You must be looking forward to a long vacation and wondering how to manage the power backup system in your home. Bad weather conditions or other factors can cause interruptions in homes, making it difficult for people to use electrical appliances, light up their homes or for heating and cooling systems. With today’s world becoming dependent on technology, power supply that once only provided electrical energy for lights, appliances, and heating and cooling systems has to now additionally power computers, security systems and smart-home automation.

Therefore, it is important to have an emergency backup power system for your home that would allow your devices like home office computers, telephones, refrigerators, medical devices and security systems to have continued access to electricity. Moreover, due to this additional usage of electric services, there have been prevalent power outages in many parts of the United States. Of course, simple candles would help light up homes for a couple of hours during power outages, but would not be of much use in other basic necessities like heating and cooling systems, computers and security systems.

It is always recommended to have a solid power backup in place well before experiencing or going through the hassles of power outages. Frequent power fluctuations can also affect the quality and efficiency of your basic needs like refrigerators, lighting, computers, attic fans, heating and cooling systems, and security systems. All this unnecessarily adds up on to the costs for your home. Let us look at the pros and cons of the commonly used battery backup units and generators by homeowners.

Battery Backup Systems

Battery backup systems are very convenient, especially when you are away from home for a while. They may be a little more expensive than generators, but are worth the investment. They consist of batteries that are deep-cycle storage cells and come in banks or groups. An inverter is necessary for a battery backup system in order to convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) for powering homes.

Advantages:

• They are a better alternative to generators in terms of efficiency.
• They include safe indoor installation.
• Batteries do not make any noise.
• Backup power systems can provide immediate electrical power to critical loads during natural or other disasters.

Disadvantages:

• The durability of battery systems is limited, since they provide power only when charged. One example is the mechanism of how a charged battery can operate a pump for days and then get recharged automatically. Generally, a pump sentry interface is set up between the pump and the AC electrical supply. During the supply of electricity, the pump sentry charges a battery and monitors the power line for any power outages. When power fails, the power that is stored in the battery is converted by the power sentry to AC power. This power is utilized in the absence of electricity. When the electricity is restored, the AC utility power is used to operate the pump and simultaneously the battery is recharged in order to facilitate the next power failure.

Generators

The difference between a generator and a battery backup is that a generator creates new energy, whereas in battery backup systems the chargeable batteries control and store the existing utility power for any emergencies that may pop up at any point of time. The fuels used for household generators are gasoline, diesel, propane and natural gas.

Advantages:

• They are affordable.
• They are portable, convenient and can be used for short periods.
• Maintenance is easy.
• Propane and natural gas are environmentally and economically sound fuels.

Disadvantages:

• Generators are usually very noisy.
• The cost of fuel is expensive.
• Stored gasoline and diesel can cause fire hazards and become gummy and contaminated over time.
• It causes pollution due to smoke and smell.
• Generators are not very compatible with cold weather conditions.

As you can see, battery backup units have an overall advantage over generators. However, it is recommended to go through the technology and cost involved in different types of battery backup units before buying one to suit your home needs.

References

1. http://worldvillage.com/the-advantages-of-a-battery-backup-system
2. http://www.otherpower.com/otherpower_gasbattery_gensets.html
3. http://electrical.bobvila.com/Article/290.html
4. http://www.toolbase.org/Technology-Inventory/Electrical-Electronics/emergency-power-backup-systems#benefits
5. http://www.secamerica.com/pump_sentry.html

We at Keystone Basement Systems are proud to be a member of the National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair Contractors (NAWSRC), which is a professional trade association that caters to the needs of the public and waterproofing, structure and foundation repair industries. Keystone Basement Systems is a basement contractor and specializes in mold removal, foundation structural repair and basement waterproofing. We strictly adhere to the standards of practice and canon of ethics established by NAWSRC. Before we go into the standards of practice and canon of ethics by NAWSRC and how we subscribe to them, let us have a look at what NAWSRC is all about and its responsibilities in the industry.

The credibility of being a member of NAWSRC is that it gives the public the confidence and trust of having the highest degree of knowledge, standards, ethics and quality of workmanship available in the industry. NAWSRC is also dedicated to answering public queries and creating awareness on basement waterproofing, house foundation repair, concrete repair, house leveling, pier and beam and other related issues. They also provide local professional contractors who are NAWSRC members, in case you are looking for one in your area. When it comes to information and services, NAWSRC ensures that its members are updated with the latest developments in waterproofing, structure, foundation repair and industrial tools to benefit the consumer. For more information on NAWSRC and the latest developments in the waterproofing, structure and foundation industries, you can log on to http://www.nawsrc.org/.

Since the NAWSRC is the only recognized trade association in the waterproofing and structural repair industry, the NAWSRC Standards of Practice will help the consumer in locating a NAWSRC contractor in any area. These standards have been used by the Better Business Bureau to promote them in the waterproofing industry and have been successful in states like Indiana, Minnesota and Pennsylvania.

Canon of Ethics

As a member of NAWSRC, Keystone Basement Systems ensures that it provides the best of its mold removal, foundation structural repair and basement waterproofing services by professional basement contractors in the Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia areas. Our basement specialists are NAWSRC certified experts, engineers and microbial remediators that will satisfy your individual requirements and budget. We provide free estimates, create public awareness, and educate our customers on the pros and cons of basements. We also believe in taking up projects that would be both structurally and economically sound for our customers. Our services are in accordance with the NAWSRC Standards of Practice, Canon of Ethics and all applicable business codes.

If you are one of those people facing issues with weeping walls, cracks in your foundation or a musty basement, please visit our website at http://www.keystonebasementsystems.com/ and get in touch with us today to cater to your needs!

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.”

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.

The common causes of masonry deterioration are:

•Climatic Conditions: Excessive moisture within masonry foundations due to extreme hot and cold climatic conditions causes the masonry to expand and contract at different rates, weakening the masonry’s bond with the mortar.

•Uneven Settlement: Uneven settlement, deterioration of materials like rusting iron anchors or rotting window lintels, washing out of internal bonding and mortar and other structural problems, as a result of water flowing through walls.

•Weathering: Mortar that is generally used to help in the freeze-and-thaw expansion-and-contraction of masonry walls is washed away with heavy rains, wind and pollution.

•Design and Materials: Poor design and inappropriate materials used for masonry construction under different weather conditions and geographical locations can lead to several foundation problems.

•Exterior Maintenance: Proper maintenance of the exterior of a masonry construction will minimize most of the problems that lead to masonry deterioration. It is essential to install properly functioning gutters, downspouts and flashing to avoid dampness, water accumulation at foundations and growth of vegetation due to water penetration.

The following are some of the significant problems that come along with masonry construction due to moisture deterioration:

1. Severe climatic conditions like extreme temperatures, wind speeds and directions, high humidity levels and heavy snow can deteriorate masonry foundations, including cracking, spalling, surface erosion and efflorescence. Violent waves, debris carried by waves and heavy deposits of ice on masonry constructions can damage the strength and features of the foundations.

2. Severe freeze-thaw cycles can cause damage from frost action if moisture is trapped in walls or there is lack of total structure ventilation. In addition, they can also cause condensation that will encourage mold growth.

3. Locations by the sea can lead to efflorescence on the masonry due to high salt content in the air.

4. Industrial areas cause acid rains that can damage limestone, marble, sandstone and concrete.

5. Foundations and walls are usually immersed in water for a long time during natural calamities like floods and this can lead to damage.

6. Absorption of water depends on the type of soil and influences water drainage around the structure. Excess water in the soil leads to dampness, giving rise to issues with the foundation.

7. During heavy rains, puddles of water form around buildings that do not have proper slopes. This may lead to localized ground saturation and water penetration.

8. There are possibilities of water penetration in brick or stone foundations that are laid close to the earth.

9. Trees and vegetation like ivy and creepers prevent proper drying of masonry foundations by allowing water penetration in the joints which lead to erosion.

Therefore, it is important to identify the cause of moisture deterioration in masonry constructions in order to fix the problem and avoid further damage. Alternative solutions are waterproofing the foundation to prevent leakage, replacing cracked bricks and stones and repointing mortar joints. Consulting a skilled masonry craftsman or inspector will help in diagnosing the problem and bring about quick solutions. At Keystone Basement Systems, we specialize in foundation structural repair and waterproofing services, which come along with experienced professionals. You can also visit our blog at http://blog.keystonebasementsystems.com/ for easy tips on foundation repair and waterproofing.

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.nps.gov/history/maritime/handbook/masonry1.pdf
2. http://www.oldhouseweb.com/how-to-advice/masonry-foundations-and-piers.shtml
3. http://www.onlinetips.org/masonry-deterioration
4. http://www.riverheadli.com/HPG.Masonry.pdf

In our previous article, we discussed about the different causes of basement odors and where they originate from. But how do we get rid of these musty odors to improve our basements in the home? Let us look at some of the effective ways of dealing with these unpleasant and uncomfortable odors in the basement.

1. Cleaning the basement: Cleaning your basement will get rid of most of the musty odors, mold and mildew, dampness and humidity existing in the basement. Choose a sunny day to remove all the furniture and carpets in order to sun-dry them and also deep-clean the carpets. Sweep and dust all around the basement to remove dust that is the primary cause for allergies and other respiratory problems. It is recommended to use a disinfectant to clean the walls and floors, so as to get rid of the musty odor due to mold and mildew growth that are usually found under carpets, behind panels and behind perimeter walls. Throw away all the unnecessary stuff from your basement as they are favorable to the growth of molds and, in addition, you can create space in the basement. Arrange clothes, books and furniture in a neat way by keeping all clothes in the wardrobe, arranging books in stacks and minimizing the furniture in the basement.

2. Waterproofing: Cracks or leakages in the walls are usually caused due to dampness. The dampness could be either due to unfavorable climatic conditions, improper drainage system and excessive humidity. Cracked walls should not be left as they are, and should be either sealed or patched as soon as they are identified. Leaving a cracked wall unattended could worsen the situation by widening and spreading all over the wall. Dehumidification is essential for leaking walls, since it helps in drying the wall. These walls can be cleaned with trisodium phosphate, a hard surface cleaner. Once the walls dry, seal them with a latex concrete sealer to avoid further leakage and musty odor.

3. Dehumidification: Humidity is another primary cause for smelly basements. A dehumidifier can help in controlling the humidity in your basement. Attaching a hose to the dehumidifier will get rid of the excess moist air in the basement, leaving no space for the growth of molds that lead to the musty smell. It is also essential to keep in mind the type of dehumidifier you choose for your basement and should be based on the efficiency and size of your basement.

4. Ventilation: This is undoubtedly one of the most important factors to consider when getting rid of basement odors. On a fine sunny day, just open all the windows in your basement and switch on your exhaust fans to allow circulation of fresh air within the basement from outside. Cross-ventilation is also very important in removing humidity and stagnant air that gets accumulated in the basement.

5. Drainage system: Ensure that you install both a proper interior and exterior basement drainage system to prevent condensation that can lead to dampness. Wrap pipe insulation around the basement pipes to avoid condensation from building up on them. Leaking basement walls can trap water and increase humidity in the basement. Ensure that the ground slopes and downspouts are extended around six feet away from the house. You can also read our blog article on basement drainage systems for more information at http://blog.keystonebasementsystems.com/?p=980.

Apparently, there are also some home remedies that could be useful to get rid of the musty odors in your basement too.

• Baking soda is effective for neutralizing odors and absorbs moisture and so you can either leave it open in a container or sprinkle a little on your smelly carpet and later vacuum it.
• Vinegar is a household product that helps in neutralizing odors, including those left behind by pet accidents and skunk sprays.
• Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges leave a pleasant smell behind and can be used as air fresheners.
• Charcoal and cat litter help in absorbing moisture.

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.ehow.com/how_2209654_clean-basement.html
2. http://www.doityourself.com/stry/householdodors
3. http://www.ehow.com/how_18796_remove-musty-basement.html
4. http://www.howtogetridofstuff.com/odor-removal/how-to-get-rid-of-musty-basement-smell/

You might be making use of your basement for utility purposes such as your air-conditioning systems, car parking area, fuse boxes or electrical distribution systems. This means that your basement is not completely utilized like your other rooms in the house. When you enter your basement for these purposes, you may have noticed an unpleasant smell in spite of taking good care of your basement. Basement odors are quite common with regard to the maintenance of basements. Let us look at some of the important factors that lie behind the musty odor that bothers you most of the time.

Causes of Basement Odors

Dampness

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.

Mold and Mildew

The environment in a damp basement is suitable for the growth of mold and mildew. Molds are a type of fungi and ubiquitous in nature and are therefore found both indoors and outdoors. Climatic conditions such as warm, damp and humid weather are favorable to the growth of these organisms. Mildew has the ability to break down cellulose material and release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that result in the musty odor in basements. Mold growth is usually very common in basements and can be seen as black spots on wood furniture, carpets, drywalls, organic ceiling tiles, paper, cloth, cardboard and anything that is made up of organic material, causing rotting and damage. The presence of mold and mildew in the basement gives a musty odor which leads to various health-related issues. The mold spores that are formed on damp surfaces affect the immune system when they enter the respiratory tract and cause symptoms like breathing problems, congestion, headache, asthma and allergies.

Stagnant Air

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!

High Humidity

Your basement may have the perfect air circulation and may be clear of any mold and mildew growth, but do you still experience bad odor? Well, humidity could be the reason and does play a vital role in a smelly basement which occurs due to climatic conditions. High levels of humidity in the basement (above 50%) create breeding grounds for the growth of mold and mildew. Hence, before the construction of your basement, it is important to look into the aspects of moisture, humidity and air circulation.

Water penetration

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.

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.forensicconstructionexpert.com/basement_air.html
2. http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4743130_musty-basement-odor-occur.html
3. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/remedies-taking-out-smell-mold-mildew.html
4. http://www.basementsystems.com/mold.html
5. http://www.gwarreninc.com/water-damage.html#basements1-water

We have already discussed about the importance of dehumidifying your home or basement. However, it is also essential to know how these devices work in order to avoid any hassles. Humidity is one of the primary reasons why we end up installing dehumidifiers in our homes, especially in closed areas like basements. Moreover, if you live in the equatorial or coastal regions, you are sure to experience humid conditions most of the time.

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%.

Principle

The principle that lies behind the dehumidifier is simple. It works on the same principle as the freezer, refrigerator or air conditioner. For example, on a hot day under the scorching sun, when you have a cold drink you can see tiny droplets of water forming on the surface of the container due to a process called condensation. In the same way, a dehumidifier condenses the moisture present in the air with a fan that blows the warm air onto coils of cold metal. The condensed moisture is then collected in a bucket or holding tank in the form of water. The cold air is then blown onto the warm coils and brings the temperature back to normal.

Components

A basic dehumidifier consists of the following components for normal functioning:

1. Fan Compressor: It is the quiet motor of the cooling system that is found at the bottom of the dehumidifier and helps in cooling the dehumidifier coils.

2. Condenser: It is a series of finned coils, similar to a radiator, and located near the circulating fan.

3. Evaporator: This is also a set of coils located behind the dehumidifier and just above the water-collection container. It captures and collects heat that is generated by the cooling process.

4. Reservoir: This is where moisture that is condensed from the air is collected.

Most dehumidifiers also have a humidistat that helps in setting the desired level of humidity. A humidistat consists of a sensing element and a relay amplifier. A sensing element has two alternate metal conductors that cause electrical resistance when there are variations in relative humidity. The relay amplifier measures the resistance and is responsible for the utilization of the dehumidifier based on the measurement.

Methodology

The fan compressor in the dehumidifier extracts the moisture from the air into the dehumidifier. As we all know, warm air can hold more moisture as compared to cold air. When relative humidity is high, the amount of moisture in the air is also high. The warm air is drawn toward the cold coils in the dehumidifier where condensation takes places by a condenser. The amount of air that is moved by a dehumidifier is measured in cubic feet of air per minute (CFM). Hence, when the CFM level is high, it becomes easier for the dehumidifier to remove large amounts of moisture. The size of a dehumidifier is also important in determining the reduction of humidity. The smaller the dehumidifier, the lesser the capacity to remove moisture. After condensation, the water is collected in a holding tank or reservoir, which is either attached to or separated from the dehumidifier.

It can be quite difficult to extract moisture from closed areas like basements and crawl spaces, since the temperature will be low. In such cases, it is wise to choose and buy a dehumidifier that is specially designed for such areas. In an environment where relative humidity is above 50%, the function of a dehumidifier becomes easier due to large amounts of moisture present in the air. On the other hand, an environment with low level of humidity will require a powerful dehumidifier to accomplish the task.

Types of Dehumidifiers

1. Mechanical or Refrigerative Dehumidifiers: It absorbs moisture over a refrigerated coil with a small fan.

2. Desiccative Dehumidifiers: Desiccant materials are used by initially expose them to high relative humidity in order to absorb moisture. The materials are then exposed to low relative humidity to extract moisture from them.

3. Air Conditioners: They decrease the temperature in the room in order to condense and liquefy the moisture in the air.

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.dehumidifierexperts.com/article.php/how-dehumidifiers-work/?id=17
2. http://www.repairclinic.com/Dehumidifier-How-Things-Work
3. http://home.howstuffworks.com/dehumidifier.htm
4. http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5001686_whole-house-dehumidifiers-work.html
5. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/basement-dehumidifiers.html