Your home is most likely your largest investment in life. Protecting it from the harsh elements we experience is essential for maintaining and adding value to your home. Water damage is the cause for billions of dollars in damage every year and can be avoided with a professional roof installation. Here in Orange County, NY we experience severe weather at times from severe thunderstorms and occasional hurricanes to crippling snowstorms. Having a good roof protects you and your family during these events. Heavy winter snows followed by heavy spring rains doubles the amounts of water that has the high potential of water infiltration into your homes roof. Ice damming can also occur with higher temperatures melting snow followed by freezing at gutter line causing water backup. On another note, keep in mind water can buildup around your basement foundation walls from these weather events causing flooding and structural damage if your footing drains are failing.

5 Benefits of a new roof installation:

• You and your loved ones protected from the harsh elements
• Eliminating possible water infiltration that can water damage
• Perfect time to check gutters and downspouts for functionality or add gutter system 
• Eliminate hazardous health ailments from the growth of mold and mildew caused by water infilitation
• Add value to your home along with stunning appearance with new 30 year architectural shingles

There is more to your homes roof than just the appearance. What's underneath that you don't see is crucial for the longevity of your roof. Few different components are necessary when installing a new roof and when all used in conjunction with each other help create an efficiently controlled environment for your homes roof and attic.

The two factors to deal with in any home is a battle between moisture and heat. Keeping air flow is crucial to maintaining a controlled environment in your attic allowing it to breathe. Not only will proper ventilation give your longer life out of your new roof installation it can make your home more efficient cutting down of heating and cooling costs.

5 key components when installing a new roof:

• Aluminum drip edge around perimeter of roof to shed water away and prevent capillary action
• Installation of ridge vents to expel heat from attic
• Installation of ice and water shield minimum 3 ft up from roofs end(if roof has overhang 3 ft in from interior wall) in valleys and around chimneys and flashings
• Installation of felt paper or equivalent vapor barrier on rest of roof deck 
• Attic fan to remove heat from attic during the hot summer days
• Soffit vents are beneficial in moving more fresh air through your attic
• Gable vents are also beneficial in moving air in and out of your attics upper atmosphere 

Most newer homes may already have these components in place as compared to older homes. Not all homes may be a candidate for all these installations but all homes a ridge vent can be easily installed when installing a new roof. Keep in mind that flat roofs and cathedral ceilings drastically cut down on ventilation and air flow sometimes cutting roof life in half. Styrofoam baffles may be installed in between rafters and insulation from the inside increasing air flow but this would most likely be install during new construction or renovation.

Most new roof installations can be installed in one day depending on the size and condition. Roof is first stripped and inspected for any damages that may have occurred and replaced if necessary before underlayment and shingles are installed. Property is cleaned of any debris and removed to an approved landfill facility for proper disposal. A good roof installation will give you years of functionality and peace in mind against one of natures strongest forces, WATER!!!!

Fire is one of natures most destructive forces all around the world causing billions of dollars a year in damages and thousands of unnecessary deaths per year in the United States. Interesting fact, earth is the only known planet where fire can burn. Fire is the rapid oxidation of material in the exothermic process of releasing light, heat and many different reacting products. There is a certain point in the combustion reaction process in what is call the ignition point which and when reached flames ignite. This becomes potentially dangerous and potentially deadly if caught off guard and/or properly prepared.

7 facts about fire:

• Fire is a chemical reaction that releases heat and light
• Fire requires heat, oxygen and fuel to burn
• Fire is an occurrence or event, not a thing...
• Assuming stable heat, fuel and oxygen levels, a typical house fire will become twice the size with every passing minute
• Earth is the only known planet with enough oxygen to sustain fire
• Spontaneous combustion is real. Some sources can generate their own heat  like rotting wood for instance. Even old newspapers and magazines along with compost piles and gas cans
• Fires like forest fires move uphill faster than downhill and same with a home  fire that started In the basement will quickly move to your roof consuming the entire home at a rapid rate.
  

3 different ways fire can be stopped:

• Removing the fuel source by exhausting or taking it away
• Remove oxygen by exhausting or taking it away
• Removing heat by saturating it with water

5 Beneficial tips in case of a basement fire in case of emergency:

• Identify sources of egress also known as escape routes
• Installing fire rated doors on utility rooms
• Do not block any sources of egress at at time
• Always have a mounted fire extinguisher ready
• Do not store any highly combustible items in basement or any items near a heat source even outlets especially overloaded outlets

National building codes across the country require installation of egress windows in any finished basement with a bedroom. In my opinion any basement should have an egress window installed due to the fact that at any given moment you can be trapped in your basement with no forms of escape. Having an egress window could mean life or death for you and your loved ones which in the same aspect why fire escapes are installed on high rise buildings. 

Building code requirements for a legal egress window:

• Window must be minimum 5.7 sq. ft.
• Window must have minimum 20" net clear when open
• Exterior window well must be 9 sq. ft.
• Inside of exterior window well depth not to exceed 44" without installation of a ladder
• Inside of interior, window well not to exceed 44" sill height from basement floor
  

Benefits of installing an egress window:

• Peace in mind you and your loved ones will be safe in time of emergency 
• Added light
• Better ventilation
• Humidity and moisture control
• Added value to your home

Like noted before, fire is an unpredictable force of nature that is extremely dangerous and potentially deadly. With the proper steps, installations and educated decisions you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from harms way. An egress window installation takes about 2-3 days and comes with a lifetime of protection. WMB CONSTRUCTION has been performing egress window installations all around Orange County, NY and Sullivan County, NY for many years along with all your home improvement needs. 

We are here today to go over your home and property drainage components. Most of us with homes have experienced some kind of water issues whether it may be a roof, leaky faucet or toilet, water heater, roof, etc..... but wanna focus on basements and outside ground water that can potentially infiltrate your home and cause immense damage to your homes structures and valuables you may have inside. Water damage is responsible for billions of dollars a year in damages that can cause a great number of issues not only to your homes structure but can potentially create hazardous environments that affect your health. May seem extreme but most of the time, especially if your basement is finished, you cannot tell you have water damage until the damage has been done. Another factor is if your basement is fully underground surrounded by saturated soils you may have a higher risk of water and/or water permeation.

Damage like this is quite common in basements with insufficient drainage. In a finished basement the damage would be hidden behind your walls creating mold and mildew not only to the foundation walls but your sheetrock, insulation and wall studs. Cement and cinder block foundations are the most susceptible due to their porous nature as poured foundations are far less porous not allowing water to permeate as easily. Evidence of water damage on the walls is more likely associated with runoff water that saturates the soil and infiltrates through walls due to failing exterior foundation coating. Evidence of water and/or moisture in the corners of foundation walls where meets concrete floor is evident your footing drains have failed and ground water has created hydrostatic pressure from rising water tables. Footing drains are your homes main drainage component to remove water from your footings and foundation walls. Failing footing drains largely increases the risk of water infiltration and structural damage to your foundations integrity due to water pressure buildup. Damaging water can reach as high as 33,000 psi causing great strain.

As water tables rise from the ground combined with water runoff the force of pressure can be crucifying to your foundations structure resulting in complete failure requiring replacement which can be very costly. Block and cinder block walls are more susceptible to failure and have less integrity than a poured foundation but both run the risk of damage. Common components can help relieve your water issues and when used in conjunction can greater lower your risks.

5 Key drainage components to protect your home and property:

• Footing drains
• Curtain drains
• Sump pump
• Extending downspouts away from home preferably underground if possible
• Create a swale to catch runoff on your property 

You may not need all components considering your properties grades and depending on the perc of your grounds soil. First you will have to indicate where the source of water and/or moisture is coming from. Once indication is made then you can come up with a solution. Like noted previously, finished basements may be harder to spot where water and/or moisture has infiltrated as its hidden behind walls and/or flooring.

7 signs to look for in a potentially wet/moist basement:

• Wet or moist walls
• Water or moisture in corner of foundation walls where meets concrete floor
• Water pooling and collecting outside of foundation from gutter downspouts 
• Any basement window wells that may not drain properly during heavy rains
• Musky smell in basement
• Wet or damn carpet and/or warping wood/composite floors
• Pooling water and/or grade of property sloping towards home
• Visible water and/or moisture in any cracks of foundation walls or floors

Sump pumps can be a great drainage application to relieve ground water from hydrostatic pressure under the concrete slab of your basement floor. These are installed by cutting open concrete floor preferably at the lowest point of basements floor and installing a permeable catch basin with sump pump that drains to the exterior of your home. As water tables rise water will most likely go to the point of least resistance into the basin and removed outside quickly. Also to keep in mind when installing they run off electric and many times when needed the most during inclement weather electric goes out leaving pump useless. A battery backup is recommended in to avoid a foreseeable issue.

When its comes to your property itself you must determine if you have water issues surrounding your home. Low spots and wet marshy areas are a good indicator of water issues. Some may not effect your home at all beside just creating marshy wet areas but when drastic slopes cause runoff towards your home or low areas of water that pools near foundation these can be potential problems. Curtain drains are a great application for removing unwanted water on your property. Essentially curtain drains are in ground gutter systems that efficiently move water from one area of your property to another area away from the home. 

Wet marshy areas around property can also be contained building a swale. A swale is essentially another gutter type system dug into the ground to catch water runoff. Usually installed when you have a grade coming off a hill and to divert water. This system does not use a pipe, just an angled hole for water to catch and divert. You can also install filter fabric and river rock to your swale.

After going over the few components of drainage the idea is to identify if you you have a water problem and if so then where. Once determining where, then you can come up with a solution to address the issue involved. Like noted all applications may not be for your home and property and must be assessed to see what application is needed. Footing drains on the other hand are on every home built and is a national code requirement. Water must be removed from foundation walls and foundation walls must be sealed from the exterior, Proper installation always requires an adequate amount of aggregate usually a 3/4" gravel around a 4" corrugated pipe in conjunction with filter fabric for a properly functioning footing drain system and maintain longevity to keep water flowing away from foundation for years to come.

Egress windows are required by national code for any finished basement with a bedroom essentially installed as a fire escape window in the case of emergency. In any scenario tho finished or not an egress window is a good idea to install for safety plus the added light and ventilation is a plus for any basement. While installation may be hard work and not for everyone with a little background experience and proper tools the dog-it-yourselfer can tackle it.

Tools you will need for installation:

• Backhoe or excavator (unless digging by hand)
• Concrete saw
• Jackhammer
• Power saw
• Level and square
• Shovel and pick
• Staple gun
• Caulk gun
• Shovel and rake

When looking for placement of window usually try and go for a spot where there is usually a window already. This will make it less complicated to get through concrete wall and install. You can rent a concrete saw with a diamond blade and have saws too that can cut straight through eliminating a lot of the jackhammering involved. Getting through the wall is going to be the hardest part. 

5 things to know about egress window codes before starting:

• Need a window at least 5.7 sq. ft.
• Net clear of 20" when opened(I usually order window with larger net clear of 22")
• No more than 44" inside sill height from basement floor
• 9 sq. ft. minimum inside dimensions of window well installed
• No more than 44" depth inside window well without a ladder installed

When ordering an egress window, most every application will work best by using a casement window. You will next have to determine the swing of the window left or right and do so by situating an emergency where you want the window to open clear to a safe place off property. Next is choosing a window well outside of your egress window. You can easily construct your own like in the video using 6x6 pressure treated lumber or Bilco offers a line of composite window wells you can install that also offer a cover to protect from the weather.

7 things you should know about installing a window well:

• Always dig deeper than window
• You can use concrete from wall removed as a good base and drainage 
• Fill base with 3/4" aggregate just below window
• If you have area with proper slope to daylight consider installing a drain
• Check local codes as some want drainage to tie in with footing drain(which I do not agree with mixing two different systems)
• Try and maintain 44" inside depth or ladder will need to be installed. Prefab Bilco units have steps already built it
• If cover is added make sure fastening clips are installed towards the from for easy escape if necessary 

5 benefits of adding an egress window:

• Added safety during a time of emergency 
• Added light to your basement
• Added ventilation especially beneficial for moist basements
• Help control humidity
• Great access for getting materials and/or content into basement(obviously within limit)

Installing an egress window may not be exactly for the novice but a little background, the right equipment and strength it can be done. In the videos we used a regular diamond blade to cut and then jackhammer which has worked sufficiently for years but now have a saw that cuts straight through making it a bit easier. Hope this helps and wish anyone luck performing a DIY installation

              WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR

               HOMES DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

Every home across the country have footing drain systems that are located outside the home at the base of your homes exterior footing. Rain, melting snow and rising groundwater all lead to more moisture being stored in the soils that surround your homes foundation which can lead to more moisture being stored in the soils. If your drainage system isn't working properly and failing you run the risk of costly foundation problems and extensive water damage. As groundwater rises the hydrostatic pressure increases putting great strain on your foundations integrity. Hydrostatic pressure is the force created by standing or resting water. It is the constant force that water exerts on your basements walls. While hydrostatic pressure can come from runoff down a hill, most of the time, it comes from saturated soil around your homes foundation. Hydrostatic pressure may also appear in cracks in your basements floor as water tables rise especially after a winter of heavy snows followed by spring rains. There are a few main components to a dry basement that can be used together in coordination to maintain water infiltration.

7 Main components used when creating a dry basement and property:

• Footing drains around the entire perimeter of home
• Curtain drains may be installed on property to alleviate water before the home
• Sump pumps preferably at the lowest side of your basements floor
• French drains cut inside your foundation wall where meets the floor and drains to a sump pump system
• Swales created to catch water before reaching your home
• Extension of gutter downspouts away from you home
• Installation of a dry well for excess water

Water is the cause for billions of dollars of damage each year across the country and with a good working drainage system in place hopefully damage can be avoided. Hydrostatic pressure can build up to 33,000 psi which can put a tremendous amount of strain on your homes structure. Throughout the year inspecting your foundation for evidence of water is essential in determining where it may be coming from. With a finished basement this will be a lot less evident to see and moisture being absorbed by sheetrock, wood and insulation behind the wall creating a perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow rampant. Mold spores can be highly dangerous and create a toxic environment that can't be seen by the naked eye and cause many different health ailments.

Things to look for when determining you may have water:

• Musty smell
• Damp or wet walls(mostly noticeable on concrete and cinder block walls)
• Wet in corner where foundation wall meets floor(most always a sign of failing footing drains)
• Water coming through cracks of concrete floor
• White residue on block walls which could indicate mold spores growing or could just be efflorescence
• Cracks in foundation walls

 
 As noted before unseen water damage can created mold and mildew that grows rapidly that causes many different health ailments. These conditions usually go unseen and can cause a great deal of damage leaving your home unlivable and worthless without major mold remediation. Besides the potential structural damage to your foundation walls your quality of life could potentially be at stake.

Health ailments due to mold/mildew:

• insomnia 
• memory loss
• trouble concentrating and confusion
• numbness in extremities 
• respiratory problems
• fatigue 
• allergic reactions(wheezing, runny nose, watery eyes, etc.)
• asthma attacks
• bronchitis 

This article wasn't made to scare you but to realize the importance of drainage around your home and the potential damages it can possibly cause mostly always unseen. A few different drainage systems working in coordination can hopefully eliminate the headaches. Once damage is done it can be very costly to reverse the damage water can do.

Adding an egress window to your home is an excellent idea, opening up your basement to fresh air and light and most importantly the safety of your family and your pets. Across the country it has become a national code and all homes must pass inspection and have an egress window if your basement is finished. 

Requirements for an egress window:

• Window must be 5.7 square feet 
• Window must have a clear opening of 20"
• Window must be at least 24" in height
• Window well must be 9 square feet interior dimensions
• Sill height of window from inside floor of basement must not exceed 44"
• Height inside window well must not exceed 44"
• If inside/outside heights exceed 44", a ladder must be installed
• Window must be operatable by hand with no tools
• Bars on the outside of window will not be acceptable
• Garage doors are not an acceptable exit

What are the benefits of adding an egress window?:

• First off, the safety of your family and loved ones
• Better ventilation because we all know basements can be stuffy and moist
• Added natural light which makes for a better and more heathly atmosphere
• If your basement is't finished this is a great way go get material in
• Added value to your home

Here at WMBCONSTRUCTION we specialize in installing egress windows and all windows around the beautiful Hudson Valley in Monroe, NY. We know what your home means to you and mainly the safety of your family. These codes were put in play for a reason and even in our home town of Orange County, NY we have seen how they have helped save lives during a fire and at the same time improve everyday live when there is no tragedy.  

We all have bathrooms in our homes and here at WMB CONSTRUCTION we pride ourselves in building and renovating them here in Orange County, NY 10950. Bathroom can range in any shape or size and can have many different features you can add or choose from. Nothing beats a hot shower on a cold morning or cold shower on a hot muggy day.

New or old revovation, bathroom designs are always exciting! Every customer has different tastes, wants and needs which makes it exciting for us to create your inside oasis. 

Bathroom options:

• Bathtub
• Showerstall
• Concrete showerbase
• Body jets
• Jacuzzi
• Jacuzzi tub
• Bidet
• Multiple showerheads
• Heated floors
• Handicap tubs and bars
• Shower jets
• In wall shelves

Bathrooms are a part of our everyday lives and we all deserve to be clean in a fashionable way. Nothing better than a nice bath/shower after a long days work or even a night on the town. 

Septic systems are crucial part for containing the waste from your home properly. If your town is not connected to a public sewer you will definetly need a septic system. Proper design, engineering and professional installation by a quilified contractor is crucial when installing a new system. Something so simple as tank placement can be so crucial and installed wrong can fail the entire system.

What can go wrong with a poor installation?:

• Waste line pitched wrong
• Leech field pitched wrong
• Not enough distribution boxes installed
• Not enough drainage installed
• Ground has bad perculation
• Contractor doesn't install filter fabic
• Horrific odors emitting from the ground

 Most homes in rural areas have septic systems to relieve the waste. Depending on your property, a proper location will be needed to determine the placement.

What needs to determined:

• Where waste line exits the home
• What elevation will the tank sit
• What kind of dirt/clay/shale is on site
• Size of home and water usage
• Pick area with good sunlight to help with evaporation

.At the end of the day we all want peace in mind in all aspects of our lives. Choosing WMB CONSTRUCTION will make sure your system is installed correctly and give you many years of problem free use.