Basement Waterproofing Repair services by Ayers Basement Systems

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Basement Waterproofing Photo Album: Solving Major Water Problems in Lansing, MI Basement

Our customer called after dealing with water leaking into their basement for a year. It was coming in through cracks in the walls, seeping in through the floor, you name it. They had tried to seal the cracks by spraying rubber spray paint but - you guessed it - it didn't work. It was humid and moldy and you could see daylight through the wall cracks, they were that bad. After installing the WaterGuard below floor drain system and a sump pump to remove the standing water resulting from the leaks, we replaced all of the windows, which were a major source of the leaks. We also encapsulated the space with CleanSpace vapor barrier to help protect the walls from the major ambient moisture problem, and installed a SaniDry XP dehumidifier to mitigate the problem.

Visible Cracks in Leaking Lansing Basement Wall

Every wall in the basement had cracks of varying severity - the leaks have been occurring for long enough that the walls are crumbling a little.

Ineffective Solutions to Wall Crack Repair

As shown in the bottom left corner, the homeowners tried to seal the cracks with rubber spray paint. This may work for a day or two, but paint - even rubberized paint - is no match for water. This corner was one of the more severe points of water damage. Note the extensive water damage to the wall on the left, the bucket in place to catch running water. The cat has nothing to do with this, but when has that ever stopped a cat?

Water Damage Around Windows

We've said it before, and we'll say it again. If you want a window in your basement, it should be installed by a basement company. Installing windows below grade takes a special skill set, otherwise you end up with leaks like this.

Extensive Water Damage to Walls

As shown here, the damage extended to every wall.

Close-up of Spray Paint "Fix"

Water leaks don't care about your spray paint, or your caulk, or your spray foam insulation. Water following gravitational pull has carved out paths in mountains - spray paint is not a worthy opponent.

Dangerous Water Leaks Near Electrical Outlet

Here we see more of the attempt to seal leaks with rubberized spray paint. And evidence that it did not work. Also note the rust on the /electrical line/ which means there is running water way too close to electricity.

Water Damage Below Window

This entire wall has water damage, but it's most severe, again, below the window. This is a major sign of an improperly installed window. Even the cat is concerned (no it's not).

Insufficient Drainage System Exacerbates Water Issues

The home didn't have a sump pump, even though it clearly desperately needed one. It just had this gutter (inside?) to drain setup, which we can tell how effective it was considering they'd given up and just started leaving the mop over there.

Multitude of Wall Cracks in Leaking Basement

It's harder to find a spot where there aren't cracks than to spot a crack here. This explains the widespread nature of the water damage.

Moldy, Rusty Pipes in Leaking Basement

In addition to the leaks causing flooding and standing water, the ambient moisture in the basement was out of control. Look how rusty fixtures that are nowhere near the floor have become. And the white stuff? Yeah that's mold.

Thermometer Displays Humidity Problems

As shown on the display, the relative humidity in the basement is almost 80%. This place is a playground for mold.

Close-up of Inadequate Floor Drain

The floor drain only works if the entire floor is sloped down to it, which would be inconvenient in a floor. The cracking and erosion surrounding the drain make it clear that it's inadequate for the basement's drainage needs.

Wet Wooden Support Beams

The excessive humidity in the basement compromises wooden supports like this one.

Poorly Installed Basement Window Causes Trouble

Just look around the perimeter of this window - pretty easy to see where the water is coming from.

Visible Crack in Outside of Foundation

Remember how we said that the customer could see daylight through parts of the basement wall? Here's why.

Leaking Window Causing Water Damage

If you can see space between the window frame and your foundation, you have a problem.

CleanSpace Protects Basement

By encapsulating the basement walls with CleanSpace vapor barrier, the water will run from the walls down into the newly installed WaterGuard, where it will be directed to the sump pump and outside through the discharge lines. The vapor barrier will protect the basement itself from the ambient moisture and humidity.

New Egress Window for Lansing Basement

A new egress window and window well will mitigate the leaks originating from the windows - we replaced all four existing windows with setups like this.

New Drainage Solutions for Basement

Shown here: new egress window, CleanSpace vapor barrier encapsulation, and new discharge lines. These will work in conjunction to keep the basement dry.

View of New Window from Above

Drainage stone in the window well helps encourage the water to drain into the soil rather than accumulating.

Sump Pump Aids in Effective Water Removal

A real sump pump - not just a floor drain - will allow the water to be removed no matter where the leak originates.

IceGuard Provides the Finishing Touch

IceGuard on the discharge lines ensures that even if the lines freeze - which can happen in frigid temperatures - the water still has a way out, and won't end up back in the basement.