Author: Grace Williams

What Is Basement Repair and Why Is It Necessary?

Grace Williams Home Improvement , , , ,
What Is Basement Repair and Why Is It Necessary?

Kitchen Cabinet Painting Naperville IL includes preventing moisture intrusion and repairing structural problems in your home’s basement. It also involves insulating the area and protecting interior walls from moisture damage.

Small cracks in basement walls, water intrusion, or a wet basement can all indicate major problems. Often, these problems are addressed by a system that consists of drain tile, French drains, and a sump pump.


Many homeowners ignore cracks in their basement walls, thinking they aren’t a serious problem or will “get better.” But these cracks allow water to seep into the basement, increasing humidity and creating an ideal environment for mold. The resulting unhealthy air will eventually enter the rest of the home.
A variety of methods can repair cracks in basement concrete. Some of these methods rehab the appearance of the cracked wall and help prevent moisture infiltration, while others improve the structural integrity of the concrete itself. In addition, some can be adapted to address underlying issues that cause the cracks.
Some cracks in basement walls are caused by hydrostatic pressure on the foundation. Water in the soil can weigh up to 60 pounds per cubic foot, which puts a lot of force on basement walls. Accumulated water can also erode the sides of basement walls, widening the crack and weakening the foundation.
One method for repairing these types of basement cracks is to use a specialized crack sealant. This is a do-it-yourself-friendly approach that can treat cracks less than an inch wide. The crack sealant is injected into the cracked basement wall through plastic injection ports. The epoxy injected into the basement cracks can help bond the concrete and block water from seeping through the wall.
Another option for treating these cracks is to use a patented crack-sealing system called FlexiSpan. This is a do-it-yourself system that can be used to treat both non-structural and structural basement cracks. The FlexiSpan system is designed to provide two lines of defense against leaking basement walls: a crack sealant and a hidden, low-profile drainage channel that directs leaking water to the sump pump. The flexible nature of FlexiSpan allows the channel to flex with the movement of the basement walls, helping to ensure that no water leaks through the cracks.
Other causes of basement cracks include differential settlement of the house’s foundation. This occurs when parts of the foundation settle at different rates, causing the concrete walls to crack as they move. Some cracks in basement walls are more serious than others, indicating the presence of an underground soil issue that needs to be addressed. Your Acculevel project advisor can recommend engineered foundation repair solutions that deal with these kinds of soil issues, helping to prevent future cracks and bowing in the basement walls.
Basements are susceptible to leaks, including the joints between the walls and footing, the sill, and the joints where new extensions are built. These joints need to be watertight to prevent further damage and water penetration. Hydraulic cement can be used to patch and fill these joints, helping to prevent future water leaks and repair existing ones.
Exterior waterproofing is a great way to stop water leaks before they even enter your home, preventing the need for interior wall repairs. This process involves excavating and exposing the foundation, then installing a waterproofing system with drain tile surrounded by rock and a filter fabric next to the footing. The water accumulating in the area is redirected to a downspout or sump pump. The area is then backfilled with native soil and tamped down. Finally, any landscaping that was moved to be done during the excavation is replaced, and the area is cleaned.
Many companies offer Band-Aid solutions for waterproofing a basement without digging up the foundation, such as waterproof paints and coatings. However, these products don’t seal the pores of concrete walls and, therefore, do not stop water from entering the basement under hydrostatic pressure.
Tar coating is a popular option, but it does not keep water out for long. It takes four to eight hours for a coat of tar to dry, and fluctuations in temperature can affect its effectiveness. It also releases toxic fumes during the application process, so it is a job best left to the professionals.
Having a waterproof basement is a critical step in protecting your home from mold and mildew, which can lead to structural problems and health issues for your family. Suppose you have noticed moisture seepage in your basement walls. We can recommend the right solution for your home and give you peace of mind that your basement will be safe from moisture for years.
Bowed and leaning walls are signs of serious basement damage that should never be ignored. They indicate that your foundation is under intense pressure from the outside. If left untreated, the bowing and leaning walls will continue to worsen and can cause severe structural damage throughout your home or commercial property.
While it’s common to have minor cracks in your basement walls from time to time, any significant bulging or buckling should be examined by a professional right away. The reason for this is that if the cracks in your basement wall are vertical, horizontal, or at a 45-degree angle, they may indicate structural damage to the wall itself or the foundation. If this is the case, you’ll need to have a concrete repair contractor look at your home or business immediately to ensure the structure is safe and secure for all occupants.
The most common cause of basement wall problems is excessive lateral pressure from the soil around your foundation, caused by poor drainage, water intrusion, and damaged waterproofing. This type of pressure is known as hydrostatic pressure and can cause your brick, block, or concrete foundation walls to shift, sink, or bow. While this can happen naturally, it’s possible to speed up the process if your basement needs well-maintained or adequate waterproofing and drainage systems installed.
In addition to the bowing and leaning walls, you may also notice that your basement stairways pull away from the wall. This is another sign of hydrostatic pressure and can be repaired with helical tieback anchors. These are installed in the ground and connected to a plate inside the wall that tightens over time, helping to straighten the walls.
In addition to helical tieback anchors, you can use carbon fiber strapping to seal and strengthen your basement walls. This is especially effective for repairing cracks in the corners of your basement and keeping them from getting any larger. This product is installed in the ground around your basement with a top bracket that ties to the joists of your foundation for an ultra-secure connection.
Floor cracks aren’t as common as wall cracks but should be inspected and repaired as part of any basement repair project. These cracks are most often caused by soil movement. This shifting of the ground under your home can cause a cracking in your floor that worsens over time.
If you have a few hairline cracks in your basement floor, these are normal and do not indicate a bigger problem. However, any cracks wider than 1/8 of an inch should be sealed to keep water, moisture, soil smells, and radon gas from seeping through the floor. Cracks that are more pronounced and extend from the perimeter of your home to the interior walls may be a sign of a foundation shift that can lead to serious problems like leaks and collapse.
Uneven concrete floors should also be looked at, and if they are sinking, you may need to do something as simple as filling the void with expanding polyurethane foam. Alternatively, a solution called PolyLevel can lift and stabilize a sinking concrete slab permanently by drilling penny-sized holes into the slab and then injecting a high-density polyurethane formula that expands under the floor to lift it.
While concrete is an incredibly strong and durable building material, it can still crack over time due to changes in the environment and soil underneath your home. Depending on their size and severity, these cracks should be fixed to prevent future damage and to maintain your home’s value. If you notice a cracking in your floor or other signs of a foundation issue, contact a reputable basement repair company to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.

Choosing the Right Paint Color

Grace Williams Home Improvement, Painting Contractors , , , ,
paint

paintChoosing the right paint color can feel like an overwhelming task. The right hue can instantly freshen up a room, making it more inviting and comfortable. Painters can help you pick the right one for your home.

However, many homeowners end up disappointed with their new paint job because they broke the biggest rule when selecting a paint color.

If you’re in the market for a new paint color, it’s important to understand undertones so that you don’t end up with a hue that clashes with your home’s existing finishes. Whether you’re going for a classic, neutral look or taking a design risk with something bold, knowing how to recognize the undertones of a paint color will make all the difference.

Undertones are the underlying pigments that affect how a paint color looks. They can have a huge impact, especially when paired with other colors. For example, a blue paint with green undertones might work well with white, but it might clash with pink. Identifying a paint’s undertones will help you match it with other colors easily and ensure your new color will look good in any room.

The easiest way to see a paint’s undertone is by comparing it to other colors. Start by grabbing some swatches of white paint and laying them next to each other on a blank piece of paper. That will show you the different undertones in each one – some might lean yellow or olive, while others may have a hint of purple or blue. It’s also helpful to look at the swatches with natural and artificial lighting to see how the undertones change depending on the light in your space.

You can also try laying the swatches against your furniture or other items in your room to see how they look on the walls. If you have a granite countertop or tile backsplash, it’s easy to see how the paint will coordinate with those surfaces. You can also ask the paint store to give you the paint’s formula, allowing you to see what pigments are mixed to create it.

Once you’ve identified a few potential paint colors, request samples of each to try in your home; that will give you a better idea of how it’ll look in your lighting and with your furniture and will also let you know how well it pairs with other colors in the room. Using a sample can also help you determine if the undertones of the paint are warm or cool, which will influence your design decisions.

If you want a room to feel relaxed and calm, choose warm hues that evoke comfort. In rooms that require stimulation and energization, bright, vivid colors that make you think and act quickly are ideal.

Once you have a good sense of the mood you want to create, browse for paint colors that meet your criteria. Achieving your goal can be easier than you think, especially when you know what to look for.

Rather than selecting a paint color based on those tiny chips from the home improvement center, take a sample home and test it against your furniture, curtains, and decor. The lighting in a store is different than the light in your house, so you want to be sure the shade you choose is right for your space.

Remember that mass tone is the main color your eye perceives, and undertones are the subtle hints of another color that can make or break a design. Once you learn how to recognize the undertones, narrowing down your paint options will be much easier until you find the perfect hue for your home.

Also, remember that your paint color will appear different at different times of day, depending on natural sunlight or artificial lighting. The same shade may appear yellow or green under fluorescent lighting, while it may look more blue under incandescent lights.

In addition to the types of lights in your room, consider other factors like the color and texture of your walls and ceilings. For example, if your home has a lot of wood paneling or molding, you might opt for a darker shade to make these features stand out more.

Another thing to remember is the light and sun that comes into your home throughout the day. If you have a lot of sunlight, you might opt for a lighter shade of paint to brighten your space. If you have dim lights, choose a more muted shade so the lights don’t dominate your design.

If you have furniture in your home that you want to keep or plan on re-doing your window treatments, it’s important to consider what color they will be. These colors should complement your new paint rather than clash with it. You can use a complementary color, which is the opposite on the color wheel (red and green), or an analogous hue located next to each other on the color wheel (blue and purple).

It would be best to look at your accessories, floor coverings, and any existing wall art when deciding on a color for a room. These colors will all play a role in the final product, so it’s important to consider them early on.

Lastly, it’s crucial to always sample a color before committing gallons of paint to a project. Many people skip this step, but it’s the best way to ensure you’re happy with the finished product. If you’ve ever looked at the back of a paint store, you’ll notice stacks of returned paint cans from homeowners who still need to do this step.

Once you’ve narrowed your choices, bring samples home and tape them to the wall. That is a great way to see what they will look like in your lighting, furniture, and other accents. Alternatively, some paint companies offer online tools that allow you to upload a photo of your space and try out different colors to see how they might look.

Choosing the right paint color can make your space feel fresh and new or give it a more moody and dramatic vibe. Following these tips, you can find the perfect color for your home and avoid costly mistakes!

Whether you love to stay on the pulse of home design or are hesitant to try new colors, looking at what’s currently trending in the market can help inspire you. While Pantone’s color of the year usually gets a lot of attention, it’s also important to look at other sources of inspiration. Paint companies are often the best source of color trends because they want to make their palettes appealing and attainable to consumers.

If you want to know what to look out for in 2023, consider that earthy tints are a big trend, with several of the most influential paint brands opting for shade names like “October mist” and “evergreen fog.” These warm, neutral hues embody a natural quality that can bring comfort and stability to any space. Similarly, shades of gray have become popular because they can help unify spaces with their subtle, nuanced undertones. For example, Sherwin-Williams’ Poised Taupe is a warm gray with fine yellow and blue undertones that create a soft, sophisticated feel.

In addition to warm neutrals, uplifting shades are also on the rise. Brighter yellows and tangerines can make rooms feel cozy and inviting. Meanwhile, baby pinks are seeing a more mature and sophisticated resurgence than what we typically associate with the shade.

Other shades that are a hot commodity include deep blues, which continue to rank high on the popularity chart. Blues can bring a sense of tranquility to any room, especially when combined with complementary neutrals. For instance, a navy blue and white bathroom can feel fresh and crisp with matching accessories and molding.

Purple is another vibrant shade that’s starting to gain momentum. It’s a great choice for accent walls because it can draw the eye upward and elevate any space. However, be careful when using purple in larger areas because it can overwhelm a room.

Choosing the right paint color can impact your home’s value and resale potential, so it’s important to follow these tips when selecting a color for your walls. By testing out a few different options and understanding what to look for in a good paint color, you can find the perfect hue that will serve your space well for years to come.

Commercial HVAC Systems

Grace Williams HVAC , , , , ,
HVAC

Whether you own, operate, or manage a commercial building, your HVAC system is important. You need to make sure it stays in good condition for you and your staff.HVAC

The equipment is a lot more complex than residential systems, which calls for specialized tools and technicians with specific expertise. Regular maintenance is also needed to ensure a commercial HVAC system lasts for years to come. For professional help, contact Lexington Heating And Air.

A split system air conditioner is a type of central air conditioning unit that has its primary components separated and housed in two different areas. The outdoor component, often called the condenser, is located outside the building, and the indoor part of the air conditioner is housed inside. The refrigerant flows between the two through copper tubes, cooling and heating the indoor air.

In a traditional home, the outdoor unit is usually located in the backyard or on the side of the house, while the indoor unit can be found in a utility room or in an attic space. In commercial buildings, however, the outdoor unit is usually on the roof of the building, and the indoor unit is located in a utility room or another room.

These systems are a good choice for large commercial spaces such as office buildings, hotels, and schools because they have high-efficiency ratings and offer many options to control the temperature and comfort level of the building. They also come with factory-installed microprocessor controls for connected functionality, real-time diagnostics, and remote monitoring.

The evaporator coil and compressor in a split system are separate from the outdoor unit, making it easier to install. They also have fewer parts, which makes them easier to service.

In addition to evaporators and compressors, a split system contains an indoor fan, which circulates the indoor air. Some have a built-in humidifier to provide moisture to the air, which can help reduce energy use and improve air quality.

They are a great option for small businesses, as they can be used to heat and cool individual rooms, such as a shop or server room. They can also be used in combination to serve larger areas or multiple rooms, and they are inexpensive to buy and install.

Most mini-split systems have a single outdoor unit that connects to up to four indoor air-handling units (evaporators). They are easy to install and require only a three-inch hole in a wall for a conduit that houses the power cables, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, and a condensation drain line connecting the outdoor and indoor units.

Ductless commercial HVAC systems are an alternative to traditional HVAC equipment. They are more efficient, easier to install, and use less power than a central air conditioner or heat pump system, which means they can cut energy costs by up to 30%.

A ductless system is comprised of one outdoor unit, which typically pumps air into a series of refrigerant lines that connect to indoor units in different rooms. The units can be mounted on the wall, in a ceiling-recessed cassette, or suspended above a floor.

Besides being more energy efficient, ductless systems also offer improved cooling control unlike central air, which uses mechanical opening and closing of vents to control the temperature of zones, a ductless AC system can be programmed for individual room temperatures, enabling greater precision.

Another advantage of ductless mini-split systems is their ease of installation and maintenance. The connection between the indoor and outdoor units generally requires only a small hole through a wall, allowing for quick installation with minimum disruption to business operations.

In addition, a ductless system can save you money in the long run by eliminating the need to add ducts or other specialized plumbing to your building. Moreover, many of these systems are ENERGY STAR-rated, which exceeds the efficiency standards for heating and cooling.