The annual Home and Remodeling Show returns to the Wisconsin State Fair Park Expo Center Oct. 17 through Oct. 19 with a new section about basement repair following historic flooding this summer.
The 35th annual Home and Remodeling show returns to the Milwaukee area this weekend, with a focus on basement repair following historic floods that hit the region in August.
The show, organized by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry of Milwaukee, features more than 100 area home improvement experts for homeowners looking to upgrade or repair their homes. The event will run from Friday, Oct. 17 through Sunday, Oct. 19 at the Wisconsin State Fair Park Expo Center.
This year’s show includes a new section about basement design, repair and maintenance following historic floods that hit Milwaukee County Aug. 9. The flooding destroyed or severely damaged at least 2,200 homes throughout the county and left countless more with flooded basements.
Dan Hoelzl, events marketing manager for Milwaukee-based basement waterproofer Everdry Waterproofing, said the company is participating with an increased focus on waterproofing options.
Water damage is a problem year-round, he said.
“It doesn’t take historic flooding for people’s investments in their basements to be destroyed,” Hoelzl said.
Here’s are some tips from exhibitors for homeowners concerned about water in their basement:
What are signs there’s water in my foundation?
The following may be signs of water in a home’s foundation, according to Hoelzl:
- Chipping or peeling paint
- Darker discoloration on the basement walls or floor, which can indicate mold or mildew
- White chalk or powder, which may be lime powder forced out of concrete by water
- Cracks in basement walls
Any problems identified in the foundation should be inspected by a professional, Hoelzl said.
Even if homeowners aren’t able to make the fix right away, the inspection gives them an idea of the scope of the problem and helps them make plans for addressing it, Hoelzl said.
Homeowners should always have their foundation checked for water seepage if they plan to finish or remodel their basement, said Brian Barrick, founder of Menomonee Falls-based Matrix Basements.
What can homeowners do to keep water away from the foundation?
Features on the outside of the home can help divert water away from the basement, Hoelzl said. Homeowners should check their gutters, drainpipes and grading to make sure they’re channeling rainwater away from the house.
Homeowners should check their basement windows to make sure they’re properly sealed and caulked, Barrick said.
Homeowners may also want to purchase a dehumidifier to draw moisture from the air and make sure their yard’s landscaping is pitched away from the house, said Randy Miller, owner of Milwaukee-based remodeling company Allrite Home and Remodeling.
Hoelzl cautioned against waiting too long after a problem appears to get it fixed. The more water damage, the more expensive the repair.
How often should I replace my sump pump?
Barrick recommended homeowners replace their sump pump every two to three years, more frequently if the pump is particularly active and less frequently for homes on hills.
“If you can tell your house is in a really wet area and that the basement’s fairly wet, we’re definitely going to say, hey, replace that,” Barrick said. “If you’re on top of a hill and your soil’s very sandy, your sump pump may never run.”
A standard sump pump replacement costs around $300 to $500, Barrick said. For more complex pumps, such as a stacked pump system, installation can run $2,000 to $4,000.
Stacked pump systems include a main pump and a backup pump that kicks in if the main one fails. They often also include a battery that keeps the pumps operating if the power goes out.
Power outages cause water damage problems just as often as failure in the sump pump itself, Barrick said.
What should I look out for if I have an older home?
Basements in homes built before the 1950s often have drain tile made from clay, which may have collapsed or been damaged, Barrick said. Modern drain tiles are commonly plastic, fiberglass or PVC, materials that are less likely to break down.
If a home’s drain pipe breaks down, water can seep into the basement where the floor meets the foundation walls, Barrick said. Drain pipe replacements can cost between $7,500 and $20,000.
Some older homes also do not have sump pumps, Barrick added. Sump pump installation is recommended if homeowners find water damage or want to finish their basement.
What other types of home renovation exhibitors will be at the show?
Exhibitors will include companies that specialize in HVAC, electrical systems, windows, doors, roofing or gutters, according to a press release from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry of Milwaukee.
If you want to attend the show
The Home and Remodeling Show’s hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door, and admission is free Sunday, Oct. 19 from 3 to 5 p.m.
More information on exhibitors is available on the National Association of the Remodeling Industry of Milwaukee’s website.