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d. Areaway damp Step rust/rot:
Outside entrances to basements (Fig. d1, Item A) that are covered with the angled door systems, (Fig. d1, Item B) often suffer from dampness. This, in turn, often rots out stringers that support stairs. Most walls are not damp proofed very well when installed, and the lack of ventilation (there is usually a door into the basement at the bottom of the stairs) allows condensation to build up (Fig. d1, Item C). It is not at all uncommon to find steps and their supports, rotting or rusting if metal (Fig. d1, Item D). Quite often, when an outside basement door is made of wood it will be swollen. When this occurs, a basement door will stick, bind, or often, can’t even be opened.
What to: How to:
Take steps to improve the drainage around areaways by grading away from their walls with heavy clay content soil that is tightly compacted and sloped. Sometimes side ventilation louvers can be installed in the sides of the metal door housing protruding above the grade line. Use only pressure treated planks for the stringers and treads of the steps. Make sure the metal tread hanger pieces are removed and de-rusted prior to painting, or replace them with pressure treated pieces. Lock the angled doors from the inside and leave the foundation door open more frequently to promote ventilation. Consider installing a small dehumidifier under the steps of the areaway with the drain leading to the basement floor drain.
Any homeowner or handyman can take these steps with the exception of ventilating the sidewalls of the angled door chamber. Screened louvers that can be fastened to the sidewalls should be installed once the proper size holes are cut. Cut through metal sidewalls with the aid of a reciprocating power saw. Most plumbers and remodeling contractors carry this type of tool. |
