Last month we published an article on an overview and our membership with National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair Contractors (NAWSRC). Just to remind you on NAWSRC, it is a professional trade association that caters to the needs of the public and waterproofing, structure and foundation repair industries. In this article, we at Keystone Basement Systems (KBS) would like to take you through the reasons as to what has made our customers rely on us for their basement needs. I, Aaron Stull, founded the company and we have enjoyed rapid growth due to our sound methods, exemplary business practices, passion to help people with an unfamiliar type of problem and the value we give to our clients. In fact, we are very close to reaching 1000 customers which is a major accomplishment. Keystone Basement Systems is an A+ rated company with the Better Business Bureau, A+ rated company with Angie’s List, Highest Rated Service Magic company in western Pennsylvania and many other accolades.
In order to be successful in your business, it is essential to be clear about what you sell, your products and services, and satisfy your customers according to their requirements. Keystone Basement Systems specializes in foundation structural repair and basement waterproofing and has over eight years of solid experience and expertise in the industry. We are a basement contractor and take up residential, commercial and industrial projects in the Pennsylvania, Ohio, & West Virginia areas. Our basement professionals help customers come out with the best solutions to their foundation problems or even go to their homes to fix their malfunctioning basement waterproofing systems. I have personally created my company to educate all of our customers as to the nature of their problem, the cause and solution. When a KBS representative performs an inspection for a customer, the customer is given a wealth of knowledge, information, literature and answers to any questions he/she has. Furthermore, we spend two hours on an average with each client to ensure that he/she gets the one-on-one time that the problem deserves. What makes this a truly remarkable experience for customers is that it is all completely free. Our company doesn’t just give free estimates…we give free education.
Keystone Basement Systems has a user-friendly website that gives you all the information you need to know about our basement services and what’s best is that we have a blog that will give you reliable information and handy tips on topics related to mold removal, foundation structural repair and basement waterproofing. As per the standards and being a dedicated member of the NAWSRC, our staff consists of NAWSRC certified specialists, leaving our customers without any second thoughts of making the most of our services. Our services come at affordable rates, as we cater to projects that are both structurally and economically sound and are also in accordance with all applicable building codes. We are also happy to inform you that KBS is the only basement contractor in Western Pennsylvania and one of the few companies that have been chosen as an NAWSRC member, as our basement professionals have an additional advantage of having successfully completed the NAWSRC Certification exam and obtained the NAWSRC Certified Specialist on Staff tag.
For foundation repairs, an experienced professional will analyze the root cause of the problem that you are facing with the foundation in your home and bring out a plan accordingly. Many homes in Pittsburgh also face numerous issues regarding basement waterproofing and with our years of experience and exposure in this area, we have been successful in dealing almost all these issues. Our certified microbial remediators will ensure that your home is free of the various types of mold and mildew that keep visiting your home every now and then, and your children will be able to breathe in a fresh and mold-free environment without any allergies. Keystone Basement Systems offers lifetime warranties with transferable rights to all subsequent owners for the life of the home. Furthermore, Keystone has separated itself even further from the competition by introducing the unprecedented service of free cleaning and diagnostic reviews every five years for the life of the system. This colossal free service makes KBS the standard bearer for top foundation repair contractor in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. For the money, no company is anywhere close to the value KBS offers. I will entertain every opportunity to prove this!
Keystone Basement Systems Review
• I’m Glad My Basement Is Dry!
I am a single mother from Brighton Heights, so sometimes I hesitate to have work done at my home. I usually feel taken advantage of. When Keystone Basement Systems came out to my home, I felt very good about them being there. They were very kind in helping me understand everything about my basement. They even came out a second time to answer questions that I had. I would recommend Keystone Basement Systems to anyone who wants quality work done. – Yittle at Citysearch
• AARON WAS GREAT!
I was so impressed with Aaron Stull that I am compelled to write this so that others will know who to call when their basement has problems. Aaron, and Keystone, were clean, polite, quick and well priced. I not only received a quality job, but I was informed every step of the way of what was going on. Even though I got a cheaper price from a competitor, when I looked to see what their “Lifetime Warranty” and “French Drain” system really was there was no comparison. I am happy to endorse them as a company. I am very satisfied. – squirrelhillmike at Citysearch
• CHEAP, QUICK & PROFESSIONAL
I am not much for words, but when I call a company in a pinch and they are out within a days time I am impressed. I had a longstanding problem in my basement that I neglected for a long time. I got a couple estimates last year and I did not get the problem fixed. Finally, it turned into a disaster and I was forced to call any company that would answer at 2AM in the morning. Keystone had a guy out at 8AM to explain the process and a crew in the next day to correct my basement. Three days later, after my heart stopped pounding, i got out the old estimates to see how much more I paid for immediate service. To my surprise they were $1500 dollars less. I have never been so happy with a company. - dolores122 at Citysearch
For more on basement related solutions, click on to www.keystonebasementsystems.com.
“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, an engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”
References
1. http://www.keystonebasementsystems.com/
2. http://pittsburgh.citysearch.com/review/40914628?reviewId=78344771



Masonry construction has always been known for its durability, as it is able to sustain harsh conditions depending on the weather and geographical location. It also gives an attractive appearance and requires relatively low maintenance. The use of materials in masonry construction ranges from stone foundations to brick walls. Since some masonry foundations tend to be susceptible to accelerated deterioration, they were either painted or covered with stucco for protection. In addition to the weather and location, water can be a primary cause for the deterioration of masonry foundations.
You must be wondering how a closed area like a basement would invite chances for dampness. When the level of humidity is high, the amount of moisture increases in the atmosphere. The condensation of moist, warm air on cold interior wall and floor surfaces is more than enough to create dampness in your basement. Wet walls, foggy windows and tiny droplets on cold surfaces are good signs of high levels of humidity. When air is able to hold water vapor at a particular temperature, the relative humidity is 100%. If it goes beyond, that is when condensation takes place, causing dampness.
A basement or a crawl space is usually a closed area and is not frequently used as compared to the other rooms in the house. This reduces the amount of air entering into the basement. A musty odor in the basement develops due to lack of circulation of air. This can be found out by opening the windows in your basement and switching on the exhaust fans on one fine day to allow air circulation. If the bad odor in your basement does not exist, then you have the answer to your problem!
The chances of water penetration in the basement are always high, since it is located below the ground where water gets accumulated. There are basically two ways in which water can enter into the basement, through the foundation walls and the basement floor. When water gets soaked in the soil, there is always pressure of the heavy water to push through the foundation walls. If there are any cracks or joints on the walls, then water is sure to pass through depending on the quantity and pressure of water against the walls. Stains on the concrete, paneling of a finished basement and efflorescence are common indicators of water penetration. Corners of basements are also popular for water penetration caused by the discharge of rain water from the rain down spout in this area.
Humidity is a result of relative humidity where moisture is suspended in the air. A dehumidifier is a device that helps reduce humidity in any building or room by removing moisture from the air. Dehumidifiers play a vital role in preventing mold, bacteria and biological allergens, musty odors, and furniture, carpeting, storage box mildew damage that arise when humidity levels are above 50%.
Household activities such as cooking, washing and drying clothes are responsible for the excess moisture present in the air within your home. An average family creates around 20 pints of water vapor per day. This can be usually seen in the form of fog, mist, dew or frost in the atmosphere and plays a significant role in the formation of clouds, rain and snow.
(a) Grading: One would wonder as to what the soil has to do with a drainage system. Proper grading of the soil around the house would eliminate the entrance of water into the basement. Creating slopes would drive away water before it reaches the basement walls. In fact, this method would not even require a basement drainage.
TRUTH – We make accurate claim to the customers, using only competent testimonials and striving remain open on all aspects of the services or products we offer.
Excessive moisture damages basement in two ways-
Additional steps to prevent basement flooding