Photo Album: Floor Stabilization and Basement Waterproofing in Nashua, NH

In Nashua, NH, a homeowner faced challenges with sagging floors due to temporary support columns and water intrusion from a fieldstone foundation. In the before photos, note the uneven floor lines, indicative of gradual weakening. Our experts installed the SmartJack® System, WaterGuard®, SuperSump®, and IceGuard®. As seen in the after photos, these solutions lifted the floors, stabilized the foundation, and ensured a dry basement. This transformation now reflects our commitment to providing permanent, reliable solutions.

Wet Basement with Poor Supports

Persistent water intrusion through the fieldstone foundation walls resulted in a chronically damp basement environment, placing stored items at risk of moisture damage. Temporary support posts had been installed as a long-term solution to stabilize the floors above; however, these are not engineered for permanent structural support. Over time, the inadequate load distribution caused the main support beam to deflect, leading to noticeable sagging in the floor system due to insufficient joist support.

Concrete Removal for Footings

To prepare for the installation of the SmartJack® system, sections of the concrete slab were carefully removed at designated locations to allow for the placement of engineered footings. Each footing was excavated to dimensions of approximately two feet in width and two feet in depth, ensuring a stable and load-bearing foundation for the SmartJack® posts. This process is critical for transferring structural loads effectively and restoring proper support to sagging floor systems.

Concrete Footings with Rebar

Concrete was poured into the excavated areas and reinforced with steel rebar to form structurally sound footings.

SmartJack Base

Once the concrete footings have fully cured, the SmartJack® base plates are precisely positioned atop each footing.

SmartJacks Secured to Main Beam

The SmartJack® system features fully adjustable steel support columns that allow for precise calibration to lift and stabilize the main support beam. This targeted adjustment restores proper alignment and load distribution across the floor joists, ensuring the floor system above is adequately supported and structurally sound.

SmartJack Cemented in Foundation

As a final step in the installation process, each SmartJack® is securely anchored into the foundation floor using high-strength concrete. This not only stabilizes the base of the support system but also enhances its load-bearing capacity, ensuring long-term structural integrity and resistance to shifting or settlement.

WaterGuard

To address ongoing water intrusion in the basement, the WaterGuard® interior drainage system was installed along the perimeter of the foundation. This involved removing sections of the concrete slab to create a trench for the system. WaterGuard® is strategically positioned atop the footing and surrounded by clean stone, allowing it to intercept groundwater at the cold joint before it enters the basement space. The collected water is then efficiently directed to the sump pump system for removal, helping to maintain a dry and protected environment.

SuperSump Sump Pump

A two-foot-deep basin was excavated to facilitate the natural downward flow of water into the SuperSump® liner. The WaterGuard® system integrates directly with this basin, allowing collected groundwater to be efficiently channeled into the sump pump system. This seamless connection ensures reliable water management and minimizes the risk of basement moisture accumulation.

WaterGuard Cemented into the Foundation Floor

Following a successful flood test to verify proper drainage and system performance, the WaterGuard® system is permanently secured by encasing it in concrete. This final step ensures the system remains stable, flush with the basement floor, and fully integrated into the foundation for long-term durability and effective water management.

SuperSump Cemented into the Foundation

The SuperSump® Sump Pump System features a high-capacity, 1/3 HP cast-iron Zoeller® pump capable of pumping up to 2,280 gallons per hour. It includes a durable SuperLiner® basin with an airtight lid to prevent odors, radon gas, and debris intrusion, as well as a WaterWatch® alarm that alerts homeowners to rising water levels in the event of pump failure. The system also incorporates a CleanPump® stand to prevent clogging and a check valve to stop backflow. After installation, the unit is securely anchored into the foundation floor with concrete, ensuring long-term stability and reliable water management.

IceGuard

Water collected by the sump pump system is discharged from the home through a dedicated discharge line that exits via the siding. To safeguard against potential clogs or freezing during colder months, an IceGuard® anti-freeze fitting is installed at the exterior point of discharge. This specialized component allows water to escape even if the line becomes obstructed, preventing system backup and reducing the risk of basement flooding-providing homeowners with added reliability and peace of mind.

LawnSpace

At the termination point of the discharge line, a LawnScape™ outlet is installed to facilitate the controlled release of water away from the foundation. This component helps prevent surface pooling and soil saturation, which can compromise landscaping and drainage efficiency. To preserve the aesthetic appeal of the property, the discharge line is buried beneath the lawn, ensuring both functionality and a clean, unobtrusive finish.