Winter Tips
State Farm posts this advice for cold winter temperatures and storms- When the mercury plummets Even if you've taken the right preventative steps, extreme weather conditions can still harm your pipes. Here are a few more steps you can take: A trickle of hot and cold water might...
Basement Moisture
Efflorescence may be an indication of of continuing moisture penetration through foundation walls and slabs or it could be residue remaining from construction and curing. Efflorescence is caused by sulfate crystallization. masonryinstitute.org publishes the following- "...
Basement Mold and Water
Exposed dirt floors in basements and crawl spaces are problematic due to the moisture rising on convection driven air flow. Moisture can reach the upper levels of building through utility chases, voids, and stairways via stack effect http://www.epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/pdf_files/sec_2.pdf transporting indoor air contaminants with it. Including the...
Fall Yard Work
The most important thing to remember to include as part of fall yard work is to prepare outdoor faucets for winter. Remove hoses and be certain exterior water spigots are shut off. It may be a good idea to have a plumber look at exterior...
Real Estate Ethics
Property inspection is fundamental to successful real estate purchases. A competent inspector, completing an objective assessment, will identify apparent/potential deficiencies and save prospective buyers untold future expense and lingering unhappiness. Competence and unbiased opinion is also a quality cornerstone in selecting a licensed real estate agent...
Efflorescence
Efflorescence is sometimes confused for mold growth in basements. While it doesn't pose the same concerns that microbial growth does, it is an indication of moisture requiring attention and repair maintenance. Green Building Advisor posts more information and offers some solutions....
Moisture Control Guidance
The EPA publishes Moisture Control Guidance for Building Design, Construction and Maintenance. Site Drainage is fundamental to effective moisture control. There is a pdf. section devoted to construction methods in basement and crawl space condensation control. Basement waterproofing and crawl space repair can restrict condensation...
Spring Maintenance Checklist
Commercial and residential buildings will benefit from early maintenance before summer weather arrives. Clean gutters and downspouts to be sure water flows freely away from building foundations. Reseal exterior woodwork- fences, pergolas, sheds, and trellises should be inspected and included in the process. Check for pest infestation and...
Prepare for Spring Weather
The NOAA website has a fresh, new, look with a lot of reliable information....
Basement Waterproofing
Wet basements and wet crawl spaces present problems for the entire building. The key to improving basement moisture is controlling relative humidity. Moisture vapor rises from dirt floors, on convection driven air-flow, to upper levels. Water that has penetrated foundations will also increase relative humidity and...