Basement Waterproofing in St. Charles, MO

Challenge

Alma G. had a crack in her basement wall that was leaking water into her basement. Alma called Woods Basement Systems, where Systems Design Specialist came out to Alma's home to design a solution based on her needs. She needed a reliable solution that would help control any water entering her basement. 

Solution

The best solution for Alma was to install the WaterGuard® draining system, a TripleSafe™ sump pump, and the EverLast™ wall restoration panels.

Ryan Lovell and his team came out to install the draining system and sump pump. The bottom halves of the basement walls were removed, to prepare for the installation of the draining system. The team installed the sump pump liner, which holds the sump pump itself and the water directed by the WaterGuard® draining system. After the liner was installed, the team jack-hammered the perimeter of the wall where the system was to be installed. A layer of stone was set down with the perimeter drain placed on top. A layer of stone was placed to back-fill the area. The purpose of the placement of the drainage system underneath the base of the wall is to collect water from the wall-floor joint and the basement walls. The WaterGuard® drainage system has a wall flange, which collect water trickling down the wall, and is hardly noticeable. All water contained in the drainage system is directed to the sump pump.

With the drainage system installed, the team installed an outlet from the perimeter into the liner. Gravel was placed around the liner to discourage silt and sediment from entering the liner. The sump pump was placed inside, in this case two were installed. The TripleSafe™ sump pump includes a primary and secondary pump for use during severe rain, and battery back-up, which functions during power outages. Since two pumps were installed, two discharge lines were also installed. Additionally, the primary and secondary pumps are held in place by pump stands. The two stands are at different levels so the secondary pump will only pump during severe rain or as the primary pump slowly wears out over time. The sump pump was fitted with an airtight lid, which keeps odors and fumes from seeping through.

With the drainage system and sump pump in place, the team restored the floor, burying the WaterGuard® for a seamless look. Cement was placed over the WaterGuard® and around the sump pump area, and was carefully leveled to match the existing floor.

After the sump pump and the drainage system were installed, Quinton Westbrook and his team came to install the EverLast™ half-wall restoration panels. Alma had her basement finished with drywall, which could be damaged by flooding. The EverLast™ wall panels are waterproof, mold-resistant, and washable, which makes the panels ideal for the basement environment. The wall panels are on a grid system, which means they can be easily removed if a panel is damaged, or access is needed behind them.

Now, Alma can enjoy a basement that controls unwanted water, and beautifully finished basement wall.

Project Summary

Systems Design Specialist: Kevin Estes

Waterproofing Foreman: Ryan Lovell

TBF Foreman: Quinton Westbrook