The problem;
A salon owner in Portland, ME had to close her business for a week because she couldn't figure out how she was getting water in the area which was in the basement. She called us here at Maine Basement Waterproofing and we discovered the cause. We found the water was coming through a crack in the bottom of her cement floor.
The fix;
We jackhammered the perimeter of the floor and put in our perimeter wall drainage system.
The perimeter wall drainage system is an outstanding below-floor drain that lies in a bed of drainage rock on top of the foundation footing. By installing the drain at this location, it's kept out of the dirt, the area where blocked drains are most common. The unique design and large drain openings also help in preventing clogs in our system. Our perimeter wall drainage system is what we normally recommend and is our most widely used drainage system. It's popular because it resists blockage and its ability to also collect leaking water from the basement walls. We also offer periodic system ports to view into the system for viewing. All the water collected empties into a sump pump system. For everyday use, our sump pump system has a strong, cast-iron Zoeller® ⅓ horsepower sump pump set at the bottom level. For heavy deluges of water or if the primary pump were to fail, a second, even stronger Zoeller® ½ hp pump will take over, which is positioned higher up. In the event of a power outage, our battery backup sump pump, set at the highest position, will pump to keep your basement dry in any situation. The salon owner can now continue her business without fear of future flooding. |
Certified Inspector: Greisy B
Installing Contractor: Maine Basement Waterproofing
Products Installed: 110 ft. perimeter drainage system, 1 sump pump system included the battery operated back up pump, 30 ft. 3" exterior discharge pipe
Installing Contractor: Maine Basement Waterproofing
Products Installed: 110 ft. perimeter drainage system, 1 sump pump system included the battery operated back up pump, 30 ft. 3" exterior discharge pipe
The problem;
A Biddeford couple recently purchased their dream home, with no knowledge that it had high moisture and flooding in the crawl space below the home. There were beams that were undersized and dangerously installed. The floor above was leaning, foul odors seeped into the living area and the space was unusable and unhealthy. The floor upstairs was always freezing during the colder months.
The fix;
The homeowners contacted the experts here at Maine Basement Waterproofing and an Inspector (Freddy) who specializes in crawl space repair, came out to address the problems. Freddy recommended they install new support braces, which are installed by creating a solid footing beneath the post where every new support brace goes. The old posts can then be taken out. Freddy also designed a perimeter drainage system due to the high volume of water. This drainage is buried and ties into a sump pump system. Freddy chose the sump pump system with the battery back up unit. This makes sure that all the water from the drainage system can be effectively pumped out, even during a power outages or primary mechanical pump failure.
To handle the moisture in the space, Freddy explained how our vapor barrier would be a lasting, permanent solution. It's a rugged, white liner that gets fastened to the ground and is mechanically fastened to the foundation walls. From there, the walls were sealed and insulated with foam board insulation. Then the space was dehumidified. The crew also installed a custom built access door, along with a well to prevent dirt from developing near the access way. The home was cured in 4 easy steps: 1. Separate the house from the earth with a strong vapor barrier. 2. Keep out all outside air by installing insulation & custom access door. 3. Take care of groundwater seepage using drainage and sump pump system. 4. Dehumidify the space with a high quality dehumidifier. The Biddeford homeowners are now living in a dry, clean, more comfortable and energy efficient home that has a crawlspace that can be used to store items safely, year round. |
Certified Inspector: Freddy F
Installing Contractor: Maine Basement Waterproofing
Products Installed: 1200 sq. ft. 20 mil vapor barrier, 1200 sq. ft. drainage matting, 1 high quality dehumidifier, 1 single sump pump, 110 ft. 2" foam board wall insulation, 4 vent covers, 1 custom made crawlspace door
Installing Contractor: Maine Basement Waterproofing
Products Installed: 1200 sq. ft. 20 mil vapor barrier, 1200 sq. ft. drainage matting, 1 high quality dehumidifier, 1 single sump pump, 110 ft. 2" foam board wall insulation, 4 vent covers, 1 custom made crawlspace door
The problem;
George H. and his wife of Kennebunk had a serious problem with moisture in their crawlspace. Due to excessive moisture, the floors began to bow. Odors permeated the home and the couple invested “an obnoxious amount of money” to the solve the problem.
The bowing floors cracked the tile in their bathroom, and the floor had to be redone. George sought help from other waterproofing companies with no avail. A thin plastic liner was hastily installed in the crawlspace. Three crawlspace fans were installed, but instead of fixing the problem, things got worse. WAY worse. George's home was only 6 years old and the family felt ill from the smells coming up from below.
The bowing floors cracked the tile in their bathroom, and the floor had to be redone. George sought help from other waterproofing companies with no avail. A thin plastic liner was hastily installed in the crawlspace. Three crawlspace fans were installed, but instead of fixing the problem, things got worse. WAY worse. George's home was only 6 years old and the family felt ill from the smells coming up from below.
The fix;
Greisy, from Maine Basement Waterproofing, inspected the crawlspace and the floor joists above. Greisy explained how the high humidity was the problem and recommended a crawlspace encapsulation system and dehumidifier. To begin, the crawlspace would have to be sealed off from the earth.
The fans pulling in all the warm, humid air in the cold crawlspace were removed. The crawlspace vents were sealed. The cheap thin plastic liner was removed. A high quality, 20 mil thick liner was used to replace it over a durable and comfortable drainage matting membrane. Over 4,000 sq. ft. was installed over the dirt crawlspace. The walls were insulated with R10 foam board insulation. The rim joist was sealed and protected with spray foam. All holes and gaps were plugged up and outside air is now where it belongs. A sump pump system was installed as well to prevent water from building up to the point of flooding the now clean and neat crawlspace. Water would then be pumped through a discharge line far away from the foundation and the house. A high quality dehumidifier was installed in the crawlspace to remove moisture and humidity from the air. Four crawlspace vent covers were installed to help seal out humidity and give the house a more modern look. Lastly, a TURTL crawlspace entry system was installed. Creating a pleasurable entry for anyone to gain access to the mechanicals in the crawlspace. The TURTL is airtight, never has to be painted and has the availability to be locked for security. With the crawlspace completely sealed off from the earth, George and his family could finally live a more comfortable life in the home they cherish. |
Certified Inspector: Greisy B
Installing Contractor: Maine Basement Waterproofing
Products Installed: 4000 sq. ft. 20 mil vapor barrier, 4000 sq. ft drainage matting, 175 ft. 2" foam board wall insulation, 175 ft. rim joist insulation, 1 sump pump, 45 ft 3" exterior discharge line, 1 high quality dehumidifier, 4 vent covers, 1 TURTL crawlspace entry door
Installing Contractor: Maine Basement Waterproofing
Products Installed: 4000 sq. ft. 20 mil vapor barrier, 4000 sq. ft drainage matting, 175 ft. 2" foam board wall insulation, 175 ft. rim joist insulation, 1 sump pump, 45 ft 3" exterior discharge line, 1 high quality dehumidifier, 4 vent covers, 1 TURTL crawlspace entry door
The problem;
The rain always created a crisis for Clark G. of Saco, ME. Hydro-static pressure forced water into his basement through the foundation floor-wall joint. Clark knew the routine every time it rained.
He used his basement as an office, and as a home for his precious memories like antiques and collectibles. Due to the repeated flooding, his finished basement didn’t look “finished” any longer. His drywall rotted, and showed signs of mold and mildew. A wet/dry vacuum permanently lived in the corner, ready for the next tsunami. The flooring was peeling and chipping.
One day, Clark hit his tipping point and searched “wet basement” and found Maine Basement Waterproofing website. On our homepage, Maine Basement Waterproofing offers free inspections (excluding real estate evaluations). Clark called and made an appointment with System Designer, Greisy Fontal.
He used his basement as an office, and as a home for his precious memories like antiques and collectibles. Due to the repeated flooding, his finished basement didn’t look “finished” any longer. His drywall rotted, and showed signs of mold and mildew. A wet/dry vacuum permanently lived in the corner, ready for the next tsunami. The flooring was peeling and chipping.
One day, Clark hit his tipping point and searched “wet basement” and found Maine Basement Waterproofing website. On our homepage, Maine Basement Waterproofing offers free inspections (excluding real estate evaluations). Clark called and made an appointment with System Designer, Greisy Fontal.
The fix;
Greisy inspected Clark's home, inside and out and came up with a proven solution that fixed Clark's issue.
Maine Basement Waterproofing master installer Freddy removed the rotted drywall and replaced it with a much safer and water resilient concrete board. A perimeter drainage system was installed to capture and direct the water to a sump pump system where it then gets discharged out of the home. It also includes the battery back up pump for the rare case of generator failure. The home is now covered by a lifetime warranty that is transferable in the event of being sold. Now Clark's favorite spot in the house is his office and he hasn't used his wet/dry vacuum in so long, he can't remember where he put it! |
Certified Inspector: Greisy B
Installing Contractor: Maine Basement Waterproofing
Products Installed: 96 ft perimeter drainage system, 1 sump pump system with battery operated back up pump, 15 ft. 3" exterior discharge line, 30 ft. concrete wall restore
Installing Contractor: Maine Basement Waterproofing
Products Installed: 96 ft perimeter drainage system, 1 sump pump system with battery operated back up pump, 15 ft. 3" exterior discharge line, 30 ft. concrete wall restore
The problem;
Rob S., a Kittery resident hated having to deal with a flooded basement every time it rained. The basement did not have any waterproofing system, and the sump pump was outdated and unable to keep up with the amount of incoming water. The homeowner wanted to use his unfinished basement for storage but was unable to do so because of the standing water. His basement needed a waterproofing makeover. That is when he called Maine Basement Waterproofing to help.
The fix;
Maine Basement Waterproofing installed a perimeter drainage system and a sump pump in order to permanently waterproof his basement. The drainage system is designed specifically to sit on top of the footing rather than beside it, so it does not become clogged with dirt and debris from below. It has a quick installation time and isn’t an eyesore in the basement. It carries the water to the sump, which pumps the water out and away from the home.
The sump pump includes the most reliable pump available, a water detection alarm system, and an airtight lid. It can pump 2,650 gallons per hour and is very quiet and energy efficient. The sump pump resists clogging and can pump solids up to ½” in diameter. The alarm sounds off if the water rises above the range of the pump. That way, the homeowner is notified before damage occurs. The air-tight lid keeps out moisture, bugs, and odors and muffles any sound from the pump. This sump pump is warranted to perform reliably for 3 years by the manufacturer. This waterproofing makeover kept Rob's basement dry, and he was happy to finally have use of his unfinished basement. |
Certified Inspector: Greisy B
Installing Contractor: Maine Basement Waterproofing
Products Installed: 123 ft. perimeter drainage system, 1 sump pump, 15 ft 3" exterior discharge line
Installing Contractor: Maine Basement Waterproofing
Products Installed: 123 ft. perimeter drainage system, 1 sump pump, 15 ft 3" exterior discharge line
The problem;
This crawlspace encapsulation case study started with a wonderfully maintained historic home which was built over a dirt crawlspace. The homeowners had been combating moisture problems for decades and tried, unsuccessfully, to dry out their crawlspace by installing plastic sheeting and using seasonal venting.
The sheeting quickly degraded and ended up causing more moisture to the unhealthy environment by allowing moisture from the ground to enter the crawlspace. The open vents also contributed to the moisture problem by letting in humid outside air into the crawlspace. Together these factors created the ideal environment for mold and mildew.
The sheeting quickly degraded and ended up causing more moisture to the unhealthy environment by allowing moisture from the ground to enter the crawlspace. The open vents also contributed to the moisture problem by letting in humid outside air into the crawlspace. Together these factors created the ideal environment for mold and mildew.
The fix;
M.B.W. cured the moisture and mold problem by encapsulating the crawl space with 2,500 sq. ft of vapor barrier and sealing all vents. A drain and high quality dehumidifier were also installed to remove any humidity from the air. A custom crawlspace door was added to stop all penetrable points of entry. This system established and maintains the a healthy crawlspace, and even prevents pests like rodents and bugs from finding a comfortable home below your living space.
The customers crawlspace is now a space of pride. They can now use it as a safe and dry storage space. |
Certified Inspector: Freddy F
Installing Contractor: Maine Basement Waterproofing
Products Installed: 2,500 sq. ft. vapor barrier, 2,500 sq. ft. drainage matting, 2 high quality dehumidifiers, 6 vent covers, 1 floor drain, 1 custom crawlspace door
Installing Contractor: Maine Basement Waterproofing
Products Installed: 2,500 sq. ft. vapor barrier, 2,500 sq. ft. drainage matting, 2 high quality dehumidifiers, 6 vent covers, 1 floor drain, 1 custom crawlspace door
The problem;
Debbie S. lived in her home for decades and always had wetness issues in the basement. In addition to the water, she also noticed nasty odors. Debbie was scared to put rug in the basement and hated to have her guests stay downstairs when they visited. The basement was cold and dreary. The entire basement could only be used as a laundry room, and even then, sometimes the laundry would absorb some of the mildew smell. It was not useful as living space at all.
The fix;
Maine Basement Waterproofing solved the water and dampness issues by installing a perimeter drainage system with a sump pump system to ensure the basement would never have a problem again. To eliminate the humid air and nasty odors, Maine Basement Waterproofing installed a high quality dehumidifier.
In order to make the basement warmer, Maine Basement Waterproofing installed 2" thick foam board on the walls. The customer was very happy to have all three concerns addressed by the same company. After the installation, the Debbie reports she is now able to enjoy her basement without losing any sleep. The basement is dry, walls are insulated, and there are no odors. Debbie is very happy by the amount of work that could be done in such a short time and with professional manner. “I originally assumed the work would be much more expensive than it actually cost, and everyone I worked with at Maine Basement Waterproofing was extremely professional. Maine Basement Waterproofing had my homes’ overall health in mind the whole time. I have recommended Maine Basement Waterproofing to family and friends in the community, to fix their basement issues, and be able to sleep at night like me.” |
Certified Inspector: Greisy B
Installing Contractor: Maine Basement Waterproofing
Products Installed: 115 ft. perimeter drainage system, 1 sump pump system, 115 ft. 2" foam board wall insulation, 1 high quality dehumidifier, 150 ft. 3" exterior discharge line
Installing Contractor: Maine Basement Waterproofing
Products Installed: 115 ft. perimeter drainage system, 1 sump pump system, 115 ft. 2" foam board wall insulation, 1 high quality dehumidifier, 150 ft. 3" exterior discharge line
The problem;
Michael and Mary had their home built on Sebago Lake about 11 years ago. The company who built the house suggested a gravel based crawlspace with an air exchanger installed in the crawlspace. The oil burner was also located in the crawlspace. Issues arose the first winter after being constructed as the windows throughout the house kept freezing up from the inside. At first Michael and Mary thought that the windows may have been the problem, so they contacted the manufacturer to see what could be done to help relieve this. After investigating the construction of the home, the manufacturer decided to replace the windows for free but never pinpointed the actual issue. Michael and Mary also noticed that the air exchanger was running year round. They had 3 dehumidifiers running and every ceiling fan in the house running continuously. Up until now, no one ever thought the crawlspace of the home could be causing the issues because the crawlspace appeared dry.
The fix;
After further investigation, Maine Basement Waterproofing found that high amounts of moisture and water vapors were being sucked upstairs from the dirt crawlspace. It was discovered that the air exchanger and dehumidifiers running constantly were causing Michael and Mary to pay hundreds for wasted energy. Maine Basement Waterproofing solved the problem by installing a 20 mil thick vapor barrier and installed vent covers to seal out exterior air. Although the crawlspace hadn't experienced flooding, there had been a consistent flow of moisture being pulled from the gravel and dirt crawlspace.
The installation of the vapor barrier and drainage matting sealed the home off from the soil. Michael and Mary were able to stop using the whole house air exchanger as well as 2 out of the 3 dehumidifiers, dramatically reducing their energy bills. Michael and Mary reported that there has been no freezing on the inside of the windows. "We were having major issues with moisture in our crawlspace and weren’t sure what to do. We stopped by Maine Basement Waterproofing and met with a representative. They kindly arranged a meeting to come to our house the next week and offered several solutions to fix our issues. They are all very professional, answered our questions and didn't try to sell us products that weren't going to work for our specific situation. The installation crew was punctual, courteous and finished the project in just 6 hours! Maine Basement Waterproofing has followed up and we appreciate the service after the installation. I would recommend Maine Basement Waterproofing to anyone." |
Certified Inspector: Greisy B
Installing Contractor: Maine Basement Waterproofing
Products Installed: 1000 sq. ft. 20 mil thick vapor barrier, 1000 sq. ft. drainage matting, 88 ft 2" foam board wall insulation, 88 ft. rim joist insulation, 1 custom crawlspace door, 4 vent covers, 1 high quality dehumidifier
Installing Contractor: Maine Basement Waterproofing
Products Installed: 1000 sq. ft. 20 mil thick vapor barrier, 1000 sq. ft. drainage matting, 88 ft 2" foam board wall insulation, 88 ft. rim joist insulation, 1 custom crawlspace door, 4 vent covers, 1 high quality dehumidifier
The problem;
Sue and Bob live in a 200 year old home that they bought in 1994 as a vacation home. In 2017 they made it their permanent residence. They knew they wanted to finish the basement someday, but every time it rained hard the basement would develop puddles along the perimeter. They also had to deal with an “old musty basement smell” that they could not remedy, they were not going to spend any money on the basement in that condition. The odor was bad enough that when the house was closed up for any length of time the smell permeated the entire house.
The fix;
Sue and Bob called Maine Basement Waterproofing in the fall of 2017 and after investigating the situation, M.B.W. recommended a full perimeter drainage system with a redundant fail-safe pump system and a high quality dehumidifier to reduce humidity and protect against future odors. This eliminated the puddling and musty smells within 8 weeks.
Sue and Bob now have a finished basement with a guest room, office, bathroom and dry safe storage. They are capable of using the entire basement. There is no odor or smell in the rest of the house, even after it has been closed up for a while. “At first we thought the system was a bit pricey, but after all our attempts to try and solve the smell issue we now believe it is worth every penny. This is by far the best purchase we have done on the home yet. A HUGE thanks goes to Freddy who suggested the dehumidification unit. Freddy was thoughtful, straight forward, did not try to sell us more than we needed, and fixed our problem at the most reasonable cost. Your company is a life saver!” |
Certified Inspector: Greisy B
Installing Contractor: Maine Basement Waterproofing
Products Installed: 110 ft. perimeter drainage system, 110 ft. wall waterproofing membrane, 1 sump pump system, 1 high quality dehumidifier, 20 ft. 3" exterior discharge line
Installing Contractor: Maine Basement Waterproofing
Products Installed: 110 ft. perimeter drainage system, 110 ft. wall waterproofing membrane, 1 sump pump system, 1 high quality dehumidifier, 20 ft. 3" exterior discharge line