Healthy Basement Waterproofing: Recent Comments

Comment on Open Backed Systems vs, Closed Systems

2011-07-01T12:04:03Z

Hi Gary,
You may want to consider Select Basement Waterproofing as an option. http://www.selectbasement.com

Comment on Open Backed Systems vs, Closed Systems

2010-05-11T13:39:23Z

Thanks for the reply Steve.
The 1st company I contacted was Aqui-Dri. They have a more traditional French drain. Not sure exactly how far down they go, but it is in the "mud zone". This is their website: http://www.aquadriwaterproofing.com.

The 2nd company was Quality1stbasementsystems. They use the WaterGuard system. This is their website: http://www.quality1stbasementsystems.com
They do not go nearly as low as the traditional system. I am concerned about a traditional system clogging (sediment, roots, etc.). The traditional system was also close to double the price, but I want a good system, so I won't let price drive the decision.

So, would you reccoment the traditional system, so long as they do't go so deep as to affect the foundation? I live in Cranford New Jersey which has a high water table.
Thanks again,
Gary

Comment on Open Backed Systems vs, Closed Systems

2010-05-11T01:39:25Z

Hi Gary,

In my thirty years of installing over 40,000 interior drainage systems in MA RI and CT I would say the best "french drain" systems do not sit on the footer. I used to be Basement Systems (WaterGuard) top dealer. The problem with the on the footer system is that it sit too high out of the "mud zone", that is the main reason I do not recommend on the footer systems - they simply do not collect the water soon enough. That is the reason their sump liner is so deep - the WaterGuard system cannot collect the water until it reaches on top of the footer.

On the other hand there are "interior systems out there that go too deep affecting the zone of influence leading to foundation failure. That being said, I must put a plug for the GrateDrain which is the product of everything I have learned about basement drainage during the last 30 years. The GrateDrain is placed at the perfect height (about 5 1/2" below the floor). It is best to place the GrateDrain one inch below the top of the footer and with holes on both sides it will collect water from the wall/ footer seam and also from under the basement slab.

for further info on the GrateDrain visit www.grateproducts.com

Comment on Open Backed Systems vs, Closed Systems

2010-05-10T21:03:07Z

How deep do you think an interior French drain needs to go? I have one company that says it needs to go down about 8 to 10 inches, in the mud zone (to get the water) and another company that says it should go down just a few inches (the WaterGuard system), so it doesn't clog.
Thanks

Comment on Radon In Basements

2009-06-28T19:22:37Z

radon may be drained by some geocomposites

Comment on Basement Repair Boston

2009-05-29T18:46:31Z

it may also be good to use drainage composites

Comment on Open Backed Systems vs, Closed Systems

2009-03-24T19:51:43Z

Steve,

I would like to chat with you. I have two companies, one that performs home inspections and one that does radon reduction, mld abatement, termite damage repair, among other things. We have been contemplating getting into the basement waterproofing business, since we network realtors and have a foot in the door. Would like to talk more about your closed back drainage product.

Stan

Comment on Radon In Basements

2009-03-21T20:21:42Z

Steve I think I'm remembering you from one of my visits to "Larry Janesky World" years ago- yes? In any case I have been on my own for about 10 years in basements and the last 3 years in radon as well. I just minutes ago got and read your article in the Radon Reporter and I am thrilled to know that I'm not alone with my concerns. I am excited to learn more from you about your methods and product choices so as to continue our cause. I began my career in bsmnt. drainage with Complete Basement Systems- Mankato, MN, after 5 years, I'd had "enough" and went out on my own. I regret not learning more about radon sooner but now I am working both ends together. When you have time, I would enjoy a discussion with you. I can be reached via E-mail or any time by cell phone at 507-351-2413. Thanks Steve and keep up the good work!-Andrew Kelley

Comment on Radon In Basements

2009-03-20T19:32:58Z

Steve, Thank you for your excellant article in the Radon Reporter. I totally agree with your comments.

Comment on Healthy Basement - Healthy Home

2007-10-09T00:47:58Z

Grate Drain system makes sense- I have been learning about the Grate Drain system for the past year. I am impressed and convinced that this basement water / moisture control system from Grate products is truly best system available today. As a home owner, my wife and I have decided to have this system installed throughout our basement. We currently do not have an obvious water problem, but we do have a moisture problem. Our dehumidifier runs constantly with significant increase in energy bills for at least six months out of the year. We have notice mold growth along the stair way leading downstairs and also on some items stored in our basement. More importantly, we have a child with asthma and do not want anything in our home to put him at further risk. From what I have learned, the GrateDrain closed basement waterproofing system will solve our problem and rid us of that musty smell. When we built our home, we thought we were doing the right thing. (crushed stone & thick floor) We even installed a French Drain along the perimeter. (It does not stop moisture.) A closed system simply makes sense.