The Truth About Basement Waterproofing
The Truth About Basement Waterproofing
The majority of waterproofing today is being performed by system companies. System companies may claim to offer different methods, but will always steer you to their method, which is usually an interior water control system. This one size fits all approach to basement waterproofing benefits the waterproofing company more often than the customer. I can think of no other industry that so predominantly utilizes a system approach as opposed to a problem solving approach.
There remains basically two options available to solve wet basement problems. Interior or exterior. Interior work utilizes drainage inside your basement to control the water that is entering and directs it to a sump pump. This method should never be called waterproofing, it should be referred to as water control. Water control systems allow the water in, in order to pump it back out. Waterproofing is accomplished only by exterior excavation to the bottom of the foundation, installing proper drainage, and treating the walls to prevent the water from entering. Let it in and pump it out, or keep it out all together. This is the main difference between waterproofing vs. water control.
Which method is best for your foundation? The overwhelming consensus among professionals outside of the industry, structural engineers, local building department officials, etc. is waterproofing is always the best choice. So why do so many companies in this industry propose water control approaches? The answer is because it is all they do. Water control systems are relatively easy to install. It requires very little in the way of equiptment or material. It is fast, and requires minimal labor skills. Water control systems do have their place, however if your basement walls show signs of damp spots, cracking, or shifting, than interior systems can possibly make your problem worse.
When evaluating your specific situation, take a problem solving approach as opposed to a system approach. An honest foundation expert will examine you basement or crawl space to determine the cause of your problem, in order to offer a solution, specific to your needs. A system company salesman is ultimately unconcerned with the cause of your problem because the solution he will present, is the same for everyone. You must be aware that a growing number of water control companies are beginning to propose some outside work, such as shallow outside drainage systems, or exploration trenches. This outside work benefits the customer very little and allows the system company to appear different, and drive up their price. Excavation outside is only effective if you dig to the bottom of the foundation.
Never fall for the discount you will be offered if you sign the contract today. Sign now discounts are nothing more than a sales tool to get you to sign on the spot. Do not make a same day decision, sleep on it. If you feel pressured, show the salesman the door. Shop around, do some research, take your time.
Finally, always investigate a companies Better Business Beaureu Report. Check with your states Attorney Generals Office for a listing of complaints. Angies list is a good source to find a good contractor. Remember a companies size is not always a good indicator of how reliable a company is.
If you have any questions or comments, I can be reached at www.integritywaterproofing.com
Thank you,
Steve Allen
Article from articlesbase.com
Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: About, Basement, Truth, Waterproofing
What You Need to Know About Basement Subfloor
What You Need to Know About Basement Subfloor
A basement subfloor is any material that is installed below the floor. Basement floors are usually concrete slabs and these should have a subfloor to provide a good foundation for expensive floor finishes and lengthen its life.
Modern developments in home construction is to install subfloors to raise the value of the home for future reselling, convert the basement into a living space and add extra insulation to provide warmth, dryness and soundproofing. It also provides protection to the basement flooring material against high humidity by allowing the passage of air beneath the floor. Traditional functions of a basement subfloor are to protect flooring materials from moisture damage and give an even surface to the floor.
A quality basement subfloor material, whether it is made of polyethylene film, mastic, cement-based compounds or lumber must have features such as drainage capability, anti-leak to prevent discharge of moisture onto the flooring material. It should also give warmth to the floor by up to 30% and increase foot fall absorption. Conventional basement subfloor materials are hardwood and plywood panels.
The most important thing to keep in mind when installing basement subfloor is to ensure a firm, flat surface. Prior to installation, it should be ascertained that there is no structural damage and that all angles are square and joists in good condition. The selected subfloor must be suitable for the chosen flooring. It should also be strong enough to hold the type of flooring material and the furniture that will occupy the room. If in doubt, it would be wise to bring in a contractor for his professional advice and supervision.
Some subfloor panels may contract or swell when exposed to changing temperatures and humidity. Therefore it is advisable to keep them in the basement for 24 hours or longer and out of their packaging to let them get acclimatized to the basement atmosphere. They will then shrink or swell to the size they will maintain.
A basement subfloor will be a good investment in the long run. It can turn a cold, damp room into a warm and cozy living area.
Need fresh basement design ideas for home remodeling? Discover more basement remodeling ideas online.
Article from articlesbase.com
What You Need To Know About Dealing With Flooded Basements
What You Need To Know About Dealing With Flooded Basements
There are many reasons why you may need to deal with a flooded basement. You may have had flooding in your area and ended up with extensive damage in your home. You may also have a flooded basement because your pipes have frozen and cracked as a result of freezing in the winter time. A hot water tank may also have ruptured and caused water, basement issues. Regardless of why you are dealing with an excess of water, basement cleaning needs to take place so that there are not continuing issues that can affect your health.
The problem is that with moisture and water, basement environments are prime areas for mold and mildew to form. Black mold that grows after there has been standing water, basement can cause respiratory and skin irritation and, in large quantities can cause significant health problems. People have become quite ill once they have been exposed to black mold that grew after standing water, basement allowed it to thrive and spread.
The first indication that people may have that they are dealing with a flooded basement is standing water. This may only be several inches deep but in some areas a flooded basement may have water that is actually several feet deep. A flooded basement may also occur because a weeping system or floor drain system has backed up and water is making its way into your basement rather than draining away like it is supposed to. When water is allowed to sit around you may also notice a damp feel to the air or a smell that can mean that mildew is growing.
If you are dealing with water infiltration you want to make sure that you get the area as dry as possible as quickly as possible. This may mean calling in a company that has specialized equipment that can dry out flooring, drywall and other elements that make up your home’s structure. In order to get your home properly cleaned up the items that have sustained the largest amount of water damage may need to be removed and disposed of since they may be warped or damaged beyond the point where they can be saved. Some examples of items that may be too heavily damaged can include carpeting, upholstered furniture and wooden furniture that has been sitting in water for long enough that it may be warped or misshapen.
They may also use imaging equipment that can show where hidden pockets of moisture are located. This is important as any residual moisture can mean that damage will continue. The last thing you want is to find a pocket of mold that has been allowed to grow unchecked for an extended period of time.
One issue that many people are not aware of is that moisture in a basement can also attract certain types of pests and insects. As wood begins to break down it can attract insects that you do not want to have in your home. In order to keep your home in as good a condition as possible and to protect the investment that you have made in it you need to call in professionals to ensure your issues are dealt with as quickly and completely as possible.
If you are dealing with damage caused by water basement areas can be some of the most challenging to deal with. If you are dealing with a flooded basement you need to contact the Restoration Doctor. They will assess the job and ensure that cleanup happens as quickly and completely as possible so that you can get back to your life and so that your home is protected from further damage.
Article from articlesbase.com
What You Should Think About When Installing Basement Bathroom Fixtures
What You Should Think About When Installing Basement Bathroom Fixtures
Your basement could become a useful wing of your home. A simple renovation can turn any basement into an entertainment room, guest room, and more. However, every new basement space will be a lot more useful if you include a bathroom in it. After all, running upstairs every time you need to visit the bathroom can become extremely frustrating. A new bathroom is an important part of your basement renovation project. There are a few things you should take into account when installing basement bathroom elements, however. Here are some tips.
Planning is vital! If you don’t have a good plan for your bathroom, including all fixtures, visual elements, and storage spaces, you’ll have a much harder time creating a functional and pleasant space. After all, there are a number of concerns for installing basement bathroom fixtures and other elements that don’t apply to normal bathroom renovations. From special toilets and sewage concerns to moisture and lighting, you’ll need to think about everything if you want to succeed.
Basements are often chilly, damp locations – not the first place you think about putting a living space. So, if you’re going to be installing basement bathroom space or putting in any kind of finished, livable room, you’ll need to address these problems. Proper insulation of basement windows, a quality heating system with good ventilation, and a well sealed basement are all important to making sure that yours is a space you can live with, not just tolerate. This is particularly important for places where you’ll be using carpet. That’s not usually wise in bathrooms, which are better off with tile, but excess moisture can still be a problem in your basement bathroom installation.
Toilets and baths installed below your sewage line won’t drain or flush properly unless you have the right type of setup. Macerating systems are one option that allows you to put in your basement bathroom without worry about excavating the floor. Slightly less expensive are expeller systems that push waste water up and out of the basement. No matter which you choose, some system will be needed in order to get water and other waste out of the basement and into the sewer system or your septic tank.
Other considerations in addition to basement bathroom plumbing include the amount of space you’ll need, the lighting conditions for the room, and storage. It’s important to plan carefully, and pay attention to detail if you want to create a space that does more than just work. Basement bathrooms should also be pleasant to use, after all. Fortunately, it’s not really all that hard. If you’re working with a contractor, talk to him or her about any problems you may have. If you’re doing it yourself, be sure to plan carefully and consider every eventuality. Your chances of success will go way up.
Thomas Johnsen is the Author and Leading Expert on Installing Basement Bathrooms and the creator of the publication Installing a Basement Bathroom. Visit the site now to find the easy-to-understand step-by-step guides on basement bathroom construction available online today.
Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: About, Basement, bathroom, Fixtures, Installing, Should, Think
Things to Know About a Replacement Basement Window
Things to Know About a Replacement Basement Window
While you are remodeling your basement make sure you got all the important stuff sorted out. One of which is the type of window to use. In the old days, windows in basements are made of metal or wooden frames. This has caused problems because they are prone to rust and rot. Therefore your windows get damaged sooner than expected. If you have this concern, then it’s time to get a replacement basement window.
If you want it quick, you can always opt hiring companies that specialize on replacement basement windows. But of course it’s also important to know a bit about basement windows before you buy. This article should guide you in what type you should use.
1. Vinyl. Windows are important parts of basements since windows are the major source of fresh air in such a closed, buried room. Choose a replacement basement window that is made of vinyl. It’s rust-free and will not rot from its damp environment. It is also modular so you won’t have any trouble installing it.
2. Let there be light. Since you are at it, your basement window must be energy efficient. This attributes to the amount of light that your window can allow to come in to your basement. Use the right frame size and glass thickness. Especially with daylight, the amount of heat could help balance your basement room temperature. Basements are prone to moisture because of its damp surroundings.
3. Functionality. Aside from those mentioned above, another use of your basement window for passing objects. Most often, it is difficult to have ladders, boards, or poles to pass through the basement entrance. Doors and stairs are narrow and the latter are steep too. A perfect replacement basement window must include other functions such as good ventilation and accessibility for long objects.
4. Aesthetic Appeal. Of course, this is a must. Basement windows contribute greatly to the interior motif and concept of your den. Beautiful basement windows must not only look good from the inside but from the outside as well. This can be planned out properly. There are so many innovative basement window types that are available in the market today. Some are designed with sliding panes. Others are double glass panels. Choose the one fit best to your basement’s interior design. But don’t forget to consider the above mentioned.
You can begin looking for a supplier once you have all these things figured out. Take your time in choosing the right replacement basement window for you. Look for the one that you think is most reasonable. That means beauty, functionality, durability must be present.
There are several great window designs out there to choose from. Some may cost more but have really good quality. If you do find the type that is beautiful but expensive, the considerations mentioned above should help you decide which ones to buy.
Learn how a basement remodeling picture can assist you with your replacement basement window.
Categories: Basement Moisture Tags: About, Basement, Know, Replacement, Things, Window