Basement waterproofing and crawl space repair in NC

Heroism At Home

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:29:19 -0500

Sometimes heroism turns up unexpectedly. An older lady manages to foil a robber at a convenience store. A teenager rescues a dog from a swollen river. A taxi driver delivers a baby in the back seat of his cab.

Saving a life is a recurring theme in many hometown hero stories. And sometimes there’s a natural disaster involved as well. Considering these heroic attributes, it’s surprising that so many people overlook the potential for heroic action right in their own homes. If you’re still guessing at what heroic acts I’m referring to, I’ll give you a hint: There’s a natural disaster involved.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that emanates from soil and rocks throughout the world. Radon comes from trace amounts of uranium in rocks and soil, so it’s radioactive. The damaging effects of radon occur over a period of years --as the invisible, odorless gas is inhaled day in and day out in houses where high radon concentrations have been allowed to go undetected.

Although radon damage doesn’t occur suddenly like the destruction caused by a hurricane, radon is undoubtedly a natural disaster. It kills about 21,000 people in the U.S. every year –the leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. But most of these deaths are preventable, providing that homeowners resolve to have their houses tested and (if necessary) treated for radon abatement.

It may not sound heroic, but it is: Find out if radon gas is posing a lethal health hazard in your home by completing a radon test. Homeowners can get accurate radon test results using test kits that can be purchased inexpensively from hardware stores, home centers or online suppliers. Alternatively, you can contact a licensed radon contractor operating in your area and have the contractor perform the test.

Radon concentrations are likely to be highest in basement, crawl space and lower floor areas. But the gas can easily make its way to just about any part of the house. If a radon test shows concentrations above the actionable level established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (4 picocuries per liter or above), stick with your heroic course of action and contact a radon removal (aka radon abatement or radon mitigation) contractor right away. This radon removal expert will design an abatement system that will exhaust radon gas harmlessly into the atmosphere outside the house. The typical radon abatement system is simple and reliable; the only moving parts are the blades on the exhaust fan.

If you haven’t taken the opportunity to save lives at home by having your home tested for radon, don’t wait any longer. You may not make the evening news broadcast like the taxi driver who delivered the baby, but you’ll be a hero to the family members you care most about.

Tar Heel provides superior radon testing in Winston Salem as well as other parts of North Carolina and Virginia. Visit them online for your free radon mitigation quote!

January is National Radon Month

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:00:12 -0500

Boone, NC – 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. Tar Heel 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.

Tar Heel 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.

Tar Heel Basement Systems is North Carolina’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.

Tar Heel Basement Systems serves parts of North Carolina and Virginia, including Mt. Airy, Winston-Salem, High Point, Lenoir, Abingdon, Wytheville 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 Boone or a free estimate contact them today.

Tar Heel Basement Systems Sponsors the 2011 BBB Education Alliance Golf Tournament

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:50:07 -0500

In October, 2011 Tar Heel Basement Systems aided in the sponsorship of the Better Business Bureau's 4th Annual Education Alliance golf tournament. By contributing $450.00, we were able to sponsor a hole as well as a four-player team.

Funds raised from this tournament are on pace to exceed $9.5K! Proceeds will go towards the Student of Integrity Scholarships for high school seniors, presented in conjunction with the BBB Marketplace Ethics Awards.

Tarheel Basement Systems contributes to the National Children's Cancer Society

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:02:04 -0500

On behalf of Tarheel Basement Systems, owner Pete Burgess has recently donated $50.00 to the National Children’s Cancer Society.

This donation will contribute to the development of NCCS programs such as the Pediatric Oncology Program which offers financial support for treatment-related expenses, the Global Outreach Program which distributes medical supplies and products to less-developed countries, and Beyond the Cure which provides support for childhood cancer survivors as they continue on with their lives.

The National Children’s Cancer Society’s mission is to “improve the quality of life for children with cancer and their families,” and Tarheel Basement Systems looks forward to being a continued supporter for this cause.

Tarheel Basement Systems donates CleanSpace to three homes while working with the Caldwell County Habitat for Humanity!

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:56:10 -0500

In November 2011, Tarheel Basement Systems donated and installed CleanSpace Crawl Space Encapsulation Systems in three homes built in conjunction with the Caldwell County, North Carolina Habitat for Humanity. Owner Pete Burgess was proud to be in attendance at the dedication of these three homes this past Sunday.

Habitat for Humanity is an organization dedicated to “bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope.” This is a mission to which Pete and Tarheel Basement Systems have been happy to contribute. In the past, Tarheel Basement Systems has donated 7 CleanSpace Systems to the Habitat chapters in Avery and Watauga counties of North Carolina.

One of the recent projects in Caldwell County is now home to the Corpening family, who sent a note expressing their gratitude. They wrote, “We…want to say thank you for helping make our dream come true.”

Pete and the rest of us at Tarheel Basement Systems are always looking for ways to contribute to our surrounding communities. Already we are excited to be gearing up for our next projects with Habitat for Humanity in Avery and Caldwell counties. Details coming soon!

Tarheel Basement Systems donates to the NC Association of the Deaf

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:08:02 -0500

Tarheel Basement Systems recently donated to the North Carolina Association of the Deaf, supporting the deaf and hard-of-hearing in the state. The Association helps to provide closed captioned TV programs and installation of telephone relay systems, both of which give the hearing impaired new opportunities for communication.

Pete Burgess, owner of the company, chose to support this organization in hopes of helping this disadvantaged group protect their rights. Burgess frequently supports charitable causes to reach out and give back to the North Carolina community.

Linda Nelson, President of the NC Association for the Deaf, wrote to thank Pete for his support saying, "Your support provides hope-- hope for a brighter, more productive future."

Tar Heel Basement Systems Urges Community To Donate Blood

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:38:14 -0500

Boone, NC – Tar Heel Basement Systems wants to remind you to support your local community and neighbors this holiday season by donating blood to those in need.

This year the American Red Cross has a critical shortage of blood. The American Red Cross itself provides approximately 44% of the donated blood in the United States. Blood donation helps patients needing blood transfusions due to car accidents, surgeries, and other injuries. In 2006 5 million U.S. patients received blood.

Tar Heel Basement Systems owner Pete Burgess said, "Tar Heel Basement Systems is mindful of its moral responsibility to do unto others as we would like others to do unto us. We hope and pray that this holiday season is filled with joy for all."

Tar Heel Basement Systems specializes in basement waterproofing, crawl space repair, and radon mitigation in High Point, NC. They have earned an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau and service parts of North Carolina as well as Virginia.

Visit the American Red Cross online to find the different ways to donate blood this holiday season.

Tarheel Basement Foreman Getting Married!

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:38:35 -0400

Our foreman, Jason Cook, is heading down to the coast to marry longtime girlfriend, Alya. We wish you both the absolute best and hope you have a great wedding and honeymoon.

Tar Heel Basement Systems Employee Earns Award From Boone Area Chamber of Commerce

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 10:51:16 -0400

Boone, NC- The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce presented the “Outrageous Customer Service Award” to Will Blake, the General Manager & Systems Design Specialist for Tar Heel Basement Systems.

Tar Heel Basement Systems owner Pete Burgess said, "I've known Will for 2 years and he deserves to win this award because he's constantly going above and beyond to help our customers. I'm extremely proud of him and how well he takes care of our customers every day."

Tar Heel Basement Systems has been serving North Carolina and southwest Virginia since 2003. They provide crawl space repair, sump pumps, mold problems, radon gas mitigation, basement waterproofing in High Point, NC and surrounding areas.

1st Annual Company Picnic

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:05:04 -0400

On Saturday, August 27th, Tarheel Basement Systems held the first annual Company Picnic at Valle Crucis Park. The weather cooperated and we had an excellent time. The employees brought their families and we all enjoyed bbq from Carolina BBP in Newland.

This years awards were given out during the picnic as well. Josh Schoenfield received the "Employee of the Year Award, 2011" for his dedication to the company and our customers. Scott, Robbie, and Roy received an award for being the crew with the high volume installed from January 2011 to June 2011.

We also had some fun with the guys. We had a sump pump assembly contest and a CleanSpace taping contest. And guess what... they were both won by the Rookies!!!

Johnathan Richards took the cash prize for fast sump pump assembly (3:00 min flat). Jason Cook won the CleanSpace taping contest (1:22 and the best quality job).

Overall, it was a great time with the employees. We greatly appreciate them day to day with their hard work and dedication.

Tar Heel Basement Systems Attends the 16th Annual HCHBA Golf Tournament

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 08:56:45 -0400

High Country Home Builders Association (HCHBA) is holding their 16th annual golf tournament on August 17th, 2011. As Tar Heel Basement Systems loves getting involved, they will be attending this fun event! This is a great way for us to get involved with the local community and meet people from other local companies in North Carolina.

Partial proceeds from the tournament will be to benefit Habitat for Humanity. This is another wonderful way for Tar Heel to support a great cause.

Being a part of the High Country Home Builders Association is an excellent way for Tar Heel Basement Systems to really grow as a business and learn from others as well. The HCHBA works to "Educate its members and the public, promote professionalism and ethical behavior within the building industry and the county, and provide a large variety of member services for all of their Builder and Associate members."

Tar Heel Basement Systems specializes in basement waterproofing, crawl space repair, mold mitigation, and radon gas mitigation. If you are interested in learning more about radon testing in Lenoir, NC or the surrounding area, contact Tar Heel today! They have a team of highly trained professionals dedicated to their customers and providing them with a dry, healthy home.

How To Detect and Reduce Your Home'Â�s Radon Gas Levels

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 11:35:21 -0400

Many homeowners have questions about radon and the serious effects it can have on you, your family and even your home. But, the only way youâÂÂd ever even worry about radon is by learning about it and seeking professional assistance. Radon is an invisible, odorless, hazardous and natural occurring gas that is a result from uranium decay in the earth's crust.

In the United States, radon is the leading cause of cancer found amongst non-smokers. Radon is dangerous because it quickly breaks down and scatters into the air. Large and dangerous amounts of radon can and will accumulate inside your home, within a short amount of time, without your knowledge or permission. As a result, radon exposure can cause lung cancer. Radon induced lung cancer kills 21,000 people each year. LetâÂÂs learn more about this silent killer so that weâÂÂre not growing anxious without hope. There is hope.

By far the largest source of radon is located around and under your home in the soil, but this deadly gas can also present in the air, building materials, and public and private water supplies.

How is Radon Measured?

Since radon is invisible and odorless it can only be detected and measured using radon specific detection equipment and devices. Radon detectors are somewhat common in the United States and Canada and can be purchased at most hardware stores and home building centers.

Most radon detectors are generally placed in a home for several days, and then sent to a lab where your homeâÂÂs radon levels will be analyzed and determined. There are more expensive models of radon detectors on the market that can be installed in your home by a professional. Whether a short term test that remains in the home for a few days, or a long term test that remains in the home for over 90 days. Whichever you prefer!

Does My Home Have Elevated Radon Levels?

Radon tends to move through the soil, so any homeowner with a dirt crawl space beneath their home, may be exposed to the high levels of radon. However, homes with concrete foundations can also have high levels of radon. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends an action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L).

This radioactive gas can enter a home through the smallest crack in the walls and floor of your home's foundation, through utility lines, and even drains and sump openings. Radon is not just limited to the basement or crawl space of your home. It quickly travels upstairs into your main living space.

What Are The Health Effects of Radon Exposure?

According to the EPA, smokers who have been exposed to radon have a greater chance of developing lung cancer. However, radon induced lung cancer also kills many people who have never smoked or been hugely affected by second hand smoke, everyone is at risk. Unfortunately, studies have also shown that children are at a higher health risk of developing health affects due to radon exposure, in comparison to adults.

What Are the Symptoms of Radon Poisoning?

Studies show that radon causes some of the highest numbers of lung cancer cases throughout the United States. A persistent cough, respiratory difficulties, hoarseness, breathing difficulties, and respiratory infections are all common indications of radon gas poisoning.

Recognizing Radon Poisoning

Radon poisoning typically occurs where there are high levels of radon gas. This usually occurs when a person is constantly exposed to poorly ventilated crawl spaces, mines or basements.
Radon originates through a decaying process that releases tiny radioactive particles, and when inhaled can begin to deplete lung tissue resulting in lung cancer.

How Do I Protect My Family Against Radon Poisoning?

The United States Surgeon General office recommends that homeowners periodically test their homes for radon in order to stay on top of the conditions. Radon levels can change on a daily basis because of changes in soil composition, weather, encapsulation, and more. Have your home tested and mitigated. If you have any suspicions or concerns about radon induced lung cancer, be sure to get tested for lung cancer.

Contact Tar Heel Basement Systems today to schedule radon testing and radon mitigation in Winston-Salem NC and all surrounding areas. They will design a unique radon mitigation system and provide maintenance visits to verify the system is working and your homeâÂÂs radon levels are remaining low.

How to Master Humidity

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 10:32:00 -0400

Are you literally pulling your hair out trying to figure out the source behind the moisture entering your basement? Well, when excessive moisture enters your basement it can be quite a nuisance for any homeowner.

A basement is a very important asset to any home by adding usable square footage, whether you choose to use your basement as additional storage, a home office, a bedroom or additional living space for your family.

Basements, typically below ground level, tend to be cooler than the outside air, thus allowing for condensation issues to arise. In such cases, our homes function as chimneys sucking new air from lower levels and allowing them to escape through upper levels.

There are numerous reasons for a basementâs moisture issue. First, letâs indicate ways to know thereâs a water problem and discuss ways to counteract these issues.

Indications of Basement Moisture

â¢ Cracks and leaks in the foundation, walls and floors
â¢ Efflorescence; white, chalky stains
â¢ Decaying wood
â¢ Condensation that forms on un-insulated pipes and windows
â¢ Lose or wet insulation
â¢ Damp floors
â¢ Moldy walls
â¢ Damp or wet carpets
â¢ Damp/musty smells and odors

Uncontrollable Humidity

Uncontrolled humidity in the basement of your home can allow mildew and mold to grow at a rapid speed and can cause health issues, water damage and structural weakening.
However, there are steps a homeowner can take to keep the humidity in your basement under control and create a safe and dry location to store your valuables or create a cozy and comfortable living space.

Step 1âMaintain Your Gutter System

On a regular basis, check the outdoor gutters and downspouts on your home. Proper gutter systems will redirect and carry rainwater away from the foundation of your home, as a wet foundation has the tendency to contribute to humidity problems.

Step 2âSloping the Ground Near the Foundation

Although itâs not the simplest task to perform, it is highly recommended to slope the ground around your home's foundation, allowing the water to run away from your home.
To do this, slope the ground around your home in a 2% grade. The ground should be sloped away from your home in all directions. This, too, will allow rainwater to redirect itself away from your home making for a dryer basement.

Step 3âFix Leaks

This may be the most important step of all. Fix any and all leaks. In doing so, youâre preventing a larger problem from occurring. You will never achieve a dry basement if there are always small leaks. At least once a month, check for leaks or drips in your basement. This includes water pipes and areas around your bathtubs, corner showers and toilets.

Step 4--Weatherproof

It is a good idea to weatherproof the doors and windows of your home. This task can be achieved though an in-expensive tube of caulking.

Step 5âThe Spigot

If your house has an outdoor spigot, check for leaks. Even with the least bit of effort, a dripping spigot can and will create a concrete-eroding puddle. If you discover a leak, take the route that can save you some money. Call the local plumber and have him fix the leak, then you wonât have to worry about waiting and repairing a ruined foundation.

Step 6--Dehumidifier

Humidity in a small space tends to create condensation. Consider placing a dehumidifier in your basement. The SaniDry XP

â¢ is a high-capacity, high efficiency dehumidification system. Itâs actually the best dehumidification system on the market today.

Ask an Expert

Above all, contact your local and trusted basement waterproofing expert. Tar Heel Basement Systems will examine your basement and recommend the best and most cost efficient way to solve your basement issues. They offer a free estimate for basement waterproofing in Greensboro NC and all local areas. Theyâll gladly discuss your options and give you plenty of time to make a decision.

Join The Tar Heel Team At These Springtime Home Shows

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 02:50:03 -0500

Home shows are wonderful assets to local businesses, because we're able to network and connect with other businesses and clients. It's always beneficial to learn the most effective ways to assist homeowners. We love interacting with you, and a home show is the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Homeowners can learn from all the contractors, receive free advice and samples, and even hear from some famous home improvement TV hosts.

Here's a list of the home shows we're already committed to attending. Hope to see you there!

Home Builders Association of Winston Salem (HBAWS)
Triad Home & Garden Show
February 18th, 19th, 20th
Benton Convention Center, Winston Salem, NC
www.hbaws.org

North Carolina Licensed Home Inspector Association (NCLHIA)
Annual Home Inspector Convention
February 25th, 26th, 27th
Hilton North Raleigh Convention Center
(Joint booth with DryPro of Charlotte, and Regional Waterproofing of Zebulon)
Will raffle off an I-Pad and GPS
www.nclhia.com

Bristol Home Builders Association
Home & Garden Show
March 26th, 27th
Holiday Inn Convention Center in Bristol, VA
www.bristolhomebuilders.com

Ashe County Home Builders
Home & Garden Show
North Carolina's Largest One Day Home Show
April 16th
Ashe County High School - West Jefferson, NC
www.mainstreetmarketingashe.com

High Country Home Builders Association (HCHBA)
17th Annual Home & Remodeling Expo
May 20th, 21st
Appalachian State University's Holmes Convocation Center in Boone, NC
www.highcountryhba.com

NC Basement Expert Joins The Home Builders Association of Winston Salem

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 02:21:33 -0500

Boone, NC â Tar Heel Basement Systems is now a member of the Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem (HBAWS), and will be attending the association's Triad Home & Garden Show from February 18-20, 2011.

The Triad will be held at the Benton Convention Center on Friday February 18 from 2-8p.m., Saturday February 19 from 10 a.m. â 6 p.m., and Sunday February 20 from 12 a.m. â 5 p.m. Tickets cost $7 at the door and $6 in advance.

Wanda Urbanska, the host of Simple Living on PBS, will be presenting at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Tarheel Basement Systems, LLC has installed well over 1.9 million square feet of CleanSpaceÂ® in 340 homes within seven years. They provide crawl space repair and CleanSpaceÂ® installation, radon mitigation, and basement waterproofing in Greensboro, NC and all surrounding areas in North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.

The Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem uses a culmination of efforts to promote and support the remodeling and home building industries. It originated in 1959, and has continued as a non-profit trade association of professionals.

Basement Expert In NC Begins Weekly Donations To Public Schools Food Cupboard

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 02:57:42 -0500

Boone, NC â Tarheel Basement Systems may be the local basement, crawl space and radon expert, but they are also a leader in the community by providing weekly donations to the Watauga County Public School Systemâs âFood Cupboard.â

As a part of a company that loves to serve, Tarheel installation crews are excited to be able to provide food for families struggling to provide meals outside of school.

Each week the installation crews purchase food and grocery store gift cards, which they then bring to the food cupboard. The team averages to bring three bags of groceries to each of the public schools.

Whether providing food for local students in need of meals to eat at home, or providing superior service to help preserve homes, Tarheel cares about the people and wants to serve the best they know how.

During the past seven years, Tarheel Basement Systems, LLCâformerly known as High Country CleanSpace, LLCâhas installed well over 1.9 million square feet of CleanSpace throughout 340 homes. Tarheel provides crawl space repair and CleanSpace installation, radon mitigation, and basement waterproofing Greensboro, NC and all surrounding areas in North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.