Archives: Basements

DRYLOK® EXTREME – Keep Your Basement Dry

By Todd Fratzel on Basements

DRYLOK® Extreme Masonry Waterproofer Keeping a basement dry is a challenge even  under the best of circumstances. I’ve written many articles on how to insulate them properly to prevent mold and mildew issues. Another consideration for keeping basements dry is preventing water vapor that’s trapped inside the foundation walls from migrating into the basement. Water…

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Basement Bathrooms – Things To Consider

By Todd Fratzel on Basements, Bathrooms

Basement Bathrooms – What You Need To Know Finished basements are one of the most popular renovation projects today and offer a great way to expand the living space in your home. Ideally the renovation will include a basement bathroom for comfort and convenience. Adding a bathroom to your basement renovation requires some special considerations…

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WoodTrac Ceiling System Review

By Todd Fratzel on Basements, Finish Carpentry

WoodTrac Ceiling System I’m a huge proponent of using suspended ceilings (drop ceilings, acoustic tile ceilings) for finished basements because they allow easy access to electrical, plumbing and heating utilities that are typically suspended from the floor framing above.  Lots of my customers cringe when I make this suggestion because they don’t like the appearance…

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How To Insulate Basement Walls

By Todd Fratzel on Basements, Foundations, Insulation

How To Insulate Basement Walls Insulating a basement properly is rather challenging in cold climates. In this article I’d like to discuss how to insulate basement walls in cold climates. Insulating basement walls in cold climates is a great way to keep your home warmer and drier. However, special care should be used when insulating…

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Basement Insulation

By Todd Fratzel on Basements, Framing, Insulation

Basement Insulation – Walls Basement insulation is far more complicated than insulating regular wood framed walls. In fact, improperly insulated basement walls are one of the biggest reasons for mold in homes. If you don’t do this correctly you’ll be exposing your family to dangerous mold exposure. In this article I’ll show you How To…

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Basement Vapor Barrier For Basement Insulation

By Todd Fratzel on Basements, Insulation

Basement Vapor Barrier and Insulation We’ve written several articles about basement insulation and a cost effective approach to basement insulation using foam board and fiberglass insulation. Since writing those articles we’ve received quite a few questions about when to use a basement vapor barrier and when not to. So we thought it might be a…

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Basement Insulation Guide

By Todd Fratzel on Basements, Insulation

Guide To Insulating Basements Properly Over the last few years I’ve written many articles about different basement insulation topics. Readers have left hundreds of comments and questions about specific basement insulating topics. In an effort to streamline all of that information I decided it was time to create a comprehensive basement insulation guide. This guide…

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Basement Sump Pumps

By Todd Fratzel on Basements

Sump Pumps Keep Basements Dry If you live here in New England you know that sump pumps are a necessity in quite a few homes especially when spring rains come. Currently we’re experiencing some historical flooding in the area and I thought I’d share some thoughts on sump pumps (also a friend’s recent article on…

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