May 27, 2008

Caulking a hatch

Hi everyone,

I am writing for some advice about sealing the hatch that leads into my basement. The hatch covers the stairs to the basement. These stairs lead to a small vestibule that has a door that opens into my basement and is right below my small stoop (I have more of a tenement building than a brownstone). I noticed yesterday that the concrete ceiling (which is also the bottom of the stoop) looks like it is about to fall down, because of water damage and dampness.
Here are my questions:
1. What should I use to caulk the hatch so that water doesn't seep through?
2. What kind of concrete do I use to redo the concrete on the walls and ceiling in the vestibule?
3. Does anyone have any creative ideas about venting given that I have a hatch and given that the stoop is so small that there isn't room for venting from there?
4. Can I do this or should I hire someone? How much would something like this cost

Many thanks?

May 16, 2008

Who to hire for Concrete grading?

We had our mud hut removed from our Bed-Stuy brownstone, and nw need to do some back-filling on the piece of ground that was under the mud hut.
Meanwhile, our basement is getting water as a result of the recent rains. WHo can I get to put some concrete in that can be both an attractive patio as well as graded away from the building so we don't get water into the basement?

May 6, 2008

Waterproofing exterior brick

We have a 4 unit brownstone/brick coop that has peeling, lead-based paint in the back of the house. We're received 2 estimates for the removal. Both contractors would use Peel Away, but one swears by Toraseal (sp) to waterproof the bricks and another recommends water based silicone elastomer. Any recommendations of which would be better?