Increase Your Living Space & Add Value to Your Home
Posted: November 12, 2009 Filed under: Finishing Basement | Tags: basement, basement waterproofing, decorate, decorating, finish basement, finished basement, furnish, furnish basement, furnished basement, home improvement, home remodel, home repair, remodel, remodel house, waterproof, waterproofing 1 CommentWhen creating usable living space, the basement often becomes the most inexpensive approach to converting comfortable living space. Today, more and more old damp musty basements are being converted into dry usable space.
After installing a baseboard-style basement waterproofing system, finishing your basement is the next and final step.
Never drive nails into the floor. Horizontal base plates of 2″x2″ should be attached to the wall just above the SquidGee Dry™ System. Use masonry nails. Vertical 2″x2″ should be attached to the wall in the same manner. Run all 2″x2″s from the top of the wall down to meet the horizontal base plate.
Next, install insulation. Bead board insulation is an ideal product for basement walls.
Now, its time to sheet rock from the top of the wall down to the lower edge of the horizontal base plate. There should be a clear space under the new walls preventing water damage to the sheet rock.
Millwork is now attached to the walls with finishing nails that are driven into the horizontal base plate. Carpet can now be installed with two face tape. (DO NO NAIL TACK STRIPES TO THE FLOOR)
Furnish! You have now created a dry, clean, and comfortable living space out of a once dark and damp basement.
How to drain a baseboard-style basement waterproofing system
Posted: September 28, 2009 Filed under: DIY Basement Waterproofing, Sump Pumps, Wet Basement Help | Tags: basement, basement water, basement waterproofing, contractor, contractors, drain water, sump pump, waterproof, waterproofing 1 CommentCheck out my YouTube channel MrBasementWaterproof for the other 13 steps to waterproofing your wet, leaky basement.
How do I get rid of that musty basement smell?
Posted: September 28, 2009 Filed under: Mold & Mildew, Musty Basement Smell, Preventative Tips | Tags: basement, basement waterproofing, contractor, contractors, moisture, musty, water, waterproofing 1 CommentBegin with ventilating the basement by opening up windows and doors to create air movement. Placing a dehumidifier in your basement will help reduce the moisture levels in the air.
If ventilation does not remove odors:
- Mop concrete floor and walls with a bleach solution (3/4 cups of household bleach to a gallon of water).
- Rinse and dry after 5 minutes.
- Open windows when applying the bleach solution.
Place a lump of dry charcoal in an open tin/metal container to absorb odors.
These simple steps can help reduce moisture levels and slow the process of mold & mildew growth.
411 on Sump Pumps
Posted: September 25, 2009 Filed under: Sump Pumps | Tags: basement, basement help, basement waterproofing, concrete, flooding, water, waterproof, waterproofing, wet basement Leave a comment
What is a sump pump?
A pump used to remove water that has accumulated in a pit commonly found in the home basement to collect water called a sump pit.
Does my basement need a sump pump?
Because it’s out of sight, many homeowners often forget about their sump pumps until it’s too late and they’re standing knee-deep in water. The sump pump is a crucial line of defense against water seepage and basement flooding.
If you are located in an area often affected by power outages, especially during severe thunderstorms, a battery-powered backup sump pump may be a good idea. A battery-powered backup sump pump will kick on if the primary pump shuts down or fails due to overuse, excessive water or flooding and power failures. When power is restored to your home the backup pump will turn off and the primary pump will begin again. Some models automatically recharge themselves.
A backup pump will usually cost extra money and may need a larger pit; they are typically worth it, especially if you meet the criteria above. Installing a sump pump with your basement waterproofing system is a necessary precaution against water damage. A sump pump in your basement can be considered an insurance plan for your valuables and home.
Another safeguard suggested by the bureau is a sump pump alarm. It’s designed to detect sump water levels before flooding occurs and emits a high-decibel alarm before the water can reach your basement floor. This can tip you off that the pump isn’t working properly. Alarms can be either electrical or battery-operated.
What maintenance does a sump pump need?
Checking out the sump pump every year as part of your regular spring-cleaning routine. Working around water and electricity can be dangerous is you don’t take the appropriate steps. Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Information Bureau, an industry group, has a checklist to use when maintaining your sump pump.
- Clean out any debris, garbage or buildup that may have worked is way into the sump pump since the last time the pump was used.
- Connect a garden hose to the laundry tub sink, fill the sump pit with water, and see if the pump kicks on.
- If it doesn’t, you may need to replace the switch. But first make sure the pump is plugged in or that a fuse hasn’t blown.
- While pumps don’t have filters, they do have screens or small openings where the water flows in. Make sure this area is not plugged or clogged.
If you have any other questions about sump pumps just send me an email and I will gladly help you out!
Email: info@waterproof.com
Subject: Blog
Flooded basement!!! What do I do next?
Posted: September 23, 2009 Filed under: DIY Basement Waterproofing, Wet Basement Help | Tags: basement, basement help, basement water, basement waterproofing, dry basement, flood, flooded, flooded basement, ground water, leaky basement, waterproof, waterproof basement, waterproofing, wet basement Leave a comment
Surface water, wall seepage or back-flow from sewer lines typically causes little to no structural damage to your basement or home’s foundation. The water inside braces the walls against the pressure of outside water and waterlogged soil. So what’s next after a heavy rain and your basement is flooded with water?
Drain water out of your basement
Wait to drain the water inside the basement until a majority of the water outside the basements has gone down. This will prevent the basement walls from being pushed in or the floors from heaving.
If you have a large amount of water in your basement or if there is no basement drain, you may need to buy or rent a sump pump to get rid of the water. You will be unable to use an electric sump pump if your electrical panel is located in an area of your home that has been flooded, unless you use a pump driven by a 12-volt auto battery.
You can begin pumping the water out of your basement when the water level outside is lower than the water level inside your flooded basement. You may need to measure to determine this.
Stop pumping when the two water levels become equal. Pump the basement water out at the same rate at which the flood waters recede. This will keep the integrity of your foundational structure in-tacked.
I have drained the water out of my basement, how should I clean it?
As soon as all the water has been drained or pumped out of your basement shovel all the mud and debris to allow the floors and walls to dry. Remove silt and dirt stains by rinsing the concrete walls and masonry foundation walls with a high-pressure hose.
If the stains are stubborn and do not come clean with the hose, use a stiff bristle brush and household detergent to clean. Begin scrubbing at the top of the basement wall and work all the way down to the floor. Rinse often with clear water.
Start drying your basement as quickly as possible, this will decrease the chances of mild or mildew growing and minimize wood decay. Open all doors and windows to allow moisture to flow outside the basement. A dehumidifier will help speed up the drying process by removing excess moisture in the air.
If you are sensitive to mold or mildew or see any mold in your basement, be sure to wear a mask or respirator containing an appropriate filter.
Best Channel on YouTube! Introducing “MrBasementWaterproof”
Posted: September 23, 2009 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: basement, basement walls, basement waterproofing, Basement Waterproofing Videos, concrete, foundation, how to, leaky basement, videos, waterproof, waterproof basement, waterproofing, wet basement Leave a commentCheck out our new “MrBasementWaterproof” YouTube channel. It is filled with helpful basement waterproofing tips and tricks when installing a baseboard waterproofing system along the perimeter of your basement. There are detailed videos to bring your through the process of waterproofing your basement in 14 simple steps.
Here is a preview of one of our popular basement waterproofing videos:
Fix a Chronically Wet Basement
Posted: September 14, 2009 Filed under: DIY Basement Waterproofing, Finishing Basement, Preventative Tips, Why Basement Leaks? | Tags: basement, basement finishing, basement help, basement remodeling, waterproof, waterproofing, wet basement Leave a commentGreat article about fixing basements from oldhouseweb.com
Tips for Hiring Professional Waterproofing Contractors
Posted: August 31, 2009 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: basement waterproofing, basement waterproofing information, basement waterproofing tips, dry up your basement, home improvement, home repair, waterproofing, waterproofing contractors 2 Comments
After selecting a contractor to do the work, ask for a written contract in accordance with the estimate. Read this contract carefully before you sign it. Make sure you understand its contents. If you have a question, ask an attorney to review the contract for you.
The contract should include the following:
1. The contractor’s name, address, telephone number.
2.A full description of the work to be done and a list of the materials to be used.
3.A definite date on which work will start and the length of time for completion.
4.A provision that no change in plans or specifications may be made without the homeowner’s written approval.
5.A requirement that the contractor will obtain any necessary permits or licenses to assure the homeowner that building codes will not be violated.
6. Details of payment — the down payment, monthly payments, number of payments, the total finance costs, and annual percentage rate. The annual percentage rate is your key to comparing costs for the lowest rate.
7.A statement that the contractor is responsible for insuring his employees against possible injury on the job.
8.A warranty or guarantee with all conditions spelled out. For example, if what the contractor provides doesn’t solve the water problem, what is the company obligated to do and what are the alternatives?
9. The contractor’s signature and local or state licensing number, if licensing is required.
If you plan to finance the work and the contract terms could give the contractor a lien, mortgage on other security interest on your home, or if you are solicited by a door-to-door salesperson, make sure the contract contains a provision allowing you to cancel within three business days after signing it without penalty.
When signing the contract, make sure that all blanks are filled in, and that it contains everything the contractor promised. Do not rely on oral guarantees.
Make sure you have a copy of the written contract, signed by both parties, should you have trouble with the contractor later.
If and when the contractor requests your signature on a completion certificate, inspect the job carefully to see that the work has been done satisfactory, before signing.
Even if the job is finished, do not sign the completion certificate if you have a valid complaint about the work. It is not unreasonable, for basement waterproofing work, to delay signing until after heavy rains have come, or a specified period of time has elapsed.
Why Your Basement Leaks
Posted: August 26, 2009 Filed under: Why Basement Leaks? | Tags: basement flooding, basement leaks, basement leaky, basement systems, basement water, basement water proofing, basement waterproofing, basement waterproofing systems, basement wet, waterproof basement, waterproofing Leave a comment
Basements that leak water in through the joint where the floor and wall meet after a rain or snow melt are considered to be, the most common wet basements.
More than 90% of the wet basements leak water from the walls and the joint where the floor and wall meet.
Most basements rarely leak water up through the floor. Surface water collects and builds up in a pocket around the foundation causing hydrostatic pressure. Water then is forced through the joint where the floor and wall meet.
Basement Waterproofing Information 