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AGE of a BUILDING - how to determine
AIR BYPASS LEAKS
AIR LEAK DETECTION TOOLS
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APPLIANCE EFFICIENCY RATINGS
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ASBESTOS IDENTIFICATION IN BUILDINGS
ASBESTOS: REMOVAL - Wetting Guidelines
ATTIC LEAKS, CONDENSATION & ATTIC MOLD
ATTIC VENTILATION
BASEMENT HEAT LOSS
BASEMENT LEAKS Moisture or Mold
BASEMENT WATERPROOFING
BATHROOM VENTILATION
BEST CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES GUIDE
BLOWER DOORS & AIR INFILTRATION
BLOWER FAN OPERATION & TESTING
BLOWN-IN INSULATION
BRICK LINED WALLS
BUCKLED FOUNDATIONS due to INSULATION?
BUILDING NOISE DIAGNOSIS & CURE
CATHEDRAL CEILING INSULATION
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COMBUSTION AIR for TIGHT BUILDINGS
CRAWL SPACES
  CRAWL SPACE DRYOUT PROCEDURES
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  MOLD CLEANUP by MEDIA BLASTING
  MOLD ON DIRT FLOORS
CONDENSATION or SWEATING PIPES, TANKS
DEW POINT CALCULATION for WALLS
DEW POINT TABLE - CONDENSATION POINT GUIDE
EARTHQUAKE DAMAGED FOUNDATIONS
EFFLORESCENCE, Salts & White / Brown Deposits
ELDERLY & VETERANS HOME SAFETY
ELECTRICAL INSPECTION, DIAGNOSIS, REPAIR
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EXTERIORS of BUILDINGS
FIBERGLASS INSULATION
FIBERGLASS HAZARDS
FIBERGLASS INSULATION MOLD
FIREPLACE Damage & Unsafe Hearths - Settlement
FLAT ROOF MOISTURE & CONDENSATION
FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT, SAFETY & CLEANUP
FLOOD DAMAGED FOUNDATIONS
FLOOD VENTS & FLOOD PORTS
FLOODS IN BUILDINGS-mold
FLOORING CHOICES OVER CONCRETE SLABS
FLOORING POURED FINISH ON CONCRETE SLABS
FLOORING TYPES & DEFECTS
FLOOR TILE HISTORY & INGREDIENTS
FOUNDATION BULGE or LEAN MEASUREMENTS
FOUNDATION CRACKS & DAMAGE GUIDE
FOUNDATION REPAIR METHODS
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FRAMING DAMAGE, INSPECTION, REPAIR
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FRAMING DETAILS for DOUBLE WALL HOUSES
FREEZE-PROOF A BUILDING
GREENHOUSE DESIGN for SOLAR HEATING
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HEAT TAPES & CABLES on Roofs for Ice Dams

HEATING COST SAVINGS METHODS
HOUSEWRAP AIR & VAPOR BARRIERS
HUMIDITY LEVEL TARGET
ICE DAM PREVENTION
Ice Dams: Comparing Two Houses
INSULATION CHOICES
INSULATION FACT SHEET- DOE
INSULATION IDENTIFICATION GUIDE
INSULATION LOCATION in BUILDINGS - WHERE TO INSULATE
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LOG HOME GUIDE
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MOISTURE CONTROL in BUILDINGS
  ATTIC CONDENSATION CAUSE & CURE
  Attic Moisture or Mold Sources
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  DEW POINT CALCULATION for WALLS
  DEW POINT TABLE - CONDENSATION POINT GUIDE
  EFFLORESCENCE, Salts & White / Brown Deposits
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  FLOOD DAMAGED FOUNDATIONS
  FLOOD VENTS & FLOOD PORTS
  Mold in Fiberglass Insulation
  Mold on Fiberboard Insulating Sheathing
  MOLD PREVENTION
  MOLD PREVENTION AFTER FLOODING
  FLOODS IN BUILDINGS-priorities
  FOUNDATION WATERPROOFING
  HUMIDITY CONTROL & TARGETS INDOORS
  HOUSEWRAP AIR & VAPOR BARRIERS
  LOG HOME Leak Diagnosis & Cure
  LOG HOME Condensation &Moisture
  MOISTURE CALCULATIONS
  MOISTURE PROBLEMS: CAUSE & CURE
  MOLD in BUILDINGS
  ROOF VENTILATION SPECIFICATIONS
  Soffit Intake Vents & Attic Condensation
  WATER ENTRY in BUILDINGS
  VENTILATION DESIGN PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS
  VENTILATION, WHOLE HOUSE STRATEGIES
Mold Growth Resistance of Foam Insulation
MOLD INFORMATION CENTER
Nanotechnology & Carbon Nanotube Hazards
NOISE / SOUND DIAGNOSIS & CURE
ODORS & SMELLS DIAGNOSIS & CURE
PAINT FALURE, DIAGNOSIS, CURE, PREVENTION
PLASTER & BEAVERBOARD & DRYWALL
PASCAL CALCULATIONS
RADIANT BARRIERS
RADIANT HEAT
RADIANT HEAT Floor Mistakes to Avoid
RADIANT SLAB FLOORING CHOICES
RADIANT SLAB TUBING & FLUID CHOICES
ROOF VENTILATION SPECIFICATIONS
ROT, FUNGUS, TERMITES
ROT, TIMBER FRAME
SAFETY HAZARDS & INSPECTIONS
  MSDS Material Safety Data Sheets
SEARS KIT HOUSES
SINK HOLES
Sinking Buildings - Settlement Causes
SLAB CRACK EVALUATION
SOUND CONTROL in BUILDINGS
Splits in Structural Wood Beams
STAIN & BIODETERIORATION AGENT CATALOG
STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING EXTERIORS
STAIN DIAGNOSIS on ROOFS
STAIN DIAGNOSIS on STONE
STAIN DIAGNOSIS on Indoor Surfaces
STAINS on INDOOR SURFACES: PHOTO GUIDE
STAIRS, RAILINGS, LANDINGS, RAMPS
STONE CLEANING METHODS
STRUCTURAL INSPECTIONS & DEFECTS
STUCCO OVER FOAM INSULATION
STUCCO PAINT FAILURES
STRUCTURAL INSPECTIONS & DEFECTS
SUMP PUMPS GUIDE
SWEATING (CONDENSATION) on PIPES, TANKS
THERMAL EXPANSION of MATERIALS
THERMAL MASS in BUILDINGS
  THERMAL MASS FLOOR SLABS
  THERMAL MASS in UPSTAIRS
  THERMAL MASS WALL DESIGN
  THERMAL MASS in HOMES - STUDY
THERMAL TRACKING Indicates Heat Loss
VAPOR BARRIERS
VENTILATION in BUILDINGS
WATER ENTRY in BUILDINGS
  ATTIC LEAKS Moisture or Mold
  BASEMENT De-Watering Systems
  BASEMENT HEAT LOSS
  BASEMENT LEAKS Moisture or Mold
    Cold Pour Joint Leaks
    Form Tie Leaks
    Wall Crack Leaks
    Floor-Wall Joint Leaks
  BASEMENT WATERPROOFING
    BASEMENT DE-WATERING SYSTEMS
    EXTERIOR WATER SOURCE ELIMINATION
    FOUNDATION DRAINS & FRENCH DRAINS
    FOUNDATION WATERPROOFING
    GEOTEXTILES & DRAINAGE MATS
    SEALERS, Basement Floor & Wall Moisture
    SITE DRAINAGE
    SUMP PUMPS GUIDE
    SWEATING (CONDENSATION) on PIPES, TANKS
    WINDOW LEAKS INTO BASEMENT
  WINDOW TYPES - Photo Guide
  WET BASEMENT PREVENTION
  CRAWL SPACE DRYOUT PROCEDURES
  CONDENSATION or SWEATING PIPES, TANKS
  DEW POINT CALCULATION for WALLS
  DEW POINT TABLE - CONDENSATION POINT GUIDE
  EFFLORESCENCE, Salts & White / Brown Deposits
  FLOOD Damage Assessment & Repairs
  FLOOD DAMAGED FOUNDATIONS
  FLOOD VENTS & FLOOD PORTS
  Mold in Fiberglass Insulation
  Mold on Fiberboard Insulating Sheathing
  MOLD PREVENTION
  MOLD PREVENTION AFTER FLOODING
  FLOODS IN BUILDINGS-priorities
  FOUNDATION WATERPROOFING
  HUMIDITY CONTROL & TARGETS INDOORS
  HOUSEWRAP AIR & VAPOR BARRIERS
  LOG HOME Leak Diagnosis & Cure
  LOG HOME Condensation &Moisture
  MOISTURE CALCULATIONS
  MOISTURE PROBLEMS: CAUSE & CURE
  MOLD in BUILDINGS
  SEWAGE CONTAMINATION
  SUMP PUMPS GUIDE
  SWEATING (CONDENSATION) on PIPES, TANKS
  WET BASEMENT PREVENTION
    Wet Conditions - Foundation Collapse
    Living With a Basement that Floods
    Steps to Prevent Basement Water Entry
    Soil Testing
    Water Entry Priorities
    True Foundation Waterproofing
    Foundation Footing Drain Details
    Foundation Drainage Backfill Details
    Finish Grading
    Repairs Cure Basement Leaks
WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS
WIND TURBINES & LIGHTNING
WINDOWS & DOORS
  SITE BUILT DOUBLE GLAZED WINDOWS
  SKYLIGHT LEAK DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR
  SLOPED GLAZING DETAILS
  STORM WINDOW INTERIOR
  SUNGAIN, FILMS, LOW-E GLASS
  VERTICAL GLAZING DETAILS
  WINDOW / DOOR ENERGY EFFICIENT, DOE
  WINDOW LEAKS INTO BASEMENT
  WINDOW TYPES - Photo Guide
WINTERIZE A BUILDING
WOOD Burning Heaters Fireplaces Stoves
WOOD FLOOR DAMAGE

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Evidence of a wet basement from roof spillage How to Seal Basement Floors & Foundation Walls Against Water & Moisture
InspectAPedia®  -    

  • Basement waterproofing guide to choices of sealants, membranes, drainage systems, basement de-watering systems, sump pumps
  • How to detect roof venting deficiencies, attic insulation defects, and attic condensation problems
Our site offers impartial, unbiased advice without conflicts of interest. We will block advertisements which we discover or readers inform us are associated with bad business practices, false-advertising, or junk science. Our contact info is at InspectAPedia.com/Contact.htm.

This article discusses options for sealing basement or crawl space floors and walls, or other building foundation walls to stop water entry and to reduce interior moisture and mold risks. See WET BASEMENT PREVENTION for a description of the critical steps to prevent basement water entry and foundation leaks. See Also see BASEMENT LEAKS Moisture or Mold for articles on diagnosing building water entry, and see CRAWL SPACE Dryout Procedures.

The photograph at page top shows a very wet basement foundation wall built of concrete block. The stain pattern extends high on the basement walls, down the full wall, onto the basement floor. Correcting this particular water entry problem should begin outside with roof drainage and surface runoff. This article discusses foundation wall and floor slab sealant options. .

© Copyright 2010 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use page top links to major topics or use links at the left of each page to navigate within topics and documents at this website. Green links show where you are in a document series or at this website.

Basement Waterproofing Using Sealers for Concrete Floors & Masonry Foundation Walls

Aaron Kuertz, Applied Technologies, Inc.

Illustration of basement waterproofing options (C) InspectApedia and Applied Technologies Inc Aaron KuertzBasement Concrete and Concrete Block Sealers for Basement Waterproofing

Basements are below grade and surrounded by soil.  This soil absorbs water during rains and then releases it.  The water can migrate through a block basement and even through solid concrete such as in walls and floors by capillary action. 

This water that enters the basement can cause problems ranging from peeling paint to mold and mildew growth.  Also, naturally occurring gasses that are released from soils can be transmitted into the basement.  The interior basement air quality is lessened unless the walls and floors are sealed.

It is possible to seal the concrete or concrete blocks used in basement walls and floors and stop water and gas migration into a basement.  In fact, it can be done from the interior of a home.  Old homes and new homes alike can be sealed.

Sodium Silicate Sealers for Floor & Foundation Wall Waterproofing

Sodium silicate is used in a water-based mixture to seal the basement walls and floors.  The sodium silicate penetrates up to 4” into the substrate.  After penetrating the sodium silicate reacts with the free lime content of the concrete or masonry .  Concrete, concrete block and masonry has lime as a natural component in their composition. 

This reaction between the sodium silicate and free lime produces a solid crystalline structure that fills the microscopic cracks and pores of the substrate.  This hardens and densifies the concrete and masonry so that water vapor and gasses cannot migrate through by capillary action.  Also, gasses are retarded from entering a basement.  After curing, the substrate looks the same as if it were not sealed.  There is no surface film or sheen to it.

Benefits of Sodium Silicate for Building Waterproofing

By sealing the basement walls and floors with sodium silicate water vapor will be stopped from entering into a basement.  The basement will be dryer than before.  This greatly improves the interior air quality of a home by retarding the growth of mold and mildew. 

Since the surface of the walls and floors are hardened, they will have less dusting and chalking.  Gas transmission will be reduced as well, further improving air quality.

Many people like to paint the floors and walls of their basements.  If paint is applied to unsealed walls and floors, it is possible for the water vapor to get trapped under the paint.  After a period of time the water vapor can break the bond between the paint and the substrate.  This causes the paint to blister and peel.

After application of a sodium silicate the walls and floors can be painted without fear of the paint peeling and flaking.  Also, adhesives for tiles or other floor coverings can be used.

Application of Sodium Silicate for Basement or Crawl Space Waterproofing

Sodium silicate is applied to bare concrete, concrete block or masonry.  Anything that would prevent the sodium silicate from being absorbed must be removed.  No grease, dirt, soil, adhesives, oil, sealer or paint can be on the surface to be sealed prior to application.

Application is done simply by using a garden sprayer, roller or brush.  First dampen  the surface with water using a mop or brush.  Apply in areas 10’ x 10’ in several light coats.  Apply each coat after 10-20 minutes.  Concrete takes 2-3 coats, concrete block and masonry 3-4 coats.  Do not over apply the sodium silicate since if all of the product is not  absorbed it may leave a white residue.  Wipe up any excess product.

For several days after application loose dirt will be pushed out of the substrate.  This is normal and can be swept off.

A Few Caveats about Any Foundation Sealer or Weather Barrier Product - DF OPINION

Watch out: any surface coating, even a penetrating wall sealer such as discussed here, can fail if exposed to continued or chronic water and water pressure through the foundation wall. The pressure from water, frost, or more significantly, the formation of efflorescent salts (see EFFLORESCENCE, Salts & White / Brown Deposits) can exert tremendous pressure, sufficient to separate a paint or other coating from a masonry foundation surface. Efflorescence has been cited in several paint failure studies where these forces were explored.

Some factors that affect the durability and thus success of any foundation coating or waterproofing coating include:

  • The cleanliness of the surface to which the coating is applied
  • Application of the sealer according to the manufacturer's instructions, including specifications of pre-cleaning, thickness, temperature, humidity at time of application
  • The degree of water intrusion or water presence on the exterior of the foundation wall
  • Climate, freezing temperatures
  • Chemistry of both the masonry wall and the water, affecting the formation of efflorescence
  • Chemistry, composition, and in some cases fiber reinforcement of the coating

Watch out: sodium silicate is an alkaline substance that can cause burns, eye, and skin damage. Quoting from a MSDS:

Causes moderate skin irritation. Spray mist causes irritation to respiratory tract. Due to high pH of
product, release into surface water is harmful to aquatic life. ... Causes severe irritation to the eyes. ... Causes moderate irritation to the skin. ... Spray mist irritating to respiratory tract. ... May cause irritation to mouth, esophagus, and stomach. ... No known chronic hazards. Not listed by NTP, IARC or OSHA
as a carcinogen. ... Dries to form glass film which can easily cut skin. Spilled material is very slippery. Can etch glass if not promptly removed.
...
Human experience indicates that skin irritation occurs, particularly, when sodium silicates get on clothes at the collar, cuffs or other areas where contact and abrasion may occur. The acute oral toxicity of this product has not been tested.
- MSDS for Sodium Silicate from PQ Corporation

Also see this MSDS for Krystol Hydrostop WB from Kryton Corporation.

Thanks to reader Stan Rosenbaum for alerting us to the need for care when working with sodium silicate.

Other Weather Barrier Coatings, Mastics, Sealants, Adhesives used on Buildings

  • Krystol Hydrostop, Kryton Corporation, "Crystalline Waterproofing" masonry sealer. MSDS for Krystol Hydrostop WB from Kryton Corporation. Masonry sealer.
    • Krystol T1 and T2 waterproofing system is brush-applied onto concrete surfaces to become an integral part of the concrete. It contains Kryton's renowned waterproofing chemicals and is durable and self-sealing.
  • Vi-Cryl CP-10 (Trowel Grade) & Vi-Cryl CP-11 (Spray/Brush) Weather Barrier Coatings, Childers Corporation. We discuss the use of this coating at INSULATION LOCATION for BASEMENT WALLS. Quoting from the company's product literature,
    • VI-CRYL CP-10/11 weather barrier coating is unsurpassed for the mechanical protection and weatherproofing of thermal insulations both outdoors and indoors, in hot, cold, and dual-temperature service. However, since it is a ‘breathing’ coating (vapors under pressure will pass through it) it should only be used over insulations in lowtemperature, or dual-temperature service when the insulations themselves are vapor barriers. VI-CRYL CP-10/11 has also found use throughout the thermal insulation industry as a coating used over closed cell polyethylene and polyurethane foam insulations. Industry experience has demonstrated that all weather barrier coatings may blister when applied over polystyrene board. This effect may be limited by the use of white colored coatings. VI-CRYL CP-10/11 weather barrier coating in its Metallic Gray color is the ideal companion product to Aluminum and Stainless Steel Jacketing. VI-CRYL CP-10/11 gives superior mechanical and chemical protection to any irregular shape or surface where the application of Childers Metal Jacketing Systems is impractical.

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Technical Reviewers & References

Use links just below or at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

WATER ENTRY in BUILDINGS
  ATTIC LEAKS Moisture or Mold
  BASEMENT De-Watering Systems
  BASEMENT HEAT LOSS
  BASEMENT LEAKS Moisture or Mold
    Cold Pour Joint Leaks
    Form Tie Leaks
    Wall Crack Leaks
    Floor-Wall Joint Leaks
  BASEMENT WATERPROOFING
    BASEMENT DE-WATERING SYSTEMS
    EXTERIOR WATER SOURCE ELIMINATION
    FOUNDATION DRAINS & FRENCH DRAINS
    FOUNDATION WATERPROOFING
    GEOTEXTILES & DRAINAGE MATS
    SEALERS, Basement Floor & Wall Moisture
    SITE DRAINAGE
    SUMP PUMPS GUIDE
    SWEATING (CONDENSATION) on PIPES, TANKS
    WINDOW LEAKS INTO BASEMENT
  WINDOW TYPES - Photo Guide
  WET BASEMENT PREVENTION
  CRAWL SPACE DRYOUT PROCEDURES
  CONDENSATION or SWEATING PIPES, TANKS
  DEW POINT CALCULATION for WALLS
  DEW POINT TABLE - CONDENSATION POINT GUIDE
  EFFLORESCENCE, Salts & White / Brown Deposits
  FLOOD Damage Assessment & Repairs
  FLOOD DAMAGED FOUNDATIONS
  FLOOD VENTS & FLOOD PORTS
  Mold in Fiberglass Insulation
  Mold on Fiberboard Insulating Sheathing
  MOLD PREVENTION
  MOLD PREVENTION AFTER FLOODING
  FLOODS IN BUILDINGS-priorities
  FOUNDATION WATERPROOFING
  HUMIDITY CONTROL & TARGETS INDOORS
  HOUSEWRAP AIR & VAPOR BARRIERS
  LOG HOME Leak Diagnosis & Cure
  LOG HOME Condensation &Moisture
  MOISTURE CALCULATIONS
  MOISTURE PROBLEMS: CAUSE & CURE
  MOLD in BUILDINGS
  SEWAGE CONTAMINATION
  SUMP PUMPS GUIDE
  SWEATING (CONDENSATION) on PIPES, TANKS
  WET BASEMENT PREVENTION
    Wet Conditions - Foundation Collapse
    Living With a Basement that Floods
    Steps to Prevent Basement Water Entry
    Soil Testing
    Water Entry Priorities
    True Foundation Waterproofing
    Foundation Footing Drain Details
    Foundation Drainage Backfill Details
    Finish Grading
    Repairs Cure Basement Leaks

  • Aaron Kuertz is with Applied Technologies, Fairfield, OH  45018, 877-APPLY-IT (277-5948). (513) 939-3767. Mr Kuertz has been in the waterproofing industry since 1998.  Applied Technologies is a manufacturer of waterproofing products used by both professional contractors and homeowners alike.  For more information on Hydra Block™ water-based concrete and masonry penetrating sealer used for concrete and concrete block basement sealing, see Applied Technologies at www.appliedtechnologies.com
  • Kryton Corporation, 1645 Kent Ave., Vancouver BC Canada VSP 2S8 - 604-324-8280 email: info@kryton.com
  • PQ Corporation, P.O. Box 840. Valley Forge, PA 19482-0840, is a producer of sodium silicate. Quoting:
    PQ Corporation is a leading producer of silicate, zeolite, and other performance materials serving the detergent, pulp and paper, chemical, petroleum, catalyst, water treatment, construction, and beverage markets. It is a global enterprise, operating in 19 countries on five continents, and along with its chemical businesses, includes Potters Industries, a wholly owned subsidiary, which is a leading producer of engineered glass materials serving the highway safety, polymer additive, metal finishing, and conductive particle markets.
  • Thanks to reader Stan Rosenbaum for discussing sodium silicate hazards - June 2010
  • Childers Corporation, Specialty Construction Brands, Inc., producer of Vi-Cryl water based vinyl-acrylic mastic coating for thermal insulation, 315 South Hicks Rd., Palatine IL 60067 800-231-9541 or 800-338-2975

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

  • Home Reference Book - Carson Dunlop The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 2010, $69.00 U.S., is available from Carson Dunlop, and from the InspectAPedia bookstore. The 2010 edition of the Home Reference Book is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. InspectAPedia.com ® author/editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume.
  • "The Elimination of Unsafe Guardrails, a Progress Report," Elliott O. Stephenson, Building Standards, March-April 1993
  • "Are Functional Handrails Within Our Grasp" Jake Pauls, Building Standards, January-February 1991
  • Access Ramp building codes:
    • UBC 1003.3.4.3
    • BOCA 1016.3
    • ADA 4.8.2
    • IBC 1010.2
  • Access Ramp Standards:
    • ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), Public Law 101-336. 7/26/90 is very often cited by other sources for good design of stairs and ramps etc. even where disabled individuals are not the design target.
    • ANSI A117.4 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities (earlier version was incorporated into the ADA)
    • ASTM F 1637, Standard Practice for Safe Walking Surfaces, (Similar to the above standards)
  • America's Favorite Homes, mail-order catalogues as a guide to popular early 20th-century houses, Robert Schweitzer, Michael W.R. Davis, 1990, Wayne State University Press ISBN 0814320066 (may be available from Wayne State University Press)
  • American Plywood Association, APA, "Portland Manufacturing Company, No. 1, a series of monographs on the history of plywood manufacturing",Plywood Pioneers Association, 31 March, 1967, www.apawood.org
  • Asbestos: How to find and recognize asbestos in Buildings - visual inspection methods, list of common asbestos-containing materials
  • Asbestos HVAC Ducts and Flues field identification photos and guide
  • Asbestos products and their history and use in various building materials such as asphalt and vinyl flooring includes discussion which draws on Asbestos, Its Industrial Applications, D.V. Rosato, engineering consultant, Newton, MA, Reinhold Publishing, 1959 Library of Congress Catalog Card No.: 59-12535 (out of print).
  • Asbestos Identification and Testing References
    • Asbestos Identification, Walter C.McCrone, McCrone Research Institute, Chicago, IL.1987 ISBN 0-904962-11-3. Dr. McCrone literally "wrote the book" on asbestos identification procedures which formed the basis for current work by asbestos identification laboratories.
    • Stanton, .F., et al., National Bureau of Standards Special Publication 506: 143-151
    • Pott, F., Staub-Reinhalf Luft 38, 486-490 (1978) cited by McCrone
  • Building Research Council, BRC, nee Small Homes Council, SHC, School of Architecture, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, brc.arch.uiuc.edu. "The Small Homes Council (our original name) was organized in 1944 during the war at the request of the President of the University of Illinois to consider the role of the university in meeting the demand for housing in the United States. Soldiers would be coming home after the war and would be needing good low-cost housing. ...  In 1993, the Council became part of the School of Architecture, and since then has been known as the School of Architecture-Building Research Council. ... The Council's researchers answered many critical questions that would affect the quality of the nation's housing stock.
    • How could homes be designed and built more efficiently?
    • What kinds of construction and production techniques worked well and which did not?
    • How did people use different kinds of spaces in their homes?
    • What roles did community planning, zoning, and interior design play in how neighborhoods worked
  • "An Example of Colonial Paneling", Norman Morrison Isham, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, Vol. 6, No. 5 (May, 1911), pp. 112-116, available by JSTOR.
  • Dust from the World Trade Center collapse following the 9/11/01 attack: the lower floors of this building contained spray-on fire-proofing asbestos materials.
  • "Energy Savers: Whole-House Supply Ventilation Systems", U.S. Department of Energy energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11880?print
  • "Energy Savers: Whole-House Exhaust Ventilation Systems", U.S. Department of Energy energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11870
  • "Energy Savers: Ventilation", U.S. Department of Energy
  • "Energy Savers: Natural Ventilation", U.S. Department of Energy
  • "Energy Savers: Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems", U.S. Department of Energy energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11900
  • "Energy Savers: Detecting Air Leaks", U.S. Department of Energy
  • "Energy Savers: Air Sealing", U.S. Department of Energy
  • Falls and Related Injuries: Slips, Trips, Missteps, and Their Consequences, Lawyers & Judges Publishing, (June 2002), ISBN-10: 0913875430 ISBN-13: 978-0913875438
    "Falls in the home and public places are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths in the United States, but are overlooked in most literature. This book is unique in that it is entirely devoted to falls. Of use to primary care physicians, nurses, insurance adjusters, architects, writers of building codes, attorneys, or anyone who cares for the elderly, this book will tell you how, why, and when people will likely fall, what most likely will be injured, and how such injuries come about. "
  • Fiberglass: Indoor Air Quality Investigations: Health Concerns About Airborne Fiberglass: Fiberglass in Indoor Air from HVAC ducts, and Building Insulation
  • Humidity: What indoor humidity should we maintain in order to avoid a mold problem?
  • Lighting, proper use of: proper aiming of a good flashlight can disclose hard to see but toxic light or white mold colonies on walls.
  • Pergo AB, division of Perstorp AB, is a Swedish manufacturer or modern laminate flooring products. Information about the U.S. company can be found at http://www.pergo.com where we obtained historical data used in our discussion of the age of flooring materials in buildings.
  • Plank House Construction: weblog from plankhouse.wordpress.com/2009/01/25/plank-house-construction/ and where plank houses were built by native Americans, see
    Large 1:6 Scale Plank House Construction / P8094228, Photographer: Mike Meuser
    06/12/2007 documented at yurokplankhouse.com where scale model Museum quality Yurok Plank Houses are being sold to raise money for the Blue Creek - Ah Pah Traditional Yurok Village project.
  • Re-Bath, tub lining products is a bath tub relining manufacturer and distributor located in Tempe, Arizona - see rebath.com
  • Slips, Trips, Missteps and Their Consequences, Second Edition, Gary M. Bakken, H. Harvey Cohen,A. S. Hyde, Jon R. Abele, ISBN-13: 978-1-933264-01-1 or ISBN 10: 1-933264-01-2, available from the publisher, Lawyers ^ Judges Publishing Company,Inc., www.lawyersandjudges.com sales@lawyersandjudges.com and also from the InspectAPedia Bookstore (Amazon.com)
  • The Stairway Manufacturers' Association, (877) 500-5759, provides a pictorial guide to the stair and railing portion of the International Residential Code.
  • What Mold and Allergens Look Like: mold identification photos to help identify mold - choosing what to sample in buildings
  • How to Clean Moldy Wood Framing & Sheathing How to clean/seal mold from/on exposed lumber or plywood subfloor or roof sheathing indoors - some suggestions based on our field and laboratory research
  • Lighting, proper use of: proper aiming of a good flashlight can disclose hard to see but toxic light or white mold colonies on walls.
  • Manufactured & Modular Homes: Modular Building Systems Association, MBSA, modularhousing.com, is a trade association promoting and providing links to contact modular builders in North America. Also see the Manufactured Home Owners Association, MHOAA, at www.mhoaa.us. The Manufactured Home Owners Association of America is a National Organization dedicated to the protection of the rights of all people living in Manufactured Housing in the United States.
  • Mold spores in the Home - a Photo ID Library for detection and identification of mold allergens.
  • How to Find and Test For Mold in Buildings A "how to" photo and text primer on finding and choosing the right spots to test for mold in buildings
  • Stuff that is not mold but is often mistaken for it - things you may not want to test. Also, not all "black mold" is toxic - here are examples of harmless black mold.
  • Simple Adhesive Tape Sampling of Moldy Surfaces - how to send a mold sample to our lab
  • Mold Sampling Methods in the Indoor Environment - In-depth article: detailed critique of popular mold testing methods - Is your mold test kit worth the bother?
  • Mold-Resistant Building Practices, advice from an expert on how to prevent mold after a building flood and how to prevent mold growth in buildings by selection of building materials and by anti-mold construction details.
  • Slips, Trips, Missteps and Their Consequences, Gary M. Bakken, H. Harvey Cohen, Jon R. Abele, Alvin S. Hyde, Cindy A. LaRue, Lawyers and Judges Publishing; 2 edition (April 2006), ISBN-10: 1933264012 ISBN-13: 978-1933264011
  • Steps and Stairways, Cleo Baldon & Ib Melchior, Rizzoli, 1989.
  • The Staircase, Ann Rinaldi
  • Common Sense Stairbuilding and Handrailing, Fred T. Hodgson
  • The Art of Staircases, Pilar Chueca
  • Building Stairs, by pros for pros, Andy Engel
  • A Simplified Guide to Custom Stairbuilding, George R. Christina
  • Basic Stairbuilding, Scott Schuttner
  • The Staircase (two volumes), John Templar, Cambridge: the MIT Press, 1992
  • The Staircase: History and Theories, John Templar, MIT Press 1995
  • Steps and Stairways, Cleo Baldon & Ib Melchior, Rizzoli, 1989.
  • "The Dimensions of Stairs", J. M. Fitch et al., Scientific American, October 1974.
  • "Weather-Resistive Barriers", how to select and install housewrap and other types of weather resistive barriers, U.S. DOE
  • Weaver: Beaver Board and Upson Board: Beaver Board and Upson Board: History and Conservation of Early Wallboard, Shelby Weaver, APT Bulletin, Vol. 28, No. 2/3 (1997), pp. 71-78, Association for Preservation Technology International (APT), available online at JSTOR.
  • What Style Is It?: A Guide to American Architecture, Rev., John C. Poppeliers, S. Allen Chambers, Wiley; Rev Sub edition (October 6, 2003), ISBN-10: 0471250368, ISBN-13: 978-0471250364
  • ...
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