All City  |  Change City  |  Forgot password  |  Register  |  Sign In
Registration optionCLOSE THIS WINDOW
Please select from the options below :
Standard User
Reno Pros
SIGN INCLOSE THIS WINDOW


Keep me signed in
RETRIVE PASSWORDCLOSE THIS WINDOW

Or
Forgot your password? Enter your email below. We will send you an email with a link to reset your password.
 
CHANGE CITYCLOSE THIS WINDOW
If we have mistakenly identified your city, please change it by enter your zipcode that most closely matches your location.




Written by Tracy
Basement Remodel - Risky Preconditions
In Plumbing, Heating, & Air - more than a month ago

Moisture problems have a variety of sources and remedies. When contemplating a basement remodel an inspection should be done by the owner and perhaps someone who is experienced in basement moisture situations. Making this effort can make the difference in having a durable piece of work. Not taking into account this factor may lead to moisture and mold damage to your new remodel.

There are exterior and interior moisture sources, such as hydrostatic pressure buildup under and around the foundation from improperly graded land or gutters that leak or aren't routed away from the foundation.  For exterior water pressure it may be necessary to also install corrugated pipe along one or more sides of the foundation to assist in drainage during heavy of prolonged rain fall.

Interior sources of moisture may be found during an inspection that follows feed and drainage pipes from the basement floor through the floor joists of the kitchen and bathrooms. It may be necessary to insulate feed pipes to prevent condensation. Another source of condensation would be the air ducts during the use of air conditioning.

One important fact to consider is that a basement remodel will mean covering drain pipes. If they are the old cast iron drains, they should be tapped with a hammer to determine if the walls have been thinned by internal rust.  Iron pipe should be replaced in any event as a precondition to basement remodeling. 

Small vents can be placed in the drywall during remodeling to prevent natural moisture buildup, since cement is a porous material which transfers some moisture. It is advisable to also install a dehumidifier to reduce atmospheric moisture. But it doesn't take the place of the other repairs mentioned here. 

These tips are essential considerations prior to the commencement of remodeling a basement. The owner should take the lead in identifying potential problems and have the contractor include the remedies or have specialists do the work before remodeling.

   
Comments(0)
     

POST YOUR COMMENT