Leaky Basement Repair

Helitech received a Remodelers of Distinction Award for Waterproofing Renovation as given by the Home Builder’s Remodelers Council of Greater Southwest Illinois. Read about our Leaky Basement Repair project below!

Description of the scope of the project:

A flooring company was working in the home when they discovered severe water issues and decided a waterproofing company was needed for repair work. The basement was finished, which blocked access to fully investigate the issue, it was determined there were serious water problems as well as potential structural issues.

In order to fully diagnose the problem, the homeowner needed to remove the basement framing and drywall to expose the foundation. Once the foundation was exposed, there were severe structural cracks throughout the whole foundation from hydrostatic pressure build-up.

The solution was to install a full waterproofing system, alongside crack injections and structural repair.

Project description of the steps you took to accomplish the end result:

A plan of repair was put together to solve the water issues, alongside repairing the structural damage to the foundation.

Waterproofing System: The Hydraway Drainage System uses a four-step process:

1. The first step was to roll out a double layer of Hydraway and insert it vertically, next to the foundation’s footing. Hydraway was placed in this position as it is the lowest part in the house where water drains to. Hydraway acts as a channel for the water to be drained out of the interior of the home.
   
2. Next, the bridging material was placed on top of the footing and against the foundation wall in an L-shape. The bridging material was used to catch any water that may drain from the foundation wall and direct it to Hydraway below. Hydraway was also used to relieve any hydrostatic pressure against the new foundation walls.
   
3. A hole was dug out in the corner of the basement and placed inside was a sump pit container. The Hydraway connects to the sump pit and inside, the sump pump was installed.
   
4. The final step of the waterproofing portion of the project was to pour the entire concrete floor, on top of the drainage system.

Wall Paneling System: Rigid panels were secured directly to the basement walls. This not only enhanced the look of the basement, but also protects the basement from any further moisture that may enter.

Crack Repair: The foundation was also structurally repaired by injecting epoxy into the cracks in the walls, with the additional utilization of Carbon fiber for structural support.

1. The first step was to inject epoxy into the crack to stop water leakage.
   
2. The walls were prepared for installation by sanding the area clean of debris.
   
3. Injections ports were installed and sealed off.
   
4. Specially formulated epoxy was injected into the crack through the ports.
   
5. The surface was then prepared for the carbon fiber installation and primer was applied.
   
6. The carbon fiber material was applied to the surface of the wall to cover the crack.
   
7. A final layer of epoxy was applied over the carbon fiber for protection and to secure the material.

The homeowner was ecstatic with the results and solution of their water issue. They now have peace of mind that their home is in sound shape again.

Obstacles faced such as Homeowner requirements, unusual site, unexpected situations (what was behind that wall), mold, lead, design restrictions, etc.

Access was limited as the basement was finished. In order to fully diagnose the problem, the homeowner needed remove the basement framing and drywall to expose the foundation. Once the foundation was exposed, there were severe structural cracks throughout the entire foundation as a result of hydrostatic pressure build-up.

This project was done during a time when there was heavy rain in the area, which was difficult to work in from not only a standpoint of continual leaking, but also from tracking mud and other debris into the home. The installation crew worked diligently to ensure any mess that occurred from the rains was cleaned up before the job was completed.

Unique Products

Hydraway has a specially engineered design that permits high in-flow rates for rapid dewatering of soil, while effectively preventing passage of soil particles. It is made of a heavy-duty, clog resistant geotextile fabric, permanently bonded to lattice core of 75% available open space for water. The design of Hydraway allows it to relieve hydrostatic pressure by acting as a shallow underdrain. The Hydraway is a cost effective and superior performing replacement for the “French” drain, or other conventional “drain-tile” systems.

Hydraway is a drain board system used to relieve hydrostatic pressure and capture any flowing water along subsurface structures, such as basement or crawl space foundations, retaining walls, or civil applications.

Our Paneling System consists of rigid panels that are directly secured to basement walls, as each panel is custom fit with matching connectors. This not only enhances the look of the basement, but also protects the basement from any moisture that may enter.

Epoxy was injected to seal the existing cracks in wall from further leakage. The injected cracks were then covered with a carbon fiber material, Carbon fiber, to prevent any further separation