Water in the Basement?
One of the first things new homeowners realize about their home is that nothing happens automatically. That is to say, nothing will get cleaned unless you clean it up, and nothing will get maintained or repaired unless you take actions toward those ends. One of the frequent problem that pops up? A wet or exceedingly moist basement that smells stuffy. If you want a clean, dry basement that any guest would love to visit, here are a few tips.
First, if you don't have a dehumidifier, you'll need to get one. You'd be amazed at how much water a dehumidifier can remove from the air in your basement - you might find yourself emptying gallons and gallons of water that essentially came from "thin air." When you have a dehumidifier, you realize how things like air quality can really effect the rest of your home, not to mention the general mustiness of a moist basement. Make sure you have a dehumidifer up and running before you try some other solutions for a musty basement.
A dehumidifier can also solve other problems with a wet basement. For example, condensation appearing on your basement walls or on windows can mean that there's a lot of moisture in the air in your basement. A dehumidifier will also work to help solve this problem. If that's not enough, try using a vapor barrier. Remember that temperature differences also can make for humidity and condensation, so make sure that your basement walls are insulated.
For water seepage, there can be more problems with your basement that a simple dehumidifier can't fix. For example, rain water might be able to seap through the ground and enter your basement. If you have water seepage like this, you'll want to identify the source and then do further research to find out how you can remedy this kind of problem. If you're in doubt, try asking a professional for their advice.
Water damage can be among the most serious threats to your property, especially if you've got a basement full of sentimental items and useful trinkets and supplies. Make sure to guard your basement effectively by understanding insulation, air humidity, and how you can seal your basement off from potential water harm. The more you know about a wet basement, the better you'll be able to fix it.
Photo Credits: Loozrboy
Originally posted 2009-10-16 03:37:48.
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Posted by Fix Handyman on March 15, 2010 in
Basement, Handyman, How to Fix
The best kind of fix: prevention!
Many of home furniture problems can be solved before they happen, with a little something known as "prevention." The home improvement industry places a lot of emphasis on fixing things, but when you know how to prevent something from breaking down, you are essentially "fixing it before it breaks." In this article, we'll explore some popular ways you can keep your furniture protected and out of harm's way. After all, a well-maintained piece of furniture can often be better than a formerly broken one.
Understanding Moisture
Moisture is frequently a problem with furniture - whether you're talking about wicker chairs and tables, leather, or plain old wood, too much moisture can definitely wreak a lot of havoc. Even in very humid environments where there's condensation, wood furniture can be exposed to the possibility of swelling. So how do you prevent this?
Some pieces of furniture can stand to avoid total dryness, too. Remember that some moisture in the air might be good for your furniture, even if too much can cause it to warp. You don't want to micromanage your furniture based on the humidity level each day, but try to keep in mind that if it's too humid or if it's raining outdoors, you should probably move the outdoor furniture inside.
Understanding Sunlight
Now that we've addressed the problems rain can pose to your furniture, it's important to remember that sunshine can also cause problems. At least, too much sunshine. You wouldn't leave yourself out in the sun for an extended period of time without some shade or protection - you'd get a sunburn. Although wood isn't comparable to a human being, it's important to remember that sunlight over time can dry out and damage wood.
Sunshine is easy to protect against - dragging a tarp or large cloth over your furniture on a scorching hot summer day wouldn't be a bad idea. Even keeping your wood in the shade, such as on a porch, can protect against the sun.
Wood and Furniture Maintenance
It's important to regularly dust and clean your furniture, whether you have wicker, leather, wood, or a combination. Keeping your wood free of too much moisture and debris will help keep it clear and strong. To get a lot of life out of your wood, try not to expose it to too much water or sunshine.
Photo Credits: `Nicolas - designer
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Posted by Fix Handyman on August 21, 2009 in
Furniture, Handyman, How to Fix
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