Photo Album: Foundation Repair and Waterproofing in Laconia, NH

In this Laconia, NH project, a homeowner faced a wet basement and a settling front stoop. Notice in the photos how our skilled team implemented engineered Helical Piers to stabilize the stoop, countering column stress effectively. We injected high-strength PolyLevel to precisely fill voids beneath. For basement waterproofing, our WaterGuard system seamlessly channels water to the sump pump, while FlexiSpan addresses interior wall seepage, ensuring durability and a permanently dry, stable home environment.

Sinking Stoop

The weight of the home's structure, particularly the front pillars, exerted sustained pressure on the underlying soil, leading to differential settlement. Over time, this caused the front stoop to sink and become misaligned, compromising both safety and curb appeal.

Helical Piers

Helical piers were strategically installed beneath the front stoop to address structural settlement. These steel piers are driven deep into load-bearing strata, bypassing unstable soil and transferring the weight of the structure to more competent ground. Heavy-duty brackets were then affixed to the footing, securely connecting the piers to the stoop and effectively stabilizing the structure against further movement.

PolyLevel

PolyLevel®, a high-density polyurethane foam, was precisely injected beneath the concrete slab to address underlying voids and soil instability. As the foam expands, it fills gaps and exerts controlled pressure, effectively lifting and re-leveling the slab. This process not only restores structural integrity but also ensures long-term stabilization.

Stabilized Stoop

With the stoop now fully stabilized and capable of supporting the structural load of the home, our crew proceeded to backfill the excavated area used for the Helical Pier installation. The brick walkway was then carefully restored to its original layout, ensuring both structural integrity and aesthetic continuity.

Struggling Sump Pump

As shown in the photo, the existing sump pump system was insufficient in managing the full extent of water intrusion, as evidenced by visible staining on the basement floor. This indicated that water was bypassing the pump and entering the space unchecked. To effectively mitigate future water ingress, a more comprehensive waterproofing solution was necessary-one capable of capturing and redirecting all moisture before it reaches the interior environment.

Basement Water Seepage

Water intrusion occurred through cold joints and foundation cracks, which are common vulnerabilities in concrete structures. This infiltration posed a risk to stored belongings in the basement, as evidenced by visible puddling in the photo. Without proper mitigation, ongoing moisture exposure could lead to further structural deterioration and potential mold growth, underscoring the need for a comprehensive waterproofing solution.

Protecting Stored Basement Items

To install our WaterGuard® perimeter drainage system, the crew begins by carefully removing sections of concrete along the joint where the foundation wall meets the basement floor. This allows for precise placement of the drainage channel to effectively capture water intrusion. Recognizing that this process can generate dust and debris, our team takes proactive measures-such as protective coverings and containment strategies-to safeguard personal belongings and maintain a clean work environment throughout the installation.

WaterGuard Perimeter Drainage System

Our WaterGuard® perimeter drainage system is installed just above the footing along the interior perimeter of the foundation. This strategic placement allows it to intercept water at its most common entry point-before it reaches the basement floor. The system is embedded in a bed of clean, crushed stone, which facilitates efficient drainage and directs water toward the sump pump for safe removal. This design ensures reliable moisture management while preserving the integrity of the foundation.

WaterGuard Tied into Existing Sump Pump

The WaterGuard® system is seamlessly integrated with the existing sump pump setup, creating a continuous and efficient water management solution. Collected groundwater is channeled through the WaterGuard system into the sump basin, where the sump pump actively discharges it away from the home via a dedicated discharge line. This ensures that water is intercepted and redirected before it can impact the basement environment, providing reliable protection against moisture intrusion.

Waterproofing System Concreted into Foundation

Once the WaterGuard® system is installed, a flood test is conducted to verify proper functionality and ensure effective water flow toward the sump pump. After confirming performance, the system is permanently sealed in place with concrete, integrating it seamlessly into the foundation and restoring the basement floor to its original condition.

FlexiSpan Foundation Wall Seepage Repair

FlexiSpan® was applied to active foundation wall cracks to prevent water intrusion. This flexible, multi-layered sealing system is designed to accommodate minor wall movement while maintaining a watertight barrier. Any water that attempts to penetrate through the crack is redirected into the WaterGuard® perimeter drainage system, ensuring it is safely managed and discharged without entering the basement living space.