6 Benefits of Waterproofing Your Basement

By:    |   Published February 14, 2024

Becoming a homeowner is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. It’s a journey filled with learning, growth, and the joy of making a space truly your own. However, with the pride of homeownership also comes the responsibility of maintenance and improvements. One question we often get is homeowners asking about the real benefits of waterproofing for their property and their own health. read more

A Comprehensive Guide to Stopping Water Seepage in Brick Walls

By:    |   Published December 18, 2023

Water seepage in brick walls can be a homeowner’s nightmare. It not only damages the aesthetic appeal of a home but can also lead to structural issues and unhealthy living conditions. From understanding the causes to implementing long-term solutions, we’ll help provide a thorough understanding of the problem and its remedies. read more

Time for a Basement Makeover? Start with These 10 Basement Remodeling Tips!

By:    |   Published November 29, 2016

Now that the weather is turning cold, many DIYers are turning their thoughts to the great indoors. Homeowners know that there are always plenty of projects on the to-do list, and one of the most popular home remodeling projects to tackle during the winter months is a basement makeover. Whether you want to add a spare playroom, a guest room, or a “man-cave,” the basement can be the perfect location for additional living space.

Like any DIY renovation, proper planning before you start a can save a lot of headaches – and unexpected expenses – down the road. While it’s certainly more exciting to think about installing a big-screen TV or a stylish bar, keeping your basement warm and dry should be your first consideration. With that in mind, we’ve put together 10 basement remodeling tips to help keep your basement cozy, energy efficient, and waterproof, so you can enjoy your new space for years to come!

 

1. Don’t start until you’ve checked the building code and obtained all necessary permits.

Your project could face serious consequences if it’s not up to code, and you could be putting your home and your family in danger. This is particularly important if you’re planning plumbing and electrical work, which may have to be inspected. Know and follow the building codes. If you have questions, concerns, or you’re not sure your skills are up to the task, consult a licensed builder.

 

2. Check for moisture problems.

Moisture issues are a common basement concern, and if you don’t address them before starting your renovations, you could be setting yourself up for costly repairs down the road. Mold, insects, and high levels of humidity are all signs that you could have a serious basement moisture problem that’s beyond the fix-it skills of the typical DIYer. If you’re not sure what to look for, our experts can provide you with a free basement inspection and recommend the best waterproofing option for you.

Even if you don’t have a serious moisture problem, adding a vapor barrier to both the walls and floors prior to framing and finishing off these surfaces makes good sense. Lay down the moisture barrier, wait a day or two, then check underneath to see if and how much moisture may be coming through before continuing. If there’s still residual moisture after adding the vapor barrier, create a slight offset from the outside wall by adding thin slats of wood or metal called furring strips. These strips can also be used to help level out a wall that may be “wavy” to create a flat surface for adding framing. When it’s framed and insulated, face it with mold-resistant drywall.

 

3. Don’t skimp on the insulation.

Insulation will not only help control the temperature inside your basement, it will add another layer of moisture control. Plus, it will help dampen sounds coming in from the outside. Choose an insulation that includes a vapor barrier on both sides. Spray foam insulation can also be effective for basement walls, but check code requirements to ensure it allowed in your area.

 

4. Seal around rim joists.

Uninsulated rim joists (the joists on the outside edge of your basement walls) can create big energy losses. They can also be an easy entrance for mice or other pests. Insulate them with rigid insulation cut to fit. 2” extruded polystyrene is a good choice, but make sure it’s up to code. If you have a table saw, use it to cut strips equal to the depth of your joists. Then use a fine-tooth handsaw or utility knife to cut the strips to length. Fill small gaps with caulk, and the larger ones with expanding spray foam.

 

5. Seal around pipes and wires.

Seal small cracks around pipes and wires with high-temperature silicone caulk, and larger gaps with flame-resistant expanding foam. Close openings around chimney flues or other large openings by nailing sheet metal over them and sealing the edges with caulk. While they’re exposed, slip foam insulation sleeves over hot-water pipes to prevent heat loss and over cold-water ones to prevent condensation from dripping on the inside of the drywall or ceiling.

 

6. Add a drop ceiling.

A drop, or suspended, ceiling hides your plumbing and electrical lines, yet provides easy access to them if needed. Remember that drop ceilings will reduce the amount of overhead space available, so keep that in mind when planning your renovation.

To soundproof a drop ceiling, add fiberglass batts above the ceiling tiles, but make sure your tiles can bear the added weight. Although batt insulation is relatively lightweight, it can put enough stress on think drop ceiling tiles and break them. Don’t use fiberglass ceiling tiles – they can’t support the weight of insulation. If you’re thinking of using wood-and-gypsum ceiling tiles, they will need to be at least 5/8 inch (15 mm) thick to be used safely with batt insulation.

 

7. Make sure your flooring is waterproof.

You may be tempted to add carpeting or wood flooring to your new space, but that can be a bad idea. Even a waterproofed basement can fall victim to a malfunctioning sump pump, and one flood can ruin an expensive floor (see #10).

That doesn’t mean you have to be stuck with a drab floor of gray concrete. Here are a few great basement flooring options:

  • Epoxy floor coatings are good if you can live with a hard surface flooring. Epoxy coating is inexpensive, comes in a lot of colors, is totally waterproof, and easy to apply.
  • Ceramic tile comes in an almost endless variety of colors and styles. In fact, you can even buy tile that looks amazingly like a wood floor! It’s unaffected by moisture and goes directly onto concrete that’s smooth and free of cracks.
  • Vinyl tile and sheet flooring also goes directly over prepared concrete and will withstand even minor flooding. A vinyl floor can provide some cushioning underfoot, and it’s fairly inexpensive.
  • Engineered wood flooring gives you the warmth and beauty of real wood with the stability and moisture resistance of laminate construction. Click-together tiles and planks are DIY-friendly and easy to install as a floating floor system. Check to make sure the type you choose is rated for below-grade basements.
  • Rubber flooring comes in sheets and DIY-friendly tiles with interlocking edges. Rubber floors are nicely cushioned and come in a wide variety of colors, making them a good choice for basement playrooms.

Remember, no matter what flooring you choose, it’s important that you take steps to keep your basement as dry as possible. That means grading out foundation soil so it slopes away from foundation walls at least four inches over 10 feet, adding extensions to your downspouts so water exits at least five feet away from your house, and keeping gutters in good repair.

 

8. Consider your heating options.

Tying into an existing HVAC system will usually makes the most sense (and save the most dollars on remodeling costs). Remember, warm air rises, so it makes sense to install heating vents at floor level. For this reason, baseboard heating is also good option.

If cold basement floors are a problem, you can warm them up with electric heating cables or mats. This type of heat doesn’t warm the room much, but it makes floors much more comfortable.

 

9. Don’t remodel the utility room.

Keep the area around HVAC units and water heaters clear, open, and unfinished. These spaces have specific code requirements for spacing and framing. Plus, you’ll need access for inspection and/or repairs.

 

10. Have a backup plan for your sump pump.

It’s best to have both a battery backup for your main pump, in case of a power outage, and a second pump, in case the first one gives out. You can also install an inexpensive, battery-operated alarms that detect water to notify you if there’s water on your basement floor.

Call Team EverDry Today!

Before you remodel your basement, make sure it’s moisture free! Contact us online to 

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Conquer Basement Clutter with These Top 5 Spring Cleaning Tips

By:    |   Published March 29, 2016

Is this the year you’re going to tackle basement organization? Don’t go in without a plan. The hardest part of cleaning and organizing your basement is often just getting started. This is an out-of-sight, out-of-mind zone, which can easily turn into your personal warehouse stacked high with who knows what. Where do you start? With a plan, some elbow grease, and these top 5 basement spring cleaning tips.

Tip #1- Keep an eye on the prize

What would you like to do with all this space you’re reclaiming? Organized storage? A recreation area or craft room? (Wo)man cave? Creating an image of what you want this newly-cleaned space to become will be great a incentive to start cleaning and keep going. There are many go-to resources for storage and decorating ideas; scour the magazine racks and online sources such as Pinterest for inspiration. (Check out our Basement Possibilities page for ideas!)

Tip #2 – Plan a purging party

This part of your basement reclamation plan will go a lot faster if you can enlist family and friends. One word of warning: Family – especially children – might not be able to part with some of the “treasures” you’ve packed away, and you may end up keeping more than you’d planned.

Start by designating three zones as a temporary holding space: Keep, Donate, and Throw Away. If you have large pieces such as furniture that you plan to donate, connect with local charities to see if they’ll pick it up for you. Are you accumulating a massive throw-away pile? Contact a refuse company to see if they offer drop-off containers that they will pick up once they’re filled. Finally, organize what you’re going to keep. Group similar items together and clearly label them.

Tip #3 – Evaluate the environment

Clean your newly purged space top to bottom and look for any signs of foundation cracks or water damage. If you see or suspect any, contact us for a free inspection. Add a dehumidifier to control humidity levels. Next, measure your open areas to make sure they’ll accommodate your reorganized storage or furniture. Don’t forget that in the basement, you’ll most likely have to work around “mechanicals” such as electrical, HVAC, plumbing, etc. If you plan to add furniture or eventually remodel, test possible arrangements by mapping them out with tape on the floor. Place your storage items in your proposed area. Are your items accessible to the stairs? What size doorways will you need to move stored items in and out? Test out different layouts until you find one that works.

Tip #4 Think about safety

If you’re reworking your basement, sturdy shelving is a must for bin and box storage. Heavy-framed shelving built using 2×4 studs and ¾” plywood will create a stable shelving unit. Measure the items you plan to store for appropriate clearance and depth. Never place large or heavy storage items above 5 feet high; you risk injury when trying to get them down. Make sure you have adequate lighting and smoke detectors – add a fire extinguisher in this area for an extra measure of safety.

Tip #5 – Explore your storage options

Even if you plan to add living areas to your basement, chances are you’ll still designate some of it for storage. There is a myriad of options, from durable to decorative, but the mainstays of basement storage are:

  • Shelving – Floor-to-ceiling shelving is a good idea, but it must be strong and sturdy enough to hold what you want to store. Don’t forget to use all available space including the ceiling – hooks or ceiling storage units can be a great place to hang bikes and other seasonal equipment.
  • Storage Bins – Store holiday decorations or winter coats in clearly labeled storage bins. When selecting bins, try to find ones that are stackable and transparent — this will optimize efficiency and ease of access.
  • Pegboard – Pegboard is an underrated necessity in the basement, especially if you want to store tools down there but still wish to keep them easy to locate.

4 Basement Waterproofing Options Info Graphic

Make sure your basement is clean and dry this spring. Contact Team EverDry online or give us a call at (419) 841-6055 to schedule your

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Basement Party Ideas: Turn Your Basement into a Party Palace!

By:    |   Published December 28, 2015

Want to host a New Year’s Eve party at your house this year, but aren’t sure how to pull it off? The solution is right under your feet: your basement! Whether finished or unfinished, your basement is a goldmine of party possibilities if utilized properly and we’ve got 5 easy tips to help you plan basement party ideas so your guests have the best New Year’s Eve ever.

5 Basement Party Ideas to Help You Plan NYE

Turning your basement into a party space for New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to be a time-consuming or expensive venture. Just a few simple decorating investments will make any basement space a festive and happy party palace!

#1 Brighten up the Walls

If your basement is unfinished, you may have concerns about how to make the walls look bright and festive. Turning gray or white concrete walls into an eye-popping backdrop for your party space isn’t difficult. Hanging colorful posters, tacking up shimmering fabrics, or even painting if you have the time are all simple and relatively inexpensive ways to spruce up your basement walls. Many party supply stores also sell temporary murals in holiday themes, which are easy to hang and add a festive touch to any wall.

#2 Music, Music, Music!

What’s a party without the music! One of the easiest ways to make your basement the perfect space for a celebration is by creating both a space to play music and a space to dance to it.  Set up a stereo system in an easy to access corner and clear a space in the center of the room for a dance floor. You can even place temporary music related no-slip decals on the floor to add an extra special touch to the dancing space.

#3 String Lights

Christmas may be over, but don’t pack up those lights just yet. Hang multiple strings of Christmas lights around your basement to add an illuminating touch. Multi-colored lights give a lighthearted celebratory feel while white twinkling lights add a touch of class and sophistication.

#4 Hang Streamers

Streamers and other hanging decorations such as beads also add fun to your basement party space. Twist together multiple strands of colored streamers and hang them on walls, ceilings, and light fixtures, or invest in several strings of shiny beads and hang them from the ceiling.

#5 Don’t Forget the Balloons

Nothing turns an ordinary space into a party palace like balloons. Filling your party space with as many helium balloons as will fit will instantly turn the area into a party. As with the lights, colored balloons add a fun and festive flair, while silver, gold, and white balloons bring elegance to your party space.

No matter how you choose to decorate your basement party palace, have fun with it! New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration with friends and family, and your guests will love having a joyful space to ring in the New Year with you.

Contact EverDry Toledo!

Want to make sure your basement is party palace ready? Schedule your free inspection 20-point indoor/outdoor inspection and let Team EverDry help you create a space you’ll love! Contact us

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