Basement waterproofing and crawl space repair in NE

Welcome Hothan Baby Girl!

Mon, May 20 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Congratulations to Cole Hothan and wife Amy, who welcomed their second baby girl Ali Hothan. Ali was born the morning of, Friday, May 17th, weighing 7 lbs. and 21" in length. Cole is a System Design Specialist with Thrasher Basement Systems. We are excited to welcome this beautiful little girl to our team.

Welcome to Our New Employee!

Fri, May 17 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Team Thasher would like welcome Kimiko (Ki-mee-ko, emphasis on “mee”) Ichikawa to our company as our Facilities Attendant. Kimiko supports the Thrasher Basement Systems production team in providing exemplary customer service.

Do your Basement Walls Need Permanent Stabilization?

Wed, May 8 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Do your basement walls need permanent stabilization?

Did you know? Foundation walls fail in 4 steps:

Step 1: Horizontal cracks appears on the wall because the wall has started to bow inward.

Step 2: Horizontal and stair step cracking occurs

Step 3: Walls begin to lean in at the top, shearing occurs at the bottom, and more cracking occurs. Once a wall starts leaning and shearing badly; additional steps will need to be made to permanently stabilize the wall and the cost to repair becomes much more.

Step 4: Wall totally fails! Given time pressure can snap the walls; creating an enormous and devastating problem.

Mothers Day Celebration

Fri, May 10 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems would like to wish all the Mom's out there a Happy Mothers Day. We hope that you enjoy the warm weather outside and feel loved on this wonderful day, celebrating you!!

Trade Show Free Tv Drawing Winners!!

Mon, April 29 2013, 00:00:00 -500

During the month of February 2013, every customer who signed up at our our Trade Show Booth for a Basement Finishing Consultation, was entered into a drawing for a 32" LED TV.

We completed all of the estimates, April 23 and two lucky winners walked away with a free TV.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Thoreen !!

Thrasher Basement Systems Featured in Midlands Business Journal

Tue, April 30 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher was recently featured on the front page of the Midlands Business Journal. Vice President Dan Thrasher shared information on the growth of the business and Thrasher's evolving services.

With 37 years under our belt as foundation and waterproofing professionals, Thrasher Basement Systems is primarily known for residential services such as waterproofing, basement finishing, radon testing and mitigation and foundation repair. In recent years Thrasher has added a commercial division, and have become a significant player in geotechnical contracting industry, ranging from highway pavement repair to numerous stabilization and fill projects.

Other items mentioned in the article included Thrasher's new service in concrete lifting know as PolyLEVEL. Learn more about PolyLEVEL here.

Thrasher is Highlighted in the Omaha World- Herald

Wed, April 24 2013, 00:00:00 -500

On Tuesday Morning, Nick Rohe our Sales Manager, received a call from a reporter at the Omaha World-Herald. In result of his conversation we were mentioned in the article titled "Not business as usual", published Wednesday April 24, 2013.

The rainy weather has brought record calls to our office with over 400 calls and 218 appointment booked Monday and Tuesday. Thrasher is happy to report that our staff has really stepped it up for our customers. Running several appointments a day, in an attempt of servicing our customers as quick as possible.

Read full article here http://www.omaha.com/article/20130424/MONEY/704249901

Team Thrasher's Headquarters located in La Vista, Nebraska

Basement Waterproofing with Thrasher

Thu, April 18 2013, 00:00:00 -500

As the old saying goes "April Showers bring May Flowers". In a perfect world the gift of rain would only ring positive results, Unfortunately as many of us realize, it is not always a perfect world. With the
drought of 2012 in the rear view mirror many people were left with an abundant amount of cracks not only in their foundations, but in the earth surrounding their foundations as well. With the already timely spring
rains we have received numerous calls from people wanting consultations on the issue of water in their basement.

Since 1975, Greg Thrasher has had the great opportunity to help over 30,000 people with water and foundations problems. With one call to Thrasher Basement Systems, these issues can be diagnosed and explained. Every consultation provides customers with options given to fix their problem provided by a qualified specialist with a top notch leading company in the industry. The consultation is free and comes with a no hassle written estimate. By using the best material in the industry Greg is also able to offer a 25 year transferable warranty.

After four years of seeing the pain that water issues commonly causepeople, I'm humbled to say that I am one lucky guy to be able to walk in to people's homes and offer great solutions at a great prices with a great company. So please, If you have any water or foundation problems, give Thrasher a call at [phone], you won't regret it.

Wow Service at Thrasher Basement Systems

Tue, April 16 2013, 00:00:00 -500

We've WOW'd over 28,000 customers in Nebraska and Iowa Since 1975. Our company was founded by Greg and Nancy Thrasher. A family run company who's mission is "to be the best in our industry, and to 'WOW' our customers every step of the way.

We were founded in the small town of Earling, Iowa. We have been treating customers from both large and small communities since 1975. We are proud to be located in La Vista, Nebraska and have local representatives throughout the midwest to serve our customers. Our technicians may live in your neighborhood whether it be Omaha, Kearney or Valparaiso; or Sioux CIty, Carroll, Harlan or Wall Lake, Iowa.

Our products are not available anywhere else. After 36 years of innovation and 28 patents awarded to Thrasher no one else can offer you the same products as Thrasher Basement Systems.

We offer a price assurance guarantee ensuring the total price of your basement project is the lowest price available for the work specified in your agreement.

Last but not least, our guarantees will blow you away. We offer system warranties, 100% satisfaction, property protection, and a customer respect guarantee. Are we perfect? No. But. every day, every person at our company is striving to be excellent at what each of us does to serve you. You are the most important person in our careers and we never forget it. Our business was built with you in mind.

We are the All Things Basementy Professionals and we are the company for you. Contact us today!!

Customer Reviews

We used Thrasher because we needed waterproofing. Thrasher's sales person stayed in touch, while the other contractor did not return his revised estimate that he had promised. We had used Thrasher in our old home and had no complaints, plus other people spoke highly of Thrasher.

- W. Dee and Carol S. of Omaha, NE
Monday, June 25th, 2012

It was a delight dealing with Carl. He explained things well, answered all my questions, and was very professional. The best thing is they cleaned up after themselves: no pop cups, cans, sunflower seeds, cigarette butts, anythiing. We have seen it all. We were impressed by employee conduct.

Communication with the customer is what locks up the ability to excel and you have found the key! The emails prior to work date and the phone call saying they are on their way. Thrasher doesn't leave the customer wondering which end is up!

Salesman Bob knew his stuff. He isn't out there selling widgets when he really only has whatnots.

Seems like Thrasher has a pretty tight ship! Which is good given the business you're in!

- Mike K. of Omaha, NE
Monday, August 6th, 2012

I will definately recommend Thrasher! Due to severe cracking in the basement walls I wanted to contact someone with a good reputation to give my an estimate and also answers to my questions. I was completely amazed at the three men that did the work at my house. I could not believe the amount of work they accomplished in just 3 days. They worked constantly and were very courteous when I had a question. The worked in unison as a well oiled machine. And-I could not believe the clean up job they did. I also especially like the 25 year quarantee.

- Rita C. of Council Bluffs, IA
Monday, January 21st, 2013

I probably don't write to thank and congratulate businesses as often as I express my concerns, but I really wanted to compliment your organization. I had 3 companies come and do an estimate. Your representative, Tom, was on time and professionally dressed. This was in stark contrast to the other two firms. As a business executive, I know that these thinkgs don't happen by accident, and so right away I ws pre-sold to use your firm- even if it was going to cost me a little more. After quickly surveying the problem, Tom told me that the best and most permanent solution was to move my retaining wall away from the foundation and wood siding. This solution made more sense to me than those recommended by the other companies, and Tom was happy to offer the solution despite knowing it would mean no work for Thrasher. To me, that is the sign of a great company- employees that are empowered and a corporate set of values. So, where does that leave me and Thrasher? Well, first, if I ever do have a real basement and/or water problem, I will not hesitate to contact you. Second, I'll tell my friends and colleagues about my positive experience. Thanks!”

-Patrick B. Omaha, NE

April Rains Bring May Flowers

Tue, April 9 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Have April's rainy days caused damage to your home? At Thrasher we understand how water in your home can be one of the worst experiences. That is why we have developed the most effective and long-term solution for wet basements. Let us protect your home and keep you worry free every time it rains.

Every home is different, it takes a personal touch to effectively solve unique problems. At Thrasher Basement Systems that personal touch is guaranteed. From the time our office takes your call and sets an appointment, to the day our certified representative meets with you to evaluate your property – our goal is to provide exemplary service and a custom solution to address the needs of your home or business.

Six Great Reasons to Choose Us

Quality Products: Basement Systems® dealers have been installing their patented, award-winning products for more than 20 years.
Fast Installations: Our system installs quickly in your home, with most complete installations taking one or two days.
Experienced Crews: A crew of experienced workers will arrive to install your system quickly and professionally. Each one is a waterproofing specialist who dries basements every day.
A Cost-Effective System: Our waterproofing system can be customized to fit your budget, and it costs about half as much as an exterior waterproofing system.
Locally Owned And Operated Contractors: Thrasher Basement Systems is locally owned and operated and has been in business since 1975. They're a stable, well-established company that's there when you need them!
Free Waterproofing Quotes: We offer free waterproofing quotes to homeowners in our service area. Our quotes come in writing, and there's no obligation!

Keep your Home Dry this Spring with Thrasher Basement Systems

Thu, April 11 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Is your system prepared to keep your basement dry this spring? Was it painful to stay up in the early hours of the morning using your shop-vac to soak up the water that never stopped coming in?

This is a reminder to all our customers to be ready for that unexpected shower. At Thrasher Basement Systems we encourage our customers to have an annual inspection on their system. Mostly, to make sure that their investment with our product is still in good operating condition.

We have a team of professional technicians that will meet you at your home. Most of these maintenances take up to two hours. They will sit down with you and go into detail of what they have planned for your inspection. The technician will check your pump and make sure it is working by running water through the system. If your waterproofing system has any debris in it, they will even washout the system to prevent any blockage. It is important to also check the rest of the basement, on the inside and outside. All our technicians are trained to check your property to prevent further damage. There have been times when our technicians have found problems and have had the opportunity to fix them before they caused more problems. What we have found from customers that have missed the opportunity to have their system checked is more water in their basement due to the pump not working. Missing a maintenance cost them more money to get there basement dry again.

I have been a service technician since 2008. I have walked into to homes with wet basements where the pump was not working, when a simple inspection would have prevented the problem.

How do you know if your pump is ready? You can give us call today at [phone] and let our team give you the peace of mind that you are ready for the unexpected.

Remodeled Basement in Kearney, NE

Thu, April 11 2013, 16:37:04 -500

The Brodines built their single story home in 2006. They were in need of some extra space. VeraLee wanted an extra bedroom and bathroom for her guests. Stan wanted extra space for his man cave. The Brodines had reservations on starting a basement remodel project because their past experience with the contractor who built their home. They had to hire another local contractor to finish and fix issues that the home builder never completed. The Brodines had done work with Thrasher on the water issues that they had two years prior. When they found out that Thrasher now finishes basements they felt confident the job would get done and done right.

More Living Space in Sergeant Bluff

Thu, April 11 2013, 16:21:02 -500

Brad’s father was diagnosed with dementia. Due to the illness Brad moved into his father’s home to provide the care that he needs. The size of the home was not big enough for Brad, his father, and Brad’s daughter. Brad wanted a bedroom and bathroom for his daughter. He also needed an area to spend time with his daughter. Brad was very familiar with the water problems that this part of the city had in the past. He wanted to make sure that the products he installed were water and mold resistant.

Spring Home Checklist

Thu, April 4 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Winter in the Midwest seemed to last forever, after our long winter the warmth of spring is going to feel like a breath of fresh air. However, with every seasonal change comes a list of work for your home. Team Thrasher would like to share this checklist to help you target areas that need maintenance this spring. We hope that this list is helpful, leaving you time to enjoy the warm sunshine of spring.

Inspect exterior siding, brickwork and stucco. Clean and repair as needed.
Replace rotted siding or trim and repaint as necessary.
Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts. The freeze and thaw cycles of winter can lead to damage and sags/dips.
Inspect your roof for leaks or loose shingles. Make sure flashing is in good shape.
Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from the home's foundation. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete. If lifting is necessary contact Thrasher Today 1-800-827-0702 we can help!

Check your chimney on the inside and outside. Make sure the damper is working properly and thoroughly shut.
Weatherproof your windows and doors. Check all caulk lines and weather stripping, replace screens.
Check our your heat/air unit, change all batteries in detectors. Change filters and clean the air purifier, but leave the rest to the pros.
Prune landscaping and create good drainage. Maintain your plants shrubs to prevent soil erosion.
Protect against bugs.
Replace storm windows if in pour shape.
Change batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Don't forget about your sump pump. Often time’s annual maintenance is forgotten until it is too late. Contact Thrasher Today [phone], We can help!

Thrasher maintenance includes, We will cycle and water test the pump operations, clean the sump liner of sediment and silt, change the batteries in alarm, flush and flood test Water Guard System, evaluate the discharge line and its potential for freezing. Perform inspection of foundation, grading and gutters.

Crawlspace Solutions

Tue, April 2 2013, 00:00:00 -500

There are several negative effects of a Wet or Damp Crawl Space. Since air flows upward into the upper levels of your home from the crawl space, it brings the humidity from the crawl space with it. The effects on your home can include:

- Dust Mites

- Sticking doors and windows

- Smelly, damp carpets

- Buckling hardwood floors

- Condensation/rotting/mold in your attic

- Frost, condensation or mold on the inside of windows in cool weather

- Increased cooling bills

- Increased heating bills

- Mold upstairs

- Decreased life of roof sheathing and shingles

- Decreased life of the paint on the outside of your house

- Aggravated asthema and allergies

What is the solution, one may ask? Here at Thrasher we would recommend that you fix your crawlspace. There are four steps to totally eliminating the dirt crawl space from having any negative effects on the rest of your home.

Step 1 Fix the water leakage

Step 2 Isolate the house from the earth

Step 3 Seal vents and other outside air leaks

Step 4 Condition or dehumidify your crawl space air

Thrasher Basement Systems can help. Contact us today and we can help you transform your crawl space and illuminate the problems you maybe experiencing.

Is your basement still getting wet?

Thu, March 28 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher's Solution: Practical Design - Thrasher's patented WaterGuard sub floor drainage system intercepts water at the perimeter of your basement and drains it to a sump pump. WaterGuard sits on top of the footing and out of the soil under your basement floor, it also has build in serviceable inspection ports so it will never clog!

Did you know?Filtered drain tile and strip drainage systems are outdated technology and much less effective because they sit in the mud and are notorious for clogging.

Watergaurd will keep your basement dry and healthy so you can use the space for storage, recreational purposes, or to finish for additional living space. Thrasher backs Watergaurd with a 25 year transferable warranty.

Thrasher has new financing options available including 0% for 6 months or installment financing options. Please contact me for details!

What Thrasher brings to the table:

Great company: A+ BBB rating, 2 BBB integrity awards, 37 years of longevity and experience, competitive prices, and patented products, and more!
Financing: several options available including 0% for 6 months or installment financing options.

Give us a try! Please call us today for a consultation, Thrasher Basement Systems gives free estimates and can help you get ride of the water in your basement. 1-800-827-0702

What is PolyLEVEL Concrete Stabilizer?

Tue, March 26 2013, 00:00:00 -500

What is PolyLEVEL?

PolyLEVEL - Geotechnical two-part, high-density polyurethane system used to fill voids, lift slabs, stabilize concrete, raise foundations as well as stabilizing loose soils.

PolyLEVEL utilizes high-density polyurethane to stabilize and level concrete slabs, floors and foundations. With multiple formulations available, PolyLEVEL is able to fit the needs of any job, large or small. PolyLEVEL employs a two-part urethane polymer that expands in to rigid, structural foam to fill voids, stabilize and lift concrete and offer solutions to a wide range of geotechnical and structural applications.

Why use PolyLEVEL?

For void fills or slab, floor or foundation lifting, PolyLEVEL offers all the advantages of traditional mud jacking but with significant additional benefits:

· Lightweight – PolyLEVEL weighs approximately 2.5 to 4 pounds per cubic foot of material depending on the product and application. Traditional materials utilized to do this type of project typically weigh 140 pounds per cubic foot. This means there is almost no additional load being added to the supporting soil.

· High Capacity – The lifting action of PolyLEVEL is the result of a chemical reaction which expands our polymer. This expansion yields a much higher lifting capabilities than traditional applications that rely on hydraulic pressure being contained under a slab.

· Accurate Lift – PolyLEVEL lift times are extremely fast and very predictable allowing for precise lifts

· Waterproof – Our Polyurethane material is waterproof and will not wash out. In addition, we have developed polyurethane applications that are able to set up in a wet environment…even underwater!

· Non-Invasive – PolyLEVEL equipment can be used in limited access areas and is less messy than other methods.

· Set up Time – Within 15 minutes of the material being injected, PolyLEVEL is ready to be driven on.

Contact Thrasher Basement Systems today for your concrete project. We will be sure to wow you with the results. [phone]

Welcome to Our New Employees!

Fri, March 22 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Please Welcome these New Employees to our Team

Kathy Van Den Top

Customer Service Representative

TBSI

Angela Sharon

Inside Sales Representative

TBSI

Nathan Lange

Systems Design Specialist

TBSI

Mike Holverson

Systems Design Specialist

TBSI

Adrian Garza

Installer

TBSI

Juan Diaz

Installer

TBSI

Juan Orozco

Installer

TBSI

Advantages to using the PolyLEVEL System

Fri, March 15 2013, 00:00:00 -500

At Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks by Thrasher we are constantly looking for ways that we can improve our systems and provide better solutions for our customers. Recently we purchased a second truck for installing our proprietary PolyLEVEL concrete lifting system. This truck is capable of 4 times more output than our other truck, and allows us to perform jobs more quickly. This is especially important in situations where traffic will need to be diverted during installation.

PolyLEVEL is a rigid polyurethane foam that is injected under concrete to improve the subgrade soil and lift the concrete back to its original position. This system can be used in both residential and commercial applications. Our smaller truck is most commonly used on residential applications, but this larger truck will be used on commercial applications when high volume output and speed of installation are of the utmost importance.

We are also excited to have a calibrated monitoring system that ensures the correct amounts of foam are used and that it is at the exact pressure and temperature necessary to get the best results. The monitoring system also allows us to provide accurate data to engineers and officials that are overseeing the improvements of roads and bridges.

There are many advantages to using the PolyLEVEL System:

- Quick Install- drive on the concrete within 20 minutes.

- High Capacity- lift concrete with load bearing structures above.

- Permanent- does not deteriorate or erode.

- Light Weight- over 100 lbs. lighter than traditional mudjacking materials.

Sump Pump Maintenance by Thrasher Basement Systems

Thu, March 14 2013, 00:00:00 -500

It’s about that time when we can all put away our snow blowers and shovels. These cold blustery winter days are almost over. The season changes and those spring rains are right around the corner. After the unfortunate drought of 2012, we are all looking forward to some much needed moisture. Our soil is ready for the saturation, but is your home?

A basement can only stay dry with a sufficient waterproofing system. That system must have a properly working sump pump to rid the water from your basement. Is your sump pump working properly? Are you confident that your basement will be dry after the next rainfall? Sump pumps are out of sight but should never be out of mind.

When is the last time you had your waterproofing system and sump pump maintenance? I have been waterproofing homes for over eight years. I’m confident that the only way to keep your basement dry is through proactive routine maintenance. Unfortunately I have witnessed the results of homeowners neglecting their systems on several occasions. Soaking wet carpet, ruined drywall, damaged baseboard, mildew and mold are just a few byproducts of the sump pump not performing correctly. The headache you never wanted to experience again is back. Is this something you would like to avoid?

An annual maintenance of your system will allow a highly experienced professional to flood test the system and clean your sump pump from all sediment and mineral build up. The overwhelming amount of iron in the water is a sump’s biggest foe. It’s imperative to keep the sump’s vent hole clean and clear of all build up. The pump’s mechanical float switch will be checked over to ensure it’s working properly. The pump’s impeller will also be cleaned and checked over. The sump pit will be cleared of all sediment and silt. The technician will then check over the sump pump’s discharge for any problems or potential problems.

Servicing your sump pump is what Thrasher comes to your home to perform. What about the rest of your basement and foundation? Our service team is not only highly experienced in waterproofing. We are certified in foundation repair, crawlspace repair and indoor air quality. Is your home’s foundation structurally sound? Is your basement up to code? Does your basement run the risk of mold and mildew? Does the drainage around your home promote positive drainage? Are you protected from water when your power goes out? Annual Maintenances come with a complimentary inspection. You don’t want small problems becoming big problems. A Technician inspecting your basement will allow you to have that piece of mind all of us homeowners would like to enjoy.

Give Thrasher Basement Systems a call to schedule your annual maintenance at [phone]. One of our service technicians will be able to ensure a dry basement for you and your family. We also have a program that will provide a guarantee you never miss out on all the benefits of our annual maintenances again. Ask your technician about our Thrasher Care Club or visit our website www.thrasherbasement.com/thrashercareclub and become a member. Thrasher care club will provide a lifetime of warranties, maintenances and piece of mind. Hope to see you soon.

Anthony Salcedo

Service Technician

Thrasher Basement Systems Published in the Daily Nonpareil

Wed, March 13 2013, 11:25:25 -500

The article titled "Do this before finishing that basement" written by Ashlee Coffey of the Nonpareil, highlights everything a home owner should consider before finishing their basement.

Thrasher Basement Finishing production manager, Jeremy Seier was interviewed by Ashlee Coffey of the The Daily Nonpareil. One of the oldest businesses in Council Bluffs. A newspaper that serves the area in which it was founded, Council Bluffs. Thrasher Basement Systems was featured in this publication due to their involvement in the annual Council Bluffs Home Improvement and Landscaping Home Show.

Jeremy Seier spoke on behalf of Thrasher Basement Finishing, a division of the Thrasher Company, in the article titled “Do this before finishing that basement”. This article was published Sunday February 17^th and distributed at the Council Bluffs Home and Landscaping Show February 22^nd -24^th. The article discussed the order in which a homeowner should finish their basement. Keeping in mind that homeowners always want their work done right, the first time around.

A small exert from the piece:

Overall, creating a beautifully finished basement that will stand the test of time is dependent on taking care of and fixing issues regarding foundation, moisture and radon testing first. Once these are safely taken care of, the possibilities for a basement – including design, set-up, electricity and lighting – are endless, Seier said.“Take care of those issues first – especially moisture issues – before you finish,” Seier said. “It’s important to protect the investment you’re making.”

Thrasher Basement Finishing, a division of Thrasher Basement Systems, is the exclusive Total Basement Finishing dealer in Nebraska and Western Iowa. In operation since 1975, The Thrasher team is the leading expert in basement waterproofing, crawl space repair, foundation settlement and basement finishing. Thrasher Basement Systems serves Nebraska, Western Iowa and Northwestern Missouri area.

Thrasher Basement Systems provides free, in-home consultations and are ready to help you with your home improvement needs. Contact Thrasher today 1-800-827-0702.

National Management Training hosted by Thrasher

Wed, March 6 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems acted as a host for a national Management training February 27th - March 1, 2013. Our sister company - Foundation Supportworks hosted 21 representatives from around the country to educate on management topics such as, hiring and recruiting, record keeping, recognition and more. The training lasted three days and was specifically geared for managers and company owners. Thrasher Basement Systems provides service to both residential and commercial clients around Nebraska and Iowa.

Congratulations to Josh Kaiser and Wife Erin on new Family Member

Tue, March 5 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Congratulations to Josh Kaiser and wife Erin, who welcomed their first baby girl Chloe Cadwell. Who was born March 4th, weighing 8 lbs. and 4 oz. Josh is the Business Development Manager for Foundation Support Works which is a sister company of Thrasher.

Are you thinking about finishing your basement?

Fri, March 1 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Are you thinking of finishing your basement? Great! A basement transformation is a fantastic way to create added living space to your home for you and your family! My customers are delighted by the positive impact finishing their basement has had on the quality of life that they and their family experience. It really is life changing!

Now, who can you trust to get the job done right, on time, and on budget? Lucky for you, you have already found the basement experts; the recipients of the Better Business Bureaus coveted Business Integrity Award in 2000 and 2008 (runner-up in 2012)! So whether it is a new family room for added home comfort, or a new bedroom for a growing family, count on us to show you how it should be done right so that you will never have to do it again.

Wondering what I mean by that? Should be simple right? Just throw up a few walls, a ceiling, get the electrician in and you’re done, right? Well, yes and no… my crew will use a little more care than just “throwing” something together, and my customers DO love that we are finished with the average job in just 2 WEEKS!

What I mean when I say “done right so that you never have to do it again” references the materials that we choose to use for your project. I did mention we are the basement experts, 38 years and counting…! We have done work in over 35,000 basements across Nebraska and Western Iowa and we KNOW that the basement space is a different type of space than the rest of your home. We are the ONLY basement finishing company that will totally account for the dynamics that are unique to a basement environment. Ever notice all the plumbing lines that run through the floor joists above your basement? What could happen if one of those would leak? Where would that water end up? How about the time when the lawn company forgot to put your downspout back into place and ground water ended up in the basement…what would typically have to be done with a basement finished with traditional building materials (drywall and wood studs)? Since we waterproof multiple homes EVERY day, I for one know that those materials would need to be ripped out because of the high risk of MOLD growth!

How about that dehumidifier that runs all summer? It collects over two gallons of water every day…where does that moisture come from? Well your basement is made of concrete, that porous building material, and outside you have soil. When the soil gets wet, you have wet soil and hydrostatic pressure building outside of a porous building material. So….vapor diffuses through the concrete walls and slab and into your basement! Ever wonder what could happen to the paper backing of the drywall and fiberglass insulation and wood studs that face the concrete walls of your basement? Just call me up for an appointment…I would be glad to show you some great mold pictures!

Lucky for you, you have already found the basement experts and won’t have to worry about water damage, mold, or smells in your new finished basement, ever! We have accounted for all of these inevitable dynamics of the basement space, and back all of our finishing products (walls, ceiling, floors, etc.) with very impressive warranties (50 years sound alright?) against damage from water, moisture, and mold.

Call Thrasher today for a free consultation; we promise to treat you and your family with great respect and do our best to deliver a beautiful basement that will look great for generations…on time, on budget, and using the RIGHT MATERIALS!

Shane McClintic

System Design Specialist for Thrasher Basement Finishing

Thrasher is Highlighted in the Daily Nonpareil

Tue, February 26 2013, 00:00:00 -500

The article titled "Do this before finishing that basement" written by Ashlee Coffey of the Nonpareil, highlights everything a home owner should consider before finishing their basement.

Article can be read on page 6F

http://www.southwestiowanews.com/council_bluffs/specialsections/home-improvement-and-landscaping-show/article_c8906c02-77be-11e2-a40b-001a4bcf887a.html

Winter Storm 2013 hits Nebraska

Fri, February 22 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Safe travels this weekend from Thrasher Basement Systems

New Initiative Aims to Reduce Radon Levels in Homes

Mon, February 18 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and several federal agencies revealed a new initiative this month aimed at making homes healthier for residents. A large part of that initiative is aimed at reducing the levels of radon gas in multifamily housing units. Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is estimated to cause as many as 21,000 lung cancer deaths a year in the United States. Certain areas of the country have greater levels of radon in the soil due to the amount of uranium in fault lines and fissures in bedrock.

Advancing Healthy Housing - A Strategy for Action, was developed by the White House Council on Environmental Quality, the EPA, HUD, the Surgeon General and the Deputy Secretary of Energy. This new initiative states that all multifamily housing developments that receive HUD financing or refinancing will be required to do radon testing as well as remediation if testing indicates there are high levels of radon. Federal agencies believe that improving housing can have a big impact on the health of residents. Thirty million or more U.S. homes and apartments have physical problems and/or elevated levels of lead and radon, as well as other health hazards. These conditions are associated with a wide range of health issues, including unintentional injuries, respiratory illnesses like asthma and radon-induced lung cancer, lead poisoning. Poor living conditions may also result in lost school days for children, as well as lost productivity in the labor force.

The new strategy encourages federal agencies and state and local governments, non-profit organizations and the private sector to take action to reduce the number of U.S. homes with residential health and safety hazards.

This initiative from HUD and the EPA will prevent millions of people living in multifamily housing from being exposed to radon gas with five goals:

Establish healthy homes recommendations.
Encourage adoption of healthy homes recommendations.
Create and support training and workforce development to address health hazards in housing.
Educate the public about healthy homes.
Support research that informs and advances healthy housing in a cost-effective manner.

Radon can filter undetected into homes in a variety of ways. Water sump pump holes and drainage systems can be open doorways for the gas. Radon can also seep in through cracks in your flooring, around chimneys, gaps and holes around plumbing pipes, as well as through the air ducts of forced heating systems. Deep water wells can also draw radon-contaminated water into your home.

If you suspect radon in your home, contact a certified radon inspection specialist to schedule a radon test. During this visit, the expert will make sure you're informed of the required living conditions for accurate testing. If you already have a radon mitigation system installed and it’s over 5 years old, it’s recommended that you have your system inspected. This will ensure that you and your loved ones are protected from radon exposure. The EPA recommends that all homes with a radon mitigation system be tested every two years.

If you believe that radon gas is intruding your home, it's time to take action against it. Thrasher Basement Systems can help you, by providing radon testing in Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri. We will also provide you with a free radon mitigation system estimate. Thrasher Basement Systems can provide you with a test kit and the results should be available in as little as a week. If radon levels in your home are above the EPA’s recommended safe level, we can customize a radon mitigation system for your home. We work with each homeowner to effectively return your home’s radon levels to a safe level.

To mold or not to mold? That is the question.

Thu, February 14 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Have you ever smelled that “basement smell?” You know--the one that smells the same as your Grandma’s basement did when you were a kid? Does it smell musty? Not exactly like the boy’s locker room in high school, but that stale, dirty stench that reeks like no other?

Do you think it might be that “1960’s brown paneling” you have down there? Or maybe that drywall that’s been there since Shep was a pup? Even if your basement is unfinished you may have the same sort of raunchy smells emanating from the lower level of your home. If you think about what those materials are made of or the environment of a basement…all roads, or smells in this case, lead to…you guessed it…mold and mildew!!

What do you know about mold and mildew, and do you think it’s serious? Have you had water damage in your basement? Have the building materials ever gotten wet? Even if you haven’t had any water damage, let’s seriously think a minute about the basement environment. It’s cold. It’s damp. It’s surrounded by concrete. And your concrete is surrounded by dirt and ground water. So where does the water go? Well, in a basement the water slowly diffuses through your concrete walls in vapor form from the outside in because of hydrostatic pressure. Water begins to build up more and more around your house as the backfill becomes saturated. This added weight creates an enormous amount of force (known as hydrostatic pressure) on the walls. This pressure pushes the water into the basement through cracks and joints, with water most commonly being pushed through the floor-wall joint. Hydrostatic pressure on the walls also pushes water vapor through the porous concrete of your home, where the drier air inside of your basement sucks it up and makes your basement air more humid. This is why the humidity level in your basement if higher than anywhere else in your home. I mean, you wouldn’t put a dehumidifier in the kitchen, right? You can decrease the amount of moisture by installing a dehumidifier in the basement, but does that stop the moisture from coming through the walls? The answer is NO! If your home has concrete walls in the basement you will always have moisture coming through those walls. It is the nature of the beast.

Now, think about the traditional ways of finishingyour basement. You are probably thinking about drywall and wood studs or some other paper product like paneling, right? What happens to these products when they get wet? Moreover, what happens to these products when they get wet and they STAY wet continuously? That’s right! They all start to rot, they all start to soften, and then, they all start to grow mold. There are only two things you need for mold to grow, moisture and cellulose, or food. Paper products mold very easily, especially drywall. It’s like mold candy! When you think of drywall, think of Bounty, yes Bounty, the paper towel. Drywall is also “The quicker picker upper!” As I’ve already mentioned, concrete is porous and has moisture moving through it at all times, whether you see it or not. So, what do you think happens to that drywall, those wood studs, or that paneling over time? Have you ever thought about what could be growing behind your finished drywall or paneling? Even if you haven’t had a ground water leak, or a pipe burst, or your hot water heater hasn’t exploded, or your washing machine hoses have never burst…Your basement is surrounded by water! Why would you put an inappropriate building material, such as drywall, in a moist and potentially wet environment? More importantly, why would you expose your family or yourself to an unhealthy and moldy environment?

This is where Thrasher’s Total Basement Finishing comes in to play. Total Basement Finishing (TBF) worked with building scientists and manufacturers to develop a wall system ideally suited for basement conditions. TBF EverLast Wall Panels will NEVER get moldy or rot and cannot be damaged by moisture! This creates a healthy, mold and mildew free place for family and friends. EverLast Basement Wall Panels are NOT like drywall. Drywall with fiberglass insulation supports mold growth, will damage from moisture, and will lose insulation value when wet. Who wants to replace drywall or paneling over and over each time it gets damaged? This is the only system with a warranty against water damage! We are so confident in our wall system we give you a 50 year transferrable warranty. The wall panels are composed of 2 ½” thick rigid closed-cell foam insulation with ½” thick cement board cladding. This gives your basement an R-13 insulation factor and also provides a radiant barrier to keep 93% of the heat in your basement! This saves you money on your heating and cooling costs and may also award you rebates for your energy upgrades. The Everlast Wall Panels are highly dent resistant and 197% stronger than drywall with stud construction. When it comes to hanging your pictures or your flat screen, there is no need to find a stud or some other special contraption for hanging, just hang anything anywhere. TBF wall panels offer a timeless, neutral, vinyl finish that will look just as beautiful 20 years from now as the day it was installed. Decorate now with the latest interior styles and then one year or ten years from now, take it all down and decorate with a new style! Unlike drywall, our panels are maintenance free, which means no painting, patching, or repairing damaged walls. I don’t know about you but I have never been a fan of repairing drywall! The Everlast Wall Panels are washable which means no dull spots in the painted drywall from scrubbing your nephew’s beautiful marker and crayon masterpiece off the wall! No maintenance, no moisture, no mold, no problem!

All in all, by finishing your basement ONCE with Thrasher’s Total Basement Finishing Everlast Wall Panels and other great warranted ceiling and flooring products, you will have a healthy and safe space for you and your family to spend some quality time together or just some more legroom to entertain your guests when comes to the big game! Call Thrasher Basements today for a free design consultation to get started on your project!

Team Thrasher Gathers for our Quarterly Meeting

Tue, February 12 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems held its first meeting of 2013 on Monday February 11th. This meeting is designed to keep our employees up-to-date on happenings within the company, recognize new employees, and acknowledge deserving individuals with Awards.

"Learning about the 2013 goals for Thrasher Basement Systems and how we will achieve these goals as a team."

Crew of the Month

Mel Martinez and his crew are receiving this award for providing 'WOW' service to our customers. This award is measured by the number of online reviews found on sights such as Google, Yelp and Angies List for the month of January.

'Wow' Service Award

Kyle and his crew received this award for having the highest amount of 'WOW' reviews over a 3 month period.

In appreciation for the Thrasher team, the Marketing Department put together a small encouraging gift for everyone in attendance. These gifts included a pack of Extra Gum and a note that said

"The difference between Ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. Hope that you have an extra good day!"

Foundation Supportworks Holds Residential Sales Training

Tue, February 5 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems acted as a host for a national residential sales training January 30 - February 1, 2013. Our sister company - Foundation Supportworks hosted over 60 representatives from around the country to educate on sales topics such as diagnosing foundation problems, building credibility, and more. The training lasted three days and was specifically geared for sales specialist and managers. Thrasher Basement Systems provides service to both residential and commercial clients around Nebraska and Iowa.

SuperBowl Chili & Soup Cookoff

Thu, February 7 2013, 00:00:00 -500

On Monday February 4th Team Thrasher and FSI joined in a friendly cooking competition and superbowl celebration.

Congratulations to this years winners!!

Chili Winners

1st Place - Jenny Thompson

2nd Place - Laura Crary

Soup Winners

1st Place - Amanda Harrington

2nd Place - Kyle Olson

Stop Radon from Hurting your Family. Get your Home Tested Today!

Tue, January 29 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, second only to cigarette smoke. It is estimated to be responsible for more than 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year, in the United States.

You cannot smell, taste, see, touch, or hear radon. Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. You and your family has the highest risk of Radon exposure at home, where you spend most of your time.

Testing for Radon is the only way of knowing if you and your family are at risk. Testing can be completed at home by yourself with an at home test kit. Although, these test can have decent results they are not always accurate. Professional tests are usually faster and more accurate. Also, if you are selling or buying a home, using a licensed Radon Measurement Specialists to perform the test is typically required.

Testing with Thrasher Basement Systems is quick, easy and affordable. Our specialists are licensed and certified and you can have your results within 48hrs.

Step 1: Contact Thrasher by calling or e-mailing us online. Our Radon Gas Measurement Specialist will coordinate a good time to stop by your house to set up the Continuous Radon Monitor (CRM).
Step 2: Our Radon Gas Measurement Specialist will install the CRM. This visit will take about five minutes, during which time the specialist makes sure that the CRM is placed in the best location in your house. The specialist will also make sure you're informed of the required conditions for accurate testing.
Step 3: The specialist will return after a minimum of 48 hours have passed. During this second meeting, the specialist will print your radon testing results right there on the spot. This process should take between 10 and 15 minutes.

If your home does have high Radon results. Thrasher Basement Systems can also help you get ride of the problem. Our technicians are trained extensively by the EPA, on the best practices for properly installing radon mitigation systems to pull radon from within the home and expel it outside the house.

Each radon mitigation system design varies depending on the structure of your home. Homes are generally categorized according to their foundation design. The existence of a basement, crawl space, or slab all determine the proper mitigation system needed.

Don't wait to make your home a healthier, safer environment! Call or contact Thrasher Basement Systems today to schedule a radon test or receive a free radon mitigation estimate. We serve throughout Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri, including Papillion, Hastings, Columbus, South Sioux City, Maryville, Spencer, Beatrice.

Get Radon Testing &
Free Mitigation Quote

Crew Appreciation Day

Thu, January 24 2013, 00:00:00 -500

The production crews at Thrasher had reason to smile Friday January 18th. As a way for the Sales team to show their appreciation for the work and support of these crews, everyone was treated to a BBQ, as well as having their trucks washed and equipment put away after returning from a long day of work.

Is the Weather Affecting your Home?

Fri, January 18 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Sales Manager, Nick Rohe, recently spoke with KTIV Siouxland News about the effects of Midwest drought on local homes and how Thrasher can be of help.

For information on Basement Finishing & Repair in Nebraska, visit us on our site.

Click here:

KTIV Interview

Why is the demand for radon services growing?

Tue, January 15 2013, 00:00:00 -500

The amount of people testing for radon these days is growing and growing. Reports across the country show radon testing volumes are way up. Sun Nuclear Corporation, the industry’s leading source of radon monitors, reports record demand for their monitors. They are having a hard time keeping up with the demand (6 week back order).

Radon mitigation companies are reporting record volumes. Radon fan manufacturers are also reporting sales being up significantly.

Why is that? We’ve known about the dangers of radon exposure for over 3 decades now. Why are people now testing and fixing their homes now more than ever? Well, there are 4 main factors that can help explain this phenomenon:

1) Concerned homeowners are becoming educated. People talk. The word spreads. Dr. Oz, Dr. Mercola, The New York Times, Goodmorning America, The Today Show , and many other media outlets continue to report stories about the facts about innocent people dying in the US due to radon exposure (21,000 per year). Radon is serious and it’s a big deal!

2) Home inspectors are selling radon testing to grow revenues. Most people get home inspections when purchasing a home nowadays. Since the real estate market has been hit pretty hard in recent years, Home Inspectors are looking for creative ways to increase their revenue. Any smart home inspector is getting certified to test for radon and selling it to every home buyer as a “must”. After all, high radon levels can kill you. Home inspectors are simply brining up this option to test for radon along with the typical home inspection. Most people say “yes, test this house”.

3) Radon disclosure laws are increasing. Most states across the country are creating legislation to education home owners about radon during a real estate transaction. If the real estate agent hasn’t brought up radon to their client before closing on a house, they could blow their deal. Radon testing and radon level disclosure is included in real estate closing documents.

4) Banks require testing for multifamily. Apartment complexes, condominiums, and commercial office buildings are also requiring testing when the properties are financed. Banks throughout the US are now requiring a radon test before securing the initial loan, or during refinancing.

Bill Angel, President of American Association of Radon Scientist and Technologist, states that there are more homes in the US with high radon levels now than ever before. Since we’ve started mitigating homes in the ‘80’s, we’ve built more homes with high radon levels than we’ve fixed. The industry is just now starting to catch up to the problem thanks to new Radon Resistant New Construction codes for builders.

So, is everyone doing it? Well, not everyone is testing their homes for radon today. But, it is now a common and accepted test to do to protect yourself and your family. Radon testing is easy and inexpensive. If you have high radon, it’s very affordable and most systems can be installed in less than 1 day. My recommendation? Test your home today. If you have high radon levels, fix your home!

Written by Curt Drew,

President of National Radon Defense

www.nationalradondefense.com

Thrasher Basement Systems Pairs With EPA

Mon, January 14 2013, 13:32:01 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems has paired up with the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) to promote Radon Action Month in Nebraska. Radon Action Month takes place throughout the month of January and aims to raise awareness about the serious health affects associated with radon exposure, encourage radon mitigation and radon testing, and further the use of radon resistant materials in new construction.

As a business, Thrasher Basement Systems has planned out the ways by which they will help promote Radon Action Month in Nebraska. As homeowners, the EPA has pinpointed the following four ways that you too can help promote Radon Action Month:

Test your home for radon exposure
Attend a local Radon Action Month event
Help to spread the word about Radon Action Month
Buy a radon resistant home

Testing your home for radon exposure is as easy as contacting Omaha’s radon mitigation experts at Thrasher Basement Systems. They will be able to identify any areas where your home is exposed to radon and work with you to effectively and efficiently fix the problem.

While not everyone can afford to buy a radon resistant home, no one can afford to leave their family at risk to radon exposure. That is why it is important to contact the radon mitigation experts at Thrasher Basement Systems to schedule your free radon mitigation system estimate in NE today!

January is “Radon Awareness Month”, should it be “Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month”?

Thu, January 10 2013, 00:00:00 -500

There are five danger levels of indoor air quality:

1. Toxic Compounds: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s)

2. Infectious Illness: Bacteria and Virus

3. Allergens and Particulates: Dust, Pollen, Dust Mites and Dust Mite Feces

4. Microbial: Mold, Mildew, Fungus

5. Deadly Gases: Radon and Carbon Monoxide

The most dangerous, level five, are the deadly gases radon and carbon monoxide. Unlike carbon monoxide where the affects are felt after a short period of exposure, with radon it is not the gas itself , but the radon decay products (RDP’s), that cause the damage. As radon gas breaks down into solid radioactive products, or radon decay products, they can attach to dust particles or other air particulates and be inhaled and trapped in the mucus lining where they release high energy alpha particles that can damage lung tissue. It is common practice to reduce the radon gas through radon mitigation as a means to reduce the radon decay products.

Danger level four, microbial, is greatly affected by two factors; humidity and air filtration. By keeping the humidity level low it reduces the ability for molds and mildews to flourish and may send them to a dormant state, even though the spores are still present and can become active again when conditions permit.

Allergies & asthma, danger level three, are at an all time high because homes & buildings are now built to be more energy efficient and we as a society tend to spend more of our time indoors than ever before. The most common indoor air allergy is feces from dust mites in the air.

Danger level two is obvious to anyone who has been in a house/office with more than one person where illnesses can be passed from one person to the next through the air. In the Midwest it seems that cold and flu season is almost never ending, from summer colds to winter flu bugs.

And finally, danger level one, toxic compounds, are usually found in the building materials themselves, low level lead, formaldehyde and other chemicals sometimes referred to as volatile organic compounds.

At Thrasher Basement Systems we look at all five danger levels of indoor air quality and the three components that affect them: radon mitigation, dehumidification and air filtration. Our goal is to create the healthiest environment for our customers. With that goal in mind, the one constant with all five danger levels is that indoor air is circulated by the blower motor in HVAC systems. The Breathe EZ Air Cleaner is a cost effective way to improve the overall quality of indoor air. The Breathe EZ Air Cleaner replaces your current furnace filter with an electronic filter which hardwires in to the low voltage on the air handler. Installation is usually accomplished in less than one hour with little to no modifications needed. As the air passes through the Breathe EZ it is electronically charged causing small particulates to cling to the filter media which is charged the opposite way. The Breathe EZ can filter down to .007 microns, small enough to address even some viruses and bacteria in the air and with its patented carbon strips it can remove volatile organic compounds and odors. An added benefit to the air being electronically charged is that the filter media is low resistance, putting less strain on the blower motor and circulating more air. Due to the low resistance and low power consumption the Breathe EZ can save up to 15% energy consumed compared to some other filters. For best results the blower motor should be left in the on position constantly, this circulates the air more times per day through the filter and also helps to keep rooms at a more even temperature. In a recent study conducted by Douglas L. Kladder of Progeny Group Ltd. four locations where radon mitigation was not an option were tested, the Breathe EZ Air Cleaner was proven to reduce the radon decay products to well below the acceptable EPA guidance with anywhere from 71 to 98 percent reduction as shown in the chart below.

Winter Checklist for Your Home

Tue, January 8 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Is your home ready for winter? Here is an easy checklist to help you prepare for the chilly months ahead.

Windows and Doors

Check all the weatherstripping around windows and doorframes for leaks to prevent heat loss. Replace weatherstripping, if necessary.
Replace all screen doors with storm doors.
Replace all window screens with storm windows.
Examine wooden window frames for signs of rot or decay. Repair or replace framing to maintain structural integrity.
Check for drafts around windows and doors. Caulk inside and out, where necessary, to keep heat from escaping.
Inspect windows for cracks, broken glass, or gaps. Repair or replace, if needed.

Lawn, Garden, and Deck

Trim overgrown branches back from the house and electrical wires to prevent iced-over or wind-swept branches from causing property damage or a power problem.
Aerate the lawn, reseed, and apply a winterizing fertilizer to promote deep-root growth come spring.
Ensure rain or snow drains away from the house to avoid foundation problems. The dirt grade — around the exterior of your home — should slope away from the house. Add extra dirt to low areas, as necessary.
Clean and dry patio furniture. Cover with a heavy tarp or store inside a shed or garage to protect it from the elements.
Clean soil from planters. Bring pots made of clay or other fragile materials indoors. Because terra cotta pots can swell and crack, lay them on their sides in a wood carton.
Dig up flower bulbs, brush off soil, and label. Store bulbs in a bag or box with peat moss in a cool, dry place for spring replanting.
Remove any attached hoses and store them away for the winter to prevent cracks, preserve their shapes, and prolong their life. Wrap outside faucets with covers to prevent water damage.
Shut off exterior faucets. Drain water from outdoor pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads to protect against pipe bursts.
Inspect decks for splintering, decay, or insect damage and treat, if needed, to prevent further deterioration over the winter.
Clean leaves, dirt, and pine needles between the boards of wooden decks to thwart mold and mildew growth.
Inspect outdoor lighting around the property. Good illumination will help minimize the chance of accidents on icy walkways at night.
Check handrails on exterior stairs to make sure they’re well secured.

Tools and Machinery

Bring all seasonal tools inside and spray them with a coating of lightweight oil to prevent rust.
Weatherize your lawn mower by cleaning off mud, leaves, grass, and debris.
Move your snow blower and shovels to the front of the garage or shed for easy access.
Prepare the snow blower for the first snowfall by changing the oil and replacing the spark plug.
Sharpen ice chopper and inspect snow shovels to make sure they’re ready for another season of work.
Make sure you have an ample supply of ice melt or sand on hand for steps, walkways, and the driveway.

Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning

Inspect the firebox and flue system to ensure that they’re clean of any soot or creosote and that there aren't any cracks or voids that could cause a fire hazard.
Check fireplace for drafts. If it’s cold despite the damper being closed, the damper itself may be warped, worn, or rusted. Consider installing a Chimney Balloon into the flue to air seal the area tightly.
Clean or replace the air filter in your furnace for maximum efficiency and improved indoor air quality.
Clean your whole house humidifier and replace the evaporator pad.
Bleed valves on any hot-water radiators to increase heating efficiency by releasing air that may be trapped inside.
Check that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order.
Remove air conditioners from windows or cover them with insulated liners, to prevent drafts.
If you have an older thermostat, replace it with a programmable unit to save on heating costs.
Install foam-insulating sheets behind outlets and switch plates on exterior walls to reduce outside airflow.
Make sure fans are switched to the reverse or clockwise position, which will blow warm air down to the floor for enhanced energy efficiency and comfort.
Flush a hot water heater tank to remove sediment, and check the pressure relief valve to make sure it’s in proper working order.
Examine exposed ducts in the attic, basement, and crawl spaces, and use a sealant to plug up any leaks.

Gutters, Roof, and Drains

Check for missing, damaged or warped shingles and replace, as necessary before you get stuck with a leak.
Check for deteriorated flashing at the chimney, walls, and skylights and around vent pipes. Seal joints where water could penetrate, using roofing cement and a caulking gun.
Check the gutters and downspouts for proper fastening, and re-secure if loose or sagging. The weight of snow and ice can pull gutters off the house.
Clean gutters of any debris. Make sure downspouts extend away from the house by at least 5 feet to prevent flooding of the foundation and water damage from snowmelt.
Clean leaves and debris from courtyard and pool storm drains to prevent blockages.
Ensure all vents and openings are covered to prevent insects, birds, and rodents from getting inside to nest in a warm place.

Complete checklist can be found online by Bob Villa http://www.bobvila.com/articles/502-winter-preparation-checklist/pages/1

Congratulations to the December Crew of the Month!

Wed, January 9 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Congratulations December Crew of the Month. Antonio Zavala, Jose Guzman and Juan Matos. Results were determined by outstanding customer reviews.

Juan Matos and his two-man crew did an excellent job in our basement. They covered everything with plastic to reduce the dust before starting, worked efficiently, gave great suggestions on how to proceed, and answered all of my husband's questions in great detail. We are so happy to be taking back our basement.
Tammy V.
Sac City, IA

"Juan and his crew were from professional and easy to work with. I'd highly recommend."

By Allison

Lincoln, NE

Monday, Feb 13th, 2012

Thrasher Family's Newest Addition

Fri, December 28 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Congratulations to System Design Specialist, Shane McClintic, and his wife, Jamie, who welcomed baby girl, Lily Marie McClintic on Friday, December 21st. Lily weighed 7 lbs. 4 oz. and was 20 inches long. Congratulations to the McClintic's and welcome to the family Lily!

January is National Radon Action Month - Have you had your home tested?

Thu, January 3 2013, 00:00:00 -500

National Radon Action Month, which takes place every January, is focused on raising awareness about the dangers of high radon levels in homes. Radon is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in the world. Home testing, awareness of the dangers of radon, and lung cancer prevention are the goals of National Radon Action Month. National Radon Action Month emphasizes the importance of regular home testing. Radon maps show where the gas is most prevalent in the United States. Areas where radon levels are highest require more frequent testing and that more preventative measures be taken.

National Radon Action Month, January 2013, is a good time to assess your home to determine whether repairs are necessary and to learn more about the dangers of this odorless, invisible gas and its effects on the body. National Radon Month is also a good time to use available resources and join in community activities to learn how to prevent lung cancer.

Radon is the number one in-home killer in the United States claiming the lives of 21,000 unsuspecting homeowners to lung cancer—most of whom have never even smoked. Though unnoticeable to human senses, Thrasher Basement Systems performs radon testing and mitigation to bring levels below the action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter. Read more about National Radon Awareness Week from National Radon Defense.

We at Thrasher understand the importance of helping homeowners understand radon, and we hope you’ll join us this month in raising awareness to the effects of radon exposure!

Radon testing can be done at home where test results are then sent and diagnosed at a lab. There are short-term and long-term tests available. We also offer radon testing in Nebraska.

Thrasher Basement Systems will send a technician to your home to set up the CRM radon detection testing equipment. Over a 48 hour period, the CRM testing equipment will determine the average radon levels at your home.

Once the testing period (48 hours) is complete, a Thrasher Basement Systems technician will return to collect the testing equipment. If radon levels require mitigation, your Thrasher technician can discuss options with you.

Basement Resolutions for 2013

Tue, January 1 2013, 00:00:00 -500

It’s always good to start a New Year’s Resolution before the New Year, you’ll feel positive and ready to tackle anything. You’ll have a real reason to pop open the champagne.

What will your resolutions include for 2013, perhaps to finally finishing your basement?

Let Thrasher Basement Finishing help you reach your goals this year. Whether you desire a Home Theater, Sports Bar, Fitness Center, Home Office, Guest Room or a Children's Playroom, or simply more finished living space, Thrasher can help!

Our patented system offers more features for less money, making it the best solution. Our products are also mold & water resistant, with a 50 year warranty!

Our experts will help you design a space that brings out all of its true potential. From lighting to floors, lasting design and unique ceiling tiles, you'll be amazed by what we can do!

With a free in home consultation, your resolution can become a reality, today!

2013 New Year Wishes

Mon, December 31 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Team Thrasher would like to wish you a Happy New Year!!

In 2013, Renovate your Basement with Thrasher Basement Systems

Wed, December 26 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Consider Thrasher Basement Systems in 2013 for your Basement Renovation.

Our sister company, Thrasher Basement Finishing installs state-of-the-art basement walls panels, flooring, ceiling tiles, and much more. The Total Basement Finishing (TBF) System's unique engineering allows you to have a beautiful, finished below-grade living area, without the worry of mold or moisture problems.

The TBF System has a variety of finishing options to choose from. From wall panels, to tile flooring, to crown molding, our design specialists will work with you to design the space you want for your finished basement. All of our products have warranties and are manufactured with basements in mind.

View our Thrasher Basement Finishing products at our website. We offer a complete line of basement products and recommend installing the system as a whole.

Happy Holidays

Mon, December 24 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Happy Holidays from Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks by Thrasher.

We will be closed Monday, December 24 & Tuesday, December 25. Normal office hours will resume on Wednesday.

26 Acts of Kindness this Holiday Season

Fri, December 21 2012, 00:00:00 -500

If you have not heard #26Acts and #20Acts online pledges to perform acts of kindness. The idea, which invites everyone to carry out acts of kindness for anyone, anywhere, has evolved into a viral effort known as "26 Acts of Kindness" on Facebook and Twitter. These acts pay tribute to each victim of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. It is inspiring individuals all over the United States to turn grief into good will.

Read these inspiring stories from people who have joined the “26 Acts” movement: http://storify.com/nbcnews/26acts-of-kindness-for-newtown-conn.

Wrap your Home in a Blanket or Coat?

Mon, December 17 2012, 00:00:00 -500

It’s again that time of year again when you don't dare leave the house without wearing a coat. Midwest winters have historically done a great job bringing bone-chilling cold, blustery winds, and my favorite, ice. But have you ever thought about your home’s “coat”? Or if it has one?

Does your basement, seem drafty and cold? Do you experience high energy bills? All these questions lead us to the same topic. Insulation. The reason we put on a coat is to stay warm, right? Well yes, but the technical reason is to provide a thermal barrier around our body to help keep generated heat from leaving. This is the same concept we want to accomplish in our homes.

Most of us take the precaution every fall to have a certified HVAC technician inspect our furnace to be certain our system will last through the winter, which is a great idea. The check is performed, any upgrades/repairs are made, and we feel good. But what if our house doesn’t have a “coat”? That newly tuned furnace may have its work cut out through the winter months. But also in the summer months too, because the same theory holds true. We want our houses to be cooler than the outside, but without proper insulation, that cooled air escapes, making our AC units work longer and harder.

A sure source for heat loss in the basement is at the rim joists. The rim joists are located directly above the foundation wall, and serve as a cap for the rows of floor joists. If no insulation is in this area in your home, you only have a 1 ½” thick board separating the inside, from the outside. Pretty thin space, right? Not to mention, wood isn’t exactly high on the R-value chart.

Another target area for heat loss are foundation walls themselves. Whether you have a crawlspace, or full basement, cold air conducts through the concrete walls and can drastically lower inside temperatures. The next time you are in the basement this winter, put your hand on the concrete wall, I’m betting it’s cold. Just another reason to give your home a “coat”!

A great solution towards getting your house a proper “coat” is SilverGlo Insulation panels. SilverGlo is a 2” thick panel infused with graphite powder to reflect heat and lower conductivity. The panels themselves carry an R-11 rating, but with our installation practices we are able to increase that to R-14! It is a quick, easy installation that can bring immediate changes, whether you have a crawlspace, a full basement, or just exposed rim joists. Give us a call to schedule a free inspection and estimate for proper insulation in your home.

Check out a short video about SilverGlo insulation panels! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYLOzMrl4B8

Thrasher Basement Systems is Celebrating Decreased Radon Exposure

Fri, December 14 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems is part of the Nation Radon Defense network. National Radon Defense's national network of radon abatement companies has the advantage of drawing upon the knowledge of all the varying expertise within our network of companies. Besides being the most highly trained and qualified radon mitigators, some dealers are also experts in foundation or crawl space repair, mold remediation, indoor air quality and more. This additional information is shared throughout the entire network and only adds to the vastness of our expertise and experience. From Omaha to Virginia our extensive network ensures quality radon testing and mitigation services.

Radon is Serious. It has been estimated that over 20,000 deaths each year have been tied to radon gas exposure. Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas and based on studies by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) we know that there is a much greater risk of developing lung cancer when exposed to this gas. Sadly, most of the exposure to radon occurs in the home where we spend a great deal of our time with our family.

Thrasher Basement Systems is celebrating that over 1,000 radon mitigation systems have been installed year-to-date, within the National Defense Network. This is all due to an effort of decreasing radon exposure.

Join us in spreading the word, January is Nation Radon Awareness Month, has your home been tested?

Visit National Radon Defense to find a specialist in your area today.

Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks hosts National Marketing Training

Wed, December 5 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems served as a host for a National Marketing Training on December 3rd and 4th, 2012 in Omaha, NE. Our sister company - Foundation Supportworks hosted representatives from around the country to educate on marketing structures known as Fish On. Throughout the two days of training, attendees had the opportunity to lend support as well as learn from other networking dealers of Basement Systems.

Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks Employees Celebrate at the Annual Holiday Party

Wed, December 12 2012, 00:00:00 -500

On Saturday, December 8, 2012 Thrasher and FSI celebrated the holidays at their annual company party. This event is one that is enjoyed by everyone at Thrasher and FSI because it is the one time throughout the year that everyone gets to be together. This year the event was on the 10th floor of the Livestock Exchange Building and was definitely a hit among the Thrasher and FSI Teams. Throughout the evening employees enjoyed dinner, an awards ceremony, recognition for years of service, as well as an introduction of all new employees who joined the companies this year. Highlights included, a raffle where employees could walk away with a gift of their choosing and a rendition of Carly Rea Jepsen, "Call Me Maybe", which included the Thrasher and FSI teams lip-syncing. The evening's entertainment was capped off with dancing and competitive games of pool.

Customer Service Representative Welcomes Baby Boy!

Sat, December 1 2012, 00:00:00 -500

We are excited to welcome a new memeber to the Thrasher Family.

Congratulations to Laura Loewens, Customer Service Representative, and husband, Tyler, who welcomed Logan Loewens on Wednesday, November 28th. Logan weighed in at 7lbs. 11oz and is 19 1/2ins.

Buyer Beware: Understanding Potential Foundation Issues

Fri, November 30 2012, 00:00:00 -500

We purchased our first home this past summer and like most first time home buyers we were clueless when it came to identifying problems. We were forced to trust the owners disclosure and our home inspector’s opinions before we signed our paper work. We have been lucky, however looking back I wish we knew more about potential problems and warning signs, especially since we were moving across country to Omaha, Nebraska.

Do not let your dream home become a nightmare. There are several warning signs a home owner and buyer should be aware of, especially when it comes to your foundation. Here’s what to look for.

Cracks in your Foundation

One of the most obvious things to look for are cracks in a home.

Stair-step cracks may be seen in a basement built from concrete blocks. While in a basement constructed of pored foundation walls, vertical cracks are more common. Other indicators include cracks in drywall throughout the house and drywall tape buckling, pulling or ripping.

Understanding Vertical Movement: When the soil under a home shrinks or shifts, the foundation or parts of it will settle. If the whole foundation settles evenly, you don't notice anything. But usually one part of the home settles more than the other and causes cracks in the foundation.

BUYER BEWARE: Be careful not to assume that a crack in foundation is merely a shrinkage crack. Shrinkage cracks tend to be very small, ‘hairline’ cracks (usually 1/16” wide or less). They generally occur near the center of a span and maintain a consistent width for the length of the crack.

Bowing or Leaning Walls

Depending on if a homes walls are built from concrete blocks or poured concrete, the signs of wall failure will look different. Horizontal cracking near the middle of the wall is one of the first symptoms in the case of a bowing wall, especially in a block foundation. While poured foundation walls start to lean-in at the top of the wall. Diagonal cracking at the corners of a poured wall is also a very common sign of wall failure.

Understanding Horizontal Movement: When the soil outside of foundation walls expands, it can cause horizontal movement of the existing foundation. Because foundation walls are not supposed to move inward- they crack, bow, lean in, push in and sometimes slide in.

Doors and Windows

Whenever an opening is cut or created in a wall, such as a door or window, it becomes the weakest point of the wall. Because of this, doors and windows often display the first signs of settlement.

Three of the most common observations include:

1) Doors and Windows out of square

2) Cracks extending from the corners of doors or windows

3) Separation of door or a window from the framing or exterior finish

BUYER BEWARE: Did you notice newer caulking around exterior doors or windows? This is a common homeowner fix to damages caused by foundation settlement.

Cracks in a Floor Slab

Cracks in a floor slab can also indicate foundation settlement. Signs include cracks which oftentimes create trip hazards, and floors dropping which creates a gap between the floor and the wall. Other signs include:

1) Walls pulling away from other, adjacent walls

2) Interior Walls pulling down and separating from the ceiling

3) Interior wall cracks, commonly off the corners of interior doors

BUYER BEWARE: Often times home owners will assume the problem can be fixed by replacing the concrete slab, mud-jacking or re-leveling the grout on top. These options may work for a short period of time however they do not resolve the internal problem and will come back sometimes even worse than before.

Sagging Floors over a Crawl Space

One of the last potential problems we will talk about today are sagging floors over a crawl space. Sagging floors are not only a nuisance but can also leave you wondering how long the floor will be able to support the weight of everything on it! What created the problem in the first place?

1) Existing Block or Brick columns are spaced too far apart

2) Weakened floor joists and girders due to moisture and wood rot

3) Existing columns settle due to weak soil

Signs this is a problem include sloping floors, cracks in the interior walls and doors, gaps between existing columns and girders, shimming between existing columns and girders, evidence of moisture, wood rot, and compression of the floor joists.

BUYER BEWARE: If you are about to purchase a home with concrete columns or additional shimming be sure to have a professional inspect the property. More often then less these are temporary fixes to a larger problem.

When buying your next home DO NOT let yourself fall victim of a dishonest homeowner. Instead, thoroughly evaluate the foundation and seek advice from professionals in the area.

Team Thrasher supports Husker Football

Fri, November 23 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Several members of our Thrasher team showed their Husker pride, Saturday, November 17 at the Husker vs. Minnesota's Golden Gophers game.

Happy Thanksgiving to All

Thu, November 22 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems would like to wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Business Draws Attention to Deadliest Cancer November: Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Fri, November 16 2012, 09:14:47 -500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 12, 2012

Omaha, NE – The cancer that kills the most people in the United States every year is also one of the most preventable, and Thrasher Basement Systems is ready to play a key role in the prevention of lung cancer. During Lung Cancer Awareness month this November and every month, Thrasher Basement Systems is working with homeowners all over the area to test their homes for radon, the second leading cause of lung cancer.

Radon is an odorless, colorless, radioactive gas that can seep into homes through cracks in the foundations, walls, crawl spaces and wells. Exposure to radon causes more than 20,000 cases of lung cancer in the United States each year.

Thrasher Basement Systems is working during November to spread the awareness about lung cancer. Here are a few facts about lung cancer:

it kills more people than breast and prostate cancers combined
the survival rate for lung cancer is one of the lowest for those with cancer
lung cancer surpasses breast cancer as the number one cause of death among women.
in many cases, lung cancer can be prevented.

Preventing lung cancer caused by radon exposure is easy and affordable. Thrasher Basement Systems has highly trained radon experts available to help test homes and businesses for radon. If levels are found to be above the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended maximum of 4 picocuries per liter of air, Thrasher Basement Systems can work with the homeowner to install an affordable and aesthetically pleasing mitigation system.

For more information on radon and its health effects, radon testing and radon mitigation systems, please contact Thrasher Basement Systems.

Thrasher Basement Systems' Radon Testing and Mitigation May Be Lifesaving

Wed, November 14 2012, 00:00:00 -500

On November 13, 2012, Dan Winters of Channel 13 covered a story regarding radon in our schools. Highlights from this piece include comments regarding radon from a local middle school principal and the head of Public Health’s Bureau of Radiological Health.

Steph Langstraat, principal of Prairie City-Monroe Middle School states that they are trying to provide “a safe place,” says Langstraat, “a safe place to breathe, a safe place in general to spend most of their day outside of their parents’ care.”

Melanie Rasmusson says there’s no getting around Iowa’s radon problem. “Yes. It’s not going to go anywhere for a very long time,” confirms Rasmusson.

It started eons ago, when glaciers moved across North America. They deposited nutrients that enriched the soil that grows our food. The glaciers also brought a threat to our homes.

Iowa has the highest uranium concentration in the nation. As uranium breaks down it releases radon gas that has the potential to cause lung cancer. The gas rises up through an estimated three-quarters of the homes and building foundations in Iowa.

For more information regarding this article visit:http://whotv.com/2012/11/13/silent-killer-radon-in-iowa-schools-and-homes/

One of the best ways to detect radon is by testing your home. The cost is minimal and the benefits are lifesaving.

Thrasher Basement Systems offers radon testing and a free mitigation quote to homeowners throughout Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri.

FSI by Thrasher Basement Systems hosts ACI Seminar

Fri, November 16 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Foundation SupportWorks by Thrasher Basement Systems hosted a seminar for the American Concrete Institute on November 13, 2012. This seminar was open to engineers, design professionals, contractors, inspectors, code enforcement personnel, American Concrete Institute (ACI) members and interested students.

This one-day seminar provided information and training on Adhesive Anchors, and their behavior and code design. Topics included material properties, code requirements, design for tension loading, design for shear loading, supplemental and anchor reinforcement, tension and shear interaction, design complex connections, and anchor installer certification. Those in attendance received 7.5 continuing education credits, along with several publications regarding Adhesive Anchors.

Thrasher Basement Systems' Quarterly Meeting Promotes Teamwork

Tue, November 13 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems recently held its third quarterly meeting on November 12. This meeting is designed to keep our employees up-to-date on happenings within the company, recognize new employees, and acknowledge deserving individuals of our “The One” Award.

This award is given out to employees that exemplify Thrasher Basement Systems’ core values. The core values are split into four categories:

One Team, for individuals unified as a family and empowered to be extraordinary.
One Passion, for being relentless in the pursuit of constant improvement.
One Experience, for providing WOW service to every customer, every time.
One Community, for being an advocate for our community, returning the blessings we’ve been given.

Awarded recipients were Tom Bilyeu for demonstrating "One Team," Angela Salts, Abby Dillion, Dawn Jaixen and Cindy Sullivan for "One Passion," and Jim Hesse for "One Experience." Each award recipient received a One Award patch.

The meeting ended with a team building exercise hosted by Jenny Thompson, our Marketing Manager and Tiffany Seevers, Director of Human Resources. The Thrasher Team was separated into random groups and were asked to come up with a list of 10 things they all had in common. The exercise was enjoyed by all individuals and was a nice way of getting to know each other outside of the work we perform.

Thrasher Basement Systems & FSI Team Celebrate Thanksgiving with Potluck Lunch

Mon, November 19 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems and FSI celebrated Thanksgiving early with a lunchtime potluck on Monday, November 12, 2012. The wonderful smells of thanksgiving dinner filled our office for the afternoon. Food was overflowing from our lunchroom as it was filled with holiday treats from turkey to pumpkin pie - we had it all!

Thrasher Basement Systems and FSI Hold Biggest Loser Competition

Thu, November 15 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Between the months of September and November, several members of our Thrasher/FSI Team competed in our annual "Biggest Loser" competition. Those with the highest percentage of body fat loss won a cash prize of $325, while second place winners walked away with $100 - just in time for the holiday season.

Congratulations Dawn Jaixen and Tom Bilyeu for being our first place winners and to Shelly Beachler and Jimi Hammerly for taking second place!

Thrasher Basement System's October Crew of the Month

Mon, November 12 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Congratulations to Jon Neuvirth, Salvador Herrera, Juan Aguilera, and Hector Herrera who were recently recognized as Thrasher Basement System's October 2012 "Crew of the Month."

We would like to say congratulations and thank you for your commitment to "WOW" service every day!

FSI by Thrasher Hosts Geotechnical Solutions Seminar in Omaha, NE

Wed, November 7 2012, 00:00:00 -500

On Thursday November 1, 2012 Foundation Supportworks by Thrasher hosted a Geotechnical Seminar free of charge to engineers and design professionals. Attendees received 5 Professional Development Hours and expanded their knowledge of Polyurethane Foam Injection, Cellular Concrete, Helical Pile Design Software, Helical Foundation Systems, Helical Soil Nails and Push Piers.

A demonstration of PolyLEVEL and STABLEFILL (cellular concrete) was performed after the seminar in the Thrasher Warehouse.

All in all the event was a success as over 60 engineering professionals attended the event.

In October 2010, Foundation Supportworks by Thrasher officially became the commercial projects division of Thrasher Basement Systems, Inc. Thrasher has been in residential and commercial retrofit piering projects since 1985 and new construction helical pile installations since 2000. If you are interested in learning more about Foundation Supportworks by Thrasher's geotechnical solutions feel free to contact us 1-800-827-0702 or visit our website WWW.FSIbythrasher.com

Radon...odorless, colorless and invisible

Wed, November 7 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Radon is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in the U.S. It is odorless, colorless and invisible. The gas is caused by a leaking of decaying soil around the base and under the home.

Radon is located all around the U.S. and has been a source of devastation to many, even here in Omaha, NE.

Witness to such devastation is Jenny Heyden of Shorewood, WI who's husbands cousin, died of metastasized lung cancer caused by radon in her basement in Omaha, NE.

Read Jenny's article here

If you believe that radon gas is intruding into your home, it's time to take action against it. Thrasher Basement Systems of Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri can help you. We provide radon testing and a quote on the cost of a radon mitigation system in your home.

January is radon awareness month, stay tuned for updates and more information on how to create a safer, healthier home environment.

Thrasher Basement Systems' 2012 Convention Awards

Wed, October 31 2012, 12:56:30 -500

Thrasher 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.

The annual convention is held each year between Seymour, CT and Hartford, CT and brings together dealerships of the international network for training, seminars, networking, celebration, vendor and team building events.

This year Thrasher Basement Systems received 8 awards total at the Team Basement Systems International Convention. Thrasher Basement Systems was awarded for ranking in the Top 10 Foundation Supportworks Dealers for Geo-Lock Anchors, in the Top 10 FSI Dealers for Piers and they were within the Top 50 FSI Dealers for Total Sales. Thrasher Basement Systems ranked in the Top National Radon Sales from 2011 to 2016 and within the Top 10 FSI Dealers – SmartJacks. The company also placed in the Top 20 for CleanSpace Dealers by Square Footage, the Top 20 Per Capita Awards for Basement Systems, and the Top 20 Basement Systems Dealers by Purchases.

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.

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!

Thrasher Basement Systems is a certified Basement Systems dealer specializing in basement waterproofing, crawl space repair and foundation settlement. Thrasher Basement Systems was founded by Greg Thrasher in 1975 and is now among the largest basement waterproofing and foundation repair contractors in the Nebraska, Western Iowa and Northwestern Missouri area.

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 over 27-patented basement and crawl space products, designed to help homeowners get more out of their basements and increase their home's value.

A Double Blessing Day for Thrasher

Fri, October 26 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems received a double blessing today as two of our employees welcome new babies to their family and to ours!

Congratulations to Jeremy Hultquist, System Design Specialist, and his wife, Jessica, who welcomed Tenley Jean Hultquist to their family today. Tenley weighed in at 9 lbs. 3 oz. and was 20 1/2 inches long. Congratulations to Jeremy, Jessica and big brother, Quentin.

We'd also like to congratulate Jeremy Seier, Thrasher Basement Finishing Production Manager, and his wife, Nicole, who welcomed Mason David Seier today as well. Mason weighed in at 6 lbs 13 oz. Congratulations to Jeremy, Nicole and big sister, Emma.

We are so pleased to welcome these new little blessings to our Thrasher family!

Thrasher Recognizes September's Crew of the Month

Fri, October 19 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Congratulations to Mel Martinez, Wilson Martinez and Alberto Medina for being recognized at Thrasher's September 2012 Crew of the Month. This amazing crew received a Net Promoter Score of 100% meaning the customers they served told us they were 100% satisfied with the crew's work. Congratulations and thank you for your commitment to WOW Service every day!

Thrasher Awarded Silver Award of Distinction from BBB

Thu, October 18 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems, Inc. was awarded with the Silver Award of Distinction from the Better Business Bureau on October 9, 2012. Thrasher was the runner-up in our business size category for the BBB’s prestigious Integrity Award. This award, judged by leaders in our community, is given to companies who can tangibly display their high ethics and integrity with their customers and employees. As a past Integrity Award winner in 2000 and 2008 we are proud to receive this special honor. Thank you to all of the Thrasher Team for displaying WOW customer service to our customers every day!

Thrasher Customer Service Representative Welcomes Baby Girl

Fri, October 5 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Jaclyn Casey, Thrasher Customer Service Representative and her husband, Connor, welcomed Leighton Faith Casey on Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012.

Leighton weighed in at 7 lbs. 6 oz. and was 20 inches long.

Congratulations to the Casey family on their new little blessing! We can't wait to meet her!

Dale Residence

Fri, October 5 2012, 12:04:17 -500

The Dales have lived in their home for 10 years. It is a 1940's era two story home with 1,700 main floor square feet. The house has a full basement under a portion of it and also has a room off of the basement that was partially dug out where the furnace, water heater and pressure tank are located. The remaining portion that was not dug out was a 36 x 36 foot dirt crawl space.

When they were in the basement, the Dales had always noticed musty smells. They also noticed that some of their floors were sagging a little on the main level and the doors upstairs were binding and rubbing on the floor. In addition, they were concerned with the cold floors above the crawlspace. The Dales also mentioned that when they had to work in the crawlspace to install wiring or plumbing they would feel claustrophobic. The Dales did not want their furnace sucking in the dirt and dust into it and blowing it around upstairs.

Anderson Residence

Fri, October 5 2012, 11:34:35 -500

The Andersons built their home on Storm Lake about 8 years ago. The contractor who built the home suggested a gravel based crawlspace with a complete air exchanger installed in the crawlspace. The furnace was also located in the crawlspace. Problems arose the very first winter after construction was complete as the windows throughout the house kept icing up from the inside. Initially the Andersons thought that the windows might have just been defective so they contacted the manufacturer of the windows to see what should be done. After an investigation of the make-up of the home, the manufacturer decided to replace all the windows at no cost but never really pinpointed the real issue. The Andersons also noticed that they were running the air exchanger year round, had 4 dehumidifiers running, as well as running ceiling fans throughout the home continuously. Up to this point, nobody ever thought the crawlspace beneath the home could be causing any of the issues because the crawlspace appeared to be dry.

Leavenworth Lofts

Wed, October 3 2012, 14:15:30 -500

A building was razed southwest of the intersection of Leavenworth Street and 14th Street for the construction of a new apartment building. Removal of the structure exposed the east exterior basement level wall of the Leavenworth Lofts, a five-story (plus basement) office/warehouse building constructed in 1915 and recently renovated to living space. The two structures were built right up to the common property line such that the exterior walls were in contact. After removal of most of the foundation wall of the other building, a one and one-half inch wide separation was observed in the brick wall of the Lofts over a length of 60 feet. Any additional length of crack extending to the north of that exposed was covered by foundation wall remnants on the exterior and plywood panels and electric meters on the interior. Based on the cracking pattern, it was estimated that approximately 80 feet of a middle section of the wall had settled. The crack extended completely through the two-foot two-inch wide multi-wythe brick wall. The settled section of the basement wall of the Lofts needed to be stabilized before the last section of foundation wall remnants could be removed and construction could begin on the new apartment building. The closest test boring completed for the new apartment building encountered fill soils to a depth of 13 feet, soft to stiff lean clay and loose sand to a depth of 38 feet, and stiff to hard sandy lean clay (glacial till) to the bottom of the boring at 65.5 feet.

Sacred Heart Church

Wed, October 3 2012, 14:09:12 -500

Sacred Heart Church is a stone and brick structure built in 1897 and named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. A major renovation project began in 2009. In order to refurbish and paint the high ceilings, scaffolding had to be erected atop the existing structural floor system. However, the floor system required supplemental support from within the crawlspace to carry the additional weight of the scaffolding and miscellaneous construction equipment and materials. A preliminary design consisted of poured concrete footings with masonry columns, which was going to be difficult and costly to install within the tight confines of the crawlspace.

Metropolitan Community College

Wed, October 3 2012, 13:42:30 -500

The perimeter improvements project included the construction of three (3) new signage elements/architectural landscape features. Two signage elements measure 30 feet by 5 feet and 20 feet tall. One combined sign/architectural feature measures more than 110 feet long and 20 feet tall. Construction consisted of poured concrete foundations, reinforced masonry block, brick and precast concrete.

Twenty-four soil borings were completed across the site in January 2005 as part of the geotechnical investigation for the then-proposed connector building and site improvements. The test borings identified undocumented fill soils to depths ranging from 3.5 feet to 18.5 feet. The fill was described as silty clay with varying quantities of gravel, brick, concrete and organic material. The moisture content, density, and strength of the fill were also highly variable. Soft to stiff silty clay Peoria loess was encountered beneath the fill. Stiff to very stiff lean to fat clay Loveland loess was encountered in four of the test borings at depths of 40 feet to 50 feet.

St. Michael’s Church Addition

Wed, October 3 2012, 12:39:10 -500

An addition was planned east of the St. Michael Lutheran Church sanctuary. The addition had plan dimensions of 40 feet by 90 feet and the design included a full basement 14 feet below the slab-on-grade floor elevation of the existing building.

The west basement wall of the addition was proposed six feet from the east wall of the sanctuary, which would therefore require; (1) support of the existing foundation along the 40-foot east wall of the sanctuary, and (2) some method of soil retention to prevent foundation soils below the existing structure from caving into the excavation.

A driven sheet pile wall was considered for temporary support, but the piling could not effectively be removed after basement wall construction without risk of damage to the structures. Leaving the sheet piling in place would be too expensive. The nearest test boring identified three feet of lean clay fill soils over stiff to very stiff lean clay (Peoria loess) to the bottom of the boring at 20 feet.

UNO Criss Library Floor Reconstruction

Wed, October 3 2012, 12:23:49 -500

The Criss Library at the University of Nebraska - Omaha was constructed in the mid-1970's. The three-story structure has a lower level that walks out to grade along the south wall line. The original building has dimensions of 240 feet north-south by 210 feet east-west with a bay spacing of 30 feet. A new addition was recently constructed north of the north wall line of the original building.

The lower level slab-on-grade settled over the years, resulting in floor cracks, faulting and uneven surfaces. The floor was mud-jacked twice to re-level the floor, but the settlement continued. An investigation of the floor settlement identified air leaks in the sub-floor heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Soil borings confirmed that leaks in the HVAC system caused significant drying of the subgrade soils, resulting in soil shrinkage and subsequent settlement of the floor slab.

The selected repair option included removing the existing slab, removing the affected subgrade soils, placing select fill, reconstructing and/or repairing the HVAC system, and then replacing the floor slab. Prior to complete removal of the floor slab, tiebacks had to be installed along the bottoms of the east and west foundation walls to prevent wall movement due to the unbalanced earth pressures.

Soil boring information was available from the construction of the original building, the construction of the north addition, and from floor slab evaluation studies. The tiebacks would generally penetrate native silty clay Peoria loess along the west wall line and silty clay fill soils (with construction debris) along the east wall line.

Rave Movie Theater

Wed, October 3 2012, 12:11:25 -500

Plans to renovate vacated store space into a movie theater included removal of the entire superstructure with only the below-grade, lower level foundation walls to remain. However, before the main level floor system could be removed, approximately 430 feet of foundation wall had to be laterally braced. The new floor system for the theater would then re-support the tops of the walls.

The Construction Manager selected helical tiebacks over grouted anchors and an interior bracing system. Helical tiebacks offered advantages of installation with relatively small equipment and no mess associated with pumping cement grout. Helical tiebacks could also be installed above the lower level floor, on the wall face, and "out of the way" for the demolition and construction operations. Upon referral from a local architect, the Construction Manager contacted Thrasher Basement Systems, Inc. to install the helical tiebacks.

Soil borings completed around and within the building footprint encountered native stiff to very stiff silty clay (Peoria loess) within the upper 38 feet of the soil profile, as measured from the exterior ground surface. The loess is underlain by lean clay glacial till.

St. Benedict's Catholic Church Addition

Wed, October 3 2012, 11:49:00 -500

Built in 1861, St. Benedict's Catholic Church is the oldest brick Catholic Church in Nebraska. It is listed with the National Register of Historic Places.

In 2005, various site and structural improvements were scheduled, including the addition of a single-story entrance on the west side of the building. The proposed addition measured approximately 18 feet by 32 feet.

Due to limited site access, shallow test borings were completed with hand equipment. The on-site test borings and soil information gathered from visual observation of other site excavations indicated variable, undocumented fill soils to depths of about 10 to 15 feet.

Due to the risk of potential damaging differential settlements, traditional spread footings within the existing fill soils were not recommended for the new addition.

Instead, three foundation support options were considered, including the complete removal of all existing fill soils and replacement with compacted and tested fill. A second option involved supporting the foundations on deep, cast-in-place concrete shafts drilled to bedrock or other high load-bearing strata. The third option utilized a helical pier system.

I-80 Box Culvert Extension

Wed, October 3 2012, 11:34:07 -500

The Interstate 80 (I-80) corridor between Omaha, NE and Lincoln, NE is currently undergoing several phases of reconstruction that includes road widening, new bridge overpasses, and new exit and entrance ramps. Several features and obstacles along the interstate prevent typical embankment and road construction. West of Exit 426 (Mahoney State Park exit) there is a 120 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 10 feet high concrete box culvert that extends beneath the entire width of the eastbound and westbound lanes of the interstate. The box culvert was constructed in 1975. One end of the box culvert had to be extended 12 feet to allow for embankment construction to support the proposed road widening and reconstruction of an entrance ramp. A retaining wall was needed at the end of the existing culvert to allow removal of the culvert wing walls and to support the temporarily oversteepened slope of the interstate embankment.

Verizon Data Center

Wed, October 3 2012, 11:15:44 -500

An addition was planned for the existing Verizon Data Center building. The addition would be located within the paved area north, east and west of the existing loading docks. An existing concrete retaining wall creates the northern limits of the proposed building area and provides grade separation between the higher elevation paved surface to the south and cooling tanks, piping and equipment to the north, approximately 12 feet lower in elevation. The west approximate 40 feet of the retaining wall had an obvious bow of approximately six inches at mid-span. With the proposed addition planned above this section of the retaining wall, there was concern that any additional deflection or movement of the wall could affect the new structure planned as close as 18 feet from the wall.

The existing 12-inch-thick, reinforced concrete retaining wall supports an unbalanced earth condition of 11 to 12 feet, but actually extends another 13 to 14 feet below the ground surface elevation on the north side of the wall; i.e., total wall height of approximately 25 feet. The wall was constructed to these depths to locate the wall footings below the then-proposed cooling tanks to be buried below the ground surface on the low side of the wall. Soil borings completed south of the retaining wall identified lean clay fill soils over stiff to very stiff native lean clays. The fill soils extended to depths of 13 to 28 feet and were reasonably compact with dry densities ranging from 99 to 105 pcf, moisture contents of 19 to 25 percent, and hand penetrometer test results generally greater than 6,000 psf.

Holiday Inn Hotel and Water Park

Wed, October 3 2012, 10:57:45 -500

The new Holiday Inn Hotel and Water Park was constructed just north of downtown Omaha, north of the Qwest Center and north of the new baseball stadium built for the College World Series. The project site is located within the alluvial plane of the Missouri River and in an area of Omaha where multiple prior phases of site development and redevelopment were likely. The hotel is a three-story structure supported on auger cast pile foundations.

One of the waterslides for the park was designed to exit the building with multiple bends and turns and then re-enter. However, auger cast piles had not been placed to support the slide at the same time piles were installed for the building. Excessive differential settlement was a concern for shallow spread footings bearing within undocumented fill over weak alluvial (water-deposited) soils. Access to the back of the building was limited, timing was critical and cost was a major factor in completion of the project.

Abraham Lincoln High School Addition

Wed, October 3 2012, 10:49:43 -500

The Abraham Lincoln High School was built in 1960 with construction consisting of poured concrete foundations, steel framing and masonry block walls. A renovation and three additions were planned in 2009. With the planned additions, excavations would be made around and below four existing exterior column footings for utility installation and placement of new wall footings. These columns would therefore require temporary support during construction to prevent settlement/movement of the columns and damage to the existing structure.

Test borings completed for the project extended to depths of 15 to 25 feet and encountered lean clay fill to depths of 4 to 19 feet over native lean clay and silt (Peoria loess). The consistency of the native soils was described as firm to hard. Groundwater was not encountered in the test borings.

Tyson Foods, Inc.

Wed, October 3 2012, 10:31:33 -500

A two-story building addition with a partial basement was planned at the existing Tyson Foods facility. The addition had approximate plan dimensions of 60 feet by 90 feet. Construction details included steel framing and precast concrete panels with wall loads on the order of 8 kips per linear foot. The project area was surrounded by existing structures to the north, east and south and a railroad spur to the west.

The processing plant is located within the alluvial plane of the Missouri River. Sub-surface conditions at the site were determined with four test borings completed to depths ranging from 20 to 70 feet. Groundwater was encountered at depths ranging from 35 to 40 feet. A generalized subsurface profile consists of fill soils over weak clays and silts over loose to dense sand to the bottoms of the borings. The fill varied from clay to sand to crushed gravel and extended to depths of 7 to 15 feet below the surface. The weak alluvial clays and silts extended to depths of 30 to 35 feet.

Francesca Peterson Joins Thrasher Basement Systems

Wed, October 3 2012, 00:00:00 -500

On Friday, September 28th, Thrasher team members welcomed Francesca Peterson to our team in the role of Executive Assistant. Francesca comes to us from King & Brainard Sales Associates where she was an Executive Assistant and Inside Sales Representative.

Francesca most recently was the Office Manager for ALH Publications.

In her free time Francesca love to spend time with her family, walk, garden, watch baseball, shop, and watch old movies. Please join us in welcoming Francesa to our team!

Creative Center College in Omaha, Nebraska Invites Thrasher Representatives as Guest Speakers

Wed, October 3 2012, 00:00:00 -500

For the 3^rd year in a row, Thrasher Vice President, Dan Thrasher was invited to speak at a Consumer Behavior class at the Creative Center College in Omaha, Nebraska. The class consists of third-year students who will be graduating and embarking on their careers in graphic design.

Jenny Thompson, Marketing Manager of Thrasher Basement Systems, and Dan shared ideas about graphic design and the importance it plays in delivering the right message to the customer.

They also discussed how consumer behavior affects Thrasher Basement Systems and how we demonstrate that in our graphic design and marketing materials.

They showed examples of marketing materials used at Thrasher and answered questions the students had relating to not only our business, but also to businesses overall.

Sabatka Residence

Mon, October 1 2012, 16:27:00 -500

Mr. and Mrs. Sabatka have lived in their home for 14 years. It is a 1950's era ranch style home with 1,200 square feet. The house had a vented dirt crawl space under the entire structure. The Sabatka's have made many improvements to their home over the years as they really enjoy where they live and value their home.

The Sabatkas had always noticed a damp odor in the summer months in the main floor living area. Mold growing in the crawlspace was a concern that they had. They also had issues with water in the crawlspace. Condensation build up on the main floor windows in the winter was also occurring. They replaced the windows in their home about 7 years ago. They went with high quality double pane windows. The condensation was still a problem even with running a dehumidifier through the winter. The newer window panes were then replaced with low e argon triple pane windows and the condensation problem still persisted.

The Sabatkas wanted to be able to go into the crawlspace during storms or tornados, however didn't want to go into that environment. Storage space was also an issue since they didn't have a basement.

Starner Residence

Mon, October 1 2012, 16:07:50 -500

Before finishing their basement in 2010, The Starner's decided to call Thrasher Basement Systems to waterproof their basement. The Starners needed extra living space for their family and wanted to make sure if they were going to make the investment to finish their basement it would be protected against water intrusion. In 2011, the lives of the Starner family were forever changed when their home was affected by the Missouri River flooding. The Starner’s home backs up to the levee in Council Bluffs and in the worst part of the flood, the City of Council Bluffs ordered the Starners to shut-off their sump pumps in fear of causing damage and breaching the levee. Soon, the Starner’s basement was flooded with over 7 feet of water, destroying their entire basement. Based upon these events, the Starners had to evacuate their home.

Once the flood waters receded, the Starners realized they had a huge mess on their hands. Their once nicely finished basement was now nothing more than a mold farm. The Starners had used organic materials in their basement and because of the water intrusion; mold was covering the flooring and the drywall. The Starners knew the entire basement would need to be gutted and they would not be able to move back to the home until the unsafe living conditions due to the mold were remedied.

Tometczak Residence

Mon, October 1 2012, 15:53:12 -500

Mr. Tometczak had a finished basement that was ruined by ground water seepage. The wood framing, drywall, wood base molding, and flooring were moldy from getting wet and from high humidity. Mr. Tometczak wanted to rent out the home but knew with the unsafe living conditions and unusable basement, he needed to do something to make it rentable. Mr. Tometczak also had an inclination that the plumbing and electrical were not up to code and would need to be redone to make it a safe place to live.

Mr. Tometczak went in search of the right solution for his basement. Because of the wet environment in the basement, he called Thrasher Basement Systems and Thrasher Basement Finishing. In order to finish the basement, Mr. Tometczak knew he had to stop the water issue, but he was still worried about finishing the basement with organic materials because of the humid environment and the potential for a domestic pipe leak. Because it was going to be a rental, Mr. Tometczak was concerned with using materials that might bet ruined from renters and the maintenance he would have to continually do to keep the basement looking good. When he heard about the Thrasher Basement Finishing solution he knew he had found the answer.

Guest Residence

Mon, October 1 2012, 15:37:05 -500

Mr. and Mrs. Guest live in California and love to travel the country. Hastings, Nebraska became a natural location for a summer home and resting place for extended periods of time due to the fact that they have extended family in the area.

After having the home for only a few years they arrived in the early Spring after spending the winter in California. Upon opening the front door Mr. and Mrs. Guest were welcomed by the smell of mold and mildew. The Guests new immediately that they had come home to a problem.

They went to the basement and saw the mold on the walls. The front wall and the stairwell had visible mold growth and ¼ inch of standing water on the basement floor. The basement was finished and a place they used when family visited and spent the night. Mr. Guest began cutting drywall and Mrs. Guest began looking in the phonebook for help.

Melbye Residence

Mon, October 1 2012, 15:24:10 -500

Mr. and Mrs. Melbye live in a 100 year old home that they bought in 1989 as a vacation home. In 2008 they made it their permanent residence. The Melbye's knew they wanted to finish the basement someday, but with the “old musty basement smell” that they could not get rid of, they were not going to spend any money on the basement. The odor was bad enough that when the house was closed up for any length of time the smell permeated the entire house.

Severin Residence

Mon, October 1 2012, 15:04:21 -500

Ms. Severin lived in her home for many years and repeatedly had water in the basement. In addition to the water, she also noticed musty, damp odors, and realized her walls were beginning to crack and bow inward. Ms. Severin was afraid to put carpet in the basement and hated to have her family stay downstairs when they visited. The entire basement could only being used as a laundry room, and was not useful living space.

Shotcrete Wall Restoration

Mon, October 1 2012, 14:34:00 -500

The home was built around the turn of the century with building materials common at that time. The foundation walls were constructed of rubble, stone and brick, which had started to deteriorate excessively over the long life of the home. After more than 40 years residing in the house, the homeowners decided to sell the home and move to a retirement community. Unfortunately, due to the deteriorating state of the foundation walls, potential home buyers were scared to make on offer on the house. The homeowners tried reducing the price of the home in order to sell it, but after receiving no offers for more than a year, they decided they needed to remedy the problem. Their initial calls were to two foundation repair contractors who both told them the foundation was “too far gone” to fix it with common repair methods such as anchors, beams or carbon fiber straps. They then contacted a foundation replacement contractor, but the homeowners quickly learned that total foundation replacement would be very expensive and would not provide a warranty that they could pass on to the new owner. They needed a repair solution that could be completed quickly and economically so they could finally sell their home.

Morton Residence

Mon, October 1 2012, 14:26:43 -500

Mr. and Mrs. Morton had previously had basement waterproofing performed by Thrasher Basement Systems, Inc. Every year, the Morton’s had Thrasher come to their home and provide annual maintenance to their system and pumps. During the most recent visit, the Thrasher representative performed an inspection of their foundation, grading, and gutters. At that time Mrs. Morton voiced a concern regarding the “hump” in her kitchen floor that went all the way across the room. By asking questions and doing some investigation, the Thrasher Representative learned that the house had an addition and that the “hump” was where the new and old foundations met. As the addition settled it created the “hump.” Thrasher also learned that underneath the addition is a crawlspace. The crawlspace itself had issues with musty odors, mold, and mildew on the floor joists.

Hansen Residence

Mon, October 1 2012, 14:11:17 -500

Mr. Hansen’s house is a wood-framed, raised ranch built in the 1960’s. The foundation was constructed out of 8 inch concrete block. Mr. Hansen has lived in the home for 3 years. After purchasing the home, he began to notice several signs that convinced him that his foundation was in a state of movement. Many distress cracks in the drywall had begun to appear. The northwest corner of the house was experiencing differential settlement of approximately 2 inches. The dining room floor in the NW corner was slanting toward the perimeter. The adjoining west rear garage wall was also settling and cracks in the block were significant.

Ever Wonder How Much Clean Space Basement Systems Dealers Install Every Year?

Tue, September 25 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Last year, Basement Systems dealers installed a lot of CleanSpace material.

Team ThrasherWorks Participates in the Corporate Cup

Mon, September 24 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Last weekend, several members of our Thrasher/FSI team ran in Omaha's Corporate Cup to benefit the American Lung Association. This 32nd Annual Corporate Cup was the highest attended Cup in the last 10 years with more than 12,000 participants, volunteers, and spectators. The American Lung Association is on track to raise nearly $385,000 with this year's event. Those funds will go toward local programs to ensure clean air, educate children with moderate to severe asthma to Camp Superkids in June. Congrats to Jeff K, Kyle, Twiggy, Jack, and Ashlyn O,Chris E, Ray B, Darlene R, and Jenny T for finishing the race! Twiggy and Jack did the 2 mile and the rest did the 10k!

Team Thrasher and Foundation Supportworks Get Ready For Football Season With A Tailgate Party

Mon, September 10 2012, 00:00:00 -500

With the temperatures dropping and the leaves starting to change, also comes football season. At Thrasher and Foundation Supportworks by Thrasher we decided to celebrate this with a tailgate themed party.Employees were prompted to wear their favorite team apparel, and enjoy burger, hot dogs, other tailgate themed food, and refreshments. Traditional tailgating games like beanbag toss and pickleball were set up for whoever wanted to play.

Thrasher Encourages Empoyees To Stay Healthy

Wed, September 5 2012, 00:00:00 -500

With summer coming to a close, the motivation to work out and keep that "summer body" can dwindle. At Thrasher, we've decided to be proactive, and fight the fall and winter workout slump. Starting the first week of September, Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks by Thrasher are starting two new programs.

"Thrasher WorksOut" and our own version of "Biggest Loser" are two ways that we're encouraging our employees to stay active. "Thrasher WorksOut" is an FREE hour-long fitness class led by a professional personal trainer. The classes are being held twice a week and are for all employees of all skill sets. Thrasher's "Biggest Loser" is just like the TV show where employees who want to lose weight. At the end of November, whoever lost the most weight will take away the big prize!

Team Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks Convention 2012 = A Great Success

Thu, August 30 2012, 00:00:00 -500

During the week of August 13th, some members of Team Thrasher and Foundation Supportworks by Thrasher attended and presented at the Team Basement Systems Annua Convention in Hartford and Seymour, Connecticut. Members from Team TBSI/FSI headed out a few days before the convention started in order to prepare for their presentations.

On Thursday, the team presented at and attended FSI's General Sessions where literally hundreds of FSI dealers came to hear about FSI's new products, marketing materials, sales tools, and other business developments. In short, it was an awesome day. Our Foundation Supportworks team has been developing so many new things over the last months that really "wowed" our dealers during the convention. That night the teams attended the Awards Ceremony at the Bushnell Theater in Hartford.

On Friday and Saturday, the team members traveled to Basement Systems' headquarters in Seymour to teach numerous sessions for the convention attendees on topics ranging from new products to accounting issues to hiring issues and the list goes on. Again this year, Thrasher Basement Systems received many awards. We are successful because of each of our team member's talents and dedication to making us the best in our industry. Here's what this fantastic team earned this year:

#1 Foundation Supportworks Dealer (out of over 90 dealers in the network)
#3 Basement Systems Dealer (out of over 200 dealers in the network)
#11 CleanSpace Dealer (out of over 200 dealers in the network)
#2 Total Basement Finishing Dealer (out of over 40 dealers in the network)
#1 National Radon Defense Dealer (out of 21 dealers in the network)
The TBF Leadership Award
#1 FSI Dealer in Geo-Lock Anchor Sales
#4 FSI Dealer in Pier Sales
#10 FSI Dealer in SmartJack Sales

Basement Floor Heaving Equals Big Problems

Tue, August 14 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems has encountered several homeowners who have experienced their basement floors and/ or interior footings being raised up in which is called” heaving” by Geotechnical Engineers. Basement floor and interior footing heaving can be very destructive to a home.

What causes basement floors and/or interior footings to “heave”? Typically heaving occurs when moisture is added to or returns to the soil, causing it to expand, which in turn pushes up the floor slabs and interior footings. Heave usually occurs with newer homes. When a house is built, a hole is dug and the hole remains exposed to sunlight, usually for several weeks. With so much direct sun exposure, moisture is removed from the soil and the soil shrinks. When the basement floor slab is poured, overtime, the moisture that once was in the soil returns, causing it to expand, pushing upwards on the basement floor slab and footings. In other instances, Thrasher has witnessed heave when a home is built over an old agricultural field where the old crop wasn’t fully excavated and removed. In this instance, the old crop is actually drawing moisture to the surface causing the soil to expand.

Heaving can cause cracks in the basement floor slab and unlevel floors, which can make finishing a basement much more difficult. When the soil heaving really gets invasive is when interior framed walls, load bearing and/or non-load bearing, get pushed upwards affecting the main floor framing system. Drywall cracks begin to appear, floors become out of level, and doors begin not opening and closing properly. Like foundation settlement, heave can be very invasive and can cause major damage to the home.

Thrasher Basement Systems has a unique, geotechnical solution to basement floor heave that can restore your home’s value. If you think you may be experiencing this problem, contact us for a free, no obligation inspection and estimate from one of our experienced System Design Specialists.

Severe Drought Equals Foundation Settlement Problems

Mon, August 13 2012, 00:00:00 -500

One thing we have learned in our 37 year history is that a severe drought leads to foundation settlement problems. Some homeowners across the state of Nebraska and Western Iowa are experiencing exactly that with the lack of moisture we have experienced in the area since last summer.

At Thrasher Basement Systems, we have received a heightened number of calls from homeowners who all of a sudden have new foundation settlement problems showing up and/or old foundation problems getting worse. The symptoms of foundation settlement problems include cracks in the foundation itself (which are usually larger at the top of the crack), cracks in exterior finishes including brick and stone, cracks in drywall, doors and windows that are now not opening and closing properly, and unlevel floors.

With the recent drought, these problems seem to be happening suddenly and only get worse with time. We have had several homeowners who have said in the last few weeks all of a sudden they heard a “popping” type noise, doors, windows are not opening and cracks in foundation walls, drywall, and exterior finishes are appearing.

With the lack of moisture, the clay soil is actually shrinking. This is no different than if you took a bucket full of dirt and sat it outside for several days without watering it. At the surface, you can see large cracks in the soil and the soil is no longer hugging tight to the foundation. The same thing that is happening at the surface is happening underneath your foundation footings, which support the weight of the home. Once there is a gap under the footing due to the soil shrinkage, the footing settles into that gap causing damage to your home.

If you are concerned that your home has is experiencing foundation settlement, call Thrasher for a free inspection and assessment from one our highly trained and experienced System Design Specialists.

Jason Stewart Celebrates 1 Year Tobacco Free!

Fri, August 10 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Congratulations to Jason Stewart for celebrating one year of being tobacco free. We are proud of your accomplishment! To celebrate, Greg and Nancy wrote Jason a check for $500. Any Thrasher employee who wants to quit smoking is encouraged to do so, with the reward of $500 after a year of being clean.

Team Thrasher Adds To Its Family

Thu, August 9 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement System's Lead Mechanic Austin Johnson and wife Kandy welcomed baby boy Joey Lee Johnson. Joey was born at 5:20pm on August 8th, weighing a whopping 10lbs 7oz, and was 21 1/4 inches long! Help us in congratulating Austin and Kandy!

Thrasher Recognizes July's Crew of the Month

Wed, August 8 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher recognized Jon N, Jim H, and Ernie M as their July crew of the month. Their crew had no service call, had a net promoter score of 100%, and were even willing to help out other crews that needed additional assistance.

In addition to going above and beyond the call of duty, Jon, Jim, and Ernie's crew also exemplified Thrasher's "The One" core values. "The One" is split up into four categories: One Team, for individuals unified as a family and empowered to be extraordinary; One Passion, for being relentless in the pursuit of constant improvement; One Experience, for providing WOW service to every customer, every time; and One Community, for being an advocate for our community, returning the blessings we’ve been given.

Exterior Waterproofing Excavation: Worth It or Money Pit

Mon, August 6 2012, 00:00:00 -500

When you have water coming into your basement, you want to take care of it as fast and efficiently as possible. The most obvious answer is to try and fix this leakage from the outside, by installing exterior waterproofing.

This option though is obtrusive, and could be severly destructive of your porch, deck, landscaping, driveways, sidewalk, and air conditioning units. After the excavation is done, drainage tile is installed. This drainage tile must be kept clean and clear, which is hard to do after it is the excavation is filled back in. With all of the work that's involved with excavation heavy waterproofing, it can become quite costly.

Once the exterior waterproofing is done, the dirt must be filled back in. This poses another problem with excavation style waterproofing. Dirt that is filled back in will likely not be compacted well. Dirt that isn't compacted properly will allow water to flow down in the soil and into the walls of the house. If this system fails, how does one repair it? By having to excavate again, causing another large mess and causing the soil to not be compacted anymore.

A more cost effective and less invasive alternative to excavation style waterproofing is an interior drainage system. An interior drainage system, like WaterGuard is a more cost effective alternative to excavating your lawn, and WaterGuard has multiple advantages over exterior waterproofing.

When the WaterGuard Basement Waterproofing System installation begins, the perimeter of the floor is removed. This process is used on the floor only - the footing and foundation are not damaged by this process. If you have block foundation walls, weep holes are drilled into each core of each block so that the water contained within the hollow cores of the wall is continually drained away.

Clean gravel is laid down on the bottom of the trench, and WaterGuard is laid on top. After more gravel is laid on top, concrete is laid back down on top of the system, it's smoothed over and the area is cleaned.

Because the system sticks up above the floor about an inch, dirt and small objects from the floor can't get in and clog it. And since it is not sitting in the soil and is sitting on top of gravel, it doesn't clog.

If you're interested in a FREE ESTIMATE for WaterGuard or any other Thrasher system, give us a call at [phone].

Thrasher Announces July's WOW Service Award Winner

Mon, August 6 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher is pleased to announce Kevin M. as their WOW Service Award winner for the month of July. The WOW service award is given to the service technician with the best scores from customers, least amount of follow-up visits, and exempilfying Thrasher's core "The One" values.

One of the reasons Kevin M. was picked was because he exemplifed Thrasher's "The One" core values. "The One" is split up into four categories: One Team, for individuals unified as a family and empowered to be extraordinary; One Passion, for being relentless in the pursuit of constant improvement; One Experience, for providing WOW service to every customer, every time; and One Community, for being an advocate for our community, returning the blessings we’ve been given.

Thrasher Recognized For Radon Mitigation Work.

Wed, August 1 2012, 00:00:00 -500

The Northwest Iowa Review, out of Sheldon, IA, recently did a story on radon gas and the dangers of not having it mitigated. The story focuses on Elmer Beltman of Sheldon, IA. Beltman tested his home for radon and found his home was testing at 20 picocuries (pCi/l). 20 pCi/l is 5 times above the "safe" level as regulated by the EPA. The story goes on to point out that radon gas does not discriminate between new or old homes, but rather how many cracks or holes in floors or ceilings there are in a home. As mentioned in the article, 2 out of 3 homes in Iowa and Nebraska test with elevated levels of radon gas.

Later on in the newspaper article, they talk about how Beltman chose to use Thrasher Basement Systems to mitigate his high radon levels. After Thrasher installed their radon mitigation system, Beltman's radon levels went from 20 pCi/l down to 1.6 pCi/l dropping the level 2.4 pCi/l below the safe level. See what Beltman went on to say of Thrasher's system.

Summer Lovin' Strikes Thrasher

Tue, July 31 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Congratulations to production employees Ryan D. who got married a few weekends ago, Aaron H. who got married last weekend, and Antonio Z. who gets married this week! Congrats to them all!

Annual System Maintenance: Is It Worth It?

Tue, July 31 2012, 00:00:00 -500

After Thrasher has installed their system into your house, whether it be waterproofing, foundation repair, radon, or any other, its suggested that you get annual maintenance. While it may seem easy to not schedule annual maintenance, the yearly visit from a service technician is important to the upkeep of your investment.

Annual maintenance starts with the service tech doing a full interior and exterior inspection of the house. After this, the technician will explain to the homeowner what needs to be done. After this, the maintenance begins. Whether it's cleaning the sump pump and liner, tightening and waxing support rods, or repairing a radon system, a service technician is prepared to fix and maintain any system. After the annual maintenance is done, the technician then runs the system through tests to make sure that if a problem were to occur, that the system would work. Once the technician is assured that the system is in 100% working order, they will clean up after themselves and return to the homeowner and let them know how the maintenance went.

As you can see, annual system maintenance is vital to keeping the system in good working order, and the best way to ensure your investment is maintained. If you want to schedule your annual maintenance, or have a problem that isn't fixed by a Thrasher system yet and want a FREE estimate, give us a call at [phone].

Is your crawl space safe or a safe haven for critters?

Mon, July 30 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Crawl spaces can be a valuable asset to homeowners. It provides storage space, and if propperly prepared, can save homeowners energy costs. But, if a crawl space is not taken care of propperly, it can turn into a safe haven for small critters and debris. This happens most often due to crawspace doors that are not up to snuff.

Most crawl space doors are made of wood or other organic materials. After being exposed to the elements for an extended period of time, these doors break down and create holes in the enteryway. These holes allow small animals, leaves, dirt, and other materials to get inside a crawl space, ruining the work that had been done on it, potentially causing even larger problems.

Thrasher offers EverLast Crawl Space Doors that are inorganic and snugly attach to crawl space openings. These doors are inorganic, will not rot or mold, and will never need painting. If you're interested in EverLast doors or getting a FREE estimate on basement waterproofing, foundation repair, radon mitigation or basement finishing, give Thrasher a call at [phone].

High Heat and Humidity Can Ruin Crawlspaces

Fri, July 27 2012, 00:00:00 -500

There's no way to avoid the fact that we're suffering from high heat and humidity. Oddly enough, not only humans are suffering from such harsh conditions either. Your house's crawl space is also being affected from them.

With temperatures in reaching well into the 100's, that hot air gets trapped in crawl spaces and then sneaks into houses, causing the temperature and humidity level in the house to rise as well. Luckily, Thrasher has solutions to this problem. By encapsulating a crawl space, you can remidiate a lot of the summer heat issues.

Crawl spaces are often times not considered a cause of household issues because it is not a major part of the house. By restoring a crawl space you can increase your overall comfort, lower your energy bill, reduce your helth risk, have a safer home, and have a higher home value.

Thrasher Basement Systems offers multiple types of crawl space encapsullation and repair. If you're interested in your FREE estimate, give Thrasher a call at [phone].

How The Drought and Heat Wave Can Wreck Havoc On Your Foundation

Thu, July 26 2012, 00:00:00 -500

The heat wave that's been rolling throughout the Midwest and United States has effected people in many ways. Between A/C unit upkeep, watering plants and grass, and electric bills, most people think they're prepared for such harsh temperatures. But what most people don't realize is that the temperature above ground affects stuff under the soil as well.

With little rain, and high temperatures, soil dries out and ultimately shrink. When soil shrinks, it seperates from its holdings on foundations and creates voids. These voids allow foundations to settle, and when rain occurs, gives water a place to collect and penetrate into houses.

Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks by Thrasher have come up with a way to combat settling foundations due to the heat. A piering system supports the whole house's foundation by pushing piers down far enough into the soil to more sturdy dirt that won't settle.

Thrasher installs these types of systems every year from one or two piers to a full house system, to commercial applications. Give Thrasher a call at 1-800-827-0702 for your FREE ESTIMATE.

Team Thrasher and Foundation Supportworks welcomes its youngest member yet!

Thu, July 26 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Amanda Harrington, Director of Training and Development for Thrasher's sister company, Foundation Supportworks, welcomed Wren Jennifer Matthews on Tuesday, July 24th at 8:29 PM. Wren weighs 7 lbs. 7 oz. and was 20 1/2 inches long. Congratulations to Amanda, John, Moyra and Winston!

SaniDry can help beat summer humidity and clean your house's air

Tue, July 24 2012, 00:00:00 -500

With the drought that has been affecting the Midwest, the air has been a lot more humid than normal. This humid air can sneak into houses, creating an uncomfortable environment for homeowners and their families. The most common solution for this is to go to the local hardware store and purchase a dehumidifier. This might work, but only to a point. Most hardware store dehumidifiers are only rated at removing 40 pints of water per day at their peak.

Thrasher Basement Systems has an alternative in the SaniDry. The SaniDry is a whole house dehumidifier and air purifier combo. The SaniDry is rated to remove 100 pints of water per day, and has two filters that are set up to remove dirt, dust, and allergens as small as 2 microns. Since these filters are set up to remove everything up to 2 microns, they remove the most common household allergen, dust-mite droppings.

With the SaniDry, it will pump warm humid air in, run it through the filters to remove any impurities, run the air through cooling coils, condensing the humid air, and blows the clean air out, while pumping out the collected water. A SaniDry can be set up for basement or a whole house application.

If you have any questions about SaniDry or are interested in getting one, give Thrasher a call, toll-free, at 1-800-827-0702

Thrasher Home To New Videos

Mon, July 23 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems is playing home to several new videos that are being presented at Basement Systems' annual convention. These videos are on a variety of subjects including training on new products and materials to hiring sales representatives. Dan Thrasher, Nick Rohe, Josh Kaiser and Tiff Seevers from Thrasher were all able to take part in the videos.

Thrasher Hosts Tent at Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament

Fri, July 20 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems hosted a tent at the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce golf outing earlier this week. Thrasher employees Jenny and Kate manned the booth handing out refeshments to all who came by.

Thrasher Announces Winner of Crew and Specialists of the Month of June

Thu, July 19 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems recently announced the monthy winners of the Crew of the Month, System Design Specialist, Real Estate Design Specialist, and Service Technician of the Month for June.

Jason W. and Jose R. won crew of the month. Jason and Jose received zero service calls and had a 100% Net Promoter Score. The Net Promoter Score is based on the satisfaction of their customers.

Tom B. won System Design Specialist of the month, Kraig S. won Real Estate Design Specialist, and Jason C. won Service Technician of the month. These awards are given out based on each specialist and technician's customer reviews, sales reports, and commitment to "The One" core values.

Each crew, specialist, and technician strive to exemplify Thrasher's "The One" core values. "The One" is split up into four categories: One Team, for individuals unified as a family and empowered to be extraordinary; One Passion, for being relentless in the pursuit of constant improvement; One Experience, for providing WOW service to every customer, every time; and One Community, for being an advocate for our community, returning the blessings we’ve been given.

Thrasher Basement Systems Unveils the new PolyLEVEL product

Thu, July 19 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks constantly strive to be innovaters and leaders in their field. This is why they recently unveiled a new product: PolyLEVEL.

PolyLEVEL is a polyurethane application used for slabjacking. Slabjacking is the process of injecting a substance beneath a concrete slab that has settled and raising it up to its original level. PolyLEVEL is unique because instead of using a mud and concrete mixture (like mudjacking) it uses a two part mixture that, when combined, creates a foam that expands and hardens within seconds.

Because PolyLEVEL is polyurethane, it is only 4 pounds per cubic yard as opposed to 100 pounds per cubic yard for conventional mudjacking. This means that by using PolyLEVEL, a slab is less likely to settle due to the reduced weight. Just because PolyLEVEL is light, does not mean that it is not strong, PolyLEVEL is capable of lifting up grain bins, highway road slabs, and much more. Just in case there is a complication though, PolyLEVEL comes with a 5 year warranty.

If you or someone you know has a problem with uneven concrete slabs, give us a call to schedule an appointment at [phone] or online at http://www.thrasherbasement.com/commercial-foundation-contractor/polylevel.html

Team Thrasher grows once again

Thu, July 19 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Congratulations to System Design Specialist, Matt Caniglia, and his wife, Susie, at the birth of their daughter, Sophie Lorraine Caniglia. Sophie was born Tuesday, July 17^th, weighed 8 lbs. 1 oz. and was 20 inches long. Congratulations to Matt, Susie and big brother, Graham. Welcome to the family Sophie!

Thrasher Employees and Families Enjoy Annual Family Fun Day

Wed, July 18 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems employees and their families enjoyed a fun filled day at Sempeck's Bowling & Entertainment. Those who attended took part in bowling, lazer tag, grill out, and many other activities. This is just one of Thrasher's many ways it says "thank you" to its employees for all the hard work that they do.

Thrasher Basement Systems and Thrasher Basement Finishing Save Council Bluffs House

Thu, July 12 2012, 00:00:00 -500

The Starners, a Council Bluffs, IA family, had their basement destroyed from the Missouri River Flooding of 2011. Thrasher Basement Systems and Thrasher Basement Finishing fixed all the water and foundation problems, and then finished the basement all free of charge to the Starners. We did a follow up video with the Starners getting a little back story on them and documenting the work we did for them. Check it out HERE.

Before

After

Local Entrepreneur Commends Thrasher Basement Systems' Focus and Connection to Customers

Wed, July 11 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Dave Paladino, a Nebraska entrepreneur, recently mentioned Thrasher Basement Systems in his blog. This blog post featured a video from the TED conference talking about companies that focus on the WHY they do what they do, HOW they do that, and then WHAT do they make, in that order. Mr. Paladino went on to say that Thrasher was one of the local companies that truly understood that. You can read the full article here.

Summer Heat Causes Street Creep

Mon, July 9 2012, 00:00:00 -500

People often ask questions about Street Creep, or Concrete Creep, and what it really is. This time of year when there is record high temperatures is the perfect time to talk about this phenomenon that can cause problems with foundations.

Street Creep is the action of concrete moving as it heats up and expands. When concrete is cool, it shrinks and allows debris to fall down in cracks and control joints. This is especially common in midwestern winters where cold temperatures cause the shrinkage of the roads, and sand/gravel trucks spread plenty of debris to fill those open joints in the concrete.

When the Spring and Summer temperatures start to go up, the concrete expands and creates pressure all around. When the joints around the slab are filled with hard debris they don't allow any expansion of the concrete and therefore the concrete actually pushes on the next slab.

When you multiply that over the many sections of concrete in a street you can see that the road will actually get longer. If your driveway is near the end of this run of concrete slabs, the pressure is transferred through your driveway and into your house. The best way to prevent damage is to maintain proper expansion joints in the driveway, but if damage has already occurred a foundation repair may be needed.

The picture is an example of the pressure that can be caused during high temperatures. This picture of concrete was taken this week along side a road that a Thrasher employee was driving on and thought that it helps show the effects of concrete that doesn't have room for expansion. In this case, the concrete has actually heaved up at the joint, and you can see the debris that filled the previously open joint. For more information on street creep and our solutions check out this link:

http://www.thrasherbasement.com/foundation-repair/foundation-repair-products/wall-anchors/street-creep-system.html

Thrasher Family Welcomes a New Addition

Fri, July 6 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Congratulations to Nick Rohe, Thrasher Sales Manager, and his wife Kim who welcomed baby boy, Ty Nicholas Rohe, on Thursday, July 5th at 5:22 p.m. Ty weighed in at 8 lbs. 11 oz. and was 20 inches long. The family is all doing well and big sisters, Gracie and Ellie are very excited to have a new little brother! Welcome to the family Ty!

FSI Training Department Passes the Buck to Thrasher's Warehouse Department

Tue, July 3 2012, 00:00:00 -500

At Thrasher and FSI we strive to exemplify our core values in our day to day lives. A way we've tried to recognize those who do so is by implementing a "Pass The Buck" system. The buck gets passed from department to department. This month, FSI's Training & Development Department passed the buck to Thrasher's Warehouse Department. The Training team put together little "tool kits" of candy, snacks, and FSI T-Shirts.

The core values are split into four categories: One Team, for individuals unified as a family and empowered to be extraordinary; One Passion, for being relentless in the pursuit of constant improvement; One Experience, for providing WOW service to every customer, every time; and One Community, for being an advocate for our community, returning the blessings we’ve been given.

Thanks again to Amanda, Kim. James. Laura, Josh, and Kenny for passing the buck to AAron. George, Collin, Austin, and Nick

Thrasher Gives Back To Those Who Serve

Fri, June 29 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher is very appreciative of those who serve us. La Vista Police Department and Sarpy County Sheriff's Department have thwarted a few robbery attempts from the outside area of our businesses, so we decided to show our appreciation by cooking them lunch. All officers from both departments were invited. We had a total of 6 officers show up for food and a tour of our facilities.

Thrasher Hosts Sales Manager Only Training

Tue, June 26 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Last week, 23 representatives from 14 dealers came to Thrasher to receive Sales Manager Only training. Dan Thrasher, Nick Rohe, Mike Lane (Basement Systems), Jesse Waltz (JES), and Amanda Harrington presented to the group. Focusing on presentations, attendees learned valuable skills to bring back home.

Team Thrasher Welcomes A New Addition!

Mon, June 25 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Team Thrasher welcomes its newest member, Adelyn Foreman. Adelyn is the daughter Brent Foreman, a foreman for Thrasher.

Adelyn Grace Foreman was born on June 9, 2012 to parents Brent and Jessica Foreman and big sister, Audrey.

She weighed 7 lbs. 3 oz. and was 20.5 inches long.

Congratulation to the Foremans!

The Right and Wrong Ways to Fix Wall Leaks

Mon, June 25 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Wet and leaky basements can be the bane of a homeowner’s responsibilities. What’s worse is when the leak is supposedly fixed, but a short time later, water is back in your basement.

When a crack in a basement wall occurs and is leaking, some contractors or basement waterproofing companies choose to go the way of an epoxy injection. This may work for a while, but not for the long haul.

As seen in the pictures below, a local homeowner received the epoxy treatment for a crack in their basement wall. As time went on, and rain fell, the epoxy treatment started to leak.

If this happens to you, don’t go with the other guys go with Thrasher Basement Systems.

To get your free estimate call 1-800-827-0702 or visit us online at www.thrasherbasement.com

Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks Inc. Give Back To The Community

Thu, June 21 2012, 00:00:00 -500

At Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks, one of our core values is ONE Community – an advocate for our community, returning the blessings we’ve been given. We understand the importance of giving back to the community that has supported us for so long.

This past weekend employees from both Thrasher and Foundation Supportworks were able to do that by volunteering our time and resources to help an amazing woman in need. Debra lost her husband to cancer 5 years ago, and is currently working 2-3 jobs to make ends meet. She has eliminated everything that she can in order to cut expenses (including running her AC or heat!). One of Debra’s jobs is massage therapy, which she does in a massage parlor that is located in her basement.

Debra was getting water in her basement, which caused a musty odor that is unhealthy for her or her customers. On Saturday, about 30 volunteers from both companies braved the rain and installed a new deck, retaining wall, and a waterproofing system into Debra’s house. Volunteers were out all day and by working as a team managed to get everything finished in a single day.

Radon, The Secret Killer

Wed, June 20 2012, 00:00:00 -500

When most people think of lung cancer, tobacco is commonly associated with it. But in recent years, it’s been found that many non-tobacco users have been diagnosed with the deadly disease. The question then arises, if people who are diagnosed with lung cancer don’t use tobacco, how are they getting this specific type of cancer?

Radon, a natural occurring odorless, colorless gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Annually, radon is responsible for 21,000 deaths. Radon is formed from the natural breakdown of uranium in the earth, it then creeps into houses, exposing those inside to the carcinogenic gas.

Fortunately radon exposure is preventable. You can check radon levels with a test kit available in most hardware stores. If the test results come back over the suggested levels, it’s time to take action. A radon mitigation system will pump out the dangerous gas outside of the home. With a radon mitigation system installed, the risk of exposure to the dangerous gas is significantly minimized.

Thrasher Basement Systems tests for radon and installs radon mitigation systems. If you would like to get tested for radon or have a mitigation system installed give Thrasher a call at 1-800-827-0702 or online at http://www.thrasherbasement.com.

Foundation Supportworks Employee Featured in Midlands Business Journal

Thu, June 14 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Amanda Harrington, Director of Training and Development for Foundation Supportworks, Inc., was honored in December of 2011 as a recipient of the Midlands Business Journal's 40 Under 40 Award. In the May 25th issue of the Midlands Business Journal, a weekly business paper of Greater Omaha, Lincoln and Council Bluffs, Amanda was featured as a result of this award.

This award honors 40 Greater Omaha, Sarpy County and Council Bluffs entrepreneurs, executives and professional men and women under 40 years of age. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the awards and among those winners was not only Amanda Harrington this year, but also Dan Thrasher, Vice President of Thrasher Basement Systems, who received this award in 2009.

We'd like to congratulate Amanda again for this outstanding and well deserved award! We are proud to have her on our team.

Foundation Supportworks Adds New Team Member

Wed, June 13 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Joshua Anstey joined the FSI team as a Video Production Specialist this past Monday. Josh received his Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from UNL, majoring in Broadcasting and Advertising. Prior to working for FSI, he worked for several companies/organizations in producing, editing, and creating video content. Josh was awarded with the 2010 HuskerVision Highlight of the Year and Feature of the Year. In 2011, Josh was the American Advertising Federation’s District 9 NSAC regional winner. When he’s not working, Josh likes to take trips to new places, camp with friends and family, read, and watch classic movies. Welcome, Josh!

Thrasher Supports Hope Center for Kids Golf Classic

Tue, June 12 2012, 00:00:00 -500

The Hope Center for Kids 10^th Annual Golf Classic was held on Monday, June 11^th at Champions Run in Omaha, Nebraska. Thrasher Basement Systems was proud to be a sponsor for this annual event benefiting at-risk inner city children and youth. The Hope Center for Kids faithfully inspires HOPE in youth and children in the inner city through Education, Employment, Collaboration and Faith.

Hope Center for Kids is a year-round afternoon program that serves the needs of at-risk inner city children and youth by offering programs of education, employment, faith and recreation. Children ages 5-19 years old have a safe, supportive place to be every weekday afternoon until 7pm. A nutritious meal combined with a multitude of activities and training helps the children and youth mature into productive adults. More than 1,000 children are served annually at the Hope Center for kids and the number continues to grow each year.

Thrasher proudly supports the Hope Center for Kids every year by giving a portion of our proceeds from our ThrasherCare Club to support the Hope Center.

Foundation Supportworks Dealers Receive Accounting Training

Fri, June 8 2012, 00:00:00 -500

This week, Foundation Supportworks dealers from across the United States headed to FSI headquarters to get some accounting training. Training included topics like, “Why Accounting is a Critical Component”, “What Your Banker Expects from You” and many other exciting topics. Thrasher and Foundation Supportworks regularly holds training for dealers in any different number of topics.

Thrasher Basement Performs Random Employee Seatbelt Check

Mon, June 4 2012, 00:00:00 -500

June is National Safety Month. Here at Thrasher we wanted to get a head start on it by doing random seatbelt checks for employees. Out of the 66 employees that we checked, 61 of them were wearing their seatbelts for a total of 92%! Those who were wearing their seatbelts were rewarded with points that they can redeem online for prizes.

Thrasher is committed to maintaining a safe workplace environment. To ensure this, Thrasher does monthly training for all employees and random safety inspections on job sites, work environments, and vehicle/DOT safety.

Thrasher and Foundation Supportworks Employees Attend Ollie's Dream Gala in Omaha, NE

Sun, June 3 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Omaha - June 2nd, 2012 marked the 7th Annual Ollie's Dream Gala in Omaha, Nebraska. Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks employees attended the event in support of the mission of the Ollie Webb Center, Inc.

The mission statement of the Ollie Webb Center, Inc. is "To enrich the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through support, programs and advocacy. Thrasher Basement Systems was a bronze sponsor for this annual wine tasting event.

The exceptional quality of services that Ollie Webb provides to individuals and families is supported by the event.

Employees and their guests were treated to appetizers, wine tasting, featured speaker, Fr. Val Peter, Executive Director Emeritus Boys Town, as well as entertainment provided by "The Amazing Hip Hop Crew."

It was an enjoyable evening that we look forward to being a part of each and every year.

Thrasher Sets Up Tent At Local Golf Tournament

Wed, May 30 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Last week, Thrasher Basement Systems had a booth at the Nebraska Claims Associations’ golf tournament at Tiburon Golf Course. Thrasher’s very own Bill K. manned the booth and handed out refreshments and information for claims adjusters to pass along to their clients.

Team Thrasher and FSI Welcomes Two New Members

Wed, May 30 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Last week Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks welcomded two new members to the team. Laura Crary is FSI’s new graphic designer, and Sean Roberts is Thrasher’s new Public Relations Specialist.

In her role, Laura provides graphic design for product catalogs, presentations, case studies, websites, flyers, newsletters and many other materials produced by FSI. She also actively seeks out ways to enhance FSI’s nationwide branding.

Laura received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from The Creative Center in Omaha, NE. Prior to joining FSI’s team, Laura served as graphic designer for several other organizations, including her own company called Shout Out Designs. Laura is also a professional photographer.

Sean Roberts is Thrasher Basement Systems’ Public Relations Specialist. Sean prepares and disseminates information to traditional media, online, and through any means available, while staying abreast in industry standards and techniques to ensure effective content. He also serves as a liaison to the community, civic groups, and organizations to promote Thrasher. Sean received his Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Morningside College in Sioux City, IA.

Help us in welcoming Laura and Sean to the Team!

Thrasher Basement Systems recognizes outstanding employees at quarterly meeting

Wed, May 23 2012, 00:00:00 -500

On Monday, May 21^st, Thrasher Basement Systems’ staff held its second quarter meeting. The meeting was designed to get all of the employees caught up on new information and to award “The One” award to deserving employees. Tiffany Seevers, Director of Human Resources; Jim Gidley, Director of Finance; Jenny Thompson, Marketing Manager; Nick Rohe, Sales Manager; Aaron Ruskamp, Production Manager; Jeremy Seier, TBF Production Manager; Jon Erbst, Service Manager; and Dan Thrasher, Vice President; all presented at the meeting. They covered everything from new commercials hitting TV, their high feedback from customers, and future community outreach programs.

Also at the meeting, Dan Thrasher gave out several “The One” awards . This award is given out to employees that exemplify Thrasher Basement Systems’ core values. The core values are split into four categories: One Team, for individuals unified as a family and empowered to be extraordinary; One Passion, for being relentless in the pursuit of constant improvement; One Experience, for providing WOW service to every customer, every time; and One Community, for being an advocate for our community, returning the blessings we’ve been given. The award recipients were Anthony Salcedo for demonstrating One Passion and One Experience, Don Good for One Team and One Passion, Collin Crouch for One Team and One Passion, Jason Jones and Erik Cody for One Team and One Passion and Jon Neuvirth and Jim Hesse for One Team and One Passion. Each award recipient received a One Award patch.

Welcome Baby Thrasher!

Mon, May 14 2012, 00:00:00 -500

David Thrasher, Vice President of Foundation Supportworks, and his wife, Tabitha, welcomed their 3rd baby, Sophie Jean Thrasher, on Friday, May 11th at 8:39 a.m.

Sophie weighed in at 7 lbs. 11 oz. and is 19.75" long. Congratulations to David, Tabitha, big sister, Addison and big brother, Landon! She is a cutie!

Thrasher Basement Systems Hosts Training Seminar in Omaha, Nebraska

Wed, May 2 2012, 00:00:00 -500

During the week of April 16th, Foundation Supportworks, along with Thrasher Basement Systems hosted over 60 foundation repair contractors from throughout the United States and Canada for a week long training seminar. Throughout the week, attendees were trained in the areas of marketing, sales and installation of Foundation Supportworks products. In addition to classroom and field training, the attendees also benefited from the opportunity to network with other foundation repair companies throughout North America.

The three-day sales training covered topics such as product features and benefits, interviewing the customer to learn about their wants and needs, proper diagnosing and inspection, and presenting solutions to the customer. Sales training attendees were also encouraged to bring their laptops to receive hands-on training on the exclusive Foundation Supportworks sales presentation and proposal generating software program.

We Love Our Staff!

Mon, April 30 2012, 00:00:00 -500

On Wednesday, April 25th Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks celebrated "We Love Our Staff Day." This day is just a small token of our thanks for everything that our office staff does to support our teams.

We brought in doughnuts, bagels, fruit and yogurt in the morning and in the afternoon we all enjoyed an ice cream sundae bar.

We are so blessed to have such awesome people on our team and we thank you all for what you do!

Congratulations to Thrasher's March 2012 Crew of the Month

Mon, April 9 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher would like to congratulate Juan Matos and his crew Fernando Medina, Juan Aguilera and Mike Malotky for taking home the Crew of the Month AND the WOW! Service Award for the month of March. This is the first time ...that one of our crews has been honored with these awards for 3 consecutive months. Both awards are both given to the

Thrasher crew that provides exceptional service to their customers and goes above and beyond to make our customer’s happy. Again this month Juan and his crew received numerous online reviews and had no service calls on their installations. Each member of the crew received a $50 reward for their awesome service to our customers!

Thank you again for all that you do and congratulations on these well deserved awards! We would also like to thank our amazing customers who took the time to write in and tell us how awesome Juan and his crew are!

Thrasher Team Welcomes Another New Addition

Fri, March 16 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Nick Farris, Thrasher Basement Systems' Mechanic, and wife, Nicole, are the proud parents of daughter Amelia Charlotte Farris, born on Thursday, March 15th. Amelia was born 12 weeks early and weighs 4 lbs. Proud daddy, Nick, says that everyone is doing well! Congratulations Nick and Nicole and welcome Amelia! Pictures coming soon.

Thrasher Radon Specialists attend Regional Stakeholders Meeting in Nebraska City, Nebraska

Thu, March 15 2012, 00:00:00 -500

On Wednesday, March 14^th, Thrasher Radon Specialists including Don Good, Joel Hookham, Aaron Hunter, Kate Spielman and Jason Jones, attended a Regional Stakeholder’s Meeting for radon in Nebraska City, Nebraska. The meeting was designed to bring stakeholders together to discuss and understand common radon issues from new perspectives, as well as to provide insight into the future. It was an opportunity to educate and network with other radon professionals who have a stake in protecting the public from unnecessary exposure to radon in their homes, schools and businesses.

Also present at the Meeting were representatives from the EPA, AARST (American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists), the Iowa Department of Public Health, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

Iowa has the highest average radon concentrations in the country. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking. A state study of Iowa homes found that 71.6% have levels above what the Environmental Protection Agency considers safe. Thrasher Basement Systems provides radon testing and mitigation services. If you are concerned about the dangers of radon gas in your home, school or business, Thrasher can help. We provide free estimates for radon mitigation by specially trained and certified radon specialists.

Thrasher Basement Systems in Omaha, Nebraska welcomes new team member

Wed, March 14 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher is pleased to welcome a new System Design Specialist to our Omaha team. Ryan Penland comes to Thrasher with over 10 years of experience in sales and service roles. As a System Design Specialist, Ryan designs waterproofing and foundation repair solutions for our customers on a daily basis. With Ryan's sales and service experience, he brings a customer focused approach to Thrasher which fits in with our mission to "wow" our customers every step of the way! Ryan graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University with a minor in Marketing and an emphasis in Human Resources. Welcome Ryan!

Thrasher Employees Enjoy Pancake Feed

Tue, March 13 2012, 00:00:00 -500

On Monday, March 12th Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks' Social Committee kicked off a year of fun activities with a company-wide pancake feed.

Employees were invited to enjoy a breakfast of pancakes, sausage and eggs before starting their day.

This event was just the first of many exciting events that will be held throughout the year for both Thrasher and FSI's teams.

Slashes Slated for U.S. Radon Protection Program

Fri, March 9 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Proposed 2012 budget cuts of $2 million to the radon program of the Environmental Protection Agency threaten to drastically reduce the effectiveness and awareness of radon gas safety in our society. Additional budget cuts proposed for fiscal year 2013 would affect the State Indoor Radon Grants program and regional oversight efforts.

Because radon gas is invisible in daily life, heightened education and awareness programs are all the more critical to safe guard the population. Longer term exposure can unknowingly result in severe health problems including cancer. Since the 1988 Indoor Radon Abatement Act passed by the Federal government, progress has been encouraging. Imposing these budget cuts would undermine that progress and the law’s mission.

Groups are rallying their efforts and constituents to reverse the proposed cuts in spending. The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) and Cancer Survivors Against Radon (CanSAR) are among them. Contacting Congressional representatives is one of the best ways to express opposition to the cutbacks. Voices must be heard; health and safety risks can be averted.

The National Radon Defense (NRD) is a network of radon professionals dedicated to delivering the highest quality radon measurement and mitigation services. All members are carefully selected and participate in extensive, on-going training ensuring customers quality solutions and value pricing. The NRD is the world’s most trusted source in the radon measurement and mitigation services industry.

As a member of the National Radon Defense network, Thrasher Basement Systems strictly adheres to their guidelines for service, workmanship, and reliability. They are ready to answer any questions about radon in the home, test and monitor radon gas on the premises, and provide results and solutions specifically designed for the house. The process is simple, fast, and accurate.

Thrasher Basement Systems specializes in radon mitigation in Omaha, NE and other surrounding areas. Visit them online to set up a radon mitigation estimate.

Foundation Supportworks and Thrasher team welcome new employee in Omaha, Nebraska

Thu, March 8 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks welcomed Abby Peters, Procurement Coordinator, to the team on Monday, March 5th. Abby is serving as a true advocate for FSI's dealer network by maintaining a product inventory that anticipates the dealers' needs so product can always be shipped on time. Please join us in welcoming Abby!

New Addition to Thrasher Family

Tue, March 6 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Congratulations to Brian Black, System Design Specialist, and wife, Krista, as they welcome baby boy, Hudson Jacob Black into the world on Thursday, March 1st at 10:01 PM. Hudson weighed 7lbs. 4oz. Everyone is doing great! Please join us in congratulating Brian and Krista!

Congratulations to Thrasher's February 2012 Crew of the Month

Mon, March 5 2012, 00:00:00 -500

For the 2nd consecutive month, Thrasher would like to congratulate Juan Matos, Wilson Martinez, Fernando Medina and Juan Aguilera with both the Crew of the Month and the WOW! Service Award for the month of February.

This is the first time that one of our crews has been honored with these awards back to back. These awards are both given to the Thrasher crew that provides exceptional service to their customers and goes above and beyond to make our customer’s happy.

This month Juan and his crew received 8 online reviews and had zero service calls on their installations. Each member of the crew received a $50 iTunes gift certificate for their awesome service to our customers! Thank you again for all that you do and congratulations on these well deserved awards!

Radon Gas Alert for Every Parent of School-age Children - MSNBC Today!

Mon, March 5 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Are Your Children at Risk? Watch the Video.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

A new investigative report has aired on the MSNBC Today Show sounding the alarm about the occurrence of radioactive radon gas in our nation’s schools, affecting thousands of children. The report identifies a reluctance of many schools to conduct radon gas tests, perhaps fearing the results. But radon gas testing, in schools and homes, saves lives.

Quoted in the report, Bill Fields, highly respected in the radon field, says that exposure to radon gas causes more deaths than any other environmental hazard. He compares it to the proven and documented dangers of smoking.

Lack of money, the report goes on to say, is often cited as one of the reasons school districts don’t test; federal law also does not require them to test for radon gas.

Essential viewing for everyone, this important video presents the facts and dangers of radon gas in schools and homes, and goes in depth about what school districts are doing and not doing, the EPA, and stories of victims.

The National Radon Defense is a network of radon professionals dedicated to delivering the highest quality radon measurement and mitigation services. Members are carefully selected and participate in extensive, on-going training ensuring customers quality solutions and value pricing. This network is the nation’s trusted source of radon measurement and mitigation services available.

As a member of the National Radon Defense network, we strictly adhere to their guidelines for service, workmanship, and reliability. We are ready to answer questions about radon in the home, test and monitor radon gas on your premises, provide results, and suggest solutions specifically designed for you. The process is simple, fast, and accurate.

Thrasher Basement Systems specializes in radon mitigation in NE. Visit us online for a radon mitigation quote.

Hastings, Nebraska KHAS TV discusses dangers of radon gas

Thu, March 1 2012, 00:00:00 -500

As is evidenced in this story, radon poses a serious risk to homeowners and it is important to test your home to see if you are at risk. Thrasher Basement Systems provides radon testing and mitigation services.

http://www.khastv.com/news/local/Radon-PKG-140258063.html

Management Training in Omaha, Nebraska

Thu, March 1 2012, 00:00:00 -500

February 22^nd through February 24^th, 2012, Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks hosted a three day Management Training in Omaha, Nebraska for approximately 25 owners and managers representing 12 dealer offices throughout North America.

Management training is highly beneficial for owners and managers because it discusses:

Primary leadership styles and the strengths and weaknesses associated with that style
Four primary leadership principles and why they are important
Recruiting good, talented people
Conducting an effective interview and confidently handling difficult interviewing situations
Creating a simple and informative orientation program to help new employees become productive more quickly
Coaching and delegating to high performing, medium performing and low performing employees
Handling employees with performance and attitude problems
Evaluating each employee’s contributions and performance

Trainings hosted in Omaha provide a wonderful opportunity for Thrasher employees to interact with other dealers throughout the country.

Sioux City, Iowa Business Spotlight Features Thrasher Basement Systems

Wed, February 22 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems' Sales Manager, Nick Rohe, was recently interviewed on KTIV's Siouxland Business Spotlight.

Nick discussed the problems that Thrasher Basement Systems can assist homeowners with, i.e. wet basements, cracking walls and floors, settling foundations, high radon levels, dirt crawlspaces and unfinished basements.

Thrasher has many solutions for each of these problems and is able to assist homeowners with permanent solutions.

Thrasher will be exhibiting at the Siouxland Home Show the weekend of February 23rd through 26th for any homeowners in that area that have questions. To see the full interview, click on the following link http://bit.ly/x7xPyX.

Thrasher Basement Systems in Omaha, Nebraska Welcomes New Team Member

Thu, February 16 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems welcomed Dawn Jaixen, Customer Service Representative, to the team on Monday, February 13th.

Dawn will be assisting our customers in scheduling their installation dates, preparing all the paperwork and details for our production crews to install our jobs, assisting with the installation calendar for our production crews to install our customer's jobs, as well as being involved in various other office projects to serve our customers. Dawn brings with her a wealth of customer servcie and management experience in the restaurant business. Specifically, Dawn has served as a manager for three major restaurants in the Omaha area and has supervised the opening of two of those restaurants. Dawn holds her Associates Degree in Culinary Arts and Management from Metropolitan Community College.

Please join us in welcoming Dawn to our team!

Annual Chili Cook-Off at Thrasher and Foundation Supportworks in Omaha, Nebraska

Tue, February 14 2012, 00:00:00 -500

The annual chili cook-off for Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks was Monday, February 13^th. Employees were once again invited to pull out their best chili recipe and bring it in to share with the team. This year our rules were a little different as you could enter either as an individual or a team. We had 10 pots of chili entered into the contest this year. Every employee had the opportunity to taste all 10 and then rank their favorites. Congratulations to Jenny Thompson and Kim McMillan, our first place team winner with White Chicken Chili. Our 2^nd place winner was David Thrasher with a Steakhouse chili and 3^rd place went to Kyle Olson who brought a Meat Lovers chili. Congratulations to all our winners and thanks for the great lunch!

Foundation Supportworks in Omaha, Nebraska Welcomes Jake Blessen

Fri, February 10 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Foundation Supportworks and Thrasher Basement Systems welcomed Jake Blessen, Application Engineer to the team on Monday, February 6th.

Jake will be providing technical support to our network of dealers by answering their questions, writing preliminary design recommendations for commercial projects, and communicating with design professionals and contractors regarding job requirements and product detailing. Jake will also be writing technical documents for FSI and assisting in FSI dealer training. Jake holds his Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering from Texas Tech University. Prior to joining FSI’s team, Jake worked for a consulting engineers group. While a student at Texas Tech, Jake also worked as a student assistant for Texas Tech’s Civil Engineering Department in the areas of foundation design and geotechnical engineering and as a research assistant for Texas Tech: Tech MRT (Center for Multidisciplinary Research on Transportation).

Please join us in welcoming Jake to our team!

Andrew Andersen Promoted to Safety and Quality Control Manager

Wed, February 8 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems is pleased to announce the promotion of Andrew Andersen to the role of Safety and Quality Control Manager. Andrew will be dedicated to ensuring each of our employees is operating in a safe manner and according to our company safety policy. We want our employees and customers to be safe during construction projects and we want all jobsites to operate within the regulations that exist. Andrew brings many years of construction experience, including several years as a crew leader and service technician at Thrasher. He is trained in safety and brings an extra measure of knowledge in safety procedures to our organization.

While ensuring safety, Andrew will also monitor the quality of each of our projects. He will perform audits of crew performance and ensure that our customers get the type of service we expect. Andrew's duties will be in addition to each of our managers and employees exhibiting awareness of safety and quality, and he will help us further fulfill our mission, "To be the best in our industry, and to 'wow' our customers every step of the way." This additional layer of accountability for our team is an example of our continued dedication to constant improvement.

Basement to Crawlspace Conversions

Tue, February 7 2012, 00:00:00 -500

In the last year, especially after the Missouri River flood of 2011, Thrasher has received many questions regarding converting basements into crawlspaces. Many of these questions have been due to the fact that some basements were severely damaged by the flood and fixing the foundation seems to be cost prohibitive. Others have struggled with significant flooding over the years and feel that it would be best to eliminate the basement and thus eliminate the potential for additional flooding in the future.

Converting a basement into a crawlspace is a viable option for those in extreme situations, and those that have severe damage from a flood event. At the same time, each situation should be looked at on an individual basis to see if giving up this valuable living space is absolutely necessary. In cases where basement to crawlspace conversions make sense, Thrasher Basement Systems has the resources to get the job done right and with little disruption to the home and family.

The first step in the conversion process is that all utilities present in the basement need to be moved. Examples include a furnace or water heater. Usually these can be mounted to the floor joists and will be accessible through the crawlspace after the project is complete. Of course, if the appliances were damaged during the flood event, they can be moved during the replacement process for little extra expense.

Next, the crawlspace must be filled. Many people assume that the basement will be filled with sand, but we prefer to use an engineered fill that can be pumped into the basement through a window or down the stairs. This way little to no disturbance to the existing structure occurs, the filling process can be completed in one day, and the new fill permanently supports the foundation walls. The fill material is inorganic and will not promote mold growth.

At this point the homeowner has options. An access from outside the house can be added and the existing stairwell closed up to add additional living space to the main floor, or the existing stairwell can be utilized for access to the crawlspace. Also, the crawlspace can be encapsulated to reduce energy costs, and make the space clean for storage. This process also creates a vapor barrier that reduces overall humidity in the home, making the entire house a healthier environment to live in. Best of all, there is no longer a concern about future flood events destroying the basement and all of the personal belongings stored there.

If you have additional questions about converting your existing basement into a crawlspace feel free to contact Thrasher Basement Systems for information or a free estimate.

Congratulations to Thrasher's January 2012 Crew of the Month

Mon, February 6 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher would like to congratulate Juan Matos, Wilson Martinez, Fernando Medina and Juan Aguilera with two awards for the month of January – the Crew of the Month and the WOW! Service Award. These awards are both awarded to the Thrasher crew that provides exceptional service to their customers and goes above and beyond to make our customer’s happy. Juan and his crew received 4 online reviews, all talking about what a great job they did. As one customer put it, “Juan and his crew were professional and easy to work with. I’d highly recommend.” Juan and his crew were all awarded iPods for their amazing service. Thank you for all that you do and congratulations on these well deserved awards!

Over 40 Attend Residential Sales Training in Omaha, Nebraska

Tue, January 24 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks hosted a three day Residential Sales Training in Omaha, Nebraska for owners, managers, and sales representatives representing 18 dealer offices throughout North America. Residential Sales Training focuses on training sales managers and system design specialists to be knowledgeable and confident on how to diagnose foundation problems and recommend the right solutions to home owners.

The training included a special dinner prepared by Chris Hunter, owner of Southeast Foundation Repair in Clinton, North Carolina. Chris grilled for the entire training group, as well as Thrasher office employees. Our training dinner is a wonderful opportunity for Thrasher Basement Systems to interact with other foundation repair dealers throughout the country.

Radon...Frequently Asked Questions

Tue, January 17 2012, 00:00:00 -500

What is radon? Radon is a cancer causing, radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil, rock and water. You cannot see, smell or taste radon.

How does radon get into my home? Radon enters the home due to an air pressure vacuum pull that draws the gas naturally from the soil into the home.

What are the risks of radon exposure? Radon causes 21,000 deaths in the United States each year; it is the 2^nd leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is measure in picocuries per liter (pCi/l). The EPA recommends an action level of above 4 pCi/l be followed to fix your home. The World Health Organization has that level set at 2.7 pCi/l. Every 1pCi/l of radon exposure is equivalent to smoking 2.5 cigarettes per day.

How do I test for radon? There are several methods for testing – short term test kits and continuous radon monitors can be used to determine your radon level very accurately within as little as 48 hours.

How do I fix my home if I have a high radon level? The most common and proven solution to reducing your radon levels is through contracting a licensed radon mitigation company to install a Radon Mitigation System.

Thrasher Basement Systems has trained radon measurement and mitigation specialists available to help homeowners understand the radon threat.

Restore Damaged Foundation Walls with the Latest Technology

Mon, January 16 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Older homes, especially those over 80 years or so, often have a foundation that is made of stone, brick, or deteriorating concrete. For many years the only option to restore those foundations was to lift the house, pour concrete footings, and build new walls.

Often, this task was too expensive and invasive to be practical. It also doesn not come with any guarantee that the problem will not reoccur, and most contractors won’t travel to rural communities to perform this type of work.

Now, these homes can be fully restored with Thrasher Basement Systems’ Shotcrete Wall Restoration.

Shotcrete Wall restoration can be used in most homes and commercial buildings to restore deteriorating and crumbling foundation walls.

This system utilizes two technologies to leave you with brand new walls and structural support that comes with a 25 year warranty.

Not only is this system more affordable than complete foundation replacement, but it only takes a few days to install and gives you more benefits than brand new walls.

If you own a home or building with stone or brick walls that aren’t structurally sound, or if your concrete block or poured wall is in really bad shape, make sure you contact Thrasher Basement Systems to get a free estimate to restore your most valued possession.

For more information on shotcrete repairs in Iowa click here.

January is National Radon Month

Tue, January 3 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Omaha, NE – With radon being one of the leading causes of lung cancer today, it’s vital to bring attention to this often-overlooked danger. January is National Radon Month, making it a good time to purchase a home radon test kit or hire a professional radon mitigation contractor. Thrasher Basement Systems is an expert on radon mitigation and has made a number of recommendations for homeowners during National Radon Month.

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is released from soil. Because it is a radioactive carcinogen gas, it can be dangerous to people if it travels up into their homes. Radon is responsible for 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year, making it the second-leading cause of lung cancer (behind smoking). Luckily, there are ways to lessen the amount of radon in a home, thereby preventing the contraction of lung cancer. Radon mitigation is becoming a common service that a number of contractors can provide.

Thrasher Basement Systems is encouraging homeowners to test their homes for radon this New Year. Because radon gas is colorless and odorless, it is not detected unless a specific test for the gas is performed. It’s important that each homeowner tests their home for radon before it’s too late.

Radon in a building is measured by picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends mitigating any building with a radon measurement at or above 4.0 picocuries per liter. When a building’s radon levels are found to be unhealthy, a radon mitigation system is specially designed to effectively reduce the levels to a healthier amount. Radon abatement methods can keep radon from entering a house, including soil suction, which draw the radon from below the basement or crawl space floor and push it outside. Some other radon mitigation techniques include sealing, house/room pressurization, heat recovery ventilation, and natural ventilation.

Thrasher Basement Systems is Nebraska’s expert basement waterproofing, crawl space, sump pump installation and foundation repair contractor. Their radon mitigation systems use sub-slab depressurization to reduce radon levels. A PVC pipe collects soil gasses, radon is piped upwards in the building, and then a radon depressurization vent forces radon out of the house.

Thrasher Basement Systems serves parts of Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri, including Grand Island, Lincoln, Omaha, Sioux City, Spencer, Rockport, Maryville and surrounding areas. They have years of experience building and drying basements, and they are members of the Basement Systems international network of basement waterproofing specialists. For more information about this radon mitigation company in Lincoln or a free estimate contact them today.

Thrasher Family Welcomes New Addition

Tue, December 6 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Congratulations to Aaron Hunter, System Design Specialist, and wife, Anna, as they welcome baby boy, Eli Hunter into the world. Eli was born at 7:06 PM on Monday, December 5th. He weighed 7lbs. 12 oz. and was 20 1/4 inches long. Everyone is doing great! Congratulations to the Hunters!

Foundation Supportworks Employee Honored as 40 Under 40 Award Recipient

Mon, December 5 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Amanda Harrington, Director of Training and Development for Foundation Supportworks, Inc., was honored as a recipient of the Midlands Business Journal's 40 Under 40 Award. This award honors 40 Greater Omaha, Sarpy County and Council Bluffs entrepreneurs, executives and professional men and women under 40 years of age. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the awards and among those winners was not only Amanda Harrington this year, but also Dan Thrasher, Vice President of Thrasher Basement Systems, who received this award in 2009. Jill Micek, Editor of the Midlands Business Journal was quoted as saying, "Throughout the 10 years, one thing remails little changed by time - that is the high quality of young leadership of Greater Omaha." Micek goes on to say, "...judges were mindful of examples of innovation and risk-taking by entrepreneurs. Judges searched for examples of effectiveness and leadership shown by men and women working in the framework of bigger organizations."

Amanda received her award on Friday, December 2nd at an awards ceremony held at the Embassy Suites-LaVista Conference Center in Omaha. In attendance were more than 475 winners, guests and business and civic leaders.

Thrasher Basement Systems and our sister company, Foundation Supportworks are so pleased to announce this award. Please join us in congratulating Amanda on this accomplishment!

Radon Test Kits: Protect Your Family With Pocket Change

Tue, November 8 2011, 00:00:00 -500

It's well known that the leading cause of lung cancer in the United States is attributed to the carcinogens found in cigarette smoke. Fortunately, the solution is simple: don't smoke, and avoid cigarette smoke whenever possible.

And while there is an enormous and successful national effort to restrict cigarette smoking, efforts to raise awareness of the second-leading cause of lung cancer – radon gas exposure – are minimal.

Why Should You Be Concerned About Radon Gas In Your Home?

Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that is present naturally in all parts of the world, particularly in Iowa, North Dakota, Missouri, and in the eastern half of Nebraska, near Lincoln and Omaha. Examples of other high-risk states include Colorado, Montana, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, and many others. Radon primarily found in soil and well water, but is also present in outdoor air, building supplies, and in public water supplies.

Simply put, studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have shown that radon exposure is connected to more than 20,000 deaths annually. Children and infants are especially susceptible to damage from radon.

Radon gas is most dangerous to homeowners when it is present in the air. Because modern homes are more air-sealed and insulated than ever, issues with concentrated levels of radon gas are gaining in prevalence.

Using A Radon Test Kit In Your Home

Testing for radon is an inexpensive, do-it-yourself job that is easy for any homeowner. Radon test kits are available at local box stores and online, and can easily be set up in a home.

Radon gas levels change on a day-by-day basis based on temperature changes, soil conditions, wind, and much more, and will tend to be higher in the winter, when a home is “shut up”. Because of this, we recommend using a long-term radon test kit instead of seeking immediate results. A typical high-quality test kit will test radon levels over a 90-day period.

While no radon level is considered safe, the EPA recommends that homeowners fix their homes if the results of one long-term test show radon levels of 4 pCi/L (or 0.02 WL) or higher.

Signs Of Radon Poisoning

Symptoms of radon poisoning are similar to those of lung cancer, and include a persistent cough that doesn't improve, difficult breathing, hoarseness, and chest pains.

In extreme cases, the victim may cough up blood, demonstrating wheezing in their breathing, and become afflicted with respiratory infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis. If any of these symptoms are present, it is very important to seek medical help as soon as possible.

What To Do If Your Radon Test Kit Shows High Levels

High radon levels are no cause for panic. An experienced radon mitigation specialist will be able to create a mitigation strategy that is cost-effective and will successfully control the radon levels in your home.

In most cases, a good professional will be able to install your system in a day or less. Current radon abatement systems have proven to have a 99% success rate. The EPA recommends mitigation methods such as soil suction (where radon-rich air below the floor is sucked out of the home), sealing, house/room pressurization, and various ventilation methods.

Thrasher Basement Systems provides radon mitigation services to homeowners throughout their Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri service area. They install systems for radon mitigation in Omaha, Lincoln, Sioux City, and many surrounding areas. To schedule testing or a free radon mitigation quote, contact them by phone or e-mail today!

Thrasher and FSI welcome new family member

Tue, November 1 2011, 00:00:00 -500

We are excited to announce that Foundation Supportworks Shipping and Receiving Specialist, Jimi Hammerly and wife, Keri, welcomed baby Jared Hammerly into the world on October 24th, 2011. Jared was born at 10:30 p.m. and weighed 6 lbs 15 oz.

Congratulations to Jimi and Keri!

Thrasher works in the trenches in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota

Thu, October 27 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems of Omaha, Neb., worked in July, installing a basement drainage system to work with four sump pumps operating in the home of Allen and Betsy Bronson in Dakota Dunes, S.D

Read more: http://siouxcityjournal.com/lifestyles/home-and-garden/article_fce48114-3030-5769-8e34-b62534210eaf.html#ixzz1c0iOJzGV

Thrasher Basement Finishing for Flooded Home in Council Bluffs

Fri, October 21 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Recently, Thrasher Basement Systems had the opportunity to survey a home in Council Bluffs, IA that had extensive damage due to the Missouri River flooding. Upwelling groundwater over the summer caused 6.5 feet of water to penetrate the home and flood the basement.

The homeowner recently contacted Thrasher Basement Systems and plans are in the works for a Total Basement Finishing System.

Check out the photos below to see the extensive damage in the home.

It's National Radon Awareness Week!

Mon, October 17 2011, 00:00:00 -500

We at Thrasher understand the importance of helping homeowners understand radon, and we hope you’ll join us this week in raising awareness to the effects of radon exposure!

In recognition of the estimated 21,000 victims of the fatal effects of radon exposure, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Surgeon General have declared this week as National Radon Awareness Week.

Radon testing can be done at home where test results are then sent and diagnosed at a lab. There are short-term and long-term tests available. We also offer radon testing in Nebraska.

Be sure to check out our special offer going on during National Radon Awareness Week! We're offering the Continuous Radon Monitor Test for $55-- a regular price of $129! Learn more about this radon testing offer.

Radon is the number one in-home killer in the United States claiming 21,000 lives of unsuspecting homeowners to lung cancer—most of whom have never even smoked. Though unnoticeable to human senses, we perform radon testing and mitigation to reduce homes to levels below the action level of 4.0 picocuries per liter. Read more about National Radon Awareness Week from National Radon Defense.

Foundation Repair Contractors Attend FSI Training Seminar

Thu, October 6 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Recently, more than 50 foundation repair contractors from throughout the United States and Canada attended training at Foundation Supportworks in Omaha, NE. Throughout the week, attendees were trained in the areas of marketing, sales and installation of Foundation Supportworks products. In addition to classroom and field training, the attendees also benefited from the opportunity to network with other foundation repair companies throughout North America.

The four-day installation training included hands-on training at several different jobsites, where the attendees received firsthand experience installing push piers, helical piers, slab piers, Geo-Lock™ wall anchors, and PowerBraces™. The installation training also included 5 hours of classroom training where the attendees learned about the more technical aspects of the product installation.

In addition, the training attendees and employees from Thrasher and Foundation Supportworks enjoyed an authentic "Pig Pull" with homemade BBQ sauce, prepared by Chris Hunter, owner of Southeast Foundation Repair.

Thanks to all who attended the training and a special thanks to Chris Hunter for preparing such a delicious meal!

Iowa Cancer Summit to Emphasize Radon Risks

Mon, October 3 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Omaha, NE – When cancer experts gather in Des Moines next week to talk cancer, much of the talk will be focused on radon – the second leading cause of lung cancer. In fact, Iowa’s Cancer Consortium is rewriting their five-year Iowa Cancer Plan to emphasize the dangers of radon.

Thrasher Basement Systems has been warning homeowners in Western Iowa of the risks of radon for several years. The colorless, odorless gas can seep up through the cracks and holes in the foundation of the home, exposing those living there to radiation and causing lung cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says radon kills more than 21,000 people each year.

One of the Iowa Cancer Consortium’s goals is to prevent cancer from occurring. This shift to focusing on radon as a cause of lung cancer is ideal since radon is easily detected and easily treated. A radon detection kit can determine if your home or business has high levels of radiation. The EPA considers 4 picocuries per liter of air to be a dangerous level. If the radon detection kit finds 4 picocuries or more, a radon mitigation system can be inexpensively installed to vent the gas and eliminate the risk of radiation.

Thrasher Basement Systems’ Dan Thrasher is thrilled Iowa is taking such a strong stance against this cancer causer.

“Iowa’s Cancer Consortium has it right.” Thrasher said. “This focus on radon will save the lives of hundreds of Iowans.”

Thrasher Basement Systems is the industry leader in radon testing and mitigation services for Western Iowa. Their experts know how to test for elevated radon levels in the home and install an affordable and aesthetically-pleasing mitigation system.

For more information on radon and its health effects, radon testing and radon mitigation systems in Greater Omaha visit Thrasher Basement Systems online.

Employees Participate in 2011 Corporate Cup Race

Fri, September 30 2011, 00:00:00 -500

The 2011 Corporate Cup was on September 18, 2011 and, once again, Kyle Olson (FSI Senior Structural Engineer) organized the community team named "Renegade Thrasherworks." Eight employees participated in this 10-K run and 2-mile walk benefit the American Lung Association.

The Corporate Cup is one of the premier running events in the nation and among the largest of corporate road races in the United States. The Corporate Cup's unique character - businesses and their employees coming together to have fun and fight lung disease - is the basis for its success. The Omaha Corporate Cup raises funds and awareness to support education, research and advocacy programs so everyone can breathe easier. Participants attend the Corporate Cup to support issues critical to family health - improving air quality, eliminating lung disease and keeping kids tobacco free.

Congratulations to our August 2011 Crew of the Month

Wed, September 28 2011, 00:00:00 -500

We would like to honor and congratulate Mel Martinez, Wilson Martinez and Arturo Falcon with the August 2011 Crew of the Month award.

This crew consistently meets expectations, completes jobs in a timely manner and receives positive feedback from our customers. We are thankful to have Mel, Wilson and Arturo on our team!

Keep up the great work guys!

Thrasher Vice President, Dan Thrasher, Guest Speaker at Consumer Behavior Class

Fri, September 23 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Based upon positive feedback from 2010, in early September Dan Thrasher, Vice President Thrasher Basement Systems, spoke to a new set of students at the Creative Center College. He spoke to a Consumer Behavior class for third-year students. The objective of this course is to inform the student of how the interaction of feeling, knowledge, behavior, and environmental events influence people and organizations in the conduct of their business transactions. Dan discussed topics such as how consumer behavior affects the real business world, graphic design and the importance it plays in delivering the right message based upon it being the first impression of a company. He showed examples of printed materials that Thrasher Basement Systems uses today and he answered questions that were submitted by the students. Jenny Thompson, Marketing Manager and Kathy Rathbun, Multimedia Specialist, attended the class with Dan and were able to share real-life experience relating to design, advertising and translating that into business growth.

The Creative Center, a commercial art college, was founded in 1993 by Ray Dotzler. The belief of the college is that “the graphic designer of today needs to be well-versed in multiple aspects of graphic design.” The Creative Center College of Art and Design offers a program that is all-inclusive, on-the-job training.

Thrasher Basement Systems Receives Awards at International Convention in Connecticut

Fri, September 23 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Omaha, NE – Thrasher Basement Systems was recently honored at a meeting of over 600 guests from all over the United States and Canada at this year’s Team Basement Systems Convention. The annual convention is held each year between Seymour, Connecticut, (where the Basement Systems headquarters is located) and Hartford, Connecticut, and brings together dealerships of the international network for classes, seminars, training, parties and networking.

This year Thrasher Basement Systems received 7 awards at the International Convention. Two awards stand out for Thrasher Basement Systems as they ranked for Top Foundation Supportworks Dealer and also Top Radon Sales of 2010-2011. Thrasher Basement Systems also ranked 1st in Foundation Supportworks anchors, 3rd in Foundation Suportworks Piers, 2nd Basement Systems Dealer, ranked 5th CleanSpace Dealer and one of the Top 50 Foundation Supportworks Dealers. Along with those awards one of their employees, Don Good, was named Radon Mitigation Specialist of the Year.

The convention also featured guest speakers Krish Duhnam (of the Zig Ziglar corporation), and the “Pit bull of Personal Development” Larry Winget. A sports-themed party at the Connecticut Convention Center ended the convention week with music, food and performances by the Harlem Wizards and the New England Patriots Cheerleaders.

Thrasher Basement Systems is a certified Basement Systems dealer specializing in crawl space repair, sump pump installation and radon testing in Omaha and other nearby areas. They are accredited by the Better Business Bureau and have been waterproofing basements in Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri since 1975.

Basement Systems is an international network of basement waterproofing, crawl space repair and basement finishing contractors. The international headquarters, based in Seymour, Connecticut, also provides sales and service throughout Connecticut and Westchester County, NY. Larry Janesky's Basement Systems has been helping homeowners increase their usable living space for over 20 years across the United States, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom. They have 27 patented basement and crawl space products, designed to help homeowners get more out of their basements and increase their home's value.

Thrasher Honored to be Ethics Sponsor for the Better Business Bureau 2011 Integrity Awards

Wed, September 21 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems was honored again this year to be a sponsor for the Better Business Bureau’s 2011 Integrity Awards. On Thursday, September 15th, employees from Thrasher attended the prestigious awards ceremony held at Embassy Suites LaVista Conference Center. At the luncheon the BBB Student Service Excellence and Student of Integrity Awards were presented. In addition, the Business Integrity Awards were also presented. The guest speaker for this year’s awards was Harry M. Markopolos, a certified fraud examiner who investigates large corporate fraud schemes perpetrated by money center banks, custody banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions.

Dan Thrasher, Vice President Thrasher Basement Systems, served on this year’s panel of judges. His contribution included reviewing nominations and applications for this year’s award, as well as assisting in choosing the winner.

At this year’s luncheon, Thrasher Basement Systems was recognized for being a 30 Year “Gold” Member of the BBB. Thrasher was honored based upon their support of the BBB for past 30 years and for being an organization whose ongoing commitment and actions demonstrates our understanding of trust in the marketplace.

Thrasher Basement Systems is a two-time winner of the award, most recently in 2008 and also in 2000. Thrasher also received an Honorable Mention for the award in 2006 and was a finalist in 2007. Thrasher takes great pride in their involvement with the Better Business Bureau. It was an honor to attend the luncheon and be in the presence of other businesses in the Omaha area who strive to uphold the same ethical business practices as Thrasher.

Thrasher Employee Fish Fry

Fri, September 16 2011, 00:00:00 -500

One of the many benefits of working at Thrasher Basement Systems is the great relationships among employees. Recently, Service Technicians Deon Thoene and Jon Erbst organized a fish fry dinner and invited employees from Thrasher and FSI. Immediately following the end of the work day, employees gathered in the shop to socialize and enjoy a meal together.

Thanks to Steve Wilson and Austin Johnson for frying up a delicious meal!

Thrasher Service Technicians and Mechanics Attend Product Training

Fri, September 9 2011, 00:00:00 -500

In order to provide cost-effective solutions, quality service and customer satisfaction, Thrasher employees receive extensive training on all aspects of basement and foundation repair.

Most recently, six Thrasher Service Technicians, two Mechanics and an independent Basement Systems dealer attended a training on the SaniDry Basement and Crawlspace Air System.

The SaniDry System is a cost-effective air filtration and dehumidification unit with the ability to eliminate damp conditions and musty odors by consistently reducing humidity levels in your home.

Watch "Basement Dehumidifiers Part 1 & 2" for more information.

Mark Demigalo from Basement Systems flew in from Connecticut to conduct the training and provide hands-on learning opportunities for the technicians and mechanics.

In the event that a SaniDry unit should malfunction, technicians are trained to fix the unit on-site which ultimately eliminates unnecessary handling and transport of the unit.

A special thanks to Mark Demigalo for your knowledge of the SaniDry and your ability to effectively train our employees.

KTIV News Spotlights Thrasher Basement Systems

Wed, September 7 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Sales Manager, Nick Rohe, recently spoke with KTIV Siouxland News about Thrasher Basement Systems and the solutions offered for wet basements, foundation repair and basement finishing.

Listen to the full interview here.

Thrasher Employees Attend Convention in Hartford, CT

Tue, August 23 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Several employees from Thrasher Basement Systems just returned from the Annual Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks Convention in Hartford, Connecticut.

The convention provides a great opportunity for Thrasher to network with other dealers throughout North America.

In addition, both Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks teams presented updates and the latest, most up to date information regarding basement waterproofing, foundation repair, crawlspace repair, radon testing and mitigation, as well as the newest products for basement finishing and refinishing.

Thrasher Basement Systems was honored to accept several awards. We were honored as the 14^th largest CleanSpace dealer in North America.

For the 3^rd year in a row, Thrasher was honored as the #1 dealer in North America for foundation repair and helical anchor systems out of over 90 dealers.

In addition, Thrasher was recognized as the 2^nd largest waterproofing contractor out of over 300 dealers in the international network of basement waterproofing professionals.

We appreciate the hard working employees of Thrasher Basement Systems and were pleased to accept these outstanding awards on their behalf.

Thrasher Basement Systems Featured in Midlands Business Journal

Fri, August 19 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher was recently featured on the front page of the Midlands Business Journal. Vice President Dan Thrasher and Marketing Manager, Jenny Thompson shared their thoughts on the growth of the business and Thrasher's evolving services.

Over the past two years, Thrasher has grown to over 100 employees and rolled out several new services, including basement finishing, radon testing and mitigation and block, stone and brick restoration.

In regards to radon testing and mitigation, Dan Thrasher says, "We have found that adding this service has increased radon awareness… we are in approximately 3,000 homes per year… this puts us in a position to educate homeowners regarding the dangers of radon.

Other items mentioned in the article included Thrasher's involvement in the Missouri River Flooding, receiving the Omaha Chamber's Young Professional Award and working along side role models/innovators like Greg and Nancy Thrasher.

Thrasher Basement Systems is Expanding Again!

Thu, August 18 2011, 00:00:00 -500

In order to accommodate for additional trucks and crews, three additional shop bays will be added in the next couple of months. Last week, production crews rolled up their sleeves and began constructing a large concrete slab to the west of where the new shop bays will be located. This slab will become the new home of our concrete, rock and sand bins.

Check back soon for more pictures of the shop addition. We look forward to sharing the progress along the way!

Honoring our July 2011 Crew of the Month

Tue, August 16 2011, 00:00:00 -500

We would like to thank and congratulate Salvador Lopez, Salvador Herrera, Eloy Armenta and Remberto Oreliana for being awarded Thrasher’s July Crew of the Month.

This crew worked tirelessly throughout the month of July. They spent the month stationed in Dakota Dunes assisting homeowners who had been affected by the flooding.

They didn’t hesitate to accept the challenge, knowing the jobs were going to be a little bit challenging and that they would be away from their families for a month. They put our customer first and had a “whatever it takes” attitude. Thanks guys!

Congratulations to our June 2011 Crew of the Month

Fri, August 12 2011, 00:00:00 -500

The crew of the month for June was awarded to one of our foundation crews, Jason Wilson and Jose Rangel. Jason and Jose demonstrated outstanding teamwork throughout the month of June.

They exhibited great attitudes and were truly team players. As one example, one week in June we had several crew members out sick – Jason was willing to switch his schedule mid-week so that he could go and take care of another crew’s scheduled jobs out of town.

Congratulations and thank you for having a ONE Team attitude! This is a part of what Thrasher is all about.

FSI by Thrasher Supports Historical Gottlieb Storz House

Mon, August 1 2011, 00:00:00 -500

FSI by Thrasher started an Helical Tieback job in the historical Gottlieb Storz House. Crews will be installing 6 Helical Tiebacks and a waller system will be added for stability. Check back for pictures and progress, but in the mean time here's a little background info about the Storz House.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Gottlieb Storz House is located at 3708 Farnam Street. Built in 1905 by Omaha beer magnate Gottlieb Storz, the mansion was designated an Omaha Landmark on December 21, 1982, and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on August 7, 1974.

Built with beige brick and limestone trim, the mansion features a red tile roof, steep gables, rectangular windows with stone mullions and transoms, and a symmetrical facade. Much of the exquisite original interior remains, including hand-carved oak woodwork, a solarium covered by a stained glass dome, and distinctive mosaic fireplaces in the living and dining rooms.

The mansion's heyday was the mid-20th century when Arthur Storz, Jr., owned it. The mansion was the scene of an opulent party celebrating the movie Strategic Air Command in 1955. The movie premiere was held in Omaha and the premiere party was held at the Storz mansion with guests including James Stewart and June Allyson, as well as the Strategic Air Command Commander Curtis LeMay. During that same period Robert Storz raised his son, Todd, in the mansion. Todd Storz grew to love ham radio while living there; he eventually pioneered the Top 40 radio format that grew to popularity around the world.

The mansion has continuously been occupied by a single family throughout its history, unlike many of the other notable houses throughout this neighborhood, which were frequently converted from single to multiple-family dwellings, and often reconverted. After it left the Storz family, Michael Gaughan, son of Jackie Gaughan, bought the house in 1989 and gave it to Creighton University in 2002. After leasing it as a residence the University sold the 27-room mansion in 2007. The new owner, Wayne Stuberg, is a professor and director of physical therapy at the University of Nebraska Medical Center's Munroe-Meyer Institute.

The well-manicured grounds also include a three-story carriage house and Bier Stube, or gazebo.

Pipeline Bursts Near Eppley Airport FSI by Thrasher Responds

Wed, July 13 2011, 00:00:00 -500

After weeks of devastation brought on by Missouri River flooding, homeowners and businesses are still being affected by the high water table. Just this morning, Foundation Supportworks by Thrasher responded to an urgent request to stabilize a building near Eppley Airport. The pressure from the high water table snapped an underground pipeline which then flooded parts of the building and caused a large amount of ground erosion.

Foundation Supportworks by Thrasher crews were able to mobilize and work quickly. With water being continuously pumped out, two Model 350 Helical Piers were installed underneath the foundation's footing to depths of 30ft and the pipeline repair work began.

Kudos to the crew (Brent, Bento and Erne) for your hard work and great attitudes!

You can help with the Missouri River Flood Efforts! Thrasher will donate $1 to the American Red Cross for everyone who tweets or Facebook shares a post on our website. To learn more click here.

Thrasher in the Sioux City and Grand Island News

Mon, July 11 2011, 00:00:00 -500

With the rising Missouri River and high water tables homeowners are looking to Thrasher Basement Systems to help keep their basement dry. Just recently, Thrasher Sales and Service Manager, Nick Rohe, had the opportunity to speak to several media outlets including KTIV and KMEG News in Sioux City and also KHGI TV in Grand Island.

Listen as Nick talks about options for the homeowners and what to look for. Click here:

Keeping Basements Dry in Dakota Dunes, SD - KMEG, Sioux City

Wait to Pump Water Out of Basement - KTIV, Sioux City

Basement Protection - KHGI, Grand Island

Thrasher and FSI Employees Attend Papio Fun Park Event

Mon, July 11 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems' and Foundation Supportworks' employees and their families enjoyed an afternoon at Papio Fun Park on Saturday, July 9. Over 110 people spent the afternoon racing go-carts, hitting homers in the batting cages, playing putt-putt and arcade games. Hamburgers, hotdogs and brats were served for lunch as people gathered around to build unity and get to know each other even better.

A special thanks to Greg and Nancy Thrasher. They sure know how to spoil their employees!

Thrasher Team Welcomes New Additions

Thu, July 7 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Congratulations to Executive Assistant, Kim McMillan, and husband, Josh, who welcomed Emma Louise on Wednesday, June 29th. Emma weighed 7 lbs 13.5 oz. We would also like to congratulate System Design Specialist, Kyle, his wife, Krista, and big brother, Zane Walter who welcomed baby boy, Riley Richard on Thursday, June 30th at 10:17 PM. Riley weighed 7 lbs 14 oz and was 21 inches long.

Congratulations to both of these families on their new additions!

Baby Emma

Baby Riley

Thrasher Helps Missouri River Flood Efforts

Wed, June 29 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Every home is different and the Missouri River flooding is bringing a unique set of problems and challenges to homeowners.

"I have seen the devastation first hand in several neighborhoods. It is heartbreaking when you see family displaced from their home and losing so many of their personal belongings. My heart goes out to those that are affected by this disaster." - Dan Thrasher

Whether you are experiencing a wet basement or foundation problems, Thrasher Basement Systems, Inc. offers a variety of products and services to correct basement and foundation problems. Thrasher Basement Systems has been in business for over 35 years and is one of the largest waterproofing and foundation repair contractors in Nebraska, Western Iowa and Northwestern Missouri. We have been in over 25,000 basements and have grown to become a trusted name in the industry.

If you are experiencing problems with your basement or foundation, we can help. Please contact us today by phone at (800) 827- 0702 or visit our contact page.

KFAB Radio Interviews Dan Thrasher on Missouri River Flooding

Wed, June 22 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems is receiving numerous calls from homeowners concerning the Missouri River flooding. In many cases, the only solution for rising water levels is to wait it out and hope for the best. However, for some homeowners steps can be taken to reduce the amount of water in their basement or prevent it all together.

This morning, 1110 KFAB News Radio interviewed Dan Thrasher, Vice President of Thrasher Basement Systems and discussed the Missouri River flooding and things a homeowner should look out for.

Listen to the full interview here: http://www.kfab.com/pages/goodmorningshow.html?article=8741560

Thrasher Basement Systems Serves as Presenting Sponsor for Ollie Web Dream Gala

Mon, June 13 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems served as Presenting Sponsor for the 6th Annual "Ollie's Dream" Gala on Saturday, June 11th. "Ollie's Dream" benefits the programs of Ollie Webb Center, Inc. The mission of Ollie Webb Center Inc. is "To enrich the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through support, programs and advocacy."

Greg Thrasher, President of Thrasher Basement Systems and his wife, Nancy served as Event Chairs for the Gala. Employees of both Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks, along with friends and family of the Thrasher's joined 200 others for this annual wine tasting event held at the Mutual of Omaha Dome. The Thrasher's enjoy involvement in their church and various other ministries. They were honored to serve as the Event Chairs for this wonderful event and grateful for the support of their family and friends as they joined together to support the Ollie Webb Center and its mission.

Thrasher Companies

Tue, June 7 2011, 00:00:00 -500

When most people think of Thrasher Basement Systems they think of lots of rain, a wet basement or cracks in foundations. But did you know that Thrasher has two other divisions?

Foundation Supportworks by Thrasher provides foundation support and repair services for commercial, industrial, residential, government, and municipal applications in Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri. Foundation Supportworks completes about 2,500 commercial and residential projects annually and have been installing wall anchor systems since 1986 and foundation support piers since 1993. As a member of the Foundation Supportworks, Inc. ™ (FSI) international network of contractors, Foundation Supportworks by Thrasher offers a complete line of foundation products including:

Push Piers - used to stabilize and/or lift sinking or settling foundations
Helical Anchors & Tiebacks - provide stability to foundation walls and retaining walls
Helical Piles - typically used in new construction with a deep foundation to permanently stabilize sinking or settling foundations

Here's an example of how Foundation Supportworks by Thrasher used helical tiebacks in combination with an anchor plate system to stabilize two 31 foot long retaining walls.

Thrasher Basement Finishing offers a complete basement finishing system designed with products that are energy efficient, water and mold resistant, quick to install and covered under 30-year warranties. The TBF basement finishing systems can easily be customized to fit your style and make your basement fully functional. Products include: EverLast Basement Wall Panels, ThermalDry Basement Floor Tiles, MillCreek Flooring, Basement Drop Ceiling Tiles and the finishing touches such as doors, windows and staircases.

To learn more about Thrasher Basement Systems, Foundation Supportworks by Thrasher or Thrasher Basement Finishing visit thrashercompanies.com

Five Steps to a Dry Basement

Fri, May 27 2011, 00:00:00 -500

The rainy season is in full swing and many homeowners are battling to keep their basement dry. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, a wet basement plagues about 60% of all homes. This is not a situation to ignore as wet basements can be a breeding ground for mold. However, with very little effort homeowners can avoid a wet basement and maintain a healthy safe environment for their family.

Here's five simple steps to a dry basement:

1) Start Outside. Keeping gutters clean of debris should be considered routine maintenance. When gutters are blocked, often times rain will spill out and fall near your foundation and eventually seep through the concrete walls of your home. Do your downspouts extend at least ten feet from the home? Ten feet is the minimum distance recommended to discharge water from your roof and away from your house.

2) Weatherproof. Check the seals of doors and windows. When wind blows during a rain storm it can force water up against the house. This water will run down the siding, around the windows, and into the window wells. It is also important to make sure the window wells have proper drainage and covers if possible.

3) Dry the air. Even if you don't have any leaks, humidity in an enclosed space can create condensation. This type of moisture creates the perfect environment for mold and rot to occur. Controlling the humidity in your home is simple with a dehumidifier such as the SaniDry Basement and Crawl Space Air System.

4) Install the right sump pump. Failing sump pumps are the leading cause of basement flooding and water problems. Traditional sump pumps typically fail for one of three reasons. 1) Mechanical failure. 2) Overwhelmed pump capacity. 3) Power source interruption or failure.

With the TripleSafe Sump Pump offered by Thrasher Basement Systems you can count on a dry basement all the time.

5) Hire a professional. If you have already had water in your basement you should seek professional help. Thrasher Basement Systems has highly trained and certified waterproofing professionals who will examine your basement, determine what type of leak you have and recommend the best and most cost efficient way to fix it. Thrasher can even remove and replace damaged drywall with our waterproof Everlast Wall Restoration System. Thrasher offers free estimates. Simply call (800) 827-0702.

Monday Morning Breakfast and Car Wash for Office Staff

Mon, May 9 2011, 00:00:00 -500

The office staff at Thrasher has a reason to smile today. As a way for the Sales team to show their appreciation for the work and support that the office staff does, everyone was treated to breakfast, as well as having their cars detailed inside and out.

Immediately following their weekly Monday morning meeting, the Sales team began collecting keys to vehicles and pulled the cars into the shop. Half of the Sales team washed the outside of the vehicle, while the other half vacuumed and cleaned the inside.

Pancakes, eggs, bacon and sausage was specially prepared and served for the office staff.

Thanks to the Sales team for such a great treat on Monday morning!

We really appreciate it!

Over 65 Attend New Dealer, Installation and Sales Training in Omaha, Nebraska

Mon, May 9 2011, 00:00:00 -500

More than 65 people including owners, managers, sales representatives, foreman and installers from over 19 dealer offices attended Foundation Supportworks training in Omaha this week. The training involved three separate tracks - new dealer training, installation training and sales training to conclude the week.

New Dealer Training consists of assisting each new dealer help members of their team get started on the right foot. As starting a new business or business division can be overwhelming, New Dealer Training provides a broad overview of all aspects of the business including Marketing, Call Center, Sales, Production and Service.

During Installation Training, foreman and installation crews received hands-on training at actual job sites in addition to comprehensive classroom training. The training is beneficial because as crews can be faced with a variety of challenges on a job site, this training equips crews to overcome those challenges.

Residential Sales Training helps to train sales managers and system design specialists to be knowledgeable and confident on how to diagnose foundation problems and recommend the right solutions to home owners.

Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks hosted this week-long training event and enjoyed interacting with other dealer offices throughout North America.

Thrasher Basement Systems Honors April 2011 Crew of the Month

Thu, May 5 2011, 00:00:00 -500

The Crew of the Month award for April was awarded to Jason Jones and Inocencio Renteria for increasing their work load per week to meet our customers needs. Jason and Inocencio's efficiency, workmanship and teamwork are an example of how Thrasher provides 'WOW' service to our customers!

To honor the winners, Thrasher awarded Jason and Inocencio "Crew of the Month" t-shirts (shown in picture below).

Keep up the good work guys and thank you for your dedication!

Thrasher representatives attend Shotcrete Training

Tue, May 3 2011, 00:00:00 -500

The week of April 11th, Thrasher crew leaders, Jon Neuvirth and Mike Malotky, as well as Production Manager, Aaron Ruskamp, traveled to Tampa, Florida for extensive training on our newest product offering, shotcrete. Shotcrete is mortar or concrete that is applied as a spray, through a high-pressure hose and application nozzle. In the hands of a skilled operator, shotcrete offers the versatility to construct, repair and reinforce walls, bridges, tunnels, channels and other structural elements. Thrasher representatives received training from Ray Schallom, a shotcrete expert who has been in the business for over 30 years.

Training included spraying and finishing techniques, as well as learning about chemical additives that can be used to create a stronger, more effective concrete product. This was an opportunity for Thrasher to perfect our skills and learn about the newest and best technologies within the industry. Another added experience included meeting and observing other dealers who are working with this product. This was a unique opportunity for Thrasher to observe our fellow dealers in their own environment and learn from their experiences.

Shotcrete is an especially noteworthy innovation in concrete technology and Thrasher is excited to add this to our list of services in an effort to assist our customers with their basement needs.

Thrasher and Foundation Supportworks Participate in American Red Cross Blood Drive

Wed, April 27 2011, 00:00:00 -500

On Tuesday, April 26th the employees of Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks participated in a blood drive to benefit the American Red Cross. We surpassed our goal by 3 pints, donating 14 pints of blood for patients in need in our community and throughout the country. The donations received have the potential of saving the lives of up to 42 people! Thank you to everyone who participated and to our generous donors. A special thank you to Becky Grell, Office Administrative Specialist for Foundation Supportworks, who coordinated the blood drive efforts!

FSI Director of Training and Development Welcomes Baby Boy

Wed, April 6 2011, 00:00:00 -500

We are excited to announce Winston Terrence Matthews was born on Sunday, April 3rd at 6:44 pm to Amanda Harrington and her husband, John. Winston weighs 7lbs and 2 oz and is 20 in" long. Amanda works as the Director of Training and Development at FSI. Congratulations and best wishes to Amanda and her family!

Thrasher Crew Members Attend Excavator Training

Mon, April 4 2011, 00:00:00 -500

There's no job too big for Thrasher Basement Systems, especially with the right equipment and highly trained professionals. With that in mind, Thrasher held an all-day excavator training in a cornfield near Harland, IA. In all, 9 crew members attended the training and were given the opportunity to practice their operating and maneuvering skills. In addition, crew members learned about safety precautions, proper maintenance and how to load/unload the machine on a trailer.

A huge thanks to Armondo Morales, Juan Aguilera, Daniel Monroy, Jose Guzman, Jason Wilson, Jon Neuvirth, Jose Reyes, Inocencio Renteria, and Ray Brown for participating.

Crew members practice excavating in a cornfield.

Wooden boards were used to represent excavating close to a house.

Feeling accomplished after a long, productive day of training.

Thrasher Basement Systems Nominated For Big O! Excellence Award

Fri, April 1 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher is pleased to announce that on Thursday, March 31st they recognized as a nominee for the Corporate Citizenship Big O! Excellence Award.

The Big O! Excellence Awards are part of a new program wherein the Awards recognize the contributions of Greater Omaha individuals and businesses to the Omaha business community.

The Corporate Citizenship Award recognizes an organization whose philosophy of giving has made a significant impact on the Omaha metropolitan community's health and well-being. The award encourages and supports corporate social responsibility.

One of Thrasher's four core values is: "ONE Community - An advocate for our community, returning the blessings we've been given." Thrasher employees believe strongly in giving of themselves and are regularly seen taking a very hands-on approach to philanthropic projects in the communities in which they live. It is an honor to be nominated for this award and to be in the company of other organizations with whom we share a common goal.

In addition, Thrasher would like to congratulate our sister company, Foundation Supportworks who was also recognized as a nominee for the Innovator Big O! Excellence Award. This award recognizes an individual or an organization that has both envisioned and executed on an opportunity. The award acknowledges innovators who are creatively making a difference and likely to be leaders in their field.

Award recipients will be announced at the 2011 Big O! Excellence Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, May 17th.

Crawl Space Solutions with Thrasher Basement Systems

Wed, March 30 2011, 00:00:00 -500

With tornado season upon us, homeowners Don and Dianne are thrilled to know their crawl space which also serves as their storm shelter, is no longer dark, dingy, cold and full of water. Last summer, the couple left the house to spend a day with their family and returned to find their crawl space full off water from a sprinkler that malfunctioned. After months of their home smelling musty, the couple knew that something needed to be done.

Don called Thrasher and our experienced System Design Specialist, Charles, met with the couple to discuss their options. The best solution was an award-winning Crawl Space Encapsulation System called CleanSpace. Not only does this product solve moisture problems, it reduces home energy cost by 10-20% and protects against pests, rodents, termites and mold growth.

"Over 4,000 gallons of water was pumped out of our crawl space. The crew was wonderful. They made sure not to track dirt throughout the house and they even hauled away everything that came out of the crawl space." - Don

"Last year when the tornado siren went off, we had to take shelter in the crawl space on a dirt floor. Now I show off the crawl space whenever anyone comes over!" - Dianne

To learn more about the CleanSpace system in your home, sign up for a Free Crawl Space Inspection and Estimate.

CleanSpace encapsulating the crawl space.

What happens after the initial sales visit?

Fri, March 25 2011, 00:00:00 -500

What happens after the initial sales visit? A good question and one that separates good contractors from bad contractors. Obviously it is important for contractors to make sales in order to keep their business up and running, so each salesperson does their best to provide the best impression of their company, themselves, and their products. But, what happens after the sales visit? Do the Production Team and the company deliver on what the salesperson promised? This is where many contractors or service companies get it wrong. They promise the moon, fall short of their promises, and follow it up with excuses as to why their promises couldn't be delivered. Many of us have encountered this and there is nothing more frustrating.

At Thrasher Basement Systems we take excellent customer service and follow through very seriously. Our mission is "to be the best in our industry and to "wow" our customers every step of the way." This means each and every employee has a stake in the process and takes ownership of our mission. Good service doesn't stop at the initial conversation with our office to set up your appointment and your appointment with our System Design Specialist. It is followed through by Production team, Service Technicians, and our office after you have chosen to do business with us. This is what separates us from other contractors and why each and every employee feels it is important for the customer to choose Thrasher. Your home is more than likely the largest investment you will ever make and it is important to protect that investment!

How do you know if the contractor will follow through on what the salesperson promises? Ask them! Ask your salesperson specific questions like "How will my special wishes and instructions get communicated to the Production Team? If I have a question or a concern, who do I call? How long will it take for someone to get back to me if I do call? After the job is complete, will someone follow through with me?" These are all important questions. At Thrasher Basement Systems we have the answers to these questions. Our System Design Specialists and our Crew Leaders meet to discuss every single job before the Production Team goes to an installation. They review the contract, special instructions, and pictures to make sure we deliver on our promises. In fact, we even send out a Special Instructions request prior to your installation date to give the customer another chance to provide us with any special instructions. If you have a question or a concern during installation and/or after installation (whether it is a day or several years later) you can call your System Design Specialist or our office and we will answer your questions and address your concerns the same day, most of the time right when you call. After the job is completed, our Production Crew Leader reviews the job with you, we send out a Post-Installation survey, and our System Design Specialist will give you a follow up call as well. We want to make sure we delivered on our promises. But we are not done yet; we call you every year to set up an annual maintenance of your system. That annual maintenance is then performed by our highly trained and experienced Service Technicians.

Our Service Program is very important to our customers. Our Service Technicians perform maintenance on our systems annually to make sure the system is functioning properly and to inform the customer of any potential concerns or problems. We want to ensure that our systems will work for many, many years, not just for a short period of time. This is especially important with sump pumps. Sump pumps are no different than any other mechanical device, they need maintenance. If maintained properly a sump pump can last a very long time and it will keep the basement dry. If not maintained, at some point the sump pump will fail. Unfortunately the way most people find out if their sump pump failed is by having to relive the pain of a wet basement again. We know you don't want to go through that again! This is the reason why we offer a Service Program to our customers. After we install our system, we want our customers to have the peace of mind that their system will keep their basement dry for good! What happens if you have a concern or a problem? Thrasher has 10 Service Technicians that can be dispatched to your house if you are having a problem or concern at no charge! If you are having a problem or concern, you don't have time to wait until someone calls you back. You need immediate action and that is what we are here for! Every day we have a Service Technician "on-call" to respond to these concerns and the best part...it's FREE!!

When you choose a Contractor it should be a long term relationship and not just a short term sales call. All of the above considerations are important so that you can protect your largest investment and more importantly give you the peace of mind that you made the right decision.

Thrasher System Design Specialist Welcomes Baby Boy

Wed, March 23 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Congratulations to System Design Specialist Deon and his wife, Jami, Thoene who welcomed baby boy, Jett John Thoene on February 23rd, 2011. Jett weighed 7 lbs 10 oz and was 20" long. We are always excited to welcome a new baby into the family. Congratulations and best wishes to Deon, Jami and big brother, Nolan!

Most Dangerous Radiation Exposure Could Be In Your Home

Thu, March 17 2011, 00:00:00 -500

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 17, 2011

Omaha, NE - While the Obama administration says the radiation leaking from Japan's nuclear reactor is currently not a danger to the United States, there is another source of radiation that puts Americans at risk every day. Radon, a radioactive gas that seeps into our homes, kills thousands of Americans every year.

Radon comes from the natural decay of uranium in the soil. Homes can trap radon inside as it moves up through the ground and seeps through cracks and holes in the foundation. When radon is trapped inside a house, the levels of radon can grow dangerously high and expose those living in the home to radiation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer (after smoking) and kills more than 21,000 people each year.

The good news is that there is something you can do to reduce your risk of radiation from radon. A radon detection kit can inexpensively and easily determine if there are high levels of radon present in your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers 4 picocuries per liter of air to be unacceptable. If 4 picocuries or more is detected, a radon mitigation system can be installed to vent the gas, eliminating the risk of radiation.

Radon expert and Thrasher Basement Systems' Dan Thrasher says every family should check for radon. "This test and, if needed, mitigation, could save lives. Radon and radiation are serious health issues that could be fixed for about the cost of an average home repair.'

Thrasher Basement Systems has trained radon mitigation specialists available to help homeowners understand the radon threat. If elevated radon levels are found in the home, Thrasher Basement Systems experts can easily and affordably install an aesthetically-pleasing mitigation system.

Thrasher Basement Systems services Greater Omaha, Lincoln, and Western Iowa.

For more information on radon and its health effects, radon testing and radon mitigation systems in the Omaha metro area, contact:

Thrasher Basement Systems

Dan Thrasher

(402)980-5732

dthrasher@thrasherbasement.com

Thrasher Team Participates in Product and Installation Training

Tue, March 15 2011, 00:00:00 -500

On Friday, March 11th members of the Thrasher production, service and sales team spent the day in the office training and sharpening their skills. The day was spent reviewing new products and installation techniques, as well as reviewing procedures to streamline our processes. In addition to time spent in training, a good portion of the day allowed for interaction between departments. The group was broken into teams several times throughout the day to give everyone the opportunity to interact with people they may not interact with on a daily basis. Team building and ice breaker activities provided fun breaks throughout the day. The event concluded a company wide barbecue on Friday evening.

Click on the slide show below to view pictures.

Thrasher Honored to Accept YP Choice Award

Tue, March 8 2011, 00:00:00 -500

On Thursday, March 3rd, Thrasher Basement Systems, Inc. was honored to accept the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Choice Award. Several members of the Thrasher team participated in the Young Professionals Summit. The Summit was a great opportunity to get involved with other young professionals around the Omaha community.

Prior to listening to the luncheon keynote speaker, Cory Booker, Dan Thrasher, Director of Operations accepted the award on behalf of Thrasher. Check out the video below of the award finalists.

Pictures from the event.

Thrasher and Foundation Supportworks Employee Participate in Annual Chili Cook Off

Mon, February 21 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Monday, February 21st marked the date of the annual chili cook-off at Thrasher Basement Systems. Employees were invited to pull out their best recipe for chili and bring it in to share with the team. There were 11 pots of chili that were entered into the contest and each employee had the opportunity to taste all 11 and then rank their favorites. Congratulations to Lisa Kassera, Accounting Assistant, our first place winner with a white chicken chili. Our 2nd place winner was Kathy Rathbun, Multimedia Specialist and 3rd place went to Jim Gidley, Director of Finance. Congratulations to all our winners and thanks for the great lunch!

In addition, to our chili contest, employees were also asked to bring a picture of their worst hairdo from when they were a smaller child. All the pictures were put in a slideshow and employees were asked to guess who was in each picture. Congratulations to Cindy Sullivan who guessed 11 out of 15 of the pictures! Nice Job Cindy!

Thrasher had 4 new employees start today, so the chili cook-off was a great opportunity not only welcome our new team members, but also to share a lunch together. Thrasher welcomes Johnny Stephens, Real Estate Consultant/Direct Marketing Specialist, as well as Tom Keck, Brian Thompson, and Bob Waldon, System Design Specialists. Welcome to the team ~ we're glad you're here!

Thrasher Representative on Channel 9 News in Sioux City

Tue, February 15 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Representative, Mike Haye shares his thoughts on the melting snow and problems it's causing in homes.

"Now that this snow is starting to melt again we have really no place for this water to go because the water table is so high right now that the path of least resistance is into the basement."

Thrasher Basement Systems serves Western Iowa, including Sioux City, Okoboji, Council Bluffs, Fort Dodge, Estherville, Emmetsburg, and surrounding areas.

Click here to watch the news report: http://www.kcautv.com/Global/story.asp?S=14028990

Over 75 Local Engineers Attend Foundation Supportworks Engineering Seminar

Fri, February 4 2011, 00:00:00 -500

On Friday, January 28th, Foundation Supportworks by Thrasher hosted a 5-hour engineering seminar presented by Jeff Kortan, Director of Engineering for Foundation Supportworks and Don Deardorff, Senior Application Engineer for Foundation Supportworks. In October 2010, Foundation Supportworks by Thrasher officially became the commercial projects division of Thrasher Basement Systems, Inc. Thrasher has been in residential and commercial retrofit piering projects since 1985 and new construction helical pile installations since 2000.

The 5-hour seminar gave local engineers an opportunity to obtain 5 Professional Development Hours and expand their knowledge about typical applications, design considerations, capacity calculations, and material selection for Foundation Supportworks, helical foundation systems, helical soil nails, and push pier systems.

Feedback from the seminar has been very positive. Lawrence Wickstom of Wickstrom PE MBA and Associates stated, "The seminar was great. I learned the fundamentals of the business. This company impressed me as being technically excellent." FSI by Thrasher was pleased with the turnout at this event and look forward to providing additional seminars in the future.

Sales and Service Team Building Event

Thu, February 3 2011, 00:00:00 -500

The Thrasher Basement Systems Sales and Service Teams participated in an offsite team building activity on Monday, January 24th. They were treated to lunch and a little healthy competition at a local bowling alley. After bowling and prizes for the highest team score, lowest team score, and highest number of gutter balls, the team was set free to enjoy time in the arcade and on the go-kart track. At Thrasher, one of our core values is to be ONE team - this activity provided the opportunity for just that.

Review and Win!

Fri, January 21 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Nothing motivates us more than happy customers and 5 STAR REVIEWS. We'd love it if you would let people know about the kind of work we do by writing a review on Yahoo or Google.

And as a thank you for your time, we will enter you into a drawing for a free iPad.

Click to Review:

It's easy to do. Simply write a review about us on Google or Yahoo, and then email us at marketing@thrasherbasement.com, with your name and a link to your review. This will qualify you to be entered into the drawing. Deadline for completed reviews is Monday, January 31st.

National Radon Action Month - Get Your Home Tested for Radon!

Fri, January 14 2011, 00:00:00 -500

The EPA has designated January as National Radon Action Month. You can't see, smell or taste radon, but it could present a dangerous level in your home. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America and claims the lives of about 20,000 Americans each year. In fact, the EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools and other buildings for radon. Exposure to radon is a preventable health risk, and testing radon levels in your home can help prevent unnecessary exposure. If a high radon level is detected in your home, you can take steps to fix the problem to protect yourself and your family.

Over half of homes that test in the state of Nebraska have levels above the action level of 4.0 pCi/L. Thrasher Basement Systems provides Radon Testing and Mitigation services. We are licensed with the state to perform these services and comply with all the Radon industry best practices to ensure the best quality solutions are provided to all our customers.

Click on the following links to read more about the effects of Radon in Nebraska homes.

http://www.nebraska.tv/Global/story.asp?S=13796555

http://columbustelegram.com/news/local/article_b278d970-1bb0-11e0-8ab5-001cc4c002e0.html

http://www.nptelegraph.com/articles/2011/01/09/news/40001255.txt

Protect your family and get your home tested today!

Save on Radon Mitigation Systems in Nebraska and Iowa During National Radon Action Month

Tue, January 4 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Omaha, NE - Radon is a leading concern for Nebraskans and Iowans but with January being National Radon Action Month, the radon experts at Thrasher Basement Systems have chosen to offer $50 off of their radon mitigation system or their continuous radon monitor test.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has appointed January as National Radon Action Month, inspiring the radon leaders everywhere to remember to raise awareness and even provide a special deal to local homeowners.

As radon awareness is growing, radon experts everywhere are making more attempts of reaching the public with information about radon and the hazards of radon exposure.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can easily accumulate within homes by entering through tiny holes or spaces in a foundation. The EPA recommends any home with a level of 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) be immediately mitigated to lower the radon levels. Even low levels of radon can cause harm. In fact, 21,000 deaths from lung cancer are attributed to radon gas exposure.

Contact Thrasher Basement Systems today for radon testing in NE or IA, and to maintain low levels of radon. They are an expert that not only focuses on radon testing in Nebraska and Iowa, but basement waterproofing and finishing, in addition to foundation and crawl space repair.

Thrasher Basement Systems is a radon, basement, crawl space, and foundation expert that has consistently received awards for integrity and in recognition of being the small business of the year. As an active member of the Better Business Bureau, Thrasher is the local expert to trust.

Thrasher Service Technician and Crew Leader Welcome Baby Girls

Wed, December 22 2010, 00:00:00 -500

The Thrasher and FSI teams have grown more than ever this year and some of the "smallest additions" are the most significant. We're happy to announce two of the most recent additions:

Service Technician, Jeremy Seier and his wife Nicole gave birth to a 6 lb, 9 oz baby girl, Emma Jordyn Seier.

Crew Leader, Jason Wilson and his wife Sara gave birth to Ava Corinne Wilson. Ava weighed 8 lbs 15 oz and was 22" long.

Nicole, Sara and the babies are doing great. Congratulations to Jeremy and Jason and the newest additions to your families!

Emma Jordyn Seier

Ava Corinne Wilson

Thrasher and FSI Employees Enjoy Bad Christmas Sweater Lunch

Tue, December 21 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Monday, December 20th Thrasher and FSI employees enjoyed lunch together and a few laughs as they saw everyone who participated in the Bad Christmas Sweater day. Many participated and showed off their Christmas spirit by digging in their closets to find the gaudiest sweaters around.

Since Thrasher and FSI employees have been participating in a Biggest Loser contest since October, team members brought healthy entrees and appetizers to share for lunch. We wanted to support those participating in the contest, give ourselves a needed break from the many sweet treats that have been around the office and in our homes, and hopefully give each other ideas for healthy food options. We always enjoy our time together and today's lunch was no exception.

Thrasher and FSI Employees Help Those in Need

Fri, December 17 2010, 00:00:00 -500

It's no secret as you walk through the doors of Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks that employees are excited about the holiday season. Christmas trees are lit, decorations are elegantly displayed and Christmas music fills the air! But it doesn't stop here... without prompting employees have started their own efforts to give back this holiday season. For example, the Call Center is donating money to the Open Door Mission to purchase Christmas dinner for 96 people and buy toys for a child. The Sales Department is giving to those in need at the Hope Center for Kids. And after hearing about a major toy shortage at the Open Door Mission, employees joined together to collect unwrapped toys for less fortunate boys and girls this Christmas.

Production Manager, Aaron Ruskamp says "We are so blessed to work for a great company and our kids will have presents under the tree, but not all kids will."

This statement, along with the generosity from Thrasher and FSI employees confirms our core values statement, "We care about the need of our employees, the community in which we live, and the world. With the blessings we have been given, we pledge to enrich the lives of others." Thanks to the Call Center, the Sales Department, Aaron Ruskamp, and all of the Thrasher and FSI employees who give of your time and talent to others and truly care about those in need.

Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks Employees Enjoy Annual Holiday Party

Tue, December 14 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher and FSI employees enjoyed their annual Holiday Party together on Saturday, December 11th. The Holiday Party is such an enjoyable event because it is the one time throughout the year that everyone gets to be together for an event. Throughout the evening employees enjoyed dinner, an awards ceremony, recognition for years of service, as well as an introduction of all new employees who joined the companies this year. The evening's entertainment was capped off with dueling pianos. 2010 marks the 35th Anniversary of Thrasher Basement Systems. Employees had the opportunity to participate in a video honoring Greg and Nancy and thanking them for the opportunity to be a part of both Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks. Congratulations Greg and Nancy ~ here's to another 35 years!

Thrasher Basement Systems, Inc. Awarded Annual Young Professionals Choice Award

Mon, December 13 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems, Inc. is honored to be this year's recipient of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Choice Award. This award recognizes an organization in the Greater Omaha community that excels in their efforts to attract, retain and develop young professionals. Thrasher Basement Systems, Inc. will be presented this award at the Young Professionals Summit on Thursday, March 3, 2011, at Qwest Center Omaha.

"Thrasher Basement Systems is honored to be the recipient of this year's Young Professionals Choice Award," said Greg Thrasher, owner and president of Thrasher Basement Systems, Inc. "At Thrasher we recognize the important roles that our young professionals play in the organization. We have placed them in positions of authority with an aim to give them the right balance of guidance and freedom. We've empowered them to be innovative and creative, and in their leadership roles they have soared. Our company has experienced significant growth under their direction and it has been exciting to see."

Award finalists included Cox, Mutual of Omaha, Olsson Associates and TD Ameritrade. The Young Professionals Choice Award selection committee toured each business, where they met with the management team and a small group of young professionals.

"Thrasher Basement Systems was a finalist in 2009 and stepped up their efforts even more in 2010," said Sarah Johnson, manager of the Greater Omaha Young Professionals. "Part of the selection committee's attraction to the company was the feeling of strong loyalty and empowerment among their employees. When we asked their young professionals what one thing they would change, they said 'nothing.' Anything they wanted to change, they just changed."

Thrasher Marketing Department attends Marketing Training

Thu, December 9 2010, 00:00:00 -500

The Marketing Department at Thrasher Basement Systems attended Foundation Supportworks' Residential Marketing Training in Omaha, NE this week. It was a two-day training to learn about the marketing strategies to employ for varying sizes of business. Topics covered included tracking lead sources, effective trade show displays, internet marketing, grass-roots efforts, multi-media marketing mix, and much more. In addition, we spent time determining our own, specific marketing budgets for 2011 and applying those budget numbers to marketing strategies that make sense for Thrasher.

Thrasher Basement Systems Honors Crew of the Month

Mon, December 6 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Congratulations to Juan Martinez, Joel Paramo, and Joel Corona for winning Thrasher Basement Systems' "Crew of the Month" award! Juan, Joel and Joel are a waterproofing crew that were the top performers in November. The "Crew of the Month" award is based upon efficiency, quality of work, job preparation and teamwork. "The biggest thing for this crew is that they have outstanding quality of work" says Production Manager, Aaron Ruskamp.

To honor the winners, Thrasher awarded them the highly anticipated "Crew of the Month" t-shirt (shown in picture below).

Keep up the good work guys - thank you for your hard work and dedication to providing 'WOW' service to our customers!

Year in Review at Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks

Fri, December 3 2010, 00:00:00 -500

It's been a great year at Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks. Our team nearly doubled in size, a 7,000 sq ft wing was added to the Thrasher building to house FSI operations and over 4.5 million pounds of freight was shipped in 2010. In addition, the FSI dealer network grew to over 80, over 1000 design professionals attended FSI engineering presentations and hundreds of dealers attended trainings as well!

Many great events took place at Thrasher and FSI this year. The company celebrated many accomplishments with events such as a dinner for sales and office staff as well as a production cookout and car wash. Some of the Thrasher and FSI Managers even shaved their heads after the staff provided 'WOW' service to our customers. And as a way to "give back" to the community, Thrasher and FSI teams reached out to a local homeowner by waterproofing her basement and installing wall anchors in her bowing walls.

Thrasher and FSI wants to thank you for choosing us to be your Foundation Repair and Basement Waterproofing Specialists. We are truly honored and look forward to providing 'WOW' service in 2011 as well!

Thrasher Employees Treated to a Thanksgiving Feast

Tue, November 23 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher and Foundation Supportworks employees received a special treat today. A Thanksgiving Feast that was second to none was catered in for our enjoyment. Amy Fiscus, our Assistant Production Manager, George's wife, and her mom were kind enough to cook a turkey dinner with all the fixings. Employees enjoyed ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn, green bean casserole, stuffing, and many wonderful desserts for lunch. It was a wonderful time for our employees to enjoy the blessing of a meal together. A huge thank you to Greg and Nancy who arranged the lunch for all employees, as well as a huge thank you to Amy and her mom for such a wonderful lunch! We are thankful for you!

Radon Levels in Nebraska Rank Fourth Highest in Entire Nation

Tue, November 23 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Omaha, NE - With the fourth highest state average for indoor radon levels throughout the U.S., Nebraska is in dire need for radon testing and mitigation, which is exactly what Thrasher Basement Systems has to offer local homeowners.

As a radon mitigation expert, Thrasher Basement Systems tests environments for radon levels and makes suggestions to help the owner reduce the levels inside the structure.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and is the result of uranium decay of soil. It can be found almost anywhere and culminates in the lowest level of a structure, such as a basement. As a colorless, odorless and otherwise unnoticeable gas, radon can be present in very high levels without anyone even knowing. This, Thrasher warns, is what makes their job so important.

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) as the established action level, and Nebraska's state average is 5.5 pCi/L. In addition, 53 of its 93 counties are in the high risk level, 24 counties are in the moderate risk level, and 16 counties are in the minimal risk level. Although just predictions, these figures demonstrate the need for all locals to have their homes and jobs tested.

Thrasher is your radon contractor in Nebraska and offers radon testing in Omaha and all surrounding areas. Contact them today for radon mitigation in Nebraska.

Since 2005, Thrasher Basement Systems, Inc. has received several awards including: the Business Integrity Award from the Basement Systems nationwide network of over 250 independent business operators; the 2007 Small Business of the Year Award by the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce; and the 2008 Better Business Bureau Integrity Award by the Better Business Bureau.

Thrasher Hosts Greater Omaha Chamber Event

Thu, November 18 2010, 00:00:00 -500

On Tuesday, November 16th Thrasher Basement Systems hosted a Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event in their warehouse from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. It was an honor to be chosen to host the mini trade show event that is held only four times a year by the Greater Omaha Chamber. Close to 200 attendees gathered to browse exhibitor tables, renew relationships and make new contacts.

In addition to Chamber member guests, Thrasher issued a separate invitation to our professional contacts including real estate professionals, home inspection companies, as well as engineering, architectural and contracting professionals.

We were very thankful for our food vendors who partnered with us for the event. Thrasher arranged for microbrews from Lucky Bucket Brewing Company, Italian appetizers from Mangia Italiana, wines from Nebraska's own Glacial Till Vineyard and mini cupcakes from Jones Brothers Cupcakes. A huge thank you to these partners for helping make this event such a success!

The Pancake Man Flips Pancakes at Thrasher

Mon, November 15 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Throughout the month of September and October, the Thrasher Sales Team divided into two teams and put up a challenge. Whichever team worked harder during the six-week time period and achieved the best results, the losing team would hire The Pancake Man to come in for breakfast. This morning the entire Thrasher and FSI team got to enjoy the benefits of the competition with a hearty breakfast of pancakes and sausage. The Pancake Man not only provided a great breakfast, but also exciting entertainment. He picked several people who were waiting for pancakes out of the crowed, asked them to back up and then he tossed and flipped pancakes in all directions to the waiting plate. The Pancake Man holds the world record for the fastest pancake flipper!

In order to participate in breakfast, we asked every employee for a suggested $5.00 free will donation. Over $150 was raised and proceeds to will go to Hope Center for Kids in Omaha. The mission of the Hope Center for Kids is to break the cycle of hopelessness for inner city youth through faith, education, employment and collaboration. To learn more about Hope Center for Kids, please visit their website at http://www.hopecenterforkids.com.

Radon in Nebraska Is A Growing Concern

Fri, November 12 2010, 00:00:00 -500

A few years ago, some of the world's leading organizations conducted testing and research on radon gas, in order to provide an authoritative idea of the threat this gas poses. The World Health Organization, Environmental Protection Agency, National Radon Defense, and Air Chek, Inc. all acknowledge that radon is a group A carcinogen. They also recommend testing and mitigation.

Background Information

Prowling around the world, this infamous gas is peering into homes around the world, wreaking havoc on homeowners. This gas goes unnoticed because it's virtually undetectable by human senses. It doesn't have a smell, color, form, or taste. This is precisely why so many people have reported living in homes their entire lives that are harboring high levels of radon, or even moderate or low levels.

Whether you live in Nebraska or India, radon is everywhere because it results from the decay of uranium in soil. During this process, polonium is released and the gas' toxicity rises through the roof.

In addition, radon is measured by picocuries per liter, pCi/L. Here are two very real and very relatable statistics about this gas.

1 pCi/L of radon is equal to 2.5 cigarettes a day. Also, 4.0 pCi/L is equal to the radiation being projected by 100 chest x-rays, when the average hospital allows only four per year for a total of.64 pCi/L. Unfortunately, the action level for radon is 4.0 pCi/L and many people don't realize the harmful effects that lower levels are still capable of having on homeowners.

Radon in Nebraska

This group A carcinogen kills about one person every 25 minutes. In Nebraska, Air Chek, Inc. has estimated that more than half of the homes that participated in a survey in 1990 registered higher levels of radon than the action level of 4.0 pCi/L.

During this period of surveying, charcoal canister detectors were placed within the basement or the lowest identified living space within the home. This is because the lowest living area is closest to the soil, where the radon is released in its greatest concentration.

Although this survey was done several years ago, we will provide you with some current radon levels in Nebraska counties later-on.

Nebraska's Statistics

This survey concluded that 54 percent of single family detached homes maintained radon levels higher than 4.0 pCi/L, which ranks Nebraska as the state with the third highest percentage in the U.S.

In addition, Nebraska averages about 5.5 pCi/L making this the fourth highest in the U.S.

The EPA separates states into three categories: high risk, moderate risk and low risk. For Nebraska, 53 of the 93 counties are at high risk for harboring levels of radon at or above 4.0 pCi/L. About 24 counties are at moderate risk and 16 counties are at low risk.

In conclusion, the eastern and northeastern parts of Nebraska are at the highest risk for having high levels of radon.

Here are eight Nebraska counties and their radon levels. Regardless of how your county ranks, each home has its own factors to be considered and even neighbors can have drastically different levels of radon on their homes. Have your home tested and mitigated today!

Nebraska County Levels

Omaha, NE; Douglas County-
4.0 pCi/L: 45%
2.0-3.9 pCi/L: 24%
2.0 pCi/L: 31%

Cass County-
4.0 pCi/L: 58%
2.0-3.9 pCi/L: 18%
2.0 pCi/L: 24%

Gage County-
4.0 pCi/L: 79%
2.0-3.9 pCi/L: 15%
2.0 pCi/L: 6%

Saunders County-
4.0 pCi/L: 54%
2.0-3.9 pCi/L: 20%
2.0 pCi/L: 25%

Thayer County-
4.0 pCi/L: 88%
2.0-3.9 pCi/L: 10%
2.0 pCi/L: 3%

Seward County-
4.0 pCi/L: 76%
2.0-3.9 pCi/L: 15%
2.0 pCi/L: 9%

Dodge County-
4.0 pCi/L: 65%
2.0-3.9 pCi/L: 19%
2.0 pCi/L: 16%

Custer County-
4.0 pCi/L: 50%
2.0-3.9 pCi/L: 23%
2.0 pCi/L: 27%

For help lowering your home's radon levels, Thrasher Basement Systems can help you whether you live in these counties or even Iowa. Contact Thrasher Basement Systems today for radon testing in Nebraska and radon mitigation in Nebraska and all surrounding areas.

Thrasher Sales Team Supports Hope Center for Kids

Mon, October 25 2010, 00:00:00 -500

The Thrasher Basement Systems Sales Team is involved in a new opportunity for both our employees and our customers to give back to the community. In a partnership with the Hope Center for Kids in Omaha, Thrasher is now offering extended warranties to customers with all proceeds going to support the Hope Center.

Ty Schenzel, Executive Director of Hope Center for Kids, attended a Thrasher sales meeting a couple weeks ago to educate Thrasher sales representatives about the mission of Hope Center for Kids. Ty shared that the vision for the Hope Center for Kids took root in his heart. Ty believes that his mission and life purpose is to offer hope to children in the inner city. Pastor Ty began by building a foundation of trust in the community. He set up discussion groups between the white youth from his West Omaha church and black teens from North Omaha. Through these sessions, the young people were able to gain a better understanding of each other's culture, and the Lord began to draw the two groups together in a mighty way.

The mission of the Hope Center for Kids is to break the cycle of hopelessness for inner city youth through faith, education, employment and collaboration. The sales team is excited to help with efforts to contribute to Hope Center for Kids and is planning to volunteer at the center through the winter. To learn more about Hope Center for Kids, please visit their website at http://www.hopecenterforkids.com.

FSI Senior Structural Engineer Welcomes Baby Girl

Thu, October 21 2010, 00:00:00 -500

We are excited to announce that Kyle Olson, Senior Structural Engineer for Foundation Supportworks, and his wife, Twiggy, welcomed a baby girl, Ashlyn Judith Olson on Monday, October 18. Ashlyn weighed 5lbs and 6 oz and was 18.5" long. Congratulations and best wishes to the Olson family!

Radon Awareness Week Perfect Time to Test Nebraska Homes

Mon, October 18 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Oct 15, 2010 â Omaha, NE âNational Radon Awareness Week begins Sunday, October 17, and is the perfect time for homeowners in Nebraska and Iowa to test for radon. Thrasher Basement Systems provides testing for homeowners, as well as mitigation systems for those homes with high levels of radon.

Thrasher Basement Systemâs Curt Drew says, âFall and winter are the ideal times to test for radon in the home, since windows are typically closed and any radon in the home will not be diluted with fresh air from outdoors.â

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas caused by the decay of uranium in the earth. As radon gas rises through the soil, it can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation, walls, crawl spaces, sump pumps and wells. The only way to know if your home has a high level of radon is to test for it. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers 4 picocuries per liter of air unacceptable.

Long term exposure to high levels of radon can lead to lung cancer. The National Cancer Institute says that radon is responsible for more than 20,000 cases of lung cancer in the U.S. each year, making it the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall.

Testing for radon is best done in the fall or winter months, when the home is usually closed to outdoor air. Thrasher Basement Systems has trained radon mitigation specialists available to help homeowners test for radon in their homes. If elevated radon levels are found in the home, radon mitigation experts in Nebraska can install an aesthetically-pleasing mitigation system.

Thrasher Basement Systems is a member of the National Radon Defense network of radon experts across the nation.

For more information on radon and its health effects, radon testing and radon mitigation systems in the Omaha metro area, contact:

Thrasher Basement Systems
Curt Drew
(402)916-4222
cdrew@nationalradondefense.com

Thrasher and FSI Employees Enjoy the Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch.

Tue, October 12 2010, 00:00:00 -500

On Sunday, October 10, 2010 Thrasher Basement Systems' and Foundation Supportworks' employees enjoyed a company outing at the Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch. Employees and their families were treated to a day on the farm, including full access to attractions such as the Lost Soul Maze, the Field of Screams, the Bony Maze, as well as hayrides out to the pumpkin patch to pick a pumpkin. After enjoying the sights and sounds of the farm, employees were also treated to dinner. It was a perfect fall day to enjoy outdoor activities and time spent together.

Employees Support the American Lung Association

Tue, October 5 2010, 00:00:00 -500

On Sunday, September 19, 2010 several employees from the Thrasher Basement Systems/Foundation Supportworks Omaha Team participated in the Omaha Corporate Cup. Since the company did not sponsor a team this year, these employees took the initiative to register themselves as a community team to support the cause of the American Lung Association and enjoy a morning run! This is just more evidence of what great employees we have. The team was primarily made up of FSI (Thrasher's sister company) employees and members included Kyle Olson, Jeff Kortan, Ray Brown, Curt Drew, Jenn Burch and Jenn's son, Hunter. Jenn and Hunter completed the 2-mile course while the remaining participants ran the 10K.

Thrasher Hosts National Installation and Sales Training

Fri, October 1 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems acted as a host for a national installation and sales training September 21st through 24th. Our sister company - Foundation Supportworks hosted over 50 representatives from around the country to educate on topics such as overcoming challenges on job sites, diagnosing foundation problems and recommending the right solutions to homeowners. In addition, participants at the installation training received hands-on training at actual job sites along with comprehensive classroom training. Thrasher Basement Systems provides service to both residential and commercial clients around Nebraska and Iowa.

This was the first opportunity we've experienced to host training in our new facility and the training room expansion allowed us to include more dealers from our network than ever before. Our new interactive training facility allows us to accommodate more than 100 individuals. We look forward to many more training opportunities in this facility.

Dan Thrasher Speaks to Students at the Creative Center College

Wed, September 29 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Dan Thrasher, Director of Operations, recently spoke to a Consumer Behavior class for third-year students at the Creative Center College of Art and Design located in Omaha. The objective of the course is to inform the student of how the interaction of feeling, knowledge, behavior, and environmental events influence people and organizations in the conduct of their business transactions. Dan discussed topics such as how consumer behavior affects the real business world, graphic design and the importance it plays in delivering the right message based upon it being the first impression of a company, he showed examples of printed materials that Thrasher Basement Systems uses today and he answered questions that were submitted by the students.

Dan's message appealed to the students and the feedback received has been very positive. As a follow-up to each classroom lecture the students are expected to write a summary of the lecture. In the lecture summary one student states: "The effort he (Dan) puts into the customer shows that this company really cares. The mood has rubbed off on the fellow employees of the company and shines through to the buyer. What we can take from the example of Thrasher Basement Systems is that caring for the customer and also visual appeal plays a big part in leading to success. Also knowing how to design FOR the customer plays a vital role in playing the game correctly."

The Creative Center College of Art and Design offers a program that is all-inclusive, on-the-job training. They strongly believe that the graphic designer of today needs to be well-versed in multiple aspects of graphic design: from websites to ads; from illustrations to signs; from logos to multimedia; and more.

Thrasher Sponsors BBB 2010 Integrity Awards

Mon, September 20 2010, 00:00:00 -500

On Thursday, September 16th, several members of the Thrasher Basement Systems team attended the Better Business Bureau's 2010 Integrity Awards Luncheon. The guest speaker at this year's luncheon was Holly Petraeus, director of the military program of the BBB and wife of Army General David Petraeus.

The prestigious Integrity Awards honor those companies whose business practices and related activities exemplify the BBB's mission and principles which include honesty, commitment and trust. The Integrity Award winners are chosen by an independent panel of business leaders and members of the academic community. Dan Thrasher, Director of Operations, served on the panel of judges this year. Dan was honored to review nominations and applications for this year's award, as well as assist in choosing the winners.

Thrasher Basement Systems is a two-time winner of the award, most recently in 2008 and also in 2000. Thrasher also received an Honorable Mention for the award in 2006 and was a finalist in 2007. It was an honor to attend the luncheon and be in the presence of other businesses in the Omaha area who strive to uphold the same ethical business practices as Thrasher.

Thrasher Basement Systems Adds Commercial Foundation Division

Fri, September 17 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Omaha, NE - Thrasher Basement Systems has been providing quality commercial foundation services for many years. In order to better manage this business Thrasher recently added a new division, Foundation Supportworks by Thrasher.

Foundation Supportworks by Thrasher specializes in foundation stabilization, structural support, and underpinning. Thrasher also assists local geotechnical and structural engineers in designing structural support systems. They provide services for commercial, industrial, residential, government, and municipal foundation applications in Nebraska, Western Iowa, and Northwest Missouri.

Foundation Supportworks by Thrasher installs helical piles, helical tension anchor systems, and soil nails for new construction, as well as push pier systems for underpinning existing structures. These foundation solutions have gone through a battery of quality assurance tests and meet ICC Acceptance Criteria 358.

You can visit the new Foundation Supportworks by Thrasher commercial website to view NE commercial foundation case studies, technical information or to contact a local structural engineer.

Thrasher Basement Systems' excellent business is reflected by their A+ rating with the BBB, 2009 Excellence in Business Award from the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, 2008 Better Business Bureau Integrity Award, and the 2007 Small Business of the Year Award.

Foundation Supportworks is a network of professional foundation contractors across the U.S. and Canada. The Foundation Supportworksâ manufacturing facilities are fully ISO 9001 certified. All galvanized steel products are manufactured in accordance with ASTM A123 & ASTM A153 standards for hot-dip zinc coatings. Each product is routinely checked by certified engineers to ensure precision and quality workmanship

Thrasher managers providing a WOW service challenge

Fri, September 10 2010, 00:00:00 -500

For the purposes of a little healthy competition and fun along the way, the Thrasher managers challenged their teams during the busy summer to work hard and go the extra mile to provide 'WOW' service to our customers every day. If the teams were successful, some of the managers agreed to shave their heads in front of the staff! Everyone on the team took on the challenge and, as you will see from the pictures attached, exceeded their managers' expectations. As a result, Aaron Ruskamp, Production Manager, Dan Thrasher, Director of Operations, Jim Gidley, Director of Finance, Nick Rohe, Sales and Service Manager, Greg Thrasher, President, Ray Brown, Product Installation Manager, and Steve Wilson, Lead Mechanic received a "haircut" on Tuesday morning during the Production/Sales meeting. Most of them felt like it was more than just a haircut, but were good sports and certainly held up their end of the bargain. Special thanks to all the Thrasher team members for their hard work and efforts over the last couple months. Each and every member of the team is a contributor and count it an honor to serve our customers.

Bring Your Own Wings: Lunch with Thrasher and Foundation Supportworks employees

Fri, September 3 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Monday, August 30th Thrasher and Foundation Supportworks employees joined together for a "Bring Your Own Wings" lunch. With school starting again and the beginning of the fall season we thought it was a great opportunity to have a team lunch! Everyone brought their favorite wings, appetizer or dessert to share. It was also a good opportunity to recap Convention highlights. Nick Rohe, Thrasher Sales and Service Manager, took the opportunity to share Thrasher's accolades from Convention and Greg Thrasher, President thanked the Foundation Supportworks team for their hard work and participation in Convention.

Thrasher participates in Outing to support Special Olympics

Tue, August 31 2010, 00:00:00 -500

On Monday, August 16th Thrasher Basement Systems participated as a sponsor of the Institute of Real Estate Management's (IREM) golf outing to raise money for Special Olympics. Thrasher was able to sponsor a team, as well as participate as a hole sponsor in the outing. Once again this year, the event was a great success raising money for a good cause. It also gave the participants a great opportunity to network with property managers and contractors from around the Omaha area.

Thrasher Team Hits the Field

Mon, August 30 2010, 00:00:00 -500

The Thrasher softball team is back and ready to take on the diamond again! Friday nights will provide a much needed break for the guys at Thrasher. By day they inspect wet basements, bowing basement walls, settling foundations and damp crawlspaces. By night they take to the field and participate in a softball league with other Omaha based companies. Several managers, system design specialists, foreman and service techs are on the team. The first two games were back to back on Friday, August 27th. While they didn't bring home a win (yet), they had a great time and even had a cheering section. Go TEAM!

Thrasher Customer Service Representative Welcomes Baby Boy

Thu, August 26 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Sara Welch, Customer Service Representative for Thrasher, and her husband Tim welcomed a baby boy, Evan James Welch at 8:34am on Tuesday, July 27th. Evan weighed 8lb and 13 oz and was 21 3/4" long. Congratulations and best wishes to the Welch family! Sara has been missed in the Service Department while on maternity leave and we look forward to having her back in a couple weeks.

Thrasher Basement Systems brings home awards from Annual Convention

Sun, August 22 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems employees recently attended the Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks Annual Convention in Hartford, Connecticut. The convention is always a great opportunity to connect with fellow dealers throughout the network to share ideas. In addition, it was a great opportunity to learn the latest about basement waterproofing, foundation repair, and crawlspace encapsulation. The convention featured updates and presentations from leaders in both the Basement Systems' and Foundation Supportworks' networks.

It was an honor to once again accept several awards on behalf of the hard-working employees at Thrasher Basement Systems. For the 2^nd year in a row, Thrasher was the #1 dealer in North America for foundation repair and helical anchors systems out of over 70 companies!! Thrasher was also recognized as the 6th largest waterproofing contractor out of over 130 in the international network of basement waterproofing professionals.

Moving Day at Foundation Supportworks

Fri, August 20 2010, 00:00:00 -500

In March, Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks (FSI) began construction on a 7,100 square foot addition to their existing office building. With many months of excitement and anticipation, we are proud to announce that the project is complete!

Without hesitation, FSI employees began moving into their new offices this week.

"It's great to finally have a place of our own where we can continue to focus on growth without concern about where to place a new employee." - Dave Thrasher, FSI Director of Business Development

Thrasher employees are also excited about the completed addition, knowing that space in the existing building is now available.

Check back in the coming weeks for pictures of the completed facility.

Giving Production a Break

Wed, August 11 2010, 00:00:00 -500

The heavy rains in the Midwest have made it a busy summer for Thrasher Basement Systems. Our crews have been working long hours to provide great service to our customers. The Thrasher management team felt like it was time to give the crews a break. On Friday afternoon, August 6th the team went to work to allow the crews some time to relax. As the crews arrived home for the week, they were greeted by the managers and directed into the shop where they could sit, relax, and enjoy burgers with all the fixins'. While the crews were relaxing, the managers went to work to wash and clean out all of the production vehicles. We couldn't do what we do without the hardworking Production team and we thank them for all of their hard work! You guys are the best!

Money Pit or Hidden Gem?

Mon, August 9 2010, 00:00:00 -500

When preparing to buy or sell a home it is important to distinguish between the big and little problems that exist. A common misconception in many markets is that waterproofing a basement is considered a "money pit." Barbara Corcoran, real estate expert on "The Today Show," was recently asked about wet basements and its impact on the sale of a home. She responded, "Oh, this one is a money pit big time. It takes a heck of a lot of money to repair. Big money, $20,000. You've got to excavate around the entire house to fix a leaky basement. Not a good job." (Watch the video by clicking on the image below.)

It is true that wet basements can be a big problem. Due to the fact that most buyers view a home with a wet basement as a "fixer-upper", they will offer 10-20% less, if they consider buying at all. The reality is that most basement water problems can be solved for much less than $20,000. Many of them can be fixed for much less than $5,000. Because the investment to fix a wet basement is usually less than the discount a buyer may ask for, it may be the best choice to fix the problem before putting it on the market.

A common reason people don't want to get their problem fixed is that they are concerned that everything will have to removed and replaced from the outside, including porches, driveways, sidewalks, landscaping, and more. With an exterior excavation this may in fact be the case. However in most cases exterior excavation is not necessary. Most water problems can be addressed from inside the home, even if it is finished. This is much less disruptive and can be done quickly and without a huge investment.

Basement waterproofing has been around since the 1930's, but like almost every other home improvement sector, techniques have modernized and improved. Many companies began waterproofing homes by using exterior and/or old fashioned and more generic system. At Thrasher Basement Systems we utilize a modern and specifically designed interior drainage system. It is proven that by installing a drainage system around the inside of the basement along the wall, you can capture water at the most common point of entry - the floor / wall joint. Other advantages to this type of system include:

Accessibility to do the job.
More affordable than an outside system.
Installs in 1 day most of the time.
Easily serviceable year round.
It works and comes with a long term warranty that is transferable to new owners.

Thrasher installs an interior drainage system called "WaterGuard." WaterGuard is a specially-designed piping system engineered specifically to be a very efficient, long-lasting interior basement waterproofing system. The requirements of a good interior drainage system include:

Designed not to clog - sits on top of the footing.
Has a built in 3/8-inch gap between the floor and the wall to drain wall leaks.
Does not rely on filter fabric. (All filters eventually have to be changed)
Has a big drain outlet to the sump.
Will not cause structural damage to the foundation.

If you are unsure of the severity of your basement water problem it is best to have an expert look and give an estimate of the cost of repair. In most cases you will be pleasantly surprised. If you are looking to buy a home with a wet basement, it is a good idea to have it checked out before you by, so that you will be prepared to invest in making your new basement useful living space.

Service Technician Participates in Accent Reduction Training

Thu, August 5 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Barry Cavanagh, Service Technician for Thrasher Basement Systems, was recently featured in a news story for his participation at Accent Reduction Training located in Omaha, Nebraska. Barry joined Thrasher Basement Systems 2 years ago. He hit the ground running and was enjoying his work. Thrasher received some feedback from customers that they loved working with Barry, but sometimes he was a little difficult to understand because of his South African accent. Since Barry had been so successful, Thrasher wanted to assist Barry in being the best and most successful employee possible. Therefore, Thrasher asked Barry if he would consider participating in Accent Reduction Training, and Barry agreed.

Accent Reduction Training offers accent modification training to improve business, professional and social speaking skills. The program began with a personal analysis of Barry's speech. The analysis revealed exactly how Barry's pronunciation varied from standard American English and identified specific areas for concentration. To modify a foreign accent takes hard work and dedication. To achieve the greatest improvement, Barry devoted himself to practicing outside the classroom and experienced great results from the training.

Accent reduction had both personal and corporate benefits. Both Barry and Thrasher Basement Systems discovered that accent reduction assisted Barry in further developing his business opportunities, increasing his confidence on the job, supporting his career advancement, and reducing miscommunication between Barry and his customers.

Click the image below to hear Barry's story:

Training Video to Release at Annual Convention

Wed, August 4 2010, 00:00:00 -500

August 18th through August 21st marks this year's annual TEAM Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks' convention. Each year Basement Systems' and Foundation Supportworks' dealers look forward to annual convention as a time of excitement, alignment and promise to carry us through the next year. The week is packed with events to better engage employees with training that includes product knowledge, processes, sales, marketing and more for success in the coming year.

In preparation for annual convention, Dan Thrasher, Director of Operations for Thrasher and Amanda Harrington, Director of Training and Development for Foundation Supportworks are filming training video to release at convention. Kathy Rathbun, Multimedia Specialist for Thrasher has been instrumental in organizing the video shoot, shooting the video, as well as editing and finalizing production of the video. Special thanks to the video team, as well as Jenn Burch, Administrative Assistant for Foundation Supportworks, for stepping in and assisting with the video shoot.

We are looking forward to the launch of this training video and the assistance it will provide new dealers and employees!

Thrasher Employees Participate in The Great Egg Drop

Thu, July 29 2010, 00:00:00 -500

The Thrasher Basement Systems Production, Service and Sales Teams participated in "The Great Egg Drop" on Monday, July 26th at their respective team meetings. The Great Egg Drop is a team building activity that involves creativity and problem solving given a set of resources.

The members of the Production and Service team were grouped by crews. Two crews joined together, were given 6 sheets of paper, 2 paper clips, 10 straws, 7 toothpicks, a piece of masking tape, 4 popsicle sticks and 1 egg. Each team was given 20 minutes to build a structure, with the egg inside. Dan Thrasher, Director of Operations, then took each structure and dropped it from 10 feet in elevation and then inspected to see if the eggs survived.

The members of the Sales team participated in the same team building activity during their meeting on Monday as well. The winners were the groups that were successful in protecting their egg. The activity was a great opportunity to work together and have a little fun in the process!

Making a Difference

Mon, July 19 2010, 00:00:00 -500

On Saturday, July 10, the Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks team had an opportunity to give back to the community. Over 25 employees and members of their families took part in an effort to restore stability to a local homeowners foundation as well as install waterproofing along the perimeter of her basement. This effort, organized by Rebuilding Together (an organization determined to keep low-income elderly and low-income disabled homeowners warm, safe, dry and independent in their own homes) was one the Thrasher/FSI team will never forget.

The homeowner, Annie Clark, was originally from Arkansas. She moved to Omaha in 1960 and has lived in her home for 49 years. Annie has had over 100 foster kids (ranging in age from two months to 18 years old) in and out of her home. "I love this home, at my age I plan on living here the rest of my life." With the help of Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks, Annie will be able to do just that. After installing 10 anchors to stabilize the bowing walls in her basement, waterproofing her entire basement and putting in a SaniDry XP dehumidifier to eliminate the mold, Annie is confident that her respiratory problems will disappear.

"I'm really thankful to Thrasher, wonderful people and I'm so glad that they came into my home and did all this good work. I hope to breath much better with all the work and the dehumidifier that will take out all the wetness and keep my basement dry. And I can live much healthier, a healthier life the rest of my days here." As of the date of this story, Annie already notices an improvement in her breathing and health.

The work that was done affected more than just Annie. In one way or another, many Thrasher/FSI team members were just as touched.

"I really enjoyed coming out this weekend and helping out Annie with this project, it was a good time to be with the group and company that you don't always get to work together, to build some camaraderie outside of the office as well as doing something we are all unified on." - Les

"It's nice to give back to help someone out and then also to get everyone together as a team and be able to give to someone and work together. We have people here from the office, we have people here from the crews... it was a lot of fun!" - Nick

One of Thrasher/FSI core values is outreach - enriching the lives of our employees, the community and the nation with the blessings we've been given. Repairing Annie's home was the perfect way to live out this value.

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Thrasher Judges Better Business Integrity Awards

Mon, July 5 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Dan Thrasher, Director of Operations, recently served as a judge for the 2010 Better Business Bureau Integrity Awards per a request from the Better Business Bureau. Dan was honored to review nominations and applications for this year's award, as well as assist in choosing the winners. Thrasher Basement Systems is a two-time winner of the award, most recently in 2008 and also in 2000. Thrasher also received an Honorable Mention for the award in 2006 and was a finalist in 2007.

As stated on the Better Business Bureau's website, the mission of the Better Business Bureau is "to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust." In this spirit, BBB Integrity Awards were created to: Gain public recognition for businesses that go "above and beyond" in serving their customers, suppliers, employees and communities; Recognize businesses for their commitment to maintaining cultures that consistently set exceptionally high standards of behavior in buyer and seller relationships; Highlight the importance of corporate conscience and responsibility in fulfilling a company's obligation to the marketplace to do what is right and fair; and Demonstrate to the business community that adhering to BBB ethical standards is the hallmark of successful, competitive companies.

Thrasher Basement Systems is proud to be a two-time winner of the Better Business Bureau's Business Integrity Award and to be recognized for their honesty and integrity. As Greg Thrasher, Owner and President stated: "Receiving the BBB's Integrity Award has meant a great deal to Thrasher Basement Systems. Specifically, we have felt a renewed sense of pride in our business and in our employees. In addition, we feel that our customer service and sales volume are made stronger when the community knows about our business ethics. People want to work with good people, and when they hear that we have won this award, they have a greater sense of confidence in our company!"

Thrasher In The News

Thu, July 1 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Nebraska and Iowa have experienced record-breaking rain totals in the month of June. Heavy rains have contributed to widespread flooding on a number of creeks, streams and rivers and numerous homes have reported water damage. In a normal June, Omaha receives 2.9 inches of rain... this year's official report was 10.5 inches. With this much rain, Nebraska and Iowa residents are looking to Thrasher Basement Systems for help.

Thrasher has received calls from residents not only reporting water damage, but also structural repairs. All of this desperation from homeowners has caught the attention of local media outlets.

WOWT Channel 6 - Interviewed local homeowner Denny Bray about the problems he was experiencing and Thrasher Basement Systems was there to assess the damage.

Denny Bray says, "I stepped off the bottom step and my feet were surrounded by water.? The problem? A crack in the basement wall that runs from the corner of a window down to the floor. Dan Thrasher, Director of Operations for Thrasher says "It's all relative to how much rain we get. This year we've gotten more, but this last week or so is really when it's picked up mostly because it's not just been one rain, but rain after rain, after rain, after rain, over a period of days."

See the full interview by clicking here.

KMTV Channel 3 - Interviewed local home owners, Cindy and Zach Severin.

"In some parts of the basement there has been as much as three inches of water. So that's a problem in terms of getting mold and the smell and you know it's a continuing problem," Severin said. Thrasher's Nick Rohe was there to assess the damage and believes that because the ground is so saturated with water, foundations are under pressure and the water build-up is coming in through cracks in the foundation walls.

See the full interview by clicking here.

There's no telling what the month of July will look like in terms of rain fall but Thrasher Basement Systems is ready to take on whatever may come. If you or someone you know is experiencing problems, contact Thrasher for a free, no obligation estimate.

Wet Basements in Nebraska Need Thrasher Basement Systems

Tue, June 29 2010, 00:00:00 -500

June 25, 2010 - Nebraska's rain this June has more than tripled the state's average rain total for the month of June. With 10.5 inches of rain over the span of 5 days, Nebraskans are feeling a bit soggy and in desperate need of some dry weather and home repairs.

The results from this month's rain have been detrimental. Ten dams have broken and in Norfolk alone there have been over 70 homes reported with water damage. The rivers in Nebraska, such as the North Platte, the Elkhorn and the Missouri, are also experiencing the effects from the flooding.

Without delay, Nebraska homeowners are contacting Thrasher Basement Systems for help with waterproofing their basements and structural repairs.

Thrasher Basement Systems, Inc. is Nebraska, Missouri and Iowa's leader in both basement waterproofing and foundation repair. Thrasher Basement Systems services Nebraska, Western Iowa, and Northwest Missouri and has provided Nebraskans with basement waterproofing and foundation repair needs since 1975.

The arsenal of waterproofing products you'll find at Thrasher Basement Systems includes: WaterGuard French Drain, SaniDry XP dehumidifiers, TripleSafe Sump Pumps, and more.

Since 2005, Thrasher Basement Systems, Inc. has received several awards including: the Business Integrity Award from the Basement Systems nationwide network of over 250 independent business operators; the 2007 Small Business of the Year Award by the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce; and the 2008 Better Business Bureau Integrity Award by the Better Business Bureau.

To get your free Omaha area basement waterproofing estimate contact Thrasher Basement Systems today

5th Annual Ollie Webb Dream Gala

Fri, June 11 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks employees joined 300 others at the 5th Annual "Ollie's Dream" Gala, a wine tasting event to benefit Ollie Webb Center Inc. held on Saturday, June 5th at the Mutual of Omaha Dome. It was a wonderful night to enjoy sampling premium wines from around the world, live jazz music, and heavy hors d'oeuvres. More importantly, the evening provided the opportunity to learn more about the Ollie Webb organization and to support Ollie Webb's programs and services through financial contributions.

Ollie Webb Center Inc. offers a wide variety of services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, including mentoring for parents, social/recreational activities for adolescents and community employment and independent living for adults. The mission of Ollie Webb Center Inc. is "To enrich the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through support, programs and advocacy." Thrasher and Foundation Supportworks appreciate the opportunity to partner with worthwhile organizations making a difference in our local community.

Wet Basement - A Common Problem in the Spring

Mon, June 7 2010, 00:00:00 -500

By nature, basements are imperfect concrete structures built in unstable soils of varying density and compaction. For over 100 years troubled homeowners have battled the water trapped in soils surrounding their home from leaking into basement levels through walls, floors and joints. Basement flooding is very common, especially during rainy seasons or when snow starts to melt. Omaha, Nebraska residents experienced significant problems early this spring due to just that. With increased snowmelt and rain, homes and businesses in the area experienced water leaking into their structures.

The damage in your basement caused by water is obvious. However, there are many effects that you may or may not see as a result of a damp and wet basement. The "stack effect" creates airflow in your home from bottom to top. This air flows upward into the upper levels of your home from the basement, bringing the humidity from the basement with it. The effects on your home can include:

Dust Mites (the number one indoor allergen)
Sticking doors and windows
Smelly damp carpets
Buckling hardwood floors
Condensation/rotting/mold in your attic
Frost or condensation and mold on the inside of windows in cool weather
Increased cooling bills (damp air takes more energy to cool)
Increased heating bills (damp air takes more energy to heat)
Mold upstairs
Decreased life of roof sheathing and shingles
Decreased life of paint on the outside of your house
Aggravated asthma and allergies

Home buyers expect a basement free from water or water damage. In fact, prior to purchasing a home, most buyers hire a home inspector trained to detect defects in the home. Due to the fact that in most states sellers are required to disclose any potential problems or defects with their home, fixing a wet basement is much cheaper than not fixing a problem in the long run. Disclosing problems with a wet basement could potentially either prevent you from selling your home or receive an offer up to 10% lower than your asking price. We can all agree 10% is a lot of money when evaluating the price of a home.

The good news is that there are companies trained and equipped to fix wet basements and prevent water from being a problem in the future. Fixing your basement is not a do-it-yourself project. It takes hard work, specialized knowledge, and equipment. The first and most important step is diagnosing the problem and identifying the cause. A good basement waterproofing company will examine your basement and determine what type of leak you have, as well as recommend the best and most cost efficient way to fix it.

If you're having problems with water in your basement, don't wait, contact Thrasher Basement Systems today for a free, no obligation estimate. We'll send a Certified Waterproofing Specialist to your home to give you a free in-home consultation to address the issue.

Thrasher Basement Systems Expands Facility to Accommodate Growth

Fri, May 7 2010, 00:00:00 -500

According to the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership, overall, the case for doing business in Greater Omaha remains strong. Forbes magazine recently ranked Omaha eighth among the "Best Cities for Jobs in 2008" and Nebraska as the 10th most favorable state for business. Kiplinger's Personal Finance ranked Omaha third among the "Top 10 Best Cities in 2008."

Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks (FSI) are both following the growth pattern other businesses are experiencing in Omaha. In fact, due to the exponential growth of Foundation Supportworks since 2008, we recently began construction of a 7,100 square foot addition to our office building. The new addition will be connected to our existing 10,000 square foot office building, it will make room for FSI's growing staff, it will open up existing space for the growing Thrasher staff, and the new building will house a state-of-the-art, interactive training facility that will be able to accommodate more than 100 individuals. Initial construction of the addition began on March 22nd and the project should be completed by the end of August.

Thrasher Basement Systems Expands Facility to Accommodate Growth

Fri, May 7 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems Stabilize a Historic Landmark

Wed, April 28 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Sagging floors, sinking girders, settling piers all mean trouble for your crawl space and can result in unlevel floors, inoperable doors and windows and cracked drywall. The Foundation Supportworks, Inc. Smart Jack is a supplemental support system for crawl space applications. The Smart Jack effectively supports sagging beams and floor joists caused by:

Length of span greater than spanning capability of the members,
Floor load added after construction, exceeding design values, and
Weakening of members over time due to high moisture and rot.

Thrasher Basement Systems had an ideal opportunity to use this application at the Garland Hotel in Bedford, Iowa. The Garland Hotel was built in 1857 and is often known as the grandfather of all hotels in this area. It served as a stagecoach depot until the railroad came through Bedford in 1872. The hotel survived a fire in 1875 and a tornado in 1892. In addition, it is famous for housing Jesse and Frank James, outlaws and members of the Quantrill's border raiders, in Room 7. It is believed that Jesse and Frank James used a tunnel that runs from the hotel to the Livery Stable under Main Street to discreetly leave the area. In 1977 the hotel was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Thrasher Basement Systems was hired to install a Smart Jack system to level and stabilize existing beams in the crawl space underneath the Garland Hotel. Over time soil shifted and settled, along with changes in soil density and moisture content, causing movement of the beams and weakening of the structure. Thrasher installed 36 Foundation Supportworks Smart Jacks to stabilize the existing structure so that restoration can continue on this historic landmark.

Special thanks to Juan Martinez, John Neuvirth, Ray Brown, and Jon Erbst for a job well done!

A Star Studded Week at Thrasher Basement Systems in Omaha

Fri, April 23 2010, 00:00:00 -500

This week was national Administrative Professionals Week, a week designed to honor those in supporting administrative roles. Thrasher took that holiday and expanded it to include and honor all employees who play very important customer service/administrative roles in our company. We entitled it "Best Supporting Stars" as a take-off on the similarly-named award at the Oscars.

Special thanks to Cindy Sullivan, Jackie Olson, Laura Loewens, Brittin Cavanaugh, Rich Garcia, Kathy Rathbun, Angela Salts, Amy Jenkins, Sara Welch, Julie Boone, Beth Croft, George Fiscus, Steve Wilson, JR Frame, Bob Folker, Heath Sanmann, Jeremy Hammel and Myles Brown for being our Supporting Stars and supporting not only the staff, but most importantly our customers!

We appreciate you and are so thankful for all that you do!

Dave and Tabitha Welcome a Baby Boy!

Tue, March 16 2010, 00:00:00 -500

We are excited to announce that Landon Thrasher was born on Tuesday, March 16 at 5:00 AM. to Dave and Tabitha. He weighs 8lbs 1oz and is 20 inches long! Dave works as the Business Development Manager at FSI. Congratulations to Dave, his wife, Tabitha and big sister, Addison!

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The Truth about Crawl Spaces - Effects on your Nebraska or Iowa Home

Mon, March 1 2010, 00:00:00 -500

You own a crawl space and you never go down there, so why should you spend money fixing it? Crawl spaces are not pretty or comfortable. They are not meant to be. Most homeowners don't have any reason to go into their crawl space so they feel that they don't need to care about it. Even though you don't see it, untouched crawl spaces cause many problems that travel up and into your home.

Crawl spaces that are not repaired result in the following:

Rising energy costs
Smelly and musty odors resonating up from the crawl space
Mold and allergens that travel throughout your home
Ability of pests and rodents to enter your living space
Rotting floor board wood which will eventually need to be replaced
Decrease in the value of your home

Author Larry Janesky put it best in his book "Crawl Space Science: What to Have Done and Whyâ¦"
when he wrote:

"The house is one building. It operates as a system. You can't have one part of the building that is sick, and another part that is healthy. You canât rationalize that you never go in the crawl space so you arenât affected by it. Why? Simple. Air mixing"

Air mixing is defined as the unintended mixing of cold and hot air. Air from the outside comes into your crawl space, is cooled, rises, travels up through the home, and out the top of the house. As air is released, more air is sucked in from the bottom of the house. This is how your house breathes. This "stack effect" causes the problems noted above to occur.

The cold crawl space air increases your energy costs and causes floor boards to get very cold. For every degree that temperature drops, the relative humidity increases 2.2 %. When the warm air entering from the outside is cooled in the crawl space, the humidity rises. This results in mold growth. These mold spores, allergens, and odors travel up into your living space. They also rot woodâ¦ all of which if not taken care of, ruin the structure, decreasing the value of your home.

So what should you do? Stop ignoring the crawl space. Take steps to make your crawl space a healthy environment. If you live in the Nebraska, Missouri, or Iowa areas, Thrasher Basement Systems can help. We have a crawl space encapsulation method that will prevent "bad" crawl space air and alleviate problems associated with an untouched crawl space. Our method aids in crawl space pest control also! We provide free crawl space inspections. Contact us today to learn more.

Why Do Basements Leak? Learn from the Nebraska Basement Experts

Wed, February 3 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Finding out that you have yet another wet basement can be very discouraging. Water can leak through many areas in foundation walls. By learning where the basement is leaking from can save you a lot of time and frustration. Being basement experts in the industry for over 20 years, Thrasher Basement Systems of Greater Omaha has come across every leaky basement scenario. We have found that most basement leaks stem from the following:

Basement Wall/Floor Joints

A basement leaking through the basement wall/floor joint.

The most common way that a basement experiences groundwater leaking is through the basement wall/floor joint, which is where the foundation walls and the basement floor meet. Water pressure can most easily force its way through at this point, where it leaks into the basement through the edges of the floor.

There will always be more water around your home than anywhere else. When your home was built, a large area was excavated so the foundation could be placed. After the foundation is built, any excess are is filled in with backfilled soil. This soil will always be looser- and much more absorbent of water- than any soil around it.

The best way to address this problem is with an interior perimeter drainage system and a sump pump with a battery backup. This intercepts the water where it enters, directs it to the sump pump, and gets it out of the basement.

Basement Cracks & Pipe Penetration

The white powder (efflorescence), damp concrete, and rust stains are a sure sign that this pipe penetration has been leaking for a long time.

Cracks in basement walls and floors are very common, and in some cases, these cracks leak. And when pipes, wires, and other objects extend through the walls, they can also allow water in through the gaps around their edges.

These cracks and penetrations can be filled in as a short-term fix by applying one of three methods:

Apply a polyurethane polymer seal into the gap, which can be applied to both wet and dry concrete and, once dried, can expand and contract with the walls. This method is a short-term solution.
With some pipe penetrations, the contractor may instead drill two holes to the cavity of the pipe penetration. Then water is injected into the crack, followed by a special chemical that reacts with the water, expanding and filling the leaky hole.
With leaking basement floor cracks, a lateral line can be run from the crack to the drainage system, guiding any leaking water directly to your perimeter drain and sump pump.

Just covering up a basement wall crack is not addressing the main problem. Basement wall cracks result from unstable foundations. For a long-term solution, have wall anchors installed which consists of an interior wall plate, an exterior earth anchor and a connecting steel rod to stabilize foundation walls by counteracting pressure exerted against the wall.

Basement Windows

When window wells fill with debris and basement windows rot, rust and corrode, it can lead to serious flooding.

Basement windows, as well as crawl space or basement vents, can also leak a significant amount of water into the basement. This happens most often when the window frames rot, rust, or corrode, and also when the window wells fill with water, snow, and debris.

Replacing the window wells with plastic, covered window wells should help keep water and debris away from the windows, and by blocking winter wind, they'ÂÂÂll even make your home more energy efficient.

Replace old windows with vinyl, energy efficient windows, and your home will appreciate further energy benefits, with windows that will not corrode in the future. Steel, wood, and metal are inappropriate materials for basement window frames.

Find basement windows that use double-paned low-E glass. These windows will reflect heat and the summer and pull heat into the space in the winter, allowing for the brightest, most temperate basement.

Home Plumbing Leaks

Failing water heaters can easily lead to a flooded basement, and washing machine hoses are under 500 psi of pressure; an unchecked leak can quickly fill a basement with flooding water.

Even when groundwater is not an issue, there'ÂÂÂs an awful lot of possible ways to have leaky plumbing. Between your sinks, tubs, toilets, showers, pipes, refrigerator lines, and other plumbing, your basement can be exposed to serious flooding. And when a washing machine or water heater fails, the results can be disastrous!

Protect your home from water heater flooding with the FloodRing, provided by Thrasher Basement Systems. This will hold back any flooding water, while a special alarm sounds off to let you know a flood has occurred. They also offer FloodChek washing machine hoses, which include a 25-year warranty against failure. That'ÂÂÂs much longer than most washing machines last!

Other plumbing issues can'ÂÂÂt all be stopped entirely- there'ÂÂÂs just too many sources to cover them all. And if there's a flood upstairs, the water will most often end up in the basement. So if you're planning on finishing the basement, be sure to use inorganic materials that will not be ruined by a flood. This way, an entire floor of your living space isn't ruined should there be an issue.

Thrasher Basement Systems provides basement waterproofing services throughout Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri. If you're interested in learning more about preventing a wet basement, contact us today for additional information or a free written estimate.

Frozen Discharge Lines? IceGuard is the solution!

Wed, January 27 2010, 00:00:00 -500

What happens when you pump water out of your basement during the freezing winter? Simple - the discharge line will freeze. With nowhere left to go, the water will come back into your basement. This is a common problem that residents in Nebraska and Iowa are currently facing due to the extremely low temperatures and record snowfall that we have experienced this winter.

In 1996, Basement Systems created their unique IceGuard System! The IceGuard system allows water to escape from the sump pump discharge line if the pipe freezes or becomes blocked for any reason. Even if the discharge line is buried under ice and snow, the water can escape, allowing your sump pump to keep your basement dry. When the discharge pipe thaws, the water will automatically run along its normal route, and no water will escape from the IceGuard. This is available in Nebraska and Iowa only from Thrasher Basement Systems.

Best of all - there is nothing you have to do to use IceGuard! The system automatically activates when the discharge line has become blocked.

Benefits of IceGuard:

Prevents clogged discharge lines from flooding your basement
Automatically activates when needed
Works in ice and snow!

Thrasher Basement Systems Offering Radon Mitigation Services

Mon, January 11 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Jan 07, 2010 â While many companies struggle to stay afloat during shaky economic times, Thrasher Basement Systems, Inc. in Omaha, Nebraska not only manages to remain profitable â itâs actually expanding and branching into a new area of business: radon mitigation.

Founded in 1975 by Greg Thrasher in Earling, Iowa, Thrasher Basement Systems, Inc. is today one of the largest waterproofing and foundation repair contractors in Nebraska, Western Iowa and Northwestern Missouri. This success is mainly due to a combination of innovative technologies, quality products and excellent customer service.

Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that comes from the natural radioactive breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. While it is hardly concentrated enough in the outdoors to cause harm, radon concentration levels in enclosed structures can increase considerably, becoming a serious health concern.

When you breathe in radon, radioactive particles get trapped in the lungs. As these particles decay, they damage lung cells. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer worldwide, being only surpassed by tobacco smoking.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection agency, 20,000 deaths a year are linked to lung cancer caused by radon exposure.

Radon can be found all over the US, but according to the EPA, some areas have a higher potential for elevated indoor radon levels, and many counties in Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri are within the high risk zone.

Nebraska, for example, has a very high incidence of radon in homes: over half of homes that test in the state have levels above the action level of 4.0 pCi/L.

For Thrasher Basement Systems branching into Radon Mitigation was almost a natural extension. By providing state-of-the-art radon testing technologies, and by designing and implementing fully customized radon mitigation systems, the company now offers a full range of basement, crawl space, and foundation-related services.

For more information on Radon and it's health effects, Radon Testing and Radon Mitigation Systems in Omaha, NE and surrounding areas contact:

Thrasher Basement Systems, Inc.
12330 Cary Circle
Omaha, NE - 68128
http://www.thrasherbasement.com/

National Radon Action Month - Get your Nebraska home tested for radon!

Wed, December 30 2009, 00:00:00 -500

The United Nation's World Health Organization (WHO) says that radon is a worldwide health risk in homes. Dr. Maria Neira of WHO said that "Most radon-induced lung cancers occur from low and medium dose exposures in people's homes. Radon is the second most important cause of lung cancer after smoking in many countries."

In "Eddie's Story", the winner of EPA's 2008 "Test, Fix, Save a Life" video contest, lung cancer survivor Eddie Metcalfe shares his personal story. Watch it now:

Nebraska has a very high incidence of radon in homes; over half of homes that test in the state have levels above the action level of 4.0 pCi/L. Thrasher Basement Systems provides Radon Testing and Mitigation services. The radon testing equipment we use is calibrated annually to ensure accurate readings. Once it has been determined that radon levels in a home are above the recommended levels, a mitigation system is designed specifically for each home. With input form the homeowner, a mitigation system is designed and installed to effectively reduce radon in the home to a safe level. Thrasher technicians go through extensive training on how to properly install mitigation systems to pull radon from inside the home and expel it outdoors. Thrasher Basement Systems is licensed with the state to perform these services and complies with all the Radon industry best practices to ensure the best quality solutions are provided to all our customers.

Protect your family and get your home tested today!

Empty Tomb Outreach

Mon, December 28 2009, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems and Foundation Supportworks employees join together this Christmas season to donate gently used winter clothing and outerwear, food, toiletries and cash donations to the Empty Tomb Mission located in Omaha, NE. The Empty Tomb's mission is to help the homeless and those in need in South Omaha. Several employees volunteered to assist with delivery of the items to the mission on Sunday, December 20th. They attended the 9:30 worship service and then shared the donations on behalf of Thrasher and FSI. As our core values state, "We care about the needs of our employees, the community in which we live, and the world. With the blessings we have been given, we pledge to enrich the lives of others."

Dan Thrasher Wins Award!

Fri, December 11 2009, 00:00:00 -500

Congratulations to Dan Thrasher, a Midlands Business Journal 40 Under 40 Award Recipient. Each year the MBJ honors 40 Greater Omaha, Sarpy County and Council Bluffs entrepreneurs, executives and professional men and women under 40 years of age. Selection is based on creative leadership and growth of the organization under the nominee's stewardship. Dan was honored at an awards breakfast on Friday, December 11th, as well as in a supplement to the Midlands Business Journal. Bob Hoig, Publisher of the Midlands Business Journal states "The eighth class for 40 Under 40 which began in 2002, had to be winnowed from a record 140 nominations. The high volume provided judges with the tough task of choosing from many talented men and women." Hoig goes on to say, "Judges searched for examples of effectiveness and leadership shown by men and women working within a framework of a bigger organization." Please join us in congratulating Dan on this award!

Thrasher and FSI Employees Enjoy Holiday Party!

Fri, December 11 2009, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher and Foundation Supportworks employees enjoyed their annual Holiday Party together on Saturday, December 5th. Throughout the evening employees enjoyed dinner, dancing and other fun activities. Greg and Nancy Thrasher welcomed everyone to the event and awarded various employees with service awards for the number of years they had been with the company. They also introduced and welcomed new employees to the company.

Employee gets new driveway!!

Thu, December 3 2009, 00:00:00 -500

Bob Folker works part time in our warehouse keeping track of inventory and making sure our crews are organized. Recently he needed a new driveway at his house. We were able to round up enough volunteers and got it done for him. Here are a few pictures of the guys on the last day when they were pouring the last section of the driveway.

Thanks to Greg Thrasher, Ray Brown, Juan Medina, Steve Hope and Daniel Monroy!!!!

Thrasher Basement Systems Continues Expansion with New Engineer

Wed, November 25 2009, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems is pleased to announce the hiring of Don Deardorff, P.E., former Senior Engineer for Chance Civil Construction. Don will join our team working for our partner company Foundation Supportworks, Inc. (FSI). FSI shares an office with Thrasher Basement Systems and has its distribution center in our neighboring building across the parking lot. Foundation Supportworks and Thrasher Basement Systems are both owned and operated by Greg Thrasher. Greg and Thrasher Basement Systems have been solving foundation problems for over 35 years. FSI is a manufacturer of cutting edge foundation products for both new construction and retrofit applications. FSI consults with many of the best foundation contractors in North America.

Don will be working in the engineering department as a Senior Application Engineer. Don's work will be focused in the areas of product development, product verification testing, preliminary design applications, and the development of technical documents and presentations.

Jeff Kortan, P.E., Director of Engineering for FSI, welcomes Don to the team. "We are eager to have Don join the FSI team. His product knowledge from past research and testing and his overall experience with the design and installation of helical foundation systems make Don an exciting addition to our growing company. Don's hire further positions FSI as a leader in the foundation stabilization industry."

"I am very excited about joining this outstanding, forward-thinking company," says Deardorff. "Foundation Supportworks has developed a competitive business model with a dedicated focus on their customers. I am honored to be a part of the company's continued growth."

Don attended the University of Missouri-Rolla and graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. After obtaining his Bachelor's degree, he worked as a consulting environmental and geotechnical engineer in Missouri and Wisconsin.

Don was hired by Hubbell Power Systems/Chance Civil Construction in January 2005 as a Senior Engineer. He continued with graduate studies and obtained his Master of Science degree in Engineering in 2007. He is currently in the dissertation phase of the Ph.D program.

Thrasher Basement Systems Acquires National Radon Defense

Mon, November 23 2009, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems recently acquired National Radon Defense and now offers both radon testing and mitigation services. The radon testing equipment we use is calibrated annually to ensure accurate readings. Once it has been determined that radon levels in a home are above the recommended levels, a mitigation system is designed specifically for each home. With input from the homeowner, a mitigation system will be designed and installed to effectively reduce radon in the home to a safe level.

Dan and Heather Thrasher welcome baby girl!

Mon, November 2 2009, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems / FSI welcomes a new baby to the team! Congratulations to Director of Operations, Dan Thrasher, his wife, Heather and big brother, Jack. Alayna Grace Thrasher was born on Saturday, October 31st at 5:15 PM. She weighs 7 lbs. 11 oz. and is 20 inches long.

Thrasher hosts National Management Training

Mon, October 19 2009, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems acted as a host for a national management training October 14th and 15th, 2009. Our sister company - Foundation Supportworks hosted over 20 representatives from around the country to educate on topics such as leadership styles and principles, hiring, orientation and record keeping, employee types, rewards and recognition and more. The training lasted two days and was specifically geared for supervisors, managers and those in leadership positions. Thrasher Basement Systems provides service to both residential and commercial clients around Nebraska and Iowa.

Thrasher Softball Team wins 3 in a row!!

Mon, October 19 2009, 00:00:00 -500

When we aren't fixing wet basements, bowing basement walls, settling foundations, and damp crawlspaces, the Thrasher team likes to socialize on the softball diamond with other Omaha based companies. The team is made up of several managers, several inspectors that handle free estimates, and a few of the guys that install our patented systems. The competition is great, but we have a lot of fun even when we don't win the game!!

Service Manager Nick Rohe and his wife Kim have a baby girl

Mon, October 19 2009, 00:00:00 -500

Nick Rohe and his wife Kim welcomed a new baby girl to their family this week. Ellie Rohe was born on Thursday, October 15th. Congratulations Nick, Kim, and Gracie on the addition to your family!!

Thrasher Basement Systems hires new Marketing Coordinator!!

Tue, September 29 2009, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems, Inc. is proud to announce it has hired a new Marketing Coordinator. Jenny Thompson brings a fresh perspective and will be able to take our marketing efforts to a new level. She has a background in project management and customer relations. She will be working in the community to develop relationships with key organizations in Nebraska and Iowa.

Thrasher Supports Special Olympics

Tue, August 25 2009, 00:00:00 -500

As a sponsor of the Institute of Real Estate Management's (IREM) golf outing to raise money for Special Olympics we were able to have 6 employees participate in the outing and silent auction that followed. The event was a great success raising money for a good cause. It also gave the participants a great opportunity to network with property managers and contractors from around the Omaha area.

Thrasher Wins Awards!!

Wed, August 19 2009, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems had 14 of our 90 employees present at the Basement Systems & Foundation Supportworks Annual Convention. It was a great opportunity to learn the latest about basement waterproofing, foundation repair, and crawlspace encapsulation. The event featured several inspiring presenters as well as a round table forum for learning the newest technologies in the industry.

Thrasher Basement Systems was honored as we took home awards in several categories for basement waterproofing and foundation repair. Thrasher was the #1 dealer in North America for foundation repair and helical anchors systems out of over 60 companies!! Thrasher was also recognized as the 5th largest waterproofing contractor out of over 130 in the international network of basement waterproofing professionals.

Thrasher Hosts National Training

Tue, July 14 2009, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems acted as a host for a national seminar on commercial foundation repair. Our sister company- Foundation Supportworks hosted over 35 representatives from around the country to educate on installing deep foundations for commercial structures. Thrasher Basement Systems provides service to both residential and commercial clients around Nebraska and Iowa.

Northwest Missouri Flooded

Fri, June 26 2009, 00:00:00 -500

With rain continuing to pound the Northwest Missouri region, Thrasher Basement Systems has devoted extra resources to the area. Many basements are flooded with water, and many foundation walls are bowing and buckling under the pressure. We have had several crews working in the Maryville area for the last several weeks. We will continue to have consultants working the area to give free estimates to those in need. While we have so many crews working in the area we will be able to give the best solutions for the best price!!

Thrasher Chosen as Judge for Integrity Awards

Fri, June 26 2009, 00:00:00 -500

The Better Business Bureau recently requested that Greg Thrasher, President & Owner of Thrasher Basement Systems, serve as a judge for the 2009 Better Business Bureau Integrity Awards. Thrasher is a two-time winner of the award most recently in 2008, therefore not eligible to win the award for the next three years. Greg is honored to review nominations for this year's award, and assist in choosing the winners. Thrasher Basement Systems continues its mission "To be the best in our industry, and to "wow" our customers every step of the way."

Foundation Supportworks Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting

Mon, June 1 2009, 00:00:00 -500

Greg and Nancy Thrasher started Thrasher Basement Systems, Inc. in Earling, Iowa in 1975. Thirty-four years later, Thrasher Basement Systems continues to be a trusted name in the basement waterproofing and foundation repair industry. Greg and Nancy's newest endeavor, along with partner Larry Janesky of Basement Systems in Seymour, Connecticut, is Foundation Supportworks, Inc. (FSI), a company that designs and distributes premier foundation repair and stabilization products to dealers across the United States and Canada. Foundation Supportworks' products bring structural integrity to commercial and residential foundations by repairing settling, bowing, cracked and damaged commercial, municipal and residential foundations as well as offering foundation stabilization in new construction applications.

FSI employs 10 people in Omaha and Connecticut and their new 27,000 square foot facility was built because as business grows, more warehouse space will be needed for more inventory and more employees. FSI currently distributes product to and continually trains its network of 45+ installation contractors across the United States and Canada.

Greg Thrasher says, "We are truly excited to house Foundation Supportworks right here in Omaha. Our new company is a nationwide 'hub' for what is going on in the foundation repair and stabilization industry and has positioned us as national experts. Thrasher's customers benefit from that experience and expertise every day."

"Foundation Supportworks' commitment to invest in Greater Omaha demonstrates our city's ability to continually attract new investment," said David G. Brown, President and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber. "This is a perfect example of an established Omaha company, Thrasher Basement Systems, taking advantage of our thriving business environment. Through this unique partnership, the companies are poised to bring even more jobs to our metro area."

On Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 4:00pm Greg and Nancy Thrasher along with the Greater Omaha Chamber will host community leaders and guests at the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of Foundation Supportworks' new building at 12332 Cary Circle, Omaha, NE 68128.

Thrasher Basement Systems is Here to Help During Spring Allergy Season

Mon, March 16 2009, 00:00:00 -500

According to Forbes.com in 2004, Omaha ranked as the 70th worst city for spring allergies. In 2008, Omaha was ranked as the 64th worst city for spring allergies which signals that the problem is getting worse. Even though Omaha is better than average for having board-certified allergists per patient, the pollen score is worse than the average. Many residents in Nebraska and Iowa, young and established, suffer from seasonal allergies.

Thrasher Basement Systems, Inc., a trusted name in the residential basement waterproofing and foundation repair industries for 33 years, is here to help with their high performance dehumidification and air filtration system called SaniDry. SaniDry eliminates damp, musty odor in basements or crawlspaces by drying and filtering the air. The basement or crawlspace of a home is part of the inside of a building as a whole. If there is high humidity and musty odors downstairs, it will dramatically affect the upstairs environment. Therefore, by drying a basement or crawlspace, the SaniDry will help the entire house as a whole to be drier and healthier.

Mold, in particular, is a growing concern and a basement is a great place for mold to grow. Mold and mildew are musty smelling fungi that thrive in moist conditions. Keeping humidity down reduces the chances for mold to grow. In general, mold will not grow at less than 50% relative humidity, and the SaniDry keeps the air below 50% relative humidity. Of course, any groundwater, plumbing or other leaks should be fixed, as part of a strategy to eliminate mold. Mold spores will certainly irritate someone with allergies.

The number one allergen however, is the fecal matter of dust mites. Dust mites don't drink water, but absorb it out of the air. In order to live, dust mites need relative humidity over 50%, and the SaniDry Basement Air System will reduce the relative humidity below 50% and dust mites will die off. Nancy Thrasher, Vice President, says, "I have a SaniDry in my own home--not only because of health concerns, but also because it reduces the amount of dust throughout my house. We consider the SaniDry one of the best kept secrets for homes with high humidity and for allergy sufferers. We are letting the secret out in hopes that this product can help a lot of people."

Closing Out 2008 with Awards and Expansion

Tue, December 30 2008, 00:00:00 -500

Omaha, Nebraska, 12/30/08 -- Thrasher Basement Systems, Inc., a trusted name in the residential basement waterproofing and foundation repair industries for 33 years, attended the annual Basement Systems convention in Seymour, Connecticut, in fall 2008 and received two prestigious awards. Thrasher was named the #1 dealer in their size of market based on annual gross sales. They also were named the #5 dealer in the entire Basement Systems international network. Basement Systems is a network with more than 300 basement waterproofing contractors and crawlspace environment specialists throughout North America, the United Kingdom and Ireland.

When presented the awards, Greg Thrasher (president and founder of Thrasher) thanked all of his dedicated employees for their hard work and efforts for quality service every step of the way. He said, "We couldn't have won these awards without our entire staff's commitment to quality work and customer service that 'wows' the customer. These awards belong to them."

2008 was a huge year of growth for Thrasher including an employee increase of 75 to almost 100 employees. Annual gross sales increased 12.31 percent between 2007 and 2008. Additionally, Thrasher started Foundation Supportworks, Inc., a company that designs and distributes premier foundation repair and stabilization products to dealers across the United States and Canada. Foundation Supportworks brings structural integrity to commercial and residential foundations, repairing settling, bowing, cracked, and damaged commercial, municipal and residential foundations. Dave Thrasher of Foundation Supportworks says, "We are truly excited to house Foundation Supportworks right here in Omaha. Our new company is a nationwide 'hub' for what is going on in the foundation repair and stabilization industry, and Thrasher's customers benefit from that every day."

Founded in 1975 by Greg Thrasher in Earling, Iowa, Thrasher Basement Systems, Inc. is today one of the largest waterproofing and foundation repair contractors in Nebraska, western Iowa, northwestern Missouri and the southeastern tip of South Dakota.

Thrasher Wins the BBB's Integrity Award!

Thu, September 25 2008, 00:00:00 -500

Thrasher Basement Systems is so thrilled to have won the Better Business Bureau's Business Integrity Award for the second time. We won the same award in 2000, received Honorable Mention for the award in 2006, and were a finalist in 2007. The excitement is not so much in simply winning something, it is in having our employees be recognized for their honesty, integrity and great customer service. One of our five core values is Integrity, so this award is very special...it shows we are living our values!

Nick Rohe Hired as Service Manager

Wed, August 27 2008, 00:00:00 -500

It's an exciting time here as Thrasher Basement Systems takes customer service to a new level. In addition to our already great staff in our Service Department, we hired Nick Rohe as our Service Manager. Nick has lots of construction and customer service experience and so he is a great addition to our staff, and I know our customers will think that too.

Thrasher Basement Systems Wants to Wow Its Customers

Tue, August 26 2008, 00:00:00 -500

Last fall we adopted a new company mission which drives everything we do. That mission is: "To be the best in the industry. To 'wow' our customers every step of the way." Our mission is literally written on our walls as a reminder of who we want to be to our customers. Those of us who just attended the Basement Systems annual convention in Connecticut were thrilled to hear that the entire Basement Systems network across North America and the UK is determined to provide "WOW Service!" to all its customers. We came away from the conference feeling so encouraged to live out our mission of customer service. On September 16, 2008, we'll kick off a year-long employee training and spend the whole year learning more and more ways to "wow" our customers. Our customers are worth it!

Thrasher Basement is #5 in Basement Systems Network

Tue, August 26 2008, 00:00:00 -500

A number of Thrasher Basement Systems employees just returned from the Basement Systems annual convention in Connecticut. We had a wonderful time and learned a lot about the awesome products we install for our customers and, more importantly, how to serve our customers even better. Based on our total sales, we were given an award for being the #5 dealer in the Basement Systems network of hundreds of basement waterproofing dealers across North America and the UK. We have our great and loyal customers to thank for this award, and we are honored to be this region's trusted resource for waterproofing, crawlspace encapsulation and foundation repair!

Thrasher Just Won an Award!

Fri, May 16 2008, 00:00:00 -500

Just last Tuesday, Thrasher Basement Systems was awarded the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce 2008 Omaha 25 Excellence in Business Award. What a great honor! We were awarded because of our growth, our business practices and our customer service. We received this same award in 2006. I am very proud to work for a company that strives for such excellence!