A lot of folks forget to ensure their basement windows are secure, but it’s important for keeping your home and family safe. While doors and the main windows get all the attention, those windows in the basement might not seem like a big deal. But think again—they can be an easy way for burglars to ..read more

Basement window wells might not get much attention, often seen just as a basic part of the house’s foundation. However, they hold the potential to be turned into a lovely accent for your underground space. By adding plants and flowers seasonally to your window well, you can introduce some greenery into your basement, which is perfect when you’re tight on space and light. With creativity and good planning – turning those overlooked spots around windows could result in stunning plant-filled oases enhancing both looks and atmosphere at home significantly. What is a Window Well Garden? A window we ..read more

As allergy season approaches, it’s crucial to address the air quality in the basement, a commonly overlooked area that can harbor a multitude of allergens and pollutants.  In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at the importance of basement air quality and its impact on the occupant’s health, as well as practical DIY solutions for improving and maintaining clean air in the basement. From identifying sources of poor air quality to implementing cost-effective upgrades and natural remedies, you’ll discover a wealth of actionable tips to create a healthy environment for allergy season and ..read more

Setting the stage for diligent safety measures in Colorado homes, our article delves into the importance of egress window checks to safeguard every family member. Understanding the fundamental concept of egress windows and their crucial role in emergency situations lays the groundwork for ensuring compliance with residential codes. First of all, what is an egress window, and when is one needed?  An Egress Window is specifically engineered to allow people to escape any emergency situation. This includes windows installed in any residence, including bedrooms or sleeping rooms, attics, an ..read more

Homeowners often worry about covering basement window wells to protect their homes during bad weather. It’s important to keep your home safe during the worst times of the year. Choosing products for the home can be difficult. People want items that work well, look nice, and are worth the money. These factors are important when deciding what to buy for both inside and outside the house. People often use these criteria, either knowingly or unknowingly, to make purchasing decisions. Homeowners who have window wells face a unique challenge. They need to keep these areas free of snow, ice, and ani ..read more

In the United States, an average of one-third of single family homes have a basement, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In the Midwest and North Central states where concrete foundations and basements are used to prevent buildings from shifting in the freeze/thaw cycle, this percentage is much higher, 71-84%. Basements have come a long way from our great-grandparents’ “root cellar” or “coal cellar”. It’s no longer just a dusty hole in the ground for storm shelters, utilities, storage, and furnaces. In more recent times, the lowest level of the house has graduated to useful living space ..read more

For those considering a DIY basement window well drainage solution, it’s crucial to incorporate effective strategies into the installation process. As you can see in the photo above, the water has accumulated in this homeowner’s window well almost to the point of going over the lower sill of the window. In the photo below, the water has passed that point.  A functioning window well drainage system is critical to the health of your home. Unless this is a really lucky homeowner, there is water leaking into their basement around the window. As Experts, we have seen homes where the water pr ..read more

Moisture and basements go hand in hand, but with some planning and preventative maintenance, it doesn’t have to. Most basements are completely below grade and have little, if any, fresh air access, or even much air circulation. These conditions lead to a dank, damp basement, then the downward spiral to mildew and mold begins. To prevent mold in the basement, it’s essential to take proactive measures. The Mayo Clinic has an easy to read article about mold and mildew allergies, and the health complications associated with them. The issues can be as minor as itchy eyes or sneezing, but can blow u ..read more

About sixty years ago, egress window and egress window well requirements began to show up in the Universal Building Code as being necessary to protect the general public living in single family homes. An egress well will do a number of things: provide light; enable air circulation to a typically dark and airless area of the home; allow for emergency escape and allow for rescue personnel to get into the basement to help people to escape. In this guide, we will review the types of wells available, their installation and maintenance, and what to consider when purchasing.  Understanding E ..read more

Escape from a bad situation in any building is a priority, whether it is from your home or from a high-rise apartment or commercial building.      Having situational awareness in an unfamiliar environment is key to preventing trouble. Just noting the exits and other emergency signs as you walk through an unfamiliar building can give you a sense of preparedness that can give you a head start in a dangerous situation. The Evolution of Fire Safety: From Portable Ladders to Modern Codes In the late 1800s traveling businessmen were known to pack a portable egress escap ..read more