Uncategorized Archives - Richtech Industries https://richtechindustries.com/category/uncategorized Basement Waterproofing Technology Mon, 21 Nov 2022 17:21:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 Basement Waterproofing Series Part 2: Cove Diverter https://richtechindustries.com/basement-waterproofing-series-part-2-cove-diverter https://richtechindustries.com/basement-waterproofing-series-part-2-cove-diverter#respond Mon, 11 Oct 2021 15:56:01 +0000 http://richtechindustries.com/?p=4719 The post Basement Waterproofing Series Part 2: Cove Diverter appeared first on Richtech Industries.

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Basement Waterproofing Series
Part 2: Cove Diverters

The Cove Joint

Once you have isolated the source of your water intrusion, you can begin to mitigate it. There are many approaches and opinions on the best way to manage water intrusion. Fortunately, the University of Minnesota has done a study on the most effective ways to mitigate water from a foundation/basement.

In their study, they described five different methods in which water mitigation was possible. Of those five, two (which were deemed the most effective) used what is called a cove diverter and a French drain system.

In your home you have what is called a cove joint. It is the point in the foundation where the footer and the block wall meet. This is often the easiest access point for water to enter and where most water issues arise.

A cove diverter is a product that is designed to guide water from the base of a wall (weep holes) or the cove joint and move it to the drain tile system that is on, or preferably next to the footer. One of the best cove diverters on the market is a product called PolyCove.



PolyCove

PolyCove is an Ultra-high Molecular Weight Thermoplastic (UHMW) material that has been specifically engineered to be the most effective cove diverter. Its rugged and durable composition allows it to be malleable and easy to work with. Yet its dense nature means you do not have to worry about it being brittle or cracking under pressure or in cold weather.

In conjuncture with its strength, there are a few other components that make it the favorite of waterproofing professionals. The ability to specify sizes or color means you can get the perfect roll to suit your specific job. Another unique feature of PolyCove is its waffle-like nature. Each PolyCove roll has what we call 5/8” air gaps, or dimples. These dimples are lined across the entirety of the roll and create a channel for the water to flow. As mentioned earlier, water will take the path of least resistance. Creating a healthy channel to flow will optimize the movement of the water to the drain tile.

Yet another benefit of these dimples are the holes that are created on the top side. When repouring concrete, it will find its way into these holes. The extra concrete will create a thicker floor and increase the overall strength of the repoured floor.

Although PolyCove is a favorite of basement waterproofing professionals it is not the best option for every water mitigation project. Due to varying code restrictions across the country, or the age of the home, you will find that each footer thickness will not be the same. A varying footer size will mean the thickness of the slab will be different on each job. In some cases, you may have 8” of concrete between the footer and the surface, others 2”, or even in some nightmare cases less. In these instances with a thinner slab you can utilize a different cove diverter called Channel-Cove.



Channel-Cove

Channel-Cove is similar to its counterpart in the sense that it is designed to move water from the cove joint or weep holes to the French drain tile. It is also made from a high molecular weight thermoplastic. This means like Polydrain, it will be a durable solution and not crack or tear over time. There are however a few key differences in Channel-Cove that make it easier to use depending on the scope of the job. Some of these differences are:

  • 250 ft of seamless product vs. 100 ft rolls
  • Prescored to create a 10” X 5” bend
  • Easy installation
  • Can be finished with cap molding
  • Narrow channels

The ¼” channels in the product make it the ideal solution for a thin floor. The channels will still allow water to flow freely to from the weepholes to the pipe, however they will not take up as much space as Polydrain.

The next component that differentiates it from its counterparts is the prescore. There is a brief serration at 5”, creating a bend with 10” and 5” widths. This score guarantees a clean fold and straight lines across the entirety of the footer. This combined with the option for a cap piece makes it the ideal solution for a job that has a worry of radon. With the cap, the straight lines, and some caulk; you have the ability to create a closed system.

Closed or open, Channel-Cove has been proven to be a fantastic solution for jobs that have a narrow floor, require a clean closed look, or simply do not have as much water flow. You can trust that the corrugated grooves will move the water to the French Drain tile system that is on or next to your footer.


 


For more info: https://extension.umn.edu/moisture-and-mold-indoors/moisture-basements-causes-and-solutions

Cove Joint


Channel-Cove closeup


Polydrain dimple-side up

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]]> https://richtechindustries.com/basement-waterproofing-series-part-2-cove-diverter/feed 0 Basement Waterproofing Series Part 1: Water Intrusion https://richtechindustries.com/basement-waterproofing-series-part-1-water-intrusion https://richtechindustries.com/basement-waterproofing-series-part-1-water-intrusion#respond Thu, 23 Sep 2021 19:00:48 +0000 http://richtechindustries.com/?p=4606 The post Basement Waterproofing Series Part 1: Water Intrusion appeared first on Richtech Industries.

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Water Intrusion graphic

Basement Waterproofing Series Part 1: Water Intrusion

A Return to Remodeling

Due to the recent increased time at home, people are attempting to optimize their living spaces. This means venturing to parts of the home that have historically been neglected. Projects on patios, decks, and most importantly basements have seen explosive growth in the last 10 months.

Out of all these types of projects, basement projects often are the most intrusive, and can provide the most drastic change on the overall quality of the dwelling. Basements, which encompass the ground floor of a building that is partly or entirely below ground level often remain unfinished and uninhabited.

The combination of being underground, unfinished, and uninhabited makes the basement/foundation susceptible to a unique set of environmental forces. Water and moisture are two factors that will slowly compromise the basement/foundation over the passage of time.

Signs of Water Intrusion

There are a variety of issues that water can create in your home, it is important to stay cognizant of water intrusion. There are many ways to identify this intrusion in your home. Some of them include:

  • Efflorescence
    • Will appear as white stains at the base of the wall or crack. This is mineral residue left over from evaporated water
  • Mold, Odor, Mildew, Dampness
    • Will often affect the air and have a tangible scent (Musty smell). It is possible that mold is present without a scent, contact a mold mitigation specialist for an air quality test.
  • Rot in the Joists or sill plate
    • Will require an inspection of the Joists. Depending on your region and climate it can manifest in a variety of ways. Follow this link to learn more.
  • Visible water/Water spots (puddles, pooling)
    • This is the most obvious sign and should be addressed as soon as possible. It will require you to identify the source of the leak. Condensation in walls/windows are another sign and should be addressed immediately
  • Cracked Walls, cracked floor
    • Can be hidden behind drywall or under floor. Can range between hairline cracks and up to inches wide.
  • Stained/Soggy Drywall
    • Visible staining, and or damp/wet drywall

Causes of Water Intrusion

If you can identify one or more of these indicators, the next step is to understand where the problem is coming from. Water will always take the path of least resistance, and there may be multiple sources from which water may be originating. The three most common sources will be:

  • Ground water
    • 1” of rain over a 2000 sq foot area can produce almost 1300 gallons of water.
  • Capillary Suction/Hydrostatic Pressure
    • Water Saturated ground pushes though cove joint, block wall
  • Underground springs
    • Reservoirs of water under the foundation that push up through the cove joint or through the floor

Water Control

Understanding your source of water intrusion means you are ready to tackle the problem. We will begin to explore myriad of options you have when waterproofing a basement. The goal is to create a healthy living space. This can be a complex task with many components. We have broken the task down into six key aspects that will cover all areas of any basement repair project. These six components are listed below:


 

For more info: https://extension.umn.edu/moisture-and-mold-indoors/moisture-basements-causes-and-solutions

Efflorescence and mold growth on block walls

Efflorescence on Walls


Significant mold growth on block wall

Mold growth on block wall


Condensation and pooling on floor leaves behind efflorescence

Condensation on floor


Cracked block wall

Cracked block wall

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]]> https://richtechindustries.com/basement-waterproofing-series-part-1-water-intrusion/feed 0 Explore Our Newly Upgraded Million Cycle Switch https://richtechindustries.com/explore-our-newly-upgraded-million-cycle-switch https://richtechindustries.com/explore-our-newly-upgraded-million-cycle-switch#respond Tue, 21 Apr 2020 15:19:57 +0000 http://richtechindustries.com/?p=4166 The post Explore Our Newly Upgraded Million Cycle Switch appeared first on Richtech Industries.

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It’s been about 10 months since we introduced our new Million Cycle Vertical Float Switch for our primary pumps. In that time we have learned from you what works and what needed to be improved.

Today, we’re happy to announce that we’ve made some significant upgrades to the Million Cycle Switch! These upgrades are designed to improve the switch’s functionality and reliability, while extending the life of the pump itself.

First, we’ve added a rubber boot near the top of the rod. This boot is designed to seal out any debris (or “gunk”) that may collect in the sump basin, preventing it from entering the switch housing. The flexible boot will protect the relay components from damage with every cycle.

Next, we’ve replaced the lone plastic grommet at the top of the rod with two brass grommets – one at the top and one at the bottom below the float. With these new, more substantial grommets for the float to butt up against, the switch will more consistently and accurately cycle on and off.

Finally, we’ve made two adjustments to the rod. One, the rod construction has been upgraded from plastic to fiberglass. And two, the rod is now about an inch longer.

The fiberglass construction provides super strong and lightweight reliability: it’s virtually unbreakable. The new construction also eliminates friction that can be caused by warping. Fiberglass construction gives the float a clear, straight path to actuate the switch.

The increased length of the rod results in a longer pump runtime. This design will reduce short cycling and wear-and-tear, and ultimately increase the life of the pump.

These three improvements work alongside the switch’s other main features:

  • Piggyback cord for emergency operation
  • Non-integrated design – replace a faulty switch, not the whole pump
  • Antimicrobial coating on float and rod eliminates algae buildup
  • Integrated switch guard keeps switch clear of basin wall
  • Tapered float top allows debris to fall away
  • Tested and rated to 1,000,000 cycles

Give us a call today at 800.677.7791 for more information or to try the Newly Upgraded Million Cycle Switch for yourself!

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]]> https://richtechindustries.com/explore-our-newly-upgraded-million-cycle-switch/feed 0 Basement Waterproofing During the Covid-19 Crisis https://richtechindustries.com/basement-waterproofing-during-the-covid-19-crisis https://richtechindustries.com/basement-waterproofing-during-the-covid-19-crisis#respond Tue, 31 Mar 2020 13:43:08 +0000 http://richtechindustries.com/?p=4098 State of emergency. Shelter in place. Stay at home. Executive orders. With individual states shutting down businesses and ordering their citizens to stay at home, there are lots of questions as to what’s considered a business that’s essential to critical infrastructure – who stays open and who must cease operations. Basement waterproofing contractors operating in different […]

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]]> State of emergency. Shelter in place. Stay at home. Executive orders. With individual states shutting down businesses and ordering their citizens to stay at home, there are lots of questions as to what’s considered a business that’s essential to critical infrastructure – who stays open and who must cease operations. Basement waterproofing contractors operating in different states are now facing the question of whether or not they should close for the time being.

As a business owner, you must clearly do what you think is best for your company, your employees, your customers and your community. If you’re unsure whether or not you’re allowed to stay open, read the following verbiage from CISA, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency:

“The attached list identifies workers who conduct a range of operations and services that are essential to continued critical infrastructure viability, including”…”maintaining and repairing critical infrastructure,” and “working construction.”

Then, under the Public Works Sector, even clearer language:

“Workers such as plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences”

Basement waterproofing by its very nature maintains the safety, sanitation and essential operation of residences. This language covers your installation crews, but could also be applied to your office workers if you have any. Scheduling, customer service, and marketing positions could all be considered essential to the day-to-day operation of your business.

To give employees peace of mind when they’re commuting to and from work, some of our contractors are giving them letters that spell out their necessity to business operations. See below:

Regardless if you plan to stay operational during the COVID-19 crisis or not, please continue to take measures that will prevent the spread of the virus. Be safe, be responsible and be well!

Source: https://www.cisa.gov/publication/guidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workforce

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