Basement Waterproofing and Finishing in Swansea, IL

Challenge

A leaky basement can be a problem if you are wanting to finish the basement in the future.  Leroy was having this issue in his house in Swansea, IL.  Luckily, living in Illinois he was an Ameren customer which meant he was able to get a free Home Inspection by Woods Basement Systems.  A System Design Specialist came to his house to see if they could find a way to fix his basement for good and get it on the track to be finished.

Solution

WaterGuard was installed first.  This system was specifically engineered to solve basement water problems effectively without the worry of clogging.  This system intercepts water at the perimeter of the basement and drains it unseen safely away.  It then drains toward the Triple Safe Sump Pump that was installed second.  The Triple Safe includes two reliable cast iron Zoeller pumps and a battery back-up pump.  It performs quietly, efficiently, with smooth operation and water flow.

The water would then be pumped through the PVC pipes and through the IceGuard system and out the LawnScape.  IceGuard allows water to escape from the Triple Safe discharge line if the pipe freezes or becomes blocked for any reason.  Even if the LawnScape is buried under a foot of ice and snow the water can escape, allowing the Triple Safe to keep the basement dry.  When it thaws the water will run out from it like normal.  The LawnScape is the end of the long line.  This was places in the backyard away from the house so the water wouldn't damage anything.  Leroy also had a Trench Drain installed to prevent basement water damage from water seeping through doorways, garage doors and the downstairs.  This easily connects to the WaterGuard to make sure the water stays out.

After these water preventive systems were installed it was time to finish the basement.  Basement to Beautiful panels were installed.  The foam panels with integral studs, were fastened directly to the foundation walls.  They are inorganic so they will never rot, and mold can not grow on them.  EverLast Wall Panels were placed over the Basement to Beautiful.  These are made from cement board, covered with textured washable vinyl finish, and the rim is all plastic, all installed over metal studs.  So no mold has any chance of growing.

ThermalDry was then placed on the floor.  ThermalDry has raised pegs on the bottom of them to suspend the basement floor above the cold hard damp concrete floor, allowing the floor to breathe.  Water vapor does not get trapped in the finished flooring.  After the can lights and the rest of the electrical systems were installed, Prestige Ceiling panels found their way in the basement.  These panels are the most popular and specially textured to be forgiving of marks and dings.  Lastly, special paneled and louvered doors with levers were installed to complete the basement and to make it easier to enter into other rooms.  Now, Leroy's basement is waterproofed with the finished products as well as the systems made for keeping water out.