Block Foundations

Block foundations have mortar around every block making hundreds of joints, which can lead to leaking. Block is also susceptible to frost effect.  If you have a finished basement, or are planning on finishing your basement, we recommend you always repair and waterproof.

Repairing from the Inside

An inside repair is a less expensive repair then the outside system. This system will deal with water coming through the wall and up from under the floor. With the inside drain we are actually creating a new drainage system inside and under the floor. This will control the water coming through the wall. Note: This is not the ideal repair. It is always best to waterproof from the exterior, hence keeping the block and mortar dry to avoid damage to the mortar and block through the freeze and thaw of the winter months.

What we do is chip up the floor along the perimeter of the basement leaking walls. We dig a trench and install a modern 4-inch perforated weeping tile and cover it with gravel. Holes are drilled in the bottom course of block to allow the water to drain out. A waterproof membrane is installed over the trench and up the wall as water diversion system. The weeping tile is routed into a sump pump. If there is not an existing sump pump we will supply, install and plumb one for you.

Repairing from the Outside – Membranes

This type of repair requires excavating along the outside of the leaking wall or structure exposing the wall from the top down to the footing. A modern 4-inch perforated weeping tile is installed. After the wall has been cleaned and repaired, an asphalt based rubberized coating is applied, then an air gap membrane over that to cover the entire wall. The trench is backfilled with drainage stone. This system will prevent water from being in contact with the wall, and will solve the problem permanently.