seepage
#1
08-20-03, 02:58 PM
seepage
Hi!
I've always been pretty handy with powertools but I'm a new home owner, therefore I'm new at this.
I have water seeping into my poured concrete basement from all four walls. Not much water but enough to make it just kind of damp and cause alot of mold growth. (Actually it hasn't really rained since I moved in, so I don't know who much water I get). Anyway, it seems to seep in mostly from the large horizontal crack in the North wall and from the rotting window sills. The crack has been prviously patched (poorly) when I removed the loose patching material (a very sponge kind of foam) I realized that it is a pretty big crack.
Question #1 What is the most effective way for a doityourselfer to patch a large crack in the foundation.
Question #2 Do I have to get to the crack from the outside (because that's imposible, due to the porch)
Question #3 I want to replace the existiong windows with glass block. Do I need a wooden sill around the block or can I mortar them straight to the foundation? If I can do I want to? Is this too much for someone who's never done this before?
Sorry this is so long!
Please help.
I've always been pretty handy with powertools but I'm a new home owner, therefore I'm new at this.
I have water seeping into my poured concrete basement from all four walls. Not much water but enough to make it just kind of damp and cause alot of mold growth. (Actually it hasn't really rained since I moved in, so I don't know who much water I get). Anyway, it seems to seep in mostly from the large horizontal crack in the North wall and from the rotting window sills. The crack has been prviously patched (poorly) when I removed the loose patching material (a very sponge kind of foam) I realized that it is a pretty big crack.
Question #1 What is the most effective way for a doityourselfer to patch a large crack in the foundation.
Question #2 Do I have to get to the crack from the outside (because that's imposible, due to the porch)
Question #3 I want to replace the existiong windows with glass block. Do I need a wooden sill around the block or can I mortar them straight to the foundation? If I can do I want to? Is this too much for someone who's never done this before?
Sorry this is so long!
Please help.
#2
08-20-03, 04:46 PM
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JLund,
I assume that you live in St. Paul, Minnesota - right where I was born!
#1. I would have a professional look at it and possibly consider a hydraulic epoxy injection method. This is the best solution but there are hydraulic cements available at HD or Lowes. I would do the first as this would provide a guarantee of fixing the problem.
#2. With doing the first by a professional, this would not have to be done.
#3. Glass block can be installed by yourself. You need to take measurements of the actual opening with wood sill removed and mortar these in. It may be better to have a professional do this as they can do it quickly and easily. On the other hand, it would save you money doing it yourself if you have the tools.
Hope this helps!
I assume that you live in St. Paul, Minnesota - right where I was born!
#1. I would have a professional look at it and possibly consider a hydraulic epoxy injection method. This is the best solution but there are hydraulic cements available at HD or Lowes. I would do the first as this would provide a guarantee of fixing the problem.
#2. With doing the first by a professional, this would not have to be done.
#3. Glass block can be installed by yourself. You need to take measurements of the actual opening with wood sill removed and mortar these in. It may be better to have a professional do this as they can do it quickly and easily. On the other hand, it would save you money doing it yourself if you have the tools.
Hope this helps!
#4
08-21-03, 08:16 AM
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#5
08-21-03, 09:54 AM
as for the glass block...
Jon,
You have three options for the glass block.
1. Do it all yourself.
2. Have a glasss block company do it all.
3. Have the glass block company assemble the window and you install it as a single unit.
Unless you have a burning desire to DIY, at least price options 2 and 3. You may be suprised, especially if you consider your time.
Now some advice: Go to a glass block company. Do not go to a big box or discount house. The glass block companies are experts, you can count on them having actually worked with glass block. Be forewarned - you will be presented with many options for styles and inserts. Buy your materials from them. You'll find their prices are competitive with the big boxes.
You have three options for the glass block.
1. Do it all yourself.
2. Have a glasss block company do it all.
3. Have the glass block company assemble the window and you install it as a single unit.
Unless you have a burning desire to DIY, at least price options 2 and 3. You may be suprised, especially if you consider your time.
Now some advice: Go to a glass block company. Do not go to a big box or discount house. The glass block companies are experts, you can count on them having actually worked with glass block. Be forewarned - you will be presented with many options for styles and inserts. Buy your materials from them. You'll find their prices are competitive with the big boxes.
