Rainy Day Basement Systems Case Studies: Waterproofing a 1940s Home in Granite Falls, WA

Wednesday, July 6th, 2022 by Bayleigh Stelling

Challenge

Customer Background:

Chris and Jean, residents of a 1940s home in Granite Falls, WA, had been living in their home for 33 years. With plans to sell the property in the future, they were concerned about their unfinished basement. During the rainy season, they experienced water seepage, but fortunately, it stayed relatively dry during the spring and summer months. The foundation of their home featured a 6" wall with no footing, and a slab had been poured at a height suitable for WaterGuard installation. However, there was an overlay of concrete on top of the original slab, which posed a challenge for the waterproofing solution. The primary objective was to prevent water seepage between the overlay and the WaterGuard, ensuring a dry and protected basement.

Customer Contact:

Faced with the issue of water seepage, Chris and Jean contacted Rainy Day seeking a solution for their basement problems. They were keen on ensuring that their basement would be dry and presentable for potential buyers when they decide to sell the house. They specifically reached out to Rainy Day for our expertise in waterproofing and track record of delivering effective solutions. We promptly assigned Zach System Design Specialist, to conduct a free inspection of the basement. Zach carefully assessed the layout and condition of the basement and identified the best solution to address the water seepage issue.

Solution

Proposed Solution:

After a thorough inspection, Zachariah recommended a comprehensive waterproofing solution to address the water seepage during the rainy season. The proposed plan involved the installation of Combination WaterGuard along the interior perimeter of the basement. This approach would allow for effective drainage and water management, channeling any water away from the basement space. To ensure the waterproofing system's effectiveness, the crew had to core through the foundation wing walls strategically. Additionally, the installation of a SuperSump was implemented to pump out any water that accumulated in the WaterGuard system. The SuperSump is a high-quality sump pump designed to handle varying water volumes efficiently.

Challenges and Special Considerations:

One of the main challenges faced during this project was the overlay of concrete on top of the original slab. The crew had to ensure that the WaterGuard remained below this concrete layer to prevent water seepage in between them. Additionally, there was an additional layer of existing concrete in one specific area, which Chris planned to remove before the installation process. Furthermore, the team was cautious about the discharge system to avoid water shooting across the driveway, and they were working on a design to slow down the water flow effectively without causing any inconvenience since our standard IceGuard Port would not be suitable for this particular situation.

Resolution and Successful Implementation: Rainy Day's expert crew skillfully executed the proposed waterproofing plan. They meticulously installed the Combination WaterGuard system along the interior basement walls, carefully core-drilling through the foundation wing walls. The SuperSump was positioned strategically to ensure optimal water drainage and pumping efficiency.

Outcome: The waterproofing solution implemented by Rainy Day provided Chris and Jean with a reliable system to combat water seepage during the rainy season. With the Combination WaterGuard and SuperSump in place, the basement can stay dry and protected, improving the overall value of their property. Chris and Jean were pleased with the results, and they now have confidence in presenting their basement as a desirable selling point for potential buyers in the future. Rainy Day's expertise and dedication to providing effective solutions for their customers helped secure another successful waterproofing project.