TOPIC: Interior basement systems

I see these systems all the time.

I would like to ask others on there opinions of these systems.

Also what are your thoughts on the EZ breathe systems that are often installed. I had an inspector friend that had a you tube video that he had to remove as he was threatened to be tossed in lake Erie in a body bag.

My opinions are numerous.

I think people are getting ripped off.
I also think that they opt for these systems due to the cost of doing it right. (Exterior excavation)

Most homes with these systems have roof drainage issues, reverse grading.

Some systems have the panels completely covering the walls. Great for mold

I am thinking of doing a blog and would like to get some opinions.

David I have never heard of them.
Could you explain some more.?

The houses usually have poor roof drainage and grading directing water against the foundation.
Water is intruding through the block, poured concrete or clay tiles.

Instead of correcting the roof drainage, grading and doing exterior excavation the basement systems company sell these inferior basement systems.

Depending were the water is coming in they install panels anywhere from a few inches to the entire wall. Mold usually occurs within a year.

The drill 2 large holes in each block to direct the water to come in to the trench

The ground is broken about 16 inches at the floor and a trench is dug out. 4 inch drain pipes are laid in the trench and there is supposed to be a clean out and a gradual slope to the pump.

Trench is backfilled with gravel, vapor barrier on top, finish coat of concrete.

Pipes are directed to a sump pump that discharges the water away from the foundation. (Should be on a dedicated circuit with a back up pump)

The EZ breathe systems are garbage.

They work by venting cool basement air and drawing warmer air from upstairs. The relative humidity of the warmer air is lower than the cool basement air and hence dryer.

One major problem with the system is that as air get pulled downstairs, it must come from someplace and that someplace is most likely unconditioned outside air pulled in through cracks and leaks in the house. If the outside air is muggy, the system won't help.

People are getting ripped off.

Thanks for the info David as I see dehumidifiers all the time but certainly would not look at something like this as a solution.
If it is pulling air from upstairs where is it exhausting and how is this any different from a basic box fan?

I will need to look into this  so thanks for letting us that have not seen them ,aware.

Typically exhuasts outside. Adjacent were the system is in the basement. Here is a pic of the exhaust. Nice clearance from the ground. I guess they do not expect any snow in C town.

An inspector friend with years and years of knowledge and does investigative studies did a you tube video on the EZ breathe.
He was threatened by them and was told if he did not remove he would be tossed in Lake Erie in a body bag.

By the way that window is half below grade.

I see no reason this should replace a Dehumidifier.
This is no different from using a window fan in reverse