What major advantages does a Designer Basement Finishing System have over other finishing
methods?
What if I don’t want to use the décor
colors or patterns available?
Can I create multiple rooms in my finished space?
How are my floors finished?
How are my ceilings finished?
How long does it take to install a Designer Basement Finishing System?
My foundation walls have leaked in the past. Can I still have a
Designer Basement?
Will a Designer Basement Finishing System protect my foundation wall from leaks?
Will a Designer Basement Finishing System protect my basement from mold?
How much does a Designer Basement Finishing System cost?
What is the financial advantage of finishing my basement?
What is the return on investment of my Designer Basement Finishing System?
What is the warranty for a Designer Basement Finishing System?
HEALTHY BASEMENT LIVING: Mold
Facts & Prevention
What major advantages does a Designer Basement Finishing System have over other finishing
methods?
Appearance: Our Designer Basement Finishing System offers the color
choices and pattern options that have never before been available
anywhere – all
professionally coordinated for a designer appearance. It comes pre-finished
to eliminate the time and mess of doing it yourself.
Comfort: Ou Designer Basement Finishing System uses a solid-panel construction with
an Expanded Polystyrene thermal core. This provides exceptional
insulation over other types of insulation or standard drywall. Our
Expanded Polystyrene insulator provides 100% thermal protection
and is a material recommended by the US Department of Energy specifically
for basement masonry walls.
Mold Resistant: Since mold can be a problem in basements
and mold feeds on organic materials, our Designer Basement Finishing System uses only
100% non-organic materials in our panels and installation method.
Our panels face the foundation wall and provides a 24/7 sentry where
mold is most likely to occur. As an added feature only our panels
include exclusive Microban® protection, a leader in the industry,
to resist mold growth on the panel back.
Moisture Resistant. Moisture (dampness, humidity) can also fuel
mold growth. Our Designer Basement Finishing System uses 100% moisture-resistant materials
throughout every layer of our panel and state-of-the-art materials
designed specifically for spaces like your basement.
Allergen and Odor Resistant. Our non-porous panel construction
helps block allergens and odors from seeping into the materials.
Learn more about the Features
and Benefits of our Designer Basement Finishing System.
What
if I don’t want to use the décor
colors or patterns available?
No problem. Our Designer Basement Finishing System gives you the
option to order your panels unfinished so that you can customize
your décor as
desired.
Are you sure? Take a look at the beautiful options in colors and
patterns coordinated for a professional designer appearance.
Can I create multiple rooms in my finished space?
Yes! Our Designer Basement Finishing System gives you the advantage of designing your
space in many creative ways. Our solid thermal panels are perfect
for the exterior foundation wall, with a solid panel option for
interior partition walls. This allows you to divide your space many
ways.
You may want to create separate spaces for an
entertainment area, a playroom, a game room, an exercise room
or a home office. Or you
may want to add a bathroom or kitchen. You’ll be able to include
a separate space for storage or to house your mechanicals such as
the water heater or furnace.
How are my floors finished?
Our Designer Basement Finishing System includes an available flooring option. Milliken Tessarae Carpet Squares
is manufactured with all-new state-of-the-art materials
making it
a perfect choice for basement spaces.
How are my ceilings finished?
Our Designer Basement Finishing System has been developed to allow the
installation of a standard drop ceiling. We offer
a choice of ceiling products as well as provide the installation
of your ceiling for your convenience.
How long does it take to install Designer Basement Finishing System?
After you and our Design Consultant meet and
design your space, you’ll review and approve final plans
and your installation will be scheduled.
Installation is simple and clean. The hanging
rail and base track are installed, then the walls and doors. This
typically takes just
a day or two, depending on the project design. Next, the floor and
drop ceiling is installed and your basement is complete. Your Designer
Basement Finishing System, with pre-finished décor, will be ready to use right
away.
My foundation walls have leaked in the past. Can I still have a
Designer Basement Finishing System?
Yes, if the problem has been fixed. Naturally,
you’ll want
to be sure your foundation walls and basement floor is in good condition
(no leaks or structural damage) before you finish your basement.
As part of our service to you, we will perform a comprehensive (and free) evaluation
of your basement
to make sure you’re good to go! If there are any issues, they’ll
recommend ways to resolve them before you finish your basement.
Will a Designer Basement Finishing System protect my foundation wall
from leaks?
No. Our Designer Basement Finishing System is a way to finish your basement, not a
waterproofing system. Any existing leaks or waterproofing issues
should be resolved prior to finishing your basement. As part of
our total project commitment to you, we
will inspect the existing condition of your basement for your peace
of mind.
However, should you need to reach your foundation
wall for any reason your Designer Basement panels can be removed
for easy access.
Will a Designer Basement Finishing System protect my basement from
mold?
Our Designer Basement Finishing System has been carefully developed to offer the highest resistance against mold growth
and limit the conditions that can cause mold growth
to occur. However, no means of finishing a basement can guarantee
the prevention of mold in a basement under all conditions. As a
homeowner, your first defense against mold in any area of your home
is to inform yourself how to prevent conditions that promote mold
growth.
For more information on mold in your home, please
read Healthy Basement Living: Mold Facts & Prevention.
How much does a Designer Basement Finishing System cost?
Our Designer Basement Finishing System is very affordable and competitively priced
compared to other finishing methods. Since a Designer Basement Finishing System is
a home improvement project, cost is variable and is based on the
size of your space and what you have in mind to do. We can provide an accurate job quote.
After we speak with
you, review your basement space and learn the details of your
project, we will
provide you with a price quote the same day so that if and when you decide
to go ahead with the project, you’ll know exactly what your
investment will be.
What is the financial advantage
of finishing my basement?
Finishing your basement is a very economical
way to enjoy usable new space because you’re converting
space that you already have, not adding a new construction to
your home.
Some interesting facts:
• Adding on to a house runs about $150
to $200 a square foot.
• Finishing a basement only costs about $40 to $75 a square foot.
Source: Home Improvement Research Institute
What is the return on investment of my Designer Basement Finishing System?
According to the most recent Cost vs. Value Report (an annual survey
from the leading reporting resource on home improvements), the return
on investment for a finished basement is currently about 90%. This
is based on a national average. Actual ROI varies per state, county,
neighborhood, the specifics of your home and the specifics and quality
of your remodeling project. Your return may be much higher.
The report uses specific criteria to define
a “finished” basement
by size and features. The materials are based on a drywall face
with insulation, doors, recessed ceiling light fixtures and a laminate
flooring system.
What is the warranty for a Designer Basement Finishing System?
Our Designer Basement Finishing System protects you with a lifetime, transferable warranty
on the product. We also offer an installation
warranty contact us for more details.
Mold Facts & Prevention
MOLD FACTS
What is Mold?
Mold is one of the oldest natural occurring living organisms on
earth. Mold is a type of fungus. There are over 100,000 known living
species and 200,000 unidentified fungi.
Where Does Mold Come From?
Mold is everywhere – indoors and out – even in the
cleanest homes. Mold can enter a home on clothing, shoes, pets,
open doorways, windows, vents and through the heating and cooling
system. They can exist in dust and can be carried through air and
water. Mold can grow within 24-48 hours of landing on a damp, moist
base that has food and oxygen available. It is nearly impossible
to create an environment that is 100 % mold free.
How Does Mold Grow?
When environmental conditions are right, mold will release invisible
spores which develop into unwanted growth.
To grow, mold needs:
• Oxygen
• Organic food source
• Warm temperatures
• Water (or moisture)
“Food” is any organic (living or
once living) matter. Mold decomposes the organic matter and uses
it as a food source.
The decomposition process can also cause damage or destruction to
the host material.
Mold can grow in temperatures between 40 and
140 degrees when combined with high humidity. Temperatures between
68 – 80 degrees are
the common range for mold growth, when other conditions are also
present.
Water sources can be pooled water (often caused by leaks) or damp
surfaces (often caused by humidity). Humidity levels over 60% is
the known threshold that enables mold growth when other conditions
are present.
What Does Mold Look Like?
Mold can be nearly invisible or resemble spots of various colors.
It may or may not smell musty. Mold may cover small patches or cover
large areas. If you can see or smell mold, a health risk may be
present and should be immediately addressed.
Stachybotrys Chartarum (Black mold)
Stachybotrys, commonly called “stachy,” is a greenish-black,
slimy mold found only on cellulose products (such as wood or paper)
that have been wet for several days or more. The mold does not grow
on concrete, linoleum or tile.
Mold and Your Health
Molds may cause health problems for those sensitive to allergens.
They may cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or
wheezing and eye or skin irritation. They may also trigger asthma
attacks.
Severely sensitive individuals or those with immune compromised
health conditions, such as chronic lung illnesses, may be susceptible
to lung infections when exposed to molds. Other serious health effects,
particularly infant exposure to the Stachybotrys Chartum mold (black
mold), have not yet been positively linked, but are being actively
studied.
Stachybotrys and some other fungi may produce several toxic chemicals
called mycotoxins. Mycotoxins can be present in spores and small
mold fragments released into the air. Once the mold fragments, mycotoxins
and spores are in the air, individuals may breathe them into their
lungs.
MOLD PREVENTION
The key to controlling mold is to prevent or correct the conditions
that allow growth.
Humidity
• Keep relative humidity levels between 40% and 59%.
•
Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months and
in damp spaces.
•
Avoid the use of humidifiers.
Temperature
Limit excessively warm temperatures in the home that are known
to encourage mold growth. Temperatures over 68-80 degrees Fahrenheit
and above can cause mold to develop when combined with high humidity.
Temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit will render most molds
inactive, or dormant, but will not kill them.
Ventilation
Be sure your home is properly ventilated to control the build up
of humidity and moisture in the air. Use exhaust fans which vent
outside your home in the kitchen, bathroom. Vent your clothes dryer
outside your home.
Air Circulation
Create a living environment throughout the house that includes
adequate air circulation to help prevent mold growth. Air circulation
helps control moisture levels through evaporation. Open windows,
when possible, but only when the humidity outdoors is lower than
that inside. Set up fans to increase air circulation. Set up dehumidifiers
to lower the relative humidity.
Moisture & Leaks
• Fix moisture or water leaks in walls, roof, windows, basement
walls and plumbing pipes.
•
Thoroughly clean and dry any areas that have been exposed to flooding
within 24-48 hours.
•
Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and
cannot be dried properly or promptly.
•
Prevent pooling water or high humidity levels that results in condensation
or dank conditions which allow mold and fungus spores to grow.
More Prevention Tips
• Regularly inspect for mold or mildew.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before
painting.
• Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products.
• Use good construction drainage practices,
such as detailing, flashing, and sealing around doors, windows
and penetrations.
• Place or adjust outside gutters and
drains so that water does not collect near the outside walls.
Check gutters and drains
regularly to avoid clogs. Place lawn sprinkler systems so that they
do not soak outside walls.
• Install the best filters you can afford
for your heating and cooling vents. HEPA filters are particularly
effective. When
replaced regularly, they can decrease the amount of mold spores
as well as dust and other materials that allow for mold growth.
• Inspect ceiling tiles (if any) for visual
stains which may indicate leaky ductwork and conditions for mold.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), “Environmental
Hazards & Health Effects: Mold.”
Solinet, Preservation Services Leaflet, Sandra Nyberg, Solinet,
September, 2005
EPS Molders Association, “EPS Insulation Mold Resistance,” November,
2004
