The title of my article says it all. I feel extremely delighted to proclaim that Keystone Basement Systems has over 1000 satisfied customers. The number confirms that we have done our tasks well. It’s been a long and challenging path to attain such success nevertheless, it was worth it. All our efforts have resulted in obtaining a strong market presence in our target area i.e. Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania.

Being the owner of KBS, I have always been excited about the things we do to run our business. To keep it simple, I have jotted down a few bullet points which can better explain my reasons of being proud of KBS:

•    We provide valuable service to our customers giving us 1000 satisfied clients.
•    We provide lifetime waterproofing and structural warranties.
•    We provide residential and commercial estimates and all estimates are free to home owners.
•    We have all viable methods to solve problems, rather than force fit one method on all problems.
•    We come out every 5 years and inspect ALL of our systems to ensure that all are working.
•    All warranties are written.
•    Our warranties are transferable for no fee to all subsequent owners.
•    Keystone Basement Systems has an A+ Better Business Bureau rating which shows we take customer satisfaction seriously.
•    We have an A+ rating with Angie’s List too.
•    We also offer Lowest Price Assurance on our systems. This contract ensures that our customers receive the lowest price for essential systems. In this way we are able to create the maximum value for our customers.
•    All of our projects are overseen by a main project foreman that is on-site and provides daily communication and updates.
•    All projects have a final walk through where systems are tested in front of the homeowner to ensure performance and satisfaction.  This creates a trust with customer.
•    KBS is a local business, not a franchise.  Therefore our employees live and work in a community. This allows us to understand the needs of our customers in a more efficient manner.
•    To facilitate homeowners we have all methods of payment including comfortable finance options.  With GE Money Financing, we have over 60 plans to fit any situation.
•    Moreover, we have a dedicated team of enthusiasts willing to contribute extra efforts to deliver what is promised to our clients.
•    Finally, we believe in Quality and Innovation which helps us improve year after year.

Our award-winning basement waterproofing systems and service is something I am proud to show-off. Being the founder of this company, I understand my business model wholly and believe that no other company can serve people better than us.

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://www.bbb.org/pittsburgh/business-reviews/waterproofing-contractors/keystone-basement-systems-and-structural-repair-in-pittsburgh-pa-53002333/
3.    http://www.angieslist.com/companylist/us/pa/pittsburgh/keystone-basement-systems-structural-repair-inc-reviews-327117.aspx
4.    http://www.gemoney.com/

In arithmetic terms, ‘Keystone Basement Systems’ is directly proportional to ‘Quality’. Less expensive equipment can give a temporary monetary relief however; often ignored fact is the cost of maintenance and a shorter lifetime of the cheap equipment. Hence, we intelligently invest in products of superior quality which proves as a long-term asset for us. We are proud to pronounce that we use only high-quality products and equipments to resolve the basement issues in Pittsburg and surrounding areas. Our team of certified and professional consultants has dedicated themselves in continually enhancing the quality level of service.

KBS has been solving issues of Basement Waterproofing since 2003 and we definitely realize the significance of high quality sump pumps. We even tailor the repair plan that is specific to your home or building. Unlike our competitors who use one method and force it on every foundation, we customize your solution so that you can realize your basements potential without fear of future problems. ‘Zoeller Pumps Company’ is our right hand for solving such issues. The quality of their pumps is far above many other manufacturers. It has contributed a lot to our success.

Certain features that a typical sump pump must have are the following:

•    The sump pump must be made of heavy duty materials rather than cheap plastics. It should be made of cast iron. Plastic pumps wear away easily and do not serve its purpose when needed most.
•    The dewatering pump must be elevated to avoid clogging of pipes due to debris. Collected debris could even lead to pump failure. Hence, the elevated pump will help in constant water flow and will not allow any waste to get stuck.
•    A back-up system to consistently provide electricity is essential for constant flow of water. An inverter can be useful at times when there is no electricity.

For all our problems, Zoeller Family of Water Solutions has the very best solution – from residential waste and clean water pump solutions to commercial and municipal solutions engineered to exact standards. They have a huge list of product categories which includes Utility, Pedestal, Gas Engine Pumps; Sump, Effluent, Dewatering; Sewage & Dewatering; Hazardous Environment; Grinder Pumps; Specialty Products; Potable Water Systems; Package Systems & Basins. We specifically use the M53 series pump in all of our systems. The product specifications are:

Horsepower:  .3 HP
Volts:  115 or 230 V
Hertz:  60 Hz
Thermally protected:  Yes
RPM:  1550
Impeller Type: Non-clogging vortex impeller
Cord Length: 9 ft. standard automatic, 15 ft. standard non-automatic
Cord Type: UL listed, 3-wire cord and plug

Following are the features of the model:

•    Cast iron switch case, motor and pump housing
•    Engineered thermoplastic base
•    Engineered, glass filled, plastic impeller with metal insert
•    Stainless steel guard and handle
•    Lower and upper bearings, oil fed cast iron
•    53-0001 weight: 23 lbs

This amazing product (ZOELLER Sump Pump 3/10 HP 115 Volts Model # M53) takes care of both commercial and residential dewatering issues. We are highly satisfied using this product and had no complaints till date.

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://www.keystonebasementsystems.com/waterproofing.html
3.    http://www.zoeller.com/
4.    http://www.zoellerpumps.com/ProductBenefit.aspx?ProductID=89
5.    http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013H1MMO/ref=asc_df_B0013H1MMO1273775?smid=A3V8AZN3GDIRPZ&tag=dealtmp5041-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395105&creativeASIN=B0013H1MMO
6.    http://bestcellarbasements.com/services/sump-pumps/choosing-a-pump.php

The dream of owning a house is one of the major elements of motivation to earn wealth. When we convert this dream into reality, we seldom pay attention to the maintenance of the property for its longevity. A well-maintained house holds a higher market value as compared to a less-maintained or neglected house property.

Major attention to cleanliness should be given during rainy season. Water clogging is the most common problem which every house has to face during heavy downpour. Gutters and downspouts must be cleaned more frequently to avoid overflowing and congestion of water. A clean and hygienic environment is highly essential to stay away from the attack of flu and viral fever. Hence, it is always better to clean up the gutters at regular intervals. Excessive water clogging dampens the timber roof and leads to rotting. A gutter guard will be a solution to all such problems as it will prevent water overflow onto roads. Tank water which usually gets dirty due to gutter overflow can be avoided.

Most of the gutters and downspouts get clogged due to leaves and debris that stay for a long time. People especially living in Pittsburg and surrounding areas are experiencing fall and dry leaves are falling off, making your gutter look like a garbage bin full of leaves. If gutters stay unchecked for long then it might severely damage the foundation of the house and in worst cases it may also lead to basement flooding. To avoid such circumstances, it is better to always stay alert and take immediate steps.

When the gutter is dry, it is much easier to clean as all you have to do is collect all debris and leaves and put it in the trash bag. However, if the gutter is damp then you might need to do a lot of labor to get it cleaned. You will need a bucket to clean a damp gutter. For cleaning downspouts, you have to manually pour in lots of water with high pressure to clear the pipe. You can also use a plumbing snake to clear the obstruction in the downspout.

You can ensure that you have a clean gutter by knowing the following things:

•    No leaves or other organic matter
•    Free from spiders, mosquitoes and other pests
•    No birds or their nests
•    No broken pieces of roof tiles
•    No animals and pets accidentally trapped
•    No flying debris above the gutter during strong winds and storms

Keystone Basement Systems is always ready to advise people on key maintenance issues. Knowing the fact that Pennsylvania’s freezing climate amplifies water clogging and destroys the drainage system, we let our people know the consequences of avoiding these factors. We are a bunch of certified consultants specializing in Mold Removal, Foundation Structural Repair and Basement Waterproofing. We also offer free inspections and estimates to homeowners with foundation problems.

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://theleafman.com.au/benefits/
3.    http://ezinearticles.com/?Benefits-of-Installing-Gutter-Guards&id=4957560
4.    http://www.gutterpages.com/2010/08/clean-gutter-benefits/
5.    http://homerepair.about.com/od/exteriorhomerepair/ss/sbs_gutter_clea.htm

Economists believe that there is nothing that can be obtained without giving something. ‘No Free Lunch’ is the first concept taught to every student of economics, making them believe that money comes only if some of it is spent. Time and money is concluded as the key resources that every human creature possesses. It needs to be efficiently utilized to get some value in return. Consequently people calculate their return on every investment of time/money they make.

Denying the fact that nothing is free in this world, ‘Keystone Basement Systems’ time and again comes up with innovative ideas to give free services to their clients both current and prospective. Unlike others this company offers a Free Home Evaluation to any and everyone in Pennsylvania, Ohio, & West Virginia. All they have to do is, just fill up a request form in the website, fix up an appointment and an evaluator will visit the owner of a house to provide a comprehensive report. Being the owner of Keystone Basement Systems, Aaron Stull himself visits around 10 potential clients a week to advice them on their home properties. Experts in handling Basement Issues, KBS also pays a referral amount of $50 to every referral that resulted in new business. So if you have a friend, family member, colleague or neighbor who is facing a basement issue, fill in their information and we are all set to help them out.

Home Evaluation Report is a document which gives as estimate of the market value of a particular home property. According to International Valuation Standards, “Market value is the estimated amount for which a property should exchange on the date of valuation between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm’s-length transaction after proper marketing wherein the parties had each acted knowledgeably, prudently, and without compulsion”. An owner if planning to sell will have to hire a professional who will do the property evaluation. However, as KBS believes, there are free lunches; they provide this service for free.

Imagine the value that you will receive once you have your free evaluation.  Not only will you fully understand the cause of the issue, but you will know the appropriate action steps needed to solve the issue and move forward.  So give us a call at 800-771-3244 and we would love to schedule a free, no hassle discussion at your home.

Apart from saving a few dollars on getting a detailed estimation report, the knowledge obtained in the process in invaluable. This particular report can also help an owner to check the ways to increase its property value. One of the main reasons for a lower property value is the presence of water leakages, inefficient drainage system, presence of molds, etc. Hence, Keystone Basement Systems will not only give you a free report but will also solve basement issues (if you have one) such as mold removal, water leakages and foundation structural repair.

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://www.keystonebasementsystems.com/schedule/
3.    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/There_ain%27t_no_such_thing_as_a_free_lunch
4.    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Market_value

People sell their homes for countless reasons. It can be loss of job, divorce, repayment of debt/loan, unfortunate incident that requires urgent cash, etc. Reasons to sell a property can be many, however the objective is to instantly obtain liquid asset or in simple words ‘cash’. Sellers are unaware of some of the major factors necessary to keep in mind while selling. These factors have a huge impact on the market value of the property and can cost thousands of dollars. Home sellers should keep certain basic things in mind before they actually sell their property. They are:

-    Contact an attorney who can take care of all legal issues that arise during the transaction period.
-    Keep all documents of property, insurance, etc in place to avoid any hassles.
-    Get a home inspector and calculate the market value of the property.
-    Select an escrow agent who will be responsible to collect all necessary documents from both parties.

When talking about real estate US citizens recurrently refer National Association of Realtors. It is a trade association in the United States which includes all aspects of residential and commercial real estate industries. It clearly explains each and every aspect of home buying and selling and acts as a bible for people planning to invest in real estate industry. They believe that sellers should be smart enough to get the maximum value out of the property. Home inspection is one major step towards selling a house property. It is always advised that a seller must be well-prepared to face the inspection. By well-prepared we mean that all the loopholes of the property must by removed to avoid reporting of damages and leakages. During inspection if any leakage or damage is found, it will certainly reflect on the market value of the property.

Damages and leakages are some of the most common, but ignored, factors which highly affect the market value. An intelligent seller will invest some money in repairing the damages and rectifying all leakages. This small amount of investment will add up to many thousands of dollars to the property. Hence, profit can be more.

The home inspector who will be allotted for inspection will have a close look at each and every corner of the property. Their responsibility is to evaluate the market value of the property. They also advise the sellers on various points which will be helpful to increase the value. Apart from helping sellers, their inspection helps buyers to make a good purchase decision. The three main categories of inspection are Safety, Damage and Money. They check how safe the property is at times of hazards such as fire, earthquake, etc. If some repair needs to be done then how much money is involved? And they also categorize the normal wear and tear of the property as major and minor damages. Usually flooring, roof structure, presence of molds and water leakages are the main damages observed in a property.

Almost every house in USA has a basement for car parking. Common basements issues are wet corners, faulty drainage system, development of black molds, mildew smell, etc. These have to be taken care of well before hand. Keystone Basement Systems is a Pittsburgh Basement Contractor specializing in Mold Removal, Foundation Structural Repair and Basement Waterproofing. We offer free inspections and estimates to homeowners with foundation problems. Keystone’s basement specialists and certified mold re-mediators will tailor a solution to best fit your individual needs and budget.

If a seller has made a commitment to the home inspector to make repairs and replacements of damaged parts, it is obligatory to finish all repairs as it may also lead in canceling the deal. Hence, if all damages are removed on time, the market value of the house property automatically increases. An addition in the market value will be greatly welcomed by seller who might obviously be in need of finance.

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://www.realtor.org/realtororg.nsf/pages/post_contract_pitfalls
3.    http://www.aclhi.com/articles/what-is-a-home-inspection/
4.    http://qwickstep.com/search/fix-basement-leak.html

Trade Fairs are occasions wherein companies of a specific industry decide on a venue and day to organize a show. It gives them a chance to exhibit the latest products, services, technologies, ideas, etc. Some of the trade shows are not open to public and only company representatives and press members can attend. The main objective of such exhibitions is to find franchisers or sell business packages to their clients. Apart from this, there are trade shows open for general public. The main purpose is obviously to increase sales; however it also spreads awareness of latest technologies and ideas.

The business or work we do is not understood by most of the general public. ‘Trade Shows’ is the exact place where companies get a chance to make these people understand more about their products and services. Though it is believed that organizing a trade show is quite expensive and attract annoying visitors, however its benefits cannot be ignored. There is a special set of audience that is always interested to attend trade shows. It is a golden opportunity for companies to show off their products and create a mark in customer’s mind by planning and implementing an extraordinary marketing strategy. Following is a list of benefits which can be availed by companies going for a trade show:

•    Increase brand awareness thus enhancing the visibility of the company.
•    Opportunity to reach a specific target audience.
•    Generating more number of leads.
•    Personally meeting customers and new prospects.
•    Excellent platform to introduce new products and services
•    A chance to educate the customers and prospective customers about the new product/ service
•    Trade shows is a unique marketing channel that gives an advantage to demonstrate a product/ service effectively. It will leave a long-lasting impact on consumer’s minds.
•    Exposure to other competitors in the industry and observe their strategies and selling efforts.

For clients or customers, the best place to know more about a product they wish to purchase is to visit trade shows exhibiting such products.

In trade shows customers get a chance to personally meet the company along with its competitors.  A great amount of attention is given to people who visit the company’s stalls. Hence, customers or prospective customers get an opportunity to get all their questions answered. A personal feel or touch of a product or service provides a great amount of confidence within the customers. Thus, the demonstration in trade shows helps customers build a rapport with the company. The people will not be hesitant to invest their money in purchasing the company’s offering. If satisfied, customers may also spread constructive messages about the company.

Keystone Basement Systems values the significance of exhibiting the company’s service in trade shows. Hence, we are engaging ourselves into some of the major trade fairs happening around the city. We realize that a strong marketing strategy and its perfect implementation will help us deliver a clear message to all our customers. We have decided to give a discount of 15% on all services to each attendee of all the trade shows. Following are some of the trade shows we have decide to participate in:

1.    Pittsburg Home and Garden Show
2.    Pittsburg Remodeling Expo
3.    Monroeville Fall Home and Garden Show

We have an optimistic approach to organize these trade shows and we expect it to be highly successful. Each day we strive and put in the best and continuous efforts to improve our services. Our innovative and forward-thinking approach to designing products has given us an edge over other players in the market. Our major aim to organize the trade shows is to give our customers a clear picture of our business service and help them solve their basement issues. Hence we’ve kept our fingers crossed and arms opened to help out people who are troubled due to their basement problem.

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://pghhome.com/index.php
2.http://www.biztradeshows.com/trade-events/pittsburgh-remodeling-expo.html
3.http://www.monroevilleconventioncenter.com/us/
4.http://www.keystonebasementsystems.com/
5.http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Are-the-Advantages-of-a-Trade-Show-Convention-For-Your-Business?&id=2059483
6.http://www.marketingmo.com/3-generate-and-manage-customers/trade-shows-events/

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

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