https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/
Basement Waterproofing in Lansing, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Michigan | Crawl Space & Foundation Repair MI & IN
2014-06-02T15:00:00.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems is a basement waterproofing, foundation repair, crawl space encapsulation, egress windows, and concrete leveling contractor in greater Lansing, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, Michigan. FREE quotes!
© 2014
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/news-events/48630-6-structural-issue-warning-signs-you-cant-afford-to-miss.html
6 Structural Issue Warning Signs You Can't Afford to Miss
2024-03-18T00:00:00.05Z
Brendan Monschein
Foundation issues can sneak up on any homeowner. Have an Ayers expert inspect your home's foundation and recommend a solution today!
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;">Whether you’re a new homeowner, looking to purchase your first home, or have been living in your forever home for years, you may see warning signs of structural problems. Home inspectors are often excellent at what they do, but no one is perfect, it’s worth having foundation experts examine these issues as well. Even the best-untrained eye can miss the writing on the wall, which could lead to destructive consequences.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">These are a few of the most common structural problems you don’t want to miss or misinterpret:</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"> </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">1. Sticking windows or doors. Homeowners often assume a sticking window or stubborn door is standard in an aging home. It’s common for home buyers and inspectors to dismiss the signs as symptoms of the home “settling,” but that isn’t always the case. A shifting foundation can directly cause windows or doors to stick in their frames. This shift starts when the home’s foundation is sinking into the soil beneath it, skewing the structure above it. This often happens when fill soil is poorly compacted and compresses over time, or it may happen when soil washes away or dries up and shrinks due to extreme weather events. No matter the cause, the problem can be serious and may foreshadow disastrous issues in the future.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"> </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">2. Gapping floors and ceilings cause an aesthetic issue that’s easy to blame on a home settling, especially if the structure is more than 20 years old. However, there could be an underlying reason for the interior wall being separated from the floor or ceiling. As with sticking doors and windows, this may be a result of foundation settlement issues. So, when a home has a ceiling or floor gaps, it’s probably time to bring in foundation experts to take a closer look.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"> </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">3. Bouncing or uneven floors. Unlike the issues mentioned above, bouncing, or uneven floors may be caused by warped floor joists due to excess moisture, causing swelling, or lack of moisture, causing shrinking. This is common in homes built over a crawl space rather than a fully sealed basement — although waterproofing issues can lead to the same results in basements. However, foundation settlement may cause bouncing or uneven floors too, so it’s worth having experts examine them to determine the cause and best resolution. Even if you have a basement in your home, it may have an addition built over a crawl space, causing it to be prone to bouncing and uneven floors, while the rest of the home is not.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"> </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">4. Drywall or plaster cracks. This aesthetic eye-sore can indicate deeper structural issues. When a foundation settles, it typically does so in an uneven manner, meaning parts of the house may sink while others don’t. Or perhaps they sink at different rates. This can skew the home’s framing, which can cause windows and doors to stick, floors and ceilings to gap, and interior walls to crack. The trouble is interior wall cracks — especially hairline cracks — are easily filled or painted over, making them easy to miss at an inspection.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"> </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">5. Separating chimney. While a home inspector should spot an issue as obvious as a chimney separating from the rest of the home, it may be missed. A chimney separation is likely caused by poor soil beneath it, but it may be exacerbated by the chimney’s foundation not being physically connected to the main structure. This problem could arise immediately after a home’s construction or years later as it settles into poorly compacted or washed-out soil.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"> </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">6. Driveway, pool deck, patio, and sidewalk cracks. Walk down any residential sidewalk, and you’ll see cracked, broken, and sunken slabs, which are easily dismissed. You’ll see these same issues in other concrete structures too, including driveways, patios, and pool decks. While these may not seem severe like foundation-related problems, they affect the value of your home and cause a tripping hazard and potential liability issues for the owner. However, what they do have in common with foundation issues is the cause — poor soil. Like the foundation, concrete slabs can sink and crack over time while settling into poorly compacted fill soil or voids left behind after soil is washed out or shrinks due to drought.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"> </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;">If you’re looking to buy or sell a home and suspect it may have a foundation, crawl space, or concrete issue, contact Ayers Basement Systems. We have the expertise and equipment to accurately assess and permanently repair most foundation, crawl space, and concrete issues.</p>
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2024-03-18T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/press-release/2522-ayers-basement-systems-accepts-2023-better-business-bureau-torch-award-for-ethics.html
Ayers Basement Systems Accepts 2023 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics
2023-12-01T16:06:46.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
Ayers Basement Systems, a family-owned and operated contractor serving Michigan and Northern Indiana, was presented with the 2023 Torch Award for Ethics by the Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan during the Economic Club of Grand Rapids luncheon ...
<p class="MsoNormal" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;" data-mce-fragment="1"><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/press_release/1147/medium/bbb-torch-01_1701465523.png" alt="Ayers Basement Systems Accepts 2023 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics - Image 1" width="264" height="228" /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;" data-mce-fragment="1">Ayers Basement Systems, a family-owned and operated contractor serving Michigan and Northern Indiana, was presented with the 2023 Torch Award for Ethics by the Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan during the Economic Club of Grand Rapids luncheon on Monday, November 13.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;" data-mce-fragment="1">The Torch Award is presented annually to five to ten companies from a field of hundreds of vetted entries. With high-level displays of character, culture, customer relations, and community support, Ayers is now a two-time award winner. </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;" data-mce-fragment="1">“Our customers are the center of everything we do,” said Taylor Dempsey, Director of Marketing. “It’s an honor to receive the seal of approval from a trusted organization such as the BBB as we continue to uphold our values and serve our local communities."</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;" data-mce-fragment="1">Ayers’ purpose is to redefine the contracting industry by changing homeowners’ perceptions of what to expect from a contractor. The implementation of the company purpose and the values they live by have compounded over time, resulting in several awards in 2023.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;" data-mce-fragment="1">Ayers Basement Systems provides basement waterproofing, foundation repair, crawl space repair, basement finishing, egress windows, concrete repair, and whole-home generators to customers in Michigan and Northern Indiana. In business since 1981, the company is proud to help thousands of families each year make their homes safer and more comfortable.</span></p>
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2023-12-01T16:06:46.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/press-release/2521-detroit-free-press-names-ayers-basement-systems-a-winner-of-the-michigan-top-workplaces-2023-award.html
Detroit Free Press Names Ayers Basement Systems a Winner of the Michigan Top Workplaces 2023 Award
2023-12-01T15:58:02.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
Ayers Basement Systems has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2023 honor by The Detroit Free Press Top Workplaces. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Ener...
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-left: .15pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-width: 95%;" data-mce-fragment="1"><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/press_release/1147/medium/top-workplaces-01_1701465599.png" alt="Detroit Free Press Names Ayers Basement Systems a Winner of the Michigan Top Workplaces 2023 Award - Image 1" width="640" height="319"></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-left: .15pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-width: 95%;" data-mce-fragment="1">Ayers Basement Systems has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2023 honor by The Detroit Free Press Top Workplaces. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization, including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few.</span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-width: 95%;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-width: 95%;" data-mce-fragment="1">“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That's something to be proud of. In today's market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That's paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-indent: 0in;" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; letter-spacing: .05pt; mso-font-width: 95%;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-font-width: 95%;" data-mce-fragment="1">The Top Workplaces<span style="letter-spacing: .05pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span>program has a 16-year history of surveying more than 20 million<span style="letter-spacing: .05pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span>employees<span style="letter-spacing: .6pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: .1pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span>recognizing<span style="letter-spacing: .4pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span>the<span style="letter-spacing: .55pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span>top<span style="letter-spacing: .25pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span>organizations<span style="letter-spacing: 1.05pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span>across<span style="letter-spacing: .3pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span>60<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span>markets<span style="letter-spacing: .55pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span>for<span style="letter-spacing: -.35pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span>regional<span style="letter-spacing: .35pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;" data-mce-fragment="1">awards. <span style="mso-font-width: 95%;" data-mce-fragment="1">Results are calculated<span style="letter-spacing: .05pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span>by comparing the survey’s research-based statements,<span style="letter-spacing: .05pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span>including<span style="letter-spacing: .05pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span>15 culture<span style="letter-spacing: .05pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> d</span>rivers<span style="letter-spacing: .35pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span>that<span style="letter-spacing: .15pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span>are<span style="letter-spacing: .3pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span>proven<span style="letter-spacing: .35pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span>to<span style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span>predict<span style="letter-spacing: .3pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span>high<span style="letter-spacing: .05pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span>performance<span style="letter-spacing: 1.7pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span>against<span style="letter-spacing: .3pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span>industry<span style="letter-spacing: .55pt;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span>benchmarks.</span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Open Sans'; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;" data-mce-fragment="1"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" data-mce-fragment="1"><!-- [if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" data-mce-fragment="1"><!--[endif]--></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-hyphenate: auto; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric ideograph-other; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;" data-mce-fragment="1"><strong data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; color: #0e101a; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt; mso-ligatures: standardcontextual; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" data-mce-fragment="1">About Ayers Basement Systems</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-hyphenate: auto; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric ideograph-other; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; color: #0e101a; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt; mso-ligatures: standardcontextual; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" data-mce-fragment="1">Ayers Basement Systems provides basement waterproofing, foundation repair, crawl space repair, and concrete leveling to homeowners throughout Michigan and Northern Indiana. In business since 1981, the company is proud to help thousands of families each year make their homes safer and more comfortable.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-hyphenate: auto; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric ideograph-other; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; color: #0e101a; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt; mso-ligatures: standardcontextual; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-hyphenate: auto; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric ideograph-other; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;" data-mce-fragment="1"><strong data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; color: #0e101a; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt; mso-ligatures: standardcontextual; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" data-mce-fragment="1">About Energage:</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-hyphenate: auto; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric ideograph-other; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; color: #0e101a; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt; mso-ligatures: standardcontextual; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" data-mce-fragment="1">Making the world a better place to work together.™</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-hyphenate: auto; text-autospace: ideograph-numeric ideograph-other; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto;" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; color: #0e101a; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt; mso-ligatures: standardcontextual; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" data-mce-fragment="1">Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 17 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations,  Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.</span></p>
2023-12-01T15:58:02.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/news-events/47944-jobs-in-the-trades-offer-attractive-career-options.html
Jobs in the Trades Offer Attractive Career Options
2023-11-15T00:00:00.05Z
Cathy Burke
Foundation repair offers a unique opportunity for workers interested in skilled trades
<p><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/blog/1147/medium/ayers-blog-post-photo-template_1700073850.png" alt="Jobs in the Trades Offer Attractive Career Options - Image 1" width="640" height="424" /></p>
<p>Do you know a young person who’s just not interested in college? Or who prefers to be active and work with their hands? Encourage them to use the time while they’re home during the upcoming holidays to explore the dozens of well-paid careers offered by the trades.</p>
<p>Today’s trades are ideal for individuals who are looking for a comfortable salary and who don’t want a traditional college degree. They include dozens of jobs in four main categories: Building, Mechanical, Industrial, and Medical. The common denominator is the requirement for a specific skill set or training, along with manual labor, which means you’ll be using your hands and won’t sit at a desk or be cooped up in an office.</p>
<p>Depending on the trade, you can learn on the job, attend a vocational school and be ready to start work in less than two years, or complete an apprenticeship. Some apprenticeships require up to five years to finish and become licensed; however, you’ll be paid during the training.</p>
<p>If you like to be outside and use tools, a career in the building trades could be a good fit. One construction job you may not be familiar with is foundation repair, which includes basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, and concrete lifting and leveling. These kinds of home repair and maintenance services are always in demand – meaning they offer steady, year-round work, regardless of what’s happening with the economy.</p>
<p>A position in the foundation repair field involves working on a small team, traveling to job sites around the state, and solving problems to make families safer and more comfortable in their homes. Specific on-the-job tasks might include jackhammering cement, removing debris from a basement, installing a sump pump, reinforcing the floor joists in a crawl space, excavating a hole for an egress window well, or using hydraulic drilling equipment to bury foundation support piers.</p>
<p>Ayers Basement Systems has more than 20 installation crews, each led by a foreman and comprised of two or three team members. Training takes place on the job, mostly at project locations. Crew members are taught how to interpret system design plans, prepare and clean up the work site, and install various products. They also learn important communication skills to keep homeowners informed and provide outstanding customer service. </p>
<p>“The great thing about this job is knowing how much of an impact I make in the lives of the families we help,” said one crew member. “People are so thankful we can repair their homes and they never have to deal with basement water or scary foundation problems again.”</p>
<p>Many crew members are promoted to foremen after a couple of years, allowing them to lead a team, take full responsibility for a job site, solve complex problems, and increase their earning potential. Ayers also has opportunities for qualified employees to move into other areas of the company, like annual maintenance or designing systems for new customers.</p>
<p>For more information about a career at Ayers, visit <a href="https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/job-opportunities.html">GoAyers.com/Careers</a>.</p>
2023-11-15T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/news-events/47852-how-to-know-when-a-settling-house-gets-scary.html
How to Know When a Settling House Gets Scary
2023-10-30T00:00:00.05Z
Cathy Burke
Five signs of a settling home you should never ignore
<p><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/blog/1147/medium/ayers-blog-post-photo-template-settling_1700078174.png" alt="How to Know When a Settling House Gets Scary - Image 1" width="640" height="424"></p>
<p>You’ve heard settlement in a house is normal and should be expected. But “normal” isn’t always good. So how can you tell when the settling in your home has crossed the line? And how does it happen anyway?</p>
<p>Don’t worry, your home isn’t haunted. But the soil underneath it is alive…or at least active. In fact, your home sits on what’s known as the “active zone” – the soil beneath the surface that’s the most affected by changes in moisture. The active zone varies from a few feet below grade to more than 30 feet down, depending on the area where you live. As seasons change, Mother Nature’s constant cycles of wet and dry cause the soil in the active zone to expand and contract. And all that movement can compromise your home’s stability.</p>
<p>Picture a new sponge. Like the clay soil in much of Michigan and Indiana, it holds onto water and expands when it gets wet. When it dries, it shrinks. Now imagine what would happen if your house were sitting on top of the sponge. It would rise, settle, and then rise again as if being jostled by an underground sprite. When this happens to the soil, it causes gaps that leave your home unsupported and can lead to serious foundation problems.</p>
<p>Here are five signs it’s time to seek help and vanquish the monster below for good.</p>
<p><strong>Sagging, sloping, or bouncy floors. </strong>These annoying symptoms could be the result of sinking and settling or an issue with the floor's support system.</p>
<p><strong>Foundation wall cracks or wall failure.</strong> Cracks in your home’s foundation can show up inside the basement or outside. Depending on whether the foundation is constructed of concrete block or poured concrete, the cracks could look like stairsteps, or be horizontal or vertical. You might also notice pushing in at the bottom of the wall or leaning in at the top.</p>
<p><strong>Above-ground cracks. </strong>Cracking on your home’s exterior is both unsightly and concerning. Stair-step cracks in block or brick are a common symptom of foundation settlement. So are cracks in the drywall inside your home. They’re frequently spotted extending from the corners of door and window frames or might follow drywall seams. Keep in mind, whether they’re outside or inside, small cracks often grow into big cracks – and bigger usually means more costly to repair.</p>
<p><strong>Problem doors and windows.</strong> The weakest part of a wall is where there’s an opening, which is why the areas around doors and windows often display the first signs of a problem. You might experience issues like sticking or jamming, needing to plane or shave down the tops of doors to make them close, or even replacing or moving locks and latching mechanisms to make them work properly. Outside problems can include doors and windows being out of square or separating from the frame or exterior finish. Excess caulking is also a sign that someone tried to conceal larger-than-normal gaps.</p>
<p><strong>Separating chimneys.</strong> This is one of the most alarming signs of settlement. Brick chimneys are very heavy and are sometimes built on a separate foundation that’s not connected to the house, which increases the chances they might settle.</p>
<p>If you see any of the signs above, the best thing to do is call Ayers Basement Systems for a free inspection and estimate. We’re foundation repair experts with more than 40 years of experience diagnosing complex home settlement problems. Our patented, industry-leading solutions are guaranteed to permanently stabilize your home. We can also fix garages and retaining walls.</p>
<p>Foundation issues impact your family’s safety, your home’s value, and your peace of mind. Cross your home’s foundation off your list of worries and save the scary stuff for Halloween!</p>
2023-10-30T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/press-release/2510-ayers-basement-systems-recognized-for-community-involvement.html
Ayers Basement Systems Recognized for Community Involvement
2023-10-27T14:49:29.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
Ayers supports Family Promise of West Michigan, the Tuesday Evening Music Club at Frederick Meijer Gardens, and the Better Business Business Bureau's anti-fraud programs
<p><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/press_release/1147/medium/impact-01_1701465671.png" alt="Ayers Basement Systems Recognized for Community Involvement - Image 1" width="640" height="319" /></p>
<p>Local contractor Ayers Basement Systems recently received the annual Impact Award for its dedication to Family Promise of West Michigan, which provides housing for families with children. </p>
<p>"We're extremely honored to use our resources to create positive ripples in our community," said CEO Ed Krieger. "Ayers is donating 2,000 hours of employee-paid time to assist Family Promise with tasks such as rough demolition and construction, electrical and plumbing, painting and interior decorating, and landscaping." </p>
<p>Ayers also sponsors several community events throughout the year, such as the Tuesday Evening Music Club at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and the Better Business Bureau's Fighting Financial Fraud and Trust programs. These sponsorships help provide cultural experiences to enrich lives, along with helping to educate consumers against unscrupulous businesses. </p>
<p>Krieger accepted the award at the 2023 dealer meeting for Basement Systems, a network of more than 400 of the world's best waterproofing, foundation, and crawl space repair contractors. Members in the network have exclusive access to patented products and comprehensive training and support through the international company.</p>
<p>Ayers Basement Systems provides basement waterproofing, foundation repair, crawl space repair, concrete repair, and basement finishing to homeowners throughout Michigan and Northern Indiana. In business since 1981, the company is proud to help thousands of families each year make their homes safer and more comfortable.</p>
2023-10-27T14:49:29.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/news-events/47814-five-home-improvement-projects-you-should-never-diy.html
Five Home Improvement Projects You Should Never DIY
2023-10-17T00:00:00.05Z
Cathy Burke
It pays to know which home projects are best left to the professionals.
<p><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/blog/1147/medium/ayers-blog-post-photo-template_1700077968.png" alt="Five Home Improvement Projects You Should Never DIY - Image 1" width="640" height="424"></p>
<p>If you own a home, you’ve probably tackled a DIY project before. When things go well, it’s a wonderful feeling; but if you’re halfway through a project and realize you’re in over your head, positive feelings can quickly turn to dread.</p>
<p>There are certain DIY projects anyone can do with the most basic set of tools: Fixing a running toilet, painting an interior room, and putting up shelving, to name a few. But there are some projects best left to the professionals.</p>
<p><strong>1. Anything but the most basic electrical projects.</strong> We’re not just talking about changing a lightbulb or installing a dimmer switch. We’re talking about any project that requires switching off breakers or removing fuses. The simple reason is there’s a risk of electrocution — that you could be hurt or even killed if you inadvertently touch a live wire. But there’s also the lurking danger of a short that could cause a fire sometime in the future. So, if you’re thinking about wiring or rewiring, it’s best to call an electrical contractor.</p>
<p><strong>2. Anything but the most basic plumbing projects.</strong> We mentioned a running toilet earlier. That’s something you should be able to fix on your own. A leaky faucet is also a relatively simple repair for the average homeowner. When it comes to adding new plumbing fixtures or replacing pipes, even the slightest mistake can result in leaks that could lead to serious issues. Let’s not forget that where there’s moisture, there’s always the danger of mold. A successful plumbing project requires the kind of experience you don’t get from simply watching a couple of YouTube videos.</p>
<p><strong>3. Taking down a tree.</strong> You’ve got a chainsaw. You’ve cut up firewood. You may have even climbed a ladder and trimmed a few low-hanging limbs. But if you’re thinking of felling an entire tree, you need to call a certified arborist. They can determine if your tree needs to be removed or if it can be saved. If they recommend removal, they’ll be able to do it without damaging your property or your neighbor’s. Most people have trouble “eyeballing” the height of a tree, and it’s common to misjudge and accidentally drop one right onto a neighbor’s roof or car.</p>
<p><strong>4. Window or skylight replacement.</strong> This is another project where you might watch a couple of tutorial videos and say, “How hard can it be?” The answer is “pretty hard, actually.” That’s because windows must seal out cold and warm air to keep your utility bills as low as possible. More importantly, windows — and skylights, especially — need to keep out rain and other inclement weather. A poorly installed window or skylight can lead to higher energy bills and leaks that cause floorboards to rot and mold to spread.</p>
<p><strong>5. Foundation repairs.</strong> This is a biggie. If your home has sagging or gapping floors, you may be tempted to head down to the basement with some shims or, worse, a bottle jack and some 2x4s, with the notion of shoring up the floor joists. Take it from us: don’t. This is your home we’re talking about. Your family. Your stuff. Your adorable labradoodle, Mabel. Everything you love rests on your home’s foundation. Fixing it yourself would be like… performing surgery on yourself instead of going to a doctor. If it goes <br>wrong (and it’ll likely go wrong), it can be catastrophic. The best bet is to call a foundation repair contractor. Don’t just call a general contractor or handyman here. You need a real expert to inspect your home and tell you exactly what’s wrong and how to fix it. An experienced foundation contractor will save you a lot of aggravation and stress and prevent you from losing a big chunk of the proceeds when it comes time to sell your home.</p>
<p>So, yes, do the little projects around the house you can handle yourself. Maybe even graduate to <br>slightly larger ones as you grow more confident, and your toolbox grows fuller. But leave the big projects to the pros — especially anything foundation-related. By the way, this goes double if you’re considering tackling a home improvement project with your spouse or partner. Nothing will strain a relationship to the breaking point more than a good old-fashioned DIY home improvement project!</p>
2023-10-17T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/news-events/47756-science-nature-and-smelly-basements.html
Science, Nature, and Smelly Basements
2023-10-04T00:00:00.05Z
Cathy Burke
Here's how you can get a drier, fresher-smelling basement.
<p><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/blog/1147/medium/ayers-blog-post-photo-template-smelly_1700077632.png" alt="Science, Nature, and Smelly Basements - Image 1" width="640" height="424"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Wondering why your basement smells? Most “basementy” odors are caused by moisture and the irrefutable laws of science and nature. Here are four of the most important laws and what you can do to make your below-ground space more pleasant.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><u>Irrefutable Law #1</u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Basement air rises into your living areas, so you breathe it every day.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">This law is known as the stack effect, which states that warm air rises and leaks out of the upper levels of your home. Air leaking out at the top causes air to leak in at the bottom (into the basement). According to building scientists, up to 50% of the air you breathe on the first floor is air that comes from the basement. Like it or not, your basement affects your family’s health and, even if you rarely go down there, you should never ignore it.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><u>Irrefutable Law #2</u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Moisture leads to mold, and mold smells musty...plus, it’s bad for you.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Mold needs two things to take root and grow, moisture and organic materials. Even if there’s no standing water, mold is attracted to high humidity and moisture in the air. It then finds and multiplies on organic materials such as dirt, wood, cardboard boxes, drywall, carpeting, and more. In addition to smelling bad, mold can seriously irritate asthma and allergies. Dampness also attracts dust mites, the number one indoor allergen.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">If there’s no water leak in the basement, using a dehumidifier is the best way to eliminate musty smells. We recommend the patented SaniDry Sedona, a high-capacity, high-efficiency dehumidification system with air filtration in a single unit. It removes more than two times the water from the air than an ordinary dehumidifier, and it uses less energy. It also filters particles out of the air that are smaller than any floating mold spores or dust mite droppings. The system even dries out your building materials and basement contents, so the lingering smell and damp feeling are totally gone.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><u>Irrefutable Law #3</u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Water flows downhill, and your basement is a hole in the ground.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Your basement is a hole in the ground lined with an imperfect concrete structure. The soil in that hole shifts over time and through wet and dry weather cycles. In addition, there are joints and gaps between building components such as your home’s footings and the basement walls. It doesn’t take much of a gap for water to enter…and so it does, down and through on the path of least resistance.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">It pays to address leaks or past leaks sooner rather than later before they get worse. Fortunately, water issues in your basement can be fixed for good. And once they are, you’ll gain clean, dry space to use for everything from storage to an extra bedroom to a home office or family room.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><u>Irrefutable Law #4</u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Science and nature are stronger than most basement fixes.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Contractors and do-it-yourselfers have all sorts of “fixes” for wet basements. Unfortunately, most of them fail over time. Installation of Ayers Basement Systems’ exclusive WaterGuard is guaranteed to keep your basement dry, and it includes a transferable warranty for the life of the home. WaterGuard is an interior drainage system that captures water at the most common points of entry, funnels it to our high-capacity TripleSafe sump pump, and then pumps it outside and away from your home. The system is effective because it’s scientifically designed to work in tandem with the laws of nature.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Contact us today to learn more, get a free estimate from a dry basement expert, and be on your way to a drier, fresher-smelling home.</p>
2023-10-04T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/news-events/47721-expand-your-living-area-without-adding-on.html
Expand Your Living Area Without Adding On
2023-09-25T00:00:00.05Z
Cathy Burke
Whether it's wide open, partially finished, or outdated 1980s-style chic, Ayers Basement Systems can transform your below-ground space into an area you'll want to show off.
<p><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/blog/1147/medium/ayers-blog-post-photo-template-add-living_1700077173.png" alt="Expand Your Living Area Without Adding On - Image 1" width="640" height="424"></p>
<p>Expecting overnight guests for the holidays? Kids constantly on top of each other? Now’s the time to think about expanding your living area into a space you already have – your basement. Converting a basement to add living space is a great investment and averages a return of more than 80%, even higher than kitchen renovations (which are usually closer to a 60% return on investment).</p>
<p>Whether it’s wide open, partially finished, or outdated 1980s-style chic, Ayers Basement Systems can transform your below-ground space into an area you’ll want to show off. </p>
<p>For more than 40 years, we’ve provided reliable solutions to keep basements dry, repair wall cracks and other foundation issues, and add attractive egress windows to create an emergency escape. Now we’re also your go-to experts for end-to-end basement finishing services.</p>
<p>We start with non-organic materials designed specifically for below-ground environments. Even if there’s a plumbing issue and things unexpectedly get wet, products like our ThermalDry Elite plank flooring clean up easily and won’t succumb to mold or mildew.</p>
<p>Our exclusive Basement to Beautiful panels are a great option to insulate the walls and eliminate conventional stud framing and fiberglass insulation. They create a warm, protective blanket around your basement and even include integrated electrical chases.</p>
<p>Thinking of a downstairs kitchenette, bathroom, or home theatre? We can do that, too. Our professional finishing specialist will help you create a plan that includes all your must-haves, provide a free written estimate and, should you decide to move forward, manage the project from beginning to end to ensure you’re completely satisfied with the results.</p>
<p>Don’t trust your basement to just any contractor! Rely on a company like Ayers that specializes in foundations and knows the ins and outs of working in a below-grade space.</p>
2023-09-25T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/foundation-repair/case-studies/23310-stabilizing-a-floor-in-mount-morris-mi-home.html
Stabilizing a Floor in Mount Morris, MI, Home
2023-09-13T14:22:25.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Ayers came to the rescue, sending a team of specialists to Kevin’s house. Our team immediately recognized the work he put in and knew the SmartJacks supplemental support system would be the solution to give him peace. SmartJacks are a system of floor jacks hot-dipped in galvanized steel and zinc-plated to bear large loads. The real kicker of SmartJacks is they last. They’re permanent and excessively durable to ensure they last with the home. During installation, underneath each SmartJack location, our team removed a two-foot cube of dirt and replaced it with a cement, or engineered fill base, followed by the SmartJack cast base. As time goes on Kevin will be able to adjust his SmartJacks if needed, and no matter the weight, they will never fail, as they are designed to carry far more weight than necessary. </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">During a SmartJacks installation job, our team always makes sure to set up a solid and clear plan with the homeowner. This plan can include the approximate number of SmartJacks required to complete the project, as well as spacing/placement of those SmartJacks for optimal support. Once the plan is in place the crew of experts will prepare your home for project debris to limit the mess made. This includes a thin plastic sheet layer to contain airborne dust, drop covers for the floors and staircases in the project area, and any other necessary measures. After your home is prepared for the project to begin, our team will measure out and cut the support beams and posts for the SmartJacks. Installing the supplemental support beam, if necessary, is the next step. Once it’s secured, it’s time to determine the best locations for the bases of the SmartJacks. </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">The base of the SmartJack, as mentioned before is integral to the success of the entire system. To create a base for the SmartJacks, our team first has to cut out a two-foot by two-foot cube of dirt in the designated location for the base. This may seem like a weird choice, but they do this to reduce load-bearing stress. When the cube-shaped hole is filled, it creates a foundation twice as deep as the required load-bearing width, reducing the stress of the load by 90%. This means that if a SmartJack has a base depth of twice the load-bearing width, it may only have to hold 200 lbs. If its base is not this deep, the load will be significantly heavier, more like 2,000 lbs. </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Once the system is tightened and secured into place, the job is almost done! Our team of experts don’t merely specialize in basement systems, but they also double as a great cleaning crew. It’s always our goal to leave the job site much better than we found it, because it’s not a job site, it’s your home. </p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Kevin dealt with the slanted floor in his kitchen for a long time. When the problem started, he didn’t think much of it, until it became more severe. Over time, Kevin tried everything he could to remedy the issue in hopes that something would work permanently. He tried using multiple big-box brands of floor jacks in his basement, but none lasted more than a year. He even placed his own wood blocks between the top of the failing jacks and the floor beams. Nothing worked for long, and Kevin was sick and tired of putting his blood, sweat, and especially tears into his basement.</p>
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2023-09-13T14:22:25.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/news-events/47643-protect-your-foundation-use-caution-when-emptying-above-ground-pool.html
Protect Your Foundation: Use Caution When Emptying Above-Ground Pool
2023-09-11T00:00:00.05Z
Cathy Burke
Draining your above-ground pool the wrong way could adversely affect your home's foundation
<p><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/blog/1147/medium/ayers-blog-post-photo-template-pool_1700077047.png" alt="Protect Your Foundation: Use Caution When Emptying Above-Ground Pool - Image 1" width="640" height="424" /></p>
<p>Photo by Raphaël Biscaldi on Unsplash</p>
<p>Here’s a quick fact: The average 24’ x 54” above-ground pool holds approximately 15,000 gallons of water. Let’s stow that information for a second and talk about what causes foundation problems: Soil. Specifically, unstable soil.</p>
<p><strong>Why Soil Becomes Unstable</strong></p>
<p>Your home is resting on many different layers of soil, each with different properties, including type, moisture content, and looseness or compactness. Soil layers develop over time, beginning with the Earth’s initial formation. Some were carried there and deposited by water, wind, or glaciers. Today, soil layers are often formed deliberately when developers and builders remove soil from hills and put it into valleys to create flat building sites. </p>
<p>Whether made by humans or by nature, over time soil can become unstable and cause a structure built on it to settle and sink. Drought can cause the soil to shrink and voids to form. Poorly compacted fill soil can compress. Lastly, large amounts of moisture – think about the 15,000 gallons of water we mentioned earlier – can cause soil to soften. </p>
<p><strong>When You Have to Drain Your Above-Ground Pool</strong></p>
<p>Your above-ground pool is designed to have water in it year-round, but there are times when you will need to drain it, either to address an issue or simply to refresh the water. Most manufacturers recommend changing pool water every three to five years.</p>
<p>You might think you could simply open a valve and let the water drain into your yard. But beware: If you do that, the sudden influx of thousands of gallons of water could cause the soil around and under your home to soften, resulting in serious foundation problems. Your home’s foundation could sink, causing the entire structure to become untrue, which can lead to issues like sloping floors, sticking doors and windows, and gapping ceilings. </p>
<p>If you have a basement surrounded by clay soils that expand when wet, the excess water could create pressure on your foundation walls and cause them to crack, bow, or even shear. In the worst case, you might even experience wall failure, necessitating costly and disruptive repairs.</p>
<p><strong>Draining Your Pool the Right Way</strong></p>
<p>If you need to drain your pool, it’s a good idea to seek advice from a professional. Typically, they’ll have you run a hose from your pool to a sewer, so the water drains straight into the city’s sewage system. Some municipalities will allow you to drain your pool into the street, but you should call first to make sure. Most importantly, you should direct the water away from your home, so it doesn’t destabilize the soil. </p>
<p>If you’re concerned about your home’s foundation – maybe your pool is leaking or there was a recent spate of torrential rain – call a local foundation repair company like Ayers Basement Systems. They can inspect your home at no cost and determine if the foundation is on solid ground.</p>
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2023-09-11T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/news-events/47632-how-do-i-insulate-my-crawl-space.html
How Do I Insulate My Crawl Space?
2023-09-06T00:00:00.05Z
Cathy Burke
If your home has a crawl space, chances are the floors above get cold in the winter. Follow these important DOs and DON'Ts to stay warm.
<p><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/blog/1147/medium/ayers-blog-post-photo-template-insulate_1700076667.png" alt="How Do I Insulate My Crawl Space? - Image 1" width="640" height="424" /></p>
<p>Frosty weather will be here soon and, if your home has a crawl space, chances are the floors above will be cold. Follow these important DOs and DON’Ts to keep the floors warm and your feet cozy.</p>
<p><strong>DO permanently close crawl space vents. </strong>When vents are left open, outside air moves freely into the crawl space, hangs beneath the floors, and seeps into the living areas above. Our gasket-sealed CleanSpace vent covers are the perfect solution to stop unwanted outside air from entering your crawl space. </p>
<p><strong>DON’T put insulation between the floor joists.</strong> Instead, it should be installed against the air boundary surfaces, which are the crawl space floors and walls. The goal of insulation in a crawl space should be to make it part of your home’s conditioned space by sealing it from the cold outside air. Think of it this way: Would your home stay warmer if you insulated the interior walls between rooms? Of course not! Instead, the insulation is applied to the outside walls and in the attic (your home’s above-ground air boundaries).</p>
<p><strong>DO insulate the rim joist.</strong> We recommend expandable spray foam to seal the small spaces between the sill plate and the top of the foundation. Be sure to seal other common sources of air leaks like spaces around wires or pipes and holes going into the garage.</p>
<p><strong>DON’T use fiberglass insulation, which is loose and allows air to pass right through it. </strong>Plus, when it gets just a little damp, it loses any insulating value – and crawl spaces tend to be full of humidity. Instead, we use our exclusive SilverGlo wall insulation, which has a shiny silver surface that acts as a radiant barrier and reflects heat back into the crawl space. We also offer TerraBlock, a durable, long-lasting insulation made specifically for crawl space floors. It’s perfect for blocking the cold coming up from the ground.</p>
<p><strong>DO keep your crawl space dry. </strong>Water and humidity are the enemies of a healthy crawl space. Even if there’s no visible water, humidity from the ground creates water vapor. That vapor clings to organic materials like wood floor joists (and the paper backing on fiberglass insulation) and makes an ideal environment for mold to grow. Encapsulation with our exclusive CleanSpace vapor barrier, along with the SmartSump sump pump system and a SaniDry Sedona dehumidifier, is the best way to tackle crawl space water and humidity. A dry, encapsulated crawl space also stays much warmer.</p>
2023-09-06T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/news-events/46896-how-do-i-air-out-my-crawl-space.html
How Do I Air Out My Crawl Space?
2023-08-21T00:00:00.05Z
Brendan Monschein
Ventilating your crawl space will only welcome more unwanted moisture and smells!
<p><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/blog/1147/medium/ayers-blog-post-photo-template-crawl-space_1700076371.png" alt="How Do I Air Out My Crawl Space? - Image 1" width="640" height="424" /></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;">We've heard stories from friends and family about flooding water and soaked crawl spaces, even if we haven’t experienced it ourselves. On stormy nights, homeowners often question: How on earth do you dry out a crawl space when there’s all this moisture? During dry days it’s easy to get frustrated and wonder: How’s my crawl space still damp, and where’s the nasty smell coming from?</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>First Reaction:</strong> If you don’t know crawl space science, your first reaction would probably be ventilating the crawl space. And that makes sense at first. You want the area underneath your home to be dry and assume that making holes, windows, or vents will allow moisture to escape. This is the opposite of what to do if your goal is a dry, clean, mold and critter-free crawl space.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>The Science:</strong> Moisture in your crawl space is caused by air moving freely in and out. Let’s get something clear. Water isn’t just ruining your house; water vapor is killing it. Moisture is created when the air must “give up its water” due to exceeding the relative humidity. The amount of water in the air relative to the maximum water the air can hold at that temperature is the relative humidity. If the water in the air exceeds that point, then the air gives up its water. This water vapor can manifest in your crawl space, create moisture, lead to mold, and inevitably start the deterioration process. With moisture in your crawl space, it’s easy for mold to grow, feeding on organic material. It’s likely the materials, such as wood, underneath your home are organic and will be destroyed by mold growth, causing structural damage to the home. </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>The Why:</strong> While ventilating the crawl space underneath your home seems logical, it’s detrimental. Ventilation allows more moisture into crawl spaces and ushers in outside air and organic material, feeding mold and allowing it to flourish. Air, water, and organic material under your house are the building blocks to solidify the future of mold growth. But this isn’t the only negative of a ventilated space beneath your feet. Especially in a weather-sporadic state like Michigan or Indiana, cold air seems to be able to get to you just about anywhere. If you don’t like having cold feet in the winter, you shouldn’t ventilate your crawl space. The cold air rushes below you, cooling the floor beneath your feet. Having a correctly encapsulated crawl space will fix your cold feet.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>The Money:</strong> However, we all know what the big question is. How much will this cost me? How much will this save me? The answer is, fixing your crawl space the right way now will cost much less than getting more severe, expensive repairs done in the future. The answer is that this will save your home from future emergencies, eliminates mold and moisture, and prevent deterioration underneath your home. Ventilating your crawl space is like driving down the highway, windows down with loose cash flying everywhere. Enclosing and encapsulating your crawl space can reduce your energy costs! </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; font-size: medium; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>The Solution:</strong> Now that you know you shouldn’t ventilate your crawl space, you’re probably wondering, what can I do? First, you can call Ayers and learn about our waterproofing solutions. CleanSpace is a vapor barrier installed on the walls and floors of the crawl space in a continuous, unventilated application designed to eliminate moisture and mold growth. Various sump pumps are designed to prevent failure, fit in any crawl space or basement, and remove leaking water. Dehumidifiers are engineered to remove moisture and humidity from the air to ensure a dry crawl space. Any or all of these solutions may be the best choice for “ventilating” your crawl space, and Ayers is happy to help you choose the right course of action!</span></p>
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2023-08-21T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/news-events/44435-keep-summer-humidity-outside-where-it-belongs.html
Keep Summer Humidity Outside Where It Belongs
2023-08-08T00:00:00.05Z
Cathy Burke
Up to 50% of the air on your first floor comes from the crawl space or basement. That means whatever affects the air underneath your home is affecting your family.
<p><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/blog/1147/medium/ayers-blog-post-photo-template-humid_1700075090.png" alt="Keep Summer Humidity Outside Where It Belongs - Image 1" width="640" height="424"></p>
<p>The hot and humid “dog days of summer” are amazing – when you’re outside at the beach, on the boat, or playing with the kids in the sprinkler. But living with high humidity inside your home isn’t so amazing, especially if it’s accompanied by something that smells like a wet dog.</p>
<p>The problem could be under your home. Building scientists say up to 50% of the air on your first floor comes from the crawl space or basement. That means whatever affects the air underneath your home is affecting your family.</p>
<p>If this doesn’t make sense, you need to know about the stack effect. It’s a scientific principle concerning the airflow in your home. Here’s how it works:</p>
<p>- As warm air rises, it leaks out of the upper areas through the doors, windows, attic, and roof vents.<br>- New air must enter to replace the air that escaped.<br>- This creates suction in the lower levels to draw in replacement air.<br>- In older, leaky homes, the air can be completely replaced up to two times every hour.</p>
<p>Bottom line: Your family breathes the air from the crawl space or basement. If the basement feels damp and clammy, it will be humid in your living areas. If there’s mold in the crawl space, there are mold spores upstairs. If it smells nasty and musty (maybe like a wet dog), your family is stuck with those odors throughout the house.</p>
<p>You can’t change the weather, so what can you do? If you have a basement that has never leaked, a dehumidifier is a great place to start. It’s also a good idea to seal the rim joist, which is the area at the top of the basement walls where the floor above attaches. This is a common spot where outside air enters the basement.</p>
<p>It’s a little more complicated if there’s a crawl space under your home, and the solution depends on several factors. Does the area have open vents? Is the floor just dirt or is there concrete? Has the crawl space ever had water in it? Does the floor structure above show signs of mold, rot, or rust?</p>
<p>Chances are you don’t know these things – and you’re not going into the crawl space to find out! That’s okay. The team at Ayers loves exploring the dark, damp, spidery areas below your home. Our knowledgeable specialists will visit at no charge, complete a thorough inspection that includes surveying the entire crawl space, show you photos of exactly what’s happening down there, and provide detailed recommendations to solve whatever issues they find. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions so you can feel confident about the needed repairs.</p>
<p>The best solution often includes sealing the rim joist, encapsulation with our exclusive CleanSpace vapor barrier, installing the SmartSump crawl space sump pump system, and adding a SaniDry Sedona dehumidifier. All these patented products are specially designed to keep crawl spaces dry, eliminate humidity from outside air, prevent damage to the floor supports above, and make your home safer and more comfortable.</p>
<p>Keep the weather outside where it belongs and enjoy the oasis of your home without unwanted humidity or nasty smells. Contact Ayers today for a free inspection and estimate!</p>
2023-08-08T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/press-release/2479-community-chooses-ayers-basement-systems-as-best-of-the-best.html
Community Chooses Ayers Basement Systems as Best of the Best
2023-07-28T10:05:58.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
The company recently took top billing as the area's premier basement waterproofing, crawl space, and foundation repair contractor.
<p><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/press_release/1147/medium/cc23lansingmiwinner_1690553173.jpg" alt="Community Chooses Ayers Basement Systems as Best of the Best - Image 1" width="307" height="425"></p>
<p>Lansing-area residents recently cast their votes to recognize Ayers Basement Systems as a 2023 Community’s Choice Award winner. The company took top billing as the area's premier basement waterproofing, crawl space, and foundation repair contractor.</p>
<p>“Our team takes pride in exceeding customers’ expectations and creating new expectations for how a homeowner should be treated,” says Director of Marketing Taylor Dempsey. “We’re thrilled to be appreciated by the community where we were founded.”</p>
<p>Ayers is headquartered in a newly renovated office and training center in South Lansing. They currently employ nearly 200 people and are looking to add more high-performing team members in a variety of roles, from customer service to sales to installation.</p>
<p>In business since 1981, Ayers helps thousands of homeowners throughout Michigan and Northern Indiana every year. The company is a leading dealer in two nationwide contractor networks, Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks, and uses state-of-the-art, patented products to make customers’ homes safer and more comfortable.</p>
2023-07-28T10:05:58.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/news-events/44391-how-do-i-fix-slanting-floors.html
How Do I Fix Slanting Floors?
2023-07-25T00:00:00.05Z
Cathy Burke
Slanting, sloping, and sagging floors are annoying at best. At worst, they’re signs of issues with the structure of your home. What’s the difference? Slanting floors slope gradually across the room and are lower on one wall than they are on ...
<p><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/blog/1147/medium/ayers-blog-post-photo-template-slant_1700074890.png" alt="How Do I Fix Slanting Floors? - Image 1" width="640" height="424"></p>
<p>Slanting, sloping, and sagging floors are annoying at best. At worst, they’re signs of issues with the structure of your home. What’s the difference? Slanting floors slope gradually across the room and are lower on one wall than they are on the others. Sagging floors are lowest in the middle and have a slope going up from each side of the sag.</p>
<p>Any of these floor problems could be caused by a cracked and leaning basement wall or a sinking foundation, although sagging often indicates less serious defects such as improperly installed joists or subfloors or deteriorating wood supports. You might also notice other symptoms including drywall cracks, gaps around door frames or under baseboards, or sticking doors and windows.</p>
<p>It’s a good idea to have your home inspected by a foundation expert if you see any of these issues. Ayers Basement Systems has repaired foundations for more than 40 years and our professionals understand what it takes to safely and effectively bring your home back to level and solid.</p>
<p>When you call us, one of our knowledgeable specialists will conduct a complete inside and outside inspection and provide detailed recommendations to permanently stabilize your home. They’ll also thoroughly explain what caused the problems, the solutions we offer, and how we’ll proceed moving forward. </p>
<p>Their recommendations will be tailored to the specific problems they identify and might include helical or push piers, our patented CarbonArmor carbon fiber straps, the specially designed PowerBrace wall straightening and reinforcement system, our exclusive GeoLock or helical wall anchors, or our highly engineered SmartJack floor supports.</p>
<p>Beware of foundation contractors that offer the same repair option for every home. Each of Ayers’ systems has unique advantages and disadvantages. The one that’s right for you depends on the issue to be solved, the structure of your home, the type of soil, and even things like landscaping and the amount of space between the houses in your neighborhood.</p>
2023-07-25T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/press-release/2472-ayers-basement-systems-works-with-veneklasen-construction-to-expand-into-new-headquarters-and-prepare-for-future-growth.html
Ayers Basement Systems Works with Veneklasen Construction to Expand into New Headquarters and Prepare for Future Growth
2023-07-07T14:30:47.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
Ayers Basement Systems works with general contractor Veneklasen Construction to renovate new headquarters and grow footprint across Michigan and Indiana
<p><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/press_release/1147/medium/e0519aab6786f30726c9d2805b6e_1690552872.jpg" alt="Ayers Basement Systems Works with Veneklasen Construction to Expand into New Headquarters and Prepare for Future Growth - Image 1" width="640" height="480"></p>
<p>Ayers Basement Systems, a leader in basement waterproofing and residential structural repair, has more than doubled in size over the last ten years, outgrowing its existing office space and asking some employees to work remotely. Ayers’ company growth and outgrowing of their space began to hamper their strong culture as employees no longer had collaborative meeting spaces and weren’t seeing each other daily. </p>
<p>After purchasing the building and property at 2631 Eaton Rapids Road in Lansing, Ayers invited Veneklasen Construction to renovate the existing structure into a brand new, 12,000+ square foot headquarters to house their office staff, materials, and supplies. </p>
<p>“We have found that collaborating with Veneklasen frees us to focus on what we do best; training and equipping our employees so they can provide high-quality service to homeowners and communities across Michigan,” says Ed Krieger, CEO of Ayers Basement Systems. “We want to exceed our customer’s expectations and create a new standard in the industry and we needed more office space to do that.” </p>
<p>In pursuit of that goal, Ayers’ collaboration with Veneklasen, general contractors who focus on developing long-term business relationships, saves them time and money and provides them with a great, consistent client experience. Chris Veneklasen, CEO of Veneklasen Construction, praised Ayers’ exceptional trustworthiness and profound positive impact on individuals throughout Michigan and Northern Indiana. </p>
<p>Veneklasen relates, “Collaborating with Ayers on the renovation of their headquarters has been a rewarding experience for us. They exemplify the remarkable achievements that can be attained when individuals and businesses unite in their pursuit of mutual benefit and the welfare of the community. We hope to continue to support their growth long into the future.”</p>
<p>Veneklasen has also worked with Ayers on renovating a property in Grand Rapids in the city of Kentwood, which houses several of their affiliated companies such as Ayers Commercial Group, East End Plumbing, Grand Bay Electric, and Hello Garage of Grand Rapids.</p>
<p>Ayers Basement Systems and Veneklasen Construction are setting a new business collaboration standard. The two companies have worked together on several projects, and each time they have exceeded their own expectations. The new Ayers headquarters is a prime example of the success. Ayers moved into the building in March and looks forward to continuing to work with Veneklasen on future projects.</p>
<p><strong>About Ayers Basement Systems</strong><br>Since 1981, Ayers Basement Systems has matured from a small individual proprietorship to a thriving state-wide business providing basement waterproofing, foundation repair, crawl space repair, and concrete repair to Michigan and Northern Indiana homeowners.</p>
<p><strong>About Veneklasen Construction</strong><br>Veneklasen Construction has specialized in high-quality industrial, commercial, and multi-family, residential buildings since 1975. Using our experienced internal team and our VENEBUILT design-build delivery method, Veneklasen Construction adds value to each project throughout the entire construction process. Today, a people and relationship focus drives our growth. Prioritizing investment in our team and strategic leadership provides impactful client experiences and we are proud to be the general contractor of choice for many repeat customers, including Fortune 100 companies.</p>
2023-07-07T14:30:47.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/press-release/2468-ayers-basement-systems-sponsors-tuesday-evening-music-club-at-meijer-gardens.html
Ayers Basement Systems sponsors Tuesday Evening Music Club at Meijer Gardens
2023-06-26T16:27:23.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
Ayers Basement Systems is pleased to be the title sponsor of the 2023 Tuesday Evening Music Club at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
<p><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/press_release/1147/medium/12044724007049273401_1687811273.jpg" alt="Ayers Basement Systems sponsors Tuesday Evening Music Club at Meijer Gardens - Image 1" width="500" height="261" /></p>
<p>Local contractor Ayers Basement Systems is pleased to be the title sponsor of the 2023 Tuesday Evening Music Club at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.</p>
<p>The Tuesday Evening Music Club features a diverse schedule of live bands and programming ranging from indie to jazz, folk to rock, ballet, and more. It includes concerts on Tuesdays at 7:00pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day in Meijer Gardens’ intimate 1,900-seat outdoor amphitheater. The concerts are free to Meijer Gardens members and included with admission for other guests.</p>
<p>"Ayers Basement Systems is thrilled to sponsor this premiere music series," says CEO Ed Krieger. "We believe cultural experiences like those available at Meijer Gardens enrich lives and create a positive ripple effect in our communities."</p>
<p>Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, one of the world’s most significant botanic and sculpture experiences, promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts.</p>
<p>Ayers Basement Systems provides basement waterproofing, foundation repair, crawl space repair, and concrete leveling to homeowners throughout Michigan and Northern Indiana. In business since 1981, the company is proud to help thousands of families each year make their homes safer and more comfortable.</p>
2023-06-26T16:27:23.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/news-events/44250-repairing-vs-replacing-your-concrete.html
Repairing vs. Replacing Your Concrete
2023-06-19T00:00:00.05Z
Morgan Kenney
Don't Replace Your Broken Concrete-Repair It!
<p><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/blog/1147/medium/ayers-blog-post-photo-template-concrete_1700074278.png" alt="Repairing vs. Replacing Your Concrete - Image 1" width="640" height="424"></p>
<p>It’s often said that your home’s concrete—your driveway, sidewalk, patio, and pool deck—is its calling card. It’s often the first thing a visitor or family member sees when they come to your home. So, when it cracks, breaks, sinks, and settles, it not only looks bad, it can hurt your home’s curb appeal and its value (not to mention your standing with your neighbors!). And, of course, uneven concrete slabs can present serious tripping hazards that you as the homeowner may be liable for.</p>
<p>So, if you’ve made the wise decision to address your home’s concrete problems, your first thought may be to replace it. And while that would certainly fix the curb appeal issue— at least for a while—there may be a better alternative.</p>
<p><strong>The Hassle of Total Concrete Replacement</strong></p>
<p>Replacing a sidewalk or driveway is a seriously big job—one that will leave you and your family without the use of your concrete for days or even weeks. First, the old concrete must be broken up and taken away. Usually, this means jackhammering it into smaller, more manageable pieces. And jackhammering means noise—lots of it. Just make sure you prepare your neighbors ahead of time.</p>
<p>Once the concrete is broken up and removed. New concrete must be mixed and poured into place. Once that’s done, it must harden and cure. This can take up to a week or two, depending on a variety of factors. During this time, your sidewalk, driveway, pool deck, or patio will be unusable. While this might be tolerable with a patio or pool deck, an unusable driveway or sidewalk can be a real nuisance.</p>
<p>The main issue, however, with replacing your concrete is, you aren’t really addressing the reason it likely failed in the first place. That’s because most concrete sinks and settles due to problems with the soil beneath. Excess moisture can cause soil to soften. Drought can cause it to shrink. And soil can even wash away completely if enough water is present, like during a major rainstorm or snowmelt. So, when you pour new heavy concrete slabs on old unstable soil, chances are they will sink and settle just like the old stuff did. That means you’re back to square one.</p>
<p><strong>The Best Option for Concrete Repair</strong></p>
<p>Instead of replacing old worn-out concrete slabs, we recommend repairing them and resurfacing them so they look like new. Thanks to modern technology, this option can give you a like-new appearance and capability in days, rather than weeks.</p>
<p>First, a rapidly expanding polyurethane foam is shot under the slabs. As it expands and hardens, it not only lifts the concrete above it but also fills voids and compresses the soil beneath it. This permanently stabilizes your concrete so it won’t sink again. Once your slabs are level, cracks are repaired to keep moisture from getting underneath. Then a high-tech, superstrong polymer cement is spread over the surface, giving it a brand-new look. Lastly, control joints are cut and sealed with a silicone caulk, and then everything is covered with a sealant that bonds with the new concrete surface.</p>
<p>This whole process takes about a day in most cases, and you can return your concrete to normal use just 48 hours later. And, this can all be done with much less mess and noise than total replacement.</p>
<p>So, if you’re thinking of renewing your home’s “calling card”—and we really think you should—consider repairing it rather than replacing it. In most cases, it really is the best option.</p>
2023-06-19T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/news-events/44235-why-does-my-drywall-have-mildew.html
Why Does My Drywall Have Mildew?
2023-06-27T00:00:00.05Z
Cathy Burke
You may not always see or feel mildew-causing moisture, but chances are you've noticed its musty odor.
<p><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/blog/1147/medium/ayers-blog-post-photo-template-mildew_1700074507.png" alt="Why Does My Drywall Have Mildew? - Image 1" width="640" height="424" /></p>
<p>Mildew is a “nice” word for mold, and it shows up in homes with water or humidity problems. It needs two things to grow and survive: moisture and organic materials. (Read drywall, wood, carpeting, fabric, paper, and more.)</p>
<p>You may not always see or feel mildew-causing moisture, but chances are you’ve noticed its musty odor in your basement, crawl space, or other unaired living areas – like your cottage when you first open it in the spring. Normal airflow even brings that funky smell and the mold that goes with it into the upper areas of your home, leading to problems such as aggravated asthma and allergies.</p>
<p>You don’t put up with gross mildew on bathroom walls or shower curtains, so why would you allow it to flourish under your home?</p>
<p>You don’t need to!</p>
<p>Mastering humidity is the key to ridding your home of mold and mildew. When the air is dry, your stuff is dry, and mold can’t survive on it.</p>
<p>An efficient dehumidification system like our SaniDry or Sedona is just the trick to wring out the moisture in the air. These exclusive products are specifically engineered to perform in the cooler environments found in basements and crawl spaces. They can also remove two times the water vapor than a standard household dehumidifier. </p>
2023-06-27T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/news-events/44175-how-landscaping-affects-your-homes-foundation.html
How Landscaping Affects Your Home's Foundation
2023-06-06T00:00:00.05Z
Cathy Burke
It's National Gardening Week, a perfect time to update the landscaping around your home. Before you begin, consider how the choices you make might impact your foundation.
<p><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/blog/1147/medium/ayers-blog-post-photo-template-landscaping_1700074147.png" alt="How Landscaping Affects Your Home\'s Foundation - Image 1" width="640" height="424"></p>
<p>Photo by Omri D. Cohen on Unsplash</p>
<p>It’s National Gardening Week, a perfect time to update the landscaping around your home. Before you begin, consider how the choices you make might impact your foundation.</p>
<p>Problems with a home’s foundation are usually caused by the very three things you need for landscaping: soil, plants, and water (or the lack of it). The soil supports and, if you have a basement, surrounds your foundation. Some plants have large, powerful root systems that can cause damage as they grow. And too wet or too dry conditions cause plants to die and the soil to expand and contract, leading to sinking, cracking, or leaking foundations.</p>
<p>Mother Nature never sleeps! Still, you can rest easy (and have beautiful gardens) by following these important landscaping tips:</p>
<p>Use proper grading – Slope the soil away from your foundation. If you need to add fill, it should be clay or other dense dirt. A layer of mulch on top is a great way to keep the ground moist during droughts, just keep in mind that rainwater flows right through it so don’t use mulch in place of dirt.</p>
<p>Plant shrubs and trees a safe distance away – This means about five feet for shrubs and at least 20 feet for trees. It’s a good idea to ask an expert what varieties are best and where it’s safe to plant them.</p>
<p>Avoid drains and outlets – Keep dirt, mulch, and plants away from sump pump discharge lines, which need to be clear to do their job.</p>
<p>Clean gutters – Keep gutters free of leaves and other debris. In addition, make sure downspouts are directed away from the foundation and will discharge water a few feet out into the yard.</p>
<p>Be careful with hardscapes – Make sure patios, sidewalks, and driveways are properly slanted to direct water away from your foundation.</p>
<p>Keep at least three inches of your foundation visible – This will allow you to see cracks and other issues that might develop.</p>
<p>If you notice anything new or unusual, call the professionals at Ayers right away. One of our knowledgeable team members will inspect your foundation, diagnose the problem, and provide a free same-day estimate. If everything looks good, they’ll let you know. If not, you can rely on our highly trained crews to make your home stable and safe again.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
2023-06-06T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/news-events/44141-why-are-my-floors-sagging.html
Why Are My Floors Sagging?
2023-05-30T00:00:00.05Z
Cathy Burke
Sagging is a sign of issues with the girders, beams, and joists in the crawl space below the floor, and there are three main causes.
<p><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/blog/1147/medium/ayers-blog-post-photo-template-sagging_1700073967.png" alt="Why Are My Floors Sagging? - Image 1" width="640" height="424"></p>
<p>Photo by Ethan Richardson on Unsplash</p>
<p>What happens when the dog drops his ball on the floor in front of you? Does it roll to the center of the room? If so, it’s because the floor is sagging – and it could be more than just an “old house” problem.</p>
<p>Sagging is a sign of issues with the girders, beams, and joists in the crawl space below the floor, and there are three main causes:</p>
<p>1. Excess moisture and humidity. If the crawl space is dirt, it’s likely full of humidity and sometimes standing water. Over time, all that moisture can cause the wooden floor structure to mold, rot, weaken, and sag.</p>
<p>2. Support columns too far apart. This causes the beam to be overloaded and sag between the columns. The girder sags with it and so does the floor above.</p>
<p>3. Existing columns have settled. Weak soil can cause the support columns in the crawl space to sink or settle, often creating a gap between the top of the column and the bottom of the girder it was supporting. When that happens, the girder and the floors above it also sag.</p>
<p>All these problems can be repaired – but beware of temporary fixes such as concrete block columns, shimming, and light-duty jack posts. A specialized contractor like Ayers can provide a permanent solution like our SmartJack system, which is engineered to support large loads and is suitable for large homes and load-bearing wall construction. In addition, SmartJacks are made of zinc-plated and hot-dip galvanized steel to prevent rust and eliminate weakening.</p>
<p>We also recommend our CleanSpace liner to isolate your crawl space from the earth and the moisture that comes with it. CleanSpace is incredibly durable, will last as long as the house, and will stay where you install it.</p>
<p>Stop chasing the dog’s toys across the floor! Call us for a free inspection and estimate to repair your sagging floors for good.</p>
<p> </p>
2023-05-30T00:00:00.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/press-release/2459-ayers-basement-systems-recognized-as-industry-leading-foundation-repair-contractor.html
Ayers Basement Systems Recognized as Industry-leading Foundation Repair Contractor
2023-05-18T13:11:11.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
The company earned distinction as a top-20 foundation repair contractor in 2022.
<p><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/press_release/1147/medium/bc9fe7ff-bf76-4863-8e18-fd52c4a0aedb_1690553754.jpg" alt="Ayers Basement Systems Recognized as Industry-leading Foundation Repair Contractor - Image 1" width="526" height="350"></p>
<p>Ayers Basement Systems was recently recognized for its leadership in the nationwide Foundation Supportworks dealer network. The company earned distinction as a top-20 foundation repair contractor in 2022 and was also named a top-10 dealer for three of our most popular foundation and crawl space repair solutions.</p>
<p>Ayers Basement Systems joined the Foundation Supportworks network at its inception in 2008 and was the 2021 recipient of the organization’s highest honor, the annual Integrity Award.</p>
<p>The Foundation Supportworks network is comprised of the most reputable and experienced contractors in North America. Dealers use state-of-the-art products to permanently repair and stabilize foundations, giving homeowners peace of mind and improving the lives of the families, neighborhoods, and communities they serve.</p>
<p>Ayers Basement Systems provides basement waterproofing, foundation repair, crawl space repair, and concrete leveling to homeowners throughout Michigan and Northern Indiana. In business since 1981, the company is proud to help thousands of families each year make their homes safer and more comfortable.</p>
2023-05-18T13:11:11.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/press-release/2450-ayers-basement-systems-gadzinski-helps-families-protect-their-homes-receives-national-recognition.html
Ayers Basement Systems' Gadzinski Helps Families Protect Their Homes; Receives National Recognition
2023-04-20T08:50:18.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
Gadzinski was among the top five basement experts from around the country who were recognized by Basement Systems, Inc.
<p><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/press_release/1147/medium/98720_1690553439.jpg" alt="Ayers Basement Systems\' Gadzinski Helps Families Protect Their Homes; Receives National Recognition - Image 1" width="239" height="319" /></p>
<p>Scott Gadzinski, a System Design Specialist with Ayers Basement Systems, was recently recognized for helping dozens of Grand Traverse County families repair their homes' basement, foundation, and crawl space problems.</p>
<p>With an extensive background in construction and customer service, Gadzinski ensures the homeowners he works with have a remarkable contractor experience and a permanent solution to fix the issues in their homes.</p>
<p>"We are extremely proud to have Scott on our team," says Ed Krieger, CEO of Ayers Basement Systems. "He exemplifies the high level of knowledge and passion that allows our employees to help customers live better lives and experience peace of mind in their homes."</p>
<p>Gadzinski was among the top five basement experts from around the country who were recognized by Basement Systems, Inc., a network of more than 400 of the best waterproofing, foundation, and crawl space repair contractors in the world that have exclusive access to patented products, as well as comprehensive training and support through the international company.</p>
<p>Krieger added, "Our organization's purpose is to redefine the contracting industry and Scott is making that happen in Traverse City, the surrounding communities, and beyond."</p>
<p>Ayers Basement Systems provides basement waterproofing, foundation repair, crawl space repair, and concrete leveling to homeowners throughout Michigan and Northern Indiana. In business since 1981, the company is proud to help thousands of families each year make their homes safer and more comfortable.</p>
2023-04-20T08:50:18.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/press-release/2445-ayers-basement-systems-partners-with-family-promise-for-year-long-volunteer-project.html
Ayers Basement Systems Partners with Family Promise for Year-Long Volunteer Project
2023-04-11T15:21:27.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
Ayers Basement Systems is pleased to announce its support and partnership with Family Promise of West Michigan for a year-long volunteering initiative.
<p style="margin: 0in;" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #0e101a;" data-mce-fragment="1"><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/press_release/1147/medium/family-promise-group-photo723_1690808012.jpg" alt="Ayers Basement Systems Partners with Family Promise for Year-Long Volunteer Project - Image 1" width="550" height="480"></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </p>
<p style="margin: 0in;" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #0e101a;" data-mce-fragment="1">Ayers Basement Systems is pleased to announce its support and partnership with Family Promise of West Michigan for a year-long volunteering initiative. </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #0e101a;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #0e101a;" data-mce-fragment="1">Family Promise of West Michigan engages faith-based and community organizations to provide emergency shelter and basic needs to families with children who are homeless and to provide additional programs to assist them in finding housing and sustaining their independence.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #0e101a;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #0e101a;" data-mce-fragment="1">Ed Krieger, CEO of Ayers Basement Systems, says, “Our organization’s purpose is to redefine the contracting industry, which includes creating a meaningful impact in our communities. We want our employees, customers, and neighbors to live better lives, and to experience the peace of mind that comes with having a safe, secure, and comfortable home.”</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #0e101a;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #0e101a;" data-mce-fragment="1">In 2023, Ayers Basement Systems and its employees will donate at least 2,000 hours of volunteer time to renovate housing that will allow West Michigan families in need to move into sustainable, independent housing. The volunteers will assist with tasks from rough demolition and construction to electrical and plumbing, painting and interior decorating, and landscaping.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #0e101a;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #0e101a;" data-mce-fragment="1">“That peace of mind, and the accompanying emotions and actions, create ripples throughout the community. And we believe these ripples can change the world,” Krieger added. “We’re proud to partner with Family Promise to assist families when they need it most.”</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #0e101a;" data-mce-fragment="1"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;" data-mce-fragment="1"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #0e101a;" data-mce-fragment="1">Ayers Basement Systems provides basement waterproofing, foundation repair, crawl space repair, and concrete leveling to homeowners throughout Michigan and Northern Indiana. In business since 1981, the company is proud to help thousands of families each year make their homes safer and more comfortable.</span></p>
2023-04-11T15:21:27.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/press-release/2440-ayers-basement-systems-transforms-south-lansing-building-as-new-headquarters.html
Ayers Basement Systems Transforms South Lansing Building as New Headquarters
2023-03-24T16:29:36.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
Ayers Basement Systems, a long-time local presence, recently moved into its new headquarters at 2631 Eaton Rapids Road in South Lansing.
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/press_release/1147/medium/98c41215-548e-4532-8374-7114c3e53dcb_1690554223.jpg" alt="Ayers Basement Systems Transforms South Lansing Building as New Headquarters - Image 1" width="640" height="480" /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Ayers Basement Systems, a long-time local presence, recently moved into its new headquarters at <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #242424; border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in; background: white;">2631</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #242424; background: white;"> <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Eaton</span> <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Rapids</span> <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Road</span> in South Lansing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #242424; background: white;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; color: #242424; background: white;">The spacious and modern-looking office and training facility began as an Elks Lodge in the 1970s and was also home to other businesses over the decades. Now, after a year-long </span>multi-million-dollar renovation, the space is ready to serve as a launching point for the next stage of Ayers’ growth.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Ayers Basement Systems currently employs 170 people and is looking to add more high-performing team members in various roles, from customer service to sales and installation.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">“One important reason we invested in this new building was to maximize opportunities for training,” says Ed Krieger, CEO of Ayers. “The facility includes two state-of-the-art, 90-person capacity training rooms, and several additional meeting spaces. We want our employees to experience success in a way they never imagined for themselves, and that only happens with comprehensive, ongoing training.”</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Ayers Basement Systems is proud to help thousands of families make their homes safer and more comfortable each year. “All too often, homeowners have less-than-stellar experiences with contractors,” Krieger said. “Our goal is to exceed our customers’ expectations and create a new standard for how a homeowner should be treated. In short, we aim to redefine the contracting industry.”</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; line-height: normal;">Since 1981, Ayers Basement Systems has matured from a small individual proprietorship to a thriving state-wide business providing basement waterproofing, foundation repair, crawl space repair, and concrete repair to Michigan and Northern Indiana homeowners.</p>
2023-03-24T16:29:36.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/foundation-repair/case-studies/20310-creating-more-living-space-in-a-traverse-city-basement.html
Creating More Living Space in a Traverse City Basement
2022-03-23T11:28:51.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Upon inspection, Scott devised a two part plan. First was addressing the moisture issues in the crawl space, which we did by installing CleanSpace vapor barrier throughout and insulating all gaps and seams with FrothPak, our waterproof and inorganic spray foam insulation. We also installed a SmartDrain and discharge lines outside to get rid of any water that entered under the CleanSpace. To prevent runoff from the downspouts pouring more water into the foundation, we also extended and buried the downspouts so they ran away from the home.</span></p>
<p><strong id="docs-internal-guid-1dbe985e-7fff-d20f-8f01-7e619232731e" style="font-weight: normal;"> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The basement’s main issue was its windows. In order to create living space, we needed to install two egress windows. Not only do egress windows let in tons of light to take away that dark basement feeling, but they’re legally required for bedrooms. The other basement windows were older and in rough shape, so we replaced them with new Everlast basement windows that are water tight.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With a total of seven new windows (five regular and two egress) in the basement and a fully encapsulated and dry crawl space, Brandon and Michele’s basement is ready for finishing and years of family growth. Yours can be too if you call us and schedule a free estimate today.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When Brandon and Michele called, they had two goals for their Traverse City home: get the crawl space and basement safe and dry, and create usable living space for their family. They had lived in the home for five years and gotten to the point where they wanted to be able to use all of it, not just the floors above ground - their growing kids needed more room and getting the basement in shape would provide that room without needing to uproot their lives and move.</span></p>
<p><span id="docs-internal-guid-cbe733c9-7fff-8156-2dd3-d685924fc1b1"> </span></p>
2022-03-23T11:28:51.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/foundation-repair/case-studies/20246-stabilizing-a-west-branch-foundation-after-tree-damage.html
Stabilizing a West Branch Foundation After Tree Damage
2022-03-08T19:04:42.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We installed GeoLock wall anchors along the two bowing walls to prevent further deflection. GeoLock anchors consist of two plates - one inside the basement and one anchored in stable soil outside - connected by a steel cable. Over time, these can be tightened to hopefully return the walls closer to their original position, but no matter what, we guarantee they won’t bow any further. A few of the anchors were secured under the driveway, so we removed and replaced portions of the concrete in the process.</span></p>
<p><strong id="docs-internal-guid-892cd315-7fff-b3b5-7674-211410f72995" style="font-weight: normal;"> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For the wooden wall, a C-channel anchor was installed. The channel anchor looks like a long beam but has spots for the same steel cables as the GeoLock plates and is anchored into the soil the same way. Installing a channel anchor allowed us to cover the span of the wooden wall and provide just as much stability as we did on the concrete walls.</span></p>
<p><strong style="font-weight: normal;"> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally, we buried the downspouts to reroute water runoff from the roof. Downspouts that end too close to a foundation can lead to water intrusion or even put excess pressure on walls and cause bowing. By extending and burying the downspouts, we can work with the grade of the lawn and route water out and away from the foundation.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At the end of the project, Michael got exactly what he wanted - safe, stable walls, and a door that opened and closed freely. </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Michael called last spring when, after a tree had fallen on his house the summer before, he noticed multiple cracks in his basement walls. A door in the basement had also stopped opening properly, which he knew meant something was off-kilter. He called us in hopes of preventing further damage to his home and making sure his family was safe.</span></p>
<p><span id="docs-internal-guid-cc63aaae-7fff-9336-8ee0-40e648f2f6c2"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">System Design Specialist Justin inspected the foundation and found that multiple walls were bowing or leaning, putting the safety of the home at risk. Making things more complicated was the fact that one of the walls was wooden and had vertical beams, which makes it more difficult to stabilize. Luckily, there isn’t a foundation type we haven’t encountered, so Justin knew what to do.</span></p>
2022-03-08T19:04:42.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/foundation-repair/case-studies/20216-stabilizing-a-family-home-in-gladwin-mi.html
Stabilizing a Family Home in Gladwin, MI
2022-03-03T11:43:24.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To stabilize Debra’s home and keep it safe and comfortable for years to come, there were three main problem areas we had to address. First, the crumbling sections of the wall needed to be restored. Then, the cracked and bowing walls needed to be reinforced. Finally, the floors that had begun to sink when the walls bowed needed to be lifted and permanently stabilized.</span></p>
<p><strong id="docs-internal-guid-21090e53-7fff-e984-dbb2-0f41bcd69e32" style="font-weight: normal;"> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Not too long ago, the only choice for repairing deteriorating walls involved lifting the house to tear out and build an entirely new foundation. If that sounds risky, it’s because it is. It’s also very expensive, you have to move out while it’s in progress, and there’s no guarantee that it won’t damage your home. But at Ayers we use a product called Shotcrete to build new walls atop the deteriorating ones. The result is brand new, strong and stable walls without the danger of lifting the house or the inconvenience of moving out or the project taking a long time. It only takes a few days to spray the new walls in place and let them cure.</span></p>
<p><strong style="font-weight: normal;"> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The bowing and cracked walls didn’t need to be completely replaced, but they did need extensive reinforcement. We used PowerBraces to stabilize the walls and hopefully straighten them over time. PowerBraces are steel beams that anchor in the cement floor and are attached to the ceiling joists to ensure floor to ceiling stabilization. The brackets can then be adjusted over time to hopefully straighten the wall back toward its original position.</span></p>
<p><strong style="font-weight: normal;"> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With the walls stabilized and secure, we then addressed the floor of the home, which had started to sink as the foundation walls failed. We used a combination of new steel joists and SmartJack support posts to reinforce and raise the floor back to its normal height. The steel beams are installed among the original joists and then the steel SmartJacks are secured in the concrete floor and attached to the beams to lift the floor. With these new beams and supports, the floor is less reliant on the support of the walls and will stay in the proper position.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While the project ended up being above Debra’s limited budget, we were able to help her secure financing that worked for her life and financial needs so that she could repair her beloved home and stop worrying about her safety and the future of the house.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Debra called when multiple walls in her basement started cracking and failing. The house was special to her, as her dad had built it upon returning from war in 1945 and she wanted to keep it in her family, but with a limited budget, she didn’t know how to stop it from literally falling down around her. That’s when she called us.</span></p>
<p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e41702cf-7fff-cf71-e570-e59b60061edc"> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of our system design specialists, Justin, visited Debra’s home and saw that she hadn’t been exaggerating - multiple walls were failing, and taking the rest of the house with them.</span></p>
2022-03-03T11:43:24.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/foundation-repair/case-studies/20048-waterproofing-a-waterfront-traverse-city-home.html
Waterproofing a Waterfront Traverse City Home
2022-01-27T11:39:35.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our system design specialist Bob quickly figured out where the water was coming in and designed a full perimeter WaterGuard system. WaterGuard sits below the floor and collects incoming water, rerouting it to a sump pump to discharge it before it can affect your basement. Unlike other drainage systems, WaterGuard sits on top of the slab to prevent dirt and debris from clogging it. </span></p>
<p><strong id="docs-internal-guid-e19a4115-7fff-66ac-449d-b63f7c4e876d" style="font-weight: normal;"> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While we recommended a full perimeter, Joe only wanted to waterproof the area where the water was coming in to avoid tearing up the finished part of his basement. We of course followed the customer’s wishes and installed WaterGuard in part of the basement as well as a TripleSafe sump pump.</span></p>
<p><strong style="font-weight: normal;"> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But, as we suspected, the water found a way. Our customers called again the following year with obvious water issues in the rest of the basement; the area with the WaterGuard installed was staying dry because the system was working as it should, but the entry point expanded to the unprotected area.</span></p>
<p><strong style="font-weight: normal;"> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Water intrusion is always a risk when you live near a body of water because the water table is already high - this means that the soil has less capacity to hold more water, so when it rains there isn’t anywhere for the water to go. Water will always search for a lower pressure area, even if that means moving through concrete.</span></p>
<p><strong style="font-weight: normal;"> </strong></p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To solve the new problem, we expanded the WaterGuard system to cover the entire perimeter of the basement. In the process we also discovered a wall in the unprotected area that was bowing and required immediate stabilization, so we installed CarbonArmor straps to secure it and prevent further movement. While it would’ve been more convenient and less of a headache for the customer to solve the entire problem at once, we can almost always expand installed systems and add new products down the line to ensure you get exactly what you need and want.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Living near the water is great, but it comes with some problems. Water issues in a basement or crawl space are one of the biggest problems, but with the right protection, your home will be safe from anything the lake throws at it.</span></p>
<p><span id="docs-internal-guid-5fa2cf4a-7fff-4551-b862-339566df26fb"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Living near the Grand Traverse Bay ensures beautiful views, breathtaking sunsets, and…an increased chance of having water issues in your basement or crawl space. Joe had water coming into his partially finished basement and called us to find the entry point and come up with a solution.</span></span></p>
2022-01-27T11:39:35.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/foundation-repair/case-studies/19021-leveling-a-sunken-concrete-barn-floor-in-three-rivers-mi.html
Leveling a Sunken Concrete Barn Floor in Three Rivers, MI
2021-07-26T14:53:15.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
<p>After a free and no obligation inspection, we found that the concrete floor and the barn structure it supports were too heavy for the soil to support. In this scenario, the concrete will eventually settle over time. Heavy rains and flooding can also cause washout to happen, and this needs immediate attention. We chose to use PolyLevel to restore the concrete floor to a level, stable position and prevent future erosion and washout.<br /><br /></p>
<p>During the PolyLevel installation, the crew drilled several small holes in the concrete floor and then injected the PolyLevel material, which consists of lightweight polymers which then expand to lift the slab back to a level position. These high-density polymers lifted the concrete slab back to its original position, preventing the floors and walls from cracking any further. Olga will not have to worry about any further sinking or washout as the polymers strengthen and stabilize loose soil over time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Olga B. purchased her neighbor's plot and built a pole barn on the property. Soon after purchase, she noticed a deep void between the dirt and the concrete floor of the barn. Her concern was that a sinkhole was forming. The hole was so deep she could throw rocks into the depression that was visible from the edge of the driveway. The washout extended all the way under the barn's concrete floor and threatened the integrity of the driveway. Olga contacted Ayers Basement Systems to not only level the barn floor but also check the structural integrity of the driveway. </p>
2021-07-26T14:53:15.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/foundation-repair/case-studies/17425-waterproofing-and-concrete-leveling-in-midland-mi.html
Waterproofing and Concrete Leveling in Midland, MI
2020-12-11T11:17:05.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
<p dir="ltr"><span>In both cases, system design specialist Justin made the trip to Mary Jane’s Midland home. Upon inspection, he determined that the existing sump pump wasn’t just slow, it was totally nonfunctional. The basement was also structured in a way that most of the incoming water didn’t have a route to the corner where the sump was installed. This meant that the water couldn’t get there, and even if it did, the sump wouldn’t be able to discharge it. </span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>He recommended a powerful dual pump sump system to handle even the largest influx of water. And to make sure the water had a route there, we installed a full perimeter of WaterGuard below-floor drain system. As water comes in through the walls and floor, WaterGuard collects it and sends it to the sump pump for discharge outside.</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>On our visit a few months later, we used PolyLevel to lift the sinking patio and level the driveway slabs. We then used NexusPro joint sealant at all seams to protect against water intrusion. </span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>One of the best things about working with a locally owned business is that we know you. If you call us for multiple projects, you’ll get the same system design specialist who knows you and your home. We’ll work to find you not just the best solution for your home, but the best way to get you there through financing and scheduling options. When you work with Ayers, you become a part of our family, and we take care of our family, whether it’s been three months or ten years.</span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>When there are problems in your home, it can be difficult to take the first step. What if the repairs cost a lot of money? What if the company you hire doesn’t do good work? What if it’s inconvenient or takes way longer than it was supposed to? What if, what if, what if?</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>When Mary Jane called us at the end of 2019, she had water coming in through her basement walls. The house had a sump pump but it just couldn’t keep up so it wasn’t very useful. She wanted the house to be sound in case she decided to sell, and knew that a dry basement was a big part of that.</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>We’ll talk about the project below, but what’s great is that Mary Jane was so pleased with her project that a few months later she called us again. Because she wasn’t scared of the What Ifs anymore - she had found a good company and people that she trusted to do good work - she called for help with her sinking patio and driveway. </span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>
2020-12-11T11:17:05.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/foundation-repair/case-studies/17264-solving-multiple-water-problems-in-a-midland-mi-home.html
Solving Multiple Water Problems in a Midland, MI Home
2020-11-13T13:44:04.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
<p dir="ltr"><span>Let’s start with the crawl space. Matt confirmed that there was water coming up through the dirt floor and it was causing mold growth on the beams in the crawl space. This is common - all mold needs is moisture and organic material in order to grow, so wet wooden beams are a perfect habitat. First, we used Mold-X, a special material that is sprayed on the existing mold, to render it dormant and prevent further growth. </span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Next we went to the root cause of the problem and encapsulated the crawl space to prevent further moisture intrusion. Our CleanSpace vapor barrier prevents water from affecting the crawl space and the home above it. This works in conjunction with feed line spanning the crawl space to route the water to a new TripleSafe sump pump, where it can be discharged outside. To finish the protection plan, we installed vent covers on the crawl space vents and insulated the rim joist with spray foam to seal off any remaining access points. The result is a clean, dry, safe crawl space.</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>When we returned to take care of the basement, we installed our own perimeter waterproofing system along with more feed line (essentially pipe that is run across the floor to create a sort of water superhighway to the discharge point) and another TripleSafe sump pump. The discharge lines for the basement and crawl space both ran outside to a set of IceGuard caps, which will prevent a frozen winter line from causing a backup into the home.</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>No matter how much preparation you do in the buying process, a new home always comes with a few surprises. In this case, it was a lack of effective waterproofing in an area that really needed it. Luckily, Melissa and Doug knew we were in their corner and were able to act quickly to solve their home’s issues and get back to enjoying their new home instead of worrying about it.</span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>When David and Melissa bought their new home in Midland, Michigan, they immediately noticed something wrong in their crawl space. There was moisture coming up through the dirt floor and they noticed some of the support beams were soaked through and had signs of mold growth. Knowing that this was a problem and could even be dangerous, they called us for help and system design specialist Matt made the trip to inspect the crawl space and design a custom solution. </span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>We’ll get to that in a minute. More important is the fact that David and Melissa were so happy with their crawl space repair that they called us again a few months later with suspicions that the waterproofing system already in the basement (installed by another company before the purchased the home) wasn’t working. They noticed water in the basement despite there being a sump pump and system installed. Matt once again inspected their home and confirmed their suspicions.</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>This new home was turning into a waterlogged headache.</span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>
2020-11-13T13:44:04.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/foundation-repair/case-studies/16947-stabilizing-concrete-in-grand-haven-mi.html
Stabilizing Concrete in Grand Haven, MI
2020-09-24T14:56:02.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
<p dir="ltr"><span>Luckily, all of the affected areas were freestanding concrete slabs and could be raised and stabilized with PolyLevel. (Slabs that support a structure - like a porch with columns supporting a roof - require piering for stabilization). PolyLevel is a waterproof, minimally invasive two part polymer that is injected below a slab and expands to fill voids. As a result it lifts and stabilizes a sinking slab. It cures quickly - generally less than an hour, depending on the size of the void - and can be weight bearing within the day of injection.</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>We injected PolyLevel under the affected slabs of the driveway and sidewalk first - these areas are known for collecting water and snow in the winter and freezing it into dangerous ice slicks. After this, we raised the front and back porches to close gaps between the porches and house. We also sealed the joints between sunken stairs with NexusPro joint sealer, which prevents water from getting under the slabs and washing out soil to create another void and sinking situation.</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>There are many things to keep in mind with concrete: the safety of your family, customers, or tenants; the convenience of maintaining your property without trouble from uneven slabs; and the value and curb appeal of the property in the future. PolyLevel, with its minimally invasive installation and quick cure time, is an easy, economical solution for your concrete troubles all year round.</span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Sinking concrete is a headache any time of the year, but in the winter the snow causes an extra level of problems - first, you can’t see when something first goes wrong, and second, it’s easier to damage property or injure yourself when you can’t see what’s gone wrong. This was the case for our customer, a Grand Haven property manager who called with issues in his rental property.</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Multiple slabs in the home’s driveway and sidewalk were sinking, and both the front and back porch had sunk as well. Not only was this a safety issue for the current residents, it was an eyesore that could affect future rental prospects and the value of his property.</span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>
2020-09-24T14:56:02.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/foundation-repair/case-studies/16896-restoring-dangerous-crumbling-walls-with-shotcrete-in-grand-rapids-mi.html
Restoring Dangerous Crumbling Walls with Shotcrete in Grand Rapids, MI
2020-09-11T13:47:44.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
<p dir="ltr"><span>Our service technician Ian saw upon inspection that while the interior stone walls were failing and one had even crumbled into a pile of rocks, even the exterior of the foundation was falling out of alignment and problems were building throughout the home.</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>To level the floors, we installed 15 supplemental steel beams to reinforce the sagging joists. We also installed 4 SmartJack steel crawl space support posts to lift the badly sinking spots and secure them against further damage. </span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>While that took care of the floors, there was still the major issue of the crumbling stone walls. There was a time when this foundation would be unsalvageable and Dan’s options would essentially be to lift the whole home and tear out the existing foundation to pour a new one, or to scrap the home entirely and either sell it at a loss or just tear it down and start over. That’s a lot of destruction, expense, and logistical nightmare.</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Today, we have Shotcrete. After installing a steel framework on the walls, we used a special spray application process to create new concrete walls right in place. Shotcrete is a cost effective and relatively simple answer to the problem of crumbling walls and all it takes is a few days to apply and cure, and a little noise. Upon completion, structurally sound walls take on the weight of the home and eliminate the risk of collapse.</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>What was once a pretty hopeless situation became an easy fix with the help of shotcrete and some steel, and Dan’s house is safe.</span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>When you spot a crack in your basement wall, or notice it bowing, you probably have a pretty good idea what the repair will look like. You’ll call us and we’ll brace and stabilize it, hopefully straightening it over time. But what do you do when your basement walls are stone and literally falling down before your eyes?</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>You still call us.</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>This is what Dan in Grand Rapids was facing when he called us. His stone walls, especially prominent in houses like his 100+ year old home, varied from crumbling to all but collapsed. There were constant water issues and one wall had all but totally fallen down. The floors upstairs were starting to sink as a result, and he wasn’t sure how to save the house.</span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>
2020-09-11T13:47:44.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/foundation-repair/case-studies/16869-stabilizing-sinking-floors-in-houghton-lake-mi.html
Stabilizing Sinking Floors in Houghton Lake, MI
2020-09-03T12:21:06.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
<p dir="ltr"><span>Our system design specialist immediately discovered that the joists in the crawl space were failing and in desperate need of support. When a joist fails it’s often a result of ambient moisture weakening the wood over time, When multiple joists fail across the span of a crawl space, the now unsupported floors will sink and set off a chain reaction in the house. In this case, the failing joists and sinking floors caused the kitchen cabinets to shift and pull the counter away from the wall, shifted the drywall in multiple doorways so it cracked, and even shifted the meeting point of an exterior wall and the roof.</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>The culprit was the main support beam that spanned the crawl space, so we installed a supplemental beam and four SmartJack crawl space support posts to reinforce and stabilize it. The SmartJacks and supplemental beam are both made of steel that won’t corrode and obviously isn’t susceptible to rot from the moisture in the crawl space. </span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Without intervention it’s likely that this home was headed for complete floor failure and, as pressure moved in relation to the weak spots, likely permanent wall shifting or even collapse. We were able to stabilize and raise the floors in the home, which then stabilized the affected peripherals like the counter top and archways. By halting and reversing this sequence of problems, the home will remain safe and comfortable for years to come.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>If you have a crawl space under your home rather than your basement, you might think you can just ignore it - if you don’t go down there or ever use it, it can’t cause problems, right? Not only is this wrong, it’s pretty much the opposite. Since people don’t go into their crawl spaces, problems are often missed until they’re severe. This was the case for Camille, who called us after noticing a series of problems in her home that could only be attributed to the crawl space.</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Camille’s home is a perfect example of paying attention to what your house is trying to tell you. Multiple arches and windows in the house had hairline cracks that were slowly expanding. There was a noticeable gap between the baseboard and floor in some parts of the house. Even the kitchen counter was pulling away from where it was attached to the wall because the floors were sinking and taking the supporting cabinets with them. </span></p>
<p><span><span> </span></span></p>
<p dir="ltr"><span>Something was very wrong.</span></p>
<p><span> </span></p>
2020-09-03T12:21:06.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/foundation-repair/case-studies/16622-sealing-and-insulating-problematic-muskegon-mi-basement.html
Sealing and Insulating Problematic Muskegon, MI Basement
2020-07-07T14:32:50.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
<p>Our system design specialist did a full inspection of the basement and noted far more floor cracks than originally anticipated. The impact of the chemical plant explosion was a compromised floor that needed to be waterproofed. </p>
<p>We installed our powerful TripleSafe™ Sump Pump System. True to its reassuring name, this sump pump is literally three pumps in one casing and perfect for homes with ongoing water issues in the basement. We then dug underground to install our below-floor drain system which channels water collected from leaks through the walls and in this case, those cracks in the floor, to the TripleSafe™ sump pump mentioned earlier. This is a much more effective method to capture and transport water to the sump pump rather than relying on the gradient of the floor to guide water to your pump. </p>
<p>Specially designed piping called WaterGuard® was then installed along the perimeter of the basement on top of the footing of the foundation. Since the piping sits on top, and not along the footing like other drainage systems, WaterGuard® can’t get clogged with mud, ensuring that all water can effectively be collected and rerouted. In fact, the WaterGuard® system transports all water under ground with no water ever running across your basement floor. The sump pump accepts the water from the WaterGuard® system and its airtight lid prevents water from evaporating into the basement.</p>
<p>The family also made the wise choice to install our CleanSpace® wall system that stops water vapor from entering the space and drains any water leaks from the wall into the drainage system. CleanSpace® is a thick, durable white plastic liner that worked well for this home that had uneven basement walls.</p>
<p>Living in an area with a high water table makes your home susceptible to water intrusion and hydrostatic pressure. Water weighs a little over 60 lbs/cubic foot and will exert an enormous amount of pressure on your basement walls. This can lead to your walls cracking, bowing or eventually collapsing if you do not get a professional company like ours to intervene. You also run the risk of water entering your basement through your porous walls. When you add man-made foundation cracks to this scenario, waterproofing a basement seems impossible.</p>
<p>This is the predicament Vicki and Daniel faced when they contacted us. It was a chore to keep their Muskegon basement dry even with two (ineffective) sump pumps. The home’s basement floor had several cracks in the aftermath of a nearby chemical explosion which allowed water to seep in through several entry points. The family’s neighbors understood their predicament and not one but two neighbors highly recommended Ayers after successful installations at both homes.</p>
<p>By the time our team arrived, the family had about 5 gallons of water seeping into their home daily. Our first priority was to stop the water from entering the basement.</p>
2020-07-07T14:32:50.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/foundation-repair/case-studies/16388-waterproofing-moldy-damp-basement-in-kalamazoo-mi.html
Waterproofing Moldy, Damp Basement in Kalamazoo, MI
2020-05-27T13:08:13.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW33464988 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">With water entering the walls at both high and low points, as well as the cove (where the walls meet the floor), Jeff determined that a full perimeter waterproofing system was needed in order to provide complete protection. This included</span><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> the </span><a title="WaterGuard® Below Floor Drain" href="https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/news-events/27965-the-perfect-basement-how-waterguard-triplesafe-and-sanidry-keep-your-basement-dry.html" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW33464988 BCX0">WaterGuard</span></span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> below-floor drain system to collect the water and a </span><a title="TripleSafe Sump Pump" href="https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/basement-waterproofing/products/sump-pumps.html" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW33464988 BCX0">TripleSafe</span></span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><a title="TripleSafe Sump Pump" href="https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/basement-waterproofing/products/sump-pumps.html" target="_blank"> sump pump</a> to actively</span><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> discharge the water collected.</span><span class="EOP SCXW33464988 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW33464988 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Due to the size of the basement, we also installed feed line across the floor. Feed line is another water collection system that can be used to connect low points in the basement to create a sort of water superhighway of shortcuts to the sump pump. This allows for faster and more t</span><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">horough water discharge.</span><span class="EOP SCXW33464988 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW33464988 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">When water is leaking in through walls, not all of it collects and can instead just enter the air as ambient moisture (humidity). Even with a waterproofing system in place, this can contribute to mold growth. Because of this, we installed a </span><a title="SaniDry Sedona Dehumidifier" href="https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/basement-waterproofing/products/dehumidifiers.html" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW33464988 BCX0">SaniDry</span></span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><a title="SaniDry Sedona Dehumidifier" href="https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/basement-waterproofing/products/dehumidifiers.html" target="_blank"> dehumidifier</a> to control moisture and prevent mold moving forward.</span><span class="EOP SCXW33464988 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW33464988 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">During the inspection, two walls were found to be especially problematic in different ways. One was the biggest source of incoming water between the wall and an old </span><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2 SCXW33464988 BCX0">window, and</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> was a bit of an eyesore. On this wall we installed <a title="Brightwall Panels" href="https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/basement-waterproofing/walls.html" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW33464988 BCX0">Brightwall</span></span></a></span><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> panels</span><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> as well as a new window</span><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">. </span><a title="Brightwall Panels" href="https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/basement-waterproofing/walls.html" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW33464988 BCX0">Brightwall</span></span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> not only gives a wall a clean, bright look, but also ties</span><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> right into the <a title="WaterGuard® Below Floor Drain" href="https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/news-events/27965-the-perfect-basement-how-waterguard-triplesafe-and-sanidry-keep-your-basement-dry.html" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW33464988 BCX0">WaterGuard</span></span></a></span><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> system to direct water. The other wall was beginning to bow, which could lead to major problems down the road.</span><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> On that wall we installed </span><a title="CarbonArmor" href="https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/news-events/33523-product-spotlight-carbonarmor.html" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW33464988 BCX0">CarbonArmor</span></span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> to stabilize it against further bowing. <a title="CarbonArmor" href="https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/news-events/33523-product-spotlight-carbonarmor.html" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW33464988 BCX0">CarbonArmor</span></span></a></span><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> is stronger than steel and provides full protection against bowing while maintaining a low profile for minimal disruption.</span><span class="EOP SCXW33464988 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW33464988 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW33464988 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Water can wreak havoc in expected and unimaginable ways. If you’ve seen water stains or mold in your basement like Jodi did, call us to schedule your free inspection.</span><span class="EOP SCXW33464988 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"> </span></p>
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<p><span class="TextRun SCXW121697844 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW121697844 BCX0">Jodi called us with water coming through the walls of her basement and mold slowly creeping up from the floor. She was concerned about the </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW121697844 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW121697844 BCX0">long term</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW121697844 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW121697844 BCX0"> effects of the water and mold and wanted her basement to be dry, safe, and more pleasant to look at. We sent our system design sp</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW121697844 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW121697844 BCX0">ecialist Jeff W out to do a full inspection of the house and determine the cause of the problem as well as create a custom solution.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW121697844 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"> </span></p>
2020-05-27T13:08:13.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/foundation-repair/case-studies/16369-smelly-crawl-space-cleaned-and-sealed-in-spruce-mi.html
Smelly Crawl Space Cleaned and Sealed in Spruce, MI
2020-05-22T15:25:09.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW59224900 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">There was a definite moisture problem in the crawl space, which was contributing to everything Kathryn and her husband were experiencing. Mold was present on the fiberglass insulation and affecting the beams</span><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">, weakening them and exacerbating the structural issues. Eliminating the water issues was the </span><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2 SCXW59224900 BCX0">main focus</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> of restoring this crawl space.</span><span class="EOP SCXW59224900 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW59224900 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">First, we </span><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">had to rid the crawl space of facets that were </span><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2 SCXW59224900 BCX0">actually making</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> problems worse – fiberglass insulation and vents. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Once a part of building code because “airflow prevents mold,” crawl space vents are now recognized as a hazard as they allow all manner of water and debris into the space.</span><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0"> <a title="CleanSpace" href="https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/news-events/30437-cleanspace-101.html" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW59224900 BCX0">CleanSpace</span></span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><a title="CleanSpace" href="https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/news-events/30437-cleanspace-101.html" target="_blank"> </a></span></span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">vent covers sealed the vents to prevent further air or water entry.</span><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0"> </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Fiberglass insulation, while perfect for the above ground floors of a home, is a bad choice for a crawl space because it absorbs moisture and the paper backing can feed and harbor mold. We removed the extensive insulation for replacement with a suitable product.</span><span class="EOP SCXW59224900 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW59224900 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Inside the crawl space, we installed a </span><a title="SmartSump Crawl Space Sump Pump" href="https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/basement-waterproofing/products/sump-pumps.html" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW59224900 BCX0">SmartSump</span></span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> pump to discharge any standing water, and a </span><a title="SaniDry Sedona Dehumidifier" href="https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/basement-waterproofing/products/dehumidifiers.html" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW59224900 BCX0">SaniDry</span></span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><a href="https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/basement-waterproofing/products/dehumidifiers.html" target="_blank"> </a>Sedona dehumidifier to control ambient moisture moving forward. </span><span class="EOP SCXW59224900 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW59224900 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Once these peripherals were installed, we moved onto encapsulating the crawl space, which is vital to protect the home above it from the elements.</span><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> A layer of drainage matting was the first step, which allows water to move to the sump pump without getting stuck between the vapor barrier and the ground. </span><span class="EOP SCXW59224900 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW59224900 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Then </span><a title="CleanSpace" href="https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/news-events/30437-cleanspace-101.html" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW59224900 BCX0">CleanSpace</span></span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><a title="CleanSpace" href="https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/news-events/30437-cleanspace-101.html" target="_blank"> </a>was installed in conjunction with our energy savings package, which includes </span><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW59224900 BCX0">SilverGlo</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> insulation panels. Unlike fiberglass insulation, </span><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW59224900 BCX0">SilverGlo</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> is inorganic and waterproof, m</span><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">eaning it won’t harbor mold, and the silver surface </span><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2 SCXW59224900 BCX0">actually reflects</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> to keep the space a little warmer. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">The </span><a title="CleanSpace" href="https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/news-events/30437-cleanspace-101.html" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW59224900 BCX0">CleanSpace</span></span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> vapor barrier provides a seal between the dirt floor and the crawl space, which in turn protects the home above from moisture and </span><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2 SCXW59224900 BCX0">mold, and</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> keeps it more comfortable.</span><span class="EOP SCXW59224900 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW59224900 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">With the moisture issues addressed, we moved onto the existing structural problems. We installed 15 </span><a title="SmartJack" href="https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/foundation-repair/foundation-repair-products/crawl-space-support-posts.html" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW59224900 BCX0">SmartJack</span></span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> support posts to stabilize the failing joists, and </span><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW59224900 BCX0">sistered</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> new beams to the failing ones for security. </span><span class="EOP SCXW59224900 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW59224900 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">In addition to causing mold and </span><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2 SCXW59224900 BCX0">all of</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW59224900 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> the associated smells and problems, water can also cause structural problems through degrading support beams. It’s good that Kathryn called when she did, and now that we’ve encapsulated against moisture and stabilized the structure of the crawl space, she can enjoy her home as it was meant to be.</span><span class="EOP SCXW59224900 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"> </span></p>
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<p><span class="TextRun SCXW252139151 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW252139151 BCX0">Kathryn called us with a myriad or problems coming from </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW252139151 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW252139151 BCX0">her crawl space. There were visible cracks in the foundation and a moldy, musty smell coming from the crawl space up into her home. She wanted to find out exactly what was going on down there and how it could all be fixed so her crawl space was no longer a huge problem.</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW252139151 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW252139151 BCX0"> </span></span></p>
<p><span class="TextRun SCXW252139151 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW252139151 BCX0">We sent senior system design specialist Roger Powell out to design a custom solution.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW252139151 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"> </span></p>
2020-05-22T15:25:09.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/foundation-repair/case-studies/16345-traverse-city-mi-basement-gets-a-waterproofing-makeover.html
Traverse City, MI Basement Gets a WaterProofing Makeover
2020-05-18T18:06:17.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW256610872 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW256610872 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">The problems with the basement were twofold. First, of course, was the water. We installed a perimeter system of </span><span class="TextRun SCXW256610872 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW256610872 BCX0">WaterGuard</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW256610872 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> below-floor drain in the </span><span class="TextRun SCXW256610872 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2 SCXW256610872 BCX0">basement, and</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW256610872 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> encapsulated the attached crawl space with </span><span class="TextRun SCXW256610872 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW256610872 BCX0">CleanSpace</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW256610872 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> vapor barrier to prevent </span><span class="TextRun SCXW256610872 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">water entry and discharge any that came through. A </span><span class="TextRun SCXW256610872 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW256610872 BCX0">TripleSafe</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW256610872 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> sump pump was installed in the basement to discharge water outside</span><span class="TextRun SCXW256610872 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">, and a </span><span class="TextRun SCXW256610872 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW256610872 BCX0">SaniDry</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW256610872 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> dehumidifier will take care of ambient moisture.</span><span class="EOP SCXW256610872 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW256610872 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW256610872 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">The second problem was that one of the walls was bowing. Constant water intrusion over time can be a symptom of soil movement, which also exerts pressure on foundation walls. The bowing was stopped and stabilized with the installation of </span><span class="TextRun SCXW256610872 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW256610872 BCX0">CarbonArmor</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW256610872 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> straps, which </span><span class="TextRun SCXW256610872 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">are stronger than steel and low-profile so that drywall or other wall finishes can be installed right over top of them. </span><span class="EOP SCXW256610872 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW256610872 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW256610872 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Once the water and structural concerns were addressed, we turned to providing that finished look that Jenny wanted, but this time with the added protection of water resistance. We restored the portions of the walls we had to cut back for the waterproofing system with our Everlast wall restoration system. We also installed new </span><span class="TextRun SCXW256610872 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">tile-look flooring that’s inorganic, waterproof, and even has a special backing to increase the temperature of the flooring a few degrees – no more cold basement floors! Unlike the existing finishes, everything we used is built to resist water and prevent mold growth, which means it’s perfect to use in an area that has experienced water issues.</span><span class="EOP SCXW256610872 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW256610872 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW256610872 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Water problems don’t mean the end of your plans to finish the basement – call us to discuss your options and let us design a basement solution that’s not only safe, but attractive and comfortable.</span><span class="EOP SCXW256610872 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW37474073 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW37474073 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">Water is never something you want to find in your basement, but that’s doubly true when the basement is at least partially finished. In addition to the normal problems it causes, you’re also looking at hundreds or even thousands of dollars of ruined finishes and furnishings.</span><span class="EOP SCXW37474073 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"> </span></p>
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<p class="Paragraph SCXW37474073 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW37474073 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto">When Jenny called us, she had water coming in through the walls and floor throughout the </span><span class="TextRun SCXW37474073 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2 SCXW37474073 BCX0">basement, and</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW37474073 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> feared for the fate of the flooring and drywall in the finished part of the basement.</span><span class="TextRun SCXW37474073 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> She needed answers, and she needed them quickly, so she could </span><span class="TextRun SCXW37474073 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2 SCXW37474073 BCX0">actually finish</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW37474073 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"> and use her basement without risk. We sent system design specialist Jeff N to design a custom solution.</span><span class="EOP SCXW37474073 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"> </span></p>
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2020-05-18T18:06:17.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/press-release/1141-bbb-names-ayers-basement-systems-as-finalist-for-2015-torch-award.html
BBB Names Ayers Basement Systems as Finalist for 2015 Torch Award
2015-12-16T11:58:04.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
Earlier this week, the Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan recognized this year's recipients of the Torch Award for Business Ethics.
Of 133 entries, Ayers Basement Systems was honored to be named as runner up in their division (Category III, 51-175 employees).
<p>Earlier this week, the Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan recognized this year's recipients of the Torch Award for Business Ethics.</p>
<p>Of 133 entries, Ayers Basement Systems was honored to be named as runner up in their division (Category III, 51-175 employees). Virgil Ayers accepted the award at a luncheon held by the Economics Club of Grand Rapids</p>
<p>The Torch Awards for Ethics is a best-practice education and recognition program honoring businesses who are striving to build trust inside their workplaces, with their customers and in their communities. </p>
<p><strong>About Ayers Basement Systems</strong></p>
<p>In business since 1981, Ayers Basement Systems is the leading certified basement waterproofing contractor serving most of Michigan and northern Indiana. They are members of the Basement Systems international dealer network and provide basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation and foundation repair services using patented products and the latest techniques. The company is headquartered in Lansing and has representatives based throughout the state.</p>
<p align="left"> </p>
<p><strong> <img src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/press_release/1147/medium/122991799947607838961294551683453596479815n_1450285317.jpg" alt="Owner Virgil Ayers poses for a photo with keynote speaker Jerry Greenfield of Ben and Jerry's after the Torch Awards luncheon on November 23 in Grand Rapids." width="225" height="400" /></strong></p>
<p><em><span>Owner Virgil Ayers poses for a photo with keynote speaker Jerry Greenfield of Ben and Jerry's after the Torch Awards luncheon on November 23 in Grand Rapids.</span></em></p>
2015-12-16T11:58:04.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/press-release/1063-ayers-basement-systems-wins-multiple-awards-at-2015-basement-systems-convention.html
Ayers Basement Systems Wins Multiple Awards at 2015 Basement Systems Convention
2015-08-26T09:27:31.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
Ayers Basement Systems was recently honored at the Team Basement Systems annual convention, taking home awards in multiple categories.
<p>Ayers Basement Systems was recently honored at the Team Basement Systems annual convention, taking home awards in multiple categories.</p>
<p>52 members of the Ayers team traveled to Basement Systems headquarters in Seymour, CT and the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT for the three day event, which brings together dealers in the international Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks networks for training, seminars, networking, team building, and fun.</p>
<p>Out of 345 active dealers, Ayers Basement Systems was recognized in the following categories:</p>
<ul>
<li>Top 50 Basement Systems Dealers by Total Sales (ranked #8)</li>
<li>Top 25 CleanSpace Dealers by Total Sales (ranked #13)</li>
<li>Top 25 Foundation Supportworks Dealers by PowerBrace Sales (ranked #8)</li>
<li>Top 25 Foundation Supportworks Dealers by Total Sales (ranked #24)</li>
<li>Fastest Growing Dealer for Foundation SupportWorks (151% Increase in Sales)</li>
</ul>
<p>The 2015 convention theme was “Build” and featured keynote speeches from Basement Systems Founder Larry Janesky and <em>UNthink</em> author Erik Wahl, a business strategist and graffiti artist known for his outside of the box approach to business innovation. Wahl’s Thursday morning kickoff speech energized the crowd and challenged them to adopt a fresh perspective.</p>
<p>Almost fifteen hundred people attended the annual Basement Systems Convention this year, which is the highest attendance to date.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">About Ayers Basement Systems</span></strong></p>
<p>In business since 1981, Ayers Basement Systems is the leading certified basement waterproofing contractor serving most of Michigan. They are members of the Basement Systems contractor network and provide basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, foundation repair services, and concrete leveling using patented products and the latest techniques. The company is headquartered in Lansing and has representatives based throughout the state.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">About Basement Systems, Inc.</span></strong> </p>
<p>Basement Systems, Inc. is the leader in the development of products used to provide a dry, below-grade space. These waterproofing solutions are delivered through a network of trained, experienced dealers. Basement Systems is a network of more than 300 dealers throughout the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Ireland. Each dealer receives comprehensive, on-going training at company headquarters in Seymour, Connecticut. All Basement Systems dealers have the same goal: to provide a permanent solution for healthier basement environments.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">About Foundation Supportworks, Inc.</span></strong></p>
<p>Foundation Supportworks is an international network of independently-owned and operated foundation repair dealerships across North America. Each dealer is authorized, trained and certified at one of two Foundation Supportworks headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska and Seymour, Connecticut. Foundation Supportworks maintains a staff of both geotechnical and structural engineers to assist in product design, dealer support, and quality assurance of all their state-of-the-art structural repair products. </p>
2015-08-26T09:27:31.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/press-release/582--ayers-basement-systems-earns-two-awards-at-the-2013-convention.html
Ayers Basement Systems Earns Two Awards at The 2013 Convention
2013-09-09T12:41:42.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
Ayers Basement Systems earned two awards at this year's Team Basement Systems Convention held at the network headquarters in Connecticut.
<p><span><img class="right" title="Ayers Basement Systems Awarded at 2013 Team Basement Systems Convention" src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/press_release/medium/base-sys-13-a234_1378745069.jpg" alt="Ayers Basement Systems earns awards for foundation repair and basement waterproofing" width="350" height="233" />Ayers Basement Systems was recently honored at the Annual Team Basement Systems Convention, a gathering with dealers located across the United States, Canada and the UK.<br /> <br /> The annual convention is held each year at the Basement Systems headquarters in Seymour, CT and the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT. The three day event brings together dealers in the international network for training, seminars, networking, vendor and team building events, and celebration.<br /> <br /> This year, Ayers Basement Systems received two awards at the Team Basement Systems International Convention. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br /> <br /> Out of 221 active dealers, Ayers Basement Systems was awarded:</span></p>
<ul>
<li>Top 50 Basement Systems Dealers by Purchases (Ranked 11th)</li>
<li>Top 50 Foundation Supportworks Dealers - Total Sales (Ranked 45th)</li>
</ul>
<p><span><br /> The high-powered event featured best-selling author and motivational speaker Aron Ralston. His book, <em>Between A Rock And A Hard Place</em>, was turned into the critically acclaimed movie <em>127 Hours</em> starring James Franco. Ralston moved the crowd with his inspirational story of survival and posed for pictures afterwards with attendees. <br /> <br /> Google also had a presence at this spectacular event. Two Google representatives delivered a behind the scenes peek at how to best utilize the search engines tools for successful business results.</span></p>
<p>Close to eleven hundred people attended the annual Basement Systems Convention this year, which is the highest attendance to date. The flagship event is held each August in Connecticut.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">About Ayers Basement Systems</span></strong></p>
<p>Ayers Basement Systems is a locally owned and operated basement waterproofing and foundation repair company serving residents throughout Mid-Michigan and West-Michigan. In business since 1981, Ayers Basement Systems has helped thousands of homeowners solve their wet basements and failing foundations by installing warranted and state-of-the-art products. Their experienced team is trained to solve any problem below the home from water in the basement or crawl space to foundation cracks and mold remediation – Ayers Basement Systems has a solution for you! They are an accredited members with the NAWSRC, as well as the Lansing and Grand Rapids Home Builders Association.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">About Basement Systems, Inc.</span></strong> </p>
<p>Basement Systems, Inc. is the leader in the development of products used to provide a dry, below-grade space. These waterproofing solutions are delivered through a network of trained, experienced dealers. Basement Systems is a network of more than 300 dealers throughout the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Ireland. Each dealer receives comprehensive, on-going training at company headquarters in Seymour, Connecticut. All Basement Systems dealers have the same goal: to provide a permanent solution for healthier basement environments.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">About Foundation Supportworks, Inc.</span></strong></p>
<p>Foundation Supportworks is an international network of independently-owned and operated foundation repair dealerships across North America. Each dealer is authorized, trained and certified at one of two Foundation Supportworks headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska and Seymour, Connecticut. Foundation Supportworks maintains a staff of both geotechnical and structural engineers to assist in product design, dealer support, and quality assurance of all their state-of-the-art structural repair products. </p>
2013-09-09T12:41:42.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/press-release/492-ayers-basement-systems-and-dr-energy-saver-lansing-featured-in-local-business-magazine.html
Ayers Basement Systems and Dr. Energy Saver Lansing Featured in Local Business Magazine
2013-04-17T09:17:50.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
Ayers Basement Systems was recently featured in Capital Gains Media.
<p class="Body">Ayers Basement Systems and Dr. Energy Saver Lansing were both recently featured in Capital Gains Media, an online magazine reporting on businesses throughout the Lansing, Michigan area.</p>
<p class="Body">The first article focuses on the solid growth that Ayers Basement Systems has seen in its 32 years in business and, most importantly, its continued growth over recent years with plans to add to its current staff of 41.</p>
<p class="Body">A second article, about Dr. Energy Saver Lansing, a partner company of Ayers Basement Systems, reports on the extraordinary growth the business has experienced over the past several years and its anticipated expansion in 2013.</p>
<p class="Body">The teams at both Ayers Basement Systems and Dr. Energy Saver Lansing receive certification and on-going training by expert professionals in the latest technologies and science of home performance. They serve homeowners throughout Western and Mid Michigan.</p>
<p class="Body"><em><a href="http://www.capitalgainsmedia.com/">Capital Gains Media</a></em> is an online magazine and website showcasing the growth, development, and investments transforming the Lansing region.</p>
<p class="Body"><strong>About Ayers Basement Systems</strong></p>
<p class="Body">Ayers Basement Systems provides <a href="https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/basement-waterproofing.html">basement waterproofing</a>, <a href="https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/foundation-repair/foundation-services.html">foundation services</a>, crawl space repair, <a href="https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/sump-pump.html">sump pump installation</a>, and mold resolution. Independently-owned and operated, the company is a member of Basement Systems, Inc., an international network of basement waterproofing contractors with access to the network’s exclusive, patented products being successfully used worldwide.</p>
<p class="Body"><strong>About Dr. Energy Saver Lansing</strong></p>
<p class="Body">Dr. Energy Saver Lansing offers homeowners solutions to save both energy and money while gaining a more comfortable home environment. They provide home energy audits, air sealing, heating and cooling system upgrades, ductwork, insulation services, and window and door replacement. As a member of the national Dr. Energy Saver network, the company uses an innovative whole-house systems approach to resolve energy waste in the home.</p>
2013-04-17T09:17:50.05Z
https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/about-us/press-release/231-ayers-basement-systems-wins-2012-convention-awards.html
Ayers Basement Systems Wins 2012 Convention Awards
2012-10-15T14:27:10.05Z
Ayers Basement Systems
Ayers Basement Systems has recently been awarded at the Team Basement Systems International Convention.
<p><img style="float: right; margin: 10px;" src="https://cdn.treehouseinternetgroup.com/uploads/press_release/medium/awardedit_1350325790.jpg" alt="Ayers Basement Systems Wins 2012 Convention Awards - Image 1" width="250" height="373">Ayers Basement Systems was recently honored at a meeting with close to 1,000 guests from all over the United States, Canada and the UK, at this year’s Team Basement Systems Convention. <br><br>The annual convention is held each year between Seymour, CT, (Basement Systems headquarters) and Hartford, CT, and brings together dealerships of the international network for training, seminars, networking, celebration, vendor and team building events. <br><br>This year Ayers Basement Systems received 4 awards at the Team Basement Systems International Convention for ranking in the Top 20 CleanSpace Dealers by Square Footage, the Top 20 Basement Systems Dealers by Purchases, and in the Top 50 FSI Dealers in Total Sales. They also took home the CleanSpace Million Square Foot Award too.<br><br>The high-powered event featured international motivational speaker Andy Andrews! Andrews, world-renowned speaker and author (The Travelers Gift) dazzled the crowd with his presentation highlighting personal choices and attitudes that make the difference between failure and success. <br><br>Google even had a presence at this spectacular event! Two Google representatives delivered a behind the scenes peek at how to best utilize the search engines tools for successful business results! This year, the annual flagship event was the BEST yet! <br><br><a href="https://www.ayersbasementsystems.com/">Ayers Basement Systems</a> is a certified Basement Systems dealer specializing in basement waterproofing, crawl space repair and foundation settlement. <br> <br>Basement Systems is an international network of basement waterproofing, crawl space repair and basement finishing contractors, led by company founder and President, Larry Janesky. The international headquarters, based in Seymour, CT has been helping homeowners increase their usable living space for over 20 years across the United States, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom. The company has 27-patented basement and crawl space products, designed to help homeowners get more out of their basements and increase their home's value. <br><br></p>
2012-10-15T14:27:10.05Z