Converting Old Stone Basements

Basement Repair in Boston: Century old homes need care.

Most of the old major port cities like Newport and Boston have homes that are centuries old. For Boston some of these homes are pushing into their bicentennials. Old foundation construction, mortar, and stability are all things that should be questioned when starting to renovate or convert old coal-chute basements into healthy finished living environments.

Converting old Coal-Chute basements is something that has become increasingly more popular in England because of expansion laws, as well as America. Boston, a continuously expanding and innovating destination for younger couples, meets this new population explosion with what it has. Landlords and homeowners alike are always looking for more space for storage, tenants, or just for themselves to spread out as families grow.

With the successful marketing of some rather large corporations these same property owners are finding new solutions in their basement. Pioneer Basement, a reputable waterproofing and basement finishing company that serves Boston regularly, has helped numerous homes start the process of converting their basements.

Repairing basements and foundations in Boston is something that Pioneer Basement has been doing for over 25 years now.

As mentioned above you first have to address the foundation issues if there are any. Mortar, re-pointing, shifting and separations are all common things to find on some of those wonderfully rustic stone foundations supporting the Boston homes. The stability of the home is the #1 thing that worries any homeowner. Addressing these shifts, fractures and cracks now can save ruin and empty pocketbooks in the future.

From here it can be waterproofed and eventually finished. Depending on the head height of the basement, each can see a different use. Dry storage is a common need now with cost of self-storage units going up. Utility rooms, work areas, or dens can be other accommodations that are fitting for a cozy space once correctly insulated, walls built and painted. Lighting, floors, ceilings, fixtures and other necessities can be fit into design plans that are becoming specifically designed for basement construction environments.

“Basements are totally different building environments,” Steve Andras, President of Pioneer Basement, says “it’s important for contractors to do the right thing. Using the right materials that are designed to resist moisture and mold are desperately needed after correctly controlling moisture in the basement.”

Sadly there are many homes that have finished spaces without moisture control. These basements are susceptible to flooding, small leaks, and excess water vapor from the soil content around the basement. “Just a small amount of moisture can ruin the ‘R-Value’ of insulation and start mold colonies that can devastate dry wall and wood studs,” Steve adds, “Addressing foundation issues, repairing the basement and then waterproofing the space can increase the amount of protection your home can give to your family.”

The amount of basement repair Boston has received has started many happy homeowners on the path to eventual finishing.

Prepare Your Basement Space Before You Finish

All below grade space will flood at one time or another. Whether it is due to ground water, sewer back up, appliance failure , sump pump failure or a plumbing leak. Because of this fact I would never recommend finishing off your basement space without preparing that space. I believe that all basement finishing projects must start with a sub floor drainage system, primary and battery back up sump, wall vapor barrier.

I also recommend waterproof flooring that can get wet and not be damaged. Ceiling tiles are another concern, chose the types that do not absorb moisture. There are mold resistant and sag resistant types out there that are perfect for the basement.

When you are done with your basement finishing project, don't forget the Santa Fe Basement Air system. It will control the moisture in those humidity summer months. Remember to install High water alarms in your finished basement near all sinks, toilets and sump pumps. visit www.basementdepot.com to purchase basement friendly products.

Radon In Basements

If you are planning on finishing your basement you should be concerned about radon. Radon is an invisible gas that causes 21,000 deaths a year in the United States according to the EPA. Before you finish your basement it is important to install a water, moisture and radon control system. (see http://www.grateproducts.com/)

Some "basement waterproofing contractors" install sub floor drainage systems with an open backed channel that sits against the foundation wall. These systems can increase the radon levels into the basement. Basement drainage systems should be closed systems that don't encourage radon and ground humidity from entering the basement. Grate Products was founded to help contractors in the United States help their customers reduce radon levels while drying the basement with its line of patent pending basement drainage products. (see also my blog on basement drainage systems at http://www.gratedrain.blogspot.com/ )