Home Improvement Blog

Egress windows Orange County, NY

Posted by william bateman on Tue, May 22, 2012 @ 10:21 PM

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.

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A recent egress window installation byWMB Construction where we removed the sliding glass door, which had water/flooding issues, and installed a window.

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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.

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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

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Topics: Monroe NY, orange county ny, General Contractor, basements, construction-general--monroe, footing drain, excavating, egress windows, additions, finished basement

Key factors to consider when remodeling your bathroom

Posted by william bateman on Sat, Sep 17, 2011 @ 07:42 PM

Is your bathroom old and deteriorated? Is mold and mildew overtaking everything in your bathroom? Ready for a change? WMB Construction has been transforming bathrooms with these problems for many years in the area with unmatched results. Your bathroom is the most frequented room in your home and also adds the most value to your home. It also has the most potential for producing mold and mildew conditions that can create a potentially hazardous atmosphere.

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Recent bathroom job we ripped out! The mold and mildew behind the tile is clearly obvious. The customers were so surprised to see what was growing behind their walls, especially because they were considering Rebath or Bathfitters! Those companies cover up toxins that should be removed from your home!!!

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 On top of just finding mold and mildew behind the tiles, we next found a great deal of rotten wood under the tile floor and vinyl shower base. WMB Construction removed all the mold and mildew and recommended a "mud job" to replace the worn out vinyl base.

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What is a "Mud Job"?

Instead of a vinyl shower base, we form and construct our own out of concrete and tile for superior strength and longevity.

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Added benefits of performing a "Mud Job"

  • Concrete shower bases are far more stronger and durable than regular vinyl bases

  • More aesthetically appealing appearance

  • Added value to your home

  • Base will not crack, tarnish or fade over time

  • Give your bathroom a more unique look

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WMB Construction constructed and installed the very popular in wall shelf. It coordinates with all the decor in the bathroom. A really awesome accent!!!

 

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WMB Construction specializes in:

  • Bathroom remodels

  • Kitchen remodels

  • All phases of home improvements

 

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, Monroe NY, orange county ny, General Contractor, remodeling, construction-general, bathrooms

Benefits of adding a footing and curtain drain on your property?

Posted by william bateman on Sat, Sep 17, 2011 @ 09:31 AM

 

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.

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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. 

 

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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.

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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 by WMB 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.

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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)
  • Fill trench with 3/4" gravel
  • Regrade dirt

 

 

 

 

 

 WMB Construction specializes in:

  • Curtain drains
  • Footing drains
  • Sump Pumps
  • Foundation sealing
  • Gutter downspout underground extensions
  • All phases of Home Improvements

 

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Topics: General Contractor, basements, construction-general--monroe, footing drain, excavating, drainage, egress windows, excavation

What is an egress window?

Posted by william bateman on Tue, Sep 06, 2011 @ 09:55 AM

WHAT IS AN EGRESS WINDOW?

 

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.egress windows concrete orange county ny

 

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 habitable rooms 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.

What do you gain by installing an egress window?

  • Added safety for you and your loved oned

  • Better air circulation in your basement creating a better enviroment to eliminate mold and mildew issues

  • Added natural light

  • No issues with your building department(especially if you are selling)

  • Added value

 

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Topics: General Contractor, basements, construction-general--monroe, windows, anderson, egress windows

WMB Construction interior impressions with "Aura" paint from Benjamin Moore

Posted by william bateman on Tue, May 31, 2011 @ 09:28 PM

Your home is your biggest investment  and maintaining it is a priority. With Benjamin Moore's Aura paint line, your home will maintain the beauty and protection it needs to withstand the elements of everyday life. With superior adhesion, coverage and durability, WMB Construction stands behind the quality of Benjamin Moore paints.

 

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Benjamin Moore's Aura:

Aura® Matte Waterborne Interior Paint (522)

  • Extreme hide, never more than two coats in any color

  • Provides a mildew-resistant coating

  • Color Lock® Technology, no color rub-off

  • Excellent touch up

  • Self priming

  • Easy application and clean up

  • Stains wash off easily

 

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New Aura paint benefits:

  • Added value to your home

  • Non- toxic low VOC's

  • Superior coverage

  • Excellent finish

 

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Key factors for a quality paint application:

  • Roller and brush applications will always give you the most professional finished product.(brush first and roll after to hide any brush marks as possible)

  • Remove all dirt and debris from surfaces to be painted

  • Allow proper drying times in between coats

  • Remove any mold/mildew before paint is applied

  • Remove any rotten material before paint is applied

  • Completely cover area with drop clothes before any work is performed

 

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WMB Specializes in:

  • Interior painting

  • Exterior painting

  • Deck staining

  • Powerwashing

  • Carpentry

  • Sheetrock repair

  • Much, much more!!

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, painting, orange county ny, General Contractor

Quick footing drain slideshow

Posted by william bateman on Fri, May 06, 2011 @ 11:18 PM

WMB Construction is your #1 dranage contractor. Call today for your free estimate.

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, orange county ny, General Contractor, footing drain

Pressure treated wood decks

Posted by william bateman on Wed, May 04, 2011 @ 02:20 PM

There are reported to be some 30,000,000 wood decks in the United States, and the number increases with every new subdivision. Despite the ongoing use of some naturally durable species of wood and the emergence of several types of artificial wood, the overwhelmingly chosen material for decks is pressure-treated wood.

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Treated wood, sold in nearly every lumber outlet in North America, is favored for a variety of reasons: it has a natural appearance, its resistance to termites and rot is well established, wood is a plentiful and renewable resource, and treated wood is usually the most economical choice.

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Longevity.  Preserved wood resists damage from termites and fungal decay for decades; some producers offer warranties that extend for the life of the purchaser.

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More than 80% of all U.S. decks are built entirely or partially with preserved wood, according to national surveys. Even when redwood or composite decking is used for the deck platform, preserved wood is usually used for posts, beams, and joists because of its structural strength and ability to withstand deterioration in ground contact.

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Pressure treated lumber is a tried and true product that produces a quality finished product every time.  Over the years a little maintenance may be involved to keep the wood from drying out and splintering but lets face it, there is no such thing as maintainance free.

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Decks are the #1 area of your home for outside relaxation and entertaining. Could you imagine your home without one? You will gain instant gratification once your deck has been installed. Not to mention the added value to your home!

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WMB Construction specializes in:

  • Raised decks

  • Ground decks

  • Tiered decks

  • Pool decks

  • 6 x 6 retaining walls

  • Powerwashing

  • Paint and staining

  • Deck repair

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, Monroe NY, General Contractor, Composite Decking Orange County NY, construction-general--monroe

What are the advantages of latex paint

Posted by william bateman on Tue, May 03, 2011 @ 08:18 PM

Made from a water-soluble base, latex paint combines the advantages of versatility and easy clean up. It applies smoothly and wears well in both interior and exterior use. Latex paint can be thinned with water, and equipment or spills can be cleaned up simply with soapy water.

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Latex paint is non-toxic and has less of an odor than other paints, such as oil-based paint. When used indoors, fumes from oil-based paint may linger for several weeks. On the other hand, odors from latex paint dissipate quickly after the paint has dried. Of course, adequate ventilation is always necessary when painting indoors regardless of the type of paint used.

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In addition to being non-toxic, latex paint is non-flammable. Oil-based paint and the solvents required for thinning and clean up are highly flammable. Those solvents, along with the oil-based paint itself, are considered toxic waste and must be disposed of according to local regulations.

Latex paint is much more environmentally friendly than other paint types. It is not considered hazardous and may be disposed of with regular waste. Liquid oil-based paint or solvents should never be disposed of in the regular trash or poured down a drain. However, both oil-based and latex paints may be acceptable for recycling if handled according to the requirements of the recycling center.

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In general, latex paint tends to have better gloss and is easier to touch up than oil-based paints. However, the higher the gloss of the finish, the more imperfections will show. Also, higher gloss finishes tend to be more difficult to touch up than finishes with less shine whether or not latex paint is used.

Advances in latex paint have resulted in less fading on exteriors, no yellowing on interiors, and less likelihood of cracking or peeling. Another major advantage to latex paint is its faster drying time. If a second coat of paint is required, there usually is no need to wait more than an hour after the first coat. Oil-based paint takes up to 24 hours to dry depending on factors such as weather conditions and air circulation.

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WMB Construction mainly uses latex paint in most applications. The acrylic resins in todays latex paints and stains offer excellent adhersion and durability with a quality application.

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Quality long lasting paint jobs are always contributed to a professional surface preparation and application. Without the proper steps taken, no paint oil or latex will adhere.

Tips for a quality job:

  • Clean surface to be painted very good
  • Powerwash exterior surfaces
  • Treat mold and mildew problems
  • Replace any rotten wood
  • Caulk all seams
  • Use a good product like Benjamin Moore
  • Always apply two coats
  • Add "Emulsabond" to paint for added adhersion for problem areas

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Where oil paint/stain is still used:

  • New wood

  • Transparent and semi-transparent applications

  • Stain killers

  • Metal applications

WMB Construction specializes in:

  • Interior and exterior painting 

  • Sheetrock repair

  • Siding repair

  • Powerwashing

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, painting, orange county ny, General Contractor

Perform a facelift on your home with a fresh coat of paint

Posted by william bateman on Sun, Apr 03, 2011 @ 06:48 PM

Spring is here and everybody is ready to spruce up their home. Put away the snow shovels, rake the lawn, mulch, fertilizer, plant flowers, etc. The only problem is the exterior of your house and/or deck doesn't have a fresh look. Just imagine what a little paint would do for the exterior of your home!

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A fresh coat of paint can easily fix that problem. In the matter of a week you can tranform the entire appearance of your homes exterior. WMB Construction applied two coats of Benjamin Moore latex stain over the extremely weather beaten T-111 walls of this home. Done all by hand so the product really penetrated into the wood. We even sealed the driveway for the customer!

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What you gain with a new exterior paint job:

  • Instant gratification

  • Instant added value to your home

  • Protection from the elements

  • Opportunity to change colors

  • Cheaper than vinyl/composite products

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Without oil/latex stain on your deck you risk damage to the boards. Oil/latex stains penetrate the wood keeping it from drying out, warping and splintering. Not to mention a beautiful finished product.

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Five key factors for a long lasting paint application:

  • Surface preparation. All dirt, mildew, mold and paint peelings removed before any paint is applied.

  • Brush and roller applications will always outlast any spray job by years.

  • Caulk any voids prior to painting.

  • Add "Emulsi-Bond" additive to paint for extra adhesion.

  • Allow paint to fully cure before second coat is applied

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With thousand of colors to choose from, your home will be transformed in an elegant fashion that will have all your neighbors talking!

By not painting you risk:

  • Your home unprotected from the outside elements.

  • The wood on your deck deteriorates leaving you with thousands in replacement or repair.

  • Caulking shrinks and falls out leaving voids for water to penetrate and rot your walls away leaving you with thousands in repairs. Especially if termites or carpenter ants are involved.

  • Wood bees are more drawn to old non treated wood surfaces. Wood bees can cause a great deal of damage.

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WMB Construction specializes in:

  • Exterior and interior painting

  • Powerwashing

  • Sheetrock repair

  • Wood repair

  • Staining

  • Caulking

There is no better and faster way to spruce up your home than painting! Click on our logo below to schedule your next free estimate!

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, painting, orange county ny, General Contractor

Enhance your outdoor oasis with a pool house

Posted by william bateman on Fri, Apr 01, 2011 @ 06:34 PM

Pools are always an excellent choice to spruce up your backyard and create that perfect oasis without traveling. Great for that quick cool down or the perfect entertainment for children and company. With your pool installed you have now created the enviroment you have always been looking for!

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Can you imagine making your perfect atmoshpere even more perfect? How about adding a pool house?

Adding a pool house offers:

  • Added entertainment area

  • Option for outdoor kitchen

  • Hide ugly filter and pump equipment

  • Option of shower area

  • Keep food and drink area close to pool

  • Store pool maitenance equipment hidden close to pool area

  • Added value to your property

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This was the start of a pool house in Monroe, NY. The foundation consisted of two concrete floating slabs with one coarse of 8" block. You can see all the plumbing installed in the concrete by Albert Group Leisure Pools.

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The framing is  near completion and ready for windows and siding. Frame construction was built with all top grade lumber and sheathing is plywood, not OSB. The design of this pool house is great because it contains two separate pool houses that connect. One room is for pool equipment storage and the other for a future shower and/or added storage. The middle section has been plumbed and electric set for an outdoor kitchen.

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A pergola was added to the pool house which really enhanced the appearance overall. Custom built with pressure treated lumber, far more strength and integrity than any presold vinyl units.

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 Pergola benefits:

  • Filters sun

  • Unmatched appearance to any project

  • Added value

  • Creates a dining or relaxation area

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The pool house completed this entire project! The customer couldn't imagine not having one. "The added entertainment area and the beauty the pool house added is uncomparable!" the customer quoted!

When creating your outdoor oasis, think about adding a very important feature to you project! A pool house will be an excellent investment!

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And to think it all started with this!!! For your next pool contact Albert Group Leisure Pools!

Click on our logo to schedule an estimate for a beautiful pool house creation!!

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Topics: construction-general-painting-monroe, orange county ny, General Contractor, construction-general, additions