Basement waterproofing and crawl space repair in WI

Slashes Slated for U.S. Radon Protection Program

Fri, March 9 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Proposed 2012 budget cuts of $2 million to the radon program of the Environmental Protection Agency threaten to drastically reduce the effectiveness and awareness of radon gas safety in our society. Additional budget cuts proposed for fiscal year 2013 would affect the State Indoor Radon Grants program and regional oversight efforts.

Because radon gas is invisible in daily life, heightened education and awareness programs are all the more critical to safe guard the population. Longer term exposure can unknowingly result in severe health problems including cancer. Since the 1988 Indoor Radon Abatement Act passed by the Federal government, progress has been encouraging. Imposing these budget cuts would undermine that progress and the law’s mission.

Groups are rallying their efforts and constituents to reverse the proposed cuts in spending. The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) and Cancer Survivors Against Radon (CanSAR) are among them. Contacting Congressional representatives is one of the best ways to express opposition to the cutbacks. Voices must be heard; health and safety risks can be averted.

The National Radon Defense (NRD) is a network of radon professionals dedicated to delivering the highest quality radon measurement and mitigation services. All members are carefully selected and participate in extensive, on-going training ensuring customers quality solutions and value pricing. The NRD is the world’s most trusted source in the radon measurement and mitigation services industry.

As a member of the National Radon Defense network, Badger Basement Systems strictly adheres to their guidelines for service, workmanship, and reliability. They are ready to answer any questions about radon in the home, test and monitor radon gas on the premises, and provide results and solutions specifically designed for the house. The process is simple, fast, and accurate.

Badger Basement Systems specializes in radon mitigation in Fort Atkinson, WI and other surrounding areas. Visit them online to set up a radon mitigation estimate.

Radon Gas Alert for Every Parent of School-age Children - MSNBC Today!

Mon, March 5 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Are Your Children at Risk? Watch the Video.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

A new investigative report has aired on the MSNBC Today Show sounding the alarm about the occurrence of radioactive radon gas in our nation’s schools, affecting thousands of children. The report identifies a reluctance of many schools to conduct radon gas tests, perhaps fearing the results. But radon gas testing, in schools and homes, saves lives.

Quoted in the report, Bill Fields, highly respected in the radon field, says that exposure to radon gas causes more deaths than any other environmental hazard. He compares it to the proven and documented dangers of smoking.

Lack of money, the report goes on to say, is often cited as one of the reasons school districts don’t test; federal law also does not require them to test for radon gas.

Essential viewing for everyone, this important video presents the facts and dangers of radon gas in schools and homes, and goes in depth about what school districts are doing and not doing, the EPA, and stories of victims.

The National Radon Defense is a network of radon professionals dedicated to delivering the highest quality radon measurement and mitigation services. Members are carefully selected and participate in extensive, on-going training ensuring customers quality solutions and value pricing. This network is the nation’s trusted source of radon measurement and mitigation services available.

As a member of the National Radon Defense network, we strictly adhere to their guidelines for service, workmanship, and reliability. We are ready to answer questions about radon in the home, test and monitor radon gas on your premises, provide results, and suggest solutions specifically designed for you. The process is simple, fast, and accurate.

Badger Basement Systems specializes in radon mitigation in WI and IL. Visit us online for a radon mitigation quote.

Winter Promotion: Special Prices until Feb 28th by Badger Basement Systems

Fri, February 3 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Fight for Air Climb 2012, Milwaukee, WI

Mon, January 23 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Badger Basement Systems is again sponsoring the Middleton Fire Department in the Fight for Air Climb. The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 17 at the U.S. Bank Center in Milwaukee, WI. This is the third year in a row Badger Basement Systems has sponsored the Middleton Fire Department.

During this event participants compete in a vertical climb up 1,034 steps to the top of the U.S. Bank Center. The event is opened to individuals and teams, including opportunities for companies, police departments and fire departments.

The Middleton Fire Department enrolled in the Fire Department Challenge, meaning they will climb in full gear. Equipped with their official firefighter gear including helmet, mask, suit, boots and tank, they will complete the 47 floor climb.

The climb is sponsored by the American Lung Association to raise funds for life saving education, research and advocacy to help find a cure for lung disease.

Badger Basement Systems does their part to help reduce lung disease by providing basement finishing solutions made of non-organic materials, which do not support mold growth. Also available is the SaniDry XP Basement Air System which can dehumidify and filter your air at the same time. This Energy Star rated system reduces humidity to help protect your home from mold and dust mites.

Visit Fight For Air Climb online for more information or to get involved.

Choosing the Right Sump Pump for Your Wisconsin Basement

Thu, January 12 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Fort Atkinson, WI – With so many different sump pump options to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which one to use. Many sump pump companies advertise their products’ numerous benefits and features, but when your basement actually has water in it, their products are unable to keep up with the demand. When purchasing a sump pump for your home, it is important to contact a basement waterproofing expert, as failing or improperly installed sump pumps have lead to several household floods across the country.

Sump pumps are two-part systems. The “sump” refers to the hole in the ground, while the “pump” is simply the mechanism that removes the water from the sump and sends it outside, away from your foundation. The sump hole needs to be located at the lowest possible point of your basement so the water can naturally move towards it. The pump needs to have the capability of sufficiently sending the water in the sump far enough away from your house and foundation so that it cannot find its way back into your basement.

Choosing the Right Type of Sump Pump

When choosing the right sump pump, it is important to consider the following:

Pumps with Screened Inlets clog easily, preventing the overall water flow.
Pedestal Pumps have a low capacity and cannot be installed into an airtight hole.
Plastic Pumps retain heat which causes them to ware out faster.
Cast-Iron Pumps are long lasting, quiet and cool well.

It is also very important to consider the type of sump pump switch you get. The switch will instruct the sump pump when it needs to start pumping the water out of your basement. When deciding which sump pump switch is best for you, keep in mind that:

•   “Ball on a Wire” Switches need a big area in which to swing and can get hung up, forcing the system into an “on” or “off” position.
•   Pressure Switches lack precision because their interpretation of “level” can change over time.
•   Mechanical Float Switches float on a rod, are highly reliable, and have positive “off” and “on” levels.

Backup Sump Pumps

It is very important to have a backup sump pump system installed, as even the best sump pump system can fail.

A backup sump pump will prevent water from entering your basement when:
•   There is a power outage
•   The primary sump pump comes unplugged
•   The circuit breaker trips
•   The primary pump fails
•   The primary pump is unable to keep up with the amount of water coming into your basement

Badger Basement Systems offers award-winning, patented sump pump repair in Milwaukee, WI and other surrounding areas. From Madison, Kenosha, to Racine, they specialize in sump pump installation, crawl space insulation, foundation repair, and radon mitigation.

To set themselves apart from their competition, Badger Basement Systems offers service to all of their products in order to ensure complete customer satisfaction. They are always available to service their sump pumps and help homeowners get through any unexpected accidents or emergencies.

Crawl Space Damage: Repairing Sinking and Sagging under Your Home in Wisconsin

Thu, January 12 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Crawl Spaces and New Construction

A contractor will choose to install a crawl space instead of a basement in order to minimize the construction costs. With this mentality, they will look for other inexpensive ways to build the home, while still following local building codes.

One easy way for them to do so is to install crawl space vents. Crawl space vents are accepted by local building code as means for creating a crosscurrent throughout the crawl space, which will in theory keep the crawl space dry. In comparison to sealing the crawl space and installing a dehumidifier, the vents are a great, easy way for the contractor to get the job done.

Crawl Space Vent Failure and the Stack Effect

Crawl space vents operate on the following assumptions:

Outside air will dry the crawl space
The vents will create cross-ventilation in the crawl space

These assumptions are incorrect because the natural movement of air that enters a crawl space is upwards, as opposed to sideways. This is a result of the phenomenon known as the stack effect. The stack effect entails that air entering through your crawl space is pulled upwards towards the rest of your home.

Warm air will exit the home through the attic and upper levels of your home, creating a vacuum that will in turn pull the air from all lower levels of your home upwards. If there are any allergens, odors, or humidity in that air, they will be pulled upwards as well.

On a humid day, air will tend to cool in a crawl space, creating condensation on surfaces which will lead to mold growth. If untreated the buildup of moisture, mold, and humidity will ruin insulation, damage stored items, and even damage the structural wood.

Damp Crawl Spaces Can Damage Support Systems

Damp and poorly vented crawl spaces will not be your only source of crawl space structural damage. Many houses are already ill-equipped when it comes to structural support, so any damage to them could be detrimental to the home’s overall structure.

Even when an adequate number of crawl space supports are installed, the soil underneath them may not be strong enough to completely support the weight of the home. When this happens, the supports sink into the earth, causing the house sinks downward with them. This is known to lead to uneven floors, jamming door operation, and cracks in the drywall surfaces.

Control Moisture to Create a Healthy Crawl Space

To eliminate your crawl space issues, you will need to ensure that all sources of moisture and flooding in the crawl space are secured, and that there is enough crawl space supports to sufficiently support the weight of your home.

Sealing the crawl space with a properly installed vapor barrier system and installing an energy efficient dehumidifier will keep moisture out of your crawl space. Adding a sump pump and perimeter drain will further prevent moisture accumulation.

When adding more crawl space supports, we highly recommend the SmartJack System. This system is made from corrosion-resistant galvanized steel. An adjustable design allows you to lift your floor to its original position without ever damaging the structure.

A special, excavated fill creates a solid base that will prevent the structure from sinking.

Contact CleanSpace® of the Carolinas today to schedule your free estimate for crawl space repair in Wisconsin. They're your expert crawl space contractor in Fort Atkinson and other surrounding areas.

Crawl Spaces Vapor Barriers: Improve the Living Conditions in your Home

Thu, January 12 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Crawl spaces can be damp and smelly, making them prone to mold growth. Mold and can be hazardous to your family’s health. Mold is known to cause breathing difficulties, skin irritation, topical skin rashes, reddening of the skin, and flu-like symptoms. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, medical attention is advised, as they can lead to mild or even severe health problems.

Eliminating water in your Crawl Space

Successfully removing water from your crawlspace can be difficult without proper tools and installation. It is recommended to have a local basement waterproofing expert install a crawl space drainage and sump pump system to prevent and remove water in your basement. Despite this, moisture can still enter through your concrete walls and floor, which is why it is so important to properly seal your doors and vents and install a dehumidification system.

What are Crawl Space Vapor Barriers?

Vapor Barriers are important aspects of waterproofing your crawl space and removing the moisture that's causes mold growth. A vapor barrier is used to reduce the amount of moisture that leaks through your floor and concrete walls into your crawl space. A vapor barrier also helps prevent odors from entering your crawl space and upper levels of your home. Your crawl space is more prone to moisture exposure than other parts of your home, as moisture’s tendency is to flow from warmer places into colder places.

Related Structural Damage

Moisture can dramatically affect your foundation. This is why it is important to schedule routine checkups to ensure that your crawlspace and/or basement is not experiencing

warping, sagging, rotting, or other damage. Sagging floors especially, are extremely common in crawlspaces filled with moisture. It is best to fix these problems as soon as possible, as letting moisture related problems go could lead to bigger problems and bigger costs in the long run.

Air Sealing Doors and Vents

Some homeowners tend to overlook their doors and vents as a possible source of air and moisture. By properly sealing the doors, and installing vent covers, you can reduce or possibly stop the cycle of cold air, humidity and moisture from entering your crawl space from the outside.

If you seal your crawl space door and there is still air and moisture entering into your crawl space, you may want to consider investing in new doors to provide the airtight seal you desire. New doors are an inexpensive way to rid your crawl space of moisture.

Moisture is the leading cause of mold growth in homes Mold can grow anywhere where moisture is present. Mold gives off the musty smell that many people have come to associate with their basement. The only sure way to get rid of the musty, bad smells in your crawlspace is to get rid of the mold and prevent any moisture from being in your crawlspace in the future. This can be achieved by waterproofing your crawl space with an expert local basement waterproofing contractor.

Solution

Contacting an expert waterproofing contractor such as Badger Basement System is the most effective and efficient way to protect your home and family from the effects of moisture. Contact the experts at Badger Basement Systems for a free estimate for foundation repair, basement waterproofing, and crawl space vapor barriers in Madison, WI, and the surrounding areas.

January is National Radon Month

Tue, January 3 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Fort Atkinson, WI – 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. Badger 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.

Badger 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.

Badger Basement Systems is Wisconsin’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.

Badger Basement Systems serves parts of Wisconsin and Illinois, including Eau Claire, La Crosse, Madison, Milwaukee, Winnebago 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 Milwaukee or a free estimate contact them today.

Badger Basement Systems Earns Angie's List Award

Fri, December 16 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Badger Basement Systems has been awarded the prestigious 2011 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately 5 percent of all the businesses rated on the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service and health providers.

“Only a fraction of the businesses rated on Angie’s List can claim the sterling service record of being a Super Service Award winner because we set a high bar,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “The fact that Business Name can claim Super Service Award status speaks volumes about its dedication to consumers.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their clients and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List, but members can find the 2011 Super Service Award logo next to business names in search results on AngiesList.com.

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Angie’s List collects consumer reviews on local contractors and doctors in more than 500 service categories. Currently, more than 2 million consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie’s List to help them make the best hiring decisions. Members get unlimited access to local ratings via Internet or phone, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List magazine and help from the Angie’s List complaint resolution service. Take a quick tour of Angie’s List and view the latest Angie’s List news.

Radon Gas Awareness Week

Wed, October 12 2011, 00:00:00 -500

The Surgeon General has declared October 17-24 as Federal Radon Action Week. The American Lung Association, Center for Disease Control, National Cancer Institute and Basement Systems Dealers across the United States agree radon is a national health problem. Radon is a deadly, naturally occurring and odorless gas, 1 in 15 homes across America have high levels of Radon.

Short-term exposure to radon does not often display noticeable symptoms though long-term exposure can result in cancer. Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America.

Badger Basement Systems offers not only free radon testing but also radon mitigation systems. To receive your free test or schedule for a free estimate on a radon mitigation system in Eau Claire, Milwaukee, Madison and throughout Wisconsin, please contact our office at 1-800-262-1880.

Badger Basement Systems Receives Award at International Convention in Connecticut

Wed, September 28 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Fort Atkinson, WI– Badger 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 Badger Basement Systems received three awards at the Team Basement Systems International Convention. Badger Basement Systems ranked in the top 10 for Basement Systems Dealers, one of the Top 25 Foundation Supportworks Dealers, as well as one of the Top 5 Foundation Supportworks Power Brace Dealers in the United States and Canada.

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.

Badger Basement Systems is a certified Basement Systems dealer specializing in foundation repair, basement waterproofing and sump pump replacement in Wisconsin. Badger Basement Systems has been servicing homes in Wisconsin for over 30 years.

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.

5 Minutes Could Mean $50 for You!

Tue, August 23 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Visit www.seekandfind.com and write reviews for the businesses you patronize. From January 9, 2011, until the end of the year, every time you leave a review, your name will be entered in a weekly contest for a chance to earn $50*. Simple, easy, and fun! You can enter as many times as you like each week, and enter every week for more opportunities to win.

Looking to review Badger Basement Systems? Click the link to go directly to our listing.

http://seekandfind.com/directory/badger-basement-systems-_8401.html

*Winners will be notified via an e-mail from contest@SeekAndFind.com.

Badger Basement Systems is in no way affiliated with Seekandfind.com.

Badger Basement Design Specialist Welcomes Baby Boy

Sat, August 20 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Congratulations to System Design Specialist, Jesse Bunn and his wife Anna who recently welcomed a baby boy!

Now Hiring in Fort Atkinson

Wed, August 3 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Badger Basement Systems, Inc. is building a promotional team which will staff our booths at home/trade shows and other events such as county fairs throughout Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. Individuals on this team will qualify prospects, generate sales leads and represent our company. Some show take down may be required at the end of your shift. Schedules are flexible, and the home/trade shows and fairs generally fall on the weekends. No selling is involved. Promoters are paid a base hourly rate and then $ per valid sales lead gathered. Immediate part-time positions are available throughout the 2011/2012 show season.

Candidates must be energetic, outgoing, nice, have excellent communication skills and make a great first impression. Must have transportation available and be 18 years of age or older.

Interested candidates should submit a letter of intent, resume and references to jfuller@badgerbasementsystems.com - please include Promoter Position in the subject line.

Badger Basement Design Specialist Welcomes Baby Girl

Mon, July 25 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Congratulations to System Design Specialist, Joel Kellerman and his wife Jill who welcomed a baby girl on Thursday July 21.