A sincere message to you about basement waterproofing in Northern Virginia

Hi there. I was just reading a post about one of the larger nationally known so-called waterproofing companies that installs the trench drains inside the basement. Just so you know…that’s not really waterproofing. It’s water management. Water re-direction. Ok, I digress. Once again, it’s a real shame to hear about all of the bad experiences people have had with these larger companies. I run a TRUE waterproofing company. I know that I treat people like I would want to be treated and that has served me well. We do not send out commissioned salespeople. I am the salesman and I am also the one that comes out and does the work. I am the one that answers the phone when you call to ask us for help or if you should have some sort of complaint. Thankfully, so far, I have not received many complaints. We use the best materials available including some that are proprietary to our company. We are backed by a national company. Our warranty is simple. It is a 25 year warrany against leaks. It simply says, ‘The exclusive ‘Barrier Dual Drainage’ waterproofing system installed at this structure provides a 100% non-prorated Guarantee that water will not penetrate those foundation walls in any area where the system has been installed’. Period! That’s it. No legal mumbo-jumbo. No exclusions. Take a close look and read carefully some of the warranties that other companies provide. We encourage our clients to call other companies and ask for their opinions and estimates. Not too many companies would do that. We are confident in what we are doing and we know that once we have waterproofed your home, the walls will not leak. There will not be water inside the structure at all. No drain pipes re-directing water into a sump. No water intrusion! Maybe the bigger companies have lost that personal touch. I don’t think we could ever let ourselves lose the personal touch! I love to educate and be educated. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at Jon@NVBWS.com. Our company name is NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems. We cover Northern, Northwestern, and the Richmond areas of Virginia and all surrounding areas. You can call 703-866-0535 or 540-974-2755 or 804-859-2544. Thank you for your time!

More talk about mold…from an Insurance Agent

Early in the month we had a post written by a mold remediation expert, Patrick Hart. I’ve decided to continue the mold discussion while introducing another good friend, and excellent Insurance Agent, Brian Walter.

Mold, Moisture and Your Home

The key to mold prevention is moisture control. If mold is a problem in your home, you should promptly clean the area and correct the water problem. It’s important to dry out the water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Why is mold growing in my home?

Molds are part of the natural environment and serve a purpose outdoors. But inside, mold growth can be problematic. Mold reproduces indoors as mold spores land on wet surfaces. Of the many types of molds, none will grow without water or moisture.

Can mold cause health problems?

Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions), irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances (mycotoxins). Allergic reactions to mold are common, and may include sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. For more detailed information, consult a physician.

How do I eliminate or prevent mold from growing indoors?

Mold spores will not grow without moisture. Indoor mold growth can be prevented or restricted by controlling moisture. Tips to help prevent and control moisture and mold are as follows:

• Clean up all water leaks or spills quickly. If wet or damp materials or areas are dried within 24 to 48 hours, it is less likely that mold will grow.
• Clean and repair roof gutters regularly.
• Check the building foundation: Do the surrounding grounds slope in a way that would prevent water from entering or collecting at the foundation? If the foundation is damaged, consult a specialist like NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems to have it fixed immediately.
• Keep air-conditioning drip pans clean and the drain lines unobstructed.
• Keep indoor humidity low. If you see condensation or moisture collecting on windows, walls or pipes, dry the wet surface and reduce the moisture/water source. Condensation can be a sign of high humidity.
• Vent appliances that produce moisture. Appliances such as clothes dryers, stoves and kerosene heaters should be vented to the outside when possible.
• Use air conditioners and/or de-humidifiers when needed.
• Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering. Use exhaust fans or open windows whenever cooking, running the dishwasher or dishwashing, etc.
• Increase ventilation or air movement by opening doors and/or windows when practical. Use fans as needed.
• Cover cold surfaces such as cold water pipes with insulation.
• Increase the air temperature.

 Brian K. Walter

President
Walter & Walter Insurance Agency
P.O. Box 4370
Winchester, Va. 22604
Phone: 540-662-1212 Fax: 540-667-4820
www.walterandwalter.com
walterandwalterinsurance@yahoo.com

Mold should not be taken lightly!

Today we are seeing an explosion of moldy properties due to the foreclosures that have hit the real estate market. More than half of the homes that have been unoccupied for the past 6 months to a year have mold in the basements. This is due to the utilities being turned off and lack of maintenance on the home and existing leaky basements.  These houses need to be cleaned of all molds prior to anyone occupying the property.

Many people are very sensitive to molds and other allergens; everybody has a reaction to some type of pollen or mold spore. We have mold everywhere; it is the higher than normal levels that are reason for concern. People have purchased homes that have not been remediated of mold properly. Most of the homes need to be cleaned again after the initial mold clean up. Home owners are getting sick and having to go to the hospital to treat major allergy infections.

It is a professional duty of all real estate agents and contractors to make sure mold issues are identified and made known to all parties interested of such issues with everyone knowing that the property has a better chance of getting the mold remediated properly, and being turned back into a livable house again. 

Mold is not something to take lightly, but also it is something that can be fixed. Most of the basement leaks need to be repaired after the remediation to prevent more water from entering.  If contractors are doing remediation then they should at least be certified to do remediation and especially be insured to do the work. Insurance now requires coverage for remediation of mold. Different states have their own requirements for insurance, check your local regulations. This is a reason that a simple handy man shouldn’t do mold remediation.

Experience is the only way to know what is going on in the house. After all, in the basements I’ve seen, the only conclusion is that they just need to be totally gutted of drywall and cleaned throughout the house. Just cleaning the surface and painting with KILZ doesn’t always work. I can’t tell you how many times I have re-cleaned where a supposed mold remediation took place (all that happened was a spray and wipe clean up, not total removal).  This isn’t just for the foreclosures but even for houses that people live in. The biggest complaint of home owners is bad air quality; this is mainly due to dirty air ducts and HVAC units, years of neglected maintaince and improper filters being used.

More information should be shared between all professions so we can help homeowners and business owners having a safe environment to work and live in.  

Patrick Hart, Atlantic Coast Inspection Services, LLC.

Cert. Inspector/ Consultant

Office-703-440-8335, Fax-703-440-8336

www.acinspectionservices.com

Waterproofing Company in Northern Virginia Goes Green

Local Business Goes Green

Northern Virginia – August 2009 – Cleaning companies, factories, even builders are doing it. Have you heard the term, “going green”? It’s protecting the environment. Waterproofing companies can do it too.

NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems has been an environmentally friendly company for several years through the exclusive use of Barrier-P Membrane^TM. It is water-based, solvent free, and therefore fully compliant with VOC regulations in all 50 states.

 

“Now, as of this month, we are using a new drainage board that is green…literally” says Operations Director Jon Bridgan. ThermalDrain™ is the only protection board providing better drainage than other non-environmentally friendly alternatives. ThermalDrain™ provides an R-Value and contains 70% post-consumer recycle content. “And it’s really green” Jon says.

When waterproofing a basement from the outside of a wall (WHICH IS THE TRULY EFFECTIVE WAY TO SUCCESSFULLY WATERPROOF A BASEMENT), NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems applies the Barrier-P Membrane^TM to the exterior wall.  Then the ThermalDrain™ is applied to facilitate water drainage in conjunction with the rest of the Barrier Dual Drainage Waterproofing System^TM. 

People all over Northern Virginia and surrounding areas know that if they have a wet basement they can contact Jon and the problem will be solved. The company provides a “REAL GUARANTEE” that the walls they treat will not leak… period! All that while helping to “Save the Planet”!

Contact:
Jon Bridgan
Jon@NVBWS.com
www.NVBWS.com

Ph: 703-866-0535 or 540-974-2755

How to differentiate between waterproofing companies and what they have to offer

Do you have a list of names, phone numbers, and a stack of business cards that you have been collecting? Are you trying to remember why Company A sounded better than Company B? Quality, price, reputation…it all comes into play. Many homeowners are overwhelmed by the large number of people doing basement waterproofing in most every town and are confused by all the details that go into a job like this. I am going to give you a few ideas on what to look for and How To Pick a Waterproofing Contractor that might make things a little easier for you. 

1) Price is the main concern for a lot of people. Many companies will give you a price and then ask you to sign right away. Then, if you do not want to sign right away, they will offer a significant deduction… good for today only! If a company says they can knock off a few thousand dollars right away that should send up a red flag for you. How is it they can deduct this amount? Also, beware of the company that comes in with the lowest price. Be sure you know what exactly is going to happen to solve the problem and check the warranty. 

2) The warranty is a part of waterproofing that some people do not pay enough attention to. I know of several companies that offer a “Lifetime” warranty or a “Life of the Structure” warranty. However, when you read the fine print there are many exclusions and things not covered. I have looked at a few of these warranty certificates and after reading them thoroughly I decided that basically there was no protection at all. Our warranty is a simple statement, about 37 words, that clearly explains what will be covered. Always ask specifically what will and will not be covered.

3) The system itself. There are interior and exterior techniques that are used worldwide. The definition of waterproofing (according to dictionary.com) is something rendered impervious to water by some special process, as coating or treating with rubber. To truly waterproof a home’s basement walls means sealing them from the outside. Although the interior remedies hide the problem and ensure no water is seen on the floor, water is still being allowed into the structure and then is pumped back outside. 

4) Be wary of the contractor that simply suggests you re-direct your downspouts or re-grade your lawn. Although these need to be considered, they do not fully solve the problems. If you have a crack in the wall or water coming in at the cove joint (where the floor and wall meet), water will find its way there again. It’s just a matter of time.

If you have questions or need us to come take a look at your basement or crawlspace you can contact Jon Bridgan of NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems at 540-974-2755 or 703-866-0535 or 804-859-2544. Also you can email Jon at Jon@NVBWS.com and check out our website at www.NVBWS.com . Have a great day!

Foundation Leak

A foundation leak is no small matter. In fact, a leaking foundation can silently destroy your home, facilitate health risks, and lead to poor resale value…or even worse, no resale at all. NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems is your local waterproofing company. We’ve been satisfying customers’ construction and remodeling needs in the Northern, Northwestern Virginia, and Richmond areas for many years and found we needed a better way to waterproof. The exclusive “Barrier Dual Drainage System” installed at a structure provides a 100% non-prorated Guarantee that water will not penetrate those foundation walls in any area where the system has been installed. If the walls are wet or “discolored” due to moisture you should be extremely concerned. A foundation wall is like a sponge and it will hold moisture. This can lead to BIGGER PROBLEMS! STRUCTURAL DECAY, HEALTH RISKS, AND POOR RESALE VALUE. Building materials and water don’t mix and MOLD begins growing within 24 to 36 hours of a water leak. We aren’t “professional salespeople” and we don’t play those games. We are simply hard working contractors and waterproofing professionals and will inspect your problem, show you what we do, and render our opinion. After all it’s your home and your decision, not ours. Contact us today at Jon@NVBWS.com or visit our website at www.NVBWS.com .

Basement waterproofing contractors of Northern Virginia and surrounding areas

• Do you hate to see it rain?
• Have you tried everything to stop the water?
• Are you tired of mopping up after every rainstorm?
• Are your foundation walls wet?
• Is water destroying your home?
• Is dangerous mold growing in your basement or crawlspace?
• Have you had your home waterproofed but it still leaks?
• If so, is the “Lifetime” warranty merely worthless?
• Have you given up hope of ever stopping the water?
• Would you purchase another home with the same problem?
• Would you like your problem to go away…FOREVER?

 

GREAT NEWS FOR YOU – We can guarantee repair

of wet basements, crawlspaces, and foundations.

 

We will:

• Stop the water outside of the foundation and drain it away from the home
• Add  an R-10 insulating value while protecting the walls
• Guarantee it “leak free” for 25 years (No exceptions)

 

Don’t delay. Give us a call today for a

free, no obligation inspection

540-974-2755 or 703-866-0535 or 804-859-2544

Why Northern Virginia Barrier Waterproofing Systems? DRY is why!

It’s been a long time since I have been able to write anything and add to the posts. There’s good reason for that. We have had more business in July than we have had all year. It’s been a great month and a lot of people are happy now that they have guaranteed dry basements. I’ve been working in Charlestown and Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, Centreville and Springfield, Virginia, and even into Potomac, Maryland.

 

I spoke with a great contractor today based in Winchester, Virginia by the name of Phil Lemieux that’s working on a 1920s home. It’s beautiful but the basement is wet. There are stone foundation walls and you can see how there has been years of damage being done and the walls have a lot of structural decay on them. We are still able to work on homes like this. As long as the foundation is structurally sound, we will be able to treat the walls just as we would with any other block or poured wall. The key is to try to fill in large voids with hydraulic cement so that we have a flat surface to spray our waterproofing membrane onto. The home currently has a sump pump installed but it’s not doing the trick. We will be working on one entire side of the house as well as tunneling underneath the huge front porch to treat that wall as well. I am really looking forward to this project. This will be one of the oldest houses we have worked with so far.

 

Why should you worry about a small leak? Well, just as with many other small household maintenance tasks, if you procrastinate it will get worse. A small water leak can turn into a very serious problem quickly. Therefore, we treat any amount of water intrusion as an urgent matter. Again…WHY? 1) Structural Decay, 2) Mold and Mildew, and 3) Poor Resale Value!

 

1) THE PROBLEM:  Mother Nature has destroyed more than her share of homes.  The water seeping into your basement or crawlspace simply does not mix with building materials.  The foundation becomes saturated, sheathing in floors and walls, even your roof can begin to separate, swell, and decay.   Sheet rock begins to soften and deteriorate while insulation begins to smell and mildew.  Left unattended a leaking basement or crawlspace can silently destroy your home.

 

2) THE PROBLEM:  Not until recently has the public been informed of the new dangers of water seeping in their homes.  Besides irritations and allergic reactions and the many sicknesses caused by bacteria, there’s a new Killer on the loose…DEADLY BLACK MOLD.  “This mold can cause serious breathing difficulties, memory and hearing loss, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, and bleeding in the lungs.” [USA Weekend]…”It is a greenish black mold that can grow on materials with a high cellulose content, such as drywall sheet rock, dropped ceiling tiles, and wood, that become chronically moist or water-damaged, due to excessive humidity, water leaks, condensation, or flooding.” [NY City Department of Health]…”Used as a biological weapon by the Russians, the neurotoxin is responsible for the deaths of 16 infants in Ohio.” [Click2Houston]  Please look up “mold” on the Internet to be completely informed or ask your family physician.

 

3) THE PROBLEM:  The law now requires property owners to disclose any faulty conditions to Real Estate Agents and potential Buyers.  Failure to reveal a leaking basement or crawlspace would be cause for costly litigation.  A leaking basement or crawlspace would more than likely end any chance for a “full value” sale.  At best the property owner would have to pay to repair the problem and warrant the work to the new buyer…In the meanwhile the sale price is driven down.  Today banks will not lend mortgage money for a leaking home, nor will Insurance Companies insure them.  Ask yourself…WOULD YOU BUY ANOTHER HOUSE WITH A LEAKING BASEMENT OR CRAWLSPACE ?

If you have any questions about waterproofing in Northern Virginia you can contact us at, Northern Virginia Barrier Waterproofing Systems, 703-866-0535 or 540-974-2755 or 804-859-2544. Our informative website is www.NVBWS.com and my email address is Jon@NVBWS.com . I look forward to talking with you.

Wet basements in Northern Virginia… everywhere!

I have been out looking at basements all over Virginia this week from Purcellville to Falls Church, Arlington to Sterling, Springfield to Middleburg. We have had record rainfalls this year and it doesn’t look as if though it’s going to slow down much.

Do you have a wet basement or crawlspace that you want to keep dry? Have you had mold remediation work done only to have more water enter at a later time? Do you want to maximize the space in your home and use the basement as a living space or as storage without water ruining your things? If you answered yes to any of these, you need to give me a call today. I can show you what the problem is and I can offer a solution. As always… free estimates.

NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems. 540-974-2755 or 703-866-0535 or 804-859-2544. Look us up on the web at www.NVBWS.com .

WHY should I fix the problem?

Why should I fix this problem?
Three reasons: Health concerns, structural decay, and poor resale value. Studies have shown that a basement water problem can reduce the value of a home 10% or more. It is economically foolish not to waterproof, because the increased value from waterproofing will definitely exceed the cost of the waterproofing job. You should look at waterproofing not as an expense but as an investment in the value of your home.

 

Another reason to waterproof: more space. A finished basement can make a wonderful living room, home theater, exercise room, home office, etc. According a Consumer Reports study, a finished basement will also significantly increase your home’s value. After all, your basement is probably one-third or more of the total square footage of your home – why waste it? But before investing in a finished basement, waterproofing is essential

 

 

“Projects that should take priority are those that will protect your home from deterioration and damage”      
                                     - Consumer Reports “Making Your House Pay Off” November 2002

 

 

 

.

“Money spent finishing a basement will yield an average return of 119%”      

 

 

 

                                                               - Remodeling Magazine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why Wait?

I know when I am planning a trip the first thing I do is look to see what it is going to cost me if I book right now.  In the current market chances are good if I can wait awhile, prices will go down as airlines struggle to fill those seats. It makes sense to wait and see but, if I wait and the airline goes out of business right after I buy my ticket or just before my return trip home I really have waited too long and now it will cost me even more to get where I need to go. Let’s say that they didn’t go out of business but in an effort to save money to give me that cheap fare they skipped some maintenance or safety issue and the plane crashes with me on board then the cheap fare wasn’t any help at all.

Now the reason I bring this up is because it is just the way we are wired… to try to get the best deal.  Sometimes waiting for the best deal is a disaster in the making.  When you have a wet or damp basement or crawlspace you have everything time needs to create a disaster. Generally because of the slow nature of the way water destroys a foundation there would seem to be plenty of time to care for it. So, instead of getting it truly waterproofed, we tend to put other projects first relegating the basement to cool, damp, or wet storage.  The occasional flood is only cause to make a dump run or two and to place everything left on stilts or on a shelf. You better make that a steel or plastic shelf.  One of my clients built a nice set of shelves to keep the tools and paint cans on and found that the wooden legs and shelves had soaked the water by wicking it up all the way to the 3^rd shelf. The floor appeared only damp… not wet to the touch!

That should make you think. One of the common remodeling issues I run into is rot of the rim joist and sill plate behind a flashing where there was a deck attached to the house.  The thought is that the flashing failed when in reality the flashing traps moisture that wicked into the wood from the concrete foundation, which caused the rot.

Water can be wicked up in a house built with good vapor barriers and a tight envelope and can rise from a foundation or basement wall to the attic 20 feet up.  Cold spots in the corners of the room will draw moisture and start producing mold behind the walls and it may be months or years before it is visible but can release toxins into the air making your home unhealthy.

When you have discovered that your basement or crawl space is damp then the process has been occurring for some time now and the sooner it is stopped the better because the health of the house is dependent on the good health of the foundation.  A wet or damp foundation can cause all of these issues and as home inspectors are increasingly aware of, the risk posed by those conditions make buyers more reluctant (if not dead set) against buying a home with all the potential problems or hazards associated with them.

That is where a truly dry basement with a written transferable guarantee becomes piece of mind… while you are still living in your home and in the future when you wish to sell it. Time is working with water to destroy your home’s value and in every case, the sooner it is fixed the less it costs.  Pay now or pay more later, it is up to you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome 2009! NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems

Hello family, friends, and partners;

Greetings and Happy New Year from NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems. 2008 will go down in history for many things like our newly elected President, the stock market situation, and the never-ending scandal in the ranks. But for Home and Property Resolutions LLC, the departure of 2008 marks the end of our second year of operations. A great outcome of this year is that the company did nearly 4 times the business it did in 2007. We are very proud of that fact.

Another big event for 2008 was expansion into the waterproofing business partnering with Barrier Home Solutions and gaining advantages in the market because of their association with Owens Corning. We started NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems in 11 Northern Virginia counties which we will continue to serve this next year. As 2009 starts, we are adding 36 counties that comprise Southeast Virginia to our service area. We will be able to provide TRUE waterproofing to a full two thirds of the total homes in the state.

Like most of you… our friends, financers, customers and suppliers… we face the New Year uncertain of what the upcoming months might bring.  We know that most of you will not be selling your home and in fact most Americans will be staying in their homes much longer then they had planned on. That presents an opportunity for both HPR and NVBWS. Since the option to move is gone, changes or improvements must come from fixing (remodeling) or changing (waterproofing the basement) the homes we live in and our neighbors do as well.  Our business has thrived off of the people and companies we associate with referring us to their friends, neighbors, customers, and other acquaintances.  For those of you who have referred us already, thank you very much and I hope that we can continue to maintain your trust going forward. For those who have not yet referred us, we look forward to proving we are capable of serving your referrals in a manner that reflects positively on you.

We know that we can best serve your needs when we understand what those needs are. And by expressing our needs, we may find someone or some company that can help us with the next phase of our business.  Therefore we are letting you know that we have a short term need to fund the expansion into Southeast Virginia and also have a need for business partners in that area to service contracts for us. We also have an opportunity to expand on a National and International level and are looking for financial partners who are interested in seeing the long term growth of the business turn into a long term source of investment income as HPR prepares to go global over the next few years.  We can not elaborate on those plans at this time but interested parties will be given the basic information and if interested can contact us for further information as we receive it. Suffice it to say we are extremely excited over the possibility of going global and the opportunities it presents us as a company.

We look for 2009 to be a year of growth, learning, and meeting new friends as well as maintaining the friendships we have made in 2008. Happy New Year everyone! 

 

 

Jon Bridgan, Director of Operations

NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems

540-974-2755 or 703-866-0535

Who is Responsible for Your Success?

by Jack Canfield

This isn’t a trick question.

Certainly you know the answer–the person who has been responsible for the life you live right now: YOU.

Everything about you is a result of your doing or not doing… Your income. Debt. Relationships. Health. Fitness level. Attitudes and behaviors.

I think everyone knows this in their hearts, but often times people convince themselves into thinking that external factors are the source of their failure, disappointment, and unhappiness.

External factors do not determine how you live. YOU are in complete control of the quality of your life.

When I hear people complain about the state of their life (be it their problems with personal finances, weight, their jobs, or general dissatisfaction) I like to help them see things differently.

If they feel “stuck” and unable to move forward for whatever reason, I ask them to scrutinize both what is working well and what isn’t working well in their life and see how they’ve arrived at where they currently are.

For example, if a woman tells me she’s unhappy with her weight–she travels frequently, and has no to time to exercise or seek healthy foods–I point out that her weight is not a result of her travels and schedule. It’s an outcome of what she chooses to eat and how she chooses to move, regardless of her daily agenda. Why not make a conscious effort to pre-plan healthy meals and snacks, even if it’s on the go, and sneak in 10 minutes here and 10 minutes there to be physically active (hey, I know some frequent flyers who make it a habit of running through airports!).

If you’re frustrated with any area in your life, then it’s time to take a little inventory. Certainly there are wonderful things happening, whether it’s your job, your romantic relationship, your children, your friends, or your income level. Your accomplishments are just as important as your missteps.

First, congratulate yourself on your successes; and then take a look at what isn’t working out so well. What are you doing or not doing to create those experiences?

Watch out! If you find yourself beginning to complain about everything but the choices you’ve made, then you need to take a step back. See if you can stop blaming outside factors for your unhappiness.

When you realize that you–and only you–create your experiences, you’ll realize that you can un-create them and forge new experiences whenever you want.

How empowering is that!

You must take responsibility for your happiness and your unhappiness, your successes and your failures, your good times and your bad times.

All too often we choose to claim the successes and blame the failures on others or other circumstances. When you stop blaming, however, you can take that energy and redirect it to focus on shaping a better situation for yourself. Blaming only ties up your energy. Imagine roping all the energy into a positive effort.

Some ideas to make this happen:

Believe, Believe, Believe! Have unwavering faith in yourself, for good and bad. Make the decision to accept the fact that you create all your experiences. You will experience successes thanks to you, and you will experience pain, struggle, and strife thanks to you. Sounds a little strange, but accepting this level of responsibility is uniquely empowering. It means you can do, change, and be anything. Stumbling blocks become just that–little hills to hop over.

Take no less than 100% responsibility . Successful people take full responsibility for the thoughts they think, the images they visualize, and the actions they take. They don’t waste their time and energy blaming and complaining. They evaluate their experiences and decide if they need to change them or not. They face the uncomfortable and take risks in order to create the life they want to live.

Stop complaining . Look at what you are complaining about. I’m fat. I’m tired. I can’t get out of debt. I won’t ever get a better job. I can’t stand the relationship I have with my sister. I’ll never find a soulmate in life. Really examine your complaints. More than likely you can do something about them. They are not about other people, other things, or other events. They are about YOU.

Make an immediate change. Are you unhappy about something that is happening right now? Make requests that will make it more desirable to you, or take the steps to change it yourself. Making a change might be uncomfortable for you. It might mean you have to put in more time, money, and effort. It might mean that someone gets upset about it, or makes you feel bad about your decision. It might be difficult to change or leave a situation, but staying put is your choice so why continue to complain?

You can either do something about it or not. It is your choice and you have responsibility for your choices.

Pay attention. Looking to others for help and guidance is helpful, but don’t forget to stay tuned in to yourself–your behavior, attitude, and life experiences. Identify what’s working and what isn’t. If you need to, write it all down. Then…

Face the truth and take action for the long term . You have to be willing to change your behavior if you want a different outcome. You have to be willing to take the risks necessary to get what you want. If you’ve already taken an initial step in the right direction, now’s the time to plan additional steps to keep moving you forward, faster.

Isn’t it a great relief to know that you can make your life what you want it to be? Isn’t it wonderful that your successes do not depend on someone else?

So if you need just one thing to do different today than you did yesterday, make it this:

Commit to taking 100% responsibility for every aspect of your life. Decide to make changes, one step at a time. Once you start the process you’ll discover it’s much easier to get what you want by taking control of your thoughts, your visualizations, and your actions!

 

 

Jack Canfield, America’s #1 Success Coach, is founder of the billion-dollar book brand Chicken Soup for the Soul and a leading authority on Peak Performance and Life Success. If you’re ready to jump-start your life, make more money, and have more fun and joy in all that you do, get your FREE success tips from Jack Canfield now at: www.FreeSuccessStrategies.com

 

The Value of Not Waiting!

When it comes to home maintenance there is always the trade off of spending the money now or waiting. Last spring at about 6 am, after a particularly long all night thunder storm, I received a somewhat distressed call from my best friend. Maybe you live in a house like his.  It is an older home that in recent years he has remodeled putting 40 to 50K into moving walls, installing hardwood, drywall, painting, crown molding, new deck, new kitchen and plans to redo the baths and bedrooms. It will be an added value of about 100K when completed.

Now there is one area for which he holds no plans to remodel… the basement.  Fully 1/3 of his homes floor space is in the basement but that brings me back to the 6 am call.  He had been up by then for about 3 hours.  The storm had knocked out the power about 10 pm the night before and when it didn’t come back on he decided to check the basement. Now what would possess him to do that?  Well, like a lot of basements out there his has everything sitting up on blocks to keep things dry if the power goes out in a storm. Usually this would only require a few hours of wet vac work to clean up after the power comes back on. That morning was different because first… the power was predicted to be out for the next 2 days and second… we had received nearly 8 inches of rain already and it was still coming down.  His blocks were not high enough and the water in the basement continued to rise.  He needed a generator and he needed it now because without power his sump pump was not helping at all. I started making phone calls to my usual resources but found that my friend was not the only person looking for a generator to run their sump pump and these other folks beat us to the punch. We finally found a rental center in another town where we could rent one at about a third of the cost to buy it.

When the water was cleaned up and the power restored his plan was to not let this happen again. However, those generators are expensive, the basement has remained dry, and now it is only a few months away to our storm season and he still has no generator.  Even worse is that even if he gets a generator, he still cannot use the basement for living space. The basement is too damp and cool and the pump might quit working and he may be away when the next storm comes, not being able to react to water on the floor. So, for now, everything remains on new, higher blocks.

As explained in other blogs, the walls remain damp and continue to break down over time. We have already replaced part of his sill plate from rot.  Investing thousands of dollars in the house and neglecting the foundation does two very negative things. First… the value of the remodel is offset by the negativity of having a basement that is damp and periodically floods. Second… if the basement was dry and finished it would add far more value than any of the upgrades he has already done or plans to do.  A guaranteed dry waterproofed basement will sell; a wet one in this market will not.

Don’t put off having your basement waterproofed. If it has flooded before it will flood again. Cracks in the foundation walls don’t go away. Re-grading the dirt around the house is only a temporary fix to re-direct water. If it has leaked, it will leak again. Call us today for your free inspection and evaluation. Call Jon at 703-866-0535 or 540-974-2755 or email me at Jon@NVBWS.com .

 

Reality – What you have to look forward to!

Spring isn’t far away. At least that’s what they tell me. This morning I left the house before 7 for an early meeting and it was 11 degrees with a windchill of -3 degrees. Yea,  I think Spring is definitely on the way. All joking aside though, this Spring is going to be a time of misery for many of you reading this. Generally in March the snows melt and the rains come. The ground is saturated and it stays that way for several weeks. If you have ever had a problem with a leaky basement or crawlspace and you decided to put it off… well, let’s just say you shouldn’t have! The saturation of the ground causes problems for structurally sound basements so just think of what it’s going to do for basement walls that have already been compromised by water. Leaks don’t just go away. In most of the cases I have seen, re-routing the gutter downspouts or re-grading up against the house will not solve the problem. These repairs will sometimes provide a temporary fix but if there was a hole/crack in the foundation, chances are good that it’s still there. Call now before it’s too late; get that problem fixed for good and know that we offer a 25YEAR WARRANTY that the areas we treat will not leak. There are no exclusions, no exceptions, no fast talk. If we fix it, it’s not going to leak… period! Make sure that you carefully read the warranty statement of any other company you talk to. You usually won’t find another warranty like ours.

We are now scheduling into March and will soon be into the month of April. Don’t put it off any longer. Call today for your free, no sales pressure inspection. Call the appropriate # according to your area. 703-866-0535 or 540-974-2755 or 804-859-2544. In the meantime, stay warm!

NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems releases new website!

United States of America (Press Release) February 8, 2009 — NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems is pleased to announce they have just published their new website at www.NVBWS.com . The new site will help to inform the public about water intrusion issues, wet basements and crawlspaces, some of the other types of band aid remedies, and TRUE waterproofing. There will be multiple ways to contact the staff at NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems on the site. The current Blog being posted at  http://waterproofer.wordpress.com/  will be added to the website as well. For questions, call Jon Bridgan at 540-974-2755.

When do you have the thoughts…“I knew better” and “I told myself”?

When do you have the thoughts…“I knew better” and “I told myself”?

I will tell you when you have those thoughts.  It’s usually right after whatever you hoped to avoid has happened.  Right after your car slides into the car in front of you is when you say “I knew I needed new tires!” Or when you did that temporary halfway repair job on the fence and the first wind blows down and you say “I knew better!” as that section of fence lays on top of the new car.

The problem with knowing better and telling yourself is that by the time you decide to do something about it is usually after it just cost you a lot of money that you would not have had to spend if you had just done what needed done in the first place.

We all realize our lives would be less complicated if we just did things when they need done and did them right. By now you have this nagging feeling that I might be talking about the basement flood last spring when we had the 10 inch rain storm that lasted a whole week with power outages for 2 – 3 days. What did it cost just to clean up? What did you say then… “I need to make this stop!” or “I need to move!” or “I never want to do this again!”?

Or maybe you said “I knew that waterproofing paint wouldn’t work!” or “I hate sump pumps because they only redirect the water after it is in the house and they only work when the electricity is on!” or “I got the battery backup (X number of dollars) but it only worked for 6 hours.”?

Ok we had a drought last summer and fall and now it is winter and dry again. Drought or no drought spring storms will come again this spring (you knew that) and you could have had the problem fixed last summer (maybe you told yourself that) but now you are looking at paying to have the water cleaning crew (professionals or yourself) in to clean up this year’s mess. Now the pro’s might cost you 1500 to 2500 dollars to clean up the mess but then what would it cost you to rent the equipment take 2-3 days leave and work 10 -12 hours a day on it yourself?

It may already be too late to avert this year’s disaster but you didn’t move, most likely you won’t. And if you want to sell in this market… well when the building inspector sees the old water stains and has to report them… buyers will go for the house with the dry basement, not yours.  But you knew that.

So you don’t have a basement and you are feeling a little smug about it.  When was the last time you looked in your crawl space? No… let me guess you don’t like to look because the last time you looked there was puddles of water which are known as factories for bugs and mosquitoes.  Wet soil is one of the requirements for termites and since you are not looking under there you also don’t know about the mud tunnels to your floor joists either.  The other thing is the mildew smell from the “MOLD” didn’t go away either.

I know when you are going to do something about it.  Right after you try to sell the house and the home inspector looks in the crawl space (and as much as you dislike looking there they can’t wait to see it!).  That is about the time he announces you have Mold, rot, and termites and any chance of selling the house goes out the window. You probably mentioned that to yourself too but it is like finding that spot on your skin you think might be cancer but you are afraid that if you see the doctor he will say you are right.  A wet crawl space is cancer and the sooner it is cared for the less it costs to fix.

We recently looked at an engineer’s report that said water damage in a crawl space had caused estimated 54,000 dollars damage to a home. It made $8,000 to $10,000 for waterproofing seem rather reasonable instead of paying that and the 54K on top of the waterproofing.

We have stressed in this blog the need to properly waterproof your home before you have the problem or at the first signs.  We also stressed that doing it the way you have told yourself makes sense is to do it where the water stays outside of your home and not manage it after it has seeped into the walls or comes up under the floor.  Dehumidifying and sump pumping may keep the floor dry but water still takes its toll on the walls that support your home.

Quick quiz. What is the first clue to a home inspector that there is a water problem in a crawl space or basement?

Answer: Sump pumps and or dehumidifiers. They are a dead giveaway.  How much fun has it been to keep up with the maintenance of those two things?  Maybe you told yourself “I will never own a house where I have to worry about that again!”  You are not alone. 

We make your basement or crawl space dry and that helps make your home healthy and a healthy place for your family to live. Until next time… have a great day.

 

 

Recent activities of NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems

Tonight it is snowing and it rained earlier today. The ground is wet and by the end of next week it is going to be saturated. Anyone that has had a problem with a flooded basement will be needing help soon. I just finished a wet basement job in Falls Church, VA today. I typically don’t like working on Sundays but I needed to get this job done. Why? Because I have another wet basement to waterproof in Springfield, VA tomorrow. That is if the weather doesn’t shut us down. There are calls coming in from other areas from folks that want a good waterproofer. I have had calls and site visits in Alexandria, Fairfax, Leesburg, Manassas, Front Royal, Middleburg, and Woodbridge. Oh, and we are getting calls from many locations around Richmond as well. It’s that time of year. I have a waterproofing job I am starting in Woodbridge on or around the 23rd of March. TRUE Basement and Crawlspace Waterproofing. That is what NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems is all about.

What I find!

Sometimes people come up to me on a jobsite and ask me what I’m doing. I love it when this happens. I don’t see it as a bother. Instead I see it as free advertising. Now, I may be covered from head to toe in mud and be totally worn out from working all day but I can quickly shift my attitude, put on a smile (I find it easy to do most of the time anyway), and sell my business. I have had a few people ask me to come look at their wet basement or they tell me that their sump pump is running constantly and ask if that is normal! I’ve yet to sell a job to a neighbor during one of these conversations but it will happen. Another thing is that these folks will remember me. They may wait a year and then talk to neighbor #1 and find out that their basement has remained dry, true to our 100% guarantee, and they will then call us.

Why aren’t you calling NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems today? We can end the nightmare you have been dealing with. We can make sure your basement is not a breeding ground for mold. We can make sure your home retains it’s resale value by eliminating that wet basement. We can make sure that you have peace of mind knowing that your basement will not flood while you are away.

We do not hire professional salespeople to go out and find work for us. I do everything from the sales call and estimate, to the actual waterproofing job. We treat your home as good, if not better, than we would our own homes. This is not just rhetoric; it is the way we believe in doing business!

If you live in Northern Virginia and have a wet basement, you need to call today. If you live in the Shenandoah Valley area and are experiencing water intrusion issues, you need to call today. If you are in the Richmond or Williamsburg area and are experiencing problems with water in your crawlspace, you need to call us today. We serve Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Annandale, Mount Vernon, Woodbridge, Lorton, Clifton, Springfield, Manassas, Centreville, Haymarket, Marshall, Leesburg, Hamilton, Purcellville, Bluemont, Boyce, Berryville, Winchester, Stephens City, Front Royal, Middletown, Linden, Hume, Culpeper, Warrenton, Ashland, Henrico, Richmond, Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Petersburg, and more.

Something worth repeating – Why Should I Fix This Problem???

 

 

Why should I fix this problem?

Three reasons: Health concerns, structural decay, and poor resale value. Studies have shown that a basement water problem can reduce the value of a home 10% or more. It is economically foolish not to waterproof, because the increased value from waterproofing will definitely exceed the cost of the waterproofing job. You should look at waterproofing not as an expense but as an investment in the value of your home.

“Money spent finishing a basement will yield an average return of 119%”   

- Remodeling Magazine

 

Another reason to waterproof: more space. A finished basement can make a wonderful living room, home theater, exercise room, home office, etc. According a Consumer Reports study, a finished basement will also significantly increase your home’s value. After all, your basement is probably one-third or more of the total square footage of your home – why waste it? But before investing in a finished basement, waterproofing is essential

 

“Projects that should take priority are those that will protect your home from deterioration and damage”      

  - Consumer Reports “Making Your House Pay Off” November 2002

 

  

Issues Created By Wet Basements

Wet basements are estimated to occur in over 85% of peoples homes at one point in time.  55% of wet basements are going to occur within the first 3 years of new construction.  Water in your basement can cause many problems to your homes interior and the foundation and if you do not take care of the issue right away, it can only become worse as time goes on. 

A huge issue that comes after having water damage is that mold and mildew can start to grow in the areas that were not dried out and  cleaned right away.  Certain types of mold can be toxic to you and create health problems.  Mold can trigger asthma symptoms, ear infections, fungal sinusitis, and more to make you sick!

Water in your basementcan damage items that are stored in the basement, ruining your personal possessions.  Think of the sentimental value of some of the things you have in storage. They can’t be replaced! TRUE STORY – I had a box of books and a very special photo album ruined, covered in mold, because I did not know they had gotten wet in my basement.

Wet basements can cause problems to your homes foundation, compromising the integrity of the structure.  Water can cause cracks and widen existing ones that you may have and not taken the time to repair.  In enough time, your walls could start to buckle inward.  This can put a big dent into your checkbook!

In general, when you notice water becoming an issue in your home, have the problem inspected and repaired promptly to prevent further occurrences.  To really stay on top of the game, waterproofing your basement before you have problems is a great idea as well.  It can give you peace of mind in maintaining not only your home, but also your family’s health.

For a free, no-hassle inspection and estimate contact Jon Bridgan at NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems at 540-974-2755  or  703-866-0535  or  804-859-2544. For more information you can visit our website at www.NVBWS.com

A TRUE Story about inside “waterproofing” from a friend

So…the waterproofers trenched my basement yesterday, meaning they used jackhammers all day and broke up the concrete about a foot out around all four walls. That is so that they can put a new footer drainage system in to keep the water from building up in and behind the walls. Not a huge biggie.
However, as the evening progressed we started smelling an odor in the house that we couldn’t place. By the time bath-time rolled around I pinpointed it to the basement and was getting a headache and sick to my stomach from it. I ended up crawling all over the house and sealing off our vents with wax paper in an effort to block it off.
By the time bathtime was over I was horribly sick from it, Rob was finally aware of how bad it was (he has no sense of smell, I swear), and even Ben was talking about the stinky house. Heck, the cats didn’t even want to go into the basement, which is their normal domain.
My immediate thought was that it was some sort of poisonous fumes and that we were all going to end up dying in our sleep from it. I started to worry that although our house didn’t run on gas that maybe in the past it had but was capped off and the jackhammers caused a gas leak in the house. So, I called the after hours gas hot-line who told me to call 911.
Enter the Fire Department…
Yup…the fire department came to my house at about 9:15 last night. They came into the house and sniffed around and could tell us there were noxious fumes (duh) but they didn’t know what it was. So the Fire-chief came about 20 minutes later with a meter that detected flammable and explosive gas levels. About 30 minutes later we got the word that whatever it was it wasn’t gas and wasn’t at flammable or explosive levels. Good news, but our house still smelled like the devil’s butt!
The 2 firemen that initially took the call thought it might be methane or stagnate groundwater. The brainiac waterproofers disassembled our sump pump, which was full, w/o first emptying it. So it was sitting down there uncapped and full of yuck. Plus the trenches they had dug up had filled with ground seepage as well.
Anywho…I still had visions of us dying in our sleep because it was an awful stench! I cannot even convey how bad it was. I think the inside of a septic tank filled to the brim with rotten fish mixed in would be more pleasant and less sickening…
So off to a hotel we went. And thankfully I have awesome friends that help out in a pinch!!!
Gena was soooo sweet to let me pester her at 9:30 on her day off and hook me up with a room on her hotel discount! For those of you who have not had the pleasure of meeting her you are really missing out…she is simply the best! I’m so lucky to have someone like that in my life!
So…we’re home now and after a night with every window open the house is tolerable. And the waterproofers have been put on high alert that if the job isn’t finished today they can kiss our payment goodbye.
I swear, I am about ready to bulldoze this house and just try again…

To avoid these hassles and keep the work on the outside of the house, where TRUE waterproofing takes place, call Jon Bridgan at NoVa Barrier Waterproofing systems. The numbers are 540-974-2755  or  703-866-0535  or  804-859-2544. Our website can be seen at www.NVBWS.com

 

Where does the moisture in my basement come from? Part 1

My buddy over at Green Bear Innovations wrote this article and I asked him if I could use it on my site. It conveys a message that my readers need as well. Thanks Green Bear for allowing me to use this article…

So now that you have realized that the moisture in your basement is a problem, how about we figure out how it got there in the first place. The simple and obvious answer to the question is “the ground”. But it is not that simple! Part of understanding basement moisture problems is understanding the building process and materials used during the construction of your home. The first thing I need to address here is that CONCRETE IS POROUS. When concrete (all concrete products) dries it does so from the outside in. What does that mean? That means that the outer portion of your foundation walls dried faster than the center throughout the thickness of the wall. What does this mean? This means that water is still evaporating out of the concrete as the outer surfaces are nearly dry leaving behind small pathways in which the moisture traveled. That is why the surface of the foundation wall sometimes looks like a sponge. In reality, that is exactly what foundation walls are like. One big dry sponge. Get it wet enough for a long period of time and it will begin acting that way. Moisture will wick through the walls and into your basement if ground water conditions and interior conditions deem appropriate. Typically homeowners do not notice the moisture on the walls themselves in this case. Instead they may notice moisture beading up on plumbing pipes and other non-porous, cold surfaces. This is mostly noticed in the humid days during summer. Remember, the moisture had to come from somewhere, right?

High water table. What a “water table” actually is, is the level of the groundwater that is constantly underground on your property and specifically, in this case, under your foundation. This water level is usually not continuously higher than the footing of your foundation, although in rare cases it can be. Here is what usually happens in high water table areas. Say the constant groundwater level is equal to one foot below the bottom of your homes foundation footing. Depending on the landscape of your property, nearby landscape elevations and underground obstructions for groundwater travel (in ground pools, wells, sewerage tanks) the rate of the rising water table varies significantly during snow melts and periods of rainfall. Let’s use an extreme example. Say it has been raining hard for 36 hours and the groundwater level is now one foot ABOVE the top of the footing. That is an enormous amount of hydrostatic pressure surrounding your foundation and trying to force its way into your basement through the floor slab and the floor/wall joint. Over time this is exactly what happens. Year after year, all that water pressure makes new pathways (water always take the path of least resistance) and eventually causes moisture problems either through floor cracks or around the perimeter of the basement. This is called seepage. In severe cases water will form puddles in your basement.

Stay tuned for Part 2… To learn more now go to http://www.greenbearinnovations.com/wet_basement.html Permalink: blog.greenbearinnovations.com/2009/03/24/where-does-the-moisture-in-my-basement-come-from-part-1.aspx

Surprise, surprise!

I hate surprises like the pinhole leak in the cold water line that ran through my basement ceiling. The thrill of finding soaked furniture and carpet with a section of ceiling sagging, dripping, and the walls saturated with water. This week it was the refrigerator that blew a circuit; woke up to the smell of smoke and a non-working refrigerator.  Surprises are just that; at least you were not up dreading the inevitable you knew was coming.

You know how it is when you have been driving your car for a few years and the new is worn off but so far there have been no major problems.  You know what happens just weeks after the warranty is expired.  It starts with a little squeal noise you cannot remember hearing before then it becomes apparent one of the brakes have started to fail. You know you have to get it fixed.  You know right now is the time to fix it but payday is next week and if you can just get by a few more days it will be easier to take. Now a brake job may only cost $100 to $200 to replace the pads and turn the rotors.  However, if you wait and that happens to be the day you sit in stop and go traffic for a 3 hour commute that usually takes an hour and every time you touch the brakes it sounds like fingernails on a chalk board, well, $100 to $200 becomes $300 to $600 dollars because you now have to replace rotors.

You knew it was coming but you took the risk and now it costs more.  As we see it, today may have been the end to the drought; a nice steady rain bringing 1 to 2 inches.  I know you’re saying the basement hasn’t leaked since that big storm last fall and you just need to get through this spring. And maybe you could have gotten by another year but instead you are renting the wet/dry vac, big fans, and a dehumidifier again as you watch the mold turning darker as it creeps up the dry wall again.

We do estimates all the time for people who are currently experiencing a leak (they seldom call if they think they might have a leak next year) and for whatever reason they don’t have them fixed.  We know it isn’t because they do not like the idea of a clean healthy dry basement.  We know that there may seem to always be a more convenient time to do it and we all hope there is some way to avoid it but, like a squealing brake, it won’t get better on its own.

We let our customers know the price we quote now is the final price; it will not go up or down usually. However, the cost of cleanup from a new flood is what we are trying to save them so pay now, save later or wait… pay for the cleanup again and then pay us anyway. Either way the water intrusion issue will not go away and in the meantime you could sleep soundly listening to the rain on the roof instead of wide awake listening for the sound of running water in the basement. 

Contact us today for a free inspection. www.NVBWS.com 540-974-2755 or 703-866-0535 or 804-859-2544 

So much rain… what do I do next?

Let’s face it; the waterproofing industry does not enjoy the best of reputations. NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems began with the idea that there was definitely a better way. With this in mind, and with no intention of hurting the competition, allow us to explain some pit falls in dealing with basement waterproofers so that a well-informed decision can be made in choosing the right company.

The appointment: A sure sign that you are dealing with a water control system company, and not a “waterproofing” company, is that they will insist that all homeowners be present for the appointment. The company will not even send a representative to your home unless both spouses or all owners commit to listen to the pitch. When an appointment is scheduled under this condition, you can count on a presentation that relies on scare tactics and high pressure to achieve a one-call close.

The salesman: Water control system, or so called “waterproofing” salesmen generally introduce themselves as anyone but a salesman. They tend to have very little technical knowledge, they are, however very persuasive at delivering a canned presentation. Some will utilize fictitious customer testimonials and job portfolios to appear as a reputable company.  As for sales tactics, look out for the drop. If the salesman is unsuccessful in convincing you to sign a contract, he will come up with an idea that can save you a lot of money. Inflated prices drastically reduced present discount opportunities to achieve a “one-sit close”. Of course the only way you can take advantage of this terrific savings, is if you sign the contract now. The only customers who are not offered this special deal are the ones who agree to sign the contract at the opening price. At NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems, we will figure out your price and that will be the final price for the week. And for the next week, and next month, and possibly even next year! Finally, the water control system salesman may attempt to discourage you from receiving other estimates. This should always be a red flag to the customer. If they were confident in their product, and their company, they would welcome you the opportunity to shop and compare.

The inspection: Water control system salesmen are taught to exaggerate your problem. Using words such as major, or critical, the purpose of the inspection is to create fear and a sense of urgency. The actual cause of the problem is unimportant to these companies, because the solution they will present is the same for everyone. The inspection offers the salesman an opportunity to begin the scare tactics that ultimately sells a lot of waterproofing and mold remediation. Here you will be asked questions about your health. Do you have allergies, or respiratory problems? This is an opportunity to use unreliable and easily manipulated devices such as poor air quality, moisture or mold detectors. That’s why these tests are offered FREE of charge by some mold remediation companies. Due to a conflict of interest between mold remediators and mold inspectors, any thoughtful homeowner should be weary if a mold remediator is offering mold testing and mold inspection services other than a visual inspection to estimate the cost of removal. Certainly a dishonest remediator/inspector will want you to believe that you have severe hidden mold infestation, so that they can remove it. If there is visible mold growth present an honest certified mold remediator and master waterproofer will inspect your basement to pin point the source of your mold problem first, in order to offer a problem solving approach, instead of a one size fits all solution. If hidden mold is suspected, an honest mold remediation and waterproofing specialist will recommend contacting an independent inspector, whose report will determine the extent of remediation required if any.

The contract: Many complaints result from customers not receiving what the salesman promised. Regardless of what the salesman tells you, if it is not specifically spelled out in the contract, you will not get it. Water control system companies keep their contracts vague for a reason. A red flag should go up if you hear anything like, that will be up to the foreman, or we won’t be able to determine if this is needed until the job begins. The caveat to this is that when digging around a home there is no way to know ahead of time about large rocks or buried concrete slabs and things of this nature.

The lifetime guarantee: Read all guarantees carefully. Many cover wall seepage only, others floor seepage. Some even guarantee against water penetrating the subsoil walls and floor by installing a pressure relief foundation drainage system alone. Drainage without foundation waterproofing will not prevent water from penetrating wall cracks; it will only prevent water from rising beneath the floor into the basement. You may have contracted with a company because you were concerned about cracking, and damp spots on the wall. A salesman may steer you to a system that does not address your problem, and in fact, may make the problem worse. Nowhere in the guarantee does it state that cracking is covered. If your basement leaks they will service it. If your wall bows you are on your own.

The water control system: Most water control system companies rely on a standalone interior drainage system and a sump pump to control the water. They may call it something different, but pipe placed under the floor that leads to a pump is a water control system. Drainage is not waterproofing and should not be confused with waterproofing, or called waterproofing. Many companies that install interior drainage systems often refer to themselves as “waterproofing” companies, but in fact they don’t provide any type of waterproofing services at all. In order to gain a competitive advantage they combine the interior system with something else, usually some sort of outside work. The outside work generally benefits the customer very little, and allows the company to drive up their price and appear different from the competition. Some companies, in order to eliminate the competition, actually price different methods as if they do them. They will price exterior waterproofing ridiculously high, the interior drainage method extremely low, and their other methods somewhere in the middle. If you ask for one of the methods they don’t use, you will be told they won’t do it because it will not work for you. Other water control system companies have come up with different interior methods, on top of the footer or above the floor products. Although marketed extremely well, these systems fail in comparison to traditional drainage systems.

The installation: When you have inexperienced crews cutting corners to bring jobs in on time, and not using the proper materials, is it any wonder that this industry disappoints their customers so often? Our jobs are done according to strict specifications.

Coupons and discounts: In the home improvement industry, and particularly in the basement waterproofing and mold removal business, coupons are generally added to the cost, prior to the homeowner receiving a price. Besides tracking advertising, one of the purposes of asking you where you heard about the company, is to determine if you are going to present a coupon, so the price can be adjusted accordingly. Notice that the same companies offering a winter discount, will offer spring savings, summer specials, and fall bargains. As for discounts, NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems believes in offering our best price up front and all the time. We will not offer an “if you buy now discount” or a “Special $500 off coupon”, and we will not continually call you offering additional discounts. Besides, what good is a discount if the price is still greatly inflated? 

The difference between us and other companies starts with our installers and ends with the materials we utilize. NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems has attracted the best of the best. We put experience into every job. When you have good people who care about their customers, as well as their company, it shows. At NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems our focus is on quality, not quantity, outcome, not income …it’s that simple. When you do things right each and every time you are usually rewarded for it.

 

With offices in Springfield and Stephens City, Virginia, NoVa Barrier currently services Arlington, Clarke, Culpeper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Frederick, Loudoun, Prince William, Rappahannock, Stafford, and Warren Counties in the Northern Virginia region. With the addition of the Southeast region we are servicing Amelia, Brunswick, Caroline, Charles City County, Charlotte, Chesterfield, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Essex, Gloucester, Goochland, Greensville, Hanover, Henrico, Isle of Wight, James City County, King George, King William, King & Queen, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, New Kent, Northumberland, Powhatan, Prince Edward, Prince George, Richmond, Southampton, Surry, Sussex, Westmoreland, and York Counties.

Contact us today for a free inspection. www.NVBWS.com 540-974-2755 or 703-866-0535 or 804-859-2544

THE ONLY SOLUTION…Here are the facts:

• Water must be stopped on the positive side (outside) of any structure in order to keep the foundation walls dry…Any qualified Engineer will agree!

• Interior cures are all performed on the negative side (inside) of the structure merely redirecting the water after it gets into, and then seeps through, the foundation walls; thus leaving the walls wet or “discolored”!

• An experienced builder would never waterproof a new home on the inside because it simply does not work nor does it make sense! 

• Building Codes require new home foundation walls to be waterproofed below grade because it is the only method that works!

• Wet foundation walls lead to Structural Decay, Health Risks, and  Poor Resale Value!

• Our exclusive Membrane, Drainage Board, and Dual Drainage System provide peace of mind and Guaranteed Dry foundation walls, which means no more wet basements and crawlspaces!

YOUR HOME IS A MAJOR INVESTMENT, PERHAPS THE LARGEST INVESTMENT YOU’LL EVER MAKE.  YOU CAN PROTECT THE VALUE BY STOPPING WATER INTRUSION AT THE SOURCE.  DO NOT BE FOOLED BY FAST TALK AND FALSE PROMISES.  IT’S YOUR HOME, GET ALL THE FACTS AND BY NO MEANS SETTLE FOR ANYTHING LESS THAN AMERICA’S ONLY GUARANTEED INFORMED CHOICE.

NOVA BARRIER WATERPROOFING SYSTEMS www.NVBWS.com CALL 703-866-0535 (Fairfax Area), 540-974-2755 (Winchester Area) OR 804-859-2544 (Richmond Area) AND SCHEDULE YOUR FREE WATERPROOFING SOLUTION EVALUATION. NO SALESPERSON WILL HARASS YOU AND THERE’S ABSOLUTELY NO OBLIGATION. YOU CAME TO THIS SITE BECAUSE YOU HAVE A WATER PROBLEM… MAKE THE CALL AND END THE NIGHTMARE TODAY! We’re proud to be the areas Exclusive Authorized Licensee operating in the following 47 Virginia counties:  Amelia, Arlington, Brunswick, Caroline, Charles City County, Charlotte, Chesterfield, Clarke, Culpeper, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Essex, Fairfax, Fauquier, Frederick, Gloucester, Goochland, Greensville, Hanover, Henrico, Isle of Wight, James City County, King George, King William, King & Queen, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Lancaster, Loudoun, Mathews, Middlesex, New Kent, Northumberland, Powhatan, Prince Edward, Prince George, Prince William, Rappahannock, Richmond, Southampton, Stafford, Surry, Sussex, Warren, Westmoreland, and York.

In Northern Virginia, waterproofing is a much-needed service

Statistics are that 28 out of 100 homes with basements leak. Stop and think about how many wet basements and crawlspaces that equates to. With all of the recent rainfall and more to come, water table issues are prevalant. This means the water level underground is rising and water will force it’s way into cracks in your slab and around the footer. It doesn’t matter if you live on a hill or halfway up a mountain… water table can still be an issue as water levels tend to follow the topography. If you have a leaky, wet, musty smelling basement, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free, no hassle inspection. Call Jon at 540-974-2755 or 703-866-0535 or 804-859-2544 or you can visit our website at NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems.

Questions that we are sometimes asked here at NoVa (Northern Virginia) Barrier Waterproofing Systems

Q – When the power goes out (typically during heavy storms), my sump pump will not work.  That is when I get about 1 inch of water in my basement.  What can I do?

A – Well, sump pumps installed in homes today run off of electric power sources. When the power is off, the sump pump is not working. There are battery back-up kits that can be purchased to create power when the actual power is out. If you don’t want to worry about all of that, have a NoVa Barrier Dual-drainage system installed. This will keep water out of your walls, floors, and from under your slab eliminating the need for a sump pump altogether.

Q – I am soon building a new home.  It will have a basement and of course I do not want it to leak.  What do I need to ensure happens as it is built?  Can you use your waterproofing system on new homes? 

 A – First, congratulations on the opportunity to have a home built. We do have products for new construction and they come in a sort of Good, Better, and Best category. Let me warn you against the “old way” of doing things. For many, many years people have been applying tar to their walls to waterproof them. It does seem to work just fine at first but, unfortunately, it is only damp-proofing at the best and is a temporary fix. Tar dries out and cracks underground. If there is any shifting of the structure and/or if cracks appear in the wall, they could easily be compromised by water because the old, dried out tar can’t stop the water. We offer an application for new construction that allows the builder to offer a lifetime warranty against leaks.

Q – I have a house with a crawl space that is ALWAYS wet.  If I get under the house for any reason, I am crawling or crouching in puddles of water.  Is there a solution?

A – Absolutely. The Barrier Dual-drainage system can be applied to crawlspaces and basements. It will guarantee a dry crawlspace for you.

Q – My home basement wall leaks water through some of the places where the metal wall form braces were left in the wall.  I guess over time they rusted through and they are now letting water through.  What can I do about that?

A – This is somewhat common. I have seen at least 4 or 5 poured walls with this issue already this year. A simple solution one homeowner suggested was to plug the holes with a caulking or epoxy type compound. This would eliminate the water for them and there would be no problems. WRONG! All this will do is stop the water partially through the wall and then it would be able to saturate the interior of the wall. Over time, water would still work its way past any caulking or epoxy and find its way through. Water in the wall could lead to structural decay which is breakdown of the building materials. Stopping the water on the outside of the structure, before it ever enters the walls, is the only correct way to solve this problem. A Barrier Dual-drainage system would stop the water, guaranteed.

If you have a leaky, wet, musty smelling basement, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free, no hassle inspection. Call Jon at 540-974-2755 or 703-866-0535 or 804-859-2544 or you can visit our website at NoVa Barrier Waterproofing Systems.

WET BASEMENT in NORTHERN VIRGINIA or SURROUNDING AREA?

• Do you hate to see it rain?
• Have you tried everything to stop the water?
• Are you tired of mopping up after every rainstorm?
• Are your foundation walls wet?
• Is water destroying your home?
• Is dangerous mold growing in your basement or crawlspace?
• Have you had your home waterproofed but it still leaks?
• If so, is the “Lifetime” warranty merely worthless?
• Have you given up hope of ever stopping the water?
• Would you purchase another home with the same problem?
• Would you like your problem to go away…FOREVER?

 

GREAT NEWS FOR YOU – We can guarantee repair

of wet basements, crawlspaces, and foundations.

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We will:

• Stop the water outside of the foundation and drain it away from the home
• Add  an R-10 insulating value while protecting the walls
• Guarantee it “leak free” for 25 years (No exceptions)

 

Don’t delay. Give us a call today for a

free, no obligation inspection

540-974-2755 or 703-866-0535 or 804-859-2544

Home Improvement Resource Gets A Makeover

Industry, Real Estate & Construction

Press release from: Wet-Basement-Waterproofing

(openPR) – Virginia Beach, VA – March 3rd, 2008 – New tools and resources are now available to homeowners with wet basement problems. Wet-Basement-Waterproofing.com, the leading online source for basement waterproofing info, has redesigned its entire website.It’s been 4 years since Wet-Basement-Waterproofing.com was officially launched to the public. Since then, over 170,000 homeowners have visited the site to find information and solutions for their wet basement problems.Today, the site has officially launched a complete redesign. It now offers valuable “how-to” resources, video’s, product reviews and brochures, and a brand new blog. “I’m extremely happy with the way the site turned out.”, says Damion Rutherford, Owner of the website. “But, I honestly did expect that. We got our ideas for the new sections and layout from the homeowners who were already using the site.”. Wet Basements are found in 3 out of 4 homes in America. While a wet basement is common, many homeowners are unaware of the damage being done to the structure and integrity of the home. “Basement Waterproofing certainly isn’t the most exciting home improvement that someone can invest into. But it certainly tops the charts on being money well spent. This is especially true considering the cost of additional repairs that become needed from the water damage.”; added Rutherford. Contact: Damion Rutherford Damion@wet-basement-waterproofing.com 3964 Charity Neck Road Virginia Beach, VA 23457 Ph – 757-717-7600 Wet-Basement-Waterproofing.com is a free online resource serving 40,000 homeowners per year with information on basement waterproofing problems and solutions.