Lowcountry Basement Systems

Thinking About Fixing Up Your Home?

2012-01-17T13:10:00.004-05:00

If you're thinking about fixing up your home or making some needed repairs, the place to be this weekend is the 12th Annual Low Country Living Home & Garden Show!

Lowcountry Basement Systems will have a representative on site to answer questions about your crawl space moisture issues, cupping floors, sinking or settling foundation. We offer FREE evaluations and would love the opportunity to offer you a permanent solution for your home repair needs.

Low Country Living Home & Garden Show
Savannah International Trade & Convention Center
One International Drive, Savannah, GA

Fri, Jan. 20 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sat, Jan. 21 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sun, Jan. 22 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Rock n Roll Marathon, Savannah

2011-11-07T13:23:00.001-05:00

Robert Videon, owner of Lowcountry Basement, and Jason Simmons, Production Assistant participated in Savannah's first Rock n Roll marathon. This was a grueling 26.2 miles through the streets of beautiful Savannah, but the team pushed forward and completed the race!

Nancy Videon, co-owner of Lowcountry Basement, volunteered as co-captain of the final water station on the course. She helped organize and motivate a team of about 45 volunteers to set up and maintain the water station, which consisted of about 64,000 cups. It was non-stop work for 9 hours, but was loads of fun to encourage each runner as they neared the finish line.

Does Your Home Need Flood Vents?

2011-10-24T15:19:00.004-04:00

Is your home located in a designated flood zone? Is your insurance company informing you that your annual rate will increase by $1,000 - $2,000 per year! Yikes!

A recent customer discovered, after purchasing a new home in Southbridge, that her homeowner's insurance would increase by over $1000 a year since the home is located in a flood zone. The home is on a crawl space and does not have flood vents installed. The customer rushed out to Lowe's to find a solution and was then referred to Lowcountry Basement Systems to help solve the issue.

To help the home meet FEMA requirements, our crew installed insulated hydrostatic flood vents, every 200 feet around the perimeter of the home in the crawl space area. The vents, available in either stainless steel or a powder-coat white, automatically release with rising water to unlock the bi-directional flood door. The vents are ideal for encapsulated crawl spaces to keep out air and unwanted pests, but allow for the flow of water in the case of a flood. Installing flood vents will maintain the aesthetics of your home and save you money on your insurance as well!

Contact us for a FREE ESTIMATE on flood vents!

Anabec Qualified Contractor

2011-10-19T17:12:00.004-04:00

The Anabec System products provide proven technology and economical solutions for immediate and long-term protection from microbial organisms. The Anabec products can be used in homes, hospitals, schools and industrial settings on new and old building materials for the cleaning and disinfection of microbial compromised surfaces.

Anabec stands behind their products through the Contractor Qualification Program, which starts with establishing a contractor's credibility in the marketplace followed by worker training in the proper use and application of the Anabec products. Qualified contractors also have the option to offer Written Warranties on all mold remediation / prevention projects.

Lowcountry Basement Systems has participated in the Anabec Contractor program since January 2010, however in 2011, Anabec established new qualification requirements to approve only the most well respected remediation companies in the industry.

Lowcountry Basement Systems sucessfully met Anabec's requirements and is listed as a member of the Qualified Contractor Program.

Truckload Order

2011-10-12T17:55:00.002-04:00

Between our marketing efforts and all the rain that we have been getting in the lowcountry, our foundatioin job calendar is filling up and we received our first "Truckload Order" on September 28. Over 19,000 lbs...now that's a whole lot of steel!

Lowcountry Basement Owners Support Wounded Warrior Project

2011-10-11T17:08:00.003-04:00

On Saturday, October 8, 2011, more than 200 people, including Lowcountry Basement owners Robert and Nancy Videon, took part in the first ever Savannah Unity Charity Ride which is raising awareness and money for the Wounded Warrior Project. The group pedaled 30 miles through the streets of Savannah.

The ride is also honoring Command Sergeant Major Soto, a pilot with the Third ID Black Hawk Helicopter Unit.

Basement Flooring in Tybee Island

2011-10-04T16:42:00.003-04:00

Ok, you're probably saying..."We don't have basements in Georgia!". We'll actually, we do! They may not be your typical northern style underground basement, but more of a tall, raised crawl space area that has been enclosed into a liveable space. These Georgia basements are still prone to water intrusion and moisture issues, just like any other below grade area.

If you're thinking about making your basement into a liveable area, you don't want to install carpet or wood flooring that may potentially be ruined by water or moisture entering your space. We offer

The ThermalDry Basement Floor Systems are interlocking floor tiles that are made specifically for the basement environment. Created from 100% waterproof materials, they come in five carpeted and vinyl designs. Installed as a floating floor with no adhesives or grout, ThermalDry Floor Tiles will never buckle or peel off of the floor. A typical installation takes 1-2 days to complete. Your floor can be used immediately after installation.

Call Lowcountry Basement for a free Evaluation and Estimate.

Josh & Russel Complete Anabec Technician Training

2011-10-03T14:35:00.002-04:00

Lowcountry Basement Systems' production team members, Josh and Russel, successfully completed the Anabec training program to become Certified Applicators. We offer this advanced remediation product to customers desiring extra protection from mold, after the installation of our CleanSpace Crawl Space Encapsulation System.

Anabec's X-70 Plus is a microbial barrier product specifically designed for application to unfinished building surfaces, including wood fibers, brick, block and unfinished drywall, among others.

When Anabec X-70 Plus is applied by one of our certified Anabec Applicators, following interior mold remediation with Advanced Cleaning Solution; The Anabec Systems company offers an industry leading 30-year written / transferable warranty against the return of mold contamination.

Want protection from mold in your crawl space? We have a solution! Contact us for a free evaluation

Crawl Space Repair in Ailey, GA

2011-09-15T18:09:00.003-04:00

Our team will travel down well...just about any road, to rescue a customer in need of crawl space repair!

We could've used a monster truck for this muddy, country road in Ailey, GA. But it was well worth it to give the customer the finished product of a CleanSpace encapsulation system.

We aim to keep your crawl space dry- for good!

Meet our new Installer Russell

2011-09-13T17:07:00.002-04:00

Family: Russell and his Dachshund Corgi named Beenie.

Russell's Story: Russell is a native of Savannah and joined the Lowcountry Basement Production Team in September 2011. He brings 7 years of construction experience to the team, with his expertise in carpentry and flooring. He is currently working on becoming a trained CleanSpace Installer and Foundation Repair Technician.

Russell enjoys fishing, spending time with his family and getting involved with the youth at his church. We're glad Russell has joined our team!

Lowcountry Basement is an Authorized Smart Vent Installer

2011-08-31T15:05:00.005-04:00

If you're considering encapsulating your crawl space, but your home is located in a flood zone, your insurance company will require that you have the proper flood protection installed with your system.

Lowcountry Basement Systems is an authorized installer for Smart Vent Foundation Flood Vents- a high efficiency insulated flood vent that provides superior automatic flood protection.

One 16” x 8” vent is certified to cover 200 square feet of enclosed area for flood protection. The insulated flood vent model is certified to provide insulated
flood protection only. This model is used for a garage or conditioned space, where flood protection is required but ventilation is NOT desired (such as a crawl space. The flood door is constructed of solid stainless steel wrapped around an insulating foam core.

ICC-ES Evaluated and FEMA Accepted Foundation Flood Vents-
- Potential savings on homeowner’s NFIP premiums
- Preserves aesthetic beauty of a home by requiring 2/3 less vents
- Each vent certified to protect 200 sq. ft.of your home
- Code Compliant, FEMA accepted,ICC-ES Evaluated
- All Stainless Steel construction meets or exceeds flood and corrosion resistance code requirements
- Patented automatic floats release bi-directional flood door
- Great for conditioned or sealed crawl spaces

Call to request a FREE Evaluation 888-520-0550 or visit us online

In Good Standing with National Association of Home Builders

2011-07-29T13:29:00.002-04:00

Lowcountry Basement Systems remains in good standing with the National Association of Home Builders Savannah.

The Crawl Space is so Dry

2011-06-14T15:49:00.003-04:00

A prospective buyer of a home with our CleanSpace Crawl Space Encapsulation System, installed 3 years ago, called for a service visit to ensure the system is in good working order. He stated that the termite company inspected the house the other day and was impressed by our system. He also stated that "the crawl space is so dry even roaches won't want to live in it"!

What a great thing for a prospective home buyer to hear! Thumbs up to our Production Installation Team!

Welcome New Production Assistant

2011-05-25T12:31:00.002-04:00

Jason joined the Lowcountry Basement Team in May as the new Part-time Production Assistant. He will be assisting with Production office support, along with warehouse inventory and service technician duties.

With over seven years of experience as a Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician, Jason brings a unique perspective of health and safety to Lowcountry Basement. His ability to see waterproofing and crawl space repair from that perspective makes Jason a valuable asset to the Lowcountry Basement Team.

Robert Videon joins FCA Endurance Team in Haiti

2011-05-22T12:39:00.000-04:00

Robert Videon and his son, Holden, joined the FCA(Fellowship of Christian Athletes)Endurance Team on a mission trip to Haiti in May. They are visiting an extension of Northwest Haiti Christian Mission in Mole, St. Nicholas. During the trip, they plan on bringing much needed shoes to the Haitian people. Many do not attend church, because of the lack of shoes. The team sized their feet, washed them, then gave over 100 people a pair of shoes. The team will also be setting up a water cistern to allow them to have fresh drinking water. But most importantly, they will be sharing Jesus and telling them the Good News of Christ!

Welcome New Production Installer

2011-04-07T11:57:00.002-04:00

Joshua joined the Lowcountry Basement Team as a Production Installer in March 2011. He is currently learning about waterproofing procedures and working on becoming a Certified CleanSpace Installer. We're glad Joshua has joined our team!

Open Crawl Space

2011-03-30T13:57:00.004-04:00

Do you have an open crawl space that is giving you problems? Moisture, mold, buckling floors, or rats and rodents getting into the insulation or chewing wires? BEFORE

AFTER: CleanSpace Encapsulation System

We have the permanent damp crawl space solution! FREE no-obligation inspections and estimates. Contact us for an appointment today!

So what's in YOUR crawl space?

2011-02-18T10:54:00.003-05:00

This may not be an unusual sight to our CleanSpace installers, but the homeowner was a bit suprised to find a commode in her crawl space. The previous owners had renovated the bathroom, and must have just dropped the commode through the floor into the crawl space to dispose of it. Nice!

Low Country Living Home & Garden Show

2011-01-19T11:15:00.002-05:00

Is your house in need of repair? Have you decided to upgrade your house versus trying to sell?
Visit Lowcountry Basement Systems at the Low Country Living Home & Garden Show. We can show you ways to improve your basement or crawl space area and make that needed foundation repair.

Schedule an appointment and we'll send you a FREE book, either "Crawl Space Science" or "Foundation Repair Science". ($14.95 value on Amazon.com)

Visit Home Show website:
http://www.savannahhomeandgardenshow.com/

CASE STUDY: CleanSpace & SmartJacks

2010-11-04T14:33:00.005-04:00

Project: The Averitt Foundation
Location: Statesboro, GA
Date: July 2010

Problem:
Built in 1965, this home belonged to the late Mr. George Averitt. He was a professor at Georgia Southern University and left the home to the university to be used in the name of academia. Behind all its beauty, the museum grade home was beginning to suffer from major moisture issues. The Averitt family consulted with Lowcountry Basement Systems for a solution to the mold that was cultivating throughout the house and the water that was stagnant in the crawl space and, at times, making its way into the house.

Solution:
Lowcountry Basement remedied the problem by installing a CleanSpace system consisting of 20 mil CleanSpace Liner, drainage matting, SmartSump Pump, SaniDry CSB and Mini dehumidifier. the vents were sealed and the rusty entrance panel was replaced with an EverLast door to keep the elements out of the crawl space. The sodden structural beams were fused with steel beams to create sturdy and level floors. Concrete blocks were replaced with SmartJacks to raise the home, bringing it back to its original elevation while sealing the cracks on the interior walls. Anabec Advanced Cleaning Solution and X-70 was applied to clean existing mold and hinder future growth, and provide the homeowner with a 20 year manufacturer warranty.

Results:
The home was isolated from the earth, moisture was under control and the relative humidity inside the crawl space was decreased, which eliminated the breeding ground for mold. The floor joists dried out, and the SmartJack system has given the home a strong foundation so it can safely be used for classrooms at any time.

Project Summary:
Installing Contractor: Lowcountry Basement Systems
Certified Inspector: Robert Videon

BEFORE: Moldy, damaged HVAC duct

AFTER: CleanSpace Installed

BEFORE: Gap around crawl space door
AFTER: EverLast door installed, gap eliminated
SmartJacks under supplemental beam, Anabec X-70 applied to subfloor

Spotted®: Savannah, Georgia photos | Savannah Home Show

2010-10-14T20:44:00.000-04:00

Nancy and Ashley with Lowcountry Basement Systems offered home owners solutions to their crawl space and foundation problems at the Savannah Morning News Home Show.

Spotted®: Savannah, Georgia photos | Savannah Home Show

Savannah Morning News Home Show

2010-10-07T18:48:00.002-04:00

The Savannah Morning News is pleased to sponsor the Home Show at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center on October 9-10, 2010. Come visit Lowcountry Basement Systems and learn about solutions to fix your damp crawl space, sagging floor, sinking foundation, or leaning chimney.

We are crawl space and foundation repair specialists and offer free evaluations!

http://savannahnow.com/exchange/2010-10-06/fall-home-show-returns-weekend

Foundation Problems & Solutions

2010-08-26T15:56:00.002-04:00

Are you having foundation problems? The decision to fix these problems permanetly is an investment in your home that makes sense!

Now there is also a real solution to dirt crawl spaces!

Check out our article in the Savannah Home Improvement Guide, Summer 2010 edition, pages 29-31.

Welcome New Production Coordinator

2010-08-26T08:16:00.002-04:00

We welcome Kassy Hodges as our new Production Coordinator. She will serve as our first point of contact for customers seeking crawl space and foundation repair services.

Kassy has already earned "WOW" service recognition while assisting a customer with her mold remediation project. Way to go Kassy!

Welcome New System Design Specialist

2010-07-28T21:55:00.003-04:00

Lowcountry Basement Systems welcomes new System Design Specialist Keith Kilgore to the team. Keith has an extensive twenty-three year management, consulting and sales career specializing in facility renovations, new construction, operations developement and financial improvement.

Keith is in training to receive recognition as a Crawl Space Specialist through the Basement Systems International Moisture Control Network. We look forward to having him valued member of the team!

Severe Thunderstorm Watch

2010-07-12T16:04:00.002-04:00

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN CHARLESTON HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR... NORTHERN BRYAN COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST GEORGIA... SOUTH CENTRAL BULLOCH COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST GEORGIA... WEST CENTRAL CHATHAM COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST GEORGIA... EXTREME SOUTH CENTRAL EFFINGHAM COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST GEORGIA...

* UNTIL 500 PM EDT

Does your crawl space floods when it rains?
Check out our sump pump and drainage solutions for your crawl space.

Call us for a free evaluation to offer solutions to fix your crawl space...for good!

HBA Statesboro Fish Fry

2010-07-09T15:14:00.000-04:00

We enjoyed joining the Home Builders Association of Statesboro for their fish fry and meeting. Great people and great food!

Wet Crawl Space and Sagging Floors

2010-06-16T19:19:00.004-04:00

This vented dirt crawl space had water pooling in the crawl space. All that moisture led to mold, wood rot, odors and structural decay. The concrete piers were also cracked, causing unstable floor support. We installed the CleanSpace Encapsulation System, completly isolating the ground from the earth. A sump pump and drainage were installed to control the water intrusion, along with a dehumidifier to control the humidity. SmartJacks were also installed to replace the cracked concrete piers. The crawl space is now dry, and the floor is back to level and stable again!

BEFORE: Wet crawl space with structural decay, sagging floor joists and cracked piers

AFTER: CleanSpace Encapsulation System and SmartJack Stabilizers installed.

Another wet, nasty crawl space made healthy with the CleanSpace System!

New Financing Options For Your Crawl Space Project

2010-05-12T11:41:00.002-04:00

Using the equity in your home to transform your crawl space or basement into a healthy, comfortable space could be a smart move!

Bank of America and Basement Systems Inc. have teamed up to give you access to home equity options for your crawl space or basement improvement project.

Give us a call for more information or schedule a free crawl space evaluation.

Sagging beams or floor joists in a crawl space?

2010-05-07T15:30:00.004-04:00

Sagging beams or floor joists in a crawl space are definately a cause for concern. The columns in a crawl space can settle due to weak foundation soils. The soil can shift and settle over time, causing movement of the columns. Sagging beams and floor joists can result from improper spacing of existing pier columns. Excess moisture and wood rot can also weaken beams and joists.

If you have a damp crawl space, plan on solving this problem first! We offer FREE evaluations to design a system to fix your crawl space. The CleanSpace System will completely isolate your house from the earth, reducing the negative effects of humidity and moisture in your crawl space.

BEFORE- Sagging floor

AFTER- SmartJacks Installed

The SmartJack System will level and stabilize the existing beams and floor joist in your crawl space. It can also be installed in conjunction with a crawl space liner, such as CleanSpace. Sign up for a FREE Evaluation.

New Trailer Labeling

2010-04-29T17:01:00.003-04:00

We're excited about our new fleet labeling! Here's a picture of our first trailer. Thanks to Pocket Media!

Thermal Inspection and Insulation Remediation

2010-04-09T20:27:00.004-04:00

Robert completed Thermal Inspection and Insulation Remediation training to earn his cec requirements for his IICRC Certification (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification)

10 Things to Look For When Shopping for a Crawl Space Waterproofer

2010-04-01T15:51:00.000-04:00

Do the specialize in crawl space waterproofing?
Will the solution address the 4 basic steps to completely fix your dirt crawl space?
Can the company provide references of satisfied crawl space waterproofing customer?
Will a fully transferable, written warranty be provided with the system?
How long is the warranty for the system– 5, 10, 25 years?
Do they offer an annual maintenance service after your system is installed?
How much more marketable and valuable will they make the home after it’s waterproofed?
Do they offer financing options for your project?
Do they have a variety of products to design a system specifically for your crawl space?
The Small Business Administration reports that 50% of contractors fail within the first year and 96% within the first five years. Will they still be in business when the customer needs them?

How Your Dirt Crawl Space Affects Your Home

2010-02-18T15:52:00.000-05:00

Water can enter a crawl space under the footing, through the block walls, cracks and openings or from plumbing leaks. Once in your crawl space, it sits there in pools (or in some cases, we refer to it as a lake). The exposed earth also contributes a lot of water vapor into a dirt crawl space.

The earth is damp, and as the damp soil dries, the water vapor flows upward into the house by what is called the Stack Effect. A house’s natural tendency is to draw air in from the crawl space and lower levels, and then upward into the living spaces.

Building scientists say that 30% to 50% of the air you breathe on the first floor is air that came from the crawl space.

Therefore, whatever is in your crawl space air is in your house and affecting you. If there is mold in the crawl space, there are mold spores upstairs. If there are damp odors in your crawl space…you guessed it…there are damp odors upstairs.

Previously the tactic was to add vents to a crawl space with the idea that air will flow in through the vents on one side and out through the vents on the other side. These vented crawl spaces, instead of becoming less damp, end up being more wet. Rather than letting moist air out, a house sucks moist air in, and then up into home!

Air that flows in through the crawl space vents brings its moisture with it. When air is heated or cooled, its relative humidity changes. The relative humidity of air goes up by 2.2% for every degree we cool it. Crawl spaces are cool due to the earth averaging a temperature of 55 degrees year round. When warm humid air enters into a crawl space, the air is cooled, and the relative humidity goes up. This high relative humidity leads to sweating HVAC ducts, mold, rot, and energy loss.

To eliminate your vented dirt crawl space from having any negative effects on you home.

1. Fix the ground water leakage.
2. Isolate the house from the earth.
3. Seal the vents and other outside air leaks.
4. Condition or dehumidify your crawl space air.

The CleanSpace® System meets all the criteria for fixing your dirt crawl space.

Spray Foam Does Not Solve Crawl Space Moisture Issues

2010-01-15T15:53:00.000-05:00

Mold growing on crawl space floor joists.

Mold growing on crawl space HVAC ducting.

Sweating (or should I say raining) HVAC system in crawl space

So how old do you think this house is? 10 years, 5 years, maybe 2 years old.

Not even close- try 6 months! This customer was not so happy to find these conditions in the crawl space of their newly built home.

As discussed in my previous post, spray foam insulation on the subfloor does not address the main issue in a crawl space- moisture from the dirt beneath the home. The wood members in the crawl space are still exposed to ground moisture. There are only two primary ingredients needed for rot and mold to thrive: one is organic material, like the wood beneath a home, and the second is water.

Wood + Water = Mold & Rot

Also, because the crawl space is still vented, hot humid air is drawn into the crawl space causing the HVAC ducting to condensate. This creates more moisture, and more mold growth! Not only was the mold evident in this particular crawl space, but the air quality testing inside the home also revealed high levels of airborne contaminants.

So, the only avenue to preventing structural damage, condensation and poor indoor air quality is to eliminate the moisture by installing a CleanSpace Encapsulation System.

Sign up for a FREE Crawl Space Evaluation

Spray Foam vs Encapsulation

2009-04-21T15:58:00.009-04:00

Very often, we come in contact with customers who choose to use spray foam insulation on their crawl space sub-floor as a solution to fix their damp crawl space, versus an encapsulation system. Most lean towards that option due to a difference in cost. But are they really saving??

First, let me ask...along with installing foam insulation, what are you going to do to solve the moisture issue in your crawl space?

Spray foam insulation on the sub-floor does not address the main issue in a crawl space- moisture from the dirt beneath the home. The wood members in the crawl space will still be exposed to ground moisture. There are only two primary ingredients needed for rot and mold to thrive: one is organic material, like the wood beneath a home, and the second is water. Replacing the wood in a house is practically impossible, and very costly. So, the only avenue to preventing structural damage and those musty smells is to eliminate the moisture by installing a CleanSpace Encapsulation System.

Can you see the water dripping from the insulation and floor joists? Mold is also growing on the wood (the black stuff below).

A local spray foam contractor recently told me that they had a previous job in which the foam insulation that was applied to the subfloor actually locked in the moisture in the crawl space and created a bigger moisture and mold problem in the crawl space. Not the outcome they expected!

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Second... foam insulation applied on the subfloor renders the wood members unaccessible or "no longer visible" for an inspection.

Some pest control companies will void your termite warranty if the sub-floor wood is no longer accessible or visible for an inspection. Check with your pest control company before choosing this option. (With the CleanSpace system, our liner is installed a minimum of 1 block down from the top of the wall so that termites cannot get into the framing without being seen.)

I recently spoke with a customer that stated her friend had her house inspected for a pending sale. She was requested to cut out and remove some of the foam insulation so the home inspector could visually inspect the sub-floor wood members in the crawl space WOW! I bet that customer didn't plan on spending all that money to foam insulate their crawl space and to later cut it out. Ouch!

A more effective approach to spray foam insulation is to insulate the foundation walls, rather than the sub-floor, provided a proper encapsulation system has been installed.

As stated on the U.S. Department of Energy's website, to effectively insulate your crawl space for energy efficiency and to create a comfortable home, you need to properly control moisture in your crawl space.

Our goal at Lowcountry Basement Systems is to fix your damp dirt crawl space...FOR GOOD!

Sign up for a FREE Crawl Space Evaluation