The November 2010 issue of Basement Health News (formerly Foundation News) includes two important informational articles in regards to whole home health – the first article pertaining to trouble spots associated with indoor air quality, the second about safety hazards within the crawl space.

The article “Air Quality issues in finished basements” by Jeffrey C. May reinforces the fact that the air circulating throughout the home has originated from the basement (or crawl space). This would not be a problem if it weren’t for the fact that the air quality within a basement is usually very poor. May adds that the backs and bottoms of furniture, carpeting, and various linens (i.e. furniture and bedding) are all susceptible to collecting biodegradable dust which supports mold growth.

Homeowners may gain needed space by finishing a basement, but in the long run, as far as I’m concerned, the expense ends up being a waste of money. It’s sad that most finished basements I investigate end up in a dumpster.

This is where basement pre-finishing comes in. Before the homeowner finishes the basement, it is wise to have a basement waterproofing contractor inspect for any existing or potential problems. An Emecole Certified Contractor has the expertise and resources to apply the necessary applications and systems to minimize the threat of moisture and soil gas infiltration – two of the main culprits in compromising indoor air quality. The common air quality problems found in basements often can be prevented when the necessary steps are properly applied.

The second article worth mentioning is Daniel Friedman’s “Safety hazards lurking in the crawlspace.” Standing water, debris, and contaminated fiberglass are a few of only many potential safety and health hazards a contractor may face when entering a crawl space.

You may view the entire Basement Health News online courtesy of the NAWSRC website.

The Basement Health Association (formerly known as the National Association for Waterproofing and Structural Repair Contractors)  just released the schedule of events for the World of Concrete and Mid-Year Meeting January 17-21, 2010.

Emecole’s founder and president, Lou Cole is speaking during the convention. Lou’s seminar “Different Injection Systems and the Chemistry Behind Them” is on Tuesday, January 18 at 2 p.m. in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The BHA Mid-Year Meeting is in conjunction with the World of Concrete but have separate registrations. You and any of your guests can get into the World of Concrete for free when you use Code A15.

For additional details, visit the Registration and Information page off the NAWSRC website.

Emecole President Lou Cole was quoted in the Fall 2010 issue of Waterproof Magazine article on working with carbon fiber. It was a great article explaining what carbon fiber is and how it is used in the waterproofing and structural repair industry.

Full Article: Working with Carbon Fiber

November is National Lung Cancer Awareness month. According to a new survey by the National Lung Cancer Partnership, there is a need for increased awareness amongst the public.

The National Lung Cancer Partnership (NLCP) surveyed 1,000 American men and women 18 years and older about lung cancer. Sadly, most of the respondents (80%) didn’t know lung cancer was the leading cancer killer in America—killing more women than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer.

Of those surveyed, 88 percent did not know radon was the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. I wonder of those 88 percent, how many wouldn’t even know what radon was or how to protect themselves from it?
The idea of whole home health is a genuine priority that homeowners should take seriously. As a supplier to basement waterproofing and crawl space sealing contractors, we at Emecole are well aware of the opportunity we have to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Our sales and training process involves education to our contractors about the importance of basement and crawl space air quality and the affect it has throughout the entire home.

A waterproofed basement which previously served as a hub for moisture and mold growth is now a dry and safe environment. A sealed crawl space seals out moisture and harmful soil gases which would otherwise eventually circulate through rest of the home.

It starts with education. Educate yourselves as contractors so you may better educate your customers. The problems associated with radon and other harmful soil gases can be prevented.