Basement waterproofing and crawl space repair in ND

January is National Radon Month

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:11:54 -0500

Suwanee, GA – 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. Innovative 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.

Innovative 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.

Innovative Basement Systems is North Dakota and Minnesota’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.

Innovative Basement Systems serves North Dakota and Minnesota, including Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Rapids, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth 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 Fargo or a free estimate contact them today.

How to Combat Radon in Your Home

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:58:34 -0500

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 and prevent the contraction of lung cancer from radon. Radon mitigation in Minnesota and all across the country has become a common service that a number of contractors can provide now.

There are a number of methods contractors use to lower a home’s radon levels. Radon is measured by picocuries per liter (pCi/L) and the EPA recommends mitigating any building with a radon measurement at or above 4.0 pCi/L. Some mitigation techniques are designed to prevent radon from entering your home, while others simply reduce the home’s current radon levels. No matter what method you choose, it is important to have the work performed by a certified professional radon mitigation contractor to ensure it gets done correctly.

Your heating and cooling system may be distributing radon gas throughout your home. According to the EPA, radon gas is approximately 7.5 times heavier than air but is influenced by air movements and pressure. The EPA recommends using mitigation methods that prevent radon entry including soil suction, which draws the radon from below the house and vents it out through a pipe to the air above the house where it is quickly diluted. Other radon mitigation techniques are sealing, house/room pressurization, heat recovery ventilation, and natural ventilation. Radon gas is typically discharged through a home’s roof and into the air in order to decrease concentration levels.

The concentration of radon gas at its discharge point can be tens of thousands of picocuries per minute, according to the EPA. However, radon concentration can begin to approach safer background levels at just three to four feet from its discharge point. Once radon gas gets out into the open, it is no longer a threat. Only when the gas becomes concentrated trapped inside a house does it become a carcinogen. The EPA prohibits ground-level discharge of radon because this could allow the gas to re-enter the home, and it can also be a danger to children. Discharging radon gas through a home’s roof is the most efficient way to remove radon.

Before radon mitigation takes place, a home must receive radon testing. Although there are do-it-yourself home testing kits for radon, it is recommended that homeowners use a certified professional. Trained radon contractors can get a more accurate radon measurement and get the results to the homeowner faster than a DIY kit. After the initial measurement in the lowest living space of the house shows a high level of radon, a second measurement is taken in another living space. If the tests all show an elevated radon level, the radon specialist will recommend a radon mitigation system specifically designed for that home.

If you need radon abatement in Minnesota, contact your local National Radon Defense contractor. NRD dealers go through extensive training and certification to perform professional radon mitigation in Minnesota and across the country.

It's National Radon Awareness Week!

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:27:00 -0400

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

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

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

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

Innovative Basement Systems Receives Awards at International Convention in Connecticut

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 11:52:35 -0400

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

This year, Innovative Basement Systems received three awards at the Team Basement Systems International Convention. Innovative Basement Systems ranked as one of the Top 25 Basement Systems Dealers, one of the Top 30 Foundation Supportworks Dealers and one of the Top 5 Foundation Supportworks Power Brace Dealers in the United States and Canada.

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

Innovative Basement Systems is a certified Basement Systems Dealer specializing in residental foundation repair, crawl space repair and basement waterproofing in MN. Innovative Basement Systems provide free estimates to home owners in North Dakota and Minnesota.

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

Another Happy Customer

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 10:14:55 -0400

"Just wanted to say the guys did a wonderful job and cleaned up extraordinary well (which is not always the case with other contractors we have hired). They were polite and looked liked they all worked very hard. Job well done. Please pass along our praises." Ron R. (Beulah, ND)

Healthy Housing Expert Exposes Radon and Lung Cancer Link to Dr Oz

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 02:45:25 -0500

Omaha, NE – Dr. Oz welcomes Rebecca Morley, a healthy home expert, and a family affected by radon induced lung cancer, to his show on February 10, 2011 to discuss the facts about radon and lung cancer. Facts that experts at National Radon Defense expose on a daily basis. Radon induced lung cancer kills 21,000 people each year and is virtually unnoticeable before having a home tested.

President of National Radon Defense, Curt Drew says; “This is the kind of awareness we need to keep spreading the facts about radon exposure.”

On NBC at 3 p.m. EST, Rebecca Morley the executive director of the National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) will be on the Dr. Oz show alongside a family that has been affected by radon induced lung cancer. They will be speaking about the hazards of radon exposure. Although radon induced lung cancer kills thousands each year, many people are still unaware of the facts about radon.

National Radon Defense is a nationally recognized network of radon experts who test for and mitigate homes of high radon levels. Unfortunately, it is still difficult to make the world aware of how simple it is to test and reduce the radon. It is equally difficult to convey the severe repercussions to neglecting radon testing, which is why so many people are still dying from radon exposure.

Rebecca Morley, MSPP helps make homes healthy and safe. She has lead recovery initiatives after Hurricanes Katrina and is a published author of housing hazard articles.

Contact National Radon Defense today and find a local radon mitigator to test for and reduce radon levels in homes, schools, at work and other buildings.

Minnesota Radon Mitigation During Radon Awareness Month

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 12:16:31 -0500

Hinckley, MN - Innovative Basement Systems hopes this monthly campaign will help more people to learn about radon and utilize the preventative measures being provided. Radon induced lung cancer can be prevented by radon testing and mitigation.

As a member of the National Radon Defense (NRD) Network of radon experts, Innovative Basement Systems joins the network's initiative to spread awareness and prevent radon induced lung cancer.

Radon testing and mitigation provide the hope and preventative measures necessary to bring hope this month instead of despair.

While lung cancer may responsible for killing more people each year than breast, colon, and prostate cancer combined-- radon mitigation can prevent radon induced lung cancer. In fact, NRD dealers are encouraging everyone to raise awareness about radon being the leading cause of lung cancer amongst nonsmokers and the hope that radon mitigation can bring.

Unfortunately, lung cancer receives the least amount of research funds to help these innocent victims. It is invisible, tasteless, and odorless, which makes it impossible to detect with any human senses.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that forms as a byproduct of uranium decay. Uranium can be found in most soils around the world making radon's outdoor presence just about everywhere. Cracks and holes in a home's foundation become the perfect entryway for radon, and without a proper mitigation system, the radon concentrations will rise and become quite hazardous to the inhabitants.

Many, if not all homeowners having suffered with or seen someone suffer with radon induced lung cancer reluctantly found out that their homes' radon levels were undoubtedly high. The EPA recommends any home with levels at or above 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) be immediately mitigated by an expert.

Contact Innovative Basement Systems today to schedule a radon test and to have an installation scheduled for radon mitigation in Minnesota or North Dakota. They're the trained radon mitigation expert in ND or MN.

Radon Mitigation in North Dakota Meets the Growing Concern for Safety During Winter Months

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 04:50:54 -0500

Fargo, ND - As radon test results are returning with higher than safe amounts, many homeowners are growing concerned. Some local experts say that the winter months may increase radon levels as the homes are closed up. Innovative Basement Systems is a member of the National Radon Defense network and is a leader in radon testing and mitigation and aims to reduce the concern of local homeowners.

Knowledge is power, especially when applied to radon. A homeowner must test his/her home in order to know the exact radon levels. Innovative Basement Systems wants to inform homeowners that even neighbors can have very different levels of radon.

The Environmental Protection agency recommends an action level of 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter).

Many wonder how radon can even enter a home. Kevin Pavlish, a local environmental health practitioner says, "As that gas is rising through the ground, if our basements get into the way because of the negative air pressure in our homes, it literally sucks that radon into our homes through cracks in the basement floor."

Some local experts contort that radon levels may be increasing during the wintry months because the gas is unable to escape. Homeowners do not open windows as often as in the summer months.

North Dakota is known to have had investigations of radioactive mineral deposits in several areas throughout the state from the 1940s through 1970s. In addition, radon is released from uranium soils, which are in high amounts in North Dakota.

Contact Innovative Basement Systems today if you're in need of a radon expert in North Dakota. They will provide radon testing and radon mitigation in North Dakota. Innovative Basement Systems is a leader in several home improvement industries and is a part of the internationally renowned Basement Systems, Inc. network.

How Radon Gas Compares to Cigarette Smoke And XRay Radiation

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 09:19:54 -0500

Ever since the World Health Organization released their test results and confirmation that radon is a proven carcinogen and that radon testing and radon mitigation is necessary throughout the world, homeowners and businesses are beginning to take the risks of indoor radon exposure all the more seriously.

Radon Information

It's infamous and it's on the prowl. This gas easily goes unnoticed as it's invisible, unscented and tasteless. All too often many homeowners are living in radon infested homes, not just for one or two years-- but sometimes a lifetime!

Whether you live in the U.S. or India, radon is everywhere. It's the result of uranium's decay in soil that causes polonium to be released thus creating such high toxicity.

Seeing as many people don't know the radon levels within their home, job or school; it's all the more important that these places are tested. Regardless of the amount, you won't be able to notice. Regardless of the amount, you could get lung cancer.

"Most radon-induced lung cancers occur from low and medium dose exposures in people's homes. Radon is the second most important cause of lung cancer after smoking in many countries," said Dr. Maria Neira of the WHO.

Although very scary, testing and removal is very easy and well worth the investment.

Smoking

The effects of smoking are far more widely publicized and understood in comparison to the effects of this toxic gas. However, although smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, radon exposure is a close second causing an estimated 20,000 deaths each year-- according to the Environmental Protection Agency. According to the WHO, Radon is the cause of 15 percent of the world's recorded lung cancer cases.

Unfortunately, 1 pCi/L is equal to 2.5 cigarettes a day! The suggested action level established by the EPA rests at 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) and 2.7 pCi/L according to the WHO-- now it can become understandable how even the low levels of radon can cause problems.

Radiation

As more and more people are learning about radon, it's important to recognize that the radiation from radon far surpasses that of even the hospital chest x-rays. In fact, here's something worth considering.

In general, homeowners should try to obtain the lowest possible level within their home because the effects of slight exposure are, as we've learned, proven to be quite severe.
So, to give you some insight into this Group A Carcinogen and how it links to radiation, let's actually compare the effects of radon exposure and the effects of the radiation from x-rays.

The radiation in a 4.0 pCi/L level of radon is equal to the radiation from 100 chest x-rays. The number of chest x-rays permitted by most hospitals is what makes that number all the more interesting. Most hospitals actually only allow people to have four chest x-rays each year. That's .16 pCi/L per x-ray and .64 pCi/L a year. In other words, can you understand why the WHO has their action level at 2.7 pCi/L?

The effects of radon are far higher than even the effects of chest x-rays -- which should make any homeowner quick to have testing and mitigation.

For radon mitigation in North Dakota and Minnesota contact Innovative Basement Systems today. They offer radon testing in MN and ND, as well as the most trusted mitigation and maintenance services.

Radon Awareness Week Perfect Time to Test North Dakota Homes

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 09:41:57 -0400

Oct 15, 2010 – Fargo, ND –National Radon Awareness Week begins Sunday, October 17, and is the perfect time for homeowners in North Dakota and Minnesota to test for radon. Innovative Basement Systems provides testing for homeowners, as well as mitigation systems for those homes with high levels of radon.

Innovative Basement Systems President Keith Johnson says, “Fall and winter are the ideal times to test for radon in the home, since windows are typically closed and any radon in the home will not be diluted with fresh air from outdoors.”

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas caused by the decay of uranium in the earth. As radon gas rises through the soil, it can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation, walls, crawl spaces, sump pumps and wells. The only way to know if your home has a high level of radon is to test for it. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers 4 picocuries per liter of air unacceptable.

Long term exposure to high levels of radon can lead to lung cancer. The National Cancer Institute says that radon is responsible for more than 20,000 cases of lung cancer in the U.S. each year, making it the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall.

Testing for radon is best done in the fall or winter months, when the home is usually closed to outdoor air. Innovative Basement Systems has trained radon mitigation specialists available to help homeowners test for radon in their homes. If elevated radon levels are found in the home, radon mitigation experts in North Dakota can install an aesthetically-pleasing mitigation system.

Innovative is also a member of National Radon Defense, a network of radon mitigation experts across the nation.

For more information on radon and its health effects, radon testing and radon mitigation systems in North Dakota and Minnesota, contact:

Innovative Basement Systems
Keith Johnson
(877)365-0097
kjohnson@innovativebasementsystems.com

Radon Gas Experts Inspect North Dakota or Minnesota Homes to Remove High Radon Levels

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:59:19 -0400

Fargo, ND - Innovative Basement Systems offers homeowners services such as basement waterproofing and finishing, crawl space and foundation repairs, and most recently they have expanded their services to include radon inspection, mitigation, and repairs!

Don't stress over your home's radon levels, because there's a radon specialist ready to help. All the radon gas measurement specialists at Innovative have been fully-trained to mitigate your home, and conduct any necessary repairs to prevent future high radon levels in your home.

If you're wondering what kinds of repairs could be required to help prevent future high radon levels, here are some of the techniques Innovative utilizes. However, each home will require unique repairs in order to cater to its structural design and your particular needs.

Innovative can redirect the air, vent it away from your home, seal any entry points, conduct a final system checklist, and retest for radon. Your Radon Gas Measurement Specialist will explain to you the radon inspection and mitigation process so you don't have to worry about those hidden factors.

Contact Innovative today to schedule an appointment for a North Dakota radon mitigation expert, or to install a Continuous Radon Monitor.

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers, and kills an estimated many thousands of people each year. If you smoke, and are unknowingly living in a home with high radon levels, you are putting yourself at further risk of contracting lung cancer. Radon can be found throughout the world in soil, rock, water, and air. Learn more about radon gas and radon gas mitigation.

New Team Member at Innovative Basement Systems

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 08:48:23 -0400

Jeremy Holm recently joined the Team at Innovative Basement Systems as Sales Manager. Jeremy is a North Dakota native who currently lives in Moorhead, MN. He has been in the sales and management arena for the last 11 years and was recruited for the position because of his extensive experience.

"I'm excited to be a part of this team of professionals," states Jeremy. "As the newest member of the team, I'm looking forward to making a positive impact on the company and the area it serves."

Jeremy graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and has since managed in the retail industry, operated a growing grounds maintenance company, and most recently was the District Sales Manager for a company that covered a three state territory and represented 17 different manufacturers. While hitting the ground running at Innovative Basement Systems, Jeremy also enjoys spending time with his family and volunteering as a youth hockey and baseball coach.

The Mission of Innovative Basement Systems is to be the best in our industry and "WOW" our customers every step of the way. Key aspects of this mission are excellence and superior performance with honesty and integrity always coming first. Jeremy is looking forward to carrying out this mission by building customer relationships and performing above and beyond the call of duty in order to "WOW" every customer on every project.

Innovative Basement Systems and Egress Windows of ND and MN adds to their Team!

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:57:42 -0500

On November 2, 2009, Innovative Basement Systems & Egress Windows added another asset to their Team!!

Charlie Adams, originally from Lansford, North Dakota, will head up the Foundation Supportworks Division of Innovative Basement Systems and Egress Windows.

Charlie is a 2000 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He served as an infantry officer in the Army for 5 years that included a year-long deployment to Iraq. After leaving the military in 2005, Charlie was the construction manager for Brand Services LLC in Denver, Colorado. In 2007, Charlie accepted a position as the Program Director for 5 state board programs that included the Colorado State Board of Architects, Professional Engineers, and Professional Land Surveyors, the State Electrical and Plumbing Boards, and the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board. After enjoying Colorado for the past 8 years, Charlie is excited to return to North Dakota.

Innovative Basement Systems & Egress Windows is glad to have Charlie as a part of their team!

Golf and Tennis Event in Florida

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 02:19:05 -0400

Jessica returned from Florida on Monday, Aug 7 from a Golf and Tennis Event.

Great opportunity to meet people from all over the world and reconnect with people she hadn't seen in two years. The weather was great and so was the golfing!

Indy Car

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:23:42 -0400

Jessica heads to Sonoma, CA for an Indy Car race this weekend, Aug 21, 09.

Can't wait for the racing to begin! Road courses are always exciting and unpredictable. Can't forget about the wineries, good food and great friends!

Flood Recovery and Cleanup in North Dakota

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:01:52 -0400

Since the end of March, North Dakota has been picking up the pieces and trying to recover from the devastating floods and blizzards that struck parts of the state. As volunteers were piling sandbags trying to prevent rivers from flooding over on March 26, snow was falling on them and the temperatures were below freezing. Now that the worst is over, the cleanup is underway and Innovative Basement Systems would like to help.

The North Dakota Department of Health most recently reported that between April 2 and April 9 there were 18 flood-related injuries bringing the total up to 223 since the flooding began on March 23. Flooding is still affecting residents of areas of North Dakota including Bismarck, Grand Forks and Fargo, and the cleanup and recovery is going to be a long and arduous process.

Located in Fargo, North Dakota, Innovative Basement Systems has seen first-hand the damage the flooding has done on the area. During a dangerous and powerful flood, the lower parts of a home can sometimes see the most devastation. Areas like basements and crawl spaces can be completely destroyed and can also leave behind lasting damage. Wet basements and crawl spaces can foster mold growth and make your entire home unhealthy.

Innovative Basement Systems provides free basement and crawl space inspections and estimates to homeowners in North Dakota and western Minnesota. Homeowners may call them or contact them online to find out how they can help homes recover from the devastating March flooding. There is no reason to go through this difficult cleanup process alone.

Innovative Basement Systems is a basement waterproofing, crawl space repair and foundation repair company servicing North Dakota and parts of western Minnesota. They can fix your wet basement using patented products including sump pumps, French drain systems and dehumidifiers. They also provide crawl space encapsulation services to protect crawl spaces from mold and moisture. Innovative is a member of the Basement Systems international network of Basement waterproofers.