Is The Water In Your Basement From Condensation Or Penetration? [Infographic]

Most homeowners who contact us about their wet basements know two things: there’s water on their basement walls, and they need to do something about it. However, most are unsure of where the water came from: whether it’s a result of condensation and penetration. Finding the answer to this question, and the source of the water, is actually an important indicator of the severity of your foundation damage.

We’ve put together an infographic that not only tells you everything you need to know about the two, but also provides an easy test you can do to determine whether penetration or condensation is responsible for the water droplets on your basement walls. For even more assistance with the test, check out our Basement Water Penetration VS Water Condensation Test video guide.

Build Your Own Wine Cellar

When picturing a finished basement, images of home theatres, family rooms, or furnished bars often come to mind. But your dream basement can include more than just the conventional furnishings. How about your own wine cellar? Your friends are sure to be impressed when you go downstairs to choose a finely aged Merlot to pair with dinner from your custom-built wine cellar. Here’s what you’ll need and how to get started if you want to build your own wine cellar.

What you’ll need

• wine racks
• full glass door
• ¼” a/c plywood (15 sheets)
• 1x3 furring strips (35)
• ¼” x 1-½” flat trim-molding, 8-foots lengths (35)
• 2x4x8 lumber (12)
• track lights (1 set)
• 1 gallon floor paint
• 2 gallons wall paint
• 2 gallons primer/sealer
• switch box
• switch with dimmer
• framing nail gun
• pneumatic finish nailer
• powder-actuated nailer (with charges and nails)
• air compressor with hoses
• power miter saw (chop saw)
• hammer
• chalk line
• measuring tape
• level
• pencil
• safety glasses

Let’s get started

In order for your wine cellar to look custom built, you may have to build a new wall and install a new door. The following steps will begin with the demolition of current walls to the completion of your wine cellar.

Note: Be sure to use pressure-treated lumber for anything that sits directly on the floor. This type of lumber can resist moisture deterioration and insect damage.

Step 1: Remove the old wall and any shelving units.

Step 2:  Frame the new wall by laying a pressure treated sill plate for the wall.  Be sure to leave a gap for the door. Then, starting at one end, place studs on 16-inch centers within the area framing the door. Use nails to secure the framing.  

Step 3: Use either a framing gun (if applying to wood) or a powder actuated nailer (if applying to concrete) to nail the 1x3 furring strips to the interior walls of the wine room.

Step 4: Sheet all the walls and the ceiling with the 1/4” a/c plywood. Secure the plywood to the studs and furring strips using the finish nailer. Using plywood as opposed to drywall is effective because a/c plywood is moisture resistant and faster to install than drywall.

Step 5: Cover all the seams and corners of your walls and ceiling with the ¼” x 1 ½” trim.  Use a power miter box to cut the trim and a nail finisher to nail it in place.

Step 6: Prime and paint the walls. Then prime and stain the floor for a more custom look.

Step 7: Assemble and hang the wine racks. Then place the door in the framed opening. Once the door is level, secure its position with screws. 
Step 8: For an even more put-together look, install track lighting to the ceiling of the wine cellar. 
 
Final Step: Break out a bottle of wine and celebrate your brand new DIY wine cellar.

Have you built your own basement wine cellar? Send us photos of your renovation at keystonebasementspgh@gmail.com, and your basement may be featured in a future article.

Is Your Foundation Able To Support The Weight?

Whether you realize it or not, your home's foundation does a ton of work, literally, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's constantly bearing the weight of not only the structure above, but all of your belongings as well as the family that resides in the home.

Silently, like the mythological Atlas carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, your foundation works, supporting, protecting and ensuring the structural integrity of your house.  Not an easy job when you think about it. Your foundation has to battle with soil erosion, the possibility of subsidence, the potential for more and more weight to be added to its already possibly sixty, seventy, maybe even one hundred year old frame. The list of issues your foundation silently deals with daily is wide and long.

However, no need to be overly concerned about it. That's what it is intended to do! Every weight lifter knows that they need a spotter in order to be safe, just ensure that you're doing as good of a job as your foundation. What we mean by this is be alert to any symptoms that your foundation could be weakening.

If you spot any of these symptoms, your foundation could be in need of some assistance:

• Cracked Floors 
• Bowing Walls 
• Cracked Exterior Brick
• Stair Step Cracks In Basement Walls Water Damage
• Uneven Floors 
• Doors/Windows That Won't Shut or Open Properly
• Leaning Chimney

Learn aboutsome causes of foundation damage

Any of these discoveries may mean your foundation is begging for assistance. Fortunately, help is available! Underpinning is one of the most effective ways to secure the integrity of your home’s foundation. Click here to learn more.

An Open Letter From Santa Claus

Dear Homeowner,

Ho, ho, ho! It's that time of year again when I'm gearing up the sleigh, getting the reindeer fed and packing my enormous gift bag, all in preparation for visiting your home, just like last year.

Which leads me to this letter.....

Last December 24^th, while I was hitting the Pittsburgh route (my favorite area, besides the North Pole, but please don't share that with any other children!) I was more than a little concerned when I parked the sleigh on your roof.

Every year, with a wiggle of my nose and twinkle in my eye, I slide down your chimney and deliver all of the gifts under the tree. By the way, I really liked the new ornaments last year the little one made. They're so precious at that age!

I was filled with trepidation, however, when I saw the condition of your chimney. It was leaning away fromthe foundation of the house and I noticed several loose bricks around the flashing. I must say, it took me a few minutes to decide, even with all of my magical abilities, whether I should venture down or not. I'm glad to say I found the courage to give it a go, as the cookies your daughter left were absolutely delicious!

Before my arrival this year, I would suggest that you place a call to my friends at Keystone Basement Systems. I recommend them very highly and they even offer free consultations regarding not only the condition of your chimney, but your foundation as well. You can reach them at 1-800-771-3244 and they will be happy to schedule a time to stop by and see what's what. And if you speak to Aaron, tell him his old friend Kris Kringle recommended that you call!

OK, I better get going. I have a few more naughty names that I need to add to the nice list that just got in under the wire!

Merry Christmas!

Santa Claus

Homeowners! Check Your Crawlspaces This Holiday Season!

If you're a homeowner, you realize the responsibility involved in ensuring your home is as safe and structurally sound as possible. After all, this is where your family lives, where they feel secure, not to mention your home is more than likely the largest single investment you will make in your lifetime.

Certainly you would notice anything out of the ordinary such as cracked brick on the outside of your home as well as floors that seemed to be drastically sloped. What many homeowners fail to recognize, however, is any cracks evident within crawlspaces.

These tiny areas, commonly used only for storage, can hold tell tale signs that there are potential problems with the foundation of your home. Just as with scheduled smoke detector inspections should be performed every six months, so should investigating the walls within your crawlspaces. Any cracks or gaps apparent within these areas should be noted and may be a reason for concern,

Contact Keystone Basement Systems for a free evaluation of your home's crawlspaces. Any symptoms of foundation movement needs to be addressed before they evolve into potentially more serious issues. We can be reached at 1-800-771-3244 and will be happy to perform a complete examination of your home, including those rarely accessed crawlspaces.