Basement Repair in Beverly, MA

Friday, May 22nd, 2026 by Marcus Girard

Challenge

Background & Homeowner Concerns

In Beverly, MA, the homeowner faced growing concerns with their aging fieldstone foundation. Over time, the walls began to loosen and deteriorate, with visible separation between stones that created pathways for water intrusion. Persistent leaking had begun to impact the basement environment, raising concerns about both structural integrity and moisture damage.

Compounding the issue, the existing wooden support posts in the basement were structurally inadequate to carry the imposed loads from the floor system above. This inadequacy resulted in noticeable deflection and sagging floors, indicating a need for immediate structural reinforcement.

The basement floor itself had also degraded, becoming brittle, uneven, and ineffective at managing moisture. These combined issues created an environment prone to water accumulation, instability, and long-term deterioration.

Recognizing the need for a comprehensive and permanent solution, the homeowner turned to Erickson Foundation Solutions to restore stability, address water intrusion, and create a dry, dependable basement environment.

Inspection & Diagnosis

A thorough inspection was conducted by one of our experienced System Design Specialists, who carefully evaluated the foundation walls, support system, and basement floor conditions.

The assessment revealed several critical issues:

Progressive separation and joint deterioration within the fieldstone walls, allowing water to seep through
Structurally insufficient wooden support posts that had led to sagging and floor deflection above
An uneven, deteriorating concrete floor that lacked proper drainage capability
Active water intrusion contributing to moisture buildup and long-term damage risk

These findings confirmed that the home required a multi-faceted approach to address structural support, wall stabilization, and comprehensive waterproofing.

Proposed Integrated Solution

To resolve both structural and water-related concerns, Erickson Foundation Solutions designed a complete basement restoration system. The solution included:

425 sq ft of Polyurethane foam application for fieldstone wall stabilization
5 SmartJack® support systems with engineered concrete footings
75 feet of full-perimeter WaterGuard® drainage system
1 TripleSafe® sump pump system
665 sq ft of drainage matting installation beneath a newly poured concrete slab

This integrated system was designed to stabilize the foundation, correct floor sagging, and ensure long-term moisture control.

Solution

Installation Process & System Details

Fieldstone Wall Stabilization with Polyurethane Foam

To address the deteriorating fieldstone walls, a polyurethane foam coating was applied across the surface. This advanced material penetrates gaps and irregularities within the stone foundation, binding the structure together and reducing further movement.

The foam also acts as a moisture barrier, sealing pathways where water previously entered. This significantly improves the durability and water resistance of the foundation while preserving the character of the original fieldstone construction.

SmartJack® Structural Support System

To correct the sagging floors, the installation team first constructed engineered concrete footings within the basement floor. These footings were reinforced with embedded steel rebar, creating a stable and durable load-bearing base.

The SmartJack® system was then installed on top of these footings and securely connected to the main support beam. Each of the 5 jacks were carefully adjusted to apply controlled, incremental lift, stabilizing the floor system and, where possible, restoring it to a more level position.

SmartJack® systems are specifically engineered for high-capacity load support and long-term performance, making them an ideal solution for addressing weakened or undersized support posts.

Drainage Matting & Subfloor Water Management

Before pouring the new slab, a drainage matting system was installed across the entire basement floor. This layer creates a subfloor channel that allows water to move freely beneath the surface, preventing buildup and directing moisture toward the perimeter drainage system.

This approach ensures that any water entering the basement is properly managed before it can reach the finished surface.

WaterGuard® Interior Drainage System

The WaterGuard® drainage system was installed along the interior perimeter of the basement. Unlike traditional drains, WaterGuard® sits just above the footing, positioned to capture water entering from walls or the floor without clogging from soil or debris.

Collected water is efficiently channeled toward the sump system, preventing it from reaching the basement interior and maintaining a dry environment.

TripleSafe® Sump Pump System

To ensure reliable water removal under all conditions, the TripleSafe® sump pump system was installed. This system features a three-pump design:

A primary pump for everyday water management
A secondary, high-capacity pump for heavy water flow
A battery-powered backup pump for operation during power outages

Together, these components provide redundant protection, ensuring continuous performance even during extreme weather or emergencies. The system offers homeowners peace of mind knowing their basement is protected at all times.

New Concrete Slab Installation

To complete the transformation, a new concrete slab was poured over the drainage matting system. This restored the structural integrity of the basement floor while providing a clean, durable, and level surface.

The new slab works in tandem with the underlying drainage system, ensuring long-term functionality and resistance to moisture-related damage.

Results & Homeowner Outcome

Upon completion, the basement was fully restored into a dry, stable, and structurally sound space. The comprehensive system delivered several key benefits:

Stabilized and reinforced fieldstone foundation walls
Corrected sagging floors with engineered structural support
Complete perimeter waterproofing with efficient drainage
Reliable, year-round moisture protection through the TripleSafe® system
A durable, level concrete floor with integrated drainage beneath

The transformation is substantial, turning a compromised basement into a dependable, long-lasting part of the home. The homeowner now enjoys a dry, stable environment backed by proven solutions designed for performance and durability.

Conclusion

This Beverly, MA project highlights the importance of addressing both structural and water-related issues with a fully integrated solution. By combining polyurethane wall stabilization, SmartJack® structural support, and advanced waterproofing systems like WaterGuard® and TripleSafe®, Erickson Foundation Solutions delivered a permanent fix tailored to the home’s unique challenges.

The result is a basement that not only performs reliably but also provides long-term peace of mind. Another successful example of Erickson Foundation Solutions’ commitment to quality craftsmanship and expertise in “All Things Basementy.”