Drainage System and Everlast Wall Panels Upgrade this Bellingham Basement
Challenge
Martin and Genn R. had water intruding the basement stairwell of their Bellingham, Washington home. Long periods of rain are common for their location, and that meant trouble.
They wanted flooding and water damage to be a thing of the past, so they contacted Rainy Day.
After completing a free inspection and estimate, we sat down with the homeowners and discussed the drainage system that would work best for their home. While talking, Martin and Genn decided that they would like to restore their basement as well. So, we gathered our material list and set to work.
Solution
To eliminate water leakage, we strategically installed certain pump and drainage systems to give the homeowners the best setup for their specific basement situation.
We installed a reliable TripleSafe pump system, equipped with a Zoeller M53 primary pump, Zoeller M98 backup pump, and an UltraSump battery backup. Since the secondary pump will start pumping if the primary one fails, or if the water flow is too heavy for one to discharge alone, Martin and Genn can rest assured that not even extreme rainy days will lead to a flooded basement. Together, these two pumps can remove up to 6,200 gallons of water per hour, and the battery backup ensures that water will continue pumping even with a power outage. Furthermore, this airtight pump system is equipped with PumpStands to ensure that silt and sediment do not block the flow to the water inlets on the bottom of the pumps.
A WaterWatch alarm was also incorporated into the pump system to signal if water is above the level where the pumps should be discharging. This will give the homeowners ample warning to inspect the situation and avoid potential water damage.
Next, we installed WaterGuard at the perimeter of the basement to intercept water and safely take it away. WaterGuard is a basement piping system that has been awarded the Innovation Prize for Quality Improvement, and over 21 million feet of it has been installed across North America. While other drains sit in the soil and can clog, WaterGuard is engineered to sit above the dirt and circumvent blockage, allowing for a clean and dry basement. The wall flange feature is also designed to keep debris out, while simultaneously allowing wall seepage to drain.
TrenchDrain was then put into Martin and Genn’s home so that water would no longer enter their doorways and stairways. Connected to WaterGuard, this surface drainage system will take the collected water to the TripleSafe, avoiding water damage and helping to achieve a healthier and cleaner home. Catching sneaky water is TrenchDrain and WaterGuard’s specialty, so it is no surprise that over 200,000 systems have been installed in houses across North America.
To move roof water away from the house’s foundation, we installed an underground downspout extension called LawnScape Outlet. Connected to the downspout underneath the ground, LawnScape will send water away from the house and into the yard in a convenient and camouflaged manner.
Washington has many wet, cold and windy days, which creates ice, water accumulation, and plant debris pile up. To avoid flooding due to blockage, we installed two IceGuards to dispose of water automatically if any pipes get iced over, clogged with snow or plugged with other rubble. If a blockage occurs, these outside discharge pipes will dispose of any water properly, relieving the homeowners of worries that their basement will flood.
After the drainage systems were installed, it was time to make the basement cozier and more inviting. We installed Basement-to-Beautiful wall panels to provide more installation and maneuver wiring and pipes from the washer and dryer, water heater, and light fixtures. On top, we installed mold proof, washable Total Basement Finishing EverLast Wall Panels, giving the newly insulated walls a welcoming finished look.
To complete the room, we installed sandstone gray ThermalDry tiles to turn the cold concrete into a comfortable and dry floor. Each individually connected tile has base pegs, providing thermal air space between the room and concrete foundation. With its inorganic material, this subfloor will not be damaged from water or grow mold.
Water intrusion is now a thing of the past! This newly restored basement will provide a dry and homely atmosphere so that Martin and Genn no longer have to worry about water damage or pay extra to heat a constantly chilly room.
Does this situation sound familiar to you? Would you like to have a dry and beautiful basement? Contact us today at 1-425-549-4919 for a free inspection and estimate! We are always happy to help our clients get safer and healthier homes.
For before and after pictures on this project, view the photo album!
