Basement Waterproofing Photo Album: Waterproofing and Refinishing a Wet Basement in Okemos, MI

A customer from long ago called us with water issues in a different house. The basement was finished by water damage was beginning to affect the floors around the perimeter of the basement, and it was unknown what was lurking behind the rest of the finishes. There was also a huge iron ochre problem, which necessitates a special system to prevent clogging by nasty iron ochre bacteria. Waterproofing the basement required removing some of the finishes, and some were already destroyed by water anyway, so after installing a waterproofing system with cross tile drainage and a new Ultra Sump pump, we installed new carpet, tile, and Everlast wall panels to restore that finished look to the basement.

Water Damage Stains Floor Tiles

Sometimes it's hard to spot water damage if you aren't really looking for it. But when iron ochre is involved and turning your water rust-colored, it's a little easier. Here, you can see the obvious water pooling in this corner.

Staining from Iron Ochre Water

Yum! What you're seeing isn't actually rust, but iron ochre bacteria present in the water.

Water Damage Ruins Linoleum

Outside of the staining, you can see the rippling in this linoleum - it's toast. Even the trusty shop vac isn't enough to keep up with the influx of water.

Inefficient Sump Pump Can't Handle Water

First, note the damage from the iron ochre. Secondly, while this pump was doing its best, it's almost impossible to keep up with a wet basement without some kind of perimeter system to actually direct the water to the sump pump.

Special Waterproofing System for Iron Ochre

Because iron ochre bacteria causes a kind of sludge that clogs up normal systems, we use a special, larger drainage system for our perimeter waterproofing in homes with the problem. It still installs below the floor and won't disturb your new finishes.

Floor Restoration After Installation

Once everything is installed, we pour new concrete to return the floor to normal. After this any flooring that you desire can be installed.

Everlast Wall Panels Complete the Finished Look

Since we had to cut away the bottom portion of the walls due to water damage and to be able to remove the floor for installation, we replaced the removed portions with Everlast wall panels, which are not only aesthetically pleasing, but waterproof.

Waterproofing Tight Spaces

We can get into every nook and cranny when installing a waterproofing system.

SaniDry Takes Care of Ambient Moisture

Outside of actual standing water, ambient moisture can also wreak havoc in a basement by warping beams and even finishes. A dehumidifier like the SaniDry keeps the ambient moisture at bay and your basement dry and comfortable.

Installation in Progress

We had to cut away the damaged bottom portion of the walls to have room to install our waterproofing system, which you can see in progress here.

Everlast Wall Panels Provide Finished Look

Think of Everlast panels just like any other finishes you could install - they can accommodate trim, outlets, and everything else.

Waterproof Carpet in Finished Basement

The great thing about our flooring options, like the carpet shown, is that they're built to be installed in areas with known water problems. That means they're waterproof and don't harbor mold.

New Flooring and Walls in Waterlogged Bathroom

No more shop vac for this bathroom! New waterproof flooring and Everlast panels spruce the place up quite a bit.

Cross Tile Helps Direct Water

In very large basements, or basements that might have more than one "low spot" that water gravitates toward, we install cross tile to help the water direct to the sump pump.