Photo Album: Waterproofing and Stabilizing a Grand Rapids Basement

Our customers first called in 2012 with water leaking through a few of their basement walls. They didn't go through with the project at that time, but called us back in January with the same problem, only now the leaks were worse and the walls were bowing. We installed a full perimeter system of WaterGuard and tied it into their existing sump pump. We also covered the affected walls with Brightwall to give everything a clean look while keeping it waterproofed, and used PowerBraces to stabilize the bowing walls.

Cracks and Decay in Waterlogged Wall

In addition to the visible cracks, which are leaking water, peeling paint and discoloration are signs of water influx in the walls and floor.

Closeup of Leaking Basement Wall

The discoloration on the portions of wall visible where the paint has peeled off is staining related to water and mold. It can take longer to notice water problems when any basement finishes are in place, but they're lurking.

Rotting Wood Paneling in Wet Basement

More staining, along with literal rotting of wood paneling, show the extent of the basement's water issues.

Sump Pump Needs Assistance

The sump pump in the basement is fully functional, but without a perimeter system collecting and directing the water to it, it can't do its job.

Bowed Walls in Wet Basement

Both of these walls were beginning to bow, which was made worse by the leaks. The combination of leaks weakening the walls and the soil shift outside bowing the walls could put the structure of the foundation at risk.

Water Leaking Through Walls in Grand Rapids Basement

This wide shot shows how pervasive the water problem is in this basement. The entirety of the walls is stained from water influx and floor staining indicates standing water issues.

Beginning the WaterGuard Installation Process

We need to remove the perimeter of the basement floor in order to install the WaterGuard system, so we use a jackhammer (and a lot of drop cloths) to remove the concrete.

PowerBraces Anchored in Slab

We anchor the PowerBraces into the slab at the bottom and the joists at the top to ensure full protection.

Drainage Stone Assists in Water Dispersal

By placing drainage stone between the WaterGuard and the new concrete we'll pour, we can help the water disperse more evenly to prevent a backup in the event of a large amount of water.

PowerBraces Installed on Bowing Wall

Note the gaps toward the top between the wall and the PowerBraces - that indicates bowing. We installed them along both bowing walls, and over time will tighten them to hopefully straighten the walls.

Brightwall Keeps Water Away

In place of the peeling paint, we installed Brightwall panels. The Brightwall system is waterproof and inorganic, which means mold can't grow on it, and it can be tied right into the WaterGuard to make quick work of any entering water.

Clean, Bright Basement with Brightwall

In addition to helping keep the water under control, Brightwall panels, well, brighten the basement's appearance. They're easy to keep clean with no risk of warping from water.

Inspection Ports Allow Easy Access to WaterGuard

The inspection port visible toward the right side of the photo allows us to access the WaterGuard system for annual maintenance or in the event of needed service.

The Finished Product

With WaterGuard and Brightwall in place to keep the basement dry, and PowerBraces stabilizing the bowing walls, the basement is in much better shape.

Outdoor Accessories Improve Water Discharge

Installing IceGuard on the discharge line on the outside of the house prevents backups in the event of a frozen line, and the Lawnscape outlet visible in the lawn allows us to bury the line, eliminating trip hazards and landscaping problems.