Finishing the Crawl Space

by Benjamin Hardy | Jun 3, 2009 | Basement, Foundation & Crawlspace, Crawl Space, HowTo

The crawl space is not an area where many homeowners dare to venture. It is often dark, damp and cold—uninviting, to say the least. If left “unfinished,” BEFORE. An encapsulation system seals the walls and the dirt floor of the crawl space. Photo courtesy of the...

Constructing and Outfitting a Wine Cellar

by Jennie L. Phipps | Dec 16, 2008 | Basement, Basement, Foundation & Crawlspace, HowTo

More quickly than you would have possibly imagined, the small wine refrigerator you bought first is clearly inadequate and a dark closet is too warm to protect what has become a costly investment. Photo courtesy of Vintage Cellars (www.vintagecellars.com). The next...

Waterproofing Your Basement

by Lisa Iannucci | Jan 28, 2008 | Basement, Basement, Foundation & Crawlspace, HowTo

Before. Photo courtesy of Basement Systems. Three years ago, Kathryn Landers awoke to a Mother Nature bashing that left six inches of rainwater soaking her Ohio basement. After watching in angst as pillows floated by, she began the grueling three-week process of...

Insulating Concrete Slabs, Foundations and Basements

by Benjamin Hardy | Jul 10, 2007 | Basement, Foundation & Crawlspace, Foundation, HowTo

Concrete slabs, basement foundation systems, and crawl-spaces all experience water-vapor issues. Moisture infiltration can lead to mold and mildew growth and cement discoloration. Heat loss through the slab can increase utility costs. Fortunately there are a number of...

Selecting the Right Sump Pump

by Maureen Blaney Flietner | Nov 9, 2006 | Basement, Basement, Foundation & Crawlspace, HowTo

A sump pump should be covered to prevent evaporation and moisture buildup in the home, have a perforated drain in case of flooding, and have adequate discharge for the main pump and additional backup pumps. While hot water tanks and broken plumbing may flood a...

Stem Wall Foundations

by Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc. (FLASH) | Sep 13, 2005 | Basement, Foundation & Crawlspace, Foundation, HowTo

An oceanside community is ideal for its vistas and recreational opportunities, but prone to destructive forces from wind and water. Current hurricane codes and enhanced building practices are designed to fight off storm surge and wind damage.   A three-course stem...