Basement Waterproofing Photo Album: Waterproofing with Egress Windows in Bath Twp, MI

Our customer called in need of an egress window in order to convert the basement to living space. There were some water problems, they noted, but they didn't want to deal with those - just the window. Well, when you're dealing with a basement, everything is interconnected. This doesn't mean it's more complicated - if anything, it makes it easier to handle because the best way to solve their problems was to install our WaterGuard system and tie all of the needed pieces right into it. We installed the WaterGuard system around the full perimeter of the basement, a new Super Sump pump, and discharge line with IceGuard and a Lawnscape Outlet. We also installed the new egress window, of course, and tied it into the WaterGuard system to prevent future leaks. By looking at the basement as a total system, it made much more sense to our customers to install the full waterproofing system at the same time, saving them time and headaches down the line.

Leaking Bath Twp Basement

There are multiple leak culprits in this photo. First there are the windows, which are very unlikely to be water-tight. Then we have the downspouts, which only extend about six feet away from the house, which means any water that flows out of them likely sinks down into the soil and right into the basement.

Insufficient Basement Window

While this is technically a window, in that it is a transparent portion of the wall, it doesn't meet building codes for livable space. It's also probably one of the causes for that water damage you can see on the floor.

Ineffective Drain in Bath Twp Basement

This scary swirling vortex is the existing floor drain in the customers' home. It's not an effective way of removing water from the basement, as it relies on gravity and soil absorption.

Removing Floor to Install WaterGuard

In order to install the WaterGuard below-floor drain system, we have to cut out a portion of the floor around the perimeter. After the system is installed, we pour new concrete to restore the floor.

Closer View of Water Damage

The darkened areas are indicative of water damage.

Installing WaterGuard Around Existing Fixtures

Contrary to what you might think, we don't have to destroy your basement in order to install WaterGuard! We do have to remove portions of the concrete slab, and may need to cut back parts of finished walls in order to access the perimeter of the room, but we can work around existing fixtures like this water heater.

WaterGuard Tied Into New Sump Pump

By tying the WaterGuard into the new sump pump, we can ensure that the water flows directly to it and it gets pumped out of the basement quickly.

IceGuard on Discharge Line

The thing about discharge lines is that they can freeze. They're buried underground and even the parts above ground are susceptible to snow and ice. When this happens, the water being pumped out of the basement has nowhere to go, so it could flow back into the basement and cause problems. But with the IceGuard system, you have a failsafe that allows the water to exit via holes at the top of the line rather than return to your basement.

Discharge Line Buried Underground

Burying the discharge line prevents it from being a headache during lawn maintenance. We extend the line far from the house to avoid simply emptying the water into the soil immediately surrounding the basement (and having it leak back in).

Floor Restored After WaterGuard Installation

After installing the WaterGuard system, we pour new concrete to restore the parts of the floor we cut away. Don't worry - it looks darker because it's still wet. In the right foreground, note the inspection port, which is installed in the event the WaterGuard track needs service.

New Egress Window Installed in Bath Twp Home

The new egress window is large enough to serve as an emergency exit - a major point in building codes for livable space. The well helps ensure the water-tight seal for the window.

Closer View of Window Well

The well has drainage stone to help the water along and prevent a muddy, soupy mess when it rains.

Area Surrounding Egress Window Filled In

After the window and well are secured, we fill in the soil to restore the yard. Having a code-compliant, water-tight window doesn't have to be an eyesore or an inconvenience!

Window Well Cover Protects from Elements

If you live in an area with a lot of wildlife, or just don't want to deal with leaves in your pretty new window well, we can install a cover that still allows light through but also protects from the elements.