Basement Safety

A basement renovation brings with it specific safety concerns. Read about these concerns and other things to consider like building permits, basement mold and basement radon.

Permits and Codes
Building and fire codes often apply to basements. Below is a list that often applly to basement remodeling projects. Find your specific codes and guidlines on your county or state's website.

Habitable room sizes and ceiling heights
Insulation, partitions and walls
Wall construction
Natural light and ventilation
Basement stairways
Air Ventilation Systems for Concrete Basements
Electrical
Plumbing
Ceiling/Floor draftstopping, firestopping, smoke detectors
Bedroom emergency Egress

Basement Radon
Radon is a naturally radioactive gas found in soil and could potentially leak into your basement through cracks in floors and walls, drains and sumps. You can easily detect basement radon by purchasing an inexpensive EPA approved do-it-yourself kit. If you do have a radon problem, call a technician to help find the source. Make sure all cracks are sealed and your ventilation is working properly. Self-priming drains and gas traps will also protect you and your family.

Basement Mold
Humidity and dampness can cause basement mold. Use a dehumidifier and fans to keep your basement dry and air circulating. Armstrong also makes products with BioBlock®, a treatment that stops the spread of mold and mildew.

Accessing Basement Mechanical Systems

Because basements are also the home of your furnace, hot water heater and many plumbing lines and electrical wires, your basement finishing plans must work around them. Remember to include wide doorways and leave plenty of space around your furnace and hot water heater to accommodate future servicing or replacement of your basement systems.

Rather than using drywall ceilings that prevent access to electrical wires and plumbing, install a drop ceiling. It can be very costly to tear out and replace drywall if you need to access your basement’s systems. Drop ceiling panels are easy to remove and can even be individually replaced if one is damaged.

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