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	CleanSpace Crawl Space Encapsulation System® Mold-XNeutralizer™ Safe, Cost-Effective Indoor-Air-Quality/Surface Remediation The Turtl™ Crawl Space Access System TripleSafe™ Sump Pump System SuperSump® Premier Sump Pump System UltraSump® Battery Back-Up System SmartPipe™ Crawl Space Drainage System SmartSump™ Crawl Space Drainage System SmartDrain™ Plumbing Leak System WaterGuard® Basement Waterproofing System TrenchDrain Surface Drainage System SaniDry™ High Performance Dehumidification & Air Filtration ThermalDry® Basement Floor Systems Basement Wall Systems Versitle Wall Solutions

Crawl Space Encapsulation

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, so the only avenue to preventing structural damage and those musty smells is to eliminate the moisture.

Previously the tactic was to add vents to a crawl space, which were supposed to allow the moisture to dissipate. These vented crawl spaces, instead of becoming less damp, end up being more wet for several reasons. The stack effect, a house's natural tendency to draw air in from the crawl space and lower levels upward into living spaces, means that instead of letting moist air out, a house sucks more moist air in! Another problem with venting a crawl space is that it allows all kinds of bugs and critters direct access to a home.

The biggest issue with adding vents is that it does not address the main problem – moisture from the dirt beneath a home – so venting a crawl space isn't even addressing the actual problem.

Even if a crawl space is not flooded or visibly wet, that additional humidity can spell trouble for your home – and your health. The fungus responsible for rot and mold not only eats away at the structure of a home, but spreads by producing millions and millions of airborne spores. These spores are a prime suspect for aggravating allergies & asthma and many people don't even know what it is that bothers them when they are at home.

There is a solution, however, to all of these problems. Instead of struggling against nature to remove moisture from a crawl space, Basement Systems developed the CleanSpace Crawl Space Encapsulation System, which seals a crawl space off from that moisture coming up from the dirt and from the damp air outside. This system not only increases your air quality, but also saves you money in heating and cooling costs.

CleanSpace Crawl Space Encapsulation System

Rather than let the moisture in and then try to get rid of it, CleanSpace isolates a home from the earth entirely so the humidity never gets in there to begin with. This strategy also stops bugs and other critters from getting into a crawl space while reducing, or sometimes even eliminating mold growth and rot.

The key to the CleanSpace system is the patented, 20-mil thick liner material. It is a tough blend of seven polyethylene and polyester cord reinforcement layers, designed specially for crawl spaces. Since the side you see after installation is bright white, it really brightens a crawl space and lets you know that it is free of mold, insects and dirt. Plus, the CleanSpace liner is manufactured with an antimicrobial additive called Ultra Fresh - molded right into the material. The liner is so tough you can crawl on it and use your crawl space for storage without worry of putting holes or tears in it. And, of course, it completely stops moisture from getting in and ruining the underside of your house.

The CleanSpace™ Liner is tough enough for you to crawl on it and use your crawl space for storage. Servicemen can crawl on it without worry of putting holes or tears in the liner. The liner completely stops moisture penetration. The CleanSpaceTM liner is used to isolate the home from the earth completely and permanently.

Sump Pumps & Sump Pump System Installation

Premier Sump Pump Systems

All dirt and vented crawl spaces can benefit greatly from encapsulation with the CleanSpace System, but if there is an existing water problem it needs to be dealt with before a homeowner can seal their crawl space. The core of this system is a sump pump, but only one that is designed specially for use with crawl spaces and the CleanSpace system.

There are plenty of horror stories of failing sump pumps, but choosing the right sump equipment can keep the space beneath your home free of water. The wrong sump pump, however, could make it you telling the story of how your sump failed when you needed it.

The Right Sump Pump for the Right Job!

TripleSafe Sump Pump - Triple Protection!

SuperSump Sump Pump System

UltraSump Battery Backup System - Be prepared when the power goes out!

SmartSump Crawl Space Sump Pump - The only sump pump made specifically for crawl spaces.

UltraSump® Battery Backup System

The SmartSump and SuperSump is available with or without an optional UltraSump Battery Backup pumping system. The UltraSump has a second pump in the event the primary Zoeller pump is not working, a second switch, in case of switch failure, and second power source in case of power failure.

The UltraSump can pump over 8,000 gallons of water out of your bay area crawl space from the energy stored in the special sealed, long-term standby battery. There is a special charging system that keeps the battery charged when the battery is on, an alarm to tell you the secondary pump is operating. This protection is optional but highly recommended.

The Sump Liner

If a sump pump is in a dirt-lined hole it will quickly clog and cease protecting your crawl space. The remedy for this is a sump liner, but only one that is the right size for the pump. A liner that is too small, for example, could cause a pump to “short cycle,” or turn on and off quickly because there is too little water for it to pump. A well-built liner that is the right size for the pump is the best solution.

Pump Stand

A well designed pump stand will keep the pump elevated and away from silt or debris that does get into the sump liner. This not only prevents clogging or damage to the pump, but also helps keep the check valve clear so pumping capacity won't be reduced over time by buildup in the discharge pipe.

Air-Tight Sump Lid with Floor Drain

Since one of the main purposes of encapsulating your crawl space is to isolate it from the moisture below, an open sump basin would be counterproductive. Without this lid, not only would there be a hole in your system but any water that did get into the sump would evaporate up into your home. An air-tight lid not only solves this problem, but it stops things from falling into and clogging the pump while making the whole installation look clean and professional.

Sometimes, though, water from below your home isn't the worry. Without any way to get water out of your newly encapsulated crawl space, a plumbing leak could fill it like a swimming pool! The solution to this is a one way, air-tight valve in the sump lid so that any water that gets down there can drain away.

Pump Alarm

Another necessity is a battery powered alarm that warns you if you have a inside leak. Because most crawl spaces are visited infrequently, it is possible to have a plumbing leak for years and not know it. The SmartSump comes standard with our WaterWatch Alarm that will warn you if there is a problem.

Lifetime Warranty

Pump manufacturers do not offer lifetime warranties. There are contractors who put “Lifetime Warranty!” or “Free Pump replacements forever!” on all their advertising. Thinking down the line reveals a problem with this: the only way you'll know to call them for a replacement is after the pump has failed and your crawl space is full of water.

Dry Already?

If a crawl space does not require a pump to deal with pre-existing water problems, there still needs to be a way to drain water in case of a plumbing leak. The SmartDrain combines the features of the SmartSump – the WaterWatch Alarm and air-tight lid with one-way floor drain – while letting water seep away into the soil. With this system the WaterWatch alarm will let you know if you have a leak without you finding your crawl space full of water!

Bigger Problems

At the other end of the spectrum, a crawl space that has serious water problems will need more than a SmartSump or SuperSump. A pump with increased pumping capacity and extra redundancy is necessary to do the best job keeping your crawl space dry. The TripleSafe is just such a system.

As the name implies, the TripleSafe actually has three pumps:

1. A primary pump.
   
2. A secondary pump that will switch on if the primary pump fails or can't keep up with the volume of water.
   
3. A battery powered backup pump in case the power goes out – which often happens during big rain storms!
   

Water Diversion in San Francisco Bay Area

Bay Area Moisture Control, Inc. is the authorized Basement Systems dealer in the greater San Francisco, California area, with access to Basement Systems patented Basement Water Diversion products, services, training, and support. These are state-of-the-art Basement Water Diversion systems that will solve your leaky basement problem.

Why Basements & Crawlspaces Leak
Water can come into the basement through walls, floors, and the joints between them. This has been a problem for San Francisco Bay Area homeowners for more than 100 years, especially since the soils vary from region to region and basements are imperfect concrete structures. Contractors and engineers have developed several different ways to keep the basement dry. Some methods are more effective than others.

There are many possible solutions, including:

• Exterior Excavation
• Interior Subfloor
• Interior Baseboard System
• Negative-side Sealant (paints etc.)

An interior perimeter drainage system is among the best methods to install for a Basement Water Diversion project. Basement Systems has worked hard to design a product that addresses the challenges that come with interior subfloor drainage. The main issue is existing sub-floor clogged drains. Many homeowners go years without a problem and then develop one due to drain clogs.

In order to accept water from the walls without leaving a large gap prone to dirt and debris from falling in, Basement Systems created the WaterGuard perimeter drainage system as well as the DryTrak Baseboard Basement Water Diversion system.

WaterGuard French Drains: an Economical and Effective Solution

Bay Area Moisture Control, Inc. installs a state-of-the-art French drain (aka drain tile) system called WaterGuard – a patented product only available through Basement Systems dealers.

What makes WaterGuard in CA much more effective than a basic French drain or drain tile system is its design. WaterGuard is specially engineered to sit on the basement footing, keeping it up out of the dirt and mud (the Mud Zone) and making it highly resistant to clogging. A special flange also makes a clean edge at the basement wall and prevents dirt and debris from falling into the system.

Our California service area includes: Berkeley, San Rafael, Palo Alto, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Clara and surrounding areas. Call or contact us online for the best French Drain waterproofing system available. We offer free French drain quotes and inspections in CA.

History of French Drains in CA
Drain tile and French drain first started to be used in basement waterproofing projects in the 1920s. Originally designed with clay tile, French drain and drain tile was designed by Henry French in Concord. Given the time, this was an excellent solution. Today, this drainage system lives on, and is generally made out of large, round plastic piping. However, since the 1990s, a more effective alternative has been developed – the WaterGuard drainage channel system.

French drain systems are usually designed with PVC pipe that is perforated and installed along the interior perimeter of the foundation, or along the exterior as the home is built. Laid underneath the basement floor, it drains water to a gravity drain (uncommon) or to a sump pump (very common).

All over California, Bay Area Moisture Control, Inc. has pulled out many clogged, French drain and drain tile waterproofing systems.

Additional Basement Water Diversion Products used in the San Francisco Bay Area

Perimeter Drainage System

The WaterGuard system has a design that seprates it from the soil under your floor so it will be highly resistant to clogging. It also has a special wall flange that creates a neat space between the floor and the wall to drain any wall seepage, without allowing dirt and debris from the floor to enter. The WaterGuard system is applicable to all types of foundations including block, poured concrete, stone, etc. Weep holes are drilled into block walls to drain water out of walls into the system. Water enters the WaterGuard system via holes on the wall side and flows in the WaterGuard conduit to a SuperSump or other drain. The WaterGuard system intercepts water at the perimeter of your basement and drains in unseen safely away- guaranteed!

Basement Dehumidifier in the Bay Ara

Does your basement smell like a basement? Is it damp and musty? Have you been frustrated by home dehumidifiers that are inefficient? Basement Systems' SaniDry Basement Air Purification System or SaniDry CSB Dehumidifier will solve your humidity and odor problems. The SaniDry Basement Purification System removes over 100 pints of water per day (triple the performance of other dehumidifiers), is 2-3 times more efficient (5-8 pints per kwh), plugs into a standard outlet (draws less than 7 amps), has a low temperature design (continuous performance in colder areas), has an automatic defrost system (operates down to 55 degrees F), satisfaction guaranteed (or your money back), and has an optional duct kit (remote location for finished basements). Now your basement can be used for additional comfortable living space and safe storage of clothes, books, heirlooms, collectibles, or anything else. SaniDry dehumidifiers can be found in museums, libraries, and art galleries.

ThermalDry Wall System

The ThermalDry Basement Wall System stops water vapor, drains wall leaks, and does something the other two systems cannot do—it reflects up to 97% of the indoor heat back into the basement. This saves energy and money because your heat is not absorbed and lost into the perpetually cold basement. ThermalDry Wall System makes a dry, energy-efficient wall. This system is perfect if you are planning to take on a basement remodeling project.

Basement Floor Matting

One of the diffrences between basment space and first floor space in the floor itself. It is the surface we are in contact with most. The floor of the main level of our homes is wood with air space below it. The floor of our basement is dense, hard concrete. Because it sits on the damp, cool earth below, it is cold and uncomfortable. Furthermore, concrete is porous and allows water vapor to pass through. This moisture makes it feel even colder,causes carpet or other floor covering to rot, allows mold to grow, and causes the basment to grow, and causes the basment to smell musty. People with asthma and allergies may not be able to spend time in a basment like this. It's a problem that must be solved if you want comfortable space in your basment.

BrightWall Paneling System

The BrightWall Paneling System is 4' x 8' sheets of plastic paneling attached to the walls with special drilled-in fasteners that should never come off the wall. BrightWall provides a clean, bright, semi-finished look to your basement walls while stopping water vapor from permeating your walls and diverting and water leaks down to a WaterGuard system. It is the best looking and most durable of the three wall system options. If your basement will remain unfinished, and you want the nicest look possible, this is the system for you.

For Basement Water Diversion in the Bay Area, we service the following areas: San Francisco, Alameda, Piedmont, San Mateo, Palo Alto, Pleasant Hill, San Carlos, San Ramon, Union City, Belvedere Tiburon, Brisbane, Burlingame, Fairfield, Hayward, Mill Valley, Moraga, Alamo, Albany, Brentwood, Concord, El Cerrito, El Granada, Emeryville, Santa Rosa, Napa, Sonoma, Danville, Walnut Creek, San Jose, Los Gatos, Redwood City, San Mateo, Pacifica and surrounding areas.