In April, we wrote about the rising number of people suffering from allergies in recent years. This month, we observe Asthma Awareness Month. The Environmental Protection Agency has released event planning information for individuals interested in either planning or attending local events to build asthma awareness in their community. In addition, the EPA has outlined five simple ideas that all homeowners should follow to help reduce potential asthma triggers by improving the air quality inside our homes.

Please visit our Asthma Awareness Month section on Emecole.com for additional information about the negative consequences resulting from excess moisture, mold and dust mites. Unfortunately, such problems are not exclusive to asthma sufferers. Moisture, mold and dust mites may affect anyone. It is especially important to minimize such problems. Ensuring that the basement and crawl space is completely dry is a logical first step.

Homeowners may also visit our Basement Sealing Products section for contractor and do-it-yourself solutions for all basement problems concerning water, moisture and indoor air quality control.

There is an ongoing debate as to the use of a closed cell foam or an open cell foam to seal the rim joist area of a basement or a crawl space. It is Emecole’s position that an open cell polyurethane spray foam works well in this application.

The major difference in the properties of a closed cell vs. an open cell spray foam is that a closed cell foam is an air barrier as well as a vapor barrier, while an open cell spray foam is an air barrier but is breathable (it is not a vapor barrier). As a consequence, a rim joist area which is being exposed to moisture coming from the concrete foundation can have the moisture escape through the open cell foam while it would be trapped by a closed cell spray foam which can lead to rotting and mold formation. Further below, you will find articles which lead us to the conclusion that an open cell spray foam is the preferred product to seal rim joist areas. Your comments are welcome.

Due to its superior insulating values, many contractors naturally select a closed cell foam. However, in a basement or crawl space you have to deal with the phenomena of moisture being sucked up the walls via the porous concrete foundation by capillary action and onto the rim joist areas.

Most basement water leakage results from either bulk moisture leaks or capillary action. Bulk moisture is the flow of water through holes, cracks, and other discontinuities into the home’s basement walls. Capillary action occurs when water wicks into the cracks and pores of porous building materials, such as masonry blocks, concrete, or wood. These tiny cracks and pores can absorb water in any direction—even upward.

This moisture entry into the basement through the foundation travels to the wood joists which, if sealed with the closed cell foam acting as a vapor barrier, does not let the moisture or water vapor to escape. If instead you use an open cell foam as your sealer, it is breathable or capable of allowing the vapor to pass through and not giving the wood a chance to feed off of the moisture and rot. Not only is the open cell foam able to allow water vapor to escape through it, it does this quite efficiently and without becoming brittle with time and possibly breaking away from the wall as often is found with rigid closed cell foams. As stated, a closed cell foam is both a vapor barrier and barrier to air flow. An open cell foam acts as a barrier to air but allows water vapor to travel through it and away from wood sitting on the basement foundation.

In addition to open cell foam the contractor should consider using Emecole’s concrete sealer, Pene-Seal-Crete, on the walls of a basement to reduce and even eliminate the porosity of the walls so that little if any water vapor passes through the concrete to the rim joint area.

Additional Information:
- Why the Use of Open-Cell Foam in Sealing Rim Joists Saves Contractors from Making Costly Error
- Inside Story: Open-Cell Foam & What Every Contractor Should Know

Friday’s Chicago Tribune included a story about the increased amount of people suffering from allergies today versus 30 years ago. Citing data from the National Association of Home Builders Research Center, the story concluded that many of our allergy problems have to do with poor indoor air quality within our homes.

An important note from the article relates to the control of moisture levels:

Excessive humidity supports the growth of mold spores and dust mites, while dry air can cause static electricity, dry skin or respiratory ailments.

Humidification systems, as the story highlights, play an important role in regulating moisture levels within the home. Lou Cole, president and owner of Emecole, says that the ideal humidity level is at 50%.

In addition to humidification systems, homeowners can further improve their home’s indoor air quality by addressing any known water problems in their basement or crawl space – a lingering foundation crack which leaks water is a good example. In addition, open voids in the cove (where the foundation wall meets the floor), cracks in the floor or an open, unsealed crawl space may contribute to harmful soil gases from entering the home. The most serious problems involving basements and crawl spaces are not always obvious problems easily seen.

Homeowners are best served to have their basements or crawl spaces inspected by a reputable basement waterproofing contractor – someone who can identify the obvious and not so obvious problems. Emecole can recommend a contractor in your area. Call (800) 844-2713 or by completing the Find an Emecole Contractor form by clicking here.

With January designated as the Environmental Protection Agency’s Radon Action Month, local communities throughout the United States are hosting various events or programs to promote radon awareness and home testing.

The EPA website has a lot of valuable information about the long-term effects of exposure to radon gas. You will also find ways to participate in any local events near you, and options for purchasing a radon test kit for your home. Several communities are also offering radon test kits for a lower cost. To find out the types of activity near you, or for the availability of select reduced price test kits, visit the EPA’s Radon Action Month website for all the necessary information.

With the holidays behind us and the dead of winter upon us, many homeowners tend to stay busy by turning their attention to various indoor projects around the home. A project worth thinking about for the new year is whole home health improvement.

We’ve often discussed how the damp conditions typically present in basements and crawl spaces provide an ideal place for the growth of mold.  Exposure to mold spores is known to trigger a variety of allergic reactions. For asthma sufferers, such exposure may sometimes be enough to trigger an attack.

The Mother Nature Network website identifies some of the more common symptoms of mold allergies. These symptoms include itchy and/or watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, a stuffy/runny nose, wheezing and rash or hives.

When the combination of the above symptoms persists year round, this may be an indication that they are being caused by exposure to mold, as opposed to just seasonal allergies.  The most effective way to prevent mold allergies is by addressing the mold itself. While small things like a leaking crack in the basement wall and/or floor may be taken for granted, such infiltration of water is actually part of the problem. The leaking water turns into moisture, which mold feeds off of. If you’ve experienced a basement flood in the past, the leftover ramifications often result in the growth of mold, especially in carpeted areas and behind dry wall.

These problems may be avoided by properly addressing them from the very beginning; or by taking the necessary precautions to minimize problems down the road. As soon as a crack becomes visible in the foundation, the low pressure injection of a liquid polymer (epoxy or polyurethane) can properly fill that crack within one day. If water is coming through cracks in the floor, that is a sign of a problem with the drain tile system, assuming there is one. The chance of a basement flood may be minimized by backing up the primary sump pump with a fully-powered battery backup system. Emecole has contractors around the United States and Canada available to help with such problems.

In addition, the Mother Nature Network  offers a few additional smaller-scale ideas. Storage items from the basement or crawl space should be thoroughly wiped down before being brought upstairs (a good example would be holiday decorations). A natural way to kill mold is to wipe down any items with plain white vinegar.

The Colorodan (a newspaper from Northern Colorado) has a similar article on their website about controlling humidity levels within the home. During the winter months, a humidifier will help keep the home from becoming too dry. The recommended level according to their source, allergist Dr. Joseph Leija, should be no higher than 48 to 50 percent.

While musty smells are often taken for granted in basements and crawl spaces, they typically are an indicator that moisture is present. With the combination of removing existing mold and by taking the necessary steps to minimize future growth, homeowners can enjoy healthier lives, in 2011 and beyond.

Additional Links:
Find an Emecole Contractor in Your Area
Why Indoor Air Quality Can Be a Deal Maker or Breaker for Green Home Buyers

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.

As the weather cools down we will begin to close the doors and windows of our homes sealing out the cold. The furnace will kick in and the air circulated in our homes will originate from inside. There is a fresh filter on the furnace and we may even have had the ducts cleaned, but what else is in the air? It is a known fact that much of the air in our homes originates from the lower level—the basement, and below the foundation.

Fall is a very good time to do an inspection of the space in your basement. Look for wet walls, standing water on the floor and especially any signs of mold or mildew on the walls or in the corners. Mold spores are airborne particles that dramatically impact indoor air quality and can lead to serious respiratory health issues. Even if you have a high tech filtration system in the home the particles are airborne until they reach the filter. Electronic filters can reduce the effects of airborne contaminates, but they don’t stop it at the source.

Upon inspection, even if there is no mold present, if there is moisture—that is the breeding ground for mold. If you do find mold you should have a qualified mold expert remove it and then properly seal the space to eliminate future problems.

Indoor air quality is at the core of research, development and distribution of Emecole products. Emecole offers a variety of products engineered to seal out moisture and toxic soil gases. Now is a great time to address the problem before winter sets in trapping your indoor air, increasing the health risks.

You should have mold and waterproofing experts inspect and fix the problem. If you would like help finding reputable experts in your area for mold remediation and basement waterproofing, Call Emecole at 800-844-2713. We’d be glad to help. For more information about indoor air quality and Emecole products you can visit and follow us on FaceBook or visit our web site at Emecole.com.

A dry, sealed basement is a breath of fresh air.

In March 2009, Emecole was featured in a home air quality improvement story that appeared on ForConstructionPros.com, an informational resource website for construction professionals. The article brings attention the idea that many allergies and asthma related conditions can be attributed to what is taking place inside the home’s basement and crawl space – the growth of mold, mildew and the entrance of soil gases.

It’s a valuable article that retains 100% relevancy today – our message to basement waterproofing contractors is to begin thinking indoor air quality and how it relates to their specific services. Sealing cracks in the foundation not only stops potential water leakage, but also is one less potential opening for soil gases. The use of Emecole’s Pene-Seal-Crete, for example, forms a crystalline structure onto the foundation – which minimizes the penetration of both moisture and soil gases.

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In a recent real estate news article, it reports that a clean looking crawl space may actually increase a home sale. When two comparable houses are on the market together, the one with the cleaner crawl space tends to sell faster.  It makes sense. Even if the buyer doesn’t truly understand the energy efficiency and indoor air quality benefits of a sealed and insulated crawl space, they immediately see the difference and the added storage potential.

This is one more point contractors can add to the sales pitch. We find when it comes to selling sealed and insulated crawl spaces, it is about education. Once your customer understands the benefits, they naturally choose the better way—a clean, sealed and insulated crawl space.

It is always refreshing to see a story from another news source back us up and do some of the educating.

For more information about the sealing and insulation of crawl spaces with the EmeSeal System by Emecole, please browse through our crawl space section on Emecole.com

Emecole President Louis Cole routinely contributes informational content about basement and crawl space related issues to EzineArticles.com. Such topics include foundation crack repair, basement waterproofing, crawl space sealing and insulation, indoor air quality control and basement flood protection.

In Lou’s newest article, he writes  about the harmful effects of radon gas and how to reduce the threat. The control of radon is crucial towards improved home indoor air quality.

You may read the article by clicking here.