What's lurking in your basement?
FLOOD PREVENTION AND REMEDIATION
Has your basement been affected by recent flooding? Or concerned that flooding will be an issue in the future? The Penta team can help!
DID YOU KNOW?
2lb density foams are the only insulation materials that FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) considers flood resistant. The foam insulation will resist leakage from exterior water sources and if insulation is submerged, it will not absorb water and will not support mold growth.
Spray polyurethane foam is the ONLY insulation considered flood-resistant according to FEMA. FEMA recommends building and rebuilding with flood resistant materials in order to reduce risk to the building’s structure and make cleanup easier and less expensive.
What does “Flood Resistant” Mean?
According to this FEMA document called “Build with Flood Damage Resistant Materials”, Building materials are considered flood resistant if they can withstand direct contact with flood waters for at least 72 hours without being significantly damaged. “Significant damage” means any damage that requires more than low cost, cosmetic repair (such as painting).
Anyone who has had to have “the pink stuff” or other insulation pulled from their home after a flood knows the value of this.
"When you have a disaster and want to rebuild, it doesn't make sense to rebuild to the standards we had before,” said Thomas Smith, Executive Director of the American Society of Civil Engineers. “We're in a vastly different environment now. We have to be thinking about resilient, sustainable infrastructure.”
Sprayed polyurethane foam and closed cell plastic foams are the only materials that FEMA classifies as acceptable flood damage-resistant insulation materials for floors, walls, and ceilings in its building design criteria for special flood hazard areas (SFHAs). FEMA designates sprayed polyurethane foam and closed-cell plastic foams as a Class 5 flood damage-resistant building material. Class 5, which is FEMA’s highest rating, are materials considered highly resistant to floodwater damage, including damage caused by moving water, and can survive wetting and drying and may be successfully cleaned after a flood to render them free of most harmful pollutants.
MOLD AND MOISTURE
What causes mold and moisture problems in basements?
Two main causes:
1) Water that has not evaporated from the new concrete in new homes. Concrete not given adequate time to dry, takes a long time but builders insulate and seal the wall assemblies in order to turn over houses to purchasers. In cold weather this moisture tries to dry the interior but forms frost because of the vapour barrier.
Warmer temperatures allow the frost to melt which causes mold.
2) Warm interior air gets past the interior wall finishes (drywall and poly vapour barrier) migrates to the cold concrete surface in winter and forms frost.
When we get warmer or a "bonspiel thaw" the frost turns to liquid water. Sometimes this shows up at the bottom of the wall but quite frequently the moisture never becomes evident and stays hidden. This leads to potentially hazardous mould and mildew contaminating the interior air.
The solution:
Spray applied foam insulation which applied to the concrete prevents warm interior air from coming into contact with the cold concrete surface. This prevents the formation of mold and ensures good indoor air quality.
A basement insulated with spray foam will never have frost or mold issues.
But don't just take our word for it!
Here's what people are saying about us...
I'd like to share our experiences with the staff and product provided in our home by Penta Protective Coatings: The staff arrived on time, and were efficient and professional in delivering their services. The quality of work was superior and they left the job site clean. It was a real team effort - we were impressed by how well they did the job in such a tight spot. Lastly, the price was very competitive - worth every penny! - Sandra K.
Penta did excellent work for a great price. Their workers were punctual and very professional.
I am very pleased with my new warm basement. - Eric B.
We had residential spray foam completed by Penta. Joe was punctual with his first visit and quote, and was very knowledgeable. We were able to schedule our services in a timely manner and their team was very responsive. They also helped us complete our MB Hydro rebate application with ease.
The spray foam installers were professional, punctual and did great work. We took care of protecting our personal belongings, but they went another few steps to ensure everything was installed and protected properly. They worked efficiently and cleanly.
We highly recommend Penta and should we need any other insulation work, we will be calling them! Very impressed and very satisfied with the quality of workmanship. - Alexandra A.
For more information please call us at 204-992-2603 or 204-781-1770.