Location: Godfrey, IL
Job Type: Basement Waterproofing
100 year old House Basement Waterproofing Solutions
Mr. M. contacted us due to constant leaking and water seeping into his basement. He and his wife loved their 100-year old home and wanted to preserve it in order to continue living in it for the rest of their lives. A major concern and setback, however was having a dry area that they could utilize as storage space
Problems Arise When Renovating an Old House's Basement
Due to the age of the home, the blocked walls were extremely permeable and the major source of the leaking. In addition, the existing basement floor was very thin and cracked which allowed seepage to enter. The M’s house is classified a “Pier and Beam” foundation, common in many older homes. Pier and beam foundations have advantages, but the major downfall is they are susceptible to problems such as cracking, seepage, unevenness, and mold due to moisture.
Existing Support Columns Cause Challenges in Basement Renovation
The work area in the M’s home was limited as we had to work around existing support columns (as seen in the “during” pictures). There was also limited access for concrete trucks due to a location on a major highway.
Basement Waterproofing Project near Alton Completed With Ease
The steps involved to provide a permanent, dry solution for the Smith’s included: removing all storage items from the basement, breaking up the existing floor, digging a trench around the perimeter of the foundation, installing the Hydraway Drainage System, and pouring a new concrete floor.
Mr. M. was in agreement that a total fix was necessary, which included removing all storage and utilities from the basement work area. Those utilities included: washer, dryer, sink, water heater, and all personal storage. The bottom two steps to the basement needed to be replaced before repairs could begin. The utility lines required removal off the wall. An outlet also needed installed for the proposed sump pump.
After the preliminary steps were completed, we were able to remove the entire existing floor. Due to the limited access, handheld drilling equipment was required.
The next steps consisted of digging a trench to allow space for the Hydraway 2000 to be installed around the perimeter of the foundation and down the center of the basement. The Hydraway 2000 was inserted vertically, alongside the footing to relieve pressure before any incoming water reaches the basement floor/slab elevation. By doing so, this protects the integrity of the newly poured floor.
The sump pit was inserted into the lowest part of the basement where water flows into from the Hydraway 2000. Inside of the pit, the sump pump and battery backup were installed to ensure peace of mind for the Smiths.
After all Hydraway installation steps were complete, the trench was backfilled with previously excavated soil.
In order to protect and brighten the existing blocked foundation walls, we installed the Hydrashield Wall Paneling System. Rigid Hydrashield panels were directly secured to the basement walls, custom fit with matching connectors.
The last step in this project was to pour back the concrete floor and leave the basement looking brand new.
The entire project was completed in 6 days.
A Word From the Homeowner
“When I first found out I had a water problem in my basement, I was worried, to say the least. 100-year-old home with a leaky basement, not an easy fix. I called several different waterproofing companies. Helitech responded the fastest and when it was all said and done they gave me the most peace of mind and they made me feel secure that my old house would be fixed properly and permanently. Thanks, Helitech and to my salesmen Jon Courtney. Great job and service.”
