The small town of Dalton, Georgia is moving toward becoming the site of the largest solar field in the state. The project, owned by Georgia Power, will bring sustainable energy to the Dalton area for many years to come.

This solar panel project is made possible by the use of ECP helical piles installed by Atlas Piers of Atlanta. The efficient installation of helical piles allows for exact layout of the solar arrays and will provide years of support against wind and weather. The helical piles provided by Earth Contact Products are made from recycled steel which has been a perfect match for renewable energy sources such as solar.

Atlas Piers of Atlanta has used the efficient installation nature of the helical piles to keep phase 1 of the project on time while providing the project engineers a documented installation record. The documentation will provide project managers and engineers, proof of capacity and documentation of meeting design guidelines.

Atlas Piers of Atlanta helps Dalton Solar Plant Celebrate Groundbreaking, click on the following link to learn more: http://www.atlaspiers.com/commercial/solar-panel-foundations/

The World of Concrete (WOC) is a convention and expo for concrete and foundation contractors to visit and learn from exhibitors. The 2011 World of Concrete, while less attended due to economic reasons, fulfilled its goals for many specialty contractors from around the country. Weston Opat, National Sales Manager for Earth Contact Products, said "while attendance was down, the quality of visiting contractors was significant".

Earth Contact Products has displayed their foundation repair products and services at the WOC for 11 years. Recent years has seen declining numbers of visiting contractors yet many continue to come and seek out new products, knowledge and procedures. Many exhibitors, like Earth Contact Products fulfill these needs and provide ways for many contractors to diversify and expand their businesses during tough economic times. Weston Opat spoke of contractors that he visited with from Washington, California, Nebraska, Connecticut, Maine and Canada who all are seeking a quality manufacturer of helical anchors, steel push piers and wall anchors. While many of these contractors were able to visit with several manufacturers, "ECP appears to fit our needs in many ways", says Bill Ford (WCM Contractors).

The Correct Way vs. The Easy Way

As the economy slowly starts to come back to life, a trend is emerging in the manufacturing and service industries.  That trend is higher quality goods and services, giving your end user more for their money.  That trend is everywhere, and needs to be discussed how it relates to the basement waterproofing business.   Are you offering the best products and systems, or just an easy way to get a job done?  It’s no longer 2007.  The blow-and-go, do whatever it takes to get to the next job attitude has to change as well. 

Let’s look at interior basement waterproofing.  There are many companies out there offering many different waterproofing systems.  A lot of these companies are offering an interior drainage system that sits on top of the footing.  Is a drainage system that sits on top of the footing the correct way to waterproof a basement, or just the easiest?  Simply, it’s the easiest way, not the correct way.  There are too many problems with top of the footing drainage systems.  For example: footings are level, placing a drain system on a flat surface doesn’t allow for proper drainage, hydrostatic pressure build-up under the basement slab will reach the bottom of the slab before a top of footing systems will work causing unnecessary pressure on the floor, top of the footing systems also leave a very thin layer of concrete over the top of the track when the installation is complete, usually less than 2”.  Top of the footing drainage systems only benefit the contractor.

The correct placement of an interior drainage system is next to the footing.  Placed there, you can put the proper amount of fall in your pipe.  The pipe is 4”-6” below the slab, eliminating hydrostatic pressure build-up before it gets to the slab and when the system is installed correctly, concrete can be poured back at the full slab depth.  And most importantly, this type of system is building code approved.  This is the proper placement of a drainage system to give the most benefit to the customer.

Top of the footing track systems look good, but do they function well?  Likely, not well enough.  What are you giving your customer? 

Many homeowners never think about their sump pump except when it is raining. Neglecting your sump pump can lead to basement flooding and foundation repair problems.

Recently, Earth Contact Products tested leading sump pumps side by side to test efficiency and performance. One of these tests pitted the ECP BSP-50 against a leading competitor for a one minute performance test. The test can be seen on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiXTSbCJpio .

Sump pump performance becomes evident during periods of heavy rains. While other sump pumps cannot keep up with heavy rains, ECP sump pumps have upto 50% more capacity while using less electricity. When combined with an efficient sump pit these sump pumps even become more efficient by eliminating short cycling. You can find even more information about ECP's lineup of sump pumps at their website http://www.earthcontactproducts.com/SUMP_PUMP.asp .

Earth Contact Products is known as the leading supplier of foundation repair and waterproofing products in the industry. Their extensive testing and engineering allows them to deliver the highest quality products to their contractors who serve homeowners throughout the United States.

This day and age we are bombarded with Green Products and Energy Saving Devices, but do we really know what they mean or what our goal truly is? Why do we need to save energy? How will it help me? Will what I do really matter in the long run? These are the questions that we are all thinking about, now  we just need some guidance and honest answers.

It is no secret that we cannot continue to increase the demand on our current power sources at our current pace. If our demand for power continues at the current rate, without improvements, we will be in trouble in very short order. Fossil fuels, coal natural gas and petroleum cannot keep up with our current rate of usage growth. Secondary sources of power generation, Nuclear Plants and hydro- electric plants, cannot be built fast enough to compete with demand. All is not lost though.

Renewable energy production, wind, solar and geothermal can increase very quickly and without much burden to consumers. Ten years ago we rarely saw Wind Turbine farms or Solar Farms, they were few and far between – literally. Today you see 250 megawatt wind farms throughout the Midwest (http://www.tradewindenergy.com/) , that’s enough power for about 75,000 homes. Large Solar Farms (http://www.solarpower.org/) of 5-15 megawatts are no longer uncommon to see, especially in the east and west. These are current and viable options to much of our energy needs. No longer is this a pipe dream, it is technology that is available today and as production increases the cost per watt will decrease dramatically.

Now, we are fairly helpless in providing our own renewable energy. Yes we can put a solar panel on our roofs or place a wind turbine in our back yards, but will this really help? Not as much as if we decrease our individual power consumption. This is easier than you might think, as long as we all have a goal. I propose that our goal should be to decrease our individual power consumption by 25%. Yes 25%.

This raises an obvious question – how can I decrease my power consumption by 25%? Simple, start with the following nine steps:

·         Replace your home light bulbs with CFL’s (compact fluorescent lights). A single bulb will save $30 in its life, on average. They use 75% less electricity than standard bulbs. There is no down side, they save money and reduce our energy consumption. Remember your outdoor lights, CFL’s can really save money here.

·         Turn off appliances when they are not being used. I am not suggesting that you stop using appliances, only to turn off the TV when you are not watching it, shut down the computer when it is not being used and of course shut off lights in rooms that are not being occupied. A desk top computer typically uses between 60 and 200 watts of power.

·         Use cooler water when washing clothes. The cold/cold setting uses only 16% of the energy compared to the warm/cold setting. And the cold/cold setting uses only 8% of the energy required to run compared to the warm/warm setting.

·         Heating and cooling systems are a very large source of potential savings. We have all heard it for years – turn up the temperature setting on your air conditioner. Once again, you do not have to stop using it, just get a programmable thermostat and turn it up 2 degrees over “normal”. Running a fan is much more cost effective than adjusting the setting down a degree or two. Also shutting off vents in rooms not being used can save some real money.

·         Use your curtains and shades. In the summer keep them closed when the sun is shining on them. In the winter keep them open to let radiant solar energy in and then close them at night to trap the warmer air in. What could be simpler than this? You paid for blinds or curtains, use them.

·         Do not soak dishes in the sink. Yes, I said do not soak dishes in the sink. A dishwasher uses around 37% less water than doing them by hand. Quickly rinse the dish and place it in the dishwasher. It would not hurt to turn down the heat on the dishwasher cycle also.

·          Buy kids toys that do not use electricity. For every toy that uses electricity buy them one that does not. What could be simpler? Have them use their mind when playing and they might even get some exercise on top of it.

·         Plant a shade tree on the south side of your home. You will want to keep it its expected height away from your foundation to prevent potential foundation repairs (http://www.myfoundationrepairs.com/) down the road. Shade trees are an excellent insulator and will help with those summer electricity bills.

·         Consolidate trips in your car. It seems obvious but consolidating errands into a single trip will save you money. Resist the urge to run unnecessary errands. Wait until you have more than one errand to run and try to combine your trip to a single store if possible. Also, as Americans we all love the freedom that driving a car affords, but we waste money and energy by taking multiple cars to places when adding a person or two to your car would work just fine.

Now that you have read these nine easy steps to saving money you have to admit, saving money and energy is fairly simple. Common sense will take you far in your quest to save money and energy. Let the experts figure out how to add renewable energy generation and decrease our demand for foreign oil. You and your family can reduce your energy demands by taking a few simple steps, and you will save money!

During June of each year TEI takes three days to hold a school for the installation of the popular Titan Hollow Bar Micropiles. 2010 was no exception as 22 people from around the country headed to the TEI Rock Drill facility in Montrose, Co. Instructors from TEI, Con-Tech, ECP and local drill contractors presented information in a classroom setting during the morning hours. The afternoon was set aside for hands on drilling, equipment safety and repair instruction by Con-Tech and TEI employees.

Classes were held in the warehouse at TEI opposed to the previous location at the Holiday Inn. The new setting was very popular with attendees, due to the ability of stopping a discussion and taking the entire group outside and explain questions with product and equipment at everyones disposal. TEI is currently discussing the possibility of creating a full-time classroom in the warehouse that would double as an interanl company safety meeting gathering point.

Jeff Tully, ECP, once again presneted the ECP Micropier bracketing system. The underpinning system for hollowbar micropiles has gained acceptance in the industry as the premier underpinning bracketing system. The ECP Model 350MP pier bracket was jointly developed by TEI and Earth Contact Products to fill a demand for a high quality underpinning bracket that can be used in the commercial and residential micro pile markets. The patent pending bracket is based upon ECP's line of underpinning brackets for helical anchors and steel push piers along with TEI's man-portable drill rigs (MP250 and MP260). Terry Burnell of Mountain Highwall Concrete Contractors gave the system great praise and shared the success his company has had since using the Model 350MP underpinning system.

Courses were taught in load calculations, testing techniques, installation methods, and grouting. Instructors included Dan Mclean, Contech Systems, Bill Patterson, TEI Rock Drills, Jeff Tully, Earth Contact Products and more. Terry Brunel, Mountain Highwall, and Kyle Vanderburg, Mays Construction, both local contractors gave case studies on some of their local projects. On Thursday afternoon the entire class was able to visit one of Terry's job sites to watch the installation of some Titan bars in real time. Terry's crew also demonstated a tension load test on this same project. Norman Parsons headed up the load test and was very informative in his explaination of testing procedures and requirements.

On May12th, 2010 Earth Contact Products announced that they received a Product Evaluation Report for their patented steel piering system. Evaluation report #PER-09040 was approved and published by PEI after a thorough testing and analysis procedure.

Laboratory testing by the accredited engineering testing lab began in the fall of 2009 and continued until early 2010. The highly regarded Product Evaluation Report also required a complete manufacturing facility inspection along with quality control review and verification. Robotic welding procedures and a technologically advanced facility was credited with much of the quality control approval.

Earth Contact Products (ECP) manufactures a complete lineup of foundation repair and helical anchors for the residential and commercial construction industry. Their steel push piers have become the industry standard for underpinning systems across the country. ECP’s nationwide approved contractor network is trained and support by the manufacturer with product and engineering support.

OCEAN HOUSE, WATCH HILL, WESTERLY, RI

After two weeks at the new Ocean House Luxury Hotel, New England Foundation and Stabilization Co. completed the ECP (Earth Contact Products) Helical Torque Anchors to support the proposed event tent on the south lawn of the property that overlooks Watch Hill.


The Helical anchors were recessed into lawn boxes that can be accessed when the tent is erected and will provide support to the tent guy wires, allowing proper tensile support in a strong wind load area, and ease of erecting and removing the tent during event set-up and tear down.

OCEAN HOUSE HOTEL

HELICAL PIER INSTALLATION

Once the piers were installed they were cut and capped using a custom pier cap that was welded to the pier pipe and connected to a clevis that will allow for easy attachment of the tent guy wires. 

Due to a septic leaching field, one line of the Helical Anchors had to be designed to straddle between the septic fields and the guy wire attachments were connected via channel welded to the Helical Anchors. 

Once the anchors were installed and capped, the site contractor graded the lawn and placed the lawn boxes that will be recessed into the lawn.   

Due to cold weather striking early, the new turf was not able to be placed, therefore temporary lawn was hydro-seeded and fenced off while the remaining landscaping continues. Next spring this lawn will be ready for use and tents will be assembled and disassembled with ease for events along this beautiful shore line. 

The use of helical anchors is making the installation of large solar panel facilities simpler and more efficient. Efficiency is one of the key ingredients for solar panels. Solar panels can be the optimal solution for you with minimal disruption to your home or business. Solar Power is a safe choice. Solar power is available in quantity at peak usage times. Current solar panels offer up to 50% more power than panels of just a few years ago. Solar panels that are more efficient provide the strongest return on your investment.  Higher efficiency means more savings per square foot. Helical anchors help make this all possible.

Helical ground anchors are engineered deep foundation members that provide high compressive and tension holding power. Their unique design can eliminate concrete foundation members that are often the source for construction delays. Helical anchors can be configured for most renewable energy applications in most soils. Installation of helical anchors is very fast and can be performed using relatively small equipment in hard to access site conditions. A verifiable load capacity can be determined for each location to assure owners of long term stability.

Efficiency, efficiency, efficiency are three things that solar power and helical anchors have in common. The fourth item is renewability. Solar power is obviously a renewable energy source that will help satisfy our energy appetite. Earth Contact Products, a major helical supplier to the Solar Industry, uses recycled steel in the production of their helical products.  According to their website, http://www.earthcontactproducts.com/Recycling.asp , “Our tubular products … are therefore at least 95-98% recyclable”. This commitment to recycling and Green Initiative makes helical anchors and solar power very Earth Friendly and Efficient.

By: New England Foundation & Stabilization Co.

Today marks the 6th day we have been at the new Ocean House Luxury Hotel. New England Foundation and Stabilization Co. was brought on site to install ECP (Earth Contact Products) Helical Torque Anchors to support the proposed event tent on the south lawn of the property that overlooks Watch Hill.  

 The Helical anchors will be recessed into lawn boxes that can be accessed when the tent is erected and will provide support to the tent guy wires, allowing proper tensile support in a strong wind load area, and ease of erecting and removing the tent during event set-up and tear down. The Helical Anchor installation is expected to be complete this week.

Please review the site photos below. We will post further photos and information once the project is complete.

World of Concrete is the industry's ONLY annual international event dedicated to the commercial concrete and masonry construction industries. Featuring indoor and outdoor exhibits with the industry's leading suppliers showcasing innovative products and technologies, exciting demonstrations and competitions, a world-class education program, and the information you need to help sustain and grow your business. Start the year off strong at World of Concrete!

Exhibits February  2 – 5^th 2010

Seminars February  1-5^th 2010 

EXHIBITS:
Original equipment manufacturers from around the world, like Earth Contact Products, displaying their products for the commercial construction, concrete and foundation repair industries.. WOC attracts approximately 1,600 exhibitors and occupies more than 800,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibit space.

WHO ATTENDS:
Commercial Contractors, Concrete Contractors, Construction Managers, Dealers/Distributors, Structural Repair Contractors, Designers and Specifiers, General Contractors, Masonry Contractors, Architects, Engineers, Brick and Block Producers, Repair Contractors, Residential Contractors,  Specialty Concrete Contractors, Pipe and Block Producers, and Precast/Prestressed Producers, and more...

EDUCATION : WOC offers both 90-minute and 3-hour seminar sessions; more than 100 skill-building seminars with top industry experts. This unsurpassed program provides training, updates and certifications.  Some contractors, like Earth Contact Products, have private educational seminars about their products and industries. For example, ECP is offering a Technical Seminar for their contractors and specifying engineers. This seminar is titled Basic Helical Design and Applications. This 5 hour technical presentation requires pre-registration by calling 866-327-0007. 

Do not miss out on this yearly gathering, in Las Vegas, of the best manufacturers and contractors from around the world. Visit the ECP display at booth #S11813

On September 22nd and 23rd, Earth Contact Products held their annual Foundation Repair Workshop in Kansas City. This workshop, intended to improve the business skills of foundation repair installing experts, had overwhelming attendance considering the economic climate. "Obviously ECP installing contractors are having a very good year, compared to their competitors" said Jeff Tully, GM of ECP. "The have come from around the country to learn how to be better and share ways to expand their level of service with each other" continued Tully.

The two day workshop covered subjects ranging from Advertising and Marketing to New Products and Services offered by Earth Contact Products. "The introduction of our concentric push pier has been a big hit" said Weston Opat of ECP. Opat went on to say "the ECP Model 200 is a concentric style pier designed for hard to reach foundation locations and crawlspace leveling work. It is the strongest concentric resistance pier on the market and features the ECP Manifold Lifting System that our other eccentric piers have been using for years."

Highlights, besides new product introductions included a night at the ballpark. All attendedees were given the opportunity to attend the Boston RedSox vs Kansas City Royals baseball game at the newly renovated Royals Stadium. It was a great time for installing contractors to network and discuss business issues with others in their industry. The evening was complete when Zach Greinkie won his 15th game of the season with a 5-1 victory of the BoSox.

Banister is responsible for customer technical support as well as product testing and regional technical seminars. Details of upcoming seminar locations can be found at www.earthcontactproducts.com/News.asp . Earth Contact Products provides free technical support for the engineering community and its customers alike as it pertains to their products and the applications of their products. The preliminary design service is available to all contractors and specifying engineers in the foundation construction business, to assist in the design and application of its products.

Earth Contact Products is a manufacturer of steel foundation products for underpinning, new construction and the utility industries. From helical anchors and resistance piers to helical soil nails and wall anchors ECP is recognized as a leader in their set industries.

Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency includes:

·         Tax Credits for Consumers

o    Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, up to $1,500, in 2009 & 2010 (for existing homes only) for:

§  Windows and Doors§  Insulation§  Roofs (Metal and Asphalt)§  HVAC§  Water Heaters (non-solar)§  Biomass Stoves

o    Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, with no upper limit through 2016 (for existing homes & new construction) for:

§  Geothermal Heat Pumps§  Solar Panels§  Solar Water Heaters§  Small Wind Energy Systems§  Fuel Cells

**Please note, not all ENERGY STAR qualified homes and products qualify for a tax credit. These tax credits are available for a number of products at the highest efficiency levels, which typically cost much more than standard products. If, for whatever reason, you decide not to purchase a product covered by the tax credit, you may still consider purchasing an ENERGY STAR product. ENERGY STAR distinguishes energy efficient products which, although they may cost more to purchase than standard models, will pay you back in lower energy bills within a reasonable amount of time, without a tax credit. 

Tax Credits for Consumers: 

Home ImprovementsTax credits are now available for home improvements:

·         must be "placed in service" from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010

·         must be for taxpayer's principal residence, EXCEPT for geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, solar panels, and small wind energy systems (where second homes and rentals qualify)

·         $1,500 is the maximum total amount that can be claimed for all products placed in service in 2009 & 2010 for most home improvements, EXCEPT for geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, solar panels, fuel cells, and small wind energy systems which are not subject to this cap, and are in effect through 2016

·         must have a Manufacturer Certification Statement to qualify

·         for record keeping, save your receipts and the Manufacturer Certification Statement

·         improvements made in 2009 will be claimed on your 2009 taxes (filed by April 15, 2010) — use IRS Tax Form 5695 (2009 version) — it will be available late 2009 or early 2010

·         If you are building a new home, you can qualify for the tax credit for geothermal heat pumps, photovoltaics, solar water heaters, small wind energy systems and fuel cells, but not the tax credits for windows, doors, insulation, roofs, HVAC, or non-solar water heaters. 

Earth Contact Products is pleased to announce the 2010 Annual Customer Appreciation Dinner in Las Vegas, NV on February 2^nd 2010. This annual event has always been a highlight for many that attend the World of Concrete Convention and this year ECP has changed venues from the VooDoo Café to the newest Rio hotspot - Café Martorano.

Café Martorano offers Italian-American food in a unique atmosphere that combines exceptional food with extraordinary music. ECP’s guests will be treated to a custom menu prepared by Steve Martorano and ECP while watching classic movies and listening to classic R&B and classic rock. “We still combine the freshest food with the best music, film and television, but we’ve taken that experience to a new level just like the menu,” said Martorano. “It’s a modern cool atmosphere that allows us to maintain our welcome-to-the-family vibe while re-inventing ourselves and raising the bar once again.”

As in the past ECP will host a cocktail party at 6:00pm followed by dinner prepared by the owner Steve Martonaro himself at 8:00pm. We have made special arrangements for Steve Martorano, the “Italian guy from the neighborhood” to help host the event and prepare his special home style Italian-American favorites in a way that only he can do. This years event will be one of those cant miss opportunities that reflects our appreciation to our customers.

The experience at Café Martorano is like no other. From his “No Whining” policy to his “Absolutely No Changes” and “Don’t Break Balls” comments on his menu, you will quickly see why ECP has chosen this place for their most important meeting of the year.

“It truly is the best meat ball in the world” says Brad Mitchell, after visiting Café Martorano’s for the first time. “We’ve got to have our customer appreciation dinner here” followed Jon-Michael Mitchell after trying the fried calamari with hot and sweet peppers.

This dinner is open to ECP customers, employees and family along with the engineering community that we work with. Make your plans to attend this event and be prepared for great food and a great atmosphere. Let us thank you for your business while networking with the best specialty foundation contractors in the world.

The National Waterproofing and Structural Repair Contractors (NAWSRC) latest regional meeting is being held in Chicago on May 22 and 23rd. Guest speakers will include Pat Donlea, VP or United Structural Systems, Barrington Il and Steve Andras, owner of Grate Products, Westport, Ma.

Waterproofing and Foundation Repair contractors throughout the Midwest will be attending this two day seminar designed to share information about the industry. The seminar is located at Metropolitan Industries located in Romeoville, Il. As a major sponsor of the event Earth Contact Products will provide information about their prodcuts to all those attending the seminar.

Earth Contact Products recently announced their latest patented product for underpinning foundations. The pier includes a pier shaft and a bracket mounted to the top of the pier shaft that supports the weight of the foundation along with a pair of braces that extend laterally from the pier shaft to the foundation.

This structural piering method and product was designed for uplift restraint as well as compressive loads of structures. The unique design was created by in house design professionals at ECP because of the growing need for uplift restraint on structures in both seismic and hurricane areas. Incorporated in the design are applications for ECP’s steel resistance and helical underpinning lineup of piers and bracket assemblies.

Jeff Tully, GM at Earth Contact Products, says “the bracket assembly fills a need in the foundation repair and underpinning industry. As the industries premier manufacturer of bracketing systems for the foundation repair and restoration industry we must always be listening to the industries needs and desires”.

US Patent number 7,195,462, dated March 27^th of 2007 is one more reason the Earth Contact Products is known as “The Very Best” steel underpinning manufacturer. The uplift restraint product complements ECP’s lineup of resistance piers, helical anchors and brackets, helical soil nails, plate anchors, slab lifting devices and micropile bracketing systems. With the most complete lineup of brackets and piering systems Earth Contact Products offer specialty contractors and engineers many options for their needs.

Now you can install a pre-engineered foundation repair bracket for your next Micro Pile project that multiples your safety potentials.  Developed as a joint venture between leaders in their respective fields, Earth Contact Products and TEI Rock Drills have put their expertise together to design a system to make the installation of micropile brackets as efficient as other underpinning systems.  Together we have adapted a proven ECP-style underpinning bracket to attach to the TEI Hollow Bar Drilling Rig. How does this work? The new ECP Micropier brackets eccentrically transfers the load of the structure to the hollow bar grout column, while maintaining the ability of a continuous manifold lift. This key element in the design allows for engineers and contractors the convenience of a proven, off the shelf bracket system that can easily adapt to micropile applications.  This type of underpinning system can be used on residential and commercial jobs alike. No longer are you restrained from using a underpinning system due to cobbles or other obstructions in the soil.

The Earth Contact Products MP-350 Micropier Bracket System is easily installed into difficult soil conditions that can contain large cobbles, obstructions and layers of rock. The TEI / MP-250 Drill Rig that is used in conjunction with the ECP Micro Pier Bracket System is a lightweight and portable drilling unit and used worldwide in the pier installation industry. With its proven track record, you’ll find that the installation and drilling of the Micropile is fast and efficient.  With its grouted column, lateral loading in suspect soils is no longer a problem. The Micropile works on skin friction to achieve maximum capacity, also, the ability to achieve capacity through end bearing the pile into a socket in the bedrock makes the ECP Micropier a great application in many job site conditions. The Micropiers are an engineering feat in themselves.  The hollow bar micro pier installs simultaneously as the core hole is being drilled, the grout is pumped thru the hollow bar, filling the shaft and displacing the cuttings--ALL in a simultaneous operation! Thus, saving much time and labor costs.   

With this addition to the ECP product line, Earth Contact Products is offering contractors and engineers the ability to add value to their businesses by opening up new business opportunities when other underpinning systems may not be able to be installed.  Instead of bearing on shallow layers of bearing structum you now can be assured that your underpinning system has gone below these weak and unveried layers to support structures.

• Bracket is a pre-engineered and pre-tested product
• Capacity ratings of 75,000-99,000 lbs
• Quickly  Installs to the TEI Drill Rig MP-250
• Intregrated Manifold Lift Design
• Minimal Site Preparation
• Installs in Low Head Room Areas or Limited Access Areas
• System Handles Difficult Ground Conditions
• Easily Load Tested to Verify Capacity
• Designed to Transfer Load to the Full Length of the Pile
• Cost Effective due to ease of operation and design

Radon is an inert gas that comes from below the earth’s surface.  To see the radon level in your area visit the EPA’s website. Radon gas is a by-product of Uranium, and is found all over the world. It is the second greatest cause of lung cancer after smoking and causes more deaths per year than drunk drivers. This is not an article intended to scare, it is intended to inform.When it comes to Radon, the general population falls into three categories: the informed, the uninformed and the misinformed.

·         The informed have tested and mitigated where warranted.

·         The uninformed don’t know anything about radon

·         The misinformed believe that radon exists and is a problem only in certain locations, all far removed from them.

Radon is colorless, odorless and tasteless, and it creeps into our homes, offices and schools through cracks and other openings in the foundation of the building.  Once inside it decays into alpha particles that damage the DNA of lung tissue, a major cause of lung cancer. Once identified as a problem, radon mitigation can be implemented for a very reasonable cost.  Some states like Colorado already require radon-resistant design as part of new home construction. Testing for radon is easy and homeowners can do it themselves. 

TheRadonLady.com has a link to one reliable source of radon test kits.  These are the same kits that are used by Radon Professionals for real estate transactions. There are many other sources on the web for passive test kits along with electrictronic units.Some people are afraid to test for radon because they think that mitigation will be costly, yet the cost is significantly less than what is added to a new vehicle for other safety features like airbags, seatbelts and crushable auto body parts.  The systems are fairly simple, yet very effective. When a house is sold, the radon system remains, a bonus to the buyer.

The Radon Lady (who is a licensed professional) recommends that everyone test their home themselves with both short term and long term testing.  Short term testing is for 48 hours and give a “snapshot” of the radon buildup over the two days.  Long term testing is 90+ days (6 months is recommended) and shows what the radon levels are like during “normal living conditions.”  “I suggest an initial short term test for approximately $16.  Depending on the radon levels mitigation might be warranted and that’s good to know.  Even if the radon levels are low, however, long term testing should always be implemented.  It costs only $25 and is really the decisive factor of how the home, office or classroom is affected . 

Test your home for radon today, you owe it to your family.

The International Code Council's 2009 edition of the international Building Code had 350 proposed code changes to the structural provisions in Chapter 16 through 23 of the 2006 IBC. Of these, about 200 were successful and will be incorporated into the 2009 edition.

Section 1704.10 - Special inspection requirements were added for helical pile foundations that are now included in Chapter 18.

Spring Home Improvement - Part 2

Solving structural foundation problems can be accomplished with steel push piers, helical piers, plate anchors and helical tiebacks by foundation experts. The type and method of foundation repair should only be prescribed by a trained expert. High quality foundation repair methods can be installed very quickly with less inconvenience than other methods. Your foundation will be secured and the original elevation will be retrieved maintaining the original integrity of your home.

The next step is to make sure that rain water is not running down the outside of your foundation walls. The best approach is to start at the top and work your way down. At the top is your guttering and downspouts. Gutters need to be secured and cleaned so that rain runs toward downspouts freely. The downspouts then take the water down to ground level where they must be directed away from the foundation. This can be accomplished with splash blocks, extenders or an underground system that takes the water through a series of piping and out beyond the zone of influence.

Grading the soil downhill is the next step. This is a very important step in the process of eliminating water problems. Mulch and debris must be removed before adding a clayey soil slope out approximately ten feet from the structure. This gentle slope directs water away from the home and prevents water pooling and hydrostatic pressure on foundation walls. Any cracks or gaps between concrete driveways and slabs should be filled to prevent any water infiltration. These gaps are often overlooked by homeowners due to their small size and location. Water runs across the concrete and is funneled into these gaps causing large amounts of water causing erosion and undermining, which opens voids for water to rest. Preventing water from attacking your foundation is the first step to preventing the need for foundation repair solutions.

Upon completing these easy steps you will be able to enjoy your basement this spring and summer without worrying about unexpected flooding. If your home has a crawlspace, the area under your home will be dry and mold free without paying for an encapsulation system that traps large amounts of water and mold under a thin layer of plastic that only hides your real problem. Do not fall for the scare tactics and bad advertising, use these simple steps to permanently keep your home dry and structurally sound.

Always remember, hiring a foundation engineer is your best insurance to getting a high quality job done right and not being sold a very expensive band aid.

Spring Home Improvement - Part 1

With spring right around the corner, we all should start thinking about the potential for wet basements and crawlspaces. With spring come heavy and frequent rains.  These rains can and will create havoc under your home if you are not prepared. Gutters need cleaned, downspouts checked, sump pumps need checked, perimeter grading must be maintained and foundations need to be kept in good shape.

 The best sign that spring is right around the corner is the amount of waterproofing contractors advertising their latest, greatest interior water diverting system. These waterproofing contractors are the first to ignore the causes of water infiltration, only praying on the easy band aid fixes. These band aids include encapsulation, interior drain systems and super duper wonder sump pumps. These quick fixes do not address the problem only the symptom. You have to keep water away from your home and maintain your foundation if you want to have a dry basement or crawlspace.  

Look for the signs and your home will tell you what is happening. These signs include efflorescence, mold, cracks in drywall,  windows and doors that are sticky and water leakage. Once you know you have a problem your next step is to look for the cause. Causes include transpiration, plumbing leaks, poorly maintained gutters, drainage and poor soil conditions. Any of these can cause undue pressure on foundations which results in leaks and cracks. 

Checking your basement for cracks and leaks should be the first step in making sure that you will not end up with a wading pool in your basement. Whether you hire a qualified foundation engineer or a foundation repair expert your foundation needs to be thoroughly inspected for wall cracks and ruptures, bowed foundation walls, settling footings and walls along with other structural defects. These defects must be solved before the rains start to prevent your basement from flooding. Neglecting structural defects assures foundation problems in the future. 

A simple way of detecting whether your foundation is under structural stress is with crack monitoring. Crack monitors are simple devices that measure and record movement of foundations over a period of time. These simple products can help determine if foundation repairs are necessary or not. Not only are they simple to install and read, they also are fairly inexpensive. Just have one installed over a crack and record the movement over time to really see what the basement walls are doing.

Earth Contact Products held their annual engineering and technical information seminar at the Rio Hotel and Suites in Las Vegas. The seminar,  Techniques for Rapid Design and Bidding Deep Foundation Projects coincided with the first day of the World of Concrete Trade Show. The technical seminar, presented by Don Clayton, PE covered subjects including Estimating Structural Loads on Footings, Determining Safe Pier Spacing, Helical Shaft Selection and Slender Shaft Buckling.

This annual technical seminar was attended by over 40 companies representing 34 states including engineers, foundation repair contractors and design professionals. Each attendee was presented with a complimentary copy of ECP's Seventh Edition Design and Technical Service Manual for their individual library of industry related text. This latest edition in technical manuals by Earth Contact Product is quickly becoming the industries source book for steel deep foundation products and their applications. ECP offers this resource book on their website www.earthcontactproducts.com , along with other valuable foundation repair industry information.

Earth Contact Products is the industry leader in foundation repair technology and customer support. The national network of factory trained installation specialists cover 46 states including all major cities. Earth Contact Products also provides a free preliminary design service for its installers and industry engineers to insure that every job is done right and efficiently. If your foundation needs fixed demand that only ECP products are used to support your foundation.

Engineer & Designer Workshop

Starting on February 19^th, 2009 Earth Contact Products and Mays Construction Specialties, Inc. offered a two day technical and informational seminar in Grand Junction Colorado. Seventy –two engineers, architects and contractors attended the two day workshop at the local Holiday Inn in Grand Junction.

Over the two days topics ranging from deep foundation systems, foundation underpinning, concrete repairs, grouting, cellular concrete and polyurethane grouts were discussed by ECP, Xypex, Strata-Tech, Cellular Concrete, LLC, Williams Form Engineering and Super-Krete. White Cap construction supply was a non-participating sponsor of the event.

Day one started with Earth Contact Products presenting The History of Helical Piles, followed by Helical Pile Design and Load Capacities. After the lunch break Earth Contact Products continued their presentation about Resistance Pier Design and Installation. Xypex and Strata-Tech rounded out day one. Day two was completed with Super-Krete’s President Tracey Holwitz covering decorative concrete, bonding and coloring agents.

Initial feedback from those attending the seminar was very positive both from knowledge gained and the organization of the event by Mays Construction Specialties. Kyle Vanderberg, Vice President of Mays, stated “The interaction of the attendees and the speakers has been fantastic.” Jeff Tully, President and GM of Earth Contact Products, noted that many engineers approached and thanked him for sharing information about their underpinning and foundation repair products. Will this become an annual event for Mays, according to Vanderberg, “I do not see how it could not”.

Feed