Comprehensive Basement Waterproofing and Finished Space Restoration in Dunstable, MA
Challenge
In Dunstable, MA, a homeowner experienced persistent water intrusion that damaged the finished basement. Portions of the finished flooring and the lower section of drywall had to be removed due to moisture. Without a proven waterproofing system in place before finishing a basement, this type of costly damage is common. Left unaddressed, moisture can drive mold growth, wood rot, and musty odors—compromising both livability and long-term value.
Our process began with a Customer Care Specialist arranging a convenient home inspection. A System Design Specialist then performed a thorough evaluation to pinpoint water entry paths, assess slab and wall conditions, and design a durable, code-compliant solution that protects the space now and for years to come. To do so, the following solution included:
- 160 ft of WaterGuard® — Interior perimeter subfloor drainage
- 14 ft of TrenchDrain™ — Surface drainage at the bulkhead & utilities
- TripleSafe™ Sump Pump System — Primary + secondary + battery backup
- 2 IceGuard® — Discharge line freeze/obstruction bypass
- 91 ft of EverLast™ Half Wall — Inorganic, washable wall system
- 885 sq ft of Elite Plank Flooring (Espresso) — Inorganic, waterproof plank flooring
Solution
On the day of installation, the foreman contacted the homeowner upon departing the shop to confirm arrival time. After greeting the homeowner and reviewing expectations during a walkthrough, the crew began by removing the lower portion of polyurethane foam insulation and wall studs. This was necessary in establishing the perimeter drainage system. WaterGuard® was installed along 160 feet of the interior foundation perimeter to intercept groundwater before it reached the living space. The team jackhammered and removed a strip of concrete, excavated the trench, added a bed of crushed stone, and placed the WaterGuard® channel system above the footing to avoid structural compromise. Once set, each section was pitched toward the sump pump basin for efficient water movement.
Because WaterGuard® cannot be installed in certain areas—such as the bulkhead entrance and around fixed utilities—the crew installed 14 feet of TrenchDrain™, a grated surface drainage system that seamlessly ties into WaterGuard® to create a continuous and unified drainage network.
Next, the crew installed the TripleSafe™ Sump Pump System, which provides three layers of protection: a primary pump for everyday water removal, a secondary elevated pump that activates during heavy inflows, and a battery‑powered backup that operates during power outages. The sump liner was set into a carefully excavated pit, sealed to limit humidity transfer, and connected directly to the interior drainage system to handle all collected water. From there, a discharge line was installed to route water safely away from the home.
To protect against freezing or blockages within the discharge line, two IceGuard® fittings were added outside the foundation; these fail‑safe devices automatically release water away from the home if the line becomes obstructed. The discharge line was extended to a properly graded area where a bubbler pot was installed and buried, allowing water to disperse cleanly into the soil without affecting the landscape.
Before closing the system, the crew conducted a full flood test to ensure proper flow and functionality throughout the drainage network and sump system. After successful testing, WaterGuard® was permanently encased in concrete, ensuring a clean, flush finish consistent with the existing slab. With the waterproofing system complete, the team repaired wall studs and installed SilverGlo® insulation along the lower section beneath the spray foam to improve thermal performance and maintain energy efficiency within the basement.
To restore the finished space, the crew installed 91 feet of EverLast™ Half Wall panels, an inorganic, mold‑resistant wall system ideal for basements due to its durability and washable surface. This was followed by the installation of 885 square feet of Elite Plank Flooring in the Espresso finish. This premium plank flooring is completely inorganic and resistant to water, making it a superior alternative to traditional wood or laminate products that can warp or harbor mold when exposed to moisture. Once all materials were installed and final cleanup was complete, the crew conducted a walkthrough with the homeowner to review the project, explain system operation, and answer any questions.
The basement is now fully protected from future water intrusion and beautifully revitalized. With a robust, redundant waterproofing system in place and finished materials designed specifically for below‑grade environments, the homeowner can confidently enjoy their living space again, knowing it is both dry and built to last.
Project Summary
Crew Foreman: Nate L
System Design Specialist: Todd W
Systems Installed: WaterGuard, TrenchDrain, TripleSafe, IceGuard, SilverGlo, EverLast Half Wall, Elite Plank Flooring
