Thursday, December 30, 2010

The Highest Calling, by Larry Janesky Wins Two Prestigious Book Awards in 2010

Larry Janesky's award-winning book

Larry Janesky's award-winning book

Larry Janesky, entrepreneur, owner and founder of Basement Systems Inc., as well as six other successful companies can now add “award-winning author” to roll of accomplishments.

Earlier this month, his book entitled The Highest Calling, was chosen by popular vote, as the Best Small Business Book in the 2010 Small Business Book Awards.

Running against many great books from prestigious authors, in several categories, the book also won first place in the Business Management Category.

Larrry credits much of this success to the massive support of all his readers, friends and the Basement Systems Network.

This week, a panel of industry experts, chose the novel as the Best Business Book in the 2010 New England Book Festival.

The Highest Calling, an inspirational novel about business and life; struggle and success is a work of fiction, yet also auto-biographic as well.

The book compiles much of Larry’s own experience and the kind of innovative, yet down-to-earth business wisdom, which allowed him to transform his small and mundane business into a multi-million dollar enterprise and a network of over 350 dealers in 6 countries.

The book tells the story of Troy Becker, a small home remodeling contractor struggling to juggle business, family, career and life, who has a life-changing encounter with a mysterious character named Cy.
Cy has a story of his own, and he is set to help Troy overcome his challenges, by offering him some of his experience and advice.

By following Cy and Troy’s story, the readers are invited to examine their own business and life choices, and to make significant changes by embracing a new way of thinking.

The Highest Calling is sold through its own website, in a full packages that includes the 250 page hard-cover edition, the 7 CDs audio book, narrated by the author himself, and a special bonus “blue book” diary, where readers are invited to  record their own thoughts, notes and plans.

A portion of the book sales proceeds are donated to homeless shelters and the United Way.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

New Jersey Crawl Spa

New Jersey Crawl Space Contractor Can Help with Beach House Foundation Issues - http://htxt.it/gKsW

Mold Removal and Dry

Mold Removal and Dry Rot Repair Tips - http://htxt.it/qi0M

New Jersey Crawl Spa

New Jersey Crawl Space Contractor Can Help with Beach House Foundation Issues - http://htxt.it/gKsW

Mold Removal and Dry

Mold Removal and Dry Rot Repair Tips - http://htxt.it/qi0M

Basement Waterproofi

Basement Waterproofing Defeats the Effects of Hydrostatic Pressure - http://htxt.it/6hsX

Basement Waterproofi

Basement Waterproofing Defeats the Effects of Hydrostatic Pressure - http://htxt.it/6hsX

Basement Waterproofing Defeats the Effects of Hydrostatic Pressure

Your basement doesn't have to be unpredictable, but can be comfortably stable. On the other hand, a proposal is far better enjoyed when the surprise is left undiscovered. But, a basement's surprises are never just as sweet.

How has your basement surprised you in the past? Has it been the floods, the cracks or maybe the mold and must? Whether you've experienced one, multiple or different problems with your basement; hydrostatic pressure is one natural process that could be the cause of many severe basement issues.

What is Hydrostatic Pressure?

When a child hides behind his/her parent it's usually because of fear. When water hides behind a structure it’s in preparation for an attack. The prefix hydro- means water and static means standing or not moving. And when water stands behind a structure its volume only builds and builds until it finds a way through or around said barrier. Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure that a certain volume of water exerts on an object due to gravity.

What Does Hydrostatic Pressure Do?

Hydrostatic pressure can cause your retaining wall to buckle, can cause your foundation to move and walls to crack. Then, you guessed it; your basement will most certainly flood during those heavy rains.
This water pressure can even move through concrete foundations, because against popular belief, concrete is actually porous-- meaning it's not all that solid after all. It has many pores giving concrete its strength, but provides water its open access.

How To Keep Your Basement Dry Against Hydrostatic Pressure

Some waterproofing systems utilize external ways to waterproof the outside of your home. This could very well include a tar or waterproof coating on the actual foundation. However, the most beneficial way to keep a basement dry is not by keeping the wall dry, but by preventing water from building up behind a wall-- thus applying high hydrostatic pressure.

An internal waterproofing drainage system actually meets the water at its prime hangout-- the wall-floor joint. Then, the water is diverted away from your foundation.

Compare External And Internal Drainage Systems

An external drainage system can take a long time to install and could cause a lot of landscaping damage or problems with your electric lines and plumbing. In addition to the work around your foundation, a disposal pipe is placed beneath the ground leading toward a well, which will also need to be dug.

This well can fill with water and the drain can clog-- this all due to the loose soil building up around the foundation and absorbing large amounts of water.  In other words, the external "solution" is more of a short term mirage that causes the very problem it's said to be relieving.

In contrast, the internal system can take, at most, a couple of days to install and causes very little damage or residual issues. The internal system will not clog and rests directly on top of the footing.

This system will go around your entire foundation and prevents water from building up and pressuring your walls. No more cracks and no more buckling.

Where Does The Water Go?

Once the drainage system collects the water it will direct it toward a sump pump. This sump pump will them push the water out and away from the home. This sump pump is the heart of the system, if not for the sump, the drainage would have to run a pipe to the outside submitting itself to damage and making for easy access to rodents.

Basement Waterproofing Experts

For basement waterproofing in New Jersey, contact Quality 1st Basement Systems. They're the expert basement waterproofers in New Jersey and New York areas. They install the patented WaterGuard Drainage System that will waterproof your basement and prevent hydrostatic pressure. This system has been evaluated by the International Code Council formerly known as BOCA.

Mold Removal and Dry Rot Repair Tips

Mold and dry rot aren't the household guests you want sticking around. In fact, you don't exactly want them to come over in the first place. But, one thing leads to another and they're more persuasive than you'd expect. Then they deplete your homes value, condition and potentially lessen your home's life span.

Where Does Mold Grow?

Mold can grow just about anywhere that moisture can be found. However, in order for mold to stick around it needs more than just moisture, but it needs food. Mold loves organic materials such as carpet, wood, cardboard, and paper. Unfortunately, mold also destroys whatever comes between it and its meal.

Whether your air conditioning unit is leaking, water is leaking inside and onto your windowsill or your carpet never fully dried from the last flood in your basement-- mold will survive and stick around as long as the environment permits.

In addition, mold can significantly decrease your home's indoor air quality-- a worsening concern to many highly recognized organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency. Mold can increase household allergy symptoms and produce an irritating smell most homeowners refer to as "must." In some instances, mold can even be toxic-- as is the case with black mold.

If you wipe it away you've only temporarily gotten rid of the mold and you haven't touched the problem. The problem is the moisture.

What is Dry Rot?

Dry rot doesn’t grow on a surface as mold does, but it's actually considered to be a condition. This fungus spreads throughout the wood at a torrential rate, rotting the wood from the inside out thus replacing the wood's strength with severe frailty. This makes it one of the most feared wood decomposing conditions around the world.

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, its been approximated that each year 20 billion feet of timber is destroyed by brown rot, dry rot's alias. This becomes even more remarkable when compared to fire damage. There's more wood destroyed by dry rot than there is wood damaged by fire each year!

Dry rot is a serious force that many homeowners may have been fortunate not to encounter, but needs to be prevented.

Mold and Dry Rot

Although dry rot is seemingly far more destructive than the effects of mold, both are destructive and require moisture. However, against popular belief, neither mold nor dry rot will form in excessively wet environments. They won't grow in flooded basements because they don't grow in water but thrive in moist environments. Thus, a humid room or "muggy" space becomes most ideal.

Many homeowners find mold in two areas of the home: the bathroom and the basement. Similarly, the most common place to find dry rot is the bathroom. These two rooms are known for their moisture and even the unexpected leaky pipes or water "issues."

The bathroom can easily develop a water problem when the faucet or shower begins to leak, the toilet overflows with water, the shower water is too hot and the room maintains this muggy temperature.

The basement is commonly humid because of the increase in relative humidity caused by the entrance of humid outdoor air into the cooler basement air. This transfer can increase the basement's relative humidity by 2.2 percent per every one degree. And, of course, the basement can also experience the effects of a heavy rain storm or broken pipe or hot water heater.

So, what can be done to prevent or eliminate mold and/or dry rot?

Prevention & Repairs

Moisture control, moisture control and more moisture control.

Remember when we learned that wiping mold from a surface doesn't actually remove the problem? Well, that's because the moisture levels haven't been lessened. They may not have even been considered.

The best way to prevent mold growth or dry rot infiltration is by waterproofing your basement and fixing leaks and making other repairs very quickly.

In addition, dry rot can also result from a failing foundation because the wood comes in contact with the soil. This then provides just enough moisture for dry rot to take over.

For help evaluating your home's mold or dry rot condition contact the mold, basement, foundation, and crawl space repair experts at Quality 1st Basement Systems. For mold removal in New York and New York basement waterproofing contact them today!

Posted on: 2010/11/08 9:44:16am by: Samantha Walton

New Jersey Crawl Space Contractor Can Help with Beach House Foundation Issues

Perth Amboy, NJ - Many beach homes along the Shore have crawl space Perth Amboy, NJ - Many beach homes along the Shore have crawl space foundations that are susceptible to moisture problems that further induce mold, rot and other environmental problems. Quality 1st Basement Systems is the local expert highly trained and certified to assist such homeowners.
Any Shore homeowner can contact Quality 1st and receive a free crawl space repair estimate. This will include meeting with an expert who will then provide an estimate based on a thorough inspection and indication of worrisome areas.

Shore homes are at high risk of needing crawl space repair because of the moisture in and around the homes. When humid moist air enters a crawl space it cools, which then raises the relative humidity. Once the relative humidity rises in the environment, it will become sticky and damp and become a breeding ground for mold. If the space begins to radiate a musty smell, then crawl space repair is needed.

Contact Quality 1st today to learn more about mold and crawl space encapsulation.

Quality 1st Basement Systems is a certified basement waterproofing and foundation/crawl space repair expert that services northern and central New Jersey in addition to several areas in New York.

As a member of the internationally recognized Basement Systems, Inc. network of basement waterproofing experts, Quality 1st is a trustworthy and fully trained New Jersey crawl space contractor. For crawl space repair in Toms River, New Jersey contact Quality 1st today

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Basement Wall Finish

Basement Wall Finishing in Maine: Do's and Don'ts - http://htxt.it/UGvx's-and-Don'ts.htm#

Basement Wall Finishing in Maine - Do's and Don'ts

Basements are like no other room in the house. Due to a number of factors every basement can, and most likely will at some point, develop moisture problems.
Basements get water from several sources.
  1. There are the visible leaks, which manifest themselves in the form of puddles, water stains, efflorescence.  These can usually be corrected with adequate foundation drainage.
  2. Also, because your basement wall and floors, which are usually made of porous concrete or stone, are in direct contact with the soil, there is ground water consistently infiltrating the concrete through capillary action.
  3. Differences in temperature between the basement and the outside air, can cause condensation.
And if the above sources weren't enough, there are also water accidents such as sump pump failure, plumbing leaks.  Water from  running toilette, and overflowing bath tube, or a backed up drain upstairs can, and possibly will find its way into your basement and cause it go flood.  

When a conventionally finished basement floods, it is very hard to get materials such as drywall, wood studs and fiberglass insulation to dry quick enough to prevent mold growth. According to the U.S. Environmental protection Agency, that can happen in about 48 hours. And once mold develops, there is no 100% safe or effective way to remove it from these porous, organic materials.  They need to be removed and discarded.

When planning a basement remodel, only the right choices in finishing material will guarantee the success of the project and give you a basement your family will enjoy for many years to come.  The following video will guide you through the Do's and Don't of basement wall finishing.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Crawl Space Encapsul

Crawl Space Encapsulation gets rid of Crawl Space "Monsters" in #Philly - http://htxt.it/uSD9

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Ground Vapor Barriers in Vented Crawl Spaces: Do They Work?

Ground vapor barriers in vented crawl spaces: do they work?

Vapor barrier installed incorrectly Everything was done "by the book" in your crawl space.

The dirt floor was lined with a vapor barrier, overlapping 6 inches in the seams, the seams sealed with tape. The liner ran a few inches or half way up the walls and was fastened or glued it in place, following all the typical recommendations. You provided the code specified amount of vents, which were left open year round or during specific seasons, following the regional guidelines.

Yet now, after a few years, your house smells like a wet dog, your hardwood floors or plywood sub-floors are warping, your carpet is damp and you or someone in your family is always feeling miserable with allergy symptoms.

You suspect the crawl space and as you open the door to it you realize you need a mask, flash light, a bio-hazard suit, a good stomach and a dose of courage to enter the place.

Your crawl space is filthy, moldy, and full of bugs. The smell of decay ins unbearable. You can poke holes with a pen in your floor joists and the insulation, now turned into something resembling science fiction B movie monster, is falling off.

You wonder what went wrong. You and the thousands of other American homeowners who own houses with vented crawl spaces, that go through  this same situation every single day.

What went wrong -  and cases such as yours and the one in the picture prove - is that those crawl space venting recommendations are wrong. They make no sense from a scientific standpoint and if nothing is done to change them and educate the consumer, they will victimize more and more homeowners.

Moisture ruined crawl spaces are so common in the US, that they can be considered part of a true housing epidemic.

The only proven way to protect the crawlspace is through encapsulation and conditioning systems such as our CleanSpace System. Encapsulated crawl spaces are proven to significantly improve your home's health, indoor air quality and energy efficiency.

Contact us for a free estimate and see how easy and affordable it is to have a crawl space so dry and clean, you can safely use it for storage.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

The Monster in the Crawl Space

The Monster in the Crawl Space

In Savannah, GA,  as well as in most areas of the country where summers are hot and humid and winters are cold and damp, homes with vented, dirt crawl spaces are a  source of constant worry for homeowners. 

There is the mold, rot and decay during the summer, and the cold drafts in the winter. There are  huge energy losses year round. And there are also the pesky indoor allergy symptoms are usually triggered by allergens that lurk in the crawl space.

This presentation shows common crawl space problems and how our CleanSpace Crawl Space Encapsulation System can  help solve them. Then contact us for a FREE Crawl Space Repair Estimate!

 

Friday, November 12, 2010

Personal Finances and Real Estate: 5 Good Reasons to Fix Your Foundation Before Selling Your House! | jacksonville.com

Personal Finances and Real Estate: 5 Good Reasons to Fix Your Foundation Before Selling Your House!

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AlphaFS's Blog

foundation crackWhen faced with foundation problems, homeowners have mixed reactions. Some will panic and call a professional right away, others will simply ignore it or try to hide it with a quick and often ineffective fix.

Then, comes the time to sell the house and, if you are one of the ones who chose to ignore the problem or patch it up, you are faced with a hard choice. Sell the house "as-is" or fix it first?

Well, as someone who works for foundation repair companies, I had the opportunity to see many a real estate deal broken because of foundation problems. So I am offering you a piece of advice: fix first, then sell. Here are six very good reasons to consider it: 

1 - Make no mistake: Foundation problems always get worse.
Foundation problems never go away, never get better on their own, and never remain the same: they always get worse. And the worse they get, the more expensive the fix will be.

2 - Visible foundation cracks scare away buyers.
Who wants to buy someone else's problems? A visible crack, even if it is patched up, is most likely going to raise suspicion among buyers. The same goes for windows and doors that don't close properly, sagging or bouncy floors, or tilted chimneys.

3 - Critters like cracks.
Keep in mind that insects and rodents can get into your home through foundation cracks, adding yet another layer of problems to the existing foundation issues.

4 - You're going to lose more money not fixing it, than you would pay to fix it.
When it comes from foundation problems, you can't run nor hide. At some point during the sale process the house will be examined by a home inspector and he will most likely point out the foundation problem. What happens next is never to the seller's advantage. The buyer will either walk away from the deal or will expect a significant discount on the asking price: 10% or more off the property market value, in most cases.
Modern, state-of-the-art foundation repair technologies might be able to solve the problem quickly, effectively and for much less than you would lose by selling the house as a "fixer-upper".

5 - You can be held liable for the problems after the property is sold.
By law, sellers in Florida are required to disclose anything that can affect the property's value, integrity, safety and appeal, by signing a Real Estate Disclosure form prior to the closing. Ignoring the foundation problem for failure to assess the nature of the damage will not save you from liability. In other words, "we knew we had a crack on the wall, but we didn't know how serious it was," is no defense.
80% of all Real Estate lawsuits are for failure to disclose, and foundation problems, along with mold issues, are among the most common topics in these lawsuits.

So before your foundation problem comes back to haunt you, call a reputable foundation repair contractor, and have it inspected. Many good companies will provide the inspection and estimate for free!

 

Bouncy Floors No More: Take the Flex Out of Old Floors

Bouncy Floors No More Take the Flex Out of Old Floors

A floor that bows in the middle, flexes noticeably, or dips down in one or more areas could indicate a serious structural problem with the foundation and/or framing.

An unstable floor can have several causes. First of all, old-time carpenters may have used undersized floor joists because they were building before engineered span tables and building codes were available. A joist that spans a long distance without being supported in the middle is likely to sag or flex.

Floors can also sag or flex because a beam installed to provide mid-span support for joists has shifted out of position or rotted.  

An experienced foundation repair contractor can diagnose bouncy floor problems and perform foundation repairs that make the floor framing stiffer and more secure. The SmartJack system, available from Foundation Support Works dealers, is an excellent solution to many bouncy or sagging floor problems. As shown in the photo and drawing, the SmartJack system has two main components: a precast concrete footing and a steel jack equipped with a threaded rod and a steel top plate that fits under a beam or girder.

Unlike an old-fashioned wood post-and-beam framework, the SmartJack system is adjustable, enabling the contractor to fine-tune the height of the support beam and thus, the floor itself. With a series of SmartJacks installed beneath a sound mid-span support beam, an unstable old floor can be made stronger, stiffer and straighter.

Contact Alpha Foundation Specialists today for Florida foundation repair!


Posted on: 2010/11/11 11:54:02am by: Tim Snyder

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Foundation Wall Cracks and Real Estate Transactions in MO and IL: Saving a home and a deal. : Basement Files

• Nov. 10, 2010 - Foundation Wall Cracks and Real Estate Transactions in MO and IL: Saving a home and a deal.

Leaky foundation wall crackA crack in a home’s foundation walls is never something to be taken lightly or simply dismiss. 

It is true that many times foundation wall cracks are caused by normal concrete shrinkage, rather than some real structural problems, but the differences between the two types aren’t always obvious, especially to the untrained eye.

Homeowners, when faced with such a problem, have mixed reactions. Some will panic and call a professional right away, some will simply dismiss the problem or patch it up using a DIY approach.

In Real Estate transactions, a foundation wall crack can be a deal breaker, and render a house almost impossible to sell. The last thing a potential buyer wants to see is a crack, of any shape, size, or kind in the basement wall, and tend to look even more suspiciously at walls that were visibly patched up. 

Realtors have a hard time listing such properties, and home inspectors can’t vow for their structural integrity if they can’t properly access the nature of the problem due to some unskilled and unprofessional patching job, which many times, can be masking a serious issue. 

As we all know, the law in most states, including Illinois and Missouri, demands that sellers of real property disclose any fact that may affect the value or integrity of the property, by completing and signing Real Estate Transfer Disclosure Statement.

Yet, real estate attorneys and sales professionals agree that between 70 and 80% of all the real estate lawsuits filed by home buyers are related to disclosure issues and facts that were not properly disclosed prior to the closing.

For a seller, disclosing a foundation wall crack could mean selling the property for at least 10% less than its market value, so it is understandable that they’d want it to magically disappear.

What they don’t know is that, many times, having the foundation properly fixed costs much less than what they would lose by selling a house with foundation issues. And definitely much less than they would pay to defend themselves in a lawsuit for failure to disclose the problem.

With that in mind, whether you are a seller,  a Real Estate agent inspecting a listing, or a home buyer shopping for a house, it is always a good idea to know what you’re dealing with when you are faced with a foundation wall crack.

Shrinkage Cracks:

Shrinkage cracks happen quite often in poured concrete foundations. They are normally related to the conditions in which the concrete was mixed, poured and cured. Variations in temperature, air and ground moisture can cause the concrete to crack slightly as it dries.

Shrinkage cracks are always vertical, very thin, hairline cracks which are even from top to bottom. Poor drainage and high water tables can cause them to leak into the basement

If the crack is uneven, wider in one of the extremities, it can be a sign of external pressures. (foundation settlement, expanding soil, etc..).

These need to be accessed by a professional and fixed accordingly, as soon as the problem is noticed, because foundation problems only tend to get worse overtime.

stair step crackHorizontal or Stair Step Cracks:

Horizontal cracks in any foundation and stair step cracks on any brick or concrete walls, even if above grade, are always a reason for concern. They are a clear sign of foundation movement, and the causes need to be detected and corrected as soon as possible. 

Corner Cracks Around Windows and Doors

Whether they are around a basement window or on the drywall of any window upstairs, these types of cracks can also be sign of foundation movement and should be inspected by a professional.

Saving a deal

Keep in mind that most foundation wall cracks, even the ones that pose some structural concern, can be fixed and shouldn’t necessarily become a deal breaker. If you live in Missouri or Southern Illinois, Woods Basement Systems, a foundation repair contractor serving Saint Louis, MO, Springfield, IL and nearby areas,  can help.

They have experience inspecting and estimating foundation repair jobs for Real Estate transactions.  

They will perform a free inspection and, based on the written estimate, seller will be able to make informed choices, buyers will be able to negotiate down the price of the property:
Real Estate agents will also be able to advice their clients on the best course of action and hopefully close a deal that would be, otherwise, broken from the start. 
 

Monday, October 18, 2010

Radon Awareness Week Perfect Time to Test North Dakota Homes

Radon Awareness Week Perfect Time to Test North Dakota Homes

Oct 15, 2010 – Fargo, ND –National Radon Awareness Week begins Sunday, October 17, and is the perfect time for homeowners in North Dakota and Minnesota to test for radon. Innovative Basement Systems provides testing for homeowners, as well as mitigation systems for those homes with high levels of radon.

Innovative Basement Systems President Keith Johnson says, “Fall and winter are the ideal times to test for radon in the home, since windows are typically closed and any radon in the home will not be diluted with fresh air from outdoors.”

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas caused by the decay of uranium in the earth. As radon gas rises through the soil, it can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation, walls, crawl spaces, sump pumps and wells. The only way to know if your home has a high level of radon is to test for it. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers 4 picocuries per liter of air unacceptable.

Long term exposure to high levels of radon can lead to lung cancer. The National Cancer Institute says that radon is responsible for more than 20,000 cases of lung cancer in the U.S. each year, making it the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall.

Testing for radon is best done in the fall or winter months, when the home is usually closed to outdoor air. Innovative Basement Systems has trained radon mitigation specialists available to help homeowners test for radon in their homes. If elevated radon levels are found in the home, radon mitigation experts in North Dakota can install an aesthetically-pleasing mitigation system.

Innovative is also a member of National Radon Defense, a network of radon mitigation experts across the nation.

For more information on radon and its health effects, radon testing and radon mitigation systems in North Dakota and Minnesota, contact:

Innovative Basement Systems
Keith Johnson
(877)365-0097
kjohnson@innovativebasementsystems.com

Radon Awareness Week Perfect Time to Test Nebraska Homes

Radon Awareness Week Perfect Time to Test Nebraska Homes

Oct 15, 2010 – Omaha, NE –National Radon Awareness Week begins Sunday, October 17, and is the perfect time for homeowners in Nebraska and Iowa to test for radon. Thrasher Basement Systems provides testing for homeowners, as well as mitigation systems for those homes with high levels of radon.

Thrasher Basement System’s Curt Drew says, “Fall and winter are the ideal times to test for radon in the home, since windows are typically closed and any radon in the home will not be diluted with fresh air from outdoors.”

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas caused by the decay of uranium in the earth. As radon gas rises through the soil, it can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation, walls, crawl spaces, sump pumps and wells. The only way to know if your home has a high level of radon is to test for it. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers 4 picocuries per liter of air unacceptable.

Long term exposure to high levels of radon can lead to lung cancer. The National Cancer Institute says that radon is responsible for more than 20,000 cases of lung cancer in the U.S. each year, making it the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall.

Testing for radon is best done in the fall or winter months, when the home is usually closed to outdoor air. Thrasher Basement Systems has trained radon mitigation specialists available to help homeowners test for radon in their homes. If elevated radon levels are found in the home, radon mitigation experts in Nebraska can install an aesthetically-pleasing mitigation system.

Thrasher Basement Systems is a member of the National Radon Defense network of radon experts across the nation.

For more information on radon and its health effects, radon testing and radon mitigation systems in the Omaha metro area, contact:

Thrasher Basement Systems
Curt Drew
(402)916-4222
cdrew@nationalradondefense.com

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Don't Let your Baltimore Basement Get Caught in the Rain! 5 Steps to a Dry Basement.

Don't Let your Baltimore Basement Get Caught in the Rain! 5 Steps to a Dry Basement.

Flooded BasementWhen it rains it pours in Baltimore! Are you loosing sleep with the recent heavy rains, afraid you might wake up to a flooded or wet basement?

Here's some handy tips from Mr. Basement, Baltimore's  authority on basement and crawl space environments for a dry, worry free basement!

1- Correct drainage
Ensure roof water disperses properly.
Run discharge lines to storm sewer (code in many areas)
No negative grades (aka the ground shouldn't slope towards your home!) 

2 - Seal any openings that may allow water intrusion
Window wells should be sealed and free of debris like leaves, trash and sticks
Door 'trench' floor drains should flow freely

3 - Mind the sump pump
Your sump pump should have the correct pumping capacity for your home.
It should be checked by our service department once per year - we service all brands of waterproofing pumps.
The sump pit should have a secure cover to keep out kids, their toys and pets

4 - Install a dependable battery back-up for the sump pump.
Keep in mind that ll brands are NOT equal.Our UltraSumps have a state of the art charging system + high pumping capacity

5 - Don't waste money on consumer grade dehumidifiers
Energy grade dehumidifiers are not the most cost-effectice choice for your basement. 
Their energy efficiency is sub-standard, and running one to dry a basement can become very expensive.
Instead, consider the Basement Doctor's SaniDry professional grade dehumidifier and air filtration miracle machine.
It removes 4 times more water than consumer grade dehumidifiers for a fraction of the cost.
It filters your home's air and connects to your home's HVAC system.
It's like a dehumidifier on steroids!

Friday, September 3, 2010

Old Houses #1: New Waterproofing Technologies to Help Old House Basements - by CyFree | HomeRefurbers.com :: home improvement, remodeling and building community

Photo by Flickr user Jimmy_Joe

There is something about old houses that fascinates people. They have an almost inexplicable charm of their own, that we can’t help but fall in love with.

Ask anyone who ever bought a distressed old house to restore and they will try to explain their investment by pointing to the richness of architectural details, the sturdiness of the construction, its historical value. Some will happily tell you about how they were on a budget, and what a great deal it was buying such a gem so cheap. They will happily tell you that when they put some work to it, the property value will soar.

But the truth is that buying an old house is, for the most part, an emotional choice and, restoring it is a labor of love.

One of the main problems homeowners face when restoring old houses, are the chronically wet basements.

Since basements are buried in wet ground, with materials that are porous (concrete, bricks, stone), the soil around the foundation walls needs to be kept as dry as possible, year round, to prevent basement leaks, basement floods and wet basement problems.

If you are restoring an old house, there are several steps you need to take to accomplish that, including:

- Keep gutters clean and in good working conditions. Install them if you don’t have any or upgrade old, rusty ones.
- Extend downspouts to discharge as far from the house as possible
- Grade the terrain as to slope away from the house
- Improve foundation drainage.

Modern houses are built with french drains, which are perforated pipes buried by the footing, to provide adequate drainage. Old houses, on the other hand, may not have such systems in place. Because builders didn’t know back then what we know now, many of these houses have improper foundation drainage, and some have no drainage system in place at all.

In addition, because conventional french drains tend to fail overtime, some houses have them but they are now clogged or collapsed.

Installing or replacing a conventional french drain in an old house can be a hassle. You will need to dig out foundations, disturb the landscape and, if the house has a deck or a porch, it will need to be completely removed so that the french drain can be buried by the footing. In an old house, that can be specially challenging: the great wood used to build it as well as priceless antique embellishments can be damaged in the process.

There are, however, modern alternatives to conventional french drains that can be installed with much less disruption and for a fraction of the cost: internal perimeter drainage systems.

For the past 20 years, internal drainage systems have been using with success to stop basement leaks. They are installed by jack hammering a few inches of the basement floor, close to the wall and installing a drain tile that will intercept the ground water and divert it to a sump pump.

Besides the easier installation, these systems can be fitted with service ports and will remain serviceable for the life of the structure, unlike conventional french drains. That is why good basement waterproofing companies offer Transferable Lifetime Warranties on their internal perimeter drainage systems.

Working Sump Pump in a Leaky Basement: What is Wrong? : Basement Files


I am frequently approached by customers puzzled by the fact that their basements, despite having a good working sump pump and sometimes even a backup, still leaks.

Aren’t sump pumps supposed to prevent leaks?

Yes they are, in part.

The truth is that, the sump pump alone, in one corner of the basement will not keep it dry if there is nothing to divert the water to that sump pit.

To keep your basement dry, all the water around the foundation needs to be intercepted and collected by a good, working drainage system. Water is pretty tricky, If you don't intercept it and divert properly, it will follow the path of least resistance and find its way into the basement.

If your house is not too old, chances are that you have a french drain or weeping tile buried by the foundation footing to collect the water. However, if the sump pump and backup system are working and you are still getting water in the basement, your french drain is clearly not working.
It is clogged, improperly installed or simply collapsed.

When that happens, a lot of homeowners are told by contractors to install additional pumps in the leaky corners of the basement. In our experience, only homes set in specially high water tables or built over underground springs really need more that one sump pit and sump pump system.

The vast majority of basement leaks can be solved with a good drainage system and a powerfull sump pump system.

In other words, until you get that drainage problem fixed, no amount of sump pumps will give you a guaranteed dry basement.

The good news is that, thanks to new basement waterproofing technologies, a new drainage system can be installed without digging out the foundations

Modern internal perimeter drainage systems can be installed inside the basement, along the internal perimeter of the basement walls, with much less disruption and for about half of the cost of conventional french drains.

Crawl Space Vents in TN: Common "Non-Sense"?

After many years in denial, trying to go on with your life without thinking too much about it, one day you decide to finally do something about that wet, moldy, scary crawlspace under your house.

Maybe because you’re tired or hearing the buckled floors creaking under your feet, or you might have had enough of the drafts during the winter causing your heating bill to soar.

It might be because you can no longer living with chronic flu-like symptoms, triggered by the mold in the crawl space or because you swore that you would never again go through the process of crawling on filth to remove a wild critter (dead or alive) from under your house.

When you start to shop around for ways to deal with the problem, you are very likely to find two mainstream “solutions” being offered.

1 – Adding more vents to the crawl space

2 – “Improving” the air flow within the crawl space, by installing fans on the vents.

The “logic” behind this concept is that air is know to dry things therefore the more air you allow in, the more the chances that the crawl space will dry. It is only common sense, right?

Wrong!

Truth is that, if these fans are being used to bring air from the outside, into your crawl space, I have a serious piece of advice: Don't do it. 

Crawl spaces are like no other structure in the house. Because of that, the air already coming from the outside, combined with evaporating ground moisture, is actually the reason why your crawl space is wet right now.

Puzzled? Allow me to explain.

Crawl Spaces are Different!

 

Crawl spaces have a pretty steady temperature year round (around 68 degrees) and, during summer, they are naturally cooler than the outside: usually 10 to 20 degrees. So, let's say we have a nice day outside, with 77 degrees and an average 80% relative humidity. Your crawl space temperature is 20 degrees cooler. When that air from outside comes in, it will cool down too. 

When that happens, the relative humidity in the air will increase about 2.2% for each degree the air is cooled.

That added to that 80% that was already in the outside air will result in 98.8% RH. Can you guess what happens then? 

That moisture will cause condensation to form all over and your crawl space will get more wet, causing your floor joists to grow mold and rot.

The best, and U.S. Department of Energy recommended way to treat a crawl space is to encapsulate it. That means, line the whole space with a vapor barrier, seal it to keep ground moisture and outside air from getting in, then run a dehumidifier or a crawl space conditioner to keep it dry and conditioned year round.

This procedure. will solve crawl space moisture problems once and for all and protect your floor joists and hardwood from rot and buckling. It will also make your whole house an average of 18% more energy efficient, by cutting energy losses which can be as high as 50% if you have ducts running through the crawl space.

It will make your home easier to cool and heat, and will eliminating problems such as cold floors and clod drafts from the crawl space during winter. 

There are tons of scientific studies on the matter, conducted by reputable independent organizations, to prove that, when it comes to crawl spaces, common sense is sometimes just a collective misconception.

If you live in Tennesee, there are two Basement Systems Certified crawl space moisture control professionals that can help you with your crawl space moisture problem:

Master Dry Basement and Crawl Space Systems provides crawl space encapsulation services in Knoxville and surrounding areas.

Basement Redeemers offers moldy crawl space solutions in the greater Memphis area.

 

 

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Basement Systems Wins Innovation Awar...

Basement Systems Wins Innovation Award - SEYMOUR, CT – Basement Systems is proud to announce that it has been awarde... http://ping.fm/clclF

Basement Systems Wins Innovation Award

SEYMOUR, CT – Basement Systems is proud to announce that it has been awarded two Connecticut Quality Improvement Award Innovation Prizes for its Risk-Free Affiliate Lead Tracking System and the SaniDry XP Basement Dehumidifier. The 23-year-old Connecticut Quality Improvement Award is America’s first state-level quality award that uses the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality for Performance Excellence criteria. The Connecticut Quality Improvement Award’s prestigious Innovation Prize is presented to organizations in Connecticut that have used innovation to create a new opportunity or solve an existing problem, and can demonstrate numerically the benefit to its business and customers. Basement Systems, Inc. received one gold and one silver CQIA Innovation Prize this year.

“We are extremely proud and honored to be recognized as innovators in today’s volatile business climate by an organization like CQIA. The Malcolm Baldrige criteria have been influential in our company’s growth and success!” said Daniel Fitzgerald, director of marketing for Basement Systems.

Basement Systems’ Gold award-winning Risk-Free Affiliate Lead Tracking System is an automated tracking system for their “Pay Per Inquiry” advertising program in which BSI only pays for the leads it receives. It was developed to be a mutually beneficial advertising system for Basement Systems and its affiliates in a time when more companies have been decreasing the amount of money set aside for advertising. Real time reporting and 100% automation were imperative to the success of the program.

The silver award-winning innovative technology of the SaniDry XP Basement Air System lowers the relative humidity in a home to below 50 percent, which is below the level required for dust mites to thrive. The SaniDry XP has a 110-pints-per-day capacity, a built-in defrost system designed to operate down to 40F, and a direct gravity drain hose to a floor drain, WaterGuard, or sump pump. It can also be drained directly outside if not other drain is present. The XP features a dual-stage filtration system and filters particles from the air as small as two microns (smaller than typical indoor air allergens such as mold spores or dust mite droppings), and an optional carbon filter is available to rid your space of those musty smells.

Basement Systems, Inc. is an international network of basement waterproofing, crawl space repair and basement finishing contractors. The international headquarters, based in Seymour, Connecticut, also provides sales and service throughout Connecticut and Westchester County, NY. Larry Janesky’s Basement Systems, Inc. has been helping homeowners increase their usable living space for over 20 years across the United States, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom. They have 27 patented basement and crawl space products, designed to help homeowners get more out of their below grade spaces and increase their home's value.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

#Roanoke #VA Company Gives to Communi...

Roanoke VA Company Gives to Community Through Spot and Dot Book Busses http://ping.fm/5dZek

#Alabama Congratulations to the AFS T...

Alabama Congratulations to the AFS Team! - This August, AFS sent several representatives to the Basement Systems co... http://ping.fm/sJDIX

#NY #Albany We've Been Featured in Su...

NY Albany We've Been Featured in Success Magazine!! - Adirondack Basement Systems is proud to announce its recent ... http://ping.fm/5DdDC

#Lansing #MI Ayers Basement Systems o...

Lansing MI Ayers Basement Systems of Michigan Commits to Three Animal Adoption Days http://ping.fm/E9Wkf

#NY #Albany Survey Winner! - Congratu...

NY Albany Survey Winner! - Congratulation's to Debra Miller of Schenectady!� Debra was the winner of our last... http://ping.fm/NJG0X

#Lansing #MI Local Basement Systems' ...

Lansing MI Local Basement Systems' Contractor Sponsors Animal Adoption Event in Michigan http://ping.fm/BQ8zA

#Fargo #ND Radon Gas Experts Inspect ...

Fargo ND Radon Gas Experts Inspect North Dakota or Minnesota Homes to Remove High Radon Levels http://ping.fm/Ky5z6

#Knoxville #TN Kentucky Homeowners wi...

Knoxville TN Kentucky Homeowners with Flooded Basements Seek Help From Master Dry http://ping.fm/StFjr

#DesMoines #IA Major flooding wreaks ...

DesMoines IA Major flooding wreaks havoc and causes one death already in Iowa http://ping.fm/qatJa

#WI #Appleton Extreme Home Makeover H...

WI Appleton Extreme Home Makeover House Gets Waterproofed After Record Rainfall http://ping.fm/zj7qM

#Albany Survey Winner! - Congratulati...

Albany Survey Winner! - Congratulation's to Debra Miller of Schenectady!� Debra was the winner of our last sur... http://ping.fm/bxA4a

#WI Extreme Home Makeover House Gets ...

WI Extreme Home Makeover House Gets Waterproofed After Record Rainfall http://ping.fm/M9yea

#Colorado Peak Basement Systems Recei...

Colorado Peak Basement Systems Receives Two Sales Awards at Annual Convention http://ping.fm/UX5oB

#Memphis #TN Foundation Specialist's ...

Memphis TN Foundation Specialist's Territory Expands Into Jackson, MS and Little Rock, AR http://ping.fm/trJ37

Kentucky Homeowners with Flooded Base...

Kentucky Homeowners with Flooded Basements Seek Help From Master Dry http://ping.fm/PquYz

Monday, August 30, 2010

Friday, August 20, 2010

Awesome time at the Bushnell last nig...

Awesome time at the Bushnell last night for the Awards ceremony. Record attendance! Congratulations to this year's winners treehouse10

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

#treehouse10 The 2010 Basement System...

treehouse10 The 2010 Basement Systems International Convention begins! http://ping.fm/4KZFq

Good morning network! In a couple of ...

Good morning network! In a couple of hours our dealers will arrive at the HQ for this year's international convention! ! treehouse10

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

What's the Difference Between Patio Room and Sunroom?

The sun is shining and it's pretty great weather out there. Well, when it wants to behave. The Pittsburgh area summer temperatures average between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, give or take a few degrees. But, we also know what happens when the summer weather kicks into action-- the mosquitoes are on the attack.

It's no mystery why most humans, animals, or anything living has a fairly high disliking for the little buggers. They love to bite and buzz, and they leave us with an irritating itch! Not the best household guests, are they?

But, we also know that they come out in fleets right in unison with our work schedules. They come out early in the morning as you're grabbing the paper, and they swarm at night when you want to relax outside after a hard day's work.

So, how can you enjoy your patio when there are mosquitoes everywhere? You live in the marshy side of town, which only makes things worse. The wildlife is beautiful, but the mosquitoes; yikes!

Well, there are plenty of options. If you are looking for ways to improve your home's livability and curb appeal, then choosing between a patio room and a sunroom may be your best bet. But, what is the difference, anyway? Keep reading!

The Patio Room

A patio room is a great idea for any homeowner looking for an escape from the pesky critters and mosquitoes that ruin the outdoor experience. You may be hardly using the patio as is. Now is your chance to really make the most of your home and its assets. If you think you will ever sell, make the upgrade now and reap the benefits when your house gets sold.

By locating your local contractor who specializes in patio room installation, the job will get done in no time. With some insulation, flooring, beautiful windows, doors, and screens; your patio screen room will be good to go!

Are you finding it difficult to understand the rational behind screening in your patio? Well, nowadays homebuyers are looking for all the possible ways to improve their home's beauty. When the time comes to sell, you are going to want to make home improvements by the bundle. If your home could use the extra space and the added curb appeal, then there's no reason you shouldn't enclose your patio.

So, what if you make the installation and then the house gets sold. But the new homeowner wants to have a room that can be used all year round? Do they have to tear down your patio room?

No!

Enter the Sunroom

A patio enclosure is a great use of space and your money. By updating your patio into a patio room, you are actually taking the first step that could lead to becoming a room with a year-round purpose!

By just asking your contractor to make some changes you can have your very own year-round sunroom.

Your sunroom will provide you with all the natural light you could ever want, and you can even get glass that is insulated!

What's Your Choice?

So, do you want to just escape the bugs and don't really need to use the room all that much in the winter? Are you just interested in taking the first step and see how things go?

No problem. You can always upgrade your patio room into a sunroom. That's the major difference between the two rooms. A patio room is not as advanced, or an as comfortable year-round space.

Samantha Walton currently works as a web content writer for home improvement sites, and basement finishing contractors. She's a college graduate with a B.A. in communication and a concentration in public relations. She's aspiring to one day further her education with a seminary degree. Her experience ranges from internships in marketing and public relations, content writing for local television broadcasts, to writing and editing newsletters, fliers, and other content for her local church.

For a respectable contractor, who works well with patios and sunrooms, contact Total Basement Finishing of Pittsburgh. It's your local TBF dealer who is a basement remodeling contractor in Pittsburgh and specializes in basement finishing, sunroom construction in PA and Pennsylvania patio installation. For your free quote, contact them today at: 1-800-707-6594.

Article Source: http://ping.fm/HkWjJ

Why is My Foundation Cracking and Heaving?

Why is my foundation cracked now, after we've lived here for 20 years?

Many foundation cracks occur due to changes within the soils supporting your home. Changes in the weather can lead to changes in the soil surrounding your home's foundation. Sometimes the moisture content has risen with groundwater like they are currently experiencing in Estes Park or the areas bordering the Big Thompson River. Other times, the soil can be dry like what we are experiencing in Arvada. Periods of dramatic rain like we are forecasted for this weekend, can cause failing grades to pour water into the fill soil around your foundation, which can lead to cracking.

If water shortages, or fluxes, last for an extended amount of time, then load-bearing strata can be affected. Sometimes when the soil shrinks under the foundation for a long time, it can take a while for the foundation to crack and settle significantly. Either way, the problem will not generally reverse itself. The only way to know that it is stabilized is to transfer the weight of the structure deep beyond the active soil.

There are foundation repair companies who receive regular updates on soil conditions in the Denver area, so they can help you determine what your home is experiencing. If your foundation is cracking, heaving, or settling, there can be many factors involved. Some of these factors can be relatively inexpensive and easy to remedy, while others require permitted foundation repair solutions. Would you like to know the options to repair your cracked foundation?

Cassi Sherman Henes
Peak Structural http://ping.fm/uhWjs

Cassi holds over 15 years experience in the construction, real estate, and education industries. She is certified in foundation repair technology, soil dynamics, and system design from the Foundation Supportworks Institute in Omaha, NE. For more information about Foundation Repair, check out Cassi's ebook at http://ping.fm/W0t2o

Article Source: http://ping.fm/qB9YD

My House Smells Like a Musty Old Basement - Help!

The sun is shining, the temperatures are rising, and with some condensation and humidity your basement could house an abundance of moisture whose prime resident is mold.

There's nothing to it, mold can grow in the simplest of conditions. Did you know that if a space has more than 60 percent humidity then it's just the right condition to harbor mold?

Your basement or crawlspace doesn't have to be flooded, it just needs that moisture, and then comes the must; that stinky, old smell. Guess what? If your basement or crawlspace smells, then it will radiate into the rest of your home. Not a pleasant thought, huh?

Do you want to get rid of the traces of mold in your basement or crawlspace? Is it time for a change and a makeover?

Learn about how you can lower the mold count, the smell, and improve the air quality all in one shot!

What's the problem?

It smells. It makes you sneeze. It's mold.

But, the good part is that it's controllable, better yet it's preventable.

Mold is a kind of fungi that survives by eating organic materials and living in a moist environment. So, when we say organic that means materials like wood and plastic. An organic compound is something that had come from an object that was once living. Thus, when you finish your home with materials that are organic you are looking at a tasty environment for a mold family.

Mold is definitely a guest that can wear out its welcome and never gets the hint. You can remove it once, twice, even three times and return to the scene a day later to find the mold has returned. So how do you get rid of this stuff?

Mold Removal

You can remove the mold from your basement or crawlspace by removing the moisture from the air. You're probably wondering how moisture is even getting into the air when it's hot outside and the air down there is cool.

Well, if the air outside is a bit humid, then because the air is cooled when it is in the basement or crawlspace, you are increasing the relative humidity by 2.2 percent with each degree of cooling!

So, the summer is a prime time for mold growth because the humidity in your basement or crawlspace is making the air probably the wettest it will be all year.

There are several specific ways to lessen or completely remove the mold in your basement or crawlspace.

Vapor Barrier Protection

Some basement contractors will use a vapor barrier to become the layer separating the home and the earth from one another. By utilizing a vapor barrier, your basement or crawlspace will be completely protected from the moisture that tries to inundate such spaces.

Sump Pump System

In addition to a vapor barrier, a sump pump system can be installed to remove the water that collects beneath the vapor barrier. The sump pump will take any water from leaks or broken pipes and steer it far from your home's foundation. Speaking of leaks, you can rely on the sump pump alarm to notify you if there's ever a leak in your crawl space. This is especially important because plumbing leaks in crawl spaces can go years unnoticed!

Conclusion

Now that you have learned about the importance of removing moisture from the air of your basement or crawlspace, it is equally important to find a contractor who can do the best job of waterproofing, repairing and dehumidifying your basement or crawlspace.

Samantha Walton currently works as a web content writer for home improvement sites, and basement systems contractors. She's a college graduate with a B.A. in communication and a concentration in public relations. She's aspiring to one day further her education with a seminary degree. Her experience ranges from internships in marketing and public relations, content writing for local television broadcasts, to writing and editing newsletters, fliers, and other content for her local church.

Master Dry of Knoxville is a certified Basement Systems dealer servicing Tennessee and Kentucky areas. For crawl space repair in Knoxville be sure to contact Master Dry who can help waterproof your crawlspace and protect against the mold! You don't have to look any further for basement waterproofing in Knoxville. Just contact Master Dry at 1-800-763-0396 for your free estimate!

Article Source: http://ping.fm/8gQyn

What is it About Sunrooms?

It's no surprise that people are searching more for some kind of spiritual connection. People are changing their religions left and right, or they're firmly maintaining their beliefs and are solidly rooted in their faith. Regardless where you are at spiritually, there is no denying the implications that spirituality tends to have on the human psyche.

People need to feel safe, protected, loved, and less stressed! We are all becoming workaholics, whether self-induced or we're forced to live at work in order to pay the bills. Let's admit, there isn't a fool-proof formula on how to have that perfect job and pay your bills-- stress free.

But, that is why the counseling and yoga professions are booming. At least solutions are being provided for the tidal wave of stress that is being plummeted onto most working adults. However, how serene would it be to have a place of comfort and peace in your very own home?

Not that your home isn't a safe haven already, but sometimes a home isn't just a place for you. It isn't just a place where you can shout, cry, meditate, exercise, or maybe even sing at your every whim.

So, what are your options when you need to get away? You shouldn't have to leave your own home. That is precisely why contractors have developed sunrooms, to help us distress in this ever stressful world that we live.

How Can a Sunroom Help My Stress Levels?

It's not the sunroom that helps your stress. No, we haven't found the cure for stress and anxiety symptoms! But, instead, it is a place that you can have in the confines of your own home. A place that could help you to develop your home-life as well as the way you respond to stress.

How do you know when you're stressed? How do you know when you have met your limit? What do you do to relieve your stress?

Have you thought about these things lately? Do you want to think about them?

Sometimes it's hard putting yourself into the patient-counselor role-play, but if you don't want to develop more serious problems with your relationships, or with your body, then why not be real with yourself about how you feel? It might be scary, but only for a moment. If thinking about stress is what is stressing you out, then you need to find a contractor near you to help you design this sunroom! It could really help. Here's how.

Ways to Healthily Deal With Stress

Life likes to throw things at us when we aren't exactly prepared, but that's how we grow, right? Those are the times that we are tested to handle a bit more than maybe we would have put on our shoulders. We get pushed to our limits, only to find out that our limit can be pushed!

So, when you are in the midst of some trying times, it's always good to know the ways to handle stress, to actually lessen the pain and discomfort.

Here are a few ways that you can cope with stress, and a sunroom might just come in handy. Take a look!

1. There's a difference between saying the words, "I am fine. It is okay." And actually believing and living out those convictions. It is easy to tell a lie, but difficult to live one. Don't lie. Some people need to cry when the stakes rise, others don't. If you need to cry, and instead convince yourself you are fine then you will not only increase your stress, but you'll be putting a halt on how your body releases stress hormones. If you say you are fine, and don't want to cry then how will you release the stress? Find a way. Whether that is by talking to someone or through a form of exercise. Get it out, but do it healthily.
2. If you are a thinker and you want to figure everything out, and will stress-out until you have the answers, it might just be best for you to set goals in other areas so you feel you are accomplishing something. You get your self-worth through problem solving. Give yourself another problem to solve.
3. Do you believe in a higher power? No matter where you are at spiritually, a form of meditation is a great way to de-stress your body and mind. You can even do this while stretching, or doing yoga. Try to get past your issue that is going on, and make sure your body and mind believe that you can handle the situation. If not, you're going to burst.
4. Find a hobby that allows you to just relax, and enjoy life outside the issue. Life is still going on outside your issue. Believe that you're going to get through. If your actions don't agree with your words, something is off. You don't want to be off.

De-stress in Your Sunroom

So you need some space for yourself. You love to read, it helps you relax. You want a place that has a lot of natural lighting, to lift your spirits, but you don't want to deal with other people. Sounds like you want to de-stress in your very own sunroom!

A sunroom is different from an addition. It can be whole lot less expensive, is not fully developed as an addition, and it's more of a place for retreat instead of a place to have a retreat! Although designers always have new gadgets and designs to make sunrooms, or any room, more appealing; this does not mean it has to be as furnished as an addition. Remember, a sunroom is a great space to receive some natural lighting, and relax. Take a load off.

How would you make use of your sunroom? Would you make it a nursery for plants? Or, maybe you could have a TV and a yoga mat and get down to the yoga routine you've always wanted. A sunroom would be a great place to have tea time, to invite your girlfriends over for a book club-- the possibilities are endless. So what is holding you back?

Find a Contractor Near You

Finding a New York sunroom designer is not as difficult as you would think. There is one company that outshines the rest, Premier Sunrooms and Basement Solutions.

Samantha Walton currently works as a web content writer for home improvement sites, and a New York sunroom designer. She's a college graduate with a B.A. in communication and a concentration in public relations. She's aspiring to one day further her education with a seminary degree. Her experience ranges from internships in marketing and public relations, content writing for local television broadcasts, to writing and editing newsletters, fliers, and other content for her local church.

Premier will help develop your custom sunroom, and with a strong team of engineers, your sunroom will be designed to last. If you're searching for a long-lasting investment for your home, choose Premier to design a beautiful and comfortable sunroom just for you. Their sunrooms are certified and meet all building codes, and for all climates.

Contact them today for a free estimate for your custom New York sunroom design. Premier offers western New York sunrooms to areas including Rochester, Auburn, Elmira, Geneseo, Hornell, Ithaca, Lyons, Penn Yan, and many areas nearby.

Article Source: http://ping.fm/LnYfo

Front Yard Improvements: Patio Design 101

Your home is a place where you can feel comfortable and serene, that is, when your needs are met. If you’re selling your home or just wanting to make some home improvements, a great place to start is with the front of your house.

Updated your front yard patios, decks, or porches is becoming ever-the-more resourceful and prevalent. Because of their beauty and functionality, any homeowner can relate to the endless possibilities.

Some Front Yard Patio Options

What do you want from your patio? A patio can serve many needs; the important thing is to pinpoint your need.

Is your yard inundated with natural light? As much as you love the sun, sometimes it's a bit of a burden, especially when there's nowhere to get some shade. Well, if it's shade you need, then you should consider purchasing a retractable awning.

Retractable Awning

A retractable awning is a great convenience for homeowners because of its versatility and money saving attributes.

Don't be held back if you have a patio or porch in your front yard. Did you know you can have the convenience of an addition, without the expense and mess of actually adding one? By simply choosing and having your favorite retractable awning installed, your patio can transform from a sun-scorched good idea, into a shaded and comfortable outdoor space.

You don't have to retreat to the indoors when the heat of the sun gets too much to bear, simply open up your awning and enjoy the shade. Oh, and you won't have to worry about taking it apart and storing it during the winter. Just be sure that the awning is retracted and secured to the home during the cold months.

When you choose the right awning for your patio, your neighborhood won't be able to contain its excitement. You'll be a trendsetter.

You may be wondering how the whole retractable system even works. It's a logical question! Your awning can be controlled manually, form a wireless remote, or a motor system.

Some More Options

Do you want to add to your porch, deck, or patio without spending the money to add an addition? Have you seen beautifully remodeled screened-in porches, decks, or patios and wonder how you can afford such an addition? Well, all you have to do is invest in a screen room, and you'll fall in love with your home all over again. A little change can go a long way.

Screen Rooms

Whether you want to improve the appearance or functionality of your porch, deck, or patio, there's a way that your front yard can become more beautiful and the inside of your home can have room to expand.

A screen room can be the insulated room you have always wanted. It's more than just an enclosed space; it's taking an ignored part of your home and turning it into a place of affluence. You won't have to worry about the pesky bugs or being disturbed by the elements; you will be safe and sound in your new screen room.

If you want more details about these home improvements, then you must find a contractor near you. Be sure to do your homework so that you find the contractor who really cares and can provide the best solution to your problems.

For a respectable contractor who works well with patio design in Pittsburgh, contact Total Basement Finishing of Pittsburgh. It's your local TBF dealer who specializes in basement finishing, sunrooms and Pennsylvania patio installation. For your free quote, contact them today at: 1-800-707-6594.

By Samantha Walton
http://ping.fm/u2tkb

Stone Foundation Maintenance and Repair

A stone foundation is often one of the most noticeable features on an historic house. Its natural beauty remains visible long after the original siding, windows and doors have been replaced. Stone foundations were the most commonly used foundations in the U.S. up until around 1915 or so, when concrete block and poured concrete began to take over.

The style and quality of a stone foundation depend on two factors: the type of native stone available and the mason’s skill and background. German, Italian, Dutch and other European countries all contributed their share of masons to the U.S., so it’s not surprising to find so many different styles of stonework across the country. But stone foundations can be divided into two basic types.

A cut stone foundation (sometimes referred to as ashlar masonry) features square-edged stones that are laid up in successive courses, with staggered joints and little or no mortar between stones. The outside face of a cut stone foundation can be smooth or textured. A rubble stone foundation is made up of naturally shaped stones in a variety of sizes. Sometimes this type of foundation is "coursed," or laid in rough courses. It can also be "uncoursed," with no pattern to the placement of individual stones. Either way, a rubble stone foundation will have fairly thick mortar joints to fill the spaces between stones.

Since old-fashioned lime-based mortars didn’t have the strength, durability or adhesive qualities of modern mortars, old-time masons were forced to rely on gravity to hold stones in place. As a result, many stone foundations have remained strong and stable even as their original mortar crumbles away. But sooner or later this gradual deterioration must be corrected if major structural problems are to be avoided. Here are some of the maintenance and repair issues which typically need to be addressed by a foundation repair specialist.

- Control moisture. This is usually the first task with an old stone foundation. Moisture that moves through the foundation can cause mortar to deteriorate; water can even displace and dislodge stones as it freezes and thaws. It’s critical for roof runoff and surface water to be directed away from foundation walls. A foundation repair contractor will typically suggest several strategies (improved gutters, perimeter drains and ground that slopes away from the structure) to keep water away from the masonry.

- Seal dirt floors. If the basement or crawlspace floor is dirt, the foundation specialist may recommend sealing the floor to control moisture and also limit occupants’ exposure to radon gas that naturally emanates from the soil. A dirt-floor crawl space is typically "encapsulated" with plastic vapor barriers installed on the floor and up the foundation walls. A dirt-floored basement is often finished off with a poured-concrete floor installed over a plastic vapor barrier.

- Repaint and repair walls. Deteriorated mortar needs to be replaced to maintain a stone foundation’s structural integrity. Outside the house, where mortar is visible, it may be important to make these repairs with an old-fashioned, lime-based mortar that matches the appearance of the old mortar. Inside, foundation repair contractors often choose to use stronger modern mortars.

- Repair, reinforce and/or replace piers, posts & beams. In older houses, the post-and-beam system used to support floor joists was often poorly constructed compared to current standards. Bringing this system up to date can involve installing new concrete pads or footings, replacing old posts with pressure-treated posts, and reinforcing or replacing beams with new material. As this work is done, floor sections that have sagged are often jacked back to level.

Do you need foundation repair in Ontario? Contact Foundation Supportworks of Ontario for your free foundation repair estimate.

By Samantha Walton
Published: 7/27/2010

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How to Avoid the Top 5 Basement Waterproofing Mistakes

Avoid making the top 5 mistakes when waterproofing your basement with these helpful tips.
Waterproofing a damp basement can be a scary task to undertake - especially if you don't do it every day. There is a lot of information to know and many decisions to make. Be sure to avoid common waterproofing mistakes with these helpful tips.

1. Avoiding the problem
Are your personal belongings heaped in a dry spot in your otherwise wet basement? If this is your best strategy to getting a dry basement, there is a long way to go. Many people purposely don't go into their basement; ignorance is bliss, after all. The big problem with avoiding your wet basement problem is that over time mold, mildew and other creatures will live down there. The reason this is a big problem (besides being gross) is that it will slowly eat away at your home's wood structure. This won't bring your house crashing down right away, but it does create problems that become much more expensive to fix later on. And it can give you, your kids and pets allergies and other health symptoms, too.

2. Throwing in a sump pump
Many homeowners have had bad experiences with sump pumps because they may have tried to install one in the basement before. This usually involves jack hammering the concrete floor, a muddy sump pump pit, water everywhere and a lot of frustration.

The reason for the frustration is usually because it's a stressful situation unless you're a basement waterproofer and you're probably out of your comfort zone by a mile. You can install a sump pump by yourself, but professionals do it every day so they know what the best pumps to use are, what kind of liner or "pit" to use, where the discharge should go, etc. This will make your sump pump last as long as possible, so you get the most for your money.

3. I'm moving soon anyway
If you're like me, when you're buying a house you may scrutinize every little thing. That means you'll probably notice if a home's basement is damp, has puddles or even more water in it. No one wants to buy a house in this condition because they know that they'll have to spend money and time to fix the problem. That's really not a bonus when buying a house - it's a big deal to buyers.

By getting your wet basement dried out before you sell your home, you're sending buyers a signal with your actions that you took care of the house well and it's worth more money than if you hadn't. Plus, it's more convenient for buyers because they don't have to dry the basement out.

4. Having a wimpy dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers are a must in any basement or crawl space. They help prevent humid conditions that allow mold and mildew to thrive in your basement and they keep the air comfortable and dry. The thing is, not all dehumidifiers are created equal.

Dehumidifiers have cold coils in them that help condition (wring moisture out of) the air. In dehumidifiers you get at your local home improvement store, the cold coils are small. As a result, the machine dehumidifies the air, but only to a certain point.

If the cold coil is small and wimpy, then it can’t dehumidify all the air that is passing over it. Much air passes through with moisture still in it. The bucket on the dehumidifier can only hold so much water coming out of the air. Your basement may get somewhat drier, but it probably won't be dry enough. (This is especially true of larger homes, which then have larger basement areas to dry out.) What this means to you as a homeowner is there is still a possibility that mold and mildew can be living in your basement and home.

The way to avoid this is to get a high capacity and efficient dehumidifier. The cold coil on this dehumidifier is much larger than regular, residential dehumidifiers. That means... you guessed it... it dehumidifies a lot more air at one time, until the space reaches the level of humidity set.

Look for a dehumidifier that uses a lot less electricity than the home improvement store models. That's more money in your wallet in electric costs. Plus, certain industrial dehumidifiers almost double the amount of water they can take out of the air over their counterparts and also drain automatically, with no bucket to empty. That sounds like a win-win situation to me!

5. Not calling a professional sooner
Whatever your reason for not calling in a professional sooner, some basement waterproofers are experts in their field for a reason - they waterproof each and every day with the best products and services available. That gives them plenty of experience, tips and knowledge that the rest of us do not have. When you call a responsible basement waterproofer to dry out your basement, you may literally sleep better because you know you're in good hands and your wet basement problems are under control. So why not call a responsible basement waterproofing company in your area today?

To find a responsible Kalamazoo basement waterproofing expert, contact Ayers Basement Systems today. They will dry out your basement and address any concerns you may have about your home. And they will do it the right way the first time.
By Marianne Snyder
Published: 7/27/2010

The Top 8 Ways to Choose a Good Basement Finishing Contractor (And Weed Out the Bad Ones)

Most people know that general contractors overall don't have a great reputation. As an industry, there seem to be more bad contractors than good ones. Many times, there's no real way to tell if the contractor's going to do what they say, until you sign up with them and then hold your breath. They say they're going to solve your problem and do it right but will they really?

1. Ask for references
Any good basement remodeling contractor will have references. And not one reference from their cousin Sally but good, reliable references. There should be a good number of references from various customers within their service area. This shows that their customers really do like the work they do. Tip: make sure the references are proportional to the number of years the company's been in business. For example, if the business is only 3 years old but they have 3,000 references already, that seems a little fishy. That's a high number of basements to finish in a very small amount of time and it just doesn't make sense.

2. Avoid high pressure sales tactics
Many contractors send their salesmen and women to your home and then it begins - the dreaded guilt-tripping and high-pressure sales tactics to make a commission off of you. A respected basement finishing company knows that pressuring you to buy basement finishing products is not the way to gain your trust or business.

Notice if the salesperson answers all of your questions or if they try to gloss over your concerns. Not addressing your concerns tells you that they don't really have a good answer and they want to hide from the issue. Even if they don't have the answer, a good salesperson will get an answer for you, even if it's later that day or week.

3. Licenses and BBB Rating
Ask for the contractor's building licenses to be sure they have all the paperwork necessary to finish basements in the area. Many hacks can just pick up a hammer and nails but only licensed contractors will have both the necessary paperwork and skills to show they are official.

Asking for their rating with the Better Business Bureau is also vital because it will tell you how the company handles complaints and overall how the company interacts with their customers. Ratings range from A+ to F but in the BBB anything less than a B+ is pretty unsatisfactory and is a warning sign that the company may not be one you want to do business with.

4. Timeliness
Keep an eye on the clock when you have an appointment with your salesperson or technicians. Notice if they're usually on time or if they saunter in a long time after the promised time window. This shows how much the company cares about your time or not.

5. Written estimates
Getting a written estimate before any work is done is crucial. It is the contract that holds the contractor and you to the work agreed upon. To avoid any confusion or misunderstandings, go through the estimate with the contractor and ask any questions you have. Do not hold back because you're embarrassed. Chances are the contractor has heard your questions/concerns before and it's not a big deal to voice your concerns. It's better to air your questions now than when work has already begun and it's too late.

6. Transferable Warranties
Many basement finishing contractors feature transferable warranties and these are invaluable when finishing your basement. What this means is that when you sell your home, the warranties on the basement finishing system will be transferred to the new owners. This is a value-added aspect you can offer when selling your home and can be a great leg to stand on to ask for more money during the sale of your home.

Another important thing to check is whether or not the products have warranties at all. Many companies do not offer warranties on their products because they know they may not stand the test of time. This shows little faith and quality of product so why should you put that in your basement? Look for warranties to make sure the materials going into your home are the best around.

7. Waterproof materials
Remodeling your basement is something you want to do once - not two or three times. Finishing the basement with waterproof materials ensures that you won't have to do it again, like you would have to do if you used drywall. Find out if the materials the contractor is going to use are made of organic materials or if they are inorganic. Inorganic materials resist mold growth so that's what you want to finish your basement with.

8. Community leaders
Many successful companies are true leaders in their communities. Check if they are regularly featured in local charity events, parades and other events in the area. Many really good companies are involved and are real leaders in their towns. They are less likely to rip you off because they know people talk around town.

These tips will help you get the finished basement you've dreamed of, and help you avoid bad contractors. For great contractors and basement remodeling in Pennsylvania, contact Appleby Systems. They service State College to York, Harrisburg to Allentown and Pottsville to Waynesboro. Get their free basement finishing estimate today.

For a basement remodeling contractor in Pennsylvania, contact Appleby Systems. Marianne Snyder writes about home improvement topics like basement remodeling, basement and crawl space repair, and home energy audits.

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