Basement waterproofing and crawl space repair in CO

May Links Mold Prevention, Asthma and Allergies

Tue, May 15 2012, 00:00:00 -500

It’s Time to Raise Awareness in Your Area.

The month of May, set aside as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, is peak season for asthma and allergy conditions making it the perfect time to educate homeowners about mold prevention and the critical part it plays in controlling these diseases.

Molds are microscopic organisms that thrive in damp, dark conditions just like those found in basements and crawl spaces. These mold spores can feed on organic matter such as dust, dirt, insulation, and drywall. As mold spore populations explode in a matter of hours and become airborne, they mix with the natural bottom-to-top air flow in a house, and are in the very same air families are breathing. The unhealthy air creates and aggravates asthma and allergy reactions.

To avoid this from occurring, the best defense is moisture and mold prevention; that begins with dry conditions in the basement and crawl space. The importance of dry and low humid environments cannot be stressed enough as the way to fight mold and its aftermath of asthmatic and allergic symptoms. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends maintaining a humidity level below 50% for crawl spaces to prevent water condensation on building materials. A level of between 30% and 50% is suggested for the home itself.

One of the key ingredients in a moisture control system is the dehumidifier being used in the basement and crawl space. Choose and use one carefully. The space first should be sealed off from outside air; a dehumidifier will not work effectively in a vented space. For ease of use, choose one that is self-draining so daily monitoring of the captured water is unnecessary. For energy cost savings and efficiency, be sure the dehumidifier you select is sufficiently powerful to get the job done.

A moisture control system, of course, means a comprehensive plan for the home and can include basement waterproofing, crawl space repair, sump pump installation, foundation repair, and radon testing and mitigation. Obtaining customized solutions specific to your home is the best route to pursue, assuring the health of your family every month of the year.

Complete Basement Systems is the local basement and crawl space contractor servicing Denver, Littleton, Aurora and surrounding towns. They are part of a national network of more than 300 basement waterproofing specialists with access to the highest quality products and services.

Colorado Drought Causing Settling Foundations for Homeowners

Fri, May 11 2012, 00:00:00 -500

The recent drought, encompassing 98% of Colorado, has left many homeowners with cracking basement walls and shifting, uneven floors. These symptoms are the results of minimal water in the soil underneath and around homes.

According to climatologist at Colorado State University, "...drought levels range from D1, or "moderate", to D3, or "extreme". The Texas drought from last summer is also still affecting Colorado. A newer area of D2, or "severe", drought has recently been added to the Yampa/White Basin in northwestern Colorado because of insufficient snow pack this season as well."

Colorado is in need of the snow pack because it provides vital water for homes and businesses throughout the state. This depletion calls for the conservation of water so that residents will have ample water for recreation, reservoirs, and irrigation throughout the rest of the year.

These drastic conditions should be a red flag to Colorado homeowners to make sure their basement and crawlspaces are properly waterproofed. As the soil begins to shrink away from their foundation because of the lack of rain, this allows for shifting and splitting making small cracks where water can easily seep in. Stabilizing foundation walls that may be cracking, buckling, or bowing can be achieved with the patented and warranted wall anchors, I-beam braces, foundation piers, or crawl space jack posts offered at Complete Basement Systems.

We will come up with a comprehensive solution that keeps your house safe and secure no matter what the conditions are.

The installation of our unique waterproofing system is another system that will keep your basement dry and livable when rain and moisture is a problem. It's always better to be ready for anything than deal with a disaster that ruins your home and valuables in the future.

The basement and foundation experts at Complete Basement Systems have the tools and expertise to make your foundation solid and waterproof your basement before any problems occur or they get worse. If you are dealing with foundation settling in Ft. Collins, CO, contact us today for more information and a free estimate!

The Benefits Of Hiring A Professional Basement Waterproofer

Fri, May 11 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Why Hire A Waterproofing Contractor To Fix Your Wet Basement?

1. Regain A Floor Of Space In Your Home

Whether you're using your basement as storage or are planning on finishing it into additional living space, waterproofing the space will help you reclaim a substantial amount of usable space.

If a basement is worth having, then it's certainly worth it to make the space into a usable area. Basement flooding can lead to a series of expensive problems over the years, as appliances, utilities, and everything in the area is gradually destroyed by flooding water.

Conversely, a complete waterproofing system can be installed in a single day. When it's provided complete with a battery backup system, your space becomes reliably dry and ready for storage. The installation crew can do all the work, remove all the debris, and provide you an annual service plan - so you know your system is maintained in working order.

2. Create A Healthier Living Space

Moisture means humidity, and humidity means mold. As mold grows on everything in the space, it will damage personal property and create an ugly space.

More importantly, this mold will release allergenic and potentially toxic spores into the air, which will then be carried upstairs via the natural air movement in the building (commonly referred to as the "stack effect"). All mold spores are allergenic - even dead spores - and can hang in the air for days.

In extreme cases, thousands of mold spores may be present in a single cubic centimeter of air. A human breathes in 10-12 cubic meters of air each day, and it only takes 2-3 mold spores to cause an allergic reaction.

What is the likelihood of a resident having a mold allergy? Approximately 50% of homes have at least one resident with allergies - and 90% of individuals with allergies show mold spore sensitivity.

They key to eliminating mold is to dry the space out - mold needs relative humidity levels of 60% or higher to thrive. Waterproofing, sealing, and dehumidifying the space is a surefire way to address a mold issue and keep it under control in the future.

3. Restore Value To Your Home

Nobody wants a wet basement! And while you're stuck with your basement, home buyers have a choice. To entice them to consider the purchase, a homeowner will generally have to discount the home by 10% of its value or more.

In less common cases, a realtor may arrange a waterproofer to visit the home and write a proposal for the work to be done. In this case, the seller will often either agree to discount the home by the value of the waterproofing system, or will offer to waterproof the home before selling it to them. This is a great compromise all around.

However, if this is your plan, why not just waterproof the space now, and enjoy the benefits of a waterproofing system in the months, years, or decades before you sell your home? Many waterproofers offer a written warranty that can be transferred to the next homeowner at the time of sale - so you'd still have that selling edge.

http://www.articlemayhem.com/Art/515081/92/The-Benefits-Of-Hiring-A-Professional-Basement-Waterproofer.html

Foundation Engineers' Lunch and Learn

Wed, May 2 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Today is the first Wednesday in May and we are hosting a Lunch and Learn for engineers to come and learn the benefits of our foundation systems such as our helical piers. We provided some yummy BBQ from a local restaurant. Jeff Kortan, PE of Foundation Supportworks, Inc. in Omaha, NE is sharing his vast knowledge today via webinar. Jeff will go over new innovations in the business of foundation repair and explain the benefits of using Complete Basement Systems products.

Colorado State Environmental Radon Video

Wed, March 14 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Learn about the dangers of radon gas inside your home in this 2006 video produced by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Click here for the state Radon video

Slashes Slated for U.S. Radon Protection Program

Fri, March 9 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Proposed 2012 budget cuts of $2 million to the radon program of the Environmental Protection Agency threaten to drastically reduce the effectiveness and awareness of radon gas safety in our society. Additional budget cuts proposed for fiscal year 2013 would affect the State Indoor Radon Grants program and regional oversight efforts.

Because radon gas is invisible in daily life, heightened education and awareness programs are all the more critical to safe guard the population. Longer term exposure can unknowingly result in severe health problems including cancer. Since the 1988 Indoor Radon Abatement Act passed by the Federal government, progress has been encouraging. Imposing these budget cuts would undermine that progress and the law’s mission.

Groups are rallying their efforts and constituents to reverse the proposed cuts in spending. The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) and Cancer Survivors Against Radon (CanSAR) are among them. Contacting Congressional representatives is one of the best ways to express opposition to the cutbacks. Voices must be heard; health and safety risks can be averted.

The National Radon Defense (NRD) is a network of radon professionals dedicated to delivering the highest quality radon measurement and mitigation services. All members are carefully selected and participate in extensive, on-going training ensuring customers quality solutions and value pricing. The NRD is the world’s most trusted source in the radon measurement and mitigation services industry.

As a member of the National Radon Defense network, Complete Basement Systems of CO strictly adheres to their guidelines for service, workmanship, and reliability. They are ready to answer any questions about radon in the home, test and monitor radon gas on the premises, and provide results and solutions specifically designed for the house. The process is simple, fast, and accurate.

Complete Basement Systems of CO specializes in radon mitigation in Denver and other surrounding areas. Visit them online to set up a radon mitigation estimate.

Radon Gas Alert for Every Parent of School-age Children - MSNBC Today!

Mon, March 5 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Are Your Children at Risk? Watch the Video.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

A new investigative report has aired on the MSNBC Today Show sounding the alarm about the occurrence of radioactive radon gas in our nation’s schools, affecting thousands of children. The report identifies a reluctance of many schools to conduct radon gas tests, perhaps fearing the results. But radon gas testing, in schools and homes, saves lives.

Quoted in the report, Bill Fields, highly respected in the radon field, says that exposure to radon gas causes more deaths than any other environmental hazard. He compares it to the proven and documented dangers of smoking.

Lack of money, the report goes on to say, is often cited as one of the reasons school districts don’t test; federal law also does not require them to test for radon gas.

Essential viewing for everyone, this important video presents the facts and dangers of radon gas in schools and homes, and goes in depth about what school districts are doing and not doing, the EPA, and stories of victims.

The National Radon Defense is a network of radon professionals dedicated to delivering the highest quality radon measurement and mitigation services. Members are carefully selected and participate in extensive, on-going training ensuring customers quality solutions and value pricing. This network is the nation’s trusted source of radon measurement and mitigation services available.

As a member of the National Radon Defense network, we strictly adhere to their guidelines for service, workmanship, and reliability. We are ready to answer questions about radon in the home, test and monitor radon gas on your premises, provide results, and suggest solutions specifically designed for you. The process is simple, fast, and accurate.

Complete Basement Systems of CO specializes in radon mitigation in Denver, CO. Visit us online for a radon mitigation quote.

Heavy Snowfall in Denver May Lead to Foundation Cracking

Tue, February 7 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Aurora, CO – The Denver area was hit with a massive snowstorm this past weekend. The brunt of the storm began on Thursday night and fell through Saturday.

Over a foot of snow fell in the metro Denver area, which broke an 103-year-old record of the most snowfall, as well as two other Denver snowfall records.

Winters like this are known to cause foundation problems further down the road due to the foundation compacting and expanding with the changing temperature. This can cause foundation cracking, as well as foundation heaving. Foundation heaving occurs when your foundation or slab floor is moving upwards. This could lead to cracks in the walls and floors of your home.

If you are experiencing any foundation cracks in Denver, CO call in the experts at Rod Martin’s Complete Basement Systems. They provide free foundation repair estimates in Colorado.

Complete's Prichard Helps Rows For a Cure

Mon, January 30 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Anthony Prichard, (inspector and system design specialist at Complete Basement Systems in Denver, CO) and his daughter, Taryn compete in “The Row for the Cure”, an annual indoor rowing competition designed to raise money and awareness for breast cancer.

The indoor regatta competition consisted of several different lengths and age groups. All competing on 8, ‘Concept 2’ rowing machines.

Anthony, placed 2nd in two different categories. With a time of 6:39 in the 2000 meters and a time of 1:26.2 in the 500 meters. Taryn Prichard competed for her second year in a row and placed 2nd among all kids ages 8 – 12. Prichard and Prichard, compete every year and say; “It’s a great way to stay in shape in the winter time when it’s too cold to go outside” We belong to Kinetic Fitness Studio in Cherry Creek and were the trainers always encourage members to row.

Sump Pump Discharge Guidelines

Fri, January 27 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Sump pump into the sewer line?

That's a big no-NO!

But it's easier and its just water right?

What would happen if everyone discharged their sump pump water into the municipal waste water system?

What would happen every time it rained outside? It would over run the capacity of the treatment plant and raw sewage would run into the local streems and rivers. . . This hurts the environment and that is why it is written into the building code.

Most plumbers take the easy way, and recommend sewer line discharge because they don't want to do the extra work of running the discharge line out of the house and into the yard. The right thing to do, the legal thing to do is to run your discharge line away from the house towards a downward sloping grade.

Last week I encountered a disaster caused by the sump pump discharging into the sewer system. I arrived to the vacant house with water gushing out of the toilette. Every time the sump pump would go on the water would shoot out of the toilette like a geyser. After the sewer snaker un-plugged the drain line this is what he found!

Yet another reason to just do the right thing and properly run the sump pump extraction line out of the house!

Melting Wood Beams

Tue, January 24 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Sagging wood beams

It looks like the wood is melting over the support columns. Crawl spaces are notoriously damp and humid spaces and are susceptible to excess moisture and dampness which makes a crawl space the perfect environment for mold to grow and wood rot.

According to the University of Illinois Small Homes Council, as much as 18 gallons of water per day can evaporate into a crawl space under a 1000-sq.-ft, house. Even if your dirt crawl space seems dry and dusty, the soil may be pulling in moisture that can rot wood floor joist and can cause beams and joists to weaken.

What’s the best way to fix the problem?

#1. The crawlspace must be converted from a vented crawlspace into an encapsulated, humidity controlled crawlspace. This vapor barrier, traps the water vapors that evaporate from the earth.

#2. In order to control the relative humidity, the vents must be closed off and the air must be supplied with warm dry air just like the rest of the house. Now the wood framing and flooring will dry out and improve the structural integrity of the house.

The permanent solution for structure support are adjustable , steel SmartJack columns.

Why Should I Finish My Colorado Basement?

Mon, January 23 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Basements are, unfortunately, often the most overlooked and neglected part of a home. In many Denver residences, basements are simply used as a storage space. Yet with a little work, they can be much, much more!

Imagine walking downstairs to your basement and, instead of seeing a dark, damp, musty room, you find a bright, dry, beautiful room that can be used as a children's play area, extra bedroom, man cave, workout room or home theater! The remodeled basement of your dreams is possible. Simply call a basement finishing contractor in Denver to get started!

Why Choose Basement Finishing?

There are several reasons to remodel your basement. Many Denver homeowners choose basement finishing in order to increase usable square footage in their home. If your family is expanding, you may need an extra bedroom. If you've picked up a freelance job or are starting your own business, a quiet and private home office may be needed. Perhaps your New Year's resolution to get in shape could be made much easier with an easily-accessible home gym. Whatever your reason for basement finishing, remodeling a musty unused basement into a dry, up-to-date space always pays off!

When you finish your basement you are using the space you already have wisely. Building an addition can be very expensive, so why pay more to add space to your home when you already have space in your basement? Finishing your basement will cost you a fraction of what an addition will cost. Transforming that dark, damp space will do wonders for your heath and your homes value.

A common motive behind Denver basement finishing is health reasons. Basements are often damp, humid spaces where mold and mildew quickly spread. Due to health concerns, this is a problem that should be taken care of immediately by a certified Denver basement contractor. Sealing basement cracks, replacing leaky windows, ensuring a proper drainage system, installing a self-draining dehumidifier, and/or waterproofing basement walls and floors can do wonders for a basement, as well as the indoor air you breathe.

Many homeowners consider basement finishing a simple way to increase a home's value. If you're looking to sell your home in the near future (or right now), you'll probably have a difficult time doing so if the basement is moldy, damp, and generally unpleasant or unusable. A finished basement, on the other hand, can drastically increase a home's resale value and quicken the often frustrating process of selling a home.

An Investment that will Last a Lifetime

Basement finishing has become very popular in recent years. This may be due to the many different finishing options and warranties. The best contractors will provide long term warranties on the products they install as well as eco-friendly options. When finishing your basement be sure to use products that are water proof and non-organic. Organic products, like wood and many kinds of carpet, will support mold and mildew growth. The best contractors will use products that are waterproof, durable, and easy to install.

Complete Basement Systems of CO specializes in basement finishing in Denver and other surrounding areas including Aurora, Boulder, or Fort Collins. Create a dry, healthy, and usable basement that you and your family can enjoy for decades to come. If you're planning to put your home on the market, get an excellent return on investment by remodeling the lower level of your home. Whatever your reason, contact a Denver basement finishing contractor to receive your free estimate and design consultation today.

Galvanized Steel

Fri, January 20 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Galvanization = Applying protective zinc to steel to prevent rusting.

For a century, zinc has enhances the longevity & performance of steel.

Zinc coatings provide the most effective and economical way of protecting steel against corrosion.

Corrosion must have two things to occur:

1.) There must be two points (anode & cathode) ona metal structure with different electrical potential and these two points must be electrically connected to complete the circuit.

2.) There must be an electrolyte to carry the current, and for the below ground pier applications, moisture in the soil serves this purpose. In crawlspaces, high humidity and condensation serves this purpose. Zinc protects with both a physical barrier and a cathodic action.

Barrier Protection

Zinc coatings provide a continuous, impervious metallic barrier that does not allow moisture to contact steel. Without direct moisture contact, there is no corrosion. Barrier life is proportional to coating thickness.

Cathodic Protection

Another outstanding protection mechanism is zinc’s remarkable ability to galvanically protect steel. When bare steel is exposed to moisture, such as at a cut edge or surface scratch, steel is protected by the sacrificial loss of zinc in the vicinity of the exposed steel. In the immediate presence of zinc, steel will not corrode until all the zinc has been sacrificed. This is particularly important in comparison to coated steel since corrosion will continually undercut both aluminum or paint barrier coatings Zinc is a metallic chemical element; it has the symbol Zn and atomic number 30. It is the first element in group 12 of the periodic table. Because its ion is of similar size and its only oxidation state is at a +2, it is easily oxidized when connected to the cathode minerals in the earth

Free One-Hour CEU Course next month!

Mon, January 9 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Basement Systems of Colorado is Offering a FREE 1-hour 1-credit CEU Course on Helical Pier Installations!

When: February 1st, 12:30 p.m.

Where: 3250 Quentin Street Ste. 104, Aurora, CO 80011

Jeff Kortan will be joining us live from Omaha to discuss important 'need-to-know' aspects when recommending helical pier applications. Lunch will be served by Basement Systems of Colorado, so get there early to grab some food!

There will be limited seating (for 16) so please call the office to reserve your place: (303) 805-8751, ask for Nola or Brandy.

Weather Patterns a concern for Metro Denver & surrounding areas

Thu, January 5 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Colorado Deals with Wild Weather and Aftermath

Aurora, CO

– Recap of 2011 weather patterns a concern for metro Denver residents for 2012

This year fast mountain snowmelt, and rising river waters including wild May weather made for a wet month in the metro Denver area.

Memorial Day marked a high-point in water levels as a rapid snowmelt began to come off area mountains. The week was followed with hard rains that taxed area rivers and started flooding lowlands. Denver's International Airport saw a funnel cloud with hail form while planes were landing nearby.

By mid-June many of Colorado's rivers, including Cherry Creek and the Cache La Poudre rivers, were flowing at 2 to 3 times their normal capacity for the month with more rain on the way. Metro Denver residents were on the look-out for flash flooding.

Currently there has been more snow to date this year 2011 than all of last year combined! This translates to more water in your basement and or crawl space come spring. Water tables in Colorado have been rising over the past 3 years marking record water levels.

Like the deep end of a pool, Hydrostatic pressure pushes water through what is called the cold joint in your basement. This is where the concrete walls and concrete floor meet, or in a crawl space situation hydrostatic pressure pushes ground water table up and it comes in underneath the house.

Water can bi-pass your exterior or interior French drain system because they tend to clog after only 1-2 years time.

For residents with basement seepage problems, Complete Basement Systems can help. They waterproof basements, crawl spaces, and repair foundations in metro Denver, Boulder, Arvada, Highland Park, and Ft. Collins, CO areas.

Complete Basement Systems works to gain the trust of customers and continues to make positive, healthy contributions to homes through their basement waterproofing and crawl space repair and encapsulation services.

For many years they have honed their skills and employ technicians which are certified through the

Basement Systems, Inc. has been awarded 25 patents for the many unique products developed specifically to prevent basement flooding and to repair crawl spaces from damaging moisture problems. The company has won many awards and patents for their innovative products and services, including being a finalist for the Better Business Bureau's prestigious National Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics.

For more information about Complete Basement Systems or for a free crawl space encapsulation, basement waterproofing, or

Complete Basement Systems

3250 Quentin St, Suite 104
Aurora, CO 80011

800-606-6859

http://www.basementsystemscolorado.com

Created: 12/28/2011