Basement waterproofing and crawl space repair in NC

2nd Annual Blue Star Mothers Pancake Breakfast

Wed, May 2 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Blue Star Mothers Host Annual Pancake Breakfast

Boone, NC. The Second Annual Blue Star Mother of the High Country Pancake Breakfast will take place Saturday May, 5^th at the Applebee’s restaurant and bar, 2036 Blowing Rock Rd in Boone from 7:30 to 10 a.m. The annual fundraiser is thrown by the local chapter of the Blue Star Mothers, an organization for mothers of past and present military personnel.

The organization will use proceeds to continue their support work for those who have served in our Nation’s military. The BSMHC has a membership of approximately 40 military moms sending cards, gift baskets and giving much needed financial and moral support to, not only their own sons and daughters, but many deployed soldiers in need.

May 5^th marks the second annual pancake breakfast. Aside from the towering stacks of syrup soaked deliciousness, the BSMHC will also be sponsoring a raffle. Some of their members have contributed a beautiful hand stitched patriotic quilt. Tickets for the raffle will range from a dollar each to 6 for 5 dollars. Tickets for the event will be 7$ dollars each and can be purchased at the door or by contacting the fundraising chair, MV Berlin at veggiesandfruitsplus@mac.com.

Tar Heel Basement Systems is honored sponsor of this event and encourages everyone to participate. After receiving 8 free tickets to this event as a reward for a generous donation Tar Heel Basement Systems decided to go one step further. The tickets will be prizes in a listener give away on WXIT/WATA Talk Radio. Be sure to listen, this is one event you won’t want to miss.

Tar Heel Basement Systems respects the sacrifice of all our enlisted men and women and encourage everyone to mirror their sacrifice at home. Tar Heel Basement Systems provides the highest quality basement, foundation and crawl space service. We honor the service of our troops and encourage you to do the same by participating in the Second Annual Blue Star Mother of the High Country Pancake Breakfast this Saturday.

Hope to see you there!

Finding the Best Foundation Repair Contractor

Fri, March 23 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Foundation work is professional work. Leaving it to the pros is good advice. When searching for a foundation contractor, obtaining proposals and assessments from three different companies is the recommended standard practice. Keep these tips in mind as the interview process begins.

Educate yourself on foundation repair methods and ask questions. Making a final decision based on advertising and cheap prices is a mistake.

Do business with a contractor whose methods are evaluated by the ICC-ES (International Code Council Evaluation Services), a non-profit organization that ensures building products meet code requirements.

A reputable foundation contractor will have a clause for the depth of the hydraulic piling, beyond which there is often an additional charge. If the contractor does not have this clause, he is likely to prematurely stop at the required depth for your particular job so he does not incur a loss.

A foundation job may require removal of landscaping in the work areas and the contractor, typically, will not guarantee the survival of a shrub or bush after moving or replacing it.

Pay attention to warranties and guarantees; understanding their terms is critical for a successful working relationship. Look for an established national company that provides follow-up service.

Nine Questions to Ask Your Foundation Repair Contractor

How are company employees hired and trained?
- Full background checks and drug screening are standard practice; ask about on-going training and certifications.
Are your services approved by ICC-ES?
What types of foundation piles do you have available to use?
- Different foundation issues require different foundation piles.
Do the products and materials that will be used hold patents?
- Count on a ‘yes’ for the most innovative and best products.
What is the warranty on products and services?
- Look for this as part of the contract.
Will you provide a written estimate of material and labor costs on a timely basis?
Do employees have proper insurance including liability and workers’ compensation?
Can you provide a list of references of recent and on-going work?
- Checking references is one of the best, hands-on ways to learn about a foundation repair contractor. Check with the Better Business Bureau, too.
Exactly, in detail, what work are you recommending and what is the timeframe for completion of the job?

After getting answers to these questions, you will have gained further knowledge and feel confident to take the next step, the inspection.

What To Expect During the Inspection

A visual inspection of the home with your input so that the contractor understands the parts of the foundation that are involved.
Measurement and graphically depicting the actual dimensions of the house aid in the evaluation.
Measurements of exterior foundation elevations and interior floor elevations so that any changes in floor surfaces can be noted.
Indications of cracks and foundation failure on the service plan profile.
A completed service plan that includes a description of the problems discovered and a thorough explanation of the recommended course of action to correct the issues. Details about the placement of pilings and structural loads for safety assurance should be included.
The estimated cost for services to complete the repair.

The value of a home’s foundation cannot be underestimated. Educate yourself with this information and be assured of finding the best foundation repair contractor.

TarHeel Basement Systems specializes in foundation repair in Raleigh and other surrounding areas. Visit them online for a free estimate

Identifying a Foundation Problem

Fri, March 23 2012, 00:00:00 -500

These windows are so hard to open. What does that crack in the wall mean? Why is this floor becoming uneven? Why are nails popping out of the sheetrock and in those corners? These are just some of the questions that a quarter-million homeowners annually are faced with. But are these occurrences typical and normal in every house, to be expected and unconcerned about or are they signals of a more serious issue?

It can be difficult for today’s homeowners to recognize if their house is in need of foundation repair. The answer of course is best determined by a professional foundation repair contractor. Early warning signs do exist, however, and some can be detected without a microscopic look; simply paying attention to everyday tasks provides important clues. Below is a list of signs to look for.

Exterior indications of foundation problems

Doors that do not open or close properly

Gaps at the corner of fascia trim

Diagonal cracks in the wall at corners of doors and windows

Gaps between the garage door and the pavement at either side of the garage door

Windows that are difficult to open and close

Cracks in the exposed grade beam of the house

Cracks in bricks and mortar

Interior indications of foundation problems

Uneven floors
Large cracks in the concrete slab
Gaps above kitchen cabinets
Cabinet doors that will not stay shut
Diagonal cracks in the wall at corners of doors and windows
Curling, tearing and separating of wallpaper and existing sheetrock repairs
Leaks and cracks in and around the fireplace

Exterior or interior indications of foundation problems could be caused by either settlement or upheaval. Settlement means a portion of the house foundation has dropped below the original foundation elevation. This occurs due to a loss of soil bearing capacity caused by compaction of fill, loss of moisture in the supporting soil, or due to the erosion of the supporting soil. In many cases, settlement originates and is more pronounced at the perimeter of the slab since the slab perimeter is the most susceptible to the loss of moisture and differential moisture conditions.

Upheaval means the slab has risen above the original foundation elevation. This happens most often due to the introduction of moisture under the foundation. The most frequent cause of this moisture is a plumbing leak under the slab. The most common leak is on the drain side of the plumbing system.

Note that some damage is strictly "cosmetic" damage that does not interfere with the foundation's load bearing capacity. These "cosmetic" items could be cracks in floor tiles, cracks in sheetrock, or similar situations. A qualified foundation repair contractor can help you determine if the problems you are faced with are cosmetic or will require foundation repair.

Foundation problems only worsen with time. The sooner they are addressed, the less costly they will be. Properly done by a reputable foundation repair contractor, foundation repairs are essential to protecting your biggest investment, your home’s value and your family.

For foundation repair in Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, Raleigh and nearby NC, contact [dealer] today!

Veteran Remembers His Own

Tue, March 20 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Boone, NC - Tar Heel Basement Systems, headed by businessman and veteran Pete Burgess, has donated to Blue Star Mothers of the High Country, a non-profit comprised of mothers of military personnel. The donation helps the organization in its efforts to honor and support families of the military.

Prior to founding Tar Heel, Pete Burgess completed his Navy ROTC training at the University of North Carolina while earning a BA in Political Science. He was commissioned an Ensign, USNR for three years of service, first assigned to the USS Somers (DDG-34) as assistant Combat Information Officer. For the next 2 1/2 years, Burgess was promoted in rank to Lieutenant Junior Grade, Combat Information Officer and Officer of the Deck, Fleet Steaming. On a six-month deployment to the Vietnam war, the ship functioned as an anti-aircraft deterrent and rescue ship for aircraft carriers in the Gulf of Tonkin. Upon his return to the U.S., Burgess continued his education, earning an MBA from Northwestern University.

With his solid business education, veteran and leadership experience and an equally important desire to community welfare, Burgess started Tar Heel Basement Systems. He strongly believes in the benefits of a healthy living environment for homeowners.

Blue Star Mothers of the High Country serves the northwestern North Carolina counties of Ashe, Watauga and Avery with the goal of providing support to families of soldiers, soldiers and veterans. Affiliated with the national Blue Star Mothers of America, BSMHC is comprised of mothers who now have, or have had, children honorably serving in the military. Local meetings, held at Perkinsville Baptist Church, are open to anyone interested.

Tar Heel Basement Systems specializes in crawl space moisture management, basement waterproofing, basement finishing, radon mitigation, and foundation repair in NC. As part of the national network of Basement Systems, Inc., they are able to provide homeowners with high quality and up-to-date resources. Their service area covers North Carolina and Virginia.

Slashes Slated for U.S. Radon Protection Program

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tar Heel Basement Systems specializes in radon mitigation in Boone, NC and other surrounding areas. Visit them online to set up a radon mitigation estimate.

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

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

Are Your Children at Risk? Watch the Video.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tar Heel Basement Systems specializes in radon mitigation in NC and VA. Visit us online for a radon mitigation quote.

Response from Habitat for Humanity family

Thu, February 23 2012, 00:00:00 -500

We received a heart-warming thank you card from one of the three families that we donated to in our Habitat for Humanity project. The families all received a full CleanSpace installation at the generous donation of owner, Pete Burgess.

The thank you card read: "Thank you! My basement looks so clean and neat, you rock!!!" "And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Signed the Silva family.

We are very enthusiastic about giving back to the community, especially when we receive notes such as this. We have future plans to continue donating and volunteering in any and all non-profit organizations that we can.

Heroism At Home

Tue, January 24 2012, 00:00:00 -500

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

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, December 27 2011, 00:00:00 -500

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

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 to the NC Association of the Deaf

Fri, December 9 2011, 00:00:00 -500

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."

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

Fri, December 9 2011, 00:00:00 -500

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!

Tar Heel Basement Systems Urges Community To Donate Blood

Wed, November 30 2011, 00:00:00 -500

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, September 9 2011, 00:00:00 -500

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.