing a basement can be surprisingly expensive, and you’re unlikely to recover your money when it comes time to sell the house. In fact, what you have to shell out in order to remodel a basement will only get you about 75% return on the dollar at resale. The bottom line is that it is not the best plan to look for a house with an unfinished basement and then plan to finish it later. So, when you’re buying a home, it’s smarter to find a house that has the basement work completed. It’s the other side of the coin that says it doesn’t pay for the seller to spend that money on the job. As the buyer, you come out ahead because of that simple fact.
Besides the likelihood of saving yourself time and expense, there are other reasons for choosing a home with an already-finished basement. It’s easy to say you’re going to finish the basement, but it’s a big job that tends to get put off. There are lots of homes for sale — old homes — with “someday we’ll get it done” basements. Unfinished, unused basements can get damp and moldy. They are often unpleasant places, and can become health hazards.
On the side of advantages to be gained by having the basement finished and using it, it’s a fact that basements tend to be more easily controlled in maintaining livable temperatures. They keep relatively warm in the winter and cool in the summer, which means that you’ll spend less on heating and air conditioning if you spend time actually using that downstairs space.
A usable, functional basement provides useful living space. Basements are no longer just places for storage of unused items. A well finished basement can be used for additional bedrooms, game rooms, a hobby room, a living room, or places to exercise.
If you live in a place where tornadoes might be a danger like the Midwest, basements are also the best place to take shelter when a storm threatens. The need to take shelter with a tornado approaching can be frightening especially for a child, and a comfortable, accommodating space can help ease anxieties and make the ordeal more tolerable for the entire family.
So when you buy your next piece of real estate, do yourself a favor and look for a home with a finished basement. Take advantage of someone else having done the work and you will be the one to be ahead.
Joel McDonald recommends Automated Homefinder, your Colorado Castle Rock real estate specialists.
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Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: Basements, Done, Else, Finished, Getting, Someone, unfinished
Basement Water Damage Repair
Basement Water Damage Repair
You should try and take care of any water damage within 24 to 48 hours of the incident. Any longer than this and you could have viruses, bacteria, and mold growing rampantly in your basement. It is the nature of a basement to be dark and damp which is breeding grounds for mold when standing water is present. Make sure you remove any items or expensive furniture that could be ruined. If things do get wet then make sure you air out the area by opening all the windows and buying some high pressure fans.
There are some very good reasons you should do this including: avoiding overall damage to your home, avoid structural damage and electrical malfunctions, eliminate mold or bacteria from growing in your home, and last of all to have a sense of security, just be sure to be careful of all of the water damage hazards you may have to deal with.
Because of the technical nature of basement water damage repair, it is best to leave it in the hands of a professional. Different companies will charge you different amounts depending on the size of your basement and the amount of damage. If you catch the moisture early on it will be a lot more inexpensive since only preventive measure will need to be taken. Most companies will come and give you an estimate so it is smart to get a few different estimates and choose between them.
Basements can be the most vulnerable to flooding just because of the nature of where they are. Water tends to find it’s way down to the bottom of structures. If you find any moisture in your basement then it is probably time to waterproof it. You may have excessive humidity, standing water, or just dampness around the room.
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Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: Basement, damage, Repair, water
Rid Basements of Mold and Mildew With Epoxy Encapsulation
Rid Basements of Mold and Mildew With Epoxy Encapsulation
Many older homes and buildings have developed dangerous levels of spores from mold and mildew growing in basement walls and floors. To be free of those health hazards and to avoid them returning encapsulation is being used more and more frequently. Plaster and lath, cement block, poured cement footings and other basement surfaces often get wet or damp. The microscopic cavities in many basement wall and floor surfaces become a natural place for spores to grow. Those odors and heavy air you breath when in some basement areas can now be made fresh and kept that way. The trick is to kill the growth and then seal the pores so that even if wet there is no place for contaminants to grow. Think of a plastic picnic plate. The plastic air dries quickly and there is no place for growths to hide.
To encapsulate your basement surfaces you first need to clean them. A grit type swivel scrub brush works well for your walls. We first use a high alkaline cleaner and water to scrub all the surfaces. If you have a floor surface it is easiest to use a rotary scrubber similar to what a school custodian would use but your scrub brush can do the job with some effort. Now, use your wet dry vacuum to suck up the detergent water and dirt. If you have a floor drain use your squeegee to get it to the drain. Often there is some foam and a defoamer can help save time but just put it in your vacuum or directly in the drain. You don’t want the silicones in the defoamer to create an adhesion problem for your coating. Next, use an acidic cleaner with rinse agents and detergents. This will open up your surfaces for good adhesion. You may want to use a vapor mask for the acidic cleaning as some annoying vapors may result. Scrub rinse and don’t hesitate to use plenty of water. I like to use a garden hose. People are often surprised in those old basement areas to find that yes they do have cement floors, that was just decades of dirt over them. Now let the surfaces dry thoroughly. You may need to pump fresh air into the area with fans because the closed areas may develop a dew point that just hates to let the surface dry.
Now comes the fun part, encapsulating the surfaces with epoxy floor seal. For very rough surfaces with plaster holes, craggy stone or cement 100% epoxy may be needed. You can brush, or roll it on but the best way is to spray if you want all pits and gaps to be filled. This is a two-coat process so don’t be worried if you see your coating sinking out of site. Allow each coat to cure 15 hours. Screening the floor between coats is often a good idea. Your drips from the walls, and grains of wall surface that continue to drop onto the floor during application should be shaved off for a smooth easy to keep clean floor surface.
Because you did an aggressive cleaning job before your epoxy application you can be assured that most of your mold and mildew died under the jump from a pH level of 12 then 3.5 pH then back to neutral at 6.5 to 7 pH. Any organisms left are encapsulated Jurassic Park style as though in amber, save behind your epoxy barrier. Now if your basement walls and floor get damp, they will dry quickly and leave no little homes for your unwanted microscopic guests.
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Durall Manufacturing, Bloomington, MN, is the only industrial flooring manufacturer that also makes over 500 specialty cleaners. Durall’s 40 years of flooring chemical manufacturing experience has produced a special preparation of cleaners and an application system assuring optimum flooring adhesion and wear results. Durall provides factory-direct support for these new products. Kits of materials are customized to owner specification and delivered directly to the job site. Kits include full directions and 24/7 help lines staffed by seasoned flooring experts, so professionals and amateurs alike can successfully install a quality floor. Visitors can obtain free, job-specific quotes on materials or nationwide turnkey installations by completing a simple questionnaire at www.concrete-floor-coatings.com. This full-service concept allows anyone to enjoy the benefits of industrial strength floors successfully.
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Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: Basements, Encapsulation, Epoxy, mildew, Mold
Utilizing Sealants on Definite Walls For Basement Waterproofing
Utilizing Sealants on Definite Walls For Basement Waterproofing
House building has gotten tighter and a lot more vitality efficient because the 1970s and sealers and sealants have played a roll in this. Most points in your home have seals, a polyurethane or epoxy, washer or grouting to help seal out air movement or dampness.
There’s a fairly well-liked misconception about sealants in basements. Numerous homeowners, soon after viewing house improvement shows, or listening to a suggestion from a buddy, believe that by introducing a spray sealant, polyurethane or epoxy, to a definite wall will preserve h2o and wetness out.
In order for a concrete wall to become sealed, a chemical sealant would have to penetrate all the way by means of a definite wall (generally 8-12″ thick relying on what the house is produced of). There aren’t any cement sealants on the market place that can do that. Any DIY cement sealant you acquire would only act as a topcoat, generating the floor of the cement clean and only somewhat penetrating the definite wall. It will not even so make your bsmt waterproof.
For a chemical sealant that doesn’t penetrate 100% the greatest software for it is on the exterior of the groundwork. That way the topcoat stops the mineral water and dampness from coming into contact with the defined, but even that is generally not adequate. Numerous exterior basement-waterproofing businesses also introduce polyethylene membranes on top of the sealant. With the sum of excavation that is needed to do this sort of operate it’s advised that it be carried out throughout preliminary development of the home’s basis, nicely just before back again filling.
Applying a definite sealant on the interior of the basement will only support to shield you against mineral water in it’s vapor, or gasoline, kind. This can aid you to restrict the quantity of wetness, but it will not safeguard you in opposition to the risk of flooding.
A basement with a higher humidity content and humidity issues is normally surrounded with much more drinking water than an additional bsmt. A definite sealant won’t quit a crack from forming and it won’t quit h2o from functioning its way by means of the micro pores in the cement (tinny gaps left behind from when the defined cured).
Sealants of any kind are greatest used on surfaces that rapidly soak up a chemical sealant, enable it to penetrate, and aren’t constantly at odds against dampness and drinking water such as a wood deck.
An expert consultant for <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=”http://www.indorepair.com/indorep/”>basement waterproofing</a> see more in http://www.indorepair.com
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Getting Rid of Black Mold in Your Basement
Getting Rid of Black Mold in Your Basement
If you have ever had to deal with mold, you know what a disgusting and aggravating pest it can be. But black mold, especially in a basement, can be an especially dangerous thing. This is because this type of mold carries dangerous elements that can be toxic to humans and animals as well. Anyone who is exposed to it is dealing with a dangerous fungus. For this reason it is crucial to get outbreaks out of your basement at all costs.
To get rid of black mold, you must be careful to control the mold contamination. This basically means doing what is necessary to contain the mold spores before actually trying to get rid of them. The first step is to isolate the room in which the mold outbreak has taken place. Make sure it is sealed off when you attempt to start the contamination process. No animals, children, or people should be able to get into the infected room. Once it is sealed off completely, you can be sure that no one will be harmfully affected by the mold spores.
The second step to getting rid of black mold is to pick the chemical or contaminants you plan to use to get rid of it. This could be a combination of methods, perhaps through black mold dispersing chemicals or other chemical techniques. As long as you are using chemicals, you need to be careful to protect yourself in the process as well. Wearing a breathing mask or other way to keep your mouth protected while you apply the chemicals to your basement is important. Be sure that no one gets in while you are applying chemicals of any kind.
Once you have gotten rid of the mold spores themselves, you need to be sure to wash and scrub the areas where black mold was growing. Cleaning them several times with soap and water – or even more chemicals – may be necessary. The key is to clean the areas and then use fans or other drying techniques to get rid of any remaining mold spores or remnants of the fungi. Mainly, you need to be sure that the areas where the mold grew are totally clean of any remaining spores. If any spores are left over, there are possibilities that the mold could regrow.
Finally, once you have eliminated all black mold from your basement, you need to be sure you prevent any future occurrences. If any leftover mold spores are in your house, you will have continual mold problems down the road. The best way to keep your house mold free for good is to keep damp areas clean and continually dry. Dampness is a key factor in creating black mold to begin with, which is why it is so important to forever keep the areas that have been previously infected free of dampness and dirt. Fungus can grow in many places, especially in basements, so it is important to keep all dark areas clean and dry.
If you’re interested in learning more about Black Mold Removal, please feel free to visit our website at http://www.yourblackmoldguide.com
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Basement Waterproofing Can Save Your House
Basement Waterproofing Can Save Your House
Basement waterproofing is both an art and a science. Basement Waterproofing contractors can waterproof new or old basements. Basement waterproofing is defined as preventing water from penetrating into your basement area. Use Basement Waterproofing and Crawl Space Moisture Control If you have a wet basement or crawl space moisture problem of any kind. Basement Waterproofing companies can help seal your basement and prevent expensive structural damage to your home’s foundation.
Systems
In the past, drainage systems were not very efficient. Furthermore, new drainage systems can provide you with tremendous peace of mind with a Lifetime transferable warrantee included with some patented systems. Many systems come with lifetime transferable warranties. Learn more about professional waterproofing systems and do-it-yourself systems. This approach ensures you the best waterproofing systems and solutions available.
Concrete
Concrete blocks, particularly cinder blocks, are more permeable to water vapor than poured concrete. Concrete paints, waterproofing sealers or paint like coatings are a temporary fix only. The problem of foundation crack repair and concrete crack repair has troubled and frustrated homeowners and builders for decades. Hydraulic Cement and these types of cement based products are a huge problem because it costs approximately 4 times the original product cost to remove them and decontaminate the concrete due to routine failure. I always tell people to stay away from hydraulic cement.
Foundation
Basement Waterproofing more often than not involves some sort of concrete or foundation repair. The drain tile is a system that is built on the outside wall of your foundation and diverts water through a ground drainage system away from the basement walls. In short, you should begin by keeping as much water away from the foundation of your house as possible. Also, gutters contribute to surface water running down next to the foundation walls. Many homeowners are under the assumption that their foundation has indeed been waterproofed when in fact it has only been damp proofed. Cracks in your homes foundation walls or slab are serious. Basic methods of foundation waterproofing include sump pump installation. As the foundation settles, stress cracks appear. This increases the water pressure on the foundation.
Repair
Repair cracks permanently with low-pressure crack injection. Repair holes in a concrete or concrete block wall in the same manner. Learn what is causing your basement water problems and the methods for a wet basement repair. This is one of the most important steps in the repair job. Foundation repair specialist Authorized foundation repair contractor.
Mold
Mold can grow almost anywhere there is water damage, high humidity, or dampness. Mold needs three things to grow: food, water, & the right temperature…. Mold and mildew, fungi, bacteria, and dust mites flourish in high humidity (over 50%). Mold spores cause allergies, asthma, airways infections, and other health problems, particularly in children. Wet basements have excessive mold and mildew.
The construction industry is full of basement waterproofing products that are designed to keep your basement dry. If your builder built the structure properly this should be all of the basement waterproofing that you will need, but this doesn’t always happen. Does your home need Basement waterproofing to stop leaks? Make sure you use a professional basement Waterproofing contractor to do your job.
Bob is a staff writer for basement waterproofing and Basement Remodeling.
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Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: Basement, house, Save, Waterproofing
Exterior Basement Waterproofing Demystified-Part 1
Exterior Basement Waterproofing Demystified-Part 1
<p>If you are considering exterior (outside) <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=”http://www.safemoldsolutions.com/”>waterproofing</a> you owe it to yourself to, don’t pay to fix your basement twice like many, many of our past customers who hired substandard contractors (Some of them large companies with fancy marketing and slick Salesmen). In order to help You wade through all The B.S. (That’s Baloney Stuff, Folks!) in Your estimates and understand this kind of project: I will explain to you why most companies who call themselves basement Waterproofers aren’t actually Waterproofers; And I will explain the systems commonly employed nationally especially what is wrong With Them; I will Explain How to Fix Your Problems; And What we recommend that you do differently</p>
<p>When a basement is built what the code minimums require is damp proofing. Damp proofing is to trowel a mortar parge coat on the wall which is basically toweling mortar on the wall like stucco; then applying a dam proof tar or asphalt sealant. This basic technique has been used for the last 100 years. </p>
<p>Just imagine all of the advances that have been made in the last hundred years yet builders still seal the wall using this archaic process. It is guaranteed to fail every time; in fact in Cleveland, Ohio alone there are over 125 <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=”http://www.safemoldsolutions.com/”>water-proofing</a> companies in the yellow pages. What these “so-called water-proofer” do is dig up the basement and actually re-apply the exact same sealants and utilize the exact same techniques that already failed in the first place. </p>
<p>This usually means re-parging the wall with porous mortar and smearing some tar on it like a monkey! Have you ever known anyone that had an asphalt driveway? How often did they Have-To Re- Seal it? I can tell you I have, known many people with black top drives. When I was a kid growing up two of my neighbors had an ongoing debate about their driveways. </p>
<p>They couldn’t all be wrong. Or could they? Did you know that in the building codes there are actually two separate definitions for damp-proofing (tar) and waterproofing. Damp proofing: by definition means “something that helps to slow the penetration of water into the substrate”.</p>
<p>Water proof sealants are almost all exclusively used and installed commercially.(that’s because they are more expensive).The extra costs are what stop the average contractor from offering you , the homeowner, a product that is effective and will last and “stand the test of time”. We developed and recommend you use multi-step exterior waterproofing system which uses a cement-based fiber re-enforced wall resurfacing system and no less than two waterproof rated sealants. This is by no means the cheapest of methods, however, and it may or may not be the best system to put into place. Which system you should use depends entirely on the specific nature of your problem. There are no miracle systems than can solve all basement problems. </p>
<p>I’d like to tell you a story you’ve got to hear about a job I recently did for a Mr. Ron Sew yak on state route 20 in Oberlin. This is a sad story about a man who had to have his basement fixed three times in ten short years. Mr. Sew yak had had the walls of his home rebuilt ten years ago using conventional masonry techniques. They were rebuilt using 12″ blocks and type n mortar. A conventional parge coat was applied and tar. New tiles and backfill were added. This is what is considered “outside water-proofing”. Four years later the walls were leaking again!!! Exasperated the homeowner had Ohio State Waterproofing install their inside outside “waterproofing system” (inside) and they hoped their problems were over. Again he thought his problem was solved. </p>
<p>Sadly, I met Ron a few months ago. He asked me to come out to his house because his <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=”http://www.superdrybasement.com/”>basement walls</a> were severely bowed bulging and shifted off the first course and out of plumb. I was able to observe portions of the outside “waterproofing” system from ten years ago and the inside/outside system from six years ago both had fatal flaws but. Neither system was the cause of the problem. After careful inspection I assessed the real problem-bad framing. That’s right, it turned out that the first contractor (who did many things poorly) built the walls directly back up to and underneath the existing framing deficiency which caused the wall system to fail in the first place. A partial sill plate and a lack of cribbing on the gable end walls were behind their basements problems from the beginning. After the first winter ten years ago, the newly re-built wall began to crack… this opened water ways which made the walls leak. Ron’s second contractor performed an inside system which, while done poorly, also stopped active water puddles on the floor. Unfortunately it did nothing to stop the structural issues, which worsened and worsened, until he was forced to call me. So in a ten year period the walls have been repaired three times. </p>
Charles Boday is a Certified Mold Inspector and Contractor, graduate from Certified Mold Inspector & Contractors Institute. He has worked with some of the countries top scientists seeking alternative poison-free mold remediation techniques. He has testified as an expert foundation witness and is the Author of the books, The Ultra Dry Basement.
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Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: Basement, DemystifiedPart, Exterior, Waterproofing
Protect Your Timber With Damp Proofing From Leicester Companies
Protect Your Timber With Damp Proofing From Leicester Companies
The weather that 2010 has begun with isn’t great and for many of us it has created a large amount of problems within the home. Whether this has been through roofing or windows, it’s important that your home does its purpose of keeping you dry and warm.
Of course, this weather also beings other problems including wet rot caused by high moisture content in conjunction with bad ventilation of a room. This is common within those homes that have basements and cellars that aren’t damp proofed properly and can cause major structural damage if the appropriate action is not undertaken.
If you reside within the Leicester area then you may want to know of those companies that have a variety of services that can prevent, locate and treat dry and wet rot within the home to maintain your property.
It’s important for companies to feel confident in their own work therefore those specialists of damp proofing Leicester will complete surveys to ensure that before any work is undertaken both workers and home owners are clear on what needs to be completed. Of course, for extra clarity, after a survey is undertaken customers will be given a quotation which will ensure a step by step plan is provided.
Protecting your home with damp proofing is essential for the maintenance of timber and woodwork preservation. If you are currently suffering from damp, then it’s worth looking for those Leicester companies that provide an efficient and professional service which will advise on the best solution.
With various wood preservation services including the treatment of wood worm and solutions for condensation control, you can ensure that your home is protected or treated as much as possible to prevent future or ongoing problems. Leicestershire companies offer there services to various places around Leicester, Coventry and the West Midlands.
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Waterproofing Basement Walls
Waterproofing Basement Walls
Most forms of sealing the walls of the cellar after the inner and outer. The best time to make sure that your basement is water during the construction phase, when a waterproof membrane can be used outside of the foundation. Poor in the original document is, the solution for your home, or hydrostatic pressure changes in the water table around your house for leaks and seepage through basement walls. You can use the walls of the basement with a working water-resistant.
Small cracks, holes or porous surfaces on the walls must be controlled. With just a test mixture of water, small holes and cracks are fine, but larger holes will be filled with mortar, and then water. A dovetail is cut in time for the lot of holes to allow the mortar to properly from the inside. One part cement to two parts sand with enough water to mortar is a mixture of medium thickness.
If you use a normal trowel mortar and ensure that no air pockets or bags. To significantly increased on the mortar with a stiff wire brush to remove loose particles before use, because if the wall is leaking, you may need to remove to a sewer pipe in a subset of the pump above water. If this situation is temporary or permanent, depending on the nature of the flow of water. The repair of a leaking seams, holes in the floor and walls the same way.
Carve help ensure compliance with a dovetail, and that the ongoing review through the floor, leaning against the wall, for strength and drainage. If the wall is fully repaired, the mixture can be used to waterproof. Before applying the mixture to waterproof the wall should be sanded to remove paint – then wet the wall because the mixture does not stick to a dry wall, but are not integrated into the damp wall. Make sure the manufacturer’s instructions carefully as epoxy resins and latex waterproofing mixtures usually require a little water or, alternatively, you can create your own mixture of cement and water, which should be read with a moratorium on the consistency of the mixed-use cream . Start the application of the mixture with a stiff brush on the back of the moving wall, right to left direction.
Every thief and corners must be filled! Feather the edges to cover the entire area and let dry overnight or until the mixture is flaky.
After drying to wet the wall thoroughly again and a second layer of sealing compound in the same manner as the first. You may have to start over when one layer instead of two, as this will not work. Use this information and waterproofing of the walls of the basement is not as difficult as it seemed. More importantly, it will eventually dry basement you have been waiting for so long.
George S. is a freelance writer, you can read more of his jobs about Guitar Center Coupons, Boat Trailers For Sale and Corner Sofa Bed
Article from articlesbase.com
Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: Basement, walls, Waterproofing
How to get rid of mold and mildew in your basement
How to get rid of mold and mildew in your basement
A lot of people have problems with humidity in their home’s basements which causes mold to appear on walls and wooden objects. Humidity is the best nesting ground for all kinds of fungi which won’t hesitate to multiply overnight and take over any damp palace. Places like basements are the most likely to develop mold due to the high humidity levels cause mostly due to an inefficient isolation work which allows water to infiltrate.
The problems caused by mold and mildew can be of different sorts: esthetic, damage to objects and walls, fowl odors and health problems. By far the most dangerous situation is the health hazard that these molds present. The fungi spores can become air boned and they can be inhaled in the lungs, where they can multiply and cause serious damage, even death in some extreme cases. This is why all the people working in the mold removal field always wear breathing masks in order to protect themselves.
The problem with mold in basements can be quite easily prevented by not allowing the humidity levels to get too high. You can do so with the help of a Santa Fe dehumidifier, which is an appliance that will draw out the humidity in the basement’s air and it will collect it in a bucket or it will send it down the drain. In this way, you can exactly control the humidity levels in your basement and you can be sure that mold and mildew never develop in the first place.
With a solid guarantee and a long history of being among the market leaders, you can be sure that buying any Santa Fe dehumidifier will be the right decision for you. The Santa Fe product line has a dehumidifier for every need, starting from crunch space dehumidifiers for tight fit spaces and ending with commercial models fit for industrial sized rooms.
Posted by Frank D. Davis the author of personal injury claim value, a website for informations related to personal injury claims.
Article from articlesbase.com
Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: Basement, mildew, Mold
Lighting Tips to Finish a Basement
Lighting Tips to Finish a Basement
The choice of lights to finish a basement can make or break the whole room. Not being well-informed can lead to poor selections of lighting fixtures and will turn a basement into a dull and dreary place where nobody wants to go to. But choosing the appropriate lights will make it an interesting and inviting setting for family and friends.
It is wise to consider how much sunlight can enter the basement before doing the lighting purchase and installation. More sunlight is better as this will lessen energy consumption which is good for the budget and the environment. Structural designs to finish a basement may allow for bigger windows to let in more sunlight. However, security measures should not be ignored in the process.
Planning the overall lighting to provide illumination throughout the area is not a difficult task if you know what to put. Fluorescent is the best choice for most homeowners since there is not much chance of sunlight getting in and fluorescent are bright as well as power efficient. As most basements are cold and damp, this type of light will warm up the room and give it a cheerful ambiance. Don’t forget the navigation lights for the entrance and stairway; these form part of the overall lighting, too. Overall and navigation lights should have switches beside the entrance doors or at the top of the stairs for safety reasons.
Accent lights are mainly decorative and are not installed for the lighting purposes. They call attention to decorative details or focus on special architectural designs such as tray ceilings or columns. Accent lights may be colored or may be used to create a cozy ambiance.
Task lights are installed for specific functions. Reading, sewing and doing office work where extra light is needed will benefit from the focused beam of a task light. Task lights for closets and areas under cabinets will also be a great help.
Take advantage of the opportunity to use lights to enhance the atmosphere as you finish a basement that will look and feel bright and appealing.
Need fresh basement design ideas for home remodeling? Discover more basement remodeling ideas online.
Article from articlesbase.com
Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: Basement, Finish, Lighting, Tips
Foundation and Basement Waterproofing
Foundation and Basement Waterproofing
The foundation of any home is one of the most critical components of the structure. It literally keeps the structure in place, and supports its entire load. Although often neglected, foundation problems are one of the most severe problems that any home can have. The overwhelming majority of these problems are a result of exposure to water.
As a general rule, concrete is not fundamentally a waterproof material. Normally uncracked concrete will repel liquid water, however water vapor and humidity are different animals, and will easily penetrate any type of concrete that has not been treated. Wet or humid crawl spaces and basements can lead to a host of other problems, and are a breeding ground for harmful mold that may pose a health risk to anyone in the residence.
Basement waterproofing and drainage are absolutely essential for building and maintaining a stable structure resistant to moisture and water. Depending on where your home is located, the topography of the land, climate, and foundation depth, the waterproofing process may be fairly simple or more heavily involved.
The major systems of basement and foundation waterproofing can be broken down into three basic elements:
Drains – Proper drainage is necessary to divert water away from the bottom of the foundation. In areas receiving excessive rainfall or runoff, an interior drainage collection pipe and trench coupled with a sump pump can be used to deal with the abnormally high volume of water.
Wall Treatment – Treating the walls of your foundation or basement will block moisture from entering and redirect water down to the drains. Waterproof treatment also substantially increases the lifespan of the walls themselves, reducing cracking, splitting, and discoloration.
Ground Treatment – The soil surrounding the foundation is treated to direct surface water away from the structure. Fundamentally, the most important aspect of this is the grading. The grade of the surrounding soil should provide positive drainage away from the home, not direct water to the home. Also, proper surface drainage can be greatly assisted by a thorough gutter system. The smaller gutter sizes clog easier and will overflow much faster in heavy rains, so be sure not to install undersized gutters. The gutters will collect the water from the roof and divert it away from the outer foundation wall with downspouts.
These three components working in concert will never completely block water or moisture from entering the foundation, however the reduction in contact with liquid water and moisture is well worth the initial investment to have these measures properly installed. As with many things in residential construction, it will normally be much cheaper and easier to treat a basement or foundation properly the first time, rather than attempt to fix a compromised foundation later.
Properly waterproofing a foundation or basement will not only extend its life, but also serve to improve living conditions for you and your family by helping to reduce mold growth and a generally damp and unpleasant environment. If you are looking to move to another location, or are building a new home, always get as much information as possible about how the home was or will be build and what waterproofing and drainage measures were taken.
Debra Nance is Office Manager at Cardinal Concrete Company, North Carolina’s most dependable concrete contractor for over 25 years, offering a variety of services including concrete foundation waterproofing.
Article from articlesbase.com
Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: Basement, foundation, Waterproofing
Understand And Control The Flow of Household Moisture To Prevent Damp
Understand And Control The Flow of Household Moisture To Prevent Damp
If moisture manages to creep its way into a house it can create many problems with the damp that it causes. Top of that list are damage to property (even structural in some cases), allergies, mould, bad odours, loss of energy efficiency.
If you want to steer clear of such problems and improve your humidity, air quality and stifle the effects of damp and increase your households energy efficiency then here are a few tips for you to mull over. One of the most important things is moisture control. If you want to prevent the negative consequences of damp caused by moisture and increase your houses energy efficiency then you need to first effectively control the moisture level in your house.
To improve the flow of water moisture around your household the following three things need to be concentrated on.
1) Attics 2) Foundations/Basements 3) Walls
In order to effectively control moisture flow through a home you need to understand the basics of how it moves. The three ways that moisture travels through a home most typically are: 1) By heat transfer 2) By diffusion 3) Via air currents.
By far the most important way moisture travels is through water vapor in wall cavities via diffusion. The air due to simple physics will of course always move from an area of high concentration (outside) to an area of low concentration (inside) through any gap. Transfer of moisture via air flow currents is by far the quickest method, usually cracks and holes in walls are the number one reason for this occurring and these should be effectively filled in.
The other way of diffusion, through materials and heat transfer takes a lot longer and the uasual household building materials are already very good at preventing this from happening, along with insulation which helps in the decreasing of heat transfer.
It will also be helpful to fully understand exactly how moisture appears in a household. Firstly water is usually carried in the air, the hotter the air the more water it is capable of carrying. If the air temperature keeps reducing it sooner or later it will hit a level where it is not able to carry the water anymore. This is known as the dew point and is when the moisture will immediately condensate on the nearest cold surface and start causing problems.
So by having decent vapor diffusion retarders fitted, filling in all cracks and holes and keeping a good flow of air are the easiest and most effective ways to control the spread of moisture and damp. If you are still having trouble with moisture then seriously consider the use of a home dehumidifier (ebac dehumidifiers come highly recommended) they are very effective at extracting moisture from the air even in very damp conditions. If you follow the above guidelines then you ought to be able to effectively handle most damp and moisture problems either with or without a home dehumidifier
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Article from articlesbase.com
Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: Control, damp, Flow, Household, Moisture, prevent, understand