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Author: Basement Health Association

Two Pump Books Released

Written by Basement Health Association on . Posted in Basement Waterproofing.

Pump Selection and Troubleshooting Field Guide, by American Water Works Association (AWWA),  is a handbook specially written to provide operators, engineers, and maintenance staff with a quick reference on selecting, operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining all types of pumps.

Pumps and Pump Systems, by the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) is a handbook is a valuable resource for practicing plumbing engineers that provides in-depth coverage, diagrams, illustrations and graphs for pump systems.

We are looking for a member to offer a book review for the newsletter. If interested contact melissanmorton@yahoo.com.

Six BHA Members Earn Certification

Written by Basement Health Association on . Posted in Basement Health Association.

Congratulations to BHA’s newest Certified Waterproofing Specialists!

David Rantanen, Jamison Basement Waterproofing, Inc.; Doug Lynch, A-1 Basement Solutions; Paul Carter, Intermountain Foundation Repair, Inc.; David Simon, Basement Systems of Michigan; Steve Custus, Jamison Basement Waterproofing, Inc.; and James Kitchens.

The next opportunity to take the test is in Foxwood Connecticut at the Fall Regional on October 30 and 31, 2013.

How to Determine Condensation from Water Penetration on a Wall

Written by Basement Health Association on . Posted in Basement Waterproofing, Home Humidity, Homeowner Tips.

There is a very simple test to determine whether or not the wetness on a wall is from external water penetration through the wall or from condensation depositing moisture on the wall.  If you encounter a situation where you need to determine what caused a wall to be wet you can follow the below steps:

  1. Pick a test area on the wall and take measures to adequately dry the wall.  This can be done with heaters or any other safe method that restores the area to a dry state.
  2. Once dry, take a piece of aluminum foil and tape it onto the wall in the area that you have dried.  Be sure to tape all of the sides so that you reasonably seal the air behind the foil.
  3. Leave the foil in place for at least a day and then remove it. If the moisture is on the side of the foil facing away from the wall, it is condensation. If it is on the side of the foil facing the wall, it is penetration through the wall.

How to Reduce Condensation or Dampness in the Basement

  1. Allow moisture to move out of the home when cooking or washing or drying clothes.
  2. Make sure the bathroom is ventilated to allow hot steam to exit the home after baths and showers.
  3. Insulate the basement by air sealing and installing additional insulation as needed in areas of concern.
  4. Check the basement for water penetration issues.

Understanding Condensation

Written by Basement Health Association on . Posted in Basement Waterproofing.

Understanding Condensation

Water in the basement in any form can lead to problems. This brings up the concern of condensation. What exactly is condensation?

Condensation is the conversion of water from its gaseous state into its liquid state. There is always some amount of moisture present in the air. During cold weather conditions, the moisture present in the air can condense into tiny droplets of water on surfaces. Condensation can also occur on hot, humid summer days as well.

Household activities such as cooking, washing and drying clothes can contribute to excess moisture in the air within a home.  This excess moisture can sometimes condense on surfaces and cause issues within a home or building.  An average family creates around 20 pints of water vapor per day in their home.

Additionally, damp and wet basements can add to the problem by bring greater amounts of moisture into the home, which evaporates into the air and can lead to increased condensation.

How does this impact a basement?  The moisture that forms as a result of condensation can cause rotting window frames, deterioration of substrates and mold on walls, carpets or clothes. This phenomenon is worse in areas where there is inadequate air circulation.

Common Causes of Condensation:

  1. Lack of ventilation, especially during the summers.
  2. Lack of insulation, especially during the winters.
  3. Inadequate heating in the basement.

BHA Speakers to Address Radon Pros

Written by Basement Health Association on . Posted in Basement Health Association, BHA Events.

Three BHA directors have been asked to speak at the AARST 2013 Symposium in Springfield, Ill. on September 24, 2013. This is a great opportunity for the Basement Health Association to fulfill the mission of the association to educate the public and the industries that effect the basement environment. 
The three speakers are Dan Jaggers of Cable Lock Support Services, Houston, Texas; Tom Saucier of Crawlspace Doctors, Springville, Indiana,; and Hugo D’Esposito, A.M. Shield, Albertson, New York.
Jaggers will cover sump pumps. Saucier will cover crawlspaces and safety. While D’Esposito will discuss open and closed interior drainage systems.

These are important topics to discuss relating radon and waterproofing contractors. 
Radon and waterproofing professionals often cross paths in the basement and crawlspace. The two professionals are closely related and when they don’t understand each other’s systems they often cause problems for each other and the homeowner. 
It is important for radon contractors to understand the basement waterproofing and crawlspace industry. That is why 
Beyond the importance of industry education, there is also a huge networking potential for waterproofing contractors and radon professionals. How many times does a radon professional go into a basement with water problems? Or vice versa? The two professionals can help each other with referrals. BHA encourages waterproofing contractors to attend the radon symposium, help educate radon professionals about what you do and build business relationships.
BHA members can buy a one-day pass to the Radon Symposium for $155. You can receive recertification credits for the continued education courses held at the symposium.

Register at www.bhashop.org.


New Radon Standards Lower Risk in New and Existing Multi-Family Housing

Written by Basement Health Association on . Posted in Radon.

New Radon Standards lower risk in new and existing Multi-family Housing

There are three new requirements and standards for radon testing and mitigation in regards to multi-family housing and apartment buildings.

Radon Requirements for Multifamily Housing Mortgages

The first concerns mortgage applications. HUD is now requiring a radon report for all multifamily insured mortgage applications. The report must include the results of testing and any mitigation needed. They are also requiring that all testing is done by a certified radon professional. This effort; the 2013 Advancing Healthy Housing–A Strategy for Action, is in effect as of January 31, 2013. To read or download the HUD Radon documents, go to http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=13-03hsgn.pdf

New “Code Ready” Standard for lowering radon risk in new construction

There is also a new standard for new construction to lower the risk of radon in multifamily dwellings and townhouses. RRNC 2.0 is a “code ready” standard that provides a significant improvement over the IRC Appendix F “Radon Control Methods” and is intended to replace Appendix F in the body of the building code.

RRNC 2.0 calls for:

  1. Treating all foundation types (“Rough In”).
    • Soil Gas Collection Plenum (s)
    • Piping
    • Electrical Junction Box
  2. Testing for occupancy permit.
  3. Activating system “rough in” if necessary.

Request a free, licensed copy of the RRNC 2.0 Standard at www.radonaway.com.

New National Radon Standard for mitigating multifamily housing

The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) Consortium on National Radon Standards also released a new Provisional American National Standard for radon mitigation professionals, “Radon Mitigation Standards In Multifamily Buildings.” The new document establishes preliminary standards for mitigating multifamily housing in the United States.

Prior to this document, no standards or guidance documents have existed for mitigating radon from apartments or multifamily dwellings. The intent of the standard is to reduce not only health risks associated with radon but to reduce liability for apartment managers, developers and the multifamily housing sector.

Fixing Dirt Crawlspaces: Liners or Poured Concrete

Written by Basement Health Association on . Posted in Crawl Space Waterproofing, Homeowner Tips.

Over 25 million homes in the U.S. are built over exposed dirt crawlspaces. The U.S. Department of Energy and independent building science research groups have found exposed dirt crawlspaces cause moisture problems, pests, and high energy bills.

Basically, what is under the house should be treated as part of the house. The environment under the house effects the indoor environment. Leaving the crawlspace exposed causes moisture problems such as high humidity, rotting wood floor joists, mold, mildew and pests.

If we know leaving a dirt crawlspace as is isn’t an option, you need to do something about it. Basically there are two approaches to fixing the problem: installing a plastic liner and encapsulating the crawlspace or pumping a concrete floor into the crawlspace.

While concrete may fix the aesthetic problems of exposed dirt crawlspaces, it does not fix the moisture problems. Concrete is porous meaning moisture can travel through it.

Researchers found installing a plastic liner system in the crawlspace and closing the vents is a better option to solving humidity problems. Advanced Energy’s ground-breaking research in 2005 changed the building codes regarding vented crawlspaces in North Carolina. The study proved that closed crawlspaces using a plastic liner system solves the humidity problem in crawlspaces and leads to better energy efficiency.

The Department of Energy has since adopted the new found knowledge saying a properly sealed and insulated crawlspace will save energy costs and improve comfort levels and durability of a home. It will reduce moisture, radon, and other pollutants and pests that often enter the home through an exposed dirt crawlspace.

Wisconsin Waterproofer’s Kindness Saves Cops-N-Kids

Written by Basement Health Association on . Posted in Basement Health Association, contractors.

Summary:

The $30,000 bill to fix the leaky basement would have bankrupted the nonprofit reading center, if it wasn’t for one generous waterproofing contractor.

The Basement Health Association is proud of our members. They are good, honest business people who pride themselves in customer service and integrity. Just by the work they do every day, they better the lives of the people they work with. However, every once in a while one of our members does an exceptional service.

Thinking of the good hearted BHA members we are reminded of a story from a few years ago when a member saved a charity in need.

Here is their story:

When the Cops-N-Kids Reading Center first moved into the old building, the basement was fine. But when the rains came to Racine, Wisconsin last year, Julia Witherspoon found the basement flooded.

With $30,000 worth of work needed to fix the basement, Witherspoon didn’t know what to do. “We would have had to shut our doors,” she says. “It would have all been gone.”

The nonprofit organization runs on volunteers and donations. Even the building was purchased with a grant from Oprah Winfrey and renovated by volunteers. “It would have all been for nothing if we didn’t have a basement,” Witherspoon says. “Nothing stands without a solid foundation.”

That is when she called the Basement Health Association. BHA linked Witherspoon with Brent Montry from Tri-State Basement Repair & Waterproofing, Richland Center, Wisconsin, who took on the pro bono project. “It just floored me more than anything that someone wanted my help and I was capable of doing it,” Montry says. “I’ve gotten assistance before so I was excited to return the favor.”

Montry and his crew set out to start the work on Super Bowl Sunday. Being three hours away he needed a place to stay and a crew of volunteers. “Brent said he needed bodies—30-40 people to help him so, I called the County Jail,” laughed Witherspoon. “I figured those inmates aren’t doing anything, they can help.”

Tri-State’s crew and 30 inmate volunteers worked for three days to clear out and fix the leaky basement. Montry installed 400 linear feet of an interior waterproofing system, fixed the cracked and broken concrete floor and installed a high-efficiency dehumidifier to control the moisture. “It really was nothing too extravagant,” he says. “It doesn’t seem like that big of a deal. We were happy to have this opportunity to help somebody for such a worthy cause.”

To Julia it was more than just fixing a basement. “It is deeper than that,” she says. “Brent Montry doesn’t know these kids. He doesn’t understand what he did; what he saved. He is so humble and I am so grateful for him. He never faltered. He stuck to it and our basement is beautiful today.”

Closed Waterproofing Systems are Good Choice for Finished Basements

Written by Basement Health Association on . Posted in Basement Finishing Posts, Basement Waterproofing Posts.

The EPA recommends taking care of moisture problems in the basement before you finish your basement and convert it to living space.

One of the BHA contractor members told a sad story of a customer who installed an open drainage system before he finished the basement.

Hugo D’Esposito, owner, A.M. Shield Waterproofing, Albertson, NY, recalls the experience.  “A few years ago, I visited a mold and waterproofing job we had going on in a 10-year-old house in Staten Island NY,” D’Esposito says. “After the crew removed the sheet rock in the basement they discovered an existing open drainage system that appeared to be installed at the time the house was built.  This crude system allowed for several foundation cracks to drain into an open gap in the concrete floor that led to a four inch pipe and stone system. The moisture produced from this system engulfed the foundation walls, sheet rock, studs and even the floor joists, sub floor and sill plate in a black toxic mold.”

He says the finished basement his crew was removing was built with no expenses spared. “Recessed lighting, granite bar, tile floor and a game room with vintage pinball machines,” he says. “As the homeowner and I stood outside the house watching his basement being loaded onto the back of one of our trucks he commented to me:  ‘I wish I did a closed system before I finished my basement.’”

These kinds of experiences happen all the time.  Open drainage systems cause a meridian of problems.  It is important to install a drainage system that properly takes care of the moisture problems in the basement before you finish your basement only to tear it out a few years later because of mold.

BHA Members Choose the Customer by Installing Only Closed Waterproofing Systems

Written by Basement Health Association on . Posted in Basement Waterproofing Posts, contractors.

On our sister website www.basementhealth.org, there is a forum where homeowners and contractors can talk and discuss issues within the industry.

There was a discussion about closed vs. open drainage waterproofing systems.  For decades, it was common practice to install an open drainage system.  Now, we have learned that open drainage systems are a pathway for radon and soil gases, bugs, and more moisture.  Homes with open drainage systems also tend to have more problems with mold, high humidity, iron bacteria and higher heating and cooling costs.  Stack effect pulls ground moisture and soil gases up into the living space through an open drainage system.

Some of our members shared their experiences.

Steve Andras, BHA contractor and supplier member, from Westport MA, says after 22 years of installing open channel basement drainage systems, he decided to only offer closed systems.

“This decision was not an easy one because that is the way I always done it,” he says. Andras says he came to the decision because of all the benefits the homeowner sees with a closed drainage system. “What else can I say? My vote is that all basement drainage systems be closed if we really care about our customers. Some contractors will leave the decision to the homeowner but I feel that my job after 30 years is to protect my customers from themselves. Why would I let them decide what is best for them if I am a true professional – After all my customers look to me as the expert.”

Nick LaBansky, a BHA contractor member from McFarland, WI, says once he learned that an open drainage system could lead to potential radon problems he decided to always do what was right for the customer even if it costs him the job.

“Last summer I met a family who had basement water problems along with radon,” LaBansky says.  “I quoted a closed drainage system and had a radon company quote the radon system.  Well, we lost the job to a company who offers an open drainage system and radon mitigation.  The family chose them because of price and because it would be a one stop shop. I received a call last week from the radon company I had quote the job and the family called him because the radon level was still just as high and they wished they had gone with Dry Otter.  A CLOSED system is worth every penny!!”

Another BHA supplier member, Scott Nordhoff also agrees with a closed system. “The tighter the system the easier it is to draw out the radon,” he says.  “We have also noticed a huge decrease in moisture content in the system as well as better radon draw with our closed system.”