FAQs
Does Keystone Basement Systems, Inc. give free estimates?
Yes! Keystone has always provided free estimates to customers that own their home. At Keystone we believe in educating our customers by sending experts to meet with you. We have engineers and certified microbial remediators on staff to help you with specific and complicated issues involving your home. We provide for free what others charge hundreds of dollars for.
Is Keystone Basement Systems a member of the Better Business Bureau?
We are a proud member of the BBB and other consumer advocate sources.
What is the NAWSRC?
The National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair Contractors (NAWSRC) is a professional trade association serving the public and waterproofing, structure, and foundation repair industries. Members of the NAWSRC are required to uphold strict Standards of Practice and Canon of Ethics as established by the industry. This insures the public that NAWSRC contractors have the highest degree of knowledge, standards, ethics, and quality of workmanship available in the industry. Since its beginning, the NAWSRC has been a champion of the rights of its members, while insuring the public that an NAWSRC-member contractor guarantees quality of workmanship and high standards of practice and ethics. Keystone is a proud member of the NAWSRC.
Waterproofing
Why does my basement leak?
Basement water leakage is caused by several factors. The drain tile that is installed on most new homes may become clogged with silt and settlement, causing it to fail. The membrane on the outside of the home may have deteriorated and is allowing water to enter the foundation. A professional inspector is trained to notice these signs and determine the exact reason you are seeing the water.
Is a wet basement the sign of a poorly built home?
Not necessarily. A recent study in the Washington, D.C. area found that over 86 percent of cement block constructed homes over 25 years old had moisture problems. The National Association of Realtors states that, during the life of a home, almost all will experience some form of water problem that will require professional help to correct.
How serious is my basement water problem?
As with most problems, early detection can save money and aggravation. Basement water issues are no exception. A leaky basement is a problem that will only get worse with time. This water will cause lower wall deterioration, cracks, bulges in walls, efflorescence, and many other concerns. Our licensed inspectors are trained to notice these signs and convey their knowledge to you in an understandable way so you know what is best for your situation.
Does a little or occasional basement leakage cause permanent problems?
Not necessarily. Occasional leakage may be caused by a combination of weather conditions and poor drainage around your house. If you have water in your basement after ordinary precautions, then it's probably time for you to call us. Hydrostatic pressure against your basement walls can cause cracking, bowing, even collapse in severe cases. Of course, any type of basement water problem impacts unfavorably upon the value of your home, to say nothing of its livability.
How can I tell where the water is coming from?
Water can enter a foundation through several different ways. The most common is at the cove area (where the basement floor and the wall meet). This, simply put, is a natural seam in which water can most easily penetrate your foundation. Another common source is hydrostatic pressure. This will cause water to penetrate through cracks in your basement walls and floor. Several other sources are common, though not as easily noticeable. Our licensed inspectors are trained to determine the exact source of your problem, and resolve the most effective solution for your unique situation.
Is there anything I can do myself to correct the problem in my basement?
Depending on the situation, correcting the problem yourself is very much a possibility. If your trained inspector feels the problem is minimal, he will give you tips and idea as to how you can take care of it yourself. However, if the problem is one that would need professional services, he will review all of the options available to you so you know your home is in the best condition possible.
Will an Internal French Drain fix my wet basement? What does it cost to have my basement waterproofed?
It depends on the problem, what work needs to be done, and which method you choose to correct the problem. For this very reason, we offer our inspections and basement waterproofing estimates free of charge for any current homeowners in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. This way, you can find out the information you need to know to take care of your home.
Structural Repair
I have cracked basement walls, is this serious?
Cracks in your walls can be caused by several sources, resulting in several different effects. Cracks can be a sign of settling in the foundation. However, cracks can also be caused by abnormal pressure around your foundation. A crack in a foundation wall is a sign of movement. With an average of 42 tons resting on your foundation walls, the integrity of your walls must be maintained.
Is my sinking foundation a cause for concern?
In almost all cases a sinking foundation is a serious matter. In the event you have a subsidence issue you should consult an engineer immediately to ascertain the extent of the problem.
Is a horizontal wall crack worse than a vertical wall crack?
Any type of foundation wall crack should be evaluated. All foundation walls will react to stress differently and should be inspected. In many cases, when a problem is solved quickly, only small measured are needed to secure the home.
How do Wall Anchors work?
When a foundation wall requires supplemental reinforcement because of bows, cracks, bulges, or movement an anchoring system may be implemented. After your problem has been evaluated by an engineer, he/she may choose a "tie-back" approach which utilizes a soil anchor and an internal resistance plate connected by a long metal rod. Although this method does not work on all situations, it can be a very effective way to correct a bowed wall.
What are Carbon Fiber Straps?
Carbon Fiber Strapping is a reinforcement method that requires less intrusion while providing strength and durability that is three times greater than that of steel. Carbon Fiber Straps are a non-obtrusive product that requires no destructive attachments to the floor or the ceiling and can be painted for a smooth clean look.
Mold Remediation
What is mold remediation?
Principal 1
General Health & Safety
Since moldy buildings are associated with health problems, remediators protect the health of workers and occupants. Some work practices prevent workers from exposure as they disturb the mold during cleanup. Other work practices prevent mold from spreading to occupied areas of the building.
Principle 2
Conditions and Protocol
Remediators record conditions in the building such as the extent of the contamination and the amount of moisture saturation. Once remediation is completed, an independent indoor environmental professional may record that mold in the building is returned to normal conditions.
Principle 3
Source Control
Work practices aim at keeping mold contamination from becoming airborne and then spreading from the source to clean areas. This reduces the amount of airborne mold that workers are exposed to. It also makes the process of removing mold more efficient.
Principle 4
Contaminated Debris Removal
Once mold has grown beyond normal levels, the most effective solution is to remove the excess mold contamination. This may be accomplished by physically removing materials damaged by growing mold, by vacuuming excessive mold spores into HEPA filters, and by damp wiping soiled surfaces with detergent cleaning products.
Principle 5
Moisture Correction
This is the key to dealing with mold. Stop the source of moisture that initially contributed to mold growth. Even the best cleanup efforts will not keep mold from returning if a building continues to have moisture problems.
What causes a musty basement?
A musty smell in a basement is generally associated with excess moisture and humidity. This excess moisture can cause mold and microbial growth, decay and general indoor air quality concerns. A musty smell is sometimes the first sign of increased mold levels. At Keystone we can provide mold testing and general remediation to protect your home.
Certification / Accreditation
What is an IAQA Council-Certified Professional?
IAQ Council-certified professionals are experienced in one or more disciplines related to indoor air quality, including environmental investigation and consulting, microbial investigation and consulting, microbial remediation, residential mold inspection, IAQ administration and microbial claims adjusting. To earn their designations, Council-certified professionals undergo the most stringent examination and review process in the IAQ industry. To maintain their designations, Council-certified professionals participate in the most rigorous recertification program in the IAQ industry.
What is a CMR (Council-certified Microbial Remediator)?
A Council-certified Microbial Remediator (CMR) has earned the most respected certification in the field of microbial remediation. A CMR is certified as knowledgeable and experienced in conducting microbial remediation projects. To earn and maintain the CMR, every candidate must:
• Demonstrate at least two (2) years of verifiable field experience in microbial remediation
• Pass a rigorous, psychometrically rated examination based on broad industry knowledge rather than a course curriculum
• Earn the unanimous approval of the CMR certification board
• Re-certify every two years
• Participate in 20 hours of professional development activities each year
• Maintain the highest ethical standards
The CMR certification is accredited by the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB), a nationally recognized independent accreditation body. IAQ Council certifications are the ONLY designations in indoor air quality to earn CESB accreditation.
What Does Accreditation Mean?
The American IAQ Council operates eight accredited certification programs.
What does it mean to be accredited?
Third-party Approval
Following the requirements of ASTM Standard E 1929, Assessment of Certification Programs for Environmental Professions: Accreditation Criteria, the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB) has established a national reputation for accrediting certification programs in engineering and science-related fields. CESB-accredited programs that you may recognize include the Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) and Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM).
• The Council's CIEC program underwent an intensive, six-month examination in 2005, and was fully accredited by CESB as an engineering-related designation effective January 1, 2006.
• The Council's CMC program underwent an intensive, six-month examination in 2006, and was fully accredited by CESB as an engineering-related designation effective October 31, 2006.
• The Council's CIE, CMR, CMRS, CIAQM, CMI and CRMI programs were all fully accredited by CESB at engineering-technician level effective January 1, 2007.
High Standards
According to CESB, certification is designed to recognize knowledge and verified field experience. Accredited certification programs must therefore require both. In order to qualify for CESB accreditation, a certification program must also meet high standards of program operation:
• It must be administratively independent of other organizations in matters pertaining to certification.
• Its certifying body must consist of a majority of certified individuals.
• It must provide the public and consumers with an opportunity for input into its policies and decisions.
• It must follow strict rules for public disclosure of certification-related activities.
• It must follow strict rules for test development, evaluation and administration.
• It must enforce stringent eligibility requirements for all candidates, including eight years of education and/or field experience for engineering-related designations such as our CIEC and CMC and two to five years of education and/or field experience for engineering-technician designations such as CIE, CMR, CMRS, CIAQAM, CMI and CRMI.
Though the Council's board-awarded designations meet all these requirements and more, the same cannot be said of most IAQ certification programs. Other organizations allow office staffers to grant certification in exchange for payment of fees and passing a simple examination based on a mandatory course with limited information. Field experience is rarely required, much less verified. As a result, "instant certifications" from such organizations are nearly worthless when challenged in court.