Healthy Basement Waterproofing

Basement Drainers Need Help & Advice

Steve Andras — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 14:13:52 GMT

Steve Andras, CWS, CSRS

My days of jack hammering basement floors are long gone. I learned about the “basement waterproofing” business while living in Akron, Ohio in the late 1970’s. I learned this trade from the ground up at the young age of 22.

I recall those early days of my career when I would carrying two 5 gallon buckets of mud and broken pieces of concrete out of a basement and in to a truck. I remember days when I thought my arms were going to fall off. It was a hard physical job and one I didn’t mind. Most of what I learned in those first few years was by trial and error.

Now after 32 years in the “basement waterproofing” business I can only say that “basement waterproofing” has matured into a respectable industry that has provide millions of people with healthier homes. Even my own “basement waterproofing” company has helped over 40,000 homeowners in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

“Basement waterproofing” companies that I come in contact with today fall into 2 major groups – Givers and Takers. The Givers work hard at their business because they truly want to help their customers solve a major problem in their home. Most in the “basement waterproofing” field do care about doing a good job for their customers.

Of course, like in all industries, some “basement waterproofing” companies are in the business for one purpose and that is to make money. I call these companies – Takers. See, the Takers are totally in it for themselves and could care less about their customers.

Today, more than ever before, I feel compelled to share my feelings about my fellow peers in this so called “basement waterproofing” industry. During the last 32 years I have seen it all when it comes to this business. I will tell you that I am committed to this industry and my wife will tell you I should be “committed”. I believe at some point, I fell in love with the work I did. I enjoyed helping people and seeing their happy faces at the end of the job when they got to see their basement dry for the very first time.

I am on a mission to help others in my industry to learn from the trials and errors I have experienced over the last 32 years. “Basement Drainers” (a better description of what our industry actually does) need help and advice as to some of the pitfalls they will experience during their early years.

It is to the Givers that I want to share this advice with because I truly want them to have all this knowledge and wisdom so that they can help their customers better. The Takers will also hear this advice and probably find a way to use the information to benefit themselves in some way -thinking very little about their customers. That being said, I choose to share this knowledge with all “Basement Drainers” whether they are Givers or Takers hoping that the information will help many to serve their customers better. This is my personal advice and I am sure there are “basement waterproofing” companies out there that will totally disagree with me. I am ok with that – disagreement encourages discussion and discussion is how we learn from one another.

Ten Steps To A Successful “Basement Health Company”:

Make a pledge to always “do the right thing for the customer”.
Find the right employees who really care about helping others
As a business owner, delegate what you do but make employees accountable through a system
Make everyone in your company pay attention to details
Build a united team within your company who care about one another
As the owner make sure you would be willing to do any job you ask your employee to do
Develop a service department – protect your customer and limit your liability while adding another revenue stream
Tell others your core story, speak your vision for your company, and don’t let anyone ever forget what you do
Create a culture of discipline that allows employees to contribute their thoughts and energy to improve their job so they can help people even better.

10. Have a contagious passion for helping people by alerting them to the dangers of an unhealthy basement and providing them healthy solutions to their problem.

That’s it. Did you notice that it is all about people caring for people? To young Basement Drainers, remember 50% of businesses fail within the first 5 years. It can be very difficult in those early years. It is important to remember the bigger picture of your vision. Keep working toward it each day. You may work 60 hours a week and when you figure it all out, you find out your working for below minimum wage and no overtime.

That may not sound like a great career, but keep looking at your vision and how it will be when you get everyone to see it. It is amazing how much we can influence people for good.

Finally, remember some things are beyond our control. For example, I pray the United States Government will continue to allow its visionary citizens the ability to create businesses that will keep our citizens working at things worthwhile and being rewarded for it. I feel sad at this time after all my 32 years working (many of the first few years making under minimum wage). All the sacrifices I made to build a business to help people – both employees and customers and now because I have some success and money to help more people, the government wants to tax me more in order to spread the wealth. Honestly, I feel I have earned the right to decide how I spread my wealth. It is getting discouraging to see the Government make me as a successful businessman look like the cause of our Government’s budget problems. Business builders are not the problem in America.

If I ran my company the way Congress and the President have run the United States over the last 16 years, I would be out of business. Imagine a government that tells its citizens to watch their spending and save their money and here look at the example they are setting for us.

So Young Basement Drainers – Work and do the right thing for your customers and keep alert to things around you that can cause your business to fail. Remember if you really do care about your customers you will do everything within you power to protect the business you have built, so that it will be able to continue helping others.

Basement Healthcare

Steve Andras — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:31:00 GMT

Healthcare is a hot topic nowadays and rightfully so. Our healthcare system certainly needs some reform. While the United States has the best quality healthcare in the world our government must do more in the way of educating the general public as to preventative care.

Let me give you an example of what I mean. We as a country have known about the risk that many of our citizens have when it comes to radon. Radon is an odorless gas that enters the lower levels of homes and if the concentrations are high enough it can cause the inhabitants to be at high risk of radon induced lung cancer.

I will admit that the EPA has many informative pamphlets encouraging homeowners to test their homes and recommend radon mitigation if the levels of radon are above 4 pc/l. Yet since the 1980’s our government has not really stepped up to the plate and taken a lead in protecting its citizens. Why hasn’t more been done to educate the general public about radon and its risks?

I believe that Washington has listened to lobbyists who represent the Real Estate industry and other industries who don’t want to have radon interfere with their profits. Why does our government require termite inspections and smoke alarms installed – but not require disclosures before a home is sold if it has high levels of radon present?

Let’s do some math – It is estimated that 8 million homes in America have higher levels of radon than the EPA action level. If we say that the average home has 4 people living in it there would be 32 million people at risk. With all the money the government paid to save Wall Street, the Banks and the Auto Industry, why could it not spend $5.00 per home to help homeowners test for radon. Would it not be cheaper to do this than having to tax the healthcare system with years of expensive medical treatment that is required to beat lung cancer? Perhaps even have a program to help homeowners if they need financial assistance to have their homes mitigated if high levels were found?

It is estimated that 21,000 people a year die of radon induced lung cancer in the United States. Some even feel that figure is too low. Lung cancer is very expensive to treat. Instead of spending these dollars treating this deadly disease, why can’t our government educate it citizens so they would lower their risks of even getting the disease.

In January, 2009 a brave young woman named Elizabeth Hoffman who herself was dying of cancer caused by high levels of radon in her home, went before Congress to encourage them to pass the Radon Awareness Act of 2009. She felt that if someone had told her about radon and she had tested her home before she moved in – her cancer could have been prevented.

Radon is not the only problem that our government is dragging its feet on; we also have the problem of excessive soil moisture under many of our homes which can affect the health of many of our citizens. Ground humidity and moisture entering the basement environment of many of our homes are a contributing factor to many of our ailments like asthma and other lung diseases.

Doctors need to start looking at the condition of their patient’s basements. Instead of just writing prescriptions why not help their patient to treat the cause not just the effect? We as a nation can do much to lower our health care costs while at the same time improve the quality of life of millions of our fellow citizens. Please join me in spreading the message of the importance of a healthy basement. Harriette M Plunkett said in her book “Women, Plumbers and Doctors written in 1884 “ If the reader thinks we are “staying down cellar” too long, the answer is that is the vital portion of a truly sanitary house – if it is faulty, no amount of care above the ground – floor can neutralize its evil effects.”

It seems that even in the late 1800’s people were aware of the dangers of an unhealthy, damp, wet basement. Where did we go astray? Why is the message of the importance of a healthy basement not taught in schools and colleges? Please understand that I am not complaining about the country I love so much, I am complaining that our society led by our government has forgotten that we can do so much if we just educate our fellow citizens of the dangers that lurk in the space below where they spend most of their time.

We spend much time and attention on protecting our environment and rightfully so. Much has been done to educate the public about global warming and pollution – All I ask is that we put the same time and effort into educating people about the dangers that can exist below their living space.

Sump Pump - What Features To Look For!

Steve Andras — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 13:07:00 GMT

There are many different sump pumps available on the market today. Here is my opinion as to the features that really matter.

1) Choose a pump that is energy efficient - The Pro Series line are "green pumps" that pump more water (3000 Gallons per hour) using less electricity. 3.8 amp at 10 head. (most other sump pump available in MA, RI, CT are 9.7 amp.and pump only 2040 gallons per hour)

2) Get a sump pump with a double switch. The number one reason sump pumps fail is the switch. The Pro Series line come with a dual switch, so that if the first switch were to fail the second would operate the pump.

3) It is important to get a pump that comes with a robust warranty. The Pro Series Line come with a 3 year warranty. (most other sump pumps available have only a one year warranty)

4) Choose a sump liner that is not too deep - Many sump liner (basins or pit) are 24" to 30' deep. Many contractors use such a deep liner because their drainage system sits on the footer and they need to collect ground water at a deeper level to keep the basement floor dry. Choose a GrateSump liner as it was engineered to not undermine your homes foundation. Removing water from below the footing of your home can be dangerous. (see www.GrateDrain.com)

5) If you have a wet basement in MA, RI, CT it is important to install a sump pump and liner from a company that services what it installs. Many waterproofing contractors install their pumps and take your money and disappear. Make sure to choose a company who has been in business for many years in the local area. www.pioneerbasement.com has been in business for over 25 years. It has a full service department that is dedicated to making sure your sump pump runs for years. In fact most of the sump pumps they install come with a service plan included so that they will provide an annual service call to clean and keep your pump running smoothly for years.

6) Buyer beware - recently there are companies coming in from CT and NJ saying they are licensed pros - Check out any company you use with the State to make sure they are properly licensed in your State. http://db.state.ma.us/dps/licenseelist.asp#SResults It is important to hire a licensed contractor in order to have protection from the local government. Never hire an unlicensed contractor.

Basement Repair Boston

Steve Andras — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:03:00 GMT

Basement Waterproofing in Boston is very important. With all the new coal chute basement conversions in order to accommodate new population, many homeowners are looking into basement finishing without proper basement preparation first.

Basement waterproofing is a key element in maintaining a healthy basement environment for a new apartment. Most of the homes in Boston that are in this conversion stage range from 60 to almost 200 years old. Stone foundations need to be maintained at these ages not only to assure stability but to update the cold joints with new mortar to help to control the possibly of water infiltration.

Once a stone foundation is inspected properly and treated properly, the foundation will be ready to waterproof. Using the GrateProducts Waterproofing System, Pioneer Basement will professionally install a complete water and moisture control system in order to better facilitate finishing off your basement as an apartment.

To make your new apartment easier, we also finish basements! Not only will you get our life of house transferable warranty on the new water control system you just had installed, you’ll also get the customizable and professional grade quality of our BasementShield Finishing system.

Your basement can be converted into a working apartment with working moisture control, air circulation, air filtration, custom floor plan and affordable implementation.

Pioneer Basement is Boston, Massachusetts #1 choice for foundation repair and basement waterproofing.

Healthy Basements Should Be A Standard Not A Luxury

Steve Andras — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 14:54:00 GMT

Healthy Basements should not be for just the wealthy who can afford it. Our children's health depends on how healthy your basement is. If you are like the majority of people, your basement is "Out of Site, Out of Mind".

There lies the problem - You feel your basement is not part of your house. You are kidding yourself so you don't have to deal with it. My job is to get you to realize just how important it is for you to turn your attention to the "Black Hole" in your basement.

People in the late 1800's were more concerned about healthy cellars (or basements) than we are today. Doctors need to realize that many of the breathing problems their patients have can be linked to an unhealthy basement.

Pay attention to the fact that 40% of the air your family breathes on the first floor comes from the basement. It is important to correct the wet and damp environment that is in your basement in order for the rest of your home to be healthy. Henry French (The guy who the french drain is named for) once said "If you neglect the conditions in your cellar, nothing you do on the above floors will negate its evil effects"

Please remember a healthy basement is the start of a healthy home.

Basement Finishing Experts?

Steve Andras — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 18:31:00 GMT

Watch Out For So Called Basement Experts

The fact that consumers are not spending the way they usually do, has brought a lot of industries into the business of basement finishing. Insulation companies, window and siding companies are all part of the basement finishing push to get money from uneducated consumers.
The fact is they are not selling as many windows and siding jobs these days. So now EVERYONE is a "basement expert".

Beware consumers that you don't spend your money fixing your basement with these so called experts who don't protect you and your family health. Yes these companies claim their "finishing system" won't mold but what they aren't telling you is that they are doing nothing to control the inward ground moisture from your basement walls. What they do tell you is you can remove the panels and bring them upstairs if your basement floods

Get real, basement finishing is serious business that can affect the health of your home and family if it is not done right. Even the HGTV "Pros" while great carpenters and nice people are unknowingly directing people to finishing their basement as if it were the first floor of the house.

After nearly 30 years of helping people utilize their basement space, I realize that this was bound to happen, as it has happened to me at least 3 times in my career. Economy tanks, companies come out of the woodwork, do bad work, go out of business and then customers call me and say" why didn't you tell me this would happen".

Lure of saving a few bucks, usually cost the homeowner more in the end. Have you ever wondered why Pioneer Basement has survived droughts and bad economic times? Why have we not changed our name and opened up a "new company"? I have always treated my customers as if they were my father or mother. Please be a smart homeowner who recognizes that if you want a house insulated you call an insulation company, if you want your house sided call a siding expert, if you want new vinyl replacement windows then call a window expert and When you want to finish your basement then call the true Basement Expert - Pioneer Basement and its authorized contractors.

My life is the basement and I love what I do. My employees feel the same way and want to help you with your basement. Whether you need a crack repair or a sump pump installed or a complete Basement Finishing job call us we here to help make your home healthier by correcting the dangerous conditions that exist in your basement.

Radon In Basements

Steve Andras — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:49:00 GMT

Radon is an odorless gas from decomposing uranium that can enter the lower levels of your home, especially your basement. Radon will enter through wall and floor cracks, sump pits, and open backed drainage systems. According to the EPA - 21,000 deaths are related to overexposure to high radon levels.

I recommend all homeowners have there homes tested for radon every two years. Recently I had the pleasure of meeting 5 energetic college students from Olin College in Needham Massachusetts who decide to make a difference and started a student company called UltraViolet Environmental Services. These students donated their profits to charity. I am happy to say that they have decided to continue the company and expand on their service area.

The Healthy Home Basement Finishing network is offering free radon testing before and after any of its installations. This research will help prove that a closed drainage system will help control radon from entering a basement. Visit www.homebasementfinishing.com for more information on properly preparing your basement before you finish it.

Open Backed Systems vs, Closed Systems

Steve Andras — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 21:18:00 GMT

Basement Waterproofing Contractors for many years have been installing open backed drainage systems - these are sub floor drainage systems that have an open channel along the foundation wall. They felt that by leaving this open channel water leaking through the walls would drip down the wall and into the drainage system.

Now I know that people may say " Steve, you have installed open backed systems in the past!" Yes that is true, but I so firmly believe that a closed system is what people today need. In past years people used the basement or cellar for storing root vegetables - the moist damp basement environment was desirable.

Why do I preach "Closed Drainage Systems" when I know that the majority of contractors will say I am crazy? Here's some food for thought:

1) Open backed systems allow bugs to easily enter the basement.
2) They promote high humidity by allowing ground moisture to easily come up into the basement (and home)
3) An open backed system will allow radon, an odorless gas, to easily enter your basement which is not healthy for your family.
4) Open backed systems promote iron bacteria colonies to flourish.
5) Heating and air conditioning costs are higher when a drainage system has an open backed system.

Since I have been preaching this message of installing closed drainage systems, some other basement drainage contractors are adapting their current drainage systems by installing a wall vapor barrier, however make sure that contractor is totally sealing that wall vapor barrier at the top of the wall with a sealant. Open Backed systems with a wall vapor barrier after thought MUST be sure to seal the wall vapor barrier where it meets the drainage system also.

In recent days a sub floor drainage system called Grate Drain has been developed which is a totally closed drainage system. You can see more on this system at
www.grateproducts.com

Healthy Basement - Healthy Home

Steve Andras — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 20:04:00 GMT

40% of the air your family breathes on your first floor of your home comes from your basement. This Blog is dedicated to educating consumers and contractors alike as to the importance of maintaining a healthy basement.

I have been helping people utilize their basement space for nearly 30 years. I have become the guy in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut that everyone knows as "the guy who's passionate about basements"

Nowadays people are using their basements differently then their ancestors did. In the 1800's and early 1900's people used the basement or "cellar" as a true root cellar that they built their houses over. Today, instead of storing potatoes people have home theaters, instead of growing mushrooms we now have children playing in the basement space.

Now I'm not saying that we shouldn't utilize the basement space, rather I'm saying that homeowners and contractors alike need to prepare that below grade basement space properly.

No long should we treat the basement as not a part of the house. Basements can be a great source of added usable space, but they can also be the source of mold, mildew, ground humidity, iron bacteria in sub floor drainage systems (french drains), radon, and even bugs.

I want to thank everyone who post comments on the article and adds content to this blog. It is the hope that collectively we can educate best practices as to how to prepare a basement so it is a healthy basement - one that promotes a healthy home.