Waterproofing and finishing of a basement in Gore, QC.

Challenge

In May 2019, we carried out the annual cleaning of a waterproofing system that we installed at Mme Paré's in Gore. Today we would like to share the story of this work that we did in 2017.

Mrs. Paré called us and said that she has water infiltrations in the basement. They changed the French drain two years ago, but that doesn't seem to have settled the French drain. For two weeks, the shops-vac have been operating day and night and because of the thaw that happened quickly and the intense rain that takes place the night before it calls us, a greater accumulation of water in the basement has occurred. "I need your services," she said.

Fortunately, we are specialists in the field of groundwater infiltration caused by the water table. So we made an appointment with our waterproofing specialist Jorge who was able to analyze the problem, find the sources, and recommend the best solution that would solve the problem permanently.

Solution

The team of our foreman Eugene started the work by removing all the objects and debris that clogged the space. They then dug a trench to install the WaterGuard foundation drain. This interior French drain is installed at the joint of the wall and the sole. It makes it possible to intercept the water which comes from the ground, walls and cracks, and the water which infiltrates by the joint because of hydrostatic pressure. Unlike the standard exterior French drain which, once covered, is no longer accessible, the WaterGuard drain is installed inside with inspection ports and it can be opened and checked at any time to ensure its correctness functioning.

 

This water drainage system is then connected to the SmartSump sump pump system which allows water to be drained away from the house. As the unfinished floor was still rock, we installed a drainage mat and a CleanSpace vapor barrier membrane. This allows the water in the soil to be easily redirected to the drain and the pump while preventing water vapor from rising and humidifying the air as well as harming the sub-floor and floors that will be installed when finishing.

 

As organic finishing materials get damaged when it gets contact with water or moisture, we recommend inorganic finishing products to finish the basement. So we installed WallRestoration wall finishing panels which are inorganic. Thus, in case there was a plumbing leak or other water damage, the walls will not be damaged. You will only have to wipe them.

Project Summary

Problem: Water infiltration and water damage to the basement

Solution: Waterproofing and finishing the basement

Products installed: Interior WaterGuard drain, SmartSump, LawnScape, IceGuard sump pump, Wall Restoration wall finish, CleanSpace drainage mat, CleanSpace vapor barrier membrane.

Specialist: Jorge Zatarain

Foreman: Eugene Alexeenco

City: Gore