Basement waterproofing and crawl space repair in IL

PVC Drain Pipe: Why It Falls Short For Basement Waterproofing

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:21:33 -0500

For years, contractors who were hired to waterproof a basement have relied on "one size fits all" PVC pipe to direct water towards the sump pump system. Admittedly, this was a competent solution for many homeowners, and it established the groundwork for more advanced drainage systems to be developed.

As time passed, that's exactly what happened -- systems that were more advanced (and had more to offer) were created to meet homeowner demands and compete with other waterproofing specialists. Modern drainage systems are far superior to PVC pipe and have rendered it completely obsolete for basement waterproofing.

Shortcomings Of PVC Drainage Systems

PVC drain pipe systems are designed to be installed underneath the basement floor, with a gap running along the edge of the basement wall. This gap remains open, collecting water from the floor, while the drain is pitched downward towards the sump pit using gravity to direct the water to the pump.

This design has three major flaws:

Must Be Installed Below The Basement Floor: While a typical basement allows for a system that's installed below the basement floor, a below-floor drain is not appropriate for all homes. Basements that use monolithic foundations (where the basement floor and foundation footer are poured in one piece) can make a below-floor drain system very labor-intensive to install, as the floor will be unusually thick around the basement wall perimeter. In other cases, the basement floor is just plain thick, presenting similar issues.

Must Be Installed In The "Mud Zone": PVC pipe is large and round. As such, it cannot be installed on top of the foundation footer. Barring, this, the remaining option is to install the system father back, behind the footer and in the "mud zone." Because of this you have to remove much more of your floor. That's more work for you, and more waste to remove. On top of that, placing a drain directly in the mud means that the mud will eventually get into the drain, which will then clog.

The Open Gap Along The Perimeter: Leaving a wide-open gap along the perimeter of the basement walls allows unwanted elements into your home, including humidity, odors, and radon gas. This gap also tends to fill with debris from the basement floor, which can lead to a clogged system.

Modern Basement Drain Systems

As waterproofers move away from PVC drain pipe, they begin to adopt drainage systems that are specialized for the specific issue they're solving.

Examples:

For Basements With Monolithic Floors: Since jackhammering the floor will create a lot of dust and take a lot of labor to complete, contractors will instead to choose a baseboard drainage system for this application. This can be adhered to the top of the basement floor -- not quite as attractive, but just as effective and far less expensive.

For Basements With Thin Floors: If the basement floor is too thin for a drainage system mounted on the foundation footing, then a two-part drain system can be installed. This involves placing the drain in the mud zone (not so labor-intensive for very thin floors), and running a wall flange to the drain. The wall flange will collect water from the walls, but without the large gap that is present in traditional PVC systems. To compensate for sitting in the "mud zone", drainage stone is laid on all sides of the drain system before the concrete floor is restored.

To Collect Water From Hatchway Doors: Many basements experience water flooding in through hatchway doors. In these situations, the drain can be run into the hatchway entryway, behind the closed door, and integrated with a section of drain that includes a grated opening. The opening will collect water, but is located outside of the door, so it does not add humidity or odors to the basement.

In Basements With Iron Ochre: If your basement has issues with iron bacteria and iron ochre, a typical drainage system can easily become clogged with this "slime". In these cases, your drain system will need a removable lid, so that the drain can easily be cleaned and maintained.

No matter what your basement needs, you will always be better off when choosing a customized drainage system over a traditional PVC pipe.

As your local Certified Basement Systems Dealer, Woods Basement Systems has exclusive access to Basement Systems' complete line of warranted basement drain systems. We have a solution that's perfect for you! We specialize in basement waterproofing in Missouri and service greater St. Louis as well as greater Springfield, IL.

Woods Awarded 2011 Remodeler of Distinction for Structural Renovation

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:02:10 -0500

The Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Southwest Illinois has awarded Woods Basement Systems the 2011 Remodeler of Distinction Award for Structural Renovation.

On Friday, January 20, 2012, the HBA of Greater Southwest Illinois hosted the 2011 Remodelers of Distinction Awards at the Villa Marie Winery & Banquet Center in Maryville, Illinois. Home improvement projects were reviewed by category, and a panel of judges unaffiliated with the HBA selected the winners. The Remodelers Council awarded contractors in the following categories: additions, bathrooms, kitchens, interiors/basements, exteriors, green, and structural.

Woods Basement Systems won the Structural Renovation award for a project in Granite City, Illinois where three out of four block basement walls were cracked, severely bowed, and leaking water. Woods straightened and restored the foundation walls with the Foundation Supportworks wall anchor system, stabilizing and securing the structure.

Repairing Home Foundation Damage: Fill Soil Problems in Missouri

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:22:18 -0500

Stabilizing a damaged wall with wall anchors.

Highly expansive, clay-rich backfill soil caused severe damage to this concrete block basement wall. Sections of the wall were pushed in along joint lines in some areas. Instead of a costly and disruptive wall replacement repair, Woods Basement Systems installed GEO-Lock anchors to stabilize the wall and push the wall back to its original position. The repair is warranted for the life of the structure.

Taking the tilt out of a poured concrete wall

Soil pressure sometimes causes poured concrete walls to tilt inward, as it did at this house in St. Charles, MO. Before the wall anchor repair was made, a wood cleat was fastened to a joist,

flush with the tilted wall. After installing GEO-Lock wall anchors, Woods technicians were able to pull the wall 3 ½ in. back toward its original position, eliminating the need for total wall replacement.

It’s exciting to see a poured concrete foundation revealed for the first time. The workers strip off the wall forms and you see those massive grey walls standing tall and strong. It’s hard to believe that these same walls might crack, bow and tilt in a few years, forcing homeowners to pay for structural repairs that weren’t anticipated. Experienced foundation repair contractors can help avoid this damage and disappointment by anticipating soil problems that originate during the final phases of house construction.

Imported soil puts foundations under pressure

How does a house built on stable soil succumb to foundation damage because of expansive soil? The answer to this question often traces back to the house construction process. In places such as O'Fallon, Saint Charles, Lake Saint Louis, Saint Peters, and Wentzville in Missouri, soil was removed to create an excavation for the basement. If the excavated soil contained a large number of rocks or tree roots, this material was probably trucked offsite because it wouldn’t be suitable for use as backfill. Later, when the time came to replace soil around the basement walls, new soil had to be brought in from another location. It’s this new soil that has the potential to cause foundation damage.

Clay is the culprit

Fill soil brought in from a different location can have a high clay content. Unlike soil composed of sand and gravel, clay-rich soil doesn’t drain well. Instead, it absorbs water during wet periods and expands in volume. When saturated with water, the expansion of a clay-rich soil can exert as much as 5,500 lbs. per sq. ft. on a house foundation. Such force can push laterally against a foundation wall, causing it to bow or crack. Expansive soil also lifts walls and concrete slabs up, and then shrinks down away from the masonry when the soil dries out. The resulting voids leave slabs, footings and walls unsupported, so this masonry is likely to crack, settle or even break apart in response to swell-and-shrink cycles.

Foundation repairs offer solutions to expansive soil problems

Regardless of when or how a foundation becomes susceptible to expansive soil stress, there are preventative measures that can be taken by an experienced foundation repair specialist. Improving drainage around the foundation is one common preventative measure. In other cases, it may be necessary to reinforce foundation walls to withstand the soil’s expansive force. An third strategy is to replace some of the clay-rich backfill soil with sand and gravel-rich soil that doesn’t expand and contract under different moisture conditions.

Woods Basement Systems is your reputable foundation repair contractor in Missouri. Contact them today with your questions regarding foundation repair in St. Charles and its surrounding areas.

We proudly service O'Fallon, St Charles, Lake St Louis, St. Peters, Wentzville, and other nearby locations. Call us today to get your free foundation repair quote!

January is National Radon Month

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:31:16 -0500

Collinsville, IL – With radon being one of the leading causes of lung cancer today, it’s vital to bring attention to this often-overlooked danger. January is National Radon Month, making it a good time to purchase a home radon test kit or hire a professional radon mitigation contractor. Woods Basement Systems is an expert on radon mitigation and has made a number of recommendations for homeowners during National Radon Month.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is released from soil. Because it is a radioactive carcinogen gas, it can be dangerous to people if it travels up into their homes. Radon is responsible for 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year, making it the second-leading cause of lung cancer (behind smoking). Luckily, there are ways to lessen the amount of radon in a home, thereby preventing the contraction of lung cancer. Radon mitigation is becoming a common service that a number of contractors can provide.

Woods Basement Systems is encouraging homeowners to test their homes for radon this New Year. Because radon gas is colorless and odorless, it is not detected unless a specific test for the gas is performed. It’s important that each homeowner tests their home for radon before it’s too late.

Radon in a building is measured by picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends mitigating any building with a radon measurement at or above 4.0 picocuries per liter. When a building’s radon levels are found to be unhealthy, a radon mitigation system is specially designed to effectively reduce the levels to a healthier amount. Radon abatement methods can keep radon from entering a house, including soil suction, which draw the radon from below the basement or crawl space floor and push it outside. Some other radon mitigation techniques include sealing, house/room pressurization, heat recovery ventilation, and natural ventilation.

Woods Basement Systems is Illinois’s expert basement waterproofing, crawl space, sump pump installation and foundation repair contractor. Their radon mitigation systems use sub-slab depressurization to reduce radon levels. A PVC pipe collects soil gasses, radon is piped upwards in the building, and then a radon depressurization vent forces radon out of the house.

Woods Basement Systems serves parts of Missouri and Illinois, including Champaign, Springfield, St. Louis, Cape Girardeau, Urbana, Charleston and surrounding areas. They have years of experience building and drying basements, and they are members of the Basement Systems international network of basement waterproofing specialists. For more information about this radon mitigation company in St. Louis or a free estimate contact them today.

Woods' Digital Marketing Director Also a HootSuite Certified Professional

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:29:20 -0500

ST. LOUIS, MO — HootSuite Certified Professionals are trained to help you utilize social media software tools to enhance your online communications and marketing strategy, and Woods Basement Systems has a certified social media consultant of our own.

"Somewhere on the World Wide Web, people are either seeking information about your brand or discussing their experience—whether good or bad," says James E. Lord, Digital Marketing Director for Woods Basement Systems and Dr. Energy Saver St. Louis.

"By engaging in social media, you're joining their conversation and enhancing your relevance in the digital marketplace."

James joined our team of industry-leading professionals in 2010. His previous experience included producing for television, corporate web design, and event production. Most notably, James has worked on The Dr. Phil Show, The Doctors, and My Big Redneck Wedding.

Woods Supports First Annual "Festival of Giving" for the Holidays

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:36:38 -0500

CHESTERFIELD, MO — On Saturday, Radio Disney AM 1260 provided a convenient way for St. Louis area children and families to help others this holiday season by launching it's first annual Festival of Giving. The festival brought multiple charities together in one location. St. Louis Area Food Bank, Toys for Tots, Salvation Army and Five Acres Animal Shelter were on-site to accept donations at the Chesterfield Wal-mart.

Dave Thompson of Woods Basement Systems helped direct traffic to keep the parking lot safe for pedestrians. He also snapped a few of these photos with his iPhone 4.

Volunteers Help Make Christmas Shopping Affordable for More Than 30 Low-Income Edwardsville Families

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:31:49 -0500

EDWARDSVILLE, IL — Every year in December, Mission: St. Louis hosts Affordable Christmas events at several sites around the St. Louis area. The event empowers low-income families to provide a fun Christmas for their children.

On Saturday, Trailhead Church hosted more than thirty Edwardsville area families for Affordable Christmas at Newsong Fellowship in downtown Edwardsville. Members of Trailhead Church and other sponsors donated hundreds of brand new toys, clothes, and made cash donations (used to purchase gifts), which were then priced at approximately one-tenth of the original retail value.

Over fifty volunteers helped make the event possible by donating brand new clothes and toys, registering families, providing childcare, brewing coffee, cooking breakfast, wrapping gifts, and serving as personal shoppers. Childcare volunteers kept children occupied with games and other activites, so the only remaining task for parents and guardians was to show up and go Christmas shopping.

Woods Basement Systems' Digital Marketing Director, James E. Lord, his wife, and their church community group helped gift wrap hundreds of toys, games, and clothes.

Even more Affordable Christmas events are scheduled for this Saturday, December 10th, in Belleville, Hamilton Heights, Forest Park Southeast, and Peabody. Those still interested in serving are invited to fill out a volunteer form and check out the 2011 Affordable Christmas wishlist.

Anyone who knows a family living in the zip codes 63110, 63112, 63118, and 63139 that could really use a hand this Christmas is asked to submit their contact information, so Mission: St. Louis can invite them to Affordable Christmas. For more information about Affordable Christmas, contact Amy Bulgrien at Mission: St. Louis with any questions or visit MissionSTL.org.

Woods Helps Operation Food Search Feed More This Thanksgiving

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:51:18 -0500

On Monday, Dave Thompson of Woods Basement Systems made a special delivery to the Manchester, Missouri Dierbergs to help Operation Food Search feed more people this Thanksgiving. Invited to participate by FOX 2's Tim Ezell, Dave delivered a $2222.22 check from Woods Basement Systems to help Operation Food Search in their mission to "provide food and other basic necessities to individuals in need to help alleviate the burden of hunger and its consequences."

"For every dollar in donations, we're able to collect and distribute $20.00 worth of food," said Sunny Schaefer, Executive Director of Operation Food Search. "This is going to go a long way."

Operation Food Search works tirelessly to fight hunger in more ways than one. While they are a leader at collecting and distributing food throughout the bi-state region, Operation Food Search goes beyond just supplying agencies with free food. With comprehensive nutrition education programs, an innovative weekend backpack program, and environmentally-friendly green initiatives, Operation Food Search fights hunger with knowledge, empowerment, and hope.

Woods Basement Systems has been repairing, renovating, and restoring Missouri and Illinois homes for over twenty-five years. Established in 1986, Woods is now the industry-leading basement waterproofing and foundation repair contractor in the Midwest serving Greater Saint Louis and all of Southern Illinois, including Springfield, Carbondale, Champaign, Urbana and surrounding areas.

Woods Hands Out Sweet Treats at Downtown Belleville's Trick-or-Treat Main Street

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:49:27 -0500

Belleville, IL — On Friday, Woods Basement Systems handed out thousands of sweet treats at Trick-or-Treat Main Street. While children raided the candy bowl, parents scheduled free basement and crawl space inspections and entered to win a free home energy checkup courtesy of Dr. Energy Saver St. Louis.

Radio Disney hosted the family-friendly event accompanied by Rampage and the St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders, GCS Credit Union, and other local businesses. The event provided a safe place for local area children to trick-or-treat, play spooktacular games, and win some of the creepiest prizes around.

Woods Basement Systems raffled off a ghoulish Halloween basket full of treats and gave costumed creepers and their parents information on basement and crawl space waterproofing, foundation repair, radon mitigation, and basement finishing.

For those who dared to miss the first few innings of Game 7 of The World Series in exchange for lots of fun and candy, James E. Lord of Dr. Energy Saver St. Louis provided score updates following each inning.

Woods Serves Award-Winning Italian Chili at Collinsville Fall Festival

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:57:30 -0500

Collinsville, IL — Every year, the Collinsville Main Street Community Association hosts the annual Fall Festival in Downtown Collinsville. Originally started as an event for children to safely trick-or-treat with Main Street merchants during daylight hours, the festival includes a chili cook-off, costume contest and Halloween walk. The festival awards trophies for best chili (in traditional and non-traditional categories) and best Halloween costume.

Woods Basement Systems' Dave Thompson served up some award-winning Italian Chili at a Main Street tent with the Collinsville Chamber of Commerce. Awarded the 3rd Place trophy for Non-Traditional Chili in the 2010 Downtown Collinsville Chili Cook-Off, the Italian Chili was a celebrated recipe at this year's festival.

Trick-or-Treaters and their parents were also treated to loads of candy at the Woods Basement Systems and Dr. Energy Saver St. Louis tent as part of the festival's Holloween Walk. While children raided the candy bowl, parents scheduled free basement and crawl space inspections and entered to win a free home energy checkup courtesy of Dr. Energy Saver St. Louis.

It's National Radon Awareness Week!

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:10:09 -0400

We at Woods Basement Systems understand the importance of helping homeowners understand radon, and we hope you’ll join us this week in raising awareness to the effects of radon exposure!

In recognition of the estimated 21,000 victims of the fatal effects of radon exposure, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Surgeon General have declared this week as National Radon Awareness Week.

Radon testing can be done at home where test results are then sent and diagnosed at a lab. There are short-term and long-term tests available. We also offer radon testing in Illinois.

Radon is the number one in-home killer in the United States claiming 21,000 lives of unsuspecting homeowners to lung cancer—most of whom have never even smoked. Though unnoticeable to human senses, we perform radon testing and mitigation to reduce homes to levels below the action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter. Read more about National Radon Awareness Week from National Radon Defense.

Woods Basement Systems Receives Awards at International Convention in Connecticut

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 14:05:18 -0400

Collinsville, IL – Woods Basement Systems was recently honored at a meeting of over 600 guests from all over the United States and Canada at this year’s Team Basement Systems Convention. The annual convention is held each year between Seymour, Connecticut, (where the Basement Systems headquarters is located) and Hartford, Connecticut, and brings together dealerships of the international network for classes, seminars, training, parties and networking.

This year Woods Basement Systems received seven awards at the Team Basement Systems International Convention:

ranked #4 of Top 10 Dealers of Basement Systems Dealers
ranked #8 for Foundation Supportworks Dealers
ranked #3 for FSI Wall Anchor Dealers
ranked #8 for FSI Piering Delaers
ranked in the Top 20 as a CleanSpace Dealer
ranked #20 in the Top Dealer per Capita category

Rick Woods, owner of Woods Basement Systems, also received the Foundation Supportworks Integrity Award.

The convention featured guest speakers Krish Duhnam (of the Zig Ziglar corporation), and the “Pit bull of Personal Development," Larry Winget. A sports-themed party at the Connecticut Convention Center ended the convention week with music, food and performances by the Harlem Wizards and the New England Patriots Cheerleaders.

Woods Basement Systems is a certified Basement Systems dealer specializing in basement waterproofing, foundation repair and remodeling basements in Illinois. Woods Basement Systems has been servicing homes in Greater Saint Louis, Missouri and Springfield since 1987.

Basement Systems is an international network of basement waterproofing, crawl space repair and basement finishing contractors. The international headquarters, based in Seymour, Connecticut, also provides sales and service throughout Connecticut and Westchester County, NY. Larry Janesky's Basement Systems has been helping homeowners increase their usable living space for over 20 years across the United States, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom. They have 27 patented basement and crawl space products, designed to help homeowners get more out of their basements and increase their home's value.

Seeking Public Relations Social Marketing Interns for Fall 2011

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:12:53 -0400

COMPANY: Woods Basement Systems, Inc.

POSITION: Public Relations/Social Marketing Intern

POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 3

HOURS PER WEEK: 15-20

COMPENSATION: Performance-Based Incentives

OVERVIEW: Woods Basement Systems, Inc. is hiring a limited number of public relations and social marketing interns for Fall 2011. Work with leading home improvement professionals from Illinois and Missouri to enhance brand awareness and help generate new business throughout the Greater St. Louis Area.

QUALIFICATIONS: Woods Basement Systems, Inc. is looking for self-starters who are passionate about networking and skilled in public speaking and communication. Individuals must demonstrate the ability to complete basic public relations writing assignments and maintain a blog, have an active understanding of social media and web design, an ability to interact professionally with clients, and possess good judgment. A working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are a plus. You must have your own computer and/or smartphone (owning a Mac will make a huge difference). Candidates must be of junior standing (65+ credit hours completed) at an accredited College or University.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Interns will be responsible for drafting basic public relations and marketing materials including (but not limited to): press releases, case studies, blog posts, and other materials as directed. Interns may have the opportunity to brainstorm with department managers and present new ideas and strategies. Interns will be expected to work in the office at least 15 hours per week and spend at least 5 hours per week engaging the community and networking. Interns will also help plan media events.

REQUIRED MAJORS: Marketing, Mass Communication, Media Arts, Graphic Design, or Public Relations

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, at least 2 writing samples, and complete the following instructions:

1. Provide a link to your blog --or-- submit an example blog demonstrating 1 week's worth of posts regarding current basement waterproofing and other home improvement trends and innovations.
2. Include a physical copy or link to your portfolio.

SEND APPLICATION AND MATERIALS TO:
James E. Lord, Digital Marketing Specialist
Woods Basement Systems, Inc.
524 Vandalia St.
Collinsville, IL 62234

james@woodsbasementsystems.com

A Wet Basement Robs Your Home

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 09:12:33 -0400

The importance of a dry basement cannot be overstated. A wet basement hosts dampness, moisture, bad smells, foul odors, mold and mildew among a large variety of serious health conditions that could take a toll on you and your family's health. These conditions rob your home of great value and put you and your family in jeopardy of mild to serious health conditions.

A dry, desired basement is one that is completely rid of flooding, moisture, dampness or water that has the tendency to seep or flow through the concrete floors, walls and joints, as well as vents that have not been sealed properly by the homeowner. A dry basement is clean and free of bad odors or leaks that can cause mold and serious health issues, especially to adults and children who suffer from breathing difficulties or asthma. These health concerns occur by simply breathing in a number of mold spores that tend to float in the air, freely.

Added Use of a Dry Basement

Over time, we tend to fill our homes with a lot of unused personal belongings and there never seems to be enough room to properly store them. Whether your basement is remodeled, finished or unfinished, it is the right size and shape for additional storage. The basement in your home is the perfect location to store these unused personal belongings such as clothing, toys, magazines, records and other valuables. The key is to take full advantage of adding storage bins, shelves, cabinets and other storage units.

Storage bins seem to be very popular with homeowners, and they come in a large variety of sizes, styles, colors and sizes. Colored storage bins are great for items that are only used once or twice per year; curtains, bedding, seasonal decorations, fabrics, winter, fall and summer clothing. The most popular storage bins, today, are see-through bins. These bins are best suited for people who frequently use items since you can easily see what is inside each bin.

Regardless what style, color or design you choose, storage bins are designed to protect your important documents and valuables from the effects of mold, mildew, insect and rodent infestation, and water damage.

New Space adds Value to your Home

There are also several other alternative uses for a dry, clean basement; additional living space, home office, extra storage, guest bedroom or just a place to get away and relax. Many homeowners don't take full advantage of this unused space, and with a little time, effort and money, you can add great value and useful space to your home without the ongoing high cost of new construction.

According to a recent survey completed by local area real estate agents, a dry basement is a huge added bonus to any potential homeowner. A clean, dry basement is hidden money in the bank, to anyone putting a home on the real estate market, today.

However, a dry basement with the proper heating and cooling unit can quickly transform any space. Regardless how you choose to use your basement, when water enters your basement, it can be a huge hassle on your structure, budget and health.

Solution

If your home currently has a finished basement then the best decision you can make is to waterproof it. An experienced do-it-yourself homeowner should take into consideration all of the above solutions to control and solve common leaking issues. However, it is best to hire a trained professional or basement waterproofing expert who can evaluate the situation, discuss the best options to meet your homeâs needs and assure the installation is performed properly to protect your home.

Contact Woods Basement Systems today for a free estimate to have these experts transform your wet basement into a dry and healthy space!

Basement Waterproofing New and Old Homes

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:52:03 -0400

Some homeowners tend to follow the advice of the experts and have their basement waterproofed following the completed construction of their new home. But there are some homeowners that decide to wait to waterproof their basement whether due to time, money, or unexpected costs. Regardless, it is highly recommended by the experts to waterproof your basement as soon as the construction of your new home is complete.

The longer you decide to wait to have your basement properly waterproofed, the higher the risk of water seeping into the walls and floor of your basement developing mold and mildew, and foul smells. Such conditions result in rotting wood causing slight to severe structural damage, compromising you and your newly constructed home.

Waterproofing Older Homes

There are other homeowners that decide to purchase an older home. When you make the decision to purchase an older home, you run the risk of having to update an unfinished basement or improperly finished space.

Even if you choose to waterproof your basement, it will not completely eliminate the risk of mold and mildew developing in your basement. There is always the risk of leaky pipes resulting in mold and mildew development. Anytime a leak or drip is found, it should be quickly repaired by the homeowner or a professional-- as a dry basement greatly reduces the risk of developing mold and mildew.

Waterproofing your basement protects your home and valuables, reduces property damage, and more importantly, it protects your health. If inhaled, mold spores have the tendency to affect respiratory problems and asthma. Mold spores have also been known to cause severe topical and allergic reactions in some children and adults.

The Waterproofing Debate by Homeowners

Waterproofing your basement can be a highly debatable topic among homeowners. Although waterproofing your basement is not a requirement, it's a personal decision that can prove quite rewarding to any homeowner.

The waterproofing repairs tend to vary from contractor to contractor, and homeowner to homeowner, but long-term the process will save you a lot of energy, time and money on maintenance and repairs to your basement.

Water Seepage: Water can seep into the smallest openings; walls, floors, and between the joints. It also has the tendency to flow through the concrete, which is one of the biggest reasons basements are wet, damp, humid spaces. If water begins to seep into your basement or through the foundation walls from the outside, it can result in costly expensive repairs and damage the resale value of your home, diminishing the value of your home by thousands of dollars.

Value: Whether you decide to remain in your home for a short time span or a lifetime, waterproofing your basement is a valuable tool for protecting you, your family and your home. By properly waterproofing your basement in an old or new construction, it can increase the overall value of your home in the event you decide to sell, while adding valuable storage and living space.

Solution

Whether you decide to purchase a newly constructed home or an older home, the best and most effective way to protect your home from moisture and its effects is to contact a basement waterproofing expert. A basement waterproofing expert will examine your basement and recommend the best and most cost efficient way to solve the problem. Some basement waterproofing experts give a free estimate, discuss your options and give you plenty of time to make the best decision.

Contact the experts at Woods Basement Systems today for a free estimate to transform your wet basement into a dry and healthy basement! We service the Greater Saint Louis area of Missouri, and cities in Illinois, including Champaign, Springfield and Urbana.

Blood Drive at Woods Basement Systems Office

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 09:02:35 -0400

Left to Right in Photo: Al Futrell, Dave Thompson and James Lord
do their part in the community blood drive held at the Woods Basement Systems office,
Collinsville IL.

Today there was a heat index of 112 in the St. Louis region and no one passed out!

Everyone gave what was in their heart!

Vote for St. Louis' Best Businesses

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:37:21 -0400

You have a chance to vote for the Best Businesses in St. Louis. Small Business Monthly's annual "Best In Business" contest will run through July 1. Each month, they have asked their readers to help locate the top companies in 13 categories. Now, it is time to find out who is the best.

Voting for the Best Businesses in 13 categories takes less than 2 minutes. Woods Basement Systems has been nominated "Best in Quality" for basement waterproofing and finishing, crawl space encapsulation, and foundation repair. Click here to cast your vote.

Winners and the top two finalists will be honored at a special luncheon on October 18, 2011 at the St. Charles Convention Center.

MO and IL Commercial Foundation Contractor Holds Introductory Design Class

Thu, 19 May 2011 03:53:32 -0400

St. Louis, MO – Foundation Supportworks™ by Woods has hosted an engineering training for design professionals interested in helical foundation systems, helical soil nails and push piers.

The training included a 5-hour presentation which was held at the South County Center in St. Louis on May 11th.

This seminar began at 8:30 a.m., but attendees were able to arrive anytime after 8:00 a.m. -- when doors open. The class lasted until 5:30 p.m.

Through this course, attendees could gain 5 hours worth of professional development hours, receive a completion certificate, and gain knowledge about: helical foundation systems, helical soil nails, push pier systems, typical applications, design considerations, capacity calculations, verification of capacity, and load testing. The class was a complete success according to attendees.

"... I didn't realize Woods did commercial jobs. I knew they worked residential and I can now see how their foundation repair method can be used on bigger jobs too. I especially liked the way they can customize their helical pile to fix the design needs of any particular project,” said Robert, an attendee.

The class was organized and led by two Foundation Supportworks engineers; Jeff Kortan, PE and Don Deardorff, PE.

Contact Foundation Supportworks by Woods, the MO and IL commercial foundation contractor, for more information about future foundation training seminars.

About Foundation Supportworks by Woods

The experts at Foundation Supportworks by Woods specialize in new construction foundation supports and foundation repairs of all types. They are an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau and have been repairing local foundations since 1986.

Four Foundation Repair Myths Get Debunked

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 05:12:35 -0400

Foundation repair is oftentimes misrepresented. There are facts out there that just don't add up. In fact, the people spreading the information have inaccurate information, thus confusing others. We want to reduce the confusion and convey the truth.

Myth #1: A foundation usually cracks because of mistakes made during the construction process, like the use of poor-quality concrete or inadequate reinforcements.

Reality: It's possible for foundation cracks to occur because poor-quality concrete has been used or because the steel reinforcement hasn't been properly installed. However, even a strong, perfectly built foundation wall can crack from soil pressure or soil settlement.

It's important to keep in mind that concrete is strong in compression, but weak in tension. It can support weight from above, but it can't stretch or bend. Expansive soil that's pushing against a foundation wall can actually prevent the masonry from stretching or bending and instead, cause it to crack!

If soil settlement has left an empty void below a slab or footing, there's a good chance that the unsupported weight of the structure will cause the concrete to crack and settle into the recess. This damage can occur even when the foundation was built correctly.

Myth #2: Most cracks in concrete walls and floors can be effectively repaired with modern high-strength epoxies.

Reality: Industrial epoxies have impressive properties. They're waterproof, strong, and equally effective at sealing joints that are tight or gapped. But epoxies are far from a cure-all in terms of repairing cracked foundations.

A structural crack that has been repaired with epoxy is likely to open up again if the soil conditions that caused the crack haven't been addressed. Experienced foundation repair contractors in the Illinois area know that the first step in repairing a cracked foundation is to stabilize the soil and treat the conditions that caused the crack in the first place.

In many cases, foundation piers or anchors can be installed to connect a damaged foundation to stable soil and even lift or push damaged sections so that cracks can close.

Myth #3: A foundation made from concrete block is more likely to crack or sustain damage than one made from poured concrete.

Reality: Foundation repair contractors in IL are familiar with both concrete block and poured concrete foundations. When a concrete block foundation cracks, there's usually a stair-step crack pattern that follows along the mortar joints between each block.

Conversely, a poured concrete foundation can have cracks that extend vertically, horizontally or diagonally. When properly sized and built, a concrete block or poured concrete foundation will have more than enough strength to support the walls and floors of a home or addition.

If either type of foundation sustains damage such as cracking, bowing or settling, it's usually because of soil conditions rather than a weakness in the foundation itself.

Myth #4: Mudjacking is the best way to raise a concrete slab that has settled.

Reality: Mudjacking, also known as slabjacking, involves pumping a cement-based mortar beneath a slab that has settled. Pressure from this injected mortar eventually forces the slab to move upward, toward its original position. While this technique can be used effectively to raise a sunken slab, it's not always the best solution. For example, if the soil directly beneath the sunken slab has poor load-bearing capacity, a mudjacking repair may only be a temporary solution. Instead, an experienced foundation repair specialist may decide to drive steel piers down to stable, solid soil or bedrock at greater depth, then lift the sunken slab back to its original position using special brackets that are attached to the piers. This technique achieves a more permanent repair because the slab is now supported by stable soil with adequate load-bearing capacity.

If you have foundation, slab, retaining wall or sidewalk damage, call Woods Basement Systems for a free inspection for foundation repair in Missouri.

MO Crawl Space Contractor To Give Cardinals Tickets and Dollars to Contest Winner

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:58:14 -0400

St. Louis, MO – Local basement and crawl space experts anticipate giving away four tickets to a Cardinals versus Astros game along with $60 worth of Cardinals Dollars, to the winner of the I HATE MY CRAWL SPACE! video contest.

This is yet another video contest that has been put together by Woods Basement Systems with a reward of tickets to a professional game. The grand prize for this particular video contest comes in the form of four tickets to the Wednesday, May 18th game between the Cardinals and the Astros at Busch Stadium.

About Woods Basement Systems

The experts at Woods Basement Systems specialize in basement, crawl space and foundation repair in Illinois and Missouri. The Woods company has been a reputable area expert for more than 20 years. Contact them today for help with crawl space repair. They service Illinois and Missouri crawl spaces.

Entry Guidelines

• Complete the official entry form. * Be sure to confirm email address to be entered into the competition.

• Enter by 11:59 p.m. CST Saturday, May 7, 2011

• Shoot, edit, and upload a creative and compelling video in response to the official YouTube I HATE MY CRAWL SPACE! video. Your video should display the extent of your dark, nasty, repulsive crawl space.

o Video Details: Your video MUST include a visual and audible representation of this URL www.ihatemycrawlspace.com.

o Disqualification: Videos that display or link to a website other than www.ihatemycrawlspace.com, contain inappropriate content, and/or violate YouTube’s Terms of Service shall be immediately disqualified.

o View all contest rules.

The Winner

The winning video will be selected at 12:00 p.m. CST on Monday, April 9, 2011. The decision will be based upon a combination of: the total number of views and total number of likes received from YouTube users. Increase your chances of winning by promoting your video within your social network and including these respective tags:

• Twitter: #ihatemycrawlspace

• Facebook: http://www.ihatemycrawlspace.com

• YouTube: “I HATE MY CRAWL SPACE”

• Blog: http://www.ihatemycrawlspace.com

Missouri Crawl Space Repair and Moisture Control Expert Nominated for Growing Green Award

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 03:32:20 -0400

March 30, 2011

St. Louis, MO - The 2011 Growing Green Awards celebration commemorated Woods Basement Systems along with other nominees from six categories, who actively transform the built environment while sharing their knowledge of green building and sustainable practices.

The U.S. Green Building Council - Missouri Gateway Chapter recognized Woods Basement Systems as a Growing Green Awards Nominee in the Residential category, which considers those who work to make residential buildings (of at least 30 units) more sustainable, whether single or multi-family units.

The six categories of nominees included: innovator, residential, government, educator, corporate, and non-profit. A winner from each category was chosen by four industry leaders apart from the Missouri territory in addition to two prior Growing Green Award winners. Judges based their choices upon the following criteria: "the intent of the submitted category, exhibiting a transformative roll in the built environment, defining a clear vision of goals, exemplifying innovation and creativity, demonstrating progressive sustainability methods, communicating a clear and compelling message, and supporting documentation of submission." (Excerpt from USGBC St. Louis.)

The U.S. Green Building Council - Missouri Gateway Chapter hosts the annual Growing Green Awards in Missouri. The chapter is a non-profit providing training and counsel to implement sustainable building practices and principles. This year's awards marked the chapter's 10-year anniversary.

Woods Basement Systems is an expert in basement, crawl space and foundation repair in Missouri and Illinois. Contact them today for basement waterproofing in Missouri and all surrounding areas. This past year they were recognized at their networks' conventions as the number two Basement Systems dealer, number six CleanSpace crawl space dealer, and number four Total Basement Finishing dealer. Woods Basement Systems services allof Saint Louis County, including Chesterfield, Ladue, Ballwin, Florissant, Grover, and Eureka.

I HATE MY CRAWL SPACE! Video Contest

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 03:25:55 -0400

Beginning Monday, March 28, 2011. TheBasementJournal.com and Woods Basement Systems will be giving away 4 tickets to the Cards game on Friday, April 22, 2011 at Busch Stadium with $50 in Cardinals Dollars to the winner of the I HATE MY CRAWL SPACE! Video Contest.

HOW TO ENTER

1. Shoot, edit, and upload a creative and compelling YouTube video response to I HATE MY CRAWL SPACE! Video Contest illustrating how dark, nasty, and repulsive your crawl space really is. BE CREATIVE! You MUST include the URL www.ihatemycrawlspace.com (visually and audibly) in your video. Videos that display or link to a website other than www.ihatemycrawlspace.com and/or violate the YouTube Terms of Service shall be immediately disqualified.

2. Complete the official entry form at http://www.thebasementjournal.com/giveaway. Note: You must confirm your email address to be entered in the sweepstakes.

HOW TO WIN

Enter by 11:59 PM CST Wednesday, April 13, 2011. The winning video will be selected at 12:00 PM CST on Thursday, April 14, 2011 based on a combination of total number of views and total number of likes received from YouTube users. To increase your chances of winning, promote your video within your social network (blogs, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and include the appropriate tag (Twitter: #ihatemycrawlspace // Facebook or other sites: http://www.ihatemycrawlspace.com).

GOT MORE QUESTIONS?

Submit questions via Twitter or Facebook.

CONTEST RULES

Eligibility and Limitations. Participants and winner(s) must be at least 18-years old as determined by the Company. Only one (1) entry per household for this giveaway. Previous winners, employees of the Company, participating sponsors of this giveaway and their advertising agencies, and members of the immediate family of any such persons are not eligible to participate and win. The term immediate family includes spouses, siblings, parents, children, grandparents, and grandchildren, whether as in-laws, or by current or past marriage(s), remarriage(s), adoption, co-habitation or other family extension, and any other persons residing at the same household whether or not related.

Delivery Disclaimer. The Company disclaims all liability for any delays, misdelivery, loss, or failure in the delivery of any item sent by mail, email, courier, express, electronic transmission, or other delivery method.

Publicity. By participating, all participants and winner(s) grant the Company exclusive permission to use their names, location, characters, photographs, voices, and likenesses in connection with promotion of this and other giveaways and waive any claims to royalty, right, or remuneration for such use.

Release. By participating, each participant and winner waives any and all claims of liability against the Company, its employees and agents, for any personal injury or loss which may occur from the conduct of, or participation in, the giveaway, or from the use of any prize.

Taxes. Any valuation of the prize(s) stated above is based on available information provided to the Company, and the value of any prize awarded to a winner may be reported for tax purposes as required by law. Each winner is solely responsible for reporting and paying any and all applicable taxes. Prizes are not transferrable or redeemable for cash.

Decisions. The Company reserves the right to disqualify any participant or winner and may refuse to award any prize to a person who is ineligible or has violated any rule, gained unfair advantage in participating in the giveaway, or obtained winner status using fraudulent means. Further, the Company will resolve any disputes, conflicting claims or ambiguities concerning the rules and the decisions of the Company concerning such disputes shall be final. All decisions will be made by the Company and are final. The Company may waive any of these rules in its sole discretion.

Miscellaneous. No purchase necessary to participate or win. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend upon the number of participants. The Company may substitute prizes of equivalent value, amend the rules or discontinue the giveaway at any time. The Company disclaims any responsibility to notify participants of any aspect related to the conduct of this giveaway. Written copies of these rules are available during normal business hours at the business offices of Woods Basement Systems, Inc. and by mail upon written request with a stamped, self-addressed return envelope. All entries become the property of the Company and will not be returned. Entries may be submitted offline on a 3x5 index card sent to the offices of Woods Basement Systems, Inc. Please state your full name, email address and phone number.

Woods Basement Systems, Inc.
524 Vandalia St.
Collinsville, IL 62234
United States

Compliance with Law. The conduct of this giveaway is governed by the applicable laws of the United States of America, which take precedence over any rule to the contrary herein. Company shall follow the applicable laws for conducting giveaways, including notice to the state attorney general or consumer affairs office, posting of a prize bond, furnishing lists of winners, running specific on-air disclaimers, providing specific written information about the giveaway, etc. as required by local and state law.

Illinois Basement Expert Receives Waterproofing Renovation Award

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 03:07:45 -0500

Collinsville, IL Woods Basement Systems works to find the best and most affordable solutions for their customers basement environment problems, which is one of the reasons they are the recent recipients of the Waterproofing Renovation Award from the Home Builder's Association (HBA) of Greater Southwest Illinois.

A particular waterproofing project enamored the HBA judges for its affordability and efficiency. The Woods team installed the Everlast Wall Restoration Ion Systems to save on the cost for materials and labor. This system only replaces the lower half of the homeowners drywall, removing the area most affected by water damage.

The Everlast System is made of all inorganic material thus preventing mold growth in the basement even during moist conditions. The WaterGuard Interior Basement Waterproofing System was used along the perimeter and comes with a written transferable warranty for the life of the structure it is meant to keep the basement free from leaks from ground water seepage. The project was finished off with using a white plastic baseboard and chair rail that also will not support mold growth.

Contact Woods Basement Systems today for basement waterproofing in Illinois and all surrounding areas. They are experts that specialize in fixing wet basements, crawl space and foundation repair in Illinois and Missouri. They're also a valued member of the internationally recognized Foundation Supportworks and Basement Systems, Inc. networks of over 300 dealers and have been in business for more than 20 years.

The Home Builder's Association (HBA) of Greater Southwest Illinois is a professional organization consisting of hundreds of local builders, developers, remodeling contractors, specialty trade contractors, and associate members. Clients can contact the HBA for help finding the right expert for them.

Hire the Right Foundation Repair Expert to Perform the Work

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 01:37:15 -0500

Bob and Sandra Leakey were worried about the water in their basement. Like many of their neighbors in this suburban development, the Leakey's had a poured concrete basement that stayed dry most of the year. Only during spring thaws and heavy rains did water come into the basement. But Bob had a concern about a couple of cracks in the foundation wall where most of the leakage was occurring. He was also worried about the moldy smell in the crawl space beneath his back porch.

“I could be wrong, but I think one of the cracks is larger than it was last year,” Bob said to Sandra. “We should have a contractor come and look at it.”

Sandra agreed, and even had someone in mind. “I mentioned our water problem to Barbara, who works with me at the bank,” Sandra related. “She gave me the number of a handyman who specializes in basic home repairs. Barbara is sure he’d be able to seal the cracks in the basement wall, and for a reasonable price, too.”

Sure enough, Mark the handyman came in and filled the foundation cracks with polyurethane sealant –the same caulk-type material Bob remembered seeing in the hardware store. Regarding the moldy smell in the crawl space, Mark recommended running a dehumidifier. “You can expect moisture in a crawl space with a dirt floor,” he explained. “Just buy a good dehumidifier and you’ll be surprised at how quickly the space dries out.”

Bob and Sandra put their water problem worries to rest, but when their next electric bill arrived, they were shocked. “What happened to cause this big increase?” Bob asked. “When Sandra called the electric utility company to ask about their bill, the customer service representative asked her if they had installed any new appliances. Sandra mentioned the dehumidifier in the basement.

“Bingo,” said the utility person. “A dehumidifier is like a miniature air conditioning unit, and it’s running all the time. That’s where your usage spike is coming from.”

“I’m not sure what we can do,” Bob remarked. “How else can we deal with the moisture that comes from the crawl space?” To make matters worse, several weeks later Sandra noticed that one of the cracks had changed size, growing wider at the top than at the bottom. The sealant had broken loose along most of the crack.

Lessons learned: Call a full-service foundation contractor.

The Leakey’s experience is not unique. In the realm of home repair, it’s a common mistake to treat the symptoms (in this case, cracked masonry and a moldy crawl space) without addressing the problems that caused them. When dealing with any foundation, basement or crawl space problem, the best strategy is to contact a full-service foundation contractor. Full-service foundation contractors can save homeowners time, trouble and money by correctly identifying and treating any and all foundation problems.

In the Leakey’s case, the growing crack indicated a foundation settlement problem that no amount of sealing would correct. Stabilizing the foundation to prevent further settling is necessary before cracks can be repaired. As for the crawl space, a complete sealing process –called crawl space encapsulation—is the best way to eliminate moisture and mold problems. Full-service foundation contractors have the experience to diagnose problems properly, and the specialized equipment and materials to complete a full range of repairs.

Contact Woods Basement Systems today for more information about solving foundation repair issues. They offer free estimates for foundation repair in St. Louis and other local areas.

Missouri Foundation Repair Expert Receives Best in Quality From St. Louis Small Business Monthly

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:06:45 -0500

St. Louis, MO The St. Louis Small Business Monthly Best in Quality has been released naming Woods Basement Systems as one of the Best in local areas.

The Best in Quality is a list of the best local businesses compiled by the votes taken during a pole. This list is meant to provide the Best in Quality to all locals making searching simpler and increasing local business interactions.

Woods Basement Systems is an expert in basement, crawl space and foundation repair in Illinois and Missouri. Contact them today for basement waterproofing in Missouri and all surrounding areas.

They are a valued member of the internationally recognized Foundation Supportworks and Basement Systems, Inc. networks of over 300 dealers and have been in business for more than 20 years.

This past year they were recognized at the networks' conventions as the number two Basement Systems dealer, number six CleanSpace crawl space dealer, and the number four Total Basement Finishing dealer.

The St. Louis Small Business Monthly (SBM) is the local branch of the nationally renowned SBM newsletter. This newsletter includes business tips being directed toward the higher-upswithin the 24,000 businesses in the Metropolitan local.

SBM is a monthly newsletter having been published consistently since 1988. It has recently been named as the number five business publication in the U.S., a reward that commemorates loyal readership.

Woods Basement Systems are certified basement and crawl space waterproofers and home foundation repair specialists, helping homeowners throughout Illinois and parts of MO with the products and services to fix a wet basement. Call or contact us today for a free estimate!