Your Respected Hood River, OR Basement Leak & Crawl Space Repair Professionals

Homeowners called us saying that water levels were higher then the 6 mil vapor barrier they had brought from the store and installed the previous year. They wanted a professional to come out to explain what was happening. During our inspection we explained that due to high water tables, water levels were bound to rise and fall with the rains. While a simple vapor barrier can keep moisture down, with the amount of water present, they would at least need a drainage system installed to be able to help the crawlspace remain dry.

To begin work, our installation crew came out and removed the old, now mud encased, vapor barrier. They then dug an interior perimeter trench and laid in a three inch perforated pipe in a silt sock. This will collect the groundwater and grade it along to a newly installed SuperSump plus which then sends the water out and away from the home. We then laid down a new 6 Mil vapor barrier, which will now stay seated on the ground since the water will be diverted out of this space. 

Water could be seen from the crawlspace access, so this customer suspected the old sump pump was not working. The homeowner was about to list the property, so he needed the repairs done ASAP. To address the time needs for home sales, we have a dedicated Realty System Designer who was able to assess the situation as best he could from the exterior access entrance. However the water was to deep to perform a full evaluation of the present issues. 

The first order of business was to dry out the crawlspace sufficiently enough that the space could be fully inspected, and the subsequent work could be accomplished. Our installers set up a couple of temporary sump pumps and large fans, these would dry the space out, so our installers could come out in a few weeks to complete the work

When the crawlspace was sufficiently dried out, the crew returned and removed all the debris, old insulation and ruined 6 mil vapor barrier. We then installed a 3" perforated pipe drainage system around the perimeter which is graded to the lowest point of the crawlspace, where a SuperSump is installed to gather the water and discharge it out and away from the home. Then a new 6 mil vapor barrier is installed on the dirt floor and attached to the foundation walls to ensure that any water seeping in via the footing or walls is captured and removed by the new drain system. This home is now ready to list and includes our great warranty that will transfer to the new owners.

Even though a crawlspace may be dry most of the year, snow melt can cause seasonal problems which can build up to cause long term damage. This home, was on a mountainside and when the snow melted, the crawlspace flooded. The owners contacted John's Waterproofing under the advice of a contractor they know. A system designer who had previously worked with the contractor was contacted and he went out to inspect the home. He measured and drew up a proposal that was readily accepted.

The crew arrived later and began the job by cleaning out the crawlspace of debris. A 3" perforated pipe drain system was installed around the perimeter and graded to the lowest point of the crawlspace where a SuperSump and an UltraSump battery backup were installed to gather the water and discharge it out and away from the home. Then a 6 mil vapor barrier was installed on the floor of the crawlspace, attaching to the foundation walls to ensure that any water seeping in via the footing or wall was captured and removed by the new drainage system.

When homeowners went under their home into their crawlspace, they found water pooling in a few spots. While they had a simple six Mil vapor barrier, it obviously wasn't properly handling the water. To address this issue the homeowners called up John's Waterproofing. One of our design specialists arrived to inspect the home, and found that the downspouts were dumping water near the home, and water was primarily entering the crawlspace in these points. A solution was crafted for the home and scheduled. 

When our installation crew arrived we began by removing the old barrier and debris from under the home. We then addressed the downspouts, we extended the three spouts into the ground to a drainage system that would direct the water safely out and away from the home. We then installed an UltraSump pump to collect ground water under the home to send it out and away from the home. We then laid down CleanSpace. This is inserted under each wooden post, anchored along the foundation walls at the rim joists, and fully sealed into place. Next we installed new vent covers and a SaniDry dehumidifier to keep this home dry and healthy. 

When these homeowners checked their crawlspace after noting a damp smell in their home, they discovered their dirt floor was damp. There was falling insulation and the mold spores were popping up. The homeowners saw one of our ads and decided to get a free inspection and estimate. 

When our installers arrived they began by clearing out the old insulation and debris. To fix up this space they began working on the outside of the building. We extended the two downspouts into the ground to grade the water out and away from the home to a LawnScape outlet. We then went under the home and installed a SmartSump to collect groundwater, it then sent the water to the drainage line to guide it away from the home. The space was then encased in CleanSpace, a 20 Mil vapor barrier which is installed under each wooden post, anchored along the walls near the rim joists, and sealed into place. We then replaced each vent cover and air sealed the space to have it dry.

This home had a full crawlspace encapsulation, and after hearing that we had begun doing attic insulation, they gave us a call. Our crew came out and found evidence of critters in the crawlspace as well as high humidity in this space. Our design specialist worked with the customer to craft a solution to help them save on energy bills. 

Our installers arrived and began by fully removing the old and damaged insulation. Once the space was cleared out we air sealed around the top plates in the attic flooring, as well as the wire and pipe penetration's that were evident. We then sealed the air ways within the space; one multi-level wall and a chimney. We then installed a tite shell around the recessed lighting and fully air sealed these. As a final piece we added in cellulose insulation, creating a seventeen inch thickness provide the recommended R levels. 

This home had a rather unusual construction. Half of the basement was finished and the other side was a crawlspace.  The basement was waterproofed with a full perimeter WaterGuard System.  WaterGuard is an award-winning piping system engineered specifically to solve basement water problems effectively and without the worry of clogging pipes from soils under the floor. It was terminated at a TripleSafe sump pump system and discharged to a rain drain outside.  WellDucts directed the water gathered in a perimeter perforated pipe system in the crawlspace down into the WaterGuard below. TerraBlock was laid on the dirt floor and vents were sealed and posts isolated. A CleanSpace barrier was installed and all seams were sealed and it was run up the walls and fastened under the rim joist. A SaniDry dehumidifier was installed to ensure the humidity was controlled to prevent mold growth and the air was filtered for a healthy home. Finally, Spray foam was applied to the rim joist to aid the TerraBlock in insulating the space and the ThermalDry Wall system was installed on all the walls and tucked into the WaterGuard to ensure any moisture from basement walls would be driven into the system. 

These homeowners noticed that their basement walls were wet to the touch. While their basement was primarily used for storage, they wanted to ensure their home was protected against water damage, so they called in John's Waterproofing. 

Our crews went out and began by digging a trench along with the interior parameter and installing our WaterGuard system. This will collect groundwater and divert it to a newly installed SuperSump. From here water is sent out through a discharge line to a LawnScape outlet that is a safe distance away from the foundation of the home. Since water condensation had been found along the walls we also installed our BrightWall basement panels. This non-organic material is waterproof and easy to clean. All condensation is now directed down the wall so it can enter the new WaterGaurd system and get pushed away from the home. Leaving this home dry and healthy. 

This basement had been built with a basic waterproofing system, the cement floor had a slight tilt to the perimeters of the room. This then had a subtle decline to one side of the basement where a drain was installed that sent the water out and away from the homes foundation. While this could work for a home with minor water issues, it has some general issues. Firstly the water is still getting into the basement and while it slowly makes its way to the drain, it gives the water opportunities to condensate and lead to high humidity and can create a breeding ground for mold spores. Secondly as the years have passed these areas have gotten a mineral build up from the constant water. Lastly as years pass and water pressure exerts itself on the homes foundation, the amount of water that can get in, goes up and this system is not made to help with more water. 

To solves this issue we began digging a trench along these interior walls and installing out WaterGuard system that collects the water and sends it to a discharge line. We also installed a SuperSump that would push the water out and away from the home so it can accommodate heavy rains. To guide water from the walls of the foundation without adding moisture to the air we also covered the walls in our ZenWall system. Now this basement is ready for the water it is facing.