Technical Papers

The soil type in Western Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh, is primarily comprised of clay-rich soils

Discovering a bowed or cracked foundation wall is never a good feeling. Not only are the repairs generally expensive, but contractors in PA are not regulated by the state. This creates a lot of anxiety and stress on who to call. Luckily, this article should be able to provide some help.

Indoor air quality is often worse than outdoor air quality due to various factors such as poor ventilation, exposure to chemicals and pollutants, and the buildup of allergens and irritants. In some cities, such as Pittsburgh, the outdoor air quality can also be compromised due to the area's history of industrial pollution. This article will explore the reasons why indoor air quality is so much worse than outdoor air quality, the specific conditions of Pittsburgh air quality, and the role that Pittsburgh's industrial past has played in the air pollution problem

Sandstone and fieldstone foundations have been popular throughout history for a variety of reasons. They provide a durable and long-lasting base for buildings, and also offer a natural aesthetic appeal.

Cement blocks, also known as concrete blocks, have been around for more than a century and have been a fundamental building material in the construction industry. The evolution of cement blocks has led to their widespread use in residential foundation construction.

When snow melts, it can cause a basement to leak and flood. This is because melted snow can seep into the ground and then into the basement through cracks or other openings in the foundation. Additionally, it can overwhelm existing below ground drainage systems that are old, clogged or working at some diminished capacity. Once inside, the water can cause damage to the walls, floors, and belongings stored in the basement.

Wet basements are a common problem in Pittsburgh, and there are several reasons why this is the case.

Foundations are the structural base of a home or building, and they play a critical role in the overall stability and integrity of the structure. Cold temperatures and the freeze/thaw cycle can cause significant damage to foundations, potentially leading to cracks, bowing walls, and even complete collapse

BrightWall® Basement Wall Panels can easily transform damp, ugly basement walls into bright, beautiful walls that never need paint or other maintenance. The BrightWall® system includes semi-rigid, white plastic panels, trim strips used to join panels together and plastic fasteners that are used to attach panels to the foundation wall.

Sometimes a wet basement is caused by malfunctioning gutters and poor foundation drainage.

Carbon fiber is a material with strengths and weaknesses.

Bowing walls are a common issue with residential homes. Here is what is going on and what you can do about it.

Polyleveling is a modern method of concrete leveling that is quickly becoming the preferred method for homeowners and contractors alike. Unlike traditional mudjacking, polyleveling uses a high-density polyurethane foam to lift and level concrete slabs. This method offers a number of advantages over mudjacking, making it the superior choice for most applications.

Many people observe sinking or other damage associated with their home. When this is the case they are told they may need piers...but what is a pier? This article discusses that as well as the finest push piers on the market by Supportworks.

Water is essential to the creation of concrete, but it can also destroy it.

This article explains what dehumidifiers do and spotlights the Sedona. The SaniDry™ Sedona is the world's most efficient, high-performance dehumidifier and filtration system (without a bulky heat exchange core). When installed in your basement or crawl space, the Sedona can help prevent mold and reduce musty odors, giving you dry healthy air and total comfort. The Sedona is small in size, yet powerful enough to lower humidity in even the dampest environment, such as the basement or crawl space.

Terracotta foundation block has a rich history in North America. Repair and protection of this type of foundation is different than that of cement and masonry foundations. If you have a terracotta block foundation, you need a real expert in that field to ensure results and to avoid unintended consequences.

The "stack effect" is a phenomenon that occurs in buildings due to the difference in temperature and pressure between the inside and outside of the structure. This difference causes air to move in and out of the building through various openings, such as windows, doors, and vents. The stack effect is particularly relevant in tall buildings, but it can also occur in single-story homes.

Indoor air pollution is a very serious problem. In many cases indoor air is worse than outside air. With Americans spending 90% of their time indoors, this is a matter that should be taken seriously.

The TripleSafe™ sump pump system keeps your basement dry with triple the protection. Most sump pumps fail because of either a failed pump, a pump that can't handle high volumes of water or power failure. The TripleSafe assures protection from all three sump pump problems.