April 2009

What Cells Form a Tough Waterproofing Material

Posted on April 27, 2009 at 12:48 pm in

The seepage of water into basements and crawl spaces is a major problem in wet and moist areas like Indiana. If you reside in such a place then you must take the right measures to save your basement from the bad effects of moisture. Those who do not take timely steps risk cracked walls, bowed walls, damaged foundation and so on. Using tough waterproofing material in the foundation, basement, and crawl spaces of your house can save you a lot of trouble later.

 

Just imagine that you want to sell your house at a premium price, but who will want to purchase it or give a good price for it if the walls of your house are bowed or cracked? Get professional foundation repair help before you try to sell your house. Companies like Indiana Foundation Services offer basement finishing services, basement waterproofing services, and foundation repair services that will help you to make your home dry and more livable.

 

Very good quality and tough waterproofing materials are being used these days for waterproofing purposes. Waterproofing materials that are flexible-polymer modified and cement-based can be used to make your home stronger and to increase its longevity. Various developments and inventions have been made in this area resulting in the better quality of basement waterproofing, water conservancy projects, municipal works, and construction engineering. These are ideal for industrial production or house building.

 

These types of cement-based waterproofing materials are more durable than other waterproofing materials. They are environmental friendly too as they hardly cause any pollution when they are produced or applied. These tough waterproofing materials are very easy and flexible to apply and can be used on a variety of base materials. They are specifically used in the outer, inner and concealed construction areas of civil engineering construction. During construction it is applied on wet surfaces or adhered to a number of cement based materials.

 

This waterproofing material gets its toughness when it is modified by polymer dispersions by mixing, kneading and calendaring. Some of the steps for making this tough waterproofing material involve:

  • Kneading polymer dispersion and a hydraulic cement or a re-dispersible powder resin or a water-soluble polymer.
  • Mixing a toughening polymer with the kneaded material.
  • The toughening polymer can be thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic resin, rubber or a mixture of all. The third step involves rolling the composition into sheets.

 

Compared to the conventional waterproofing methods like the use of painted waterproofing materials that need multiple coatings, more manpower and time, the cement based flexible polymer modified waterproofing materials are more effective and easy to manufacture and apply.

 

About Author

 

Jonathan Lester is the CEO of the foundation repair company, that provides quality basement waterproofing and repair systems. He has been enhancing his team’s technical knowledge and expertise to help serve the residents of Indiana with better basement waterproofing system.

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How to Stop Water From Leaking Into Your Home

Posted on April 27, 2009 at 12:47 pm in

Water leakage in basements is a problem that can run havoc in your life. It ultimately weakens the foundation of your home, results in cracked walls, bowed walls, damage to items like your favorite books and so on. This problem is even bigger in moist and humid areas like Indiana (USA). But you can stop your house from having severe damage if you take care of the problem quickly. There are many ways to stop water leaking in basements by using technologically advanced and innovative basement finishing products. Opting for professional foundation repair services and basement waterproofing services would be the best. If you are wondering how to get a drier and cleaner basement by stopping water leakage then read on.

 

Sometimes home inspectors will alert home owners to water leaking in your house. A home inspector can give good insight on what type of problem you are having and advise on a company that they suggest. Sometimes companies that specialize in basement waterproofing and water leakage provide free consultation services such as Indiana Foundation Services. It is always beneficial to take advice of friends, relatives and neighbors who have recently got such work done.

 

There are many ways to stop water leaking in your basement, but the solution will depend on what is causing it. Requesting the service of professional basement finishing services will give you better results and save your basement and home from future damage. Water leaking in basements can be fixed by any of the following methods:

·         Exterior Excavation

·         DryTrak

·         Negative-side Waterproofing

·         WaterGuard

·         Interior Footing Drain

A professional landscaper can also contour the ground around your home in such a manner so that the water naturally flows away from your home. A dehumidifier will help to lower the moisture level in the air in your basement. A sump pump will stop your basement from flooding.

 

When you call a professional company such as Indiana Foundation Service, they will diagnose the problem and tell you why water is coming into the homes basement or crawl space. It is possible that they need to be cleaned and put into their proper place. Gutter guards cannot stop all pollinating flowers, such as oak pollen, from getting in your gutters and clogging your system.   Is the air in your basement too damp? The grading around your house matters too. Whether water naturally pools near your house or not may be a reason for water leaking in your basement. Finding out the source of the problem leads to a good and enduring solution and that is what Indiana Foundation Service excels in.

 

About Author

 

Jonathan Lester is the CIO of the basement repair company Indiana Foundation Service, that provides quality basement waterproofing and repair systems. He has been enhancing his team’s technical knowledge and expertise to help serve the residents of Indiana with better basement waterproofing system.

1 Comment

Save Energy and Stop Mold Growth

Posted on April 14, 2009 at 11:24 am in

Save energy while getting rid of the scary things growing under your house

 

Aside from occasionally seeing a monster emerging from one in a horror movie, most people don’t think about their home’s crawl space. Even when they do, it tends to be in an “I wonder what’s growing down there?” way.

Unfortunately, there may really be things growing down there; the moisture in a crawl space can be the breeding ground for mold, fungi, radon gas, wildlife, and insects, all of which can cause musty odors and structural damage, not to mention higher utility bills. Not only can the floor above the space be damaged, but the entire house can suffer ill effects; in fact, the mold alone can become deadly to humans in a relatively short period of time.

 

The problems occur when warm air rises, bringing with it the moisture and mold spores from the air in the crawl space. Up to 40 percent of the air being breathed in the home’s first floor comes from the crawl space; obviously, a nasty space means nasty air going into your lungs.

 

Water, heat, and UV rays are the three things that can destroy the wood in your crawl space, and it’s usually difficult to get into the space in order to clean or repair the damage. Fortunately, Indiana Foundation Service can solve the problem by encapsulating the space with their patented CleanSpace system.

Since the most damaging element is water, The CleanSpace Crawlspace Encapsulation System, by Basement Systems Inc., provides a way to seal the crawl space and remove moisture from both the ground and air. This crawl space vapor barrier system involves installing a 20-mil 7-ply sandwich of high- and low-density polyethylene with polyester-cord reinforcement on the dirt or concrete floor, then epoxying it to the walls. This lining is then treated with an antimicrobial finish that protects against mold and mildew growth. It’s tough enough for service people to crawl on and safe enough for storage, and its bright white color provides an added bonus of lightening up the space.

 

If leaking or flooding is the problem, Basement Systems has several patented sump pump systems to ensure your peace of mind. They feature a built-in WaterWatch sump pump alarm system to warn you of problems before the crawl space floods. Other components of the system are a SaniDry crawl space dehumidifier, vent covers, and a crawl space door that seals off outside air and saves on your heating and cooling bills.

1 Comment

Triple Safe Quiet Sump Pump

Posted on April 14, 2009 at 11:18 am in

Sump pumps are designed differently. We are happy to install the hands down best sump pump offered in the World. The patented TripleSafe Sump Pump System has three pumps to respond to the most prevalent three problems that home owners experience with waterproofing systems that fail. Now a homeowner can finally feel safe with the complete protection of the TripleSafe system.

The three scenarios most likely to occur to any sump pump system are:

Scenario 1: If the 1st pump fails, the 2nd one takes over.

Scenario 2: If your 1st pump can’t keep up with the amount of water entering the system, then it and a more powerful 2nd pump runs at the same time – more than doubling capacity.

Scenario 3: If your power goes out, the patented UltraSump battery backup sump pump takes over – and it’s all automatic!

The battery backup sump pump included with the TripleSafe is also available as an add-on for the SuperSump. The battery sump pump uses a specially designed UltraSump battery (not an automobile or marine battery) and pump to backup the primary pump in case of power failure or other pump failure. The TripleSafe UltraSump battery backup provides you protection 24 hours a day; you can leave your home in safe hands any time. Basement systems have specially designed and manufactured the TripleSafe UltraSump battery back up pump to make it a reliable product for basement waterproofing. This has been specifically designed for our applications. When your primary pump fails because of a power outage or any other reason, the water rises and automatically turns on your TripleSafe UltraSump back-up system, which is powered by a battery specifically designed for long term standby use. When power is restored, the battery is automatically recharged for the next emergency.

 

The high-tech charging system was engineered for this purpose and adjusts the maintenance charge current based on temperature so the battery will last 10 years, instead of 1 or 2 years. Additional batteries can be added to extend battery operated pumping time as long as you desire. You can rest easy 24 hours a day knowing the UltraSump is on the job, especially when you are away from home. Its outstanding gallon per minute output, automatic electronic smart charger, and heavy duty motor and reliable switch is a winning combination. We also recommend FloodRing water containment system for around your water heater and FloodChek washer hoses to prevent flooding from these domestic water sources. The TripleSafe offers the least amount of sump pump problems you will ever experience.

2 Comments on Triple Safe Quiet Sump Pump

Sump Pump

Posted on April 14, 2009 at 11:17 am in

A sump pump prevents water from flooding into your basement. Since basement of a house is built under ground, when the soil of the ground gets saturated with rain water it can leak into the basement. And leaking in the basement can cause an enormous amount of damage. Most basements have a sump pit that is designed to collect water that leaks in. The sump pump is specially designed to remove this water accumulation from your basement without incident.

History tells us that the invention of the sump pump was first used in New England or the Great Lakes area in the north east of the United States, to eliminate the problem of basement flooding. The modern day sump pumps are usually used in new homes that include a basement and when added to the relatively older homes, the owners often see their insurance rates lowered considerably.

A sump pump is mostly used in areas that have lots of flooding, or in houses that are below the water table line. However they are useful as a precaution in any house which has a basement, since that basement is always at least partially underground.

There are two basic types of sump pumps; the submersible type and the pedestal type. The pedestal type pump is designed with the motor placed on top of the sump pump for better convenience and easy handling and because it is more visible, it will be an issue for you if your basement is decorated.

The submersible sump pump on the other hand is completely submersed in the sump pit. Its insides are completely sealed off to prevent electrical problems, but it is a little difficult to access in the event of a failure when the water is standing.

Normally, only 120v household power is required to install a sump pump. In some conditions such as an emergency, normal household power is not available. In this case, a battery backup power system that consists of a regular automobile battery and a power generator does quite well.

You should have a regular maintenance schedule of four or five years to keep your basement sump pump in dependable condition for a long time. You should also remove any kind of sand and dirt from the sump pit, otherwise, the life of components like the check valve could be unduly shortened, allowing water to flow into your basement. Always unplug the sump pump system and scoop sediments from the pit before you clean the sump pump. You can do that by using a wet or dry shop vac. Then, test the sump pump system by reconnecting any pipes removed and fill the pit with some water to make sure everything works as expected.

1 Comment

Mold | Mildew | Musty Smell Under The Home

Posted on April 14, 2009 at 11:16 am in

If you are really tired of the musty odor emitted by the mildew in your room and if the mildew odor is damaging the surfaces of your fabrics, leather and clothes, then continue reading. Here you will find ways with which you can eliminate mildew odor and all those musty smells.

·         Eliminating mildew odor from your clothes

Eliminating the mildew odor from your clothes is not a difficult task; however, you have to do it very carefully. When you are attacked by mildew odor on your clothes, just go out side of your room to an open place and simply brush off the mildew odor from your clothes. Remember! Do not scatter the mildew within your house. This will only compound the problem.

·         Eliminating the mildew odor from your house

Mildew odor can also happen within your house. It can attach itself to any of your fabrics or cloth items. The best way to eliminate the mildew odor is to wash the item with either a strong detergent or chlorine bleach. Some times, the use of such detergents and chronicle bleach is harmful to the item’s material, and in that case, you can use oxygen bleach to eliminate the mildew odor first and then wash the item later. Just make sure to read the washing instructions before you do anything to the items.

·         Eliminating the mildew odor from the non-washable items

Sometimes, the mildew odor affects an item that cannot be washed with water. In order to remove the mildew odor from the non-washable items, you need to use a dry cleaner to eliminate mildew odor instead of any liquid material. Be careful when using the dry cleaner; make sure that you read the instructions given in the item’s manual.

·         Eliminating the mildew odor from your furniture:

The mildew odor can also attack your favorite furniture. If this happens, don’t worry, as there is an easy solution to remove the mildew odor from your furniture. Move the infected furniture away from your room; take it outside along with a broom. Use the broom to brush off the mold pores. Then clean the item with a vacuum cleaner. Let the item remain in the sun for a considerable time so as to prevent further mold growth. After doing all this, if you feel that the mildew odor has not been completely removed from your furniture then sponge the furniture with a dry soap, clean it with an absorbent cloth. If the mildew odor still doesn’t go away, then the problem is very deep. It is recommended that you call a trained professional to treat your infected furniture.

2 Comments on Mold | Mildew | Musty Smell Under The Home

Foundation Repair | Indiana Foundation Contractor

Posted on April 14, 2009 at 11:14 am in

The foundation of a home serves as a means to transfer the weight of a structure to its underlying soil and rocks. Improper foundation settling is one of the factors that bring about the need for foundation repairs.

Improper foundation settlement can devalue structures and also make them unsafe. Some of the major reasons of improper foundation settling are building on expansive clay, compressive or improperly contracted fill soils and improper maintenance in and around foundations.

Foundation repair can be done in many ways. Most commonly used techniques are Cement, stone, steel or wood. People use to force them into the ground in a bid to salvage the strength of these foundations. However, this type of repair work is not very popular these days. One of the most successful ways of foundation repair is slap jacking.

Slab jacking is known as the process of adding grout beneath a slab or beam. During this process, a lifting force is produced and the beam or slab is restored to almost its original elevation adding to its strength. Another technique is called piering. In this method steel posts are driven through unstable soil. Hydraulic jacks are also used to stabilize concrete slabs that are weakened due to the changes taking place in the underlying soil. The piering method also uses steel beams because concrete has great compressive strength.

Your foundation’s strength is dependent on the soil that holds it up but if you already have foundation problems, this means the soil has proven to be unreliable. You have to install piers to help support the home from further damage. You will need to use such a type of pier that suits the nature of the soil underneath the foundation. It is the contractor who is professional enough to determine which type of pier is needed to suit the nature of soil and how deep it has to go. The piers are basically of two types; one is friction and the other is point bearing piers. The Friction piers are more dependent on the nature of soil they are surrounded with to hold it in place and the point bearing piers are dependent on the load bearing strata beneath the foundation in order to hold it in place.

The foundation repair by Indiana Foundation resolves your home foundation issues at a very low cost. You can even have a local foundation repair contractor contact you for a free estimate and inspection. All you need to do is to fill out a quick and easy form and sign up online.

1 Comment

Crawl Space Moisture

Posted on April 14, 2009 at 11:12 am in

Crawl Space Moisture can be dangerous and damaging to your home. This moisture is the cause of mold growth, musty odors, and structural damage. On top of that, insects and animals that dwell in moist environments will love a moist crawl space. Moisture ruins houses by providing a hospitable environment for mold, fungi, and insects that destroy wood framing. Crawl space moisture, and the mold and mildew that thrive in this environment can be devastating not only to the floor directly above but the entire house.

If you own a crawl space, try inspecting it. You will find out that this environment is ripe for the growth of mildew, molds and animals of all shapes and sizes. Just be careful when doing this because there is usually no easy entrance so getting into the crawl space alone can be dangerous. Also watch out for mold and fungus. It can be dangerous to your health. Actually you are probably better off letting an expert handle the inspection.

There is no need to be worried if you have a crawl space mold or a crawl space moisture problem. The Clean Space System by Basementsystems is the solution for you. It includes products that prevent crawl space moisture by encapsulating your crawl space with an impregnable vapor barrier, closing the crawl space vents, and conditioning the space. It makes your home crawl space healthier and better than ever before.

The clean space system by Indiana Foundation Service is perfect for your crawl space repair. The major components of the clean space system are:

  • A Crawl Space Vapor Barrier that encapsulates your crawl space and makes your home healthier, cleaner and more energy efficient.
  • A SaniDry Crawl Space Dehumidifier that dries out your basement, giving it a cleaner look.
  • Crawl Space Vent Covers that provide a clean and easy way to save money on your energy bills, keep excess moisture out of your crawl space, and create a healthier environment for your family.
  • Crawl Space Door that seals off outside air, helping to dry your crawl space and saving you on your heating and cooling bills.

Below you will see several links full of valuable information on why its important to have one of our trained, certified, experts come examine your crawl space and see if your family is safe!

Please choose from the following products below for more information and to schedule time to visit with one of our trained, certified, systems designers. Remember we do NOT use contractors.

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Cracked Walls / Bowed Walls

Posted on April 14, 2009 at 11:08 am in

Seasonal and climatic changes can cause problems with your foundation. Hydrostatic pressure, expansive soil or some other problem may cause bowed, buckled or cracked walls.

Cracked walls can be very minor such as one above a lintel or at the join between a bay and the main wall. More worrying cracks are in main walls, and extending for more than one meter or so. The size and shape of the crack is also important. Most experts agree that a crack of less than 5mm is usually unimportant, if there is no sign of bulging or sideways shifting. If the crack is dirty and has cobwebs in and over it, then it is likely to be long-standing and stable.

Cracked walls with cracks in or above lintels or below cills are usually caused by minor settlement. An expert can use ‘tell-tale’ signs to determine if the crack is stable. The lintel can be taken out, the damaged area rebuilt and the lintel re-instated. Cracks where a bay meets the main wall are common; the smaller bay has settled less than the rest of the house. If the crack is less than 5mm and dirty, then no attention is required. Lime mortar can be used to fill the crack if you wish.

Rebuilding the wall is not always necessary and generally doesn’t solve the problem but installing anchors into the wall will not only fix the problem but will also cost less money than replacing it.

Generally installation is complete in one day or less by our trained technicians without disturbance of landscaping. A steel anchor rod is inserted horizontally through the wall into the outside earth. Extenders can be used to get past a deck, patio, sidewalk, etc. A steel anchor is then attached to the rod through a vertical hole in the ground. The rod will be secured on the inside of the wall by a steel wall plate. The Indiana Foundation Wall Anchor System is a cost-effective way to ensure the stability of your cracked walls.

All anchors and related components are manufactured from high quality steel and are hot dip galvanized for long life. Indiana Foundation Manufacturing Co., Inc has over 65 years experience in anchoring cracked walls. The system is engineered to develop holding strength several times the strength of a concrete masonry wall.

1 Comment

Cleanspace Encapsulation Crawl Space

Posted on April 14, 2009 at 11:06 am in

Why is clean Space Moisture so Bad? Because it’s the moisture that leads to mold growth, musty odors, and structural damage, not to mention that insects and critters love moist environments and energy costs are higher. Moisture ruins houses by providing a hospitable environment for mold, fungi, and insects that destroy wood framing. Clean space moisture, and the mold and mildew that thrive in this environment, affect not only the floor system directly above, but also the entire house.

Most people who own clean spaces and have been down there know just how dangerous and moldy they can be. They are usually filled with mold and small animals. On top of that, there is usually no easy entrance so getting into the clean space alone can be dangerous. Prime time television shows are also talking about how mold kills healthy men in less than a month. Clean spaces do not have to be this way.

The clean space system by Indiana Foundation is ideal for your clean space repair. The major components of the clean space system are:

  • A Clean Space Vapor Barrier that encapsulates your basement and makes your home healthier, cleaner and more energy efficient.
  • A SaniDry Clean Space Dehumidifier that dries out your basement, giving it a cleaner look.
  • Clean Space Vent Covers that provide a clean and easy way to save money on your energy bills, keep excess moisture out of your basement, and create a healthier environment for your family.
  • Clean Space Door that seals off outside air, helping to dry your crawl space and saving you on your heating and cooling bills.

The clean space system by Indiana Foundation Service is the best solution for your crawl space problems. At Indiana Foundation, you will find experience and professionalism beyond your expectations. The clean space products at Indiana Foundation are all developed by permanent basement moisture and environment experts. They are specifically designed to resolve your basement problems.

Indiana Foundation provide better basement solutions than the contractors. Consult basement solutions for your basement problems today, and you will never call your contractor again.

Below you will see several links full of valuable information on why its important to have one of our trained, certified, experts come examine your crawl space and see if your family is safe!

Please choose from the following products below for more information and to schedule time to visit with one of our trained, certified, systems designers. Remember, we do NOT use contractors.

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