Spring is Prime Time for Basement Leaks

Lately, I’ve been talking about the importance of proper ventilation in the attic to prevent leaks. But as the spring starts to edge closer, the basement takes the stage as the place in the house where leaks will most likely occur.

As the temperature warms, the snow melts, and the rain becomes more frequent, the ground gets saturated with water. This water can find its way into your basement through non-structural cracks in poured concrete walls or deteriorated joints in masonry walls. Poorly fitted or old basement windows can also let water in, as well as utility openings.

The best line of defense against a wet basement is to make sure that the water is directed away from the foundation. Inspect your gutters and downspouts to see if they are working the way they should be and also check to see that the ground right around the house is higher than the rest of the yard. Having the yard grade at its highest around the perimeter of the foundation will ensure water drains away from the house instead of into it.  

If you think the house is susceptible to leaks, you can also use a waterproofing membrane or coating to seal the foundation or basement area. However, if you have regular leaking problems, you may need to have a drainage or sump pump system installed by a professional.

Even if you don’t have a leak problem, the basement can get pretty damp in the springtime which creates the perfect environment for nasty mold and mildew. To get rid of the excess water, I always like to run a dehumidifier in the basement as the weather warms up.

A dehumidifier works by pulling the moisture out of the air and storing the excess water in a holding tank. Many people keep dehumidifiers in their basement all year long to control the dampness that can often be felt in underground areas, but I find it especially useful this time of year.

You can find out if your basement is holding a lot of moisture by purchasing a simple five-dollar humidity gauge from the local hardware store. Ideally, you want the humidity to be under 50%. If it’s higher, a dehumidifier might be a good solution. Generally, a unit will come in 25, 30 and 40-pint models, and on average a 25-pint unit will be sufficient to control the moisture in a 1,000 square foot area.

One last word of advice - if you have a dehumidifier or plan on getting one, please be sure to empty it regularly and keep the filter clean. A simple wipe down with a damp cloth and spray bottle will do the trick to keep you breathing freely and ensure a longer life for the appliance.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Spruce Up Those Suspended Ceilings with Head Turning Tiles

I received a question from a reader this week that I thought was well worth sharing.

Dear Bob,

We are remodeling our basement this winter and my husband says we should keep the suspended ceiling even though I think it looks terrible. He says it makes it easier to get into our wiring and plumbing. Is there anything we can do maintain the accessibility but make it a little more stylish?

Thanks,

Sue G.

Dear Sue, I’m so glad you asked this question because suspended or drop ceilings make a lot of sense for basements and office spaces. A suspended ceiling consists of a simple grid of lightweight tiles or panels, and they are popular because they are simple to install and allow easy access to internal wires and pipes. There are other benefits too: suspended ceilings are great for absorbing acoustics, they are more moisture and fire resistant than drywall ceilings, and they are naturally insulating which gives them a tick in terms of energy efficiency.

For all these reasons, suspended ceilings are a popular choice and your husband is right for wanting to keep them. However, I agree with you -  those mineral fiber panels aren’t the nicest to look at. Luckily, manufacturers have recently been thinking the same thing and there are now tons of options to create a really great looking ceiling to match your remodeling project.

One of my favorite options is pressed tin tiles, which were popular in the early 1900’s and can still be found in townhouses and brownstones in urban areas like New York City. They are making a huge comeback in modern design too. Tin plated tiles come in a range of patterns and finishes and the detailing adds a lot of flare to a room, even if you choose a white finish. Personally, I love the warmth of a copper look.

The faux wood is another popular choice, which comes in a ton of stains and colors. I like a dark walnut or cherry for a den or home office, while a lighter color would look great in a kitchen or darker basement.

Lastly, let’s not forget about vinyl. Vinyl tiles allow you to get interesting textures above your head and some of the 3-D and built in crown molding options can give a room a classy upgrade without forgoing durability. They are very easy to clean and are stain and water resistant if you’re looking for a solution in a leak prone area.

I hope these ideas answer your question Sue and best of luck with your basement makeover!

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Six Quick Fixes for a Winter Home Facelift

If the cold weather means you’re spending more time indoors, it can be easy to get cabin fever. So why not use a chilly weekend to give the inside of your house a little update with a few quick, fun fixes? Here are my ideas on how to breathe new life into your home on a budget.

The Pantone® Color of the Year is Greenery, a vibrant spring green that can easily lift the spirits of anyone suffering from the winter blues. I love the idea of bringing the outdoors inside during the winter months but if you’re not a big plant fan, you can create an energy filled accent wall or even refinish an old dresser with some mood boosting paint. Another great way to fill a room with nature is to update your artwork with some bold plant-based prints. A little green can go a long way.

A room can look completely different with a bit of furniture rearranging. Try something new by moving a few things around and spruce up the living room with a bunch of bright new throw pillows and a blanket. Also, it’s always a good idea to move furniture that you spend a lot of time in away from the windows. A bed or couch that sits in a drafty area could contribute to a nasty winter cold.

Give the kitchen a new look by updating your backsplash. Tiles can sometimes be expensive but there are tons of other options including pressed tin, wood, pegboard or paint. Cabinetry can also be refreshed with some modern, updated hardware.

Wallpaper is making a real comeback, with fresh designs that can make a bold statement in a small space. Self-adhesive wallpaper is easy to apply and can make a fun accent wall. You just peel off the backing and stick it to any painted or primed surface. It’s also a great way to give the kids room some personality without damaging the walls.

Adding a candelabra or cluster of pillar candles can add a warm glow to an unused fireplace, and replacing that dated 1970’s mantel can give a living room lots of life. Just make sure to choose one with enough depth to hold artwork, picture frames, and stockings for Christmas next year.

New winter drapes or curtains can really add some color to your living room and they also help to insulate your home from any drafts coming from old, aluminum windows. Choose a heavy fabric and have some fun with bright, bold prints.

Do you have plans to update your home this winter? What small projects do you plan on undertaking? I’d love to hear from you. Send me a message on Facebook at facebook.com/odonnellbros

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.