Waterproofing a Wooden Support Beam

You could have it sprayed with insulation but a cheaper fix might be to just use a dehumidifier if the above tips aren’t the issue. I need to run one in a damp basement all summer long and it works well. Get the type that you can connect a hose to so that it drains automatically into a drain or drill a hole in the floor and sink a PVC tube down it while vacuuming out the dirt as you sink the pipe, if you don’t have a sump pump hole. Otherwise add a trap to the main drain and raise the dehumidifier above that height.

daveinbedstuy

in Plumbers and Plumbing 11 years and 5 months ago

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tdwt | 11 years and 5 months ago

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Does anyone have suggestions on how to waterproof exposed wood in a basement? On very cold days (like today), the steam from our heating system’s return valve is so strong that the wooden support beam, and other wood surrounding it, becomes damp. What can I do to prevent this? Thanks in advance.

metalwork | 11 years and 5 months ago

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Home depot has waterproofing products for wood, the last time i did someone support beams for them.

pigthree | 11 years and 5 months ago

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Assuming you have a one pipe steam system, the “valve” is supposed to allow the air to release as steam pushes through the pipes. Once steam reaches the valve it is supposed to close. If steam is escaping from this valve, it is not closing properly. Replacing would cut off the steam. Your system might be very dirty, as “crud” in the system is often the culprit to fouled air valves. I might consider getting a system evaluation from a steam pro. On this forum, steam man and master plvmber are some of the best.

nalusurf | 11 years and 5 months ago

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Pig three is absolutely correct. We had a valve on the return line directly under the ground floor which, after closing on the house, we realized it was not closing properly. That continued release of steam warped the hell out of the floor boards above. It’s a quick fix to replace a release valve. If your pipes in the basement are not wrapped in insulation you may want to consider that as well. If your basement is very cold and you are losing all that heat from un-insulated pipes that may create some condensation.