Foundation Repair Photo Album: Crumbling Midland, MI Basement Gets Some Reinforcements

Our customer called with basement walls that were cracked and leaking. This led to frequent standing water and, since there was no sump pump installed, no useful way to get rid of it. They ran a dehumidifier pretty much constantly, but it wasn't staying ahead of the problem. We installed a full waterproofing system, including the WaterGuard below-floor drain system and a Super Sump sump pump. We also installed eleven PowerBrace wall reinforcement beams to strengthen and straighten the affected walls, and new support joists along the ceiling at PowerBrace install points.

Horizontal Crack in Basement Block Wall

Wall cracks are usually a sign of a foundation problem, and left alone for too long can lead to total wall failure.

Duct Tape is Not an Effective Crack Repair Method

While we're sure this was a method of noting the location of a crack, rather than an attempt at repair, it's still important to note that wall cracks cannot be repaired with tape, glue, caulk, or happy thoughts.

Eroding Block Wall in Basement

The block wall is eroding and weakening, upping the chance for wall failure in the basement.

Stairstep Crack in Block Basement Wall

This stairstep crack is another sign of wall failure. Note the darkened area around the crack - this is a point of entry for water. The water is a double-edged sword, as it floods the basement and also continues weakening the wall.

Extensive Wall Crack in Block Basement Wall

Our friendly piece of duct tape from earlier can be seen at the left side of the photo. This is a large crack, indicative of a major problem.

Outside View of Basement Wall Cracks

Evidence that a wall crack is rarely just an inside problem. These cracks travel all the way to the outside of the wall, which explains the water problem.

WaterGuard Installation in Progress

The WaterGuard track is installed around the perimeter of the basement, allowing water to drain to the sump pump.

Super Sump Removes Water from Basement

The WaterGuard is tied into the Super Sump sump pump, allowing water to drain directly into the pump and immediately be directed to discharge lines.

PowerBrace and Joist Installation

The PowerBraces are supported across the ceiling by new joists.

PowerBraces Installed to Reinforce and Straighten Wall

Eleven PowerBraces were installed on the affected walls. The braces provide support to the wall structure to prevent it from cracking further or, worse yet, caving in. Also shown, the result of the WaterGuard installation after new concrete is poured to restore the floor.