Condensation is the conversion of water from its gaseous state into its liquid state. There is always some amount of moisture present in the air. During cold weather conditions, the moisture present in the air condenses into tiny droplets of water. In fact, the air that you breathe out can be seen on a cold winter morning. Condensation can also occur on those hot, humid summer days where you would need an air conditioner to cool your home. This may result in hazy windows due to the air conditioning.

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.

Condensation is a result of the fall in temperature of vapor even below its saturation temperature. When warm air rises in the atmosphere and cools down, it loses its ability to hold the water vapor in the air and hence the excess water vapor condenses to form cloud droplets.

What does condensation have to do with basements? Well, it has quite a lot to do with basements. The moisture that forms as a result of condensation can cause rotting window frames, peeling wallpaper and mold on walls, carpets or clothes. This phenomenon occurs where there is no adequate air circulation. You may have noticed mold on your windows, walls, ceilings and furniture a couple of times, especially during the winter season. This also comes along with stale air that gets accumulated within the basement due to lack of ventilation. All these factors lead to aggravation of illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis.

What is the difference between condensation and dampness?

Dampness can be a result of condensation. As mentioned earlier, condensation occurs during cold climatic conditions when the water vapor is surrounded by cold temperature and the moisture content of the air is high. This leads to the growth of mold and mildew which may due to lack of air circulation and insulation. Dampness can also be caused due to other reasons such as leaking drainage pipes, wastes or overflows, cracked walls and ceilings, leakages from the roof where tiles are missing during rains and defective damp course or no damp course.

Condensation in the basement can be caused by the following reasons:

(1) Lack of ventilation, especially during the summers
(2) Lack of insulation, especially during the winters
(3) Inadequate heating in the basement

How to Reduce Condensation or Dampness in the Basement

(1) Allow moisture to move out of your home when cooking, washing or drying clothes and heating by closing doors to avoid circulation of moisture and opening windows to let out the moisture.

(2) Make sure that you ventilate your home to remove moisture by opening windows, using exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to let out the damp air after frying or taking a hot shower, installing air vents wherever possible, cutting breather holes in cupboards and wardrobes and installing ventilators for windows.

(3) Insulate your basement by air sealing, installing insulators in your walls, dehumidifiers, which will keep your rooms warm and simultaneously prevent the entry of moisture and hence avoid dampness. Get effective ways of insulating your basement from our blog article, http://blog.keystonebasementsystems.com/?p=923.

(4) In order to remove mold and mildew from walls, use a fungicide. Clothes and carpets affected by mold can be dry cleaned and shampooed, respectively. Mold and mildew creates a high risk of respiratory problems and gets worse if disturbed by brushing or vacuum cleaning.

(5) Get rid of any kind of moisture immediately by wiping any surface moisture to avoid room for any damage.

(6) Fungicidal paints for the walls will also help in preventing growth of mold and mildew.

So next time you think of basement condensation, you know exactly what to do!

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.ace.mmu.ac.uk/eae/weather/older/condensation.html
2. http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/%28Gh%29/guides/mtr/hyd/cond/home.rxml
3. http://nptel.iitm.ac.in/courses/Webcourse-contents/IISc-BANG/Heat%20and%20Mass%20Transfer/pdf/M8/Student_Slides_M8.pdf
4. http://www.weatherquestions.com/What_is_condensation.htm
5. http://www.changeworks.org.uk/uploads/wat/Condensation.pdf
6. http://www.polaristechnologies.com/documents/ControllingCondensation.pdf
7. http://www.hollandroofingco.com/files/Facts_About_Condensation2.pdf
8. http://www.barnet.gov.uk/condensation.pdf

Basement drainage systems can be a solution to all your basement problems such as water leakages, bad odor, stagnant air, furniture damage, mold and mildew. These drainage systems can either be installed in the interior or exterior of your home. Different methods are usually implemented for both interior and exterior drainage systems depending on the cause of damage. The following are some of the reliable options you could use to install a drainage system in your home.

1. Interior Basement Drainage System

Most people opt for an interior basement drainage system for a number of reasons that include the affordability to install one inside the basement than outside, the convenience of the job, the minimal time required for installation, no hassles on the availability of services and reliability. Some useful ways of drainage systems that you can consider are:

(a) Concrete walls: An interior drainage channel adhered at the base of the wall and the floor slab is ideal in situations where water tends to enter the basement. Installing the channel is a cost-effective approach, especially for concrete walls with cracks, and works by simply by collecting water into an airtight sump with the help of another channel that is placed on top of the slab. The water then flows through a trap to the sump basin. Although this method is effective for concrete walls, it is not very helpful in the case of masonry walls because water remains in the block cores at floor level and the water level is only lowered to the top of the slab.

(b) Masonry walls: For masonry walls, installing a drainage channel at the base of the wall on top of the footing gets rid of moisture problems inside the basement because it drains the block cores completely. For this reason, holes are drilled at the base of every block core to permit drainage. The concrete along the slab edge should be removed and replaced for this approach. The drainage is connected to an airtight sump where water is collected.

(c) Perforated drain pipes: A perforated drain pipe installed inside the perimeter of the footing by removing and replacing concrete at the slab edge allows free drainage of the wall into the drain pipe. A dimpled plastic sheeting is placed at the base of the wall and beneath the slab edge. The drainage is connected to an airtight sump where water is collected. This method gives better results when combined with an active soil gas management system that connects with the sump and perimeter drain pipe.

2. Exterior Basement Drainage System

Exterior basement drainage systems have been found to be costlier than interior drainage systems since there is a lot of work, time and external causes such as weather conditions involved. On the other hand, they are essential for preventing exterior foundation damage. Although exterior drainage systems are expensive and time-consuming, people concerned about property and equity maintenance will have long-term benefits. A look at some exterior drainage system approaches:

(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.

(b) Open drain: Open drains which are just shallow trenches that are lined with cement or plastic and held together with pebbles or gravel help in collecting water and discarding it before it reaches the basement.

(c) French drain: A French drain is a trench that is covered with gravel or rock and basically redirects surface and ground water. This is useful for exterior drainage systems because the French drain that consists of a perforated pipe not only gets rid of water entering the basement, but draws water out of the soil before it soaks into the soil. The depth of the trench can range from 2-3 feet to 5-6 feet deep. However, lack of maintenance can lead to clogging of these trenches from sediments in the ground that will force water into the basement.

(d) Gutter downspouts: Gutter downspouts that are extended at least ten feet from the house and preferably connected to a rainwater collection system can work out as a reliable source for drainage.

Disadvantages of Interior Basement Drainage System:

1. Extensively finished basement – The basement has to be properly insulated and sealed with appropriate materials which make the process expensive and intrusive. Improper installation can lead to moisture and mold problems and the interior drainage system may require non-invasive termite detection systems in termite-prone areas.

2. Excessively thick basement floor – Thick basement flooring can make the process impractical and, in some cases, impossible to install.

Disadvantages of Exterior Basement Drainage System:

1. Property line constraints – People may not own enough land surrounding their homes for an excavation trench and an area for a machine to operate. Moreover, digging or excavating by hand can be a tedious and expensive process. Excavation can also get difficult in different seasons like the spring if the area has a high water table and is impossible during winters.

2. Safety – Some problems occur on hillsides that will not allow safe excavation. This can lead to extensive damage in terms of landscaping.

3. Urban areas – Some areas are so densely built that outside measures are not practical.

4. Obstructions – Some homes have additions like paved carports, gardens, trees and fences that overhand the foundation drainage and thus make it impossible to excavate those areas rendering external methods inadequate.

5. Utilities – Some areas have underground utilities that make external excavation difficult or impossible.

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.”

Source Links:

1. http://gratedrain.blogspot.com/
2. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/understanding-interior-basement-waterproofing.html
3. http://www.ehow.com/list_5782927_basement-drainage-ideas.html
4. http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/housingandclothing/components/7051-04.html
5. http://www.basementsystems.com/basement-waterproofing/basement-waterproofing-products/drainage-systems.html

Have you ever thought of the positive effects of ventilating or dehumidifying your basement? Well, in order to understand these factors, let us first look at the causes of poor ventilation in your basement. A wet or damp basement could be a result of wall cracks and pipe leakages and weather conditions such as cold winters and floods. This leads to dampness along with stale air circulating within the basement which creates a favorable environment for the growth of mold and mildew. In contrast, during warm weather conditions, the humidity tends to be on the higher side and lack of ventilation in the basement leads to recurrence of stagnant air, bad odor and growth of mold.

How can this be avoided and what does it have to do with basement dehumidification? Apart from water damage dehumidification and mold remediation, basement dehumidifiers have always been considered as an alternative measure for moisture control, air exchange and ventilation, especially in areas like basements and crawl spaces. On the other hand, there have been issues such as the cost factor, daily maintenance and efficiency between traditional and modern humidifiers.

The benefits of having a high-quality, energy-efficient dehumidifier in your basement will definitely make up for the cost of buying and maintaining it in the long run. These benefits include:

1. Mold: As mentioned earlier, installing a dehumidifier in your home reduces the chances of mold damage, since the cleanup and replacement costs come at very high rates. In fact, many insurance policies do not cover mold-related expenses which leave us with the only option of trying to prevent the damage.

2. Health: The constant circulation of stale air inside the basement obviously affects the immune system, targeting the respiratory functions by inhaling allergens, bacteria, fungi and dust. This leads to colds, asthmas, flus, allergies and other respiratory problems. The installation of a dehumidifier reduces this risk and recycles the stale air circulating in the basement by condensation.

3. Space: Due to the common problems in the basement such as lack of ventilation, dampness and poor air circulation leading to an uncomfortable environment, these areas are not fully utilized as compared to other areas such as the living room. Dehumidifiers will help control and maintain temperature levels in basements at all times, providing cozy and comfortable surroundings.

4. Energy: The air molecules of damp air caused by the presence of moisture in the surroundings are heavier than the normal air molecules and therefore affect air circulation. This in turn leads to excessive or improper utilization of heating and cooling systems which require more energy.

5. Selling Opportunities: Homes with maximum living space have been found to be more attractive to potential buyers. Hence, basements that are well-finished, furnished and comfortable can be made to good use in various ways.

With cutting-edge technology and design at their best in the current scenario, there are energy-efficient dehumidifiers available at reasonable rates. These devices come along with considerable warranties and have improved air quality capable of getting rid of hassles like moisture, mold and condensation.

It is preferable to install basement dehumidifiers in an enclosed area for better efficiency. Installing exhaust fans in the bathrooms and ceiling fans in the basement will help in proper air circulation for sufficient ventilation. Basement dehumidifiers work in a simple way by drawing water vapor from the air and collecting it in a holding tank by condensation and then releasing the water through a drain pipe. They can be installed permanently with the help of a qualified professional or are portable for the user’s convenience to carry it wherever possible.

There are also various types of dehumidifiers. To learn more about Humidex and other dehumidifiers, visit http://blog.keystonebasementsystems.com/?m=200909.

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.”

Source Links:

1. http://www.breathepureair.com/dehumidifiers_basement.html
2. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/basement-ventilation.html
3. http://hubpages.com/hub/Best-Basement-Dehumidifier-Must-For-Sultry-Basements
4. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/home-dehumidification-basement-dehumidifiers.html
5. http://www.onlinetips.org/basement-ventilation
6. http://www.onlinetips.org/basement-dehumidifier

Basements are usually recommended in areas that have steep slopes and experience extreme cold climatic conditions with low temperature and deep frost penetration. Deeper excavation comes in a package along with the construction and structure of basements, which of course increases costs, but results in a reliable, cozy and comfortable space.

One of the primary foundations in the United States are basements, but they are also accompanied by a number of common issues related to extreme temperatures like the cold winters, heat and humidity, water intrusion mold and an unhealthy environment. Research has shown that 25% of energy costs come from the heat loss of basements. Therefore, a properly sealed and insulated basement with protection from moisture is an additional necessity in reducing energy costs.

There are three basic methods that are used in basement insulation, namely, interior insulation, exterior insulation and insulated concrete forms. However, before sealing up and insulating the basement, one has to initially inspect the basement for any cracks or leaks that can be possible entries for moisture. These cracks and leaks should be repaired and sealed in order to allow the basement to dry completely, especially for insulation of basement walls.

1.  Interior Insulation: This is considered to be one of the simplest and cost-effective means of basement insulation. The installation is usually done behind interior framing or by furring strips placed against the foundation wall with a range of insulation materials. Special care has to be taken to ensure that the wall is completely sealed and dry from moisture which is likely to enter during the cold winters. For this reason, it is always suggested to use a non-absorbent material for the inner layer of the insulation. The disadvantage of interior insulation is that it reduces the usable interior space and is not as effective as exterior insulation in moisture protection.

2.  Exterior Insulation: Exterior insulation is equally important in protecting the basement from any additional moisture and cold weather. The exterior of the walls is insulated to reduce heat loss and condensation, and protect the interior of the basement from any unnecessary damage. Materials like extruded polystyrene are durable and moisture resistant for exterior insulation. This method of insulation can turn to be a little expensive with the type of material used, especially for an existing building. It is therefore advised to have a perimeter drainage system in place.

3. Insulated Concrete Forms: These products are comparatively new and can be installed easily. Hollow foam blocks are stacked together and then filled with concrete. They serve the purpose of both interior and exterior insulation, and are used as surfaces for attaching drywall, brick ties and other finish materials. Some of them are even treated with termite-resistant chemicals.

Is temperature maintenance in your basement only limited to extreme cold weather conditions? Well, the answer is no. As mentioned earlier, basements also face problems in humid conditions which are favorable for the growth of molds, microbes, dust mites and other organisms. These micro-organisms play a vital role in deteriorating health conditions.

Basement dehumidifiers are the best solution to reducing the humidity in the basement to normal recommended levels, which is between 40-60%. They are of two types, the portable unit and the installed unit. The portable unit is user-friendly, whereas the installed unit requires a qualified professional for installation. The latter are usually installed with a fan, heating pump and cooling coil. The moisture in the air is drawn by the fan over the heat pump. This water vapor is then condensed into water through the cooling coil and collected into a holding tank and can be removed either manually or through a drain hose installed in the unit. The installed basement dehumidifier is more efficient as compared to the portable one, which also explains why it is more expensive.

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.”

Source Links:

1.http://www.superhvac.com/learn/insulation-basement?pk=ce64e590be3cb34c230d426caff7315d&t=k9sel9a6bfd4%2434145jr2e3kd3b18b62f193e2852c3a75efa
2.http://www.plasticsportalasia.net/wa/plasticsAP~en_GB/function/conversions:/publish/common/upload/foams/styrodur_technical_literature/Styrodur_cellar_insulation.pdf
3.http://www.basement-insulation.org/
4.http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/insulation/fact%20sheets/basement%20Insulation%20Technology%20fact.pdf
5.http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/B/AE_basement_insulation.html
6.http://www.quadlock.com/technical_library/bulletins/R-ETRO_Value_of_Basement_Insulation.pdf
7.http://www.buzzle.com/articles/home-dehumidification-basement-dehumidifiers.html

Basement remodeling proves to be an excellent investment, provided they are permanent solutions to flooding. Wet basements can hardly attract prospective home buyers’. Basement remodeling creates or adds to the living and storage space to one’s home by nearly 33% to 50%.  The 2005 cost vs. value report of the remodeling magazine has indicated that a home owner can recoup 90.1% of the basement renovating expenses at the time of resale. Basement waterproofing is the permanent solution to basement mold that ruins the health of the family.  And this is why waterproofing ranks the highest in terms of basement improvement. Hence, fixing them becomes more of an investment than an expense and its priority increases among all the home remodeling options available to a home-owner. In such situations, it’s safe to emphasize that basement waterproofing offers one of the highest long term investment returns.

RESALE VALUE OF A HOME vs. BASEMENT

A recently published report shows nearly 92 % of prospective home buyers avoid purchasing a home with wet basement. These studies have been supported by historical data maintained over the years.

Water leakage is one of the main basement problems depreciating a home’s resale value by 25 %. Most realtors disapprove selling a property with flooded basement and counsel their clients to fix basement leaks, before putting up their house for sale.

Thus solving basement flooding and other woes become the top priority for home owners. The first thing to check is the sump pump, ensuring the water drains first before reaching the basement floor. Any sump pump failure repair might cost more to the home owner than what it might take to replace the entire sump pump.

ADVANTAGES OF A BASEMENT

While it may come as a surprise, basement gives substantial usable space to a home. It can be used as a home theatre, a home office, a basement studio, a bedroom, a playroom and as an office. It not only adds 30 % floor space to a home, but also appreciates the value of a home by 30 to 50 percent.

Basement is a lucrative solution to get a significant floor area enhancement with a marginal increase in the overall building cost. Heat loss through walls and basement floors are less than those at upper floor and ground levels. A housing expert research concludes that homes with well maintained basements experience 10 % rise in energy efficiency.

Most self builders have recognized the extra storage space and flexible livings provided by basements and have even utilized them as swimming pools, gymnasiums, utility rooms, guest bedroom suites and home offices. This has given birth to a greater demand for houses with basement.

A waterproofed basement not only offers extra space for living, it also meets the need for better sustainability. A well-maintained basement guarantees peace of mind to homeowners year after year, withstanding heavy snowfall and torrential rainfall successfully.  Basement repairs ensure health by implementing indoor air quality control and eliminating the chances for breeding of harmful bacteria. Thus a remodeled basement is sure to make your home the most sought-after investment in today’s competitive real estate market.

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.”

Source:

http://www.basementwaterproofingtips.com/Interior_Basement_Waterproofing.html

http://www.b-dry.com/wet-basement-leak.html

http://www.decoproducts.com/

http://www.finishedbasementideas.com/basement/cost_finishing_basement.html

By Aaron J. Stull
Owner/President – Keystone Basement Systems, Inc.
AStull@keystonebasementsystems.com

Last week, I was speaking with a colleague of mine who is also in the basement repair field and the discussion of quality came up.  We have both observed that in lean economic times many businesses slash their prices in an effort to attract customers with little regard for the quality of products and services they render.  In an effort to offer “the lowest price” they compromise on fundamental aspects or use materials of inferior quality.  Although this may bring some short-term success to the contractor, in the long run the customers will express their frustration that will doom the reputation of the company.

Events That Lead to Contractor Failure

Contractor failure are usually the result of multiple causes. The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA) reviewed 86 claims cases and identified the top factors related to contractor failure:

Unrealistic Growth

•   Change in type of work performed
•   Expansion into a new geographic area
•   Significant increase in the size of individual projects
•   Rapid or over-expansion

Performance Issues

•  Inexperience with new scope or types of work
•  Personnel do not have adequate training or experience
•  Insufficient personnel

Character Issues

•   Contractor retires, dies, sells company, changing leadership or focus
•   No ownership or management transition plan to ensure continuity in the event of death or disability

Accounting Issues

•  Inadequate cost and project management systems
•  Estimating or procurement problems
•  Lack of adequate insurance
•  Improper accounting practices (not adhering to the AICPA Audit Guide for Construction Contractors)

Management Issues

•   Key staff leaves company
•   Staff inadequately trained on company policy and operations
•   Insufficient or incapable personnel at upper management or project level
•   Failure to maintain solid accounting and management systems to track costs and billing

Other Factors

•  Economic down-turn and high inflation
•  Weather delays
•  Poor site conditions and/or building plans
•  Labor difficulties (lack of skilled labor)
•  Material and equipment shortages
•  Owner’s inability to pay
•  Onerous contract terms

“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, a engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”

Basement is a multipurpose area of a house which can be converted into a workout area, a garage, an entertainment room or a laundry, depending upon the homeowner’s requirement. Before you frame your basement walls, it is important to ensure your room is free of leak and moisture. Read further to know how you can frame your basement walls.

BASEMENT WALL FRAMING:

 The first step to frame the basement walls is to design the wall layout. This step will ensure the ceiling joists are closely lined up with the wall studs. One must also ensure to keep the ground floor joists in place.

 On the basement floor, mark chalk lines to spot the walls. Install 2” x 4” treated lumber for the floor plates. Treated lumber is the best remedy to avoid the risk of damage caused to the construction due tof moisture.

 To bolt bottom plates in correct position, use concrete screw gun.

 Directly install the ceiling plates, just above the floor plates. Instead of a treated one, go for regular 2” x 4” lumber. Now, using framing nails, fix plates beneath the ground floor joists.

 When you take the studs in floor joists as reference point, start fixing wall studs on the 16”center. When you line the studs up, actually, you offer easy access for wiring, venting and plumbing process in the future.

 Slight level variations are a must in concrete floor. Hence, first measure and then cut the studs individually.

 To secure the studs’ top and bottom to floor plates and ceiling, use a framing nail gun. The nails must be inserted at 45 degrees.

 Make sure that there is a minimum of ½ inch gap between the existing basement concrete walls and the newly framed walls. This decreases the formation of moisture on the concrete’s inside, preventing the dampening of wood.

VAPOR BARRIER INSTALLATION

Checking the basement condition before considering the vapor barrier installation is quite important. Basements having various unfinished cement walls get waterproofed with certain special sealants. Nevertheless, in case you finish basement with false walls or drywall sheets, there are various things to remember.

WHY A VAPOR BARRIER?

There are various schools of thought on vapor barrier and its effectiveness, also called as vapor retarder. Such protective sheets are secured to the basement walls to prevent moisture that seeps into the walls of the home. Moisture affecting walls can cause a serious problem with mildew, mold and rot.

Let us also look at the various other problems that are caused due to moisture:-

 The barrier isn’t correctly positioned or loosely installed around pipes, outlets and various other connecting regions

 Vapor barrier facing insulation is installed when the barrier, rather than facing the wall, faces the room

 With an attached vapor barrier, supplemental insulation gets layered over any existing insulation

 Any such circumstance would render vapor barrier completely useless

The following materials are used as vapor retarders:-

 Paper-backed insulation, known also as Kraft paper that faces UI
 Paper-backed aluminum
 Visquine (polyethylene plastic sheet)
 Rigid insulation and
 Roofing membrane sheets

NECESSITY OF INSTALLING VAPOR BARRIERS IN BASEMENTS

The necessity of vapor barrier installation in the basement area arises based on the necessity and the direction faced by the barrier for moisture prevention. As a matter of fact, not all homes require such application.
Below is a simple thumb rule as guidance:-

 If the area where you reside remains cold for more than six months, better install vapor protection internally, with the barrier facing the interior of the wall or the warm side. This keeps moisture from condensation and from reaching outside walls.

 If it is humid and hot where you live, better install vapor protection externally, with the barrier facing the exterior or the warm side of the wood or siding. This helps to prevent the moisture from getting into the inside walls.

 If you have an even season mix, you wouldn’t require a vapor retarder at all. Review your area’s local building codes to find what most professionals recommend.

 Always note – if you pour a basement floor made of concrete, regardless of where you stay, you would require a vapor barrier. In most situations, what works is a cross-laminated polyethylene sheet. For more direction, check with your local hardware store.

TIPS TO INSTALL VAPOR BARRIERS IN BASEMENT

 Always check the walls for damage, including existing moisture and cracks. Before adding a barrier, these need to be repaired

 Before placing insulation and studs, most building experts recommend vapor barrier installation in basement

 Staple the material to the studs, if they already are in place. Simply pull it across tightly and, as far as possible, flatly cover large surfaces

 Ensure that you don’t cut or tear the material

 Use a sealant to secure the material and align your barrier right up to the pipes, electrical outlets, windows and various other obstructions

 Now install non-faced insulation over vapor barrier. In case the insulation has an already attached barrier, or if you install a new insulation over the old, create long cuts so as to avoid the bubble effect. Moisture may seep between barriers, leading to rotting in insulation

 If your insulation has the attached protection, you need not install vapor retardant. However, remember – the insulation side faces the exterior and the paper barrier side faces interior

 Try not to manipulate insulation in any manner. It need not be stretched, puffed or fluffed, and, while doing so, may tear attached barriers. Simply unroll and thereafter put it up

 Some rigid insulation also serve as vapor barriers. To see if the selection pulls double -duty, check your coding

 Based on the basement size, it takes four hours for two people. Depending on the type of material used and the square footage, the material costs change. To ensure you don’t require a permit, check the building codes of your area

 Also, when handling insulation, take necessary precautions. Wear long sleeves, work gloves, eye protection and a face mask

IS WOOD BETTER OR METAL FOR SUBTERRANEAN SPACES?

While renovating basements most choose to use metal studs for wall framing purposes. The decision is fully dependent on measuring the advantages and disadvantages of both metal and wood studs.

As indicated in the website of ‘ThumbandHammer’ we would like to share the comparison parameters between metal and wood studs:-

 Convenience: Here, metal wins easily over wood. It appears much lighter compared to wood, and, takes just the space of one lumber piece. This makes transportation easier. Usually, metal is cut with the help of aviation snips, meaning absence of sawdust. Nevertheless, one should wear gloves to protect the hands. Also, care has to be exercised to clean up the small pieces that end up on the floor

 Strength: Compared to the two materials, wood is sturdier. Though metal appears flimsy, once drywall gets screwed to it, it seems rigid and strong.Nevertheless, metal won’t be suitable for heavy mirrors or hanging cabinets. Most metal framing don’t have structural strength. They can only be used for partition walls

 Forgiveness: In case you make mistakes in measurements or if the stud isn’t vertical, as most metal studs are attached with the screws, moving and removing them is extremely simple

 Cost: Initially, it appears metal is inexpensive compared to wood. Nevertheless, the cost of electrical boxes for metal studs is more. And unless shielded BX cable is used, plastic grommets are used to run standard electric wires. Metal also needs screws for construction purposes and for attaching moldings. Though the initial lumber cost appears more than the metal studs, the additional metal costs put things evenly placed

 Stableness: Unlike metal, wood is more prone to warping and twisting. While wood wicks moisture metal rusts. Hence a sill gasket or a vapour barrier is required between concrete floor and bottom plate

 Ecological concerns: Sometimes, metal framing are promoted as an eco-friendly solution for wood. Nevertheless, both have their negative and positive points. Timber comes from trees. Generally, cutting trees down is considered bad for environment although wood is a renewable source. Though wood scraps are biodegradable, most end up in landfill
Metal can be easily recycled. Generally, recycling is believed to be good for environment, but metal-recycling causes some amount of pollution. The metal- ore has to be refined and mined to produce metal, which negatively impacts the environment.

 Fire related concerns: Unlike wood, metal is incombustible. A wall constructed with metal- studs is virtually fire-resistant

 Transfer of Cold: As metal is a good conductor of cold, metal studs transfer the cold. Hence, rigid foam insulation or polystyrene are recommended between metal and the outside wall. With wood, the transfer of cold is less

The choice of the material is purely based on the homeowner’s preference; however, consultation from an expert can do wonders to your basement.

Check with a professional in your area who can help you take the best and effective measure to keep your basement dry even during the rains.  If you are a resident of Pennsylvania suffering from basement problems and if your house is located in any of these regions, call us at 800 771 – 3244 or visit us at

http://www.keystonebasementsystems.com/about-us.html. Schedule your appointment and seek solution to your basement woes, now!

“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, a engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”

Source links: http://thumbandhammer.com/diy/framing.html

Basement flooding has assumed serious proportions in United States and Canada with nearly 80,000 incidents each year and many others remaining unreported. Apart from the inconvenience and mess, floods cause structural damage and health hazards.
Simple preventive measures to combat basement flooding are undertaken by homeowners, like downspouts extension away from the foundation.  Most other solutions require professional help such as installation of flood-proof device.

This involves explanation of sump pump operation, municipal sewer system and sources of additional information. Basement flooding is a serious problem and has various negative consequences much beyond and above inconvenient disruption and household routine mess.

Recent research has cited the following impacts:-

 Chronically wet houses contribute to respiratory ailments

 Frequent basement flooding occurrences can cause long-term damage to the equipment and building not covered through insurance.

 To compensate for regular claims related to basement flooding, the insurance rates can rise.

 Also, the minimum deductibles can be significantly increased

 With the basement getting prone to frequent flooding, the value of property can depreciate

WHAT ARE THE REASONS THAT CAUSE BASEMENT TO FLOOD?

Before taking appropriate measures, it is important to identify basement flooding and its causes. These vary from problems associated with the municipal sewer systems that serve entire communities to problems within the household basement.

CAUSES FOR BASEMENT FLOODING:-

There are various reasons as to how water can enter the basement. Most likely, water in basement seeps during a period of heavy rainfall or when the snow melts rapidly during a thaw in spring season.

In such cases, your basement can get wet due to:-

 Poor drainage

 Crack or leak in the  basement walls

 Failure of foundation drains (weeping tiles)

 Plugged/leaking downspouts or overflowing eaves troughs

Basement flooding can also occur due to:-

 Wastewater back-up in sewer system (or a combination of rainwater and wastewater from the combined sewer system or sanitary sewer system)

 Blocked connection between main sewer in the street and your home

 Sump pump failure (in certain areas), used for pumping out weeping tile water

Most basements also get vulnerable to various disasters related to Natural River flooding. However, such calamities cannot be addressed by the individual homeowner.

VARIOUS MEASURES TO PREVENT BASEMENT FLOODING

Problems related to basement flooding are diagnosed best by working your way down from downspouts and eavestroughs, to the foundation and lot drainage and thereafter to the plumbing system – both beyond its connection to the municipal sewer system and inside your home. Hence, expert advice will ensure that the right and economical solution is advocated with less hassles.

Downspouts and Eavestroughs

Water simply pours into downspouts off eavestroughs. If the downspouts pump-out  water just beside the foundation, it directly drains to weeping tiles, easily overloading the home’s drainage.

Ensure that the downspouts extend about 6 feet (1.8 meters) from basement wall. Also ensure that the water doesn’t get drained towards the neighbor’s basement walls. It needs to drain toward the street away from the house, the back lane or the rear yard.

If the downspouts get connected to the home’s weeping tile or sewer system, it simply disconnects them.

For this, it is important that you start cleaning debris from the eavestroughs on a regular basis. In case they overflow even when they are clean, replace them with larger size downspouts and eavestroughs.

Lot Grading Technique

If the land in and around the home starts sloping towards the foundation, rainwater first heads straight for the basement weeping tile, causing foundation drainage system to overload. Over a period of time, the land around the home settles and slopes towards the foundation. If the lot slopes inward, grade the lot and fill in the lot for about 6 feet or 1.8 meters around the foundation, this will ensure the land to slope away from the house.

It is important to build up a ground in and around the house such that the water starts draining from the basement walls. It’s also nice to examine the driveways, decks, patios and sidewalks. These can either cause water to drain back towards basement walls or settle over a stretch of time.

It is best to extend the downspouts so that the water doesn’t get collected next to windows and basement walls and just flows away from the house.

Proper form of drainage helps in:-

 Reducing the water amount flowing to the main sewer system and to the home’s sewer system and also reduce the sewer backup risk.

 Reduce water seepage into home through cracks in basement walls or through basement windows

 Maintain stable moisture content of the soil under and around the house so as to decrease cracking and shifting chances.

 In case the water collects next to basement, it could make its way to footings supporting the basement walls.

 Moisture causes the footings to settle or heave

 Just extend your sump pump’s life by decreasing the quantum of work it requires to do.

 Ensure that any drainage related improvements does not cause the water to flow into neighbor’s property.

DEVICES FOR BASEMENT FLOOD PROOFING

If there is an overload in the neighborhood’s or your home drainage system, you would still be in a position to prevent sewage and rain water from backing up into the basement through installation of either single or multiple flood proofing devices, such as back flow valves or sump pumps.

Every installation is unique in its own and few devices (such as back flow valves) would require a plumbing permit. Before you proceed with any installation, check with your qualified plumber or municipal office.

DRAINAGE SYSTEM OF A SUMP PIT

The drainage system of the sump pit involves a sump pump, a discharge pipe and a sump pit. Set into basement floor, the sump pit starts collecting water from the basement’s weeping tiles. Using a discharge pipe, the pump pushes water outside the house.

The sump pump discharge pipe should be placed such that:-

 It drains water into the segment of the property where the water could be absorbed easily, such as flower bed or lawn

 Fails to direct water onto neighboring streets, sidewalks, lanes or properties

SUMP PIT

Each year, after freeze up, make it a point to clean the pit. Drainage of weeping tile would carry small amount of debris, sand and soil into a pit from the basement foundation. If the water is logged for a long time, it remains in the pit causing a musty smell. If this is the case, pit flushing is extremely easy and best solution. It can be done by by streaming fresh water till the pump removes the stale water.

SUMP PUMP

Each spring, test and check your pump before the rains start. To trigger the pump’s operation, simply stream water into the pit.

At least once a year, remove and clean your pump. Before cleaning or handling, it is vital to disconnect pump from the power source. Very often, check the pit so that you can ensure that it is debris-free. Most pumps contain screen that covers the water intake. Hence, always make it a point to clean up the screen.

DISCHARGE PIPE OF SUMP PUMP

Simply check the place as to where the discharge pipe can leave the house. In case the pipe appears to discharge right against basement walls, the water drains down into weeping tiles, continuing its recycling process through the system. Regularly check the discharge point to ensure there is nothing that would block the flow.

In case the pump frequently runs in winter and if the resulting ice causes hazardous conditions on the sidewalks and the lawn, it is better to take the help of the municipal office.

BACKWATER VALVE

Backwater valve is a wonderful device which blocks sewage in the main overloaded sewer line from backing up into the basement.

If the sewer backs up, then the valve closes automatically. Here, it is important to place a properly installed backwater valve so that the sewage backup stops and hardly comes out through other basement outlets, such as laundry tubs, showers, toilets and sinks. Always ensure that at all times, you can get at the valve.

Regularly check the valve and remove those materials which would prevent the proper operation of the valve. Normally, you would need an inspection and permit for installation of sump pit and backwater valve. As the basement floor would be partly dug up and as it is important to have proper item placement, seek a qualified contractor for plumbing purposes.

MAINTENANCE OF PLUMBING FIXTURE

Always have the qualified plumber inspect the plumbing fixtures and flood-proofing devices (i.e. floor drains, backwater valves, sump pumps etc.) regularly to ensure proper operation. For more safety guidelines and detailed information, check the operating instructions, or simply request the plumber to explain the system details.

ADDITIONAL MEASURES OF PROTECTION

You can also consider many additional measures as a way of flood protection.

BACKUP SUMP PUMP

Very often, severe storms are accompanied with power blackouts. Backup sump pump powered by a battery could be a highly prudent investment. Most pumps are made to simply fit in besides the main area of sump pump and also have the audible alarm, which warns the failure of the main pump, so that one could attend to its replacement or repair. There also are numerous water-powered sump pumps available which run by water and which flows through pump impeller.

BASEMENT FURNISHINGS AND FINISHES

In any event where the basement flooding risk appears possible, it is highly advisable to install impermeable wall and floor finishes like ceramic tiles, to make the cleanup easier and to lessen the damage. Ensure the basement furniture includes legs that keep furniture fabrics above flood waters.

A good alternative to complete broadloom are area rugs as they could be properly cleaned and removed in any flood damage event.

HOW DO FRENCH DRAINS PREVENT THE FLOODING OF BASEMENT

Also known as trench drain, French drain is a simple way to direct the water away from home foundations. It could be buried either underneath the basement floor or alongside the exterior foundation wall or the perimeter wall.

HOW CAN A FRENCH DRAIN BE CONSTRUCTED

A French drain, in simple terms, is a ditch that is slightly sloped away from foundation walls and is downhill. Thereafter, the ditch is lined or filled with gravel or rocks which permit any water to initially pool and then get absorbed and channeled away to the surrounding soils. To know more about French Drains, please read our post published on September 11 – “A basic look at French drains”.

Though one can further simplify the concept, the actual form of construction appears bit complicated. A French drain construction needs to initially consider a properly calculated slope that allows the type of piping material to be used and for proper drainage. You also need to think about the form of fill, like gravel, with the provision of access and with the pipe laying.

Thanks to selective landscaping, the entire system is kept in place. However, it still permits proper distribution of water.

Though the experienced and the do-it-yourself ones would like to tackle French drain installation project, it is better to appoint a professional for such task. In this manner, if there is anything which goes wrong, it could get corrected without unnecessary additional expense or without any worries.

On the other hand, in an under construction stage, majority of new houses now have the installation of French drain, externally running around the foundation walls.

WHERE DOES THE WATER GO

There are various ways by which French drain water can get distributed. For instance, it could get tied to the existing downspout. However, the water flushes back towards the house.

The water can be let out to the street club alternatively. However, this won’t be allowable under certain ordinances and city bylaws. Help from a professional will help to overcome such issues.
With the help of a larger lot, it becomes possible to use a French drain to direct water to the lawn. However, in reality, this simply moves wet region to the different area of the yard. Maintain high care against directing it into your neighbor’s yard.

LAW AND FRENCH DRAINS

While French drain appears to be a nice idea to prevent basement flooding, if you don’t do the initial checking, you may end in hot water or greater trouble. Before you dig, ensure you have the requisite permission. Some bylaws and area city codes prevent the building of drainage systems which affect the property of another neighbor adversely.

French drain construction puts unwanted water into the next-door neighbor’s yard, causing unwanted problems. Before you dig, you are also required to call local utility firms to avoid any pipes, underground cables, etc.

Overall, this project is better left to be completed under the able-guidance of a professional. All in all, hiring a black hole operator for digging and a surveyor for getting the slope right could be the best bet.

HOW CAN BATTERY BACK-UP PUMP OR FRENCH DRAIN GENERATOR BRIDGE GAP DURING POWER OUTAGES

There are many instances where the primary sump pump fails due to power outage or just wear and tear. An emergency backup sump pump is the best and the most intelligent solution to the problems that may arise due to the sudden failure of the primary sump pump.

Depending upon the provision of both water and electrical power in the basement area, one can choose to install either the Battery Backup Sump Pump System or the Water Powered Sump Pump System.  The battery backup sump pump system is powered by DC electricity and relies upon an included battery charger to maintain full battery charge always. It also provides additional capacity. During the power outage, the water level rises to activate the emergency backup sump pump. This is easy to install and sufficient to prevent basement flooding in over 99% of temporary power cuts.

Water powered sump pump systems are the most worry-free backup sump pump technology available in the market today. It requires zero maintenance with just a simple test every 6 months to check the unit functionality. Instead of using electrical power, these pumps rely on the force generated by the flowing city water to suck the water out of the basement sump. These are installed as independent units and can remove nearly 2 gallons of water from the basement for unlimited time as long as there is no interruption from the city water is faced.

Another alternative which is generally not the most practical solution is the installation of the automatic/ gas powered generators to keep the basement dry even during floods.

Check with a professional in your area who can help you take the best and effective measure to keep your basement dry even during the rains.  If you are a resident of Pennsylvania suffering from basement problems and if your house is located in any of these regions, call us at 800 771 – 3244 or visit us at http://www.keystonebasementsystems.com/about-us.html. Schedule your appointment and seek solution to your basement woes, now!

“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, a engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”

Basement flooding has become a common occurrence in millions of homes across United States resulting in severe structural damages. In Canada alone, basement flooding related insurance claims have touched $ 140 million per year. Shockingly, several basement flooding cases are not even reported. The good news, however, is that it could be avoided or repaired without much hassle.

Basement flooding is a potentially dangerous problem and it impacts the homeowner in the following ways:-

 Property Value Depreciation
 Rise in Insurance rates as compensation for repeated basement flooding claims
 Rise in minimum deductibles
 Long term damage to basement structure not covered by insurance
 Rise in respiratory ailments

It is best adviced to identify the causes before taking appropriate remedial measures. The causes may orginate from municipal sewer related problems to those originating from dwelling location. Whatever may be the cause, constructing a  waterproof structure of high strength and durability will be a good remedial start to tackle the situation.

‘Carbon fiber technology’ has been a boon to the construction industry that has helped homeowners to prevent basement related structural damage in an elegant way. Unlike other repairing options, carbon fiber technology provides a non-invasive one-time solution for damaged foundations.

Carbon fiber technology guarantees stability and longevity to your structure without excavation hassles or even sacrificing your living space. It offers long term and permanent solution for bowing & cracking basement walls or foundation.

Prior to this technology expert would suggest the application of steel beams of variety of shapes and sizes such as 4 “I beams, 3 “I beams and C channel beams, to strengthen basement walls. However, one major factor going against steel beams is that if the installation crews are inexperienced, the resulting pressure can distort, crack or bow the joists where the beams get attached.

Also, steel beams are rigid and touch the wall just at a single point, where the foundation wall gets bowed the most. Only a proper installation can guarantee the results – Impart appropriate pressure back to the damaged walls, preventing further movements.

On the other hand, carbon fibers effectively bond to the wall, making them stronger than before, and spreading the pressure over wider areas than a single point. Most of the vertical and bowing cracks found in building structures occur due to soil pressure and ‘Carbon fiber’ is the sophisticated solution for rectifying these problems.

Once the Carbon fiber mesh is introduced to the damaged wall and painted, they almost appear invisible. Steel beam isn’t just highly visible, but also sticks half a foot from the wall. With carbon fibers, no space is lost. Once painted over, carbon fibers are virtually invisible but on the other hand, steel beams get masked only by basement finishing.

While carbon fibers become an integral part of the wall, steel beams appear industrial, accentuating repairs made to the foundation walls. The beam strength appears just as strong as attachment points, done with nails in sub-flooring and 2 x 4s. The direct bonding of carbon fibers to walls makes them stronger.

Carbon fiber mesh/ Kevlar mesh

In the last three decades, CFRPs (Carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers) applications has increased drastically. Very recently, they have also gained acceptance in construction industry as traditional replacement for structural reinforcement, with applications ranging from seismic strengthening of bridge girders and concrete columns to basement reinforcements.
CFRP materials provide several advantages over steel. Their tensile strength is much higher than steel. While steel has an elongation of 6 %, carbon fibers have an elongation of 1.5 %.  This means a wall repaired with steel reinforcements will occupy the utilization space of the room by an extra 6 % before the steel can impart the strength to the damaged wall.

If the wall is reinforced with carbon fiber based mesh, it doesn’t move at all because the fiber material remains virtually in tension and much stiffer. Kevlar mesh/ Carbon Fiber is pre-cured and pre-tensioned so that the tows remain straight, ensuring that the material retains its entire strength. Once the mesh gets encapsulated in epoxy matrix, the strength gets locked.

Over time, the fabric doesn’t bend, creep or stretch. Here, the carbon fiber not only straightens the bowed basement wall, but also prevents any further inward movement. Another reason why most contractors and homeowners opt for Kevlar mesh is its aesthetics. In most cases, Kevlar straps repairs are barely noticeable as the material lies flat to the substrate, conforming to the wall.

Kevlar mesh can also act as replacement for tiebacks that are  anchored nearly 8 to 10 feet out from wall in the ground. They are  a viable option in neighborhoods or restricted spaces where the property lines are situated 5 to 6 feet apart.If you have a basement whose foundation or other structural components have got bows or cracks, don’t think twice. Simply consider carbon fiber as the solution. It offers better strength than other materials. Also, it isn’t obtrusive as steel beams, doesn’t require specialized machinery or heavy equipments, and is fully non-invasive. You needn’t jack the hammer to existing structures or floors.

Thanks to its numerous advantages, carbon fiber is slated to overtake steel as the most preferred material for construction purposes by the turn of the century.

“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, a engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”

Carbon fiber is a thin long strand of carbon atoms about 0.005 to 0.010 mm diameter. These are bonded in the form of microscopic crystals aligned parallel to the fiber’s long axis. It is this crystal alignment that contributes to the fiber’s incredible strength. Thousands of carbon fibers are twisted together to form a yarn. It is combined with epoxy and then molded or wound into shape to form several composite materials.

Carbon fibers were developed in the 1950s as reinforcement for molded plastic components. Earlier, the fibers were manufactured by heating rayon strands till they got carbonized. However, the process was inefficient as the resulting fibers had 20 % carbon with low stiffness and strength.

In the 1960s, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) was used as raw material. This created carbon fibers with nearly 55 % carbon and much better properties, instantly becoming the basic method to manufacture carbon fibers.

Carbon fibers form an important component of several products, which includes high-rise constructions, with new applications getting developed every year. Leading carbon fiber manufacturers include Western Europe, Japan and the U.S.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Raw materials used to manufacture carbon are known as precursors. Nearly 90 % carbon fibers contain polyacrylonitrile as the basic raw material. The tenacity of carbon fiber is fully dependent on the tensile strength of its precursor. If the tensile strength is low, then the tenacity of carbon fiber is low and vice versa.

When moderate stabilization is used, the modules and tensile strength get enhanced substantially by carbonization under strain. Electron diffraction and x-ray studies show that in the high modulus fibers, the crystals are arranged around the fiber’s longitudinal axes with highly oriented layer planes parallel to the axis.

Overall, the strength of carbon fiber depends on the following parameters:-

 Presence of flaws and defects
 Heat treatment temperature
 Processing conditions and
 The type of precursor

For PAN based carbon fibers, the strength rises to maximum 1300⁰C which decreases gradually. The modulus increases with rising temperature. Typically, the PAN based fibers buckle on compression, forming kink bands at the fiber’s innermost surface.Nevertheless, similar such high modulus, pitch based fibers are deformed by shear mechanism with kink bands formed at 45 ⁰ angle to fiber axis. As the carbon fibers are brittle, they are formed with covalent bonds. Its sheet-like aggregations permit easy propagation of cracks. On bending, the fiber fails at very low strain.

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Studies were conducted to investigate the chemical solvent resistance and aircraft fluid of carbon fiber reinforced PEEK (Poly Ether Ether Ketone) and PPS (Poly Phenylene Sulfide) composites.

The aircraft fluids and solvents used in this work involve paint stripper, hydraulic fluid, methylene chloride, methyl ethyl ketone and JP-4 jet fuel. As a function of time, the weight gained by composites is measured after which the flexural and textile strength, dynamic mechanical properties and thermal composite behaviors are examined.

The crystalline change alteration of composites is investigated through X-ray diffraction. It is observed that paint stripper significantly degrades the mechanical properties of composite. In addition, the crystallization enhancement of low-crystalline composites in presence of aircraft fluids and solvents have also been observed.

ADVANTAGES OVER STEEL

Light weight, resistance to corrosion and high strength has made carbon fiber an ideal material for reinforcement. From 2004, nearly 300 projects, representing more than 15 million square feet of deck and surface area were constructed using carbon fibers in the U.S.

 Architectural insulating panels: Carbon fiber grids are used in panel face in inner and outer concrete wall sections and also as steel mesh replacement.

 Insulated sandwich wall panels: Carbon fibers are used as sheer truss or sheer grid to connect outer and inner withes of wall panels, forming thermally-efficient and structurally composite unit.

 Anti-corrosive-tees: Carbon fiber grid is integrated as reinforcing form in double tee deck, replacing bulky steel mesh. They are not only an improvement over conventional steel reinforcements, but also retain the benefits of precast concrete.

 Anti-corrosive abilities – As carbon fiber doesn’t oxidize, it doesn’t cause spalling, staining or rusting as steel. Hence, precasters can decrease the amount of concrete cover – three inches or even more for wall panels – important for reinforcement protection.

 Weight – Reducing concrete cover for carbon fibers substantially decreases weight – 50 % for wall panels and 8 % for double tees. Decreased weight cuts costs, from foundations to superstructure, extending to crane expenses and lower shipping costs.

 Thermal Efficiency: Thanks to low thermal conductivity, carbon fibers decrease heat or cold transfer from outside to inside and vice versa. With carbon fiber, the insulation entrenched in walls can deliver nearly 100 percent rated performance without hot or cold spots, benefiting business owners in long-term energy savings and HVAC equipment.

 Nature Friendliness: Compared to other envelope closure options, reinforced pre-cast carbon fiber grid products are more eco-friendly as they use local materials and less concrete. Their thermal efficiency saves energy. VOC emitting finishes or paints are not required. They could also be recycled and last longer.

 Cost Effectiveness:  Though carbon fiber grids cost twice than conventional steel reinforcing, it compensates the rates by avoiding chemical treatments and excessive concrete cover that are otherwise required by steel. Lower HVAC demands also contribute to the cost effectiveness of carbon fiber over steel.Thanks to the drive for sustainable and green building products, carbon fiber grids are slowly making their mark in construction world, decreasing carbon footprints across the world.

PROPERTIES OF CARBON FIBER IN COMPARISON TO STEEL

Below are the properties of carbon fiber that place it at an advantage over steel:-

 It has the lowest density and stronger  than titanium, steel and aluminum

 Though carbon fiber has stiffness comparable to steel, and greater than titanium and aluminum, it can be flexed more than other metals without permanent deformities.

 It also has excellent fatigue resistance.

 Carbon fiber gets easily molded into complex shapes

 Unlike metals, Carbon fibers can be layered for additional strength and thickness only to specific areas of the building structure.

Carbon fibers are slowly making their significance felt in the construction industry despite the constraints faced like manufacturing time and costs to match its existing demand.

“Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. is a foundation repair company. KBS is not, however, a engineering firm and should not be considered as such.”