Category: ‘Basement’

Water in Basement

July 25, 2011 Posted by admin

A flood in the area can cause a great deal of water to collect in the basement. This can turn out into a bad situation, as the water has no place to go and cannot dry up easily. The only way out is to pump out the water using special equipment. Pumping out water must be carried out with extra care as the process may result in pushing up walls and causing structural damage in case water is pumped out in a rapid manner.

Dealing with a Flooded Basement

If the basement is flooded and there is a great amount of water in it, the first step towards cleaning and repairing the basement is to wait for the flood to stop. Put off gas valves and electricity before entering the basement. Pump out the water from the basement in stages as sudden water pumping can cause damage to the walls. Clean out the debris and mud on the floor and then check for repairs to be undertaken. Waterproofing substances can be used to prevent water leaks through cracks in the walls or joints.

Problems Caused by Water in the Basement

The water that collects in the basement may be filled with debris and mud. It can contaminate the things lying about in the basement and also cause damage to the walls and floor. Water that has been collected in the basement remains stagnant with no place to go and results in molds and mildew and bad odors as well. It can lead to the growth of disease producing germs as well. Dehumidifiers may be used for drying the basement.

Preventing Water from Entering the Basement

Basement windows can be covered with plastic covers. This prevents water or snow from entering the basement and collecting inside. Broken washing machine hoses can also cause water to collect in the basement. Checking for broken water pipes or sewage ducts can also be a precautionary measure for preventing water from entering the basement. This can be pumped out or if matters are really worse, professionals in basement repairs can be called to help out.

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Basement Sports

July 24, 2011 Posted by admin

In times when the climate does not favour sports to be played outdoors, the basement provides a valuable alternative. One can play ping-pong otherwise known as table tennis in the basement.
Squash and badminton too can be played in the basement.

Squash, Badminton and table tennis

All the three sports involve opponents. If one is running or swimming one tends to stop when one feels exhausted. If one has a suitable opponent one tries to assert one’s superiority and in the process stretches one’s effort.
Squash provides a physical and mental workout in a relatively short period of time. It is the best game to burn those extra calories. It is a fast sport.

In badminton the shuttlecock has to be hit across the net .It results in a good upper body workout.
Table tennis is the second most popular sport in the world just after soccer. Table tennis is a sport, which demands quick reflexes, speed and good eye hand coordination. Endurance and reflexes matter more than size and strength. People of all backgrounds and types can compete on a level playing field. It is a thinking person’s game and a universal sport.

Indoor Gymnasium

One could have an indoor gymnasium in the basement with weights, treadmills, exercise bicycles, bull-worker, climbing machines, skiing machines and rowing machines. So one can keep fit without stepping outdoors.

Table top sports

Billiards, snooker and pool are played on big, flat, cloth covered tables with pockets. The players are supposed to knock the balls into the pockets using a cue ball hit with a stick, which is called cue.

Playing cards
The majority of card games are played with a pack of 52 playing cards which are divided equally into four suits clubs, hearts.spades and diamonds. Each suit has the numbers 1 to 10 followed by the picture cards –king, queen and jack.They are mental games.
Board sports
Various types of board games are played throughout the world, and quite a few have been popular for centuries.
Games such as Monopoly and backgammon are a mixture of luck and skill. Even though luck (usually the throw of dice) plays a part, choices made by the players in the course of the game also help to decide who emerges triumphant
Chess is a game of great skill that calls for the ability to plan moves and recognize threats many steps ahead. There are different kinds of pieces – king, queen, bishop, knight, rook and pawn – and each has its own special way of moving about the board. . The goal of the game is to ensnare (checkmate) the enemy king by putting it in a position where it cannot escape capture.

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Replacement Basement Window

July 23, 2011 Posted by admin

Windows can make a big difference to a basement. The natural light and heat received through the window can make a big difference to the space and look and feel of the basement. Generally smaller in size than the normal windows that houses have, basement windows are specifically designed to let in natural light, air and also serve as an emergency exit. Existing windows can be replaced to provide more lighting and ventilation as well as serve as an egress point in case of emergency.

Choices for Replacing Basement Windows

Old basement windows that have rotted or become rusty can be replaced with modern basement windows made from vinyl and glass. These new windows are long lasting resistant to moisture and rust. This also prevents the growth of mold. Unlike old windows that were difficult to open or allow long objects to pass through them, modern insulated basement windows for replacement are available with sliding sash or regular single units and lockable varieties. Replacement basement windows come in a variety of materials as well as designs. Choices range from single units to skylights to block windows and are made from materials like acrylic, vinyl, wood, glass and even aluminum.

Replacing Basement Windows

Most basement window manufacturers have come up with designs that enable a homeowner to simply dismantle the existing window and fit the new window in its place with minimum damage to the basement wall or structure. If the house is in a low-lying area and is prone to floods or snowstorms, replacement windows must be purchased or manufactured keeping the needs of the homeowner in mind. Materials such as glass and vinyl are preferred as they are termite resistant as well as rot and mildew-resistant. Besides, they are also easy to clean.

Where to Find a Basement Window Replacement?

There are many window manufacturers who make windows exclusively for basements. They can be contacted easily through the yellow pages or can be visited at their shops or their websites that give all the information about the different types of basement windows that are available or can be made to order.

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Flooded Basement

July 22, 2011 Posted by admin

Flooded basements can cause a lot of discomfort. Water may leak in from the walls and the floor and also from ducts and vents that have not been sealed properly. The water has no way out and can also result in bad odors and slime. A little effort in maintaining a dry basement can prevent basements from getting flooded in case of heavy rainfall or snow melting.

Dos and Don’ts for Flooded Basements

Before entering a flooded basement, ensure that the electricity and gas ducts and valves have been turned off. Doors and windows must be opened to get some fresh air into the basement. Structural damages to walls need to be checked both from inside and outside. Preventive measures such as sealing joints between walls and floor and moving drainage pipes away from low lying areas around the house can prevent flooded basements.

Steps to handle a flooded basement

The first and foremost step in restoring a flooded basement to normalcy would be to pump out the water. This can be done using a gas pump or one that has been connected to an electric line outside the house. Connecting a pump to the electric system in the house may prove to be hazardous. Care is to be taken that the water is not pumped out too quickly as this may result in the walls being pushed up leading to structural damages. Pumping out the water should be carried out over a span of three to four days. Once the water has been pumped out, the actual cleaning process begins. People involved in cleaning flooded basements must wear protective gear such as gloves and boots. Start by picking out contaminated and wet garbage from the floor. Check for any debris or mud on the floor. Use of a shovel is recommended. Floors and walls can be hosed to clean them up. The basement needs to be dried out using a heating system or a dehumidifier.

Repairing a flooded basement

A lot of structural damage can occur in a basement after a flood. Buckled walls, settled or heaved floors, cracked walls need immediate repair. Cracks on walls require special equipment as they may develop into serious damage for the walls at a later stage. A cracked or heaved floor may need to be completely replaced if it cannot be repaired.

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Finished Basement

July 21, 2011 Posted by admin

Most people forget about the basement when they plan to add a new living space. The surveys and studies show that finished basements rank behind kitchen and bathroom renovations. The finished basement homes have high prospective resale value.

Advantages of Finished Basements

1. The earth naturally insulates basements. So they are cool in summer and warm in winter. However, if the winter is harsh you can always install a heating system with a separate thermostat.
2. You can have your home office or an expanded kitchen or an additional guest room in the basement. You can even have a large master bedroom in the basement thus freeing the main living area.
3. The house will be quiet and stress free if the basement is converted into a playroom, home entertainment centre, exercise room or other activity room. You can also use the basement as a den, sauna or whirlpool bath area, where you can quietly retreat from other household activity.

When Hiring a Finished Basement Contractor

Always look for a competent basement finishing firm or a contractor. When you are dealing with the professional inquire whether they are the licensed and insured operators. It is necessary to ascertain as to how many years of experience they have in doing the basement works and whether they will take care of the building permit. Always ask for estimation and find out their work schedule. See if they are adaptable to changes and modification and whether they can provide assistance and also recommend useful ideas. Finally ask for a list of recent reference.

Finished Basement Problems and Solution

One of the major problems faced by basement is moisture. Therefore before starting off any work checking out for moisture or taking care of the existing moisture is an absolute must. The moisture will contribute to humid air, mild dew and other factors that will always make it feel like a basement how much ever you spend on designs and interior decorations. The basement will not be comfortable if air is humid in the basement living space. Seal the small cracks in the foundation wall as they can allow the penetration of moisture. Condensation of moisture on the walls has to be prevented or removed. To prevent condensation of moisture increase ventilation, cover the exposed water pipes and installation of wall insulation can prevent the humid air from coming into contact with the damp concrete walls. The basement has to be waterproofed to avoid the water seepage.
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Dry Basement

July 20, 2011 Posted by admin

A dry basement is not necessarily one that is not flooded. Leakages and water seepage may cause wet basements too. A dry basement is one that is completely rid of moisture or water that can come in through walls, floors or vents and joints that are not sealed.

Preventing leakages

The trick to keeping a basement in dry condition is to prevent leaks before they occur. Leaks can occur in a number of places such as the wall of the foundation, the joint between the wall and the floor and existing cracks in walls or floor. Sealing the joints and those parts of the wall or floor where cracks and resultant leaks are likely to occur can prevent leaks.

Preventive Measures to Maintain a Dry Basement

The basic prevent measure to maintain a dry basement is to keep the water out. If the house is located in a low-lying area, collection of water should be prevented. Ducts and drainage pipes that can lead this water away must be installed. Waterproofing is another method to keep a basement dry. Waterproofing substances applied to the floor or walls can prevent water seepage through cracks or leaks. Periodic maintenance and regular inspection of seals should be carried out. It is better to carry out preventive measures before leaks occur than do it later as this saves a lot of time, effort and money. Preventive measures carried out before leaks occur can also help prevent damage to things or stuff that is stored in the basement.

Why a basement needs to be kept dry?

A dry basement will be free from bad odors or leaks that can cause wetness and mold or rot. A dry basement can be used for many purposes. It could be another extension to the house and can be used as a bedroom or business office. Dry basements are also good storage spaces and can be used to their optimum if water and moisture are kept away. Dry basements can be used as living spaces and heating systems can make them as cozy as any living room in the house. Dehumidifiers can help take away unwanted moisture from the basement keeping it dry and warm.

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Basement window well cover

July 19, 2011 Posted by admin

The main objective of this basement window well cover that has allured the peoples’ eye is its safety hazard. This gives a protection for any person walking around that area. The cover prevents the passage of the unnecessary materials and thus it avoids the blockage of water.
It protects the children from falling into the window wells and it becomes incredibly strong and is easy to install. This has become the first line of defense and eliminates external access into the well.

Purpose of a window well

1. Prevents weeds and it keep clean.
2. Keeps rain and water away from overflowing gutters.
3. The window glass is kept clean and this extends the life of window frame.
4. Most water out and cannot warrant against the flooded window well unless it is perfectly installed.

Features of a quality product

1. It should give a lifetime warranty.
2. Needs to be unbreakable.
3. Should have rust free aluminum bracing.
4. Optional security locks are more important.
5. Snap off all spring steel clips.

Some additional benefits

1. Keeps children out of danger.
2. Gives storm window protection.
3. It helps to prevent clogged drains.
4. It allows most of the light to shine through.
5. Prevents a lot of debris, leaves and animals out of well.

Significance of window well covers

Thus it is very difficult for the house owners to keep their family members in safety without the window well cover. This is not only an advantage to the window well but also proved efficient in the surrounding of the house. This cover provides excellent protection and if this is made of right material then this thing shows its lasting property. It is very necessary that it should be made of perfect plastic covers, which should be specially designed for the installation of a window well to cover the opening. The installation of window well covers is specially for keeping the moisture out of the basement. One should keep the basement windows in good order and consider window well covers to keep out of leaves and rain. There is also a need of a water pump for the drainage of the extra water that is to be let out.

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Basement window well

July 18, 2011 Posted by admin

The right window well has allured the peoples’ attention towards perfection of the basement. The purpose of these windows is to keep earth away from basement windows. The window well is designed to bolt directly to the wall during the remodel application. This brings natural light and ventilation and allows escape in an emergency.

Significance of window well

Window well prevents weeds and thus it keeps the inside clean. This is manufactured as a matching set and keeps rain and water away from overflowing gutters and thus the window glass is kept clean and this extends the life of window frame. The major difference between basement space and upstairs is natural light. Most of the wind blowing against the windows is kept covered which are usually single pane glass and no weather stripping. This keeps most water out and cannot warrant against the flooded window well unless it is perfectly installed.

Methods of treatment

The unprotected basement wells acts like cisterns during the heavy storms and thus it permits the water to seep in around window frames and below window frames. But it can be protected by metal or masonry window well with bottom consisting of gravel to permit good drainage. In order to the window well the plastic bubbles come in use and they are easily available. Sources of moisture such as clothes hung to dry on basement lines increases humidity in the air, increasing the likelihood of condensation. Promptly repairing plumbing, opens windows or dry clothes in an automatic dryer vented outdoors. Experiment with using a large-capacity dehumidifier to eliminate condensation, if problem persists.
If it is started by cleaning the window by any excess soil and washed gravel is replaced with it. A drain is made at the base of the well. The water is piped along either the interior or exterior of the basement. If the water is piped along the interior, the water is emptied into a sump pump or into an Interior Drain Tile System. If the water is being piped along the exterior, the water can be emptied into the underground drainage system, a sump pump on the interior of the building, or out the slope of the land.

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Basement window

July 17, 2011 Posted by admin

Basement windows are generally smaller in size than the normal windows that houses have. They are specifically designed to let in natural light, air and also serve as an emergency exit. Insulated windows with sliding sash or regular single units and lockable ones are in popular demand in most homes with basements.

Types of basement windows

Basement windows come in a variety of materials as well as designs. Choices range from single units to skylights to block windows and are made from materials like acrylic, vinyl, wood, glass and even aluminum. Basement windows serve as points of egress in an emergency. Hence they need to be furnished accordingly. Also low-lying areas are susceptible to floods and snowfall. This must also be kept in mind while designing a basement window.

Important tips for remodeling a basement window

Old and rusty metal windows in the basements should be replaced with those made from materials like glass or vinyl as they allow natural light to come in and are also easy to install. Sliding windows are better than single unit windows with a door. Using modern looking windows, which are just as efficient in keeping the dust and water out of the basement, is an effective way to stop leakages and at the same time provide energy. A window also needs to make room for long objects like ladders and boards to be passed through it if necessary. The important points to be kept in mind are; the windows should be rot and mildew-resistant, should be energy efficient, should improve the appearance of the exterior of the house and also be functional enough for use within and outside.

Basement window resources

Many suppliers and contractors dealing in basement remodeling and specialists who provide window installations can be excellent sources of information on the right kind of basement windows and the shops where one can find the best materials for installing a basement window. Online resources also give information about the materials, the price range and the contact details of professional contractors or building material suppliers. Old and rusted basement windows must be replaced with energy efficient windows that enable good ventilation and also serve as egress points. Such window systems are readily available with most suppliers and building material manufacturers.

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Basement waterproofing

July 16, 2011 Posted by admin

Why does a basement leak?

The joints between the floor and the wall are the most common areas where a leak could occur. Rainfall or snow melting above the ground level collects on the surface and because of hydrostatic pressure is forced through the joints where the floor and the wall meet. Wet basements are mostly due to such leakages and require proper waterproofing processes.

Why is basement waterproofing necessary?

Basement waterproofing is necessary to prevent moisture seepage into the basement and keeping it dry. Hydrostatic pressure can cause water and moisture to seep in through the walls and joints. Using a quality waterproofing coating to the walls can prevents this. It is advisable to use the waterproofing coating as per instructions from the manufacturer and not according to one’s perception of the extent of waterproofing required. This will keep the walls in good condition and prevent any damage from moisture or water.

How is basement waterproofing done?

The first task is to begin by waterproofing the areas outside the house. Any collection of water near the house should be done away with. When the soil on the surface becomes water-saturated, water is forced to enter inside reaching the joints between the floor and the wall. Low areas around the house should be filled up to ensure water flows away from the house. One can also install a drain system that will collect the water and drains it to the floor drain. It is important that basements are checked for any waterproofing requirements both before and after a flood.

Resources for basement waterproofing

It is recommended that professional basement waterproofing contractors be called in to do the job. However it is important to know a few things about the process for oneself as that will prove beneficial in terms of costs as well as future care. Do-it-yourself installation kits are also available or one can bring a professional contractor to do the job. Most contractors who offer services for drainage and plumbing systems also undertake waterproofing jobs. Doing it before the rains as a precaution will prove to be more beneficial than after the damage is done.

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