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 Construction where 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

• Added value to your home

Dreaded winter has arrived bringing in the cold and windy weather that we experience every year here in the northeast. Bathing suits and barbeques have been put away and for most of us our outdoor activities have been moved indoors. But rest assure, summer is not too far away!

Now is the time to start planning for your homes outside oasis!

Besides the occassional vacation here and there, your home is the area where you live and create the most memories in. From everyday life to the family parties to the last minute BBQ,s with a few friends. Creating a peaceful and tranquil outdoor enviroment to your home will not only greatly increase the value of your home but also offer that vacation feeling without the hassles.

Three recommended outdoor enhancements: 

1) Deck

• Added entertaining area

• Can be constructed around pools

• Screen in areas can be created

• Elevated decks can be built for second story applications

• Added value to your home

• Options of treat/cedar lumber or mantainance free composite

2) Pool House/Purgula

• Added outdoor kitchen areas can be added to your entertaining area

• Hidden pool equipment and protected inside from mother nature

• Purgulas add a unique look to any project and help filter sun

• Create outdoor shower and changing area

3) Concrete patio

• Offers added entertaining area at ground level

• Great base for fire pits

• Variety of colors

Now is the time to start planning for your outdoor projects!

Has heavy rainfall and snow melt left your basement unlivable?  As the water tables rises, so does the water in your basement? Ever wonder why this is happening? Most likely your footing drains are failing. As water tables rise from the ground up it needs somewhere to be relieved and with poor drainage you will experience what is called hydrostatic pressure. Water will penetrate to the path of least resistance, usually cracks in foundation and/or floor. Signs of a failing footing drain is usually dampness in the corner of concrete floof and wall  Footing drains are designed to catch unwanted water from rising water tables. When installed correctly they will quickly remove water from your footings and foundation before it can penetrate into your basement. Over the years footing drains and foundation coatings will fail resulting in a complete replacement of your drainage system.

When caught early enough damage to you home will be minimized. Water is the #1 most expensive costs every year due to the catastrophic nature that water can cause. It can range from a small leak (lots of times hidden behind walls for years) to major flooding. It creates toxic mold and mildew that can travel trough your entire home, rot wood and attract carpenter ants and termites, destroy your belongs,etc.........

How WMB Construction fixed the problem:

• Excavated the old footing drains

• Installed 30 feet of curtain drain

• Installed approx. 40 tons of gravel

• Installed filter fabric around gravel

• Installed 4" PVC corrugated pipe for footing and curtain drains

• Installed filter fabric sock over 4" schedule 40  corrugated pipe

• Installed 4" PVC solid pipe for gutters to remove water away from foundation

• Applied tar foundation coating on foundation walls

Poor footing drains will result in:

• Loss of home value

• Mold and mildew issues

• Damage to your possessions

• Constant flooding

• Foundation deterioration

• Allergies and respiratory ailments

• Wet rotten wood that can attract carpenter ants and termites

Adding a curtain drain also helps relieve a great deal of water off of the property. The idea is to try and catch some of the water before it reaches the footing drains.

Why would you need a curtain drain:

• Excessive water effecting your footing drains

  Wet areas on your lawn where you need to transfer water

• In ground gutter to remove water from your property

What you gain by using WMB Construction for your next footing drain project:

• We supersede the competition by overdoing every project with extra material and labor that over qualifies with current codes

• Work one job at a time so you can get back to your regular life

• Experience in the trade

Many homes new and old all have water issues. Instead of living with it, fix it! Some water issues can be so bad that your entire foundation could lose its integrity and collapse leaving you with thousands in repairs. 

Just as an example, WMB Construction had to remove this damaged section of foundation due to water pressure buildup. Do you know that water pressure can reach 33,000 lbs. per square foot on your foundation walls? This could be enough to severely damage your foundation walls, as you can see!!

WMB Drainage includes:

• Footing drains

• Curtain drains

• Gutter drains

• Sump pumps