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

Emecole President Lou Cole’s latest article on battery backup sump pump systems is now posted on EzineArticles.com. In this article, Lou discusses the difference between AC power and DC power and the necessary considerations by homeowners when choosing a system. While ensuring that the basement remains dry is important to whole home health, understanding how the performance of your battery backup system is important to further maximize the life of the sump pumps.

View Article: AC Versus DC Powered Battery Backup Systems

We have been anticipating, along with our EmeSeal System contractors and the home improvement industry, that the Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit on qualified energy-efficient home improvement projects would expire at the end of this year. However, after coming across an article last week from Replacement Contractor Magazine’s website, there is reason for some optimism. The article reports that there has been movement within Congress to extend the tax credits and that such an extension could be a component included in negotiations of the Bush tax cuts.

On Dec. 1, a letter bearing the signatures of window, door, and skylight manufacturing executives from 14 companies went out to every member of Congress, requesting an extension of the tax credits created under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The letter makes the case that the ARRA credit has allowed manufacturers to save or create jobs during the recession by encouraging consumers to buy qualifying energy-efficient products.

From our vantage point, contractors using our EmeShield Pro Plus Liner for the sealing and insulation of crawl spaces have stayed busy through the last year and a half, while the tax credit has been in effect. The health of our economy unfortunately continues to be a concern, especially with the uncertainty surrounding the Bush tax cuts. Extending such tax credits would be a welcome measure, instilling confidence among contractors and incentive for homeowners.
We will continue to follow this issue closely and keep you updated on any developments via this blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

More Information:
Replacement Contractor Magazine – Fingers Crossed on Tax Credit Extension

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.

One of the most common questions we receive at Emecole has to do with the use of epoxy or polyurethane foam for repairing poured foundation cracks via low-pressure crack injection – which material should I use?

While epoxies and polyurethane foams both have their place in repairing foundation cracks, they each have unique properties which allow them to work differently, depending on the circumstances with each individual crack. You can easily know when to use them once you understand what they were designed to do.

Epoxy Injection

The epoxy is more of a mechanical bond fusing one side of the crack to the other (think industrial strength super glue). The added strength from epoxy is enough to make the repaired area’s portion of the wall stronger than the existing foundation. As a result of the added strength that comes with epoxy, we recommend its use for the repair of structural cracks, in which the integrity of the foundation may potentially be compromised. When structural problems persist, crack injection alone may not be enough to properly secure the structural integrity of the foundation. The installation of Carbon Fiber/Kevlar systems by Emecole in-conjunction with crack injection provides the reinforcement necessary for securing the foundation, while preventing the likelihood of crack development within the same area. The installation of Carbon Fiber/Kevlar products, whether Staples, Grid Straps or Neckties, should be installed by foundation repair professionals only. Emecole’s technical support staff can provide the assistance necessary to ensure that contractors are using the correct product and application for a particular job.

Polyurethane Foam Injection

The injection of polyurethane foam is recommended for typical cracks that do not pose any structural problems. While polyurethane foam is not as strong as epoxies, its ability to expand inside the crack makes it more user-friendly than epoxy, which does not have the ability to expand. While epoxy is suitable for repairing water leaks, the expansion of polyurethane foam minimizes the potential for errors, especially for newer applicators. The vast majority of residential foundation cracks in basements and crawl spaces are non-structural, with water seepage being the sole problem. The injection of polyurethane foam is likely all one will need to fill such cracks and stop any leaking.

Through years of practice, trial and error, and success, applicators have adapted various uses of these two types of crack injection materials based on their personal preferences and experience.

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.

If your home is built on a crawl space and it is not properly sealed and ventilated, the quality of the air inside your home can be seriously degraded from exposure to moisture, mold, mildew and toxins like radon gas. Left unchecked these concerns can cause or accelerate symptoms such as allergies, respiratory problems and even neurological problems.

Radon Gas for example is a naturally occurring gas caused by decaying soil. It exists everywhere in the country in varying degrees and is a known carcinogen. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer. There has been a big push in the past few years by the building trades and the EPA to create broader awareness of the hazards of radon gas which claims more than twenty thousand lives each year from cancer. November is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month and there are many resources available to learn more about what you can to do reduce or eliminate your exposure to these toxins.

Emecole has dedicated itself to improving indoor air quality with the development and improvement of products and materials designed to seal out the dangers lurking under your home. These products include sealants and crawl space sealing systems designed specifically to protect the space and eradicate the dangers.

A qualified waterproofing contractor can inspect your crawl space, perform a radon detection test and make recommendations for the best possible solutions for your home and indoor air quality. The Emecole Emeshield Pro Plus sealant system qualifies for the Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit which expires December 31, 2010. If you would like help locating a qualified contractor in your area call Emecole at 800-844-2713. We’d be glad to help.

You can stay current with home health information by joining us on Facebook or visiting our web site at Emecole.com.

Have your crawl space tested and sealed…and breathe easy.