“Green” Waterproofing and Weatherization Solutions Yield Immediate Results

by Expert Contributor David Linn Cook, Owner of Weatherproofing Plus, Inc.

Here are several examples of successful “green” (ecofriendly) waterproofing and weatherization projects, all of which used cost-effective, chemical-free solutions that did not harm shrubbery or nearby streams.

BETTER INDOOR AIR QUALITY FOR A REHABBED BRICK COLONIAL

Indoor air quality was poor in this partially rehabbed home. Instead of using an air filtration and additional HVAC solution, the property was regraded with sand, stone and perimeter grass. This green solution made the basement much less humid, allowing the formerly wet moldy walls to be sealed and encapsulated. After a fresh air vent was installed and some repairs were made to the downspouts, the home’s indoor air quality was greatly improved.

4TH TIME’S THE CHARM

A homeowner had been waiting for clean, healthy indoor air since she purchased the home 40+ years ago. Another waterproofing company’s three attempts to seal the walls had failed. Even an oversized commercial dehumidifier hadn’t solved the problem. The green solution, which was to install window vents and new correctly pitched aluminum rain gutters and self-cleaning gutter guards, significantly improved the indoor air quality. The commercial dehumidifier will be resold, recouping some of the solution’s cost.

BUNGALOW RANCH HOME’S BASEMENT IS FINALLY USABLE!

The basement in a bungalow ranch home offered additional square feet, but wet floors kept it as a storage room only, not the home gym and attractive laundry room the homeowners wanted. The existing sump pump was retained, and a new mini French drain was installed and attached to the pump, saving costs! The 70-year-old concrete flooring, which was removed and recycled at a local masonry supply, was transformed into road gravel and concrete. They now have a healthy clean space to use any way they like, with a very reasonable costeffective budget.

A TOP-DOWN SOLUTION

The upper attic in a 60-year-old split-level home needed upgraded insulation, to stop condensation and nail rust that had caused loose shingles and moisture penetration. Cellulose fiber, which offers uniformity of coverage, fire resistance and triple the density of glass fiber, was blown directly over the original fiberglass insulation. This encapsulation effectively stopped heat loss at the joist. It also reduced contamination by glass dust and mice feces in the split level’s lower attic. The home is now quieter and has less condensation. (Recycled newspaper has proven to do a far better job than rolled batts at staying warm, dry and green!)

A WHIFF OF FRESH, CLEAN AIR FOR AN 1860 CLAPBOARD COLONIAL

Sinkholes, clogged downspouts and decomposing mulch around the property were producing greenhouse gases — carbon dioxide, methane and water vapor — and a very undesirable smell when the windows were open. The green solution was to install new rain gutters and also properly grade the property for effective water management. The result is a dry, sweet-smelling basement.

P.S. Did you know that professionally planted trees is the only home improvement project that pays more than 100% ROI? (A tennis court has the worst ROI.)

Expert Contributor David Linn Cook, 30-Year MN Resident and Owner of Weatherproofing Plus, Inc.

WEATHERPROOFING PLUS, INC.

610-325-0596

www.WeatherProofing-Plus.com

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