Educator's Choice

Why is basement floor waterproofing so often overlooked, when if it was done when the basement was built, there would be fewer problems with seepage and flooding? A basement can be so much more than just a convenient place for storing junk! The possibility of family rooms having extra space are realized.

Water situation was not encountered in the beginning by homeowners, but it later appeared because sub-floor and sub-surface drains clogged with mud.

If water from the roof is not directed far enough away from the foundation, then the soil becomes too saturated. As the home stabilizes, wall fissures appeared, exterior paintings decayed and the drains filled with sand or silt. Leakage in the basement can be caused by all of these problems. Flowing ground water enters through cracks or other openings in the foundation; moisture in saturated soil enters through solid masonry as well as through cracks and other openings because of the natural pressure the soil exerts against the foundation. A high water level can create a great amount of pressure. If water is pressurized, concrete cannot withstand it, concrete will surely break because the water will seek all cracks or crevices in the walls and floors. The end results are a water filled crawlspace or basement.

A pressure relief system can eliminate water that leaks into your basement. Primary pumps cannot work if the electricity goes out during a rainstorm. Pressure builds up over time and moisture is pushed through the wall or floor. (usually called bleeding). Usually you’ll find seepage in corners or in joints where the wall meets the floor.

If water come from an isolated area and is installed a pump below the floor level will lower the water and the underground pressure Water vapor will go right through concrete since it is porous. A wet or damp basement due to excessive moisture will cause carpeting to rot, allows mold to grow and makes the basement smell musty.

One solution is to use one of the high-grade sealants that are available on the market for the home-owner. It is often possible to paint them with either the roller or spray method.

A normal basement floor waterproofing job may entail:

- preparing the floor by removing crumbly or loose material.
- making sure the basement floor is as dry as possible, hiring large fans or heaters if necessary.
- making sure wall/floor junctions are sealed.
- Filling in all crevices and bends which are especially visible.
- Find out if it is necessary to use a primer and if it should be, prime the floor as per instructions
- Use 2 to 3 coats as needed to top coat the floor with the final product.

A high quality product will result in basement floor waterproofing that can last for years and years. There exist sealants in the market like PermaFlex which has lasting and durable basement floor waterproofing. Quoted as being the only indoor waterproofing system that completely seals any basement floor permanently, no matter how wet or deteriorated, seems a good easy system that costs a few hundred dollars as opposed to thousands for considerable manual work, pumps and pipes.

The Right Way to Fit a Dog Collar

Since a dog wears his collar all day, every day, it needs to fit well. Besides providing a convenient place to attach a leash, dog collars hold tags that identify pets and help aid to their return if they are lost. Poorly fitted dog collars can be uncomfortable and can slip off over your dog’s head in a moment of panic (when a dog puts on the brakes while walking). The result can be quite dangerous-a frightened dog running around outdoors with no identification.

Check the Fit on Your Collar

To make sure that a dog’s collar actually fits, measure the dog’s neck. One easy way to do this is to this is by placing a piece of string around the neck, marking how much string it takes to go completely around. The string should sit on the dog’s neck in the same place a collar should. Measure the length of the string by laying it on a ruler or yard stick.

Most collars are labeled with a range of neck sizes that they should fit. Use the neck measurement to pick the right size range.

Adjusting Your Collar for Comfort and Fit

Put the collar on and adjust it to allow enough room for comfort. Two fingers should fit between the collar and the neck. Be sure that the collar won’t slide over the dog’s head without unfastening it. Otherwise the dog could slip out of his collar while out walking on a leash.

Consider the width of your Dog’s Collar

Be aware that very narrow collars may work well for small, delicate necks, but can cut uncomfortably into a large dog while walking on leash. Wide collars may make it impossible for a smaller dog to move and eat comfortably.

Choose a martingale, flat buckle or adjustable collar – just make sure it fits!

Sue LeBlanc, Dog Lover and Mommy to “Brutus” the love cake.

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