Basement Waterproofing Before & After Photos

Discharge lines are one of the more commonly overlooked aspects of our waterproofing projects. After adding in a sump pump or a drainage system, that water must be carried somewhere. The obvious preference is that the water is deposited so far away it can never reach your home again, but that’s not always possible.

After one of our Ayers teams completed a crawlspace encapsulation in East Jordan, they had to take the steps to prevent flooding from happening again. The flood occurred because there was ground water close enough to the crawlspace to leak in. Our discharge lines and lawnscape outlet focus on making sure that the same water doesn’t return. The biggest to those lines will be freezing temperatures (as seen in the before picture). If the line were to freeze over, water that was exiting the system would be forced back to the crawl space sump pump because of clogging. That’s why the team installed an IceGuard shield. The shield is an alternative escape route in the event that the line freezes. The IceGuard shield points away from the foundation to prevent water from leaking back in. Obviously our hope is that the water will exit at the safe distance of the lawnscape outlet, but when temperatures freeze our only focus is getting the water out.

Maybe one-day snow and ice won’t be a problem for us Midwesterners, but until then we’re glad that we’ve got IceGuard.

A sump pump is an important asset to your home in so many ways. First off it makes sure that any water that enters your basement gets pumped up and out without causing a mess. Second, it pumps it far enough way that you don't have to worry about that water getting right back into your basement. Today's sump pumps are made with incredible technology that can even alert you in the event it can't keep up and you need to take action. 

In this Jackson, MI home we installed our SuperSump sump pump. This sump comes with an airtight lid to prevent the water from evaporating right back into your basement. It also sits on a pump stand so you don't have to worry about mud or debris getting into the sump and causing it to clog up. There is even a pump alarm to alert you if the water level ever gets above the point where the pump normally turns on.

This Jackson home had water in the basement when it rained. The homeowner knew where the water had gotten in since water pooled in the same place every time it rained. We installed the WaterGuard which is a French drain system that goes around the perimeter of the basement. It is installed under the floor but above the foundation so it doesn't clog, it collects water that seeps into the space, and it sends the water out of the home. The concrete is restored after installation so you don't have to worry about an unsightly drain in your basement! 

In Michigan, we deal with ravaging winters every year. Besides for it being bitterly cold, we definitely do not want a burst pipe to add to our dislike for the season. As a preventative measure, this Jackson, MI family had our team install the patented IceGuard grated drainage line protector for their sump pump. IceGuard allows water to escape your sump pump even in freezing months, avoiding a burst pipe. No need to worry about water or an unattractive discharge line; IceGuard will blend right in with the exterior of the home.

Robert's Jackson, MI home was built in 1920 and was passed onto him and his brother when their father passed away. The brothers wish to sell the home, but knew there were some issues with the foundation and wanted to get maximum value for the home. They called Ayers for an inspection, and our crew discovered that several of the beams in the crawlspace that support the whole foundation were rotting and needed to be replaced. SmartJacks were the perfect solution for them. 

SmartJacks are steel supports that balance the foundation of the crawlspace, lifting it to its original position. They can be adjusted so the home will never shift out of place and are anchored into the ground with poured concrete. 

Robert and his brother were impressed with the level of professionalism by the Ayers crew and were more than satisfied with the installation provided. They feel better knowing they'll be able to sell the house easier and for a higher price.