How to Waterproof a Basement
Challenge
Like many homeowners across the US, Ron Hazelton had a flooding basement which kept him awake during heavy rain periods. The problem was so serious that after each storm he had to use a mop and a floor sucker to get rid of the rising waters.
After a particularly messy flooding episode, he decided that it was time to get the problem solved once and for all. He scoured the internet for companies providing state-of-the-art basement waterproofing solutions -- and found Basement Systems.
Larry Janesky, the company’s owner, came to inspect Ron’s home. After a thorough evaluation, Larry was able to explain to Ron exactly what the problem was and what would be the perfect solution.
Like many others with similar problems, Ron’s basement was flooding because during heavy rains the ground around his house would oversaturate with water. Hydrostatic pressure would begin to build up and push water against the wall. Following the path of least resistance, the water would then find its way into the basement through its weakest spot: the joint between the foundation walls and floor.
More evidence of this problem was found all over the basement walls, in the form of efflorescence. Efflorescence is a chalky, powdery substance that builds up on basement walls when mineral-saturated water infiltrates the concrete and then evaporates into the basement, leaving these mineral salts behind.
The solution for this type of problem resides in relieving the hydrostatic pressure by installing an internal perimeter drainage system. The system intercepts water before it enters the basement, diverts it to a sump pump system, and then evacuates it out and as far away from the foundation as possible.
Larry and his crew at Basement Systems installed a full perimeter WaterGuard basement drainage system, and a TripleSafe sump pump system with two backup pumps, so that Ron can rest assured his basement will stay dry no matter how heavy the rains – and even in case of a power outage!
The unsightly, efflorescence stained walls were covered with BrightWall acrylic panels. These panels not only spruce up the look of the walls, but they also act as a vapor barrier and intercept any water coming through the concrete walls, diverting it to the perimeter drainage.
Ron can now enjoy peace of mind and sleep soundly through storms, knowing that his basement now has the best protection against flooding available in the industry!