Basement
Storage
Cellar or basement, the space beneath your main floor provides many options
for storage--provided it is moisture free.
Poured concrete foundations
coupled with Styrofoam insulation forms and improvements in perimeter
drainage and waterproofing have made damp basements an avoidable nuisance.
Thanks to advances in construction technology, these spaces now serve
as family rooms, workshops, laundry quarters, and storage centers.
Moisture Control
Damp basements make lousy lodgings for family possessions. High humidity
causes condensation and allows mold and mildew to fester. This, in turn,
damages books, documents, and furnishings, and causes musty odors to permeate
clothing and upholstered furniture. While some problems may require a
professional, there are many things that you can do to identify and eradicate
basement dampness.
On the Inside
Basement water woes are caused by internal forces, external forces, or
a combination of the two. Gravitational pull draws heavy, humid air from
the upper floors to the basement, where it settles against colder surfaces,
causing condensation. Wrapping pipes in insulation and running a dehumidifier
provide a quick fix to this problem, as does opening a basement window
or two to promote ventilation. While running the dehumidifier, however,
close the windows and the basement door for optimum efficiency. A self-draining
unit is especially helpful since it won't shut off once the system has
reached capacity. These units are connected directly to the floor drain.
As for walls, insulate
them by adding furring strips or studs to the wall, and insulating between
the strips. A new wall can then be fastened directly to the studs. It
is important to run insulation at least two feet below grade or just below
the frost line. The soil that surrounds the foundation below this line
has its own insular qualities, so it is not necessary to duplicate the
effort. Your local building department can help you determine how far
down the wall you need to insulate in your region.
On the Outside
External water damage is usually due to poor drainage or tiny leaks in
the foundation. Correcting these issues can be a bit more complicated,
and may result in some costly excavation; so, there are some simple remedies
that you may want to try first. First, clean rain gutters of debris and
make sure that connecting downspouts empty at least five feet away from
the home's foundation. Keeping water away from your home will help to
keep it out. To that end, check the grading surrounding your basement
to assess drainage capabilities. The soil should gradually slope away
from the home at a distance of two inches for every horizontal foot, and
should continue to slope away from the house for a minimum distance of
three feet. Finally, correct any leaks in the foundation from the inside
by sealing the walls with hydraulic cement or silicone caulk. If desired,
treat the walls with a waterproofing paint.
Storage Ideas
for Down Under
A basement is usually more accessible than an attic, and tends to house
a mix of items ranging from furniture to paper products, as well as stacks
of family memorabilia. Basement storage accessories should be tailored
to provide maximal access, ventilation, and moisture resistance. Since
basements can be damp, metal shelving and cabinetry protect possessions
better than wooden alternatives; plastic bins, in turn, protect better
than cardboard boxes. If you are using plastic tubs for storing clothes,
make sure that the bin is not airtight, as clothing needs some ventilation.
If you do store in cardboard boxes, don't stack them--always leave space
for air circulation.
Basements offer a number
of creative possibilities when it comes to storage. Unlike an attic, with
its sloping ceiling, basement rafters provide the ideal framework for
shelving. Vertically attach 2x4's from the rafters to act as supports,
add a plywood shelf, and you have created the perfect home for flat, bulky
items like storm windows or folding chairs.
As with any storage area,
label your boxes, post an inventory map, and check your possessions periodically
to make sure they are damage free. Look in every nook and cranny of your
basement for telltale signs of water damage. Water stains, musty odors,
powdery deposits on concrete walls and floors, and crumbling mortar should
serve as red flags for moisture damage. Mold and mildew flourish in poorly
ventilated areas; dormant mold spores will continue to grow in basements
if not fully eradicated. Scrub suspect areas with a solution of bleach
and water, use a mildewcide, and remove boxes and other items that show
signs of mildew damage. Use muriatic acid and a wire brush to remove any
white, powdery deposits, known as efflorescence, from concrete walls.
Then, crank up the dehumidifier and get some air circulating.
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Quick
Tips |
Basement
options
Basement storage isn't limited to new construction. With a bit of
remediation to combat moisture issues, basement storage becomes
possible in most homes. Even older homes with no more than a dirt
cellar can offer some creative possibilities--this is the sort of
environment ideal for an old-fashioned root cellar or wine cellar.
Serious gardeners may even want to consider renovating a newer basement
to accommodate a root cellar. |
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