Case Studies

Resolving Basement Water Issues and Foundation Cracks in Berkeley, CA

Challenge

The Challenge

A homeowner in Berkeley, CA, was growing increasingly concerned about water intrusion in their basement. Compounding the issue was a worsening crack in the foundation wall, which the homeowner suspected was related to the water problems. Unsure of the underlying causes, they reached out to Foundation Repair of CA for a professional evaluation and a long-lasting solution.

Inspection and Findings

The Foundation Repair of CA team conducted a comprehensive assessment of the basement and foundation. They confirmed that the crack in the foundation wall was contributing to water seepage and determined that an effective drainage system was needed to prevent future water issues. The crack also posed a structural concern that required reinforcement to ensure the long-term stability of the foundation.

Solution

Proposed Solution

The team designed a custom plan to address both the water intrusion and the foundation crack. The solution included the following:

  1. WaterGuard Floor Drainage System
    A WaterGuard drainage system was installed along the perimeter of the basement. This involved cutting a trench into the concrete floor, installing gravel and the WaterGuard system, and sealing it with concrete. The drainage system was designed to efficiently direct water to a sump pump for removal, preventing further water intrusion.
  2. WaterGuard Inspection Port
    To ensure long-term functionality, an inspection port was added to the WaterGuard system. This allows easy access for routine maintenance and system checks, ensuring optimal performance over time.
  3. SuperSump Pump System with WaterWatch Alarm
    A SuperSump pump system was installed to collect and discharge water from the WaterGuard system. Equipped with a cast iron pump, an airtight lid, and a WaterWatch alarm system, the sump pump offers reliable performance and alerts the homeowner to any issues. A CleanPump stand was also included for added protection.
  4. Vertical Crack Repair with Injection & CarbonArmor
    The foundation crack was repaired using a two-step process. First, the crack was injected with epoxy, effectively sealing the gap. Then, a CarbonArmor patch system was applied, reinforced with additional epoxy, to provide added strength and stability to the foundation wall.

The Outcome

The homeowner was thrilled with the results. The WaterGuard drainage system and SuperSump pump effectively addressed the water intrusion, while the vertical crack repair provided the necessary structural reinforcement. With these solutions in place, the homeowner now enjoys peace of mind knowing their basement is dry and their foundation is secure.

Key Takeaways

  • Comprehensive Evaluation: Foundation Repair of CA identified the root causes of the homeowner’s concerns, ensuring that the solution addressed both the water and structural issues.
  • Permanent Solutions: By combining the WaterGuard drainage system, SuperSump pump, and CarbonArmor crack repair, the team provided a holistic, long-term fix.
  • Customer Education: The inclusion of inspection ports and the recommendation for annual maintenance through the Care Club Membership ensure the homeowner can maintain the system’s performance over time.

Foundation Repair of CA’s expert craftsmanship and dedication to quality restored the homeowner’s confidence in their basement and foundation. This project exemplifies their mission to deliver remarkable contractor experiences and redefine industry standards.

Project Summary

Product Installed: Water Guard

Product Installed: Super Sump

Product Installed: Carbon Armor