In the spring 2009 issue of Waterproof Magazine, Steve Andras – in an article focusing on the problems resulting from iron bacteria growth – raises a very legitimate concern much bigger than iron bacteria. With what is now known regarding indoor air quality control, the author suggests that the basement waterproofing industry should seriously reconsider the continued installation of open drainage systems.

While iron bacteria may not be a cause of concern to contractors in all areas of the United States, the continued use of open drainage systems should be. Homeowners with an open drainage system already installed in their home have a legitimate cause for concern.

As the author suggests, the industry is much more aware now, as opposed to five or ten years ago, of the problems associated with moisture, pests and radon gas infiltration, and how they influence the air quality inside a basement. Emecole would like to reinforce that 50% of the air that is circulated throughout the home, originated from the basement or crawl space. Poor indoor air quality from the basement or crawl space impacts the indoor air quality of the entire home. While open drain systems initially solve the problem of water buildup on basement floors, a new problem is created by the opening created at the cove. The opening allows radon gas, moisture and other soil gases to infiltrate the basement and flow throughout the rest of the home.

At Emecole, we have vigorously been encouraging our customers to consider using closed drainage systems, such as the Hydro-Channel interior footing drainage system, exclusively by Emecole. For concrete block foundations, the Hydro-Channel may be used with the EmeSeal crawl space liner, resulting in an adequate solution for both waterproofing and controlling indoor air quality.
Will the basement waterproofing industry eventually gear away from using open drain systems? The area below allows you to add comments – we are interested in your opinion on this issue.

Despite a slowing economy and housing downturn, the basement remodeling market actually grew in 2007-2008, according to SBIReports.com. Some say it is because of the slow housing market. If they can’t sell, they remodel.

Basement remodeling is projected to increase over the next five years with more families making their basements entertaining rooms, media rooms, bathrooms, bedrooms and family rooms. That is why it is imperative to pre-finish a basement to guard against moisture and mold problems, radon gas, and water damage.

A good pre-finishing system is like insurance for your basement remodel. Before you even think of hanging sheet rock, stop all active water leaks and seal cracks in the walls, floors and around the cove (where the floor meets the walls). Seal the cracks around the sump pit as well to stop moisture and radon gas from moving into the house.

Treat the basement walls with a deep penetrating concrete sealer to reduce the vapor molecules from moving through the concrete walls.

Consider installing a back-up sump pump system. Please visit the Emecole.com sump pump section for more information.

Also Emecole recommends installing a waterproof insulating blanket to block the rest of any moisture and add insulation. Traditional fiberglass insulation is a food source for mold. The insulating blanket reflects the heat back into the basement making the home more energy efficient.

Now, it is time to finish the basement. It is best to use mold-resistant materials—mold-resistant sheetrock and flooring—to reduce food sources for mold in case moisture enters the basement.