Flatbushdemata's Profile

  • F. D.
  • 1967
  • Brooklyn

Author's Posts

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?

Posted in Forum by Flatbushdemata at 11:26 AM | Comments (3)
Categories: Waterproofing

May 9, 2008

Dog-friendly Garden

I am interested in planting a garden in my backyard. However, there are quite a few dogs in my building that use the space for playtime (with, of course, occasional bathroom breaks).

Any advice about what to do? I am specifically interested in sturdy ground cover, perhaps raised beds, non-poisonous plants, and even a little potty area (if the dogs are trainable -- highly doubtful). I know that I have to divide the area up and fence some of it off.

Also, could you recommend a good landscaper who knows something about this?

Posted in Forum by Flatbushdemata at 11:27 AM | Comments (7)
Categories: Garden

Author's Comments

I have found the leak from where the original caulking has eroded, so I am fairly certain that is the source.

Is it possible that the water is coming from my concrete stoop?

Posted by: Flatbushdemata at May 27, 2008 1:30 PM in response to Caulking a hatch

Responses to Author's Forum Comments

Then that's a pretty simply DIY repair... scrape out the old caulk, apply new silicone caulk. The most expensive caulk gun you can buy with a few tubes of the most expensive sili caulk you can buy is under fifty bucks.

As to your second para, what you do is caulk the hatch, then do a water test to find out if there is another source of water infiltration.

Posted by: denton at May 27, 2008 5:05 PM in response to Caulking a hatch