Before & After Photos

The building manager for a library in Worcester, MA initially reached out to us with concerns about the building's radon levels. The library had closed due to radon testing, and their levels were so high that they were not permitted to reopen. The levels were as high as 19 pCi/L in some public-facing areas of the library. This is much higher than the EPA's radon action level of 4 pCi/L. They needed a mitigation solution as quickly as possible, and they needed their levels lowered as much as possible. We initially installed a radon mitigation system in the library. This got their levels very low. However, they wanted to get the levels as low as possible due to the amount of people that come to the library every day.

We were able to help them with this project! We installed an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) in the basement of the library. We anchored a mounting plate to the wall, and then mounted the ERV to the wall. We began connecting the ductwork between the ERV and the outside vents. The intake vent is strategically placed to ensure that the air being brought into the building is the best possible quality -- so it is located away from driveways, as well as anything else that might bring in bad air such as HVAC vents or dryer vents. ERV intake vents are placed at least 10 feet apart from any exhaust vents. We also installed ductwork that brings the old air into the system and pushes the fresh air out of the system. The ERV works by removing stale indoor air from their basement and venting it outside. The fresh outside air gets pulled into the building. While the ERV is running, the temperature and humidity are transferred between the different air streams. For example, as it was a warm spring day, the hot, humid air was being pre-cooled and dehumidified by the air conditioned interior air. In the winter, it would be the opposite -- the cold outside air was being warmed and humidified by the inside air prior to it entering the building. The ERV transfers the temperature and humidity, but does not transfer any larger particles or toxins, which makes it perfect for people who are concerned about their radon exposure. We combined this with a radon mitigation system in order to ensure their radon levels were as low as possible. ERVs are amazing -- able to reduce radon levels 50-75% on average! Now, the library has an efficient mitigation strategy so that they can stay open! 

This homeowner in Southborough, MA called us hoping to get her radon fan evaluated. The fan was making a lot of noise and she wanted to get it fixed. However, the company that had installed it almost 15 years prior had closed, and she did not know what to do. Our radon specialist came out to her home to see what was going on. He found that the fan needed to be replaced, as it could not be fixed. 

We were able to help this customer. We utilize many different radon fans depending on many different factors. We chose the perfect fan for her home. We removed the old fan and replaced it with the brand new one. We also replaced the manometer. We then were able to test the system to ensure that it was functioning. It was much more quiet, and the homeowner was very happy! 

This homeowner in Southborough, MA called us hoping to talk about her radon fan. It was making a lot of noise, and she believed it needed to be fixed. Our radon specialist came out to the home to identify what was going on with her fan, and what she would need. Her fan was unable to be fixed, and it needed to be replaced.

We were able to help this customer! We replaced her old, broken fan with a brand new one. We utilize many different radon fans, depending on the specifics of the home. After identifying the perfect fan, we removed the old one. We then installed the new one in its place. We also replaced the manometer on the inside of the home and labeled the radon pipe appropriately. We finally tested the system to ensure it was functioning. Now, the homeowner is very happy! 

This homeowner in Longmeadow, MA called us saying that her basement had water in it, as well as mold and musty odors. She had a sump pump, but it was not working effectively.

In order to help this customer, we first had to remove the ineffective sump pump and the pipes that were attached to it. We then set to work replacing it. We replaced it with our TripleSafe™ sump pump. This sump pump features three pumps! The first pump is a 1/3 hp, cast iron Zoeller pump that can pump up to 2200 gallons per hour, 8 feet high. Should the first pump fail or not be able to keep up with the temporary heavy flow of water, a 1/2 hp AC back-up pump on a separate discharge line can pump 3900 gallons of water per hour. If the power fails, then a third, battery operated "UltraSump" pump automatically pumps up to 12,000 gallons of water out of the basement.

Now, this homeowner will have peace of mind that she has three pumps keeping her basement dry! 

This homeowner in Otis, MA needed a new window in order to ensure that he would have a secondary way to get out of his basement in case of emergency. Unfortunately, there was not a pre-existing window in the basement, as is often the case. Additionally, there was not a straightforward spot to put the window due to the terrain around the home.

Luckily, Fogarty's was able to identify a spot that the window would be able to go into. We then marked off where the mini-excavator should remove dirt, rocks, and other material from around the space. We then measured out and marked where the window would ideally go. We found that putting the window in the closet would be the best spot, and marked that part of the drywall and tore it out.  On the outside, we prepped and cut the foundation so that it would fit the egress window. We then framed the window and installed it. Once we finished that, we were able to install the window well around it. The homeowner and his family loved the window, and their basement will stay safe and comfortable for years to come!