If you are considering remodeling your basement you will likely find that your town requires the installation of egress windows. Most building codes mandate that egress windows be installed in order to provide an adequate escape route in an emergency situation, such as a fire. Besides adding safety and increasing your home's value, egress windows can greatly increase airflow and light, changing what was once a dark basement into a light, airy living space.
Egress windows are designed to allow people to escape a basement in the event of a fire. Most often, egress windows are installed during a basement renovation in order to comply with local building codes. Many towns have specific measurements that must be met, so it will be necessary to contact your local building-codes office in order to find out exactly what size window you must install in your basement.
Egress windows come in as many varieties as typical windows, with as many different levels of quality and insulation, depending on the manufacturer. But all egress windows are designed to provide a safe escape route in the event of emergency. Most often, they provide about 6 square feet of roughly rectangular window surface. Check with the manufacturer if there is any question of whether a particular window is suitable to be used as an egress window.
Benefits of adding an egress window:
Added safety
More natural light
Ventilation
Creates cleaner basement enviroment and decreases the chances for mold and mildew
Peace in mind that your loved ones will be safe
Added value
Aesthetically, they can change the look and feel of a basement
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Egress windows are essentially fire escape windows installed in finished basements. It is a national code that enstates that all finished basements must have a window of 5.7 sq. ft., no more than 44 inches to the sill height and 22 inch clear opening to be able to escape in case of an emergency.
A recent egress window installation byWMB Constructionwhere we removed the sliding glass door, which had water/flooding issues, and installed a window.
Here we closed in the block foundation and added a footing drain to relieve water pressure. Foundation will be tarred and backfilled with lots of 3/4" gravel to keep the water moving.
All parging is complete and window looks like it has always been there. A little paint to match is all the customer needs once concrete has cured. Water issues were corrected to keep this basement dry while also conforming to building codes.
Benefits by installing an egress window:
Added ventilation to your basement
Added natural light which helps prevent growth of mold and mildew
Peace in mind that your loved ones will be protected and safe from harms way
An egress window is a window that is required in specific locations in a dwelling and is intended to provide an emergency means of exiting a dwelling. Windows must meet specific size and requirements to qualify as an egress window.
Subscribe for the latest blogs on new products and up to date information
Egress windows are essentially fire escape windows installed in finished basements. It is a national code that enstates that all finished basements must have a window of 5.7 sq. ft., no more than 44 inches to the sill height and 22 inch clear opening to be able to escape in case of an emergency.
A recent egress window installation byWMB Constructionwhere we removed the sliding glass door, which had water/flooding issues, and installed a window.
Here we closed in the block foundation and added a footing drain to relieve water pressure. Foundation will be tarred and backfilled with lots of 3/4" gravel to keep the water moving.
All parging is complete and window looks like it has always been there. A little paint to match is all the customer needs once concrete has cured. Water issues were corrected to keep this basement dry while also conforming to building codes.
Benefits by installing an egress window:
Added ventilation to your basement
Added natural light which helps prevent growth of mold and mildew
Peace in mind that your loved ones will be protected and safe from harms way
An egress window is a window that is required in specific locations in a dwelling and is intended to provide an emergency means of exiting a dwelling. Windows must meet specific size and requirements to qualify as an egress window.
WHERE ARE EGRESS WINDOWS REQUIRED?
Egress windows are required in every room used for sleeping purposes (bedrooms) on any floor and in basements with habitable space. If you are constructing a new home, the code requires that you put an egress window in each bedroom. It also requires an egress window in the basement if habitablerooms will be finished in the basement. If you install a basement bedroom or bedrooms, an egress window is required in each bedroom. If you have an existing home and you add a sleeping room in an unfinished basement, the code requires that you install an egress window in the sleeping room or rooms.
WHAT ARE SIZE REQUIREMENTS FOR AN EGRESS
WINDOW?
An egress window must satisfy four International Residential Code (IRC) criteria:
• Minimum width of opening: 20 in.
• Minimum height of opening: 24 in.
• Minimum net clear opening: 5.7 sq. ft. (5.0 sq. ft. for ground floor).
• Maximum sill height above floor: 44 in
The window must have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 sq. ft. Net clear opening refers to the actual free and clear space that exists when the window is open. It is not the rough opening size or the glass panel size, but the actual opening a person can crawl through.
The window opening must be operational from the inside without keys or tools. Bars, grilles and grates may be installed over windows but must be operational without tools or keys and still allow the minimum clear opening.
You might assume that a 20-in. by 24-in. window would be acceptable for egress. However, those dimensions would yield a net clear opening of only 3.3 sq. ft. To achieve the required net clear opening of 5.7 sq. ft., a 20-in. wide window would have to be 42 in. high. Likewise, a 24-in. high window would have to be 34 in. wide
Is your home looking old and deteriorated? Does the thought of spending thousands to replace leave you with a pounding headache? The anwser is to save what you have and enhance it with a Benjamin Moore paint upgrade. For a fraction of the cost to replace, you can beautify your home instantly without the mess of a major renovation.
Benefits of painting:
Instant results
Superior protection
Removal of any mold and mildew
Cheaper than replacing
Thousands of colors to choose from
Can change colors at any time as opposed to pre-colored vinyl or composites
Cleaner appearance and smell
This is a project before we started in beautiful Monroe, NY. The appearance was that the staircase was in need of complete replacement. After evaluating the integrity of the staircase I came to the conclusion that the problem was years of mold and mildew build up. This was great news for both me and the customer.
How did WMB Construction enhance the staircase:
Treated all mold and mildew with bleach to kill it
Powerwashed all surfaces
Applied primer where necessary
Glued and nailed loose railing sections
Caulked voids where necessary
Applied two coats of Benjamin Moore exterior grade latex paint to all surfaces
The results are unmatched and within two days, years of damaged had been fixed. With two coats of Benjamin Moore high grade latex paint, all the surfaces have been sealed for years of continued use. Preparation and the use of good quality products is everything when producing a quality finished product!!!
Even after 25 years, fiberglass remains the most advanced material for entryways — able to satisfy both today’s and tomorrow’s homeowners by giving them the look of wood doors and the strength of steel doors, without the compromises of either. In fact, fiberglass doors offer just what homeowners want* — the optimum combination of security, energy efficiency, performance and aesthetics. Therma-Tru not only pioneered the fiberglass door category but we continue to lead the industry.
Benefits of wood doors:
Beautiful wood grain
High end look
Warm feel and touch
Scratches easily fixed
Benefits of steel doors:
Lower maintenance
No cracking or bowing
Less exspensive
Energy efficient
Good insulating value
Secure
Benefits of fiberglass doors:
Lowest maintenace
Resists cracking and denting
Offers smooth or wood grain finishes
Won't rot, deteriorate or rust
Can be painted or stained
Energy efficient
Won't warp, bow or twist
Five times the insulating value of wood
Secure
Therma-Tru offers decorative glass options:
Increase curb appeal and the perceived value of your home
Allow more light into your home
Reflect your personal style
Are offered in impact rated glass options to increase security and protection from severe weather
After looking at all three door choices, fiberglass seems to be the best choice all around. Wood still has the best appearance and steel is right in the middle with economy and insulating values. When remodeling your home with a new door upgrade the options can be endless. Therma-Tru has thousands of different choices and configurations to choose from. Call WMB Construction today for your next door installation!
Here in the northeast we experience some pretty gruelling winters that put our homes roof to the biggest test. What is under your roof shingles makes a huge difference.
Proper use of Ice & Water Barrier Products, plus insulation and ventilation, help prevent - a major culprit when it comes to roof leaks.
What is an ice dam? A ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from draining off the roof.
What causes an ice dam? Ice dams form when indoor heating rises through the ceiling into the attic and warms the roof surface.
How do they form? Snow on the heated part of the roof melts and flows down until it meets the part of the roof that is below 32 degrees. At that point, the water freezes into an ice dam.
How do ice dams lead to water damage? Water backs up behind the dam and, as it sits on the roof, works its way under the roof covering and flows into the attic. From there it can seep through insulation, ceilings, walls and other areas where it can cause damage.
How do you prevent an ice dam? Keeping a consistent attic temperature can help prevent ice dams. Insulation and ventilation are key components of maintaining the proper conditions in the attic and on the roof deck.
Proper roof ventilation systems:
Soffit vents
Gable vents
Ridge vents
Attic fans
Why Owens Corning?
Since 1977, Owens Corning has been a leading manufacturer of shingles and accessories for the residential roofing market. Though best known for our PINK® Fiberglas insulation, Owens Corning is also a leader in the roofing market.
In fact, according to a Hanley-Wood Publishing survey of 3,400 U.S. builders, Owens Corning Roofing products were voted "the most recognizable brand in the market."
Since Owens Corning invented glass fiber during the 1970s, it has become the material standard for shingles, and is used by most shingle manufacturers. The fiberglass composition of roof shingles plays an important role in protecting homes from moisture and other weather-related elements.
We take great pride in our roofing shingles and accessories and we believe that we have a great deal of responsibility to homeowners. That's why we make sure every Owens Corning shingle meets your high expectations.
Every shingle we make combines consistent quality with long-lasting beauty and maximum protection. Performance is at the heart of every Owens Corning roofing product.
Every Owens Corning shingle line features:
Fiberglas® mat that adds weather protection, greater fire resistance and longer life.
Weathering-grade asphalt that holds the granules on the shingle and protects the roof from water.
Colorful mineral granules that help reflect the sun's rays while adding beauty and style to the roof.
Heat-activated adhesive strip that bonds shingles into a single, watertight unit.
Class A Fire Rating, the highest available for residential applications.
Wind Resistance Rating for winds and gusts up to 110 mph depending on the shingle style selected.
Limited product warranties ranging from 20 to 50 years, depending on shingle style.
TimberTech composite decking and railing products add beauty to homes, businesses and resorts. What's more, TimberTech is low maintenance, safe, durable, and can even increase the value of your home.
Low Maintenance
TimberTech maintains its color and beauty for years without the work of painting, staining or sealing. And, because it resists mildew, warping and insects, there’s no need to replace rotting, uneven or termite-damaged boards. This saves time and money over the life of your deck and fence. Caring for TimberTech is easier than wood and will allow you to focus on maximum enjoyment instead of maximum maintenance.
Warranty
TimberTech’s warranty offers 25-years of coverage. And our warranty can be transferred to a second homeowner – a great selling feature when you’re ready to relocate. So the first, and second, TimberTech product owners can have peace of mind that their outdoor oasis will look beautiful year after year. In addition to the already great warranty coverage, the Earthwood Evolutions product line is covered by a 25-year fade and stain warranty. For commercial applications, TimberTech offers a 10-year limited warranty for worry-free beauty in high traffic situations. And in the unlikely event that you’ll have to contact us for warranty assistance, we separate ourselves from the competition by placing high priority on top-notch customer care after the sale.
WMB Construction recently built this deck in beautiful Orange County, NY. The flooring used was TimberTech with hidden fasteners. The wonderful benefit in using hidden fasteners is an extremely clean look with no exposed screws. The color of the decking is pacific walnut.
SUSTAINABLE
LIVING
TimberTech composite lumber products help create a more sustainable world – one piece at a time.
Vision: TimberTech will be a leader in the decking and railing industry while integrating sustainable practices into three key components of our business:
Clean Manufacturing:
Waste Management: Minimize waste in all facets of our business.
Energy Efficiency: Minimize energy consumption while striving to convert energy used to renewable sources.
Water Efficiency: Reduce our impact on local water supplies through responsible use and disposal.
Product Development: Incorporate as many sustainable materials and processes into the product we manufacture without sacrificing quality.
Community Involvement: Be a leader in the local community on sustainable practices and charitable contributions and involvement.
Increases the Value of Your HomeTimberTech not only adds value to your life, it adds value to your home. When you add a TimberTech deck – or use TimberTech to replank a wood deck – you'll recoup much of your investment when you sell your home. Remodeling Magazine's 2009-2010 Cost vs. Value Report estimates a national average of 71% return on investment for composite deck additions*. This is a similar or better return on investment than projects such as bathroom addition, bathroom remodel and major kitchen remodel. To maximize your return, Realty Times suggests using a non-rectangle design, and making your deck an extension of your living space.
*Based on a 16′ x 20′ deck set in simple linear pattern; using pressure-treated joists supported by 4x4 posts anchored to concrete piers; built-in bench and planter of the same decking material; stairs, assuming three steps to grade; complete railing using a matching system made of the same composite as the decking material.
Replace Your Existing Wood Planks and Upgrade to Low Maintenance Outdoor Living
Is your deck ready for a makeover? Are you ready to step up to all the benefits of a beautiful, low-maintenance TimberTech deck without starting from scratch? If so, then we have a solution for you.
Taking advantage of a sound, existing wood substructure offers a simple, and many times, more affordable solution compared to building a new deck from the ground up.
• Faster installation • Cost effective • No more painting, staining or sealing • Adds value to your home
Your roof is the main component of your home that protects your entire investment. A leaking roof can cause a variety of problems to your home and in some instances leave your home worthless. A common problem with a poor roof is toxic mold! Leaking water penetrates through your roof shingles and can go unnoticed for years until the damage has grown to unsizedly proportions. Once mold has become established it can be very hard and costly to remove and not to mention the health problems it can cause.
What is Toxic Mold?
Toxic mold is a type of mold that produces hazardous byproducts, called mycotoxins. While individuals with asthma and other respiratory problems may have reactions to many types of mold, it's thought that mycotoxins are more likely to trigger health problems in even healthy individuals. These toxins are believed to be linked to memory loss and to severe lung problems in infants and the elderly.
Floating particles of mold are invisible to the naked eye, so it's impossible to see where they might have landed until they begin to grow. Loose mold particles that accumulate on items within a house are easily inhaled and can be a constant irritation to the people and pets who live there.
The toxic mold we hear most about is Stachybotrys chartarum, a slimy, greenish-black mold that grows on moisture-laden materials that contain cellulose, such as wood, paper, drywall, and other similar products. It does not grow on tile or cement.
Even if the mold in your home is not toxic mold, it can still be a problem, because any mold growing on organic materials will in time destroy them--and too much mold of any type smells bad and degrades air quality.
Mold thrives in damp, humid conditions:
Bathrooms with poor ventilation. Install an exhaust fan if possible.
Leaky water pipes. Repair them immediately.
Roof leaks. Repair them right away.
Flood aftermath. Repair as soon as possible.
Clothes dryers and exhaust fans that vent under the house or back into the room. Vent them to the outside.
Health concerns due to toxic mold:
Respiratory infections
Swelling of the eyes
Nose and throat problems
Asthma
Elevated risk for bronchitis
Lung and skin infections
Neurological problems
If your home needs a new roof you most likely have an older three tab shingle that carries a 20-25 year life span. Newer architectural shingles carry a standard 30 year with options up to 50 years. There are many different colors to choose from to make a huge transition to your home.
Proper ventilation also plays a big part in the longevity of your roof. Keeping your roof and attic cooler will have a huge effect on the efficiency of your home. Just think of your car on a hot summers day with the windows rolled up and how hot and stale the air is. That is the same environment as your attic except it is dark and even hotter. Now if you cracked the windows in your car you would immediately feel fresh air and the car would cool instantly. Proper ventilation also helps prevent against mold, mildew and dry rotting.
Key roof ventilation components:
Ridge vent
Soffit vents
Gable vents
Attic fan
Components on your roof deck are necessary before roof shingles have been applied. First, aluminum drip edge needs to be installed around the entire perimeter of roof. Aluminum drip edge prevents capillary action and sheds water away from your home instead of back into your home. Second, ice dam is installed on lower section of roof deck, in valleys, around chimneys and skylights. Ice dam material greatly cuts down on water penetrating your home due to ice damming that we frequently experience here in the Northeast. Third, felt paper will cover the rest of the entire roof deck for added protection and act as a vapor barrier.
At the end of the day it is always good to have peace in mind that your largest investment is protected and your family is safe. Mold is responsible for billions of dollars in damage a years and can make a million dollar home worth just pennies. Water is mother natures most powerful force and it is our job to keep it out. Water penetration can go unknown for years and by then the damage has been done. This can be prevented by annual inspections by a qualified roofing professional.
A bathroom remodel is always exciting and something to look forward to. Removing all of that mold and mildew to start with!WMB Construction has been tranforming customers bathroom dreams into reality for years in beautiful Orange County, NY.
Before
After
Most bathroom remodels are performed within two weeks from start to finish. We try to minimize any inconvenience to your regular schedule while construction is performed.
What to expect during your bathroom remodel:
First day all contents are removed from bathroom down to original studs.
Second day all plumbing and electrical is performed. New tub installed.
Third day all sheetrock and cement board installed.
By the fourth day we are usually ready to start installing your ceramic tiles on walls and floor. Tile installation can take 1-4 days depending on amount of tile and precision cuts to be made.
After tile has been installed and glued has dried we apply latex fortified grout to all seams of tile.
Paint all walls and ceiling.
Install all new plumbing and electrical fixtures.
Drop clothes are layed down everyday and removed at the end of everyday.
At the end of project all tools, material and garbage is removed off premises.
How we enhanced and protected this bathroom:
First we removed all over the toxic mold and mildew from bathroom.
Installed a new high quality "Americast" tub in place of the old tub.
Replaced all corroded supply valves and tub plumbing.
Installed waterproof cement board on walls of tub area and on floors for superior protection.
Removed old exhaust fan and installed a new high powered and quiet one. Old fan was vented into attic creating mold and mildew to grow. We vented exhaust through the roof.
Constructed in walls shelf.
Installed all new high end coppertone fixtures.
Caulked all seams and corners in tub area for superior water protection
Installed new fiberglass insulation in walls and ceiling to gain more R-value.
Removed double hung window in tub area and added an awning window.
Removed soffit over tub area for more light and ventilation.
WMB CONSTRUCTIONhas years of experience in the field to install the bathroom of your dreams with peace in mind that everything was installed correctly and finished in a timely matter so you and your family can get back to schedule. Leave the hard work to the professionals.
Egress windows are essentially fire escape windows installed in finished basements. It is a national code that enstates that all finished basements must have a window of 5.7 sq. ft., no more than 44 inches to the sill height and 22 inch clear opening to be able to escape in case of an emergency.
A recent egress window installation byWMB Constructionwhere we removed the sliding glass door, which had water/flooding issues, and installed a window.
Here we closed in the block foundation and added a footing drain to relieve water pressure. Foundation will be tarred and backfilled with lots of 3/4" gravel to keep the water moving.
All parging is complete and window looks like it has always been there. A little paint to match is all the customer needs once concrete has cured. Water issues were corrected to keep this basement dry while also conforming to building codes.
Benefits by installing an egress window:
Added ventilation to your basement
Added natural light which helps prevent growth of mold and mildew
Peace in mind that your loved ones will be protected and safe from harms way
A bathroom remodel is most likely in the near future for many of us. The naturally moist enviroment of your bathroom will take its toll on any room over the years. WMB CONSTRUCTIONhas been professionally remodeling bathrooms for years out of Monroe in beautiful Orange County, NY
Hidden behind your ceramic tiles you may find mold, mildew and rot. When we renovated this bathroom we found that the toilet bowl flange had been leaking for years which called for major repair to the subfloor.
Tub areas always take a beating due to the fact they are always in contact with water. If you don't take care of your tub, it won't take care of you.
Problems with this tub:
This is the cheapest tub you can install, a steel tub. As you can see, the drain has completely rotted out. this wouldn't happen with a cast iron or Americast tub.
Diverter is too low. When showering water hits your body and goes behind schutching plates creating leaks over time.
Caulking maintainance has not been kept up on this tub.
New tub, cement board, plumbing and tile and the bathroom takes on a whole new smell and look.
Five Key Reasons for Bathroom Remodel:
Added value to your home
More healthy enviroment for you and your family
Upgrade your bathroom for a more modern look
Faster sale of your home. Kitchens and bathrooms make for faster sales at a higher profit.
Peace in mind that all mold and mildew has been removed
Water is a powerfully force of nature that we we all deal from land, sea and air. It is responsible for billions of dollars in damages each year but mainly we are focused here on your home and the essentials of proper drainage. Every home built by national code requires footing drains to installed to remove any unwanted water from your foundation walls and footings. Without the application of footing drains you run the high risk of water infiltration and potential water pressure buildup that can potentially stress the integrity of your structure causing immense damage. Hydrostatic pressure is one of natures most powerful forces to your home where raising ground waters push up surrounding first under your home and keeps rising to your foundation walls. Between ground water and runoff combined the water psi keeps rising putting great strain on homes structure. Footing drains greatly reduce the amount of water around your home and removes water before it can cause potential damage.
What is a footing drain?
Footing drains essentially remove water from around the perimeter of your homes foundation. Hydrostatic pressure against your foundation walls and basement floor can reach a staggering 33,000 psi. If not relieved it has the potential to cause major damage and complete failure to your foundation and interior of basement. Most common signs of footing drain failure is to look for evidence of water infiltration. This can be noticed where interior foundation wall meets concrete floor. To fix failing footing drains, the footing drains must be excavated from the exterior of foundation to install new corrugated pipes, filtration system and aggregate.
What is a curtain drain?
Curtain drains are essentially trenches filled with gravel covering perforated pipe acting like a gutter system to remove unwanted water away from your home. The trench is lined with filter fabric to ensure that the perforated pipe with remain free of clogs from dirt and silt over the years.
Why you might need a curtain drain:
Areas of your property where you have unwanted water pooling
Water issues in your basement(curtain drains work great in conjunction with you homes footing drains)
Remove water away from retaining walls and driveways
With any drainage project performed byWMB Construction, we always use more gravel than necessary. Gravel is natural drainage that quickly moves water from your perforated pipe and away from your home. Many drainage contractors skip this step leaving your curtain drain system practically useless in years to come as the dirt and silt infiltrates your corrugated pipe clogging it.
How we install a curtain drain:
Dig a trench 18"-24" deep in the ground(extreme water conditions near foundations may go as deep as homes footing)
Line trench with filter fabric
Install a 4" perforated pipe in ground pitched out to daylight(some applications with nowhere to drain water, a dry well may need to be installed)
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