House Foundation Repair & Basement Waterproofing in Grand Rapids, MI

Deron's oldest son currently resides in his Grand Rapids, MI basement bedroom. He identified that there was no egress window or proper means of escape and reached out to Ayers. We informed Daron that to meet fire code and ensure his son's safety, installing an egress window would be necessary. Daron was eager to take this step to protect his home, keep his son safe, and add value to his property for future resale.

We best assist Deron, we explained that the installation process would disturb the yard to some extent; however, performing the work in late May while the ground is still partially frozen would minimize the disruption. This timing would help reduce the impact on Daron's yard during the project.

Additionally, there was existing BrightWall® paneling on the basement wall. To ensure the space remained clean and finished, we recommended bringing a replacement BrightWall® panel measuring 4 feet wide by 8 feet tall to install after completing the window well and drain. With these improvements, Deron can feel confident that his basement will be safer for his son while enhancing the home's overall value.

Steve noticed cracks and uneven concrete forming in the front porch of his Grand Rapids home. Concerned about safety and long-term stability, he wanted a solution that would permanently support the space—without the high cost and hassle of a full replacement. Seeking expert advice, he contacted Ayers for a free consultation.

After a thorough inspection, our specialist recommended installing two helical piers to stabilize the concrete slab. These piers would be drilled deep into stable soil, providing lasting support and preventing future settlement. Our crew carefully installed the helical piers beneath the porch, ensuring a strong, permanent foundation for the structure above.

With his porch now secure, Steve can confidently enjoy his outdoor space year-round. Thanks to Ayers’ solution, he avoided the expense of a full replacement and gained peace of mind knowing his porch is safe, level, and built to last.

In July 2024, Alisa and Andrew began noticing signs of water intrusion and mold growth in their ten-year-old home in Grand Rapids, MI. Although they knew it wasn't their forever home, they wanted to ensure safety and stability for the next homeowners. They felt uncomfortable selling it until they addressed these issues. After receiving a free estimate and inspection from Ayers Basement Systems, it became clear that their home not only had water problems but also structural damage. To resolve these issues, a new sump pump was installed to manage excess water in the basement, along with additional supplemental beams to stabilize the home's main beam. Once the SmartJack system of beams and the TripleSafe Sump Pump with backup power were installed, the couple felt a sense of relief. They were now confident that when they decided to sell their home in the future, it would be safe, stable, and free from potential mold growth for the new owners.

The employee entrance of a Grand Rapids business had become a safety concern due to sinking and cracking concrete stairs, creating hazardous conditions for staff. Looking for a reliable fix, the maintenance manager contacted Ayers for help.

System Design Specialist Zac recommended a two-part solution. First, our team used PolyLevel to lift and level the sunken steps, restoring their original position. Then, NexusPro Sealant was applied to fill the cracks, preventing further damage and ensuring long-term durability.

The result is a stable, hazard-free entrance that offers peace of mind to employees and management alike, ready to handle daily use with confidence.

A homeowner in Grand Rapids, MI, wanted to make the most of their basement by improving its functionality, safety, and overall appeal. They envisioned a space that could be bright, welcoming, and suitable for various uses but knew they needed an upgrade to make it possible.

To bring their vision to life, we installed an egress window, a crucial addition to safety and livability. The egress window provides a code-compliant emergency exit and allows natural light to flood into the space, making it feel more open and inviting.

The installation involved cutting the foundation wall to create the opening, ensuring proper drainage to prevent water intrusion, and carefully fitting the window and well for durability and long-term use. The result is a brighter, safer basement perfect for future projects, family gatherings, or everyday use.

Now, the homeowner can enjoy peace of mind knowing their basement is a safer environment for family and guests and a versatile space with endless potential.

On March 30th, Jerry Greene contacted Ayers regarding his cousin David's home in Grand Rapids. Jerry has been taking care of David since he was partially paralyzed in a racing accident. They were concerned about the over 100-year-old home's foundation, which showed signs of crumbling, cracking, and a lack of support beams.

Upon arrival, Chris discovered that another contractor had previously installed a waterproofing system in the home. Water was still on the floors, but the foundation was the real issue. The biggest problem was the sloping and drooping floors due to a lack of support. Sections of the beams were taped off, and severe rot was visible in other areas.

We wanted to ensure that David and Jerry could feel safe and secure in their home. So, we got to know them and built trust to show them that Ayers is a reliable contractor to address their structural problems. We obtained the required permits and provided engineering support to ensure the home's durability.

David can now live comfortably in his home, knowing that the floors below him are stable, and Jerry can take care of David with peace of mind, no longer needing to check the basement to ensure the foundation is intact.

Dennis and Jen recently purchased a residence constructed in 1931, which was relocated onto a block foundation in the 1950s. Anticipating some restoration needs due to its age and history, the couple was taken aback by the extensive foundation and water-related challenges the home had. A steady stream of water was entering the basement along the outer perimeter, exacerbating the sinking of one corner of the house.

The couple knew they had to take action and called Ayers for assistance, a prompt inspection was conducted, followed by a same-day estimate. The proposed solution involved initial stabilization of the structure to prevent further sinking using push piers. These steel piers are installed along the outside perimeter of the home. Once they are safely in place the home is then lifted to its level position. Following this stabilization, soil was backfilled around the piers and the home is restored to its original glory. 

To address the moisture concerns, a TripleSafe system was implemented. This interior drainage system, strategically placed along the wall perimeter, effectively gathers and redirects any water ingress through the walls. Subsequently, the water is channeled out into the yard via a discharge line and duct drain. Dennis and Jan will now be able to enjoy their classic home for many years to come. 

Frank's living room floor was slanted, and he couldn't ignore it any longer. Over time, as the slant steepened, he knew he must call Ayers for help. We sent a team of experts to his home who recommended the SmartJacks supplemental support system. A system of floor jacks hot-dipped in galvanized steel, zinc-plated and reinforced to bear large loads. The permanent base and top adjustment feature ensure lasting stability underneath the home. Frank is excited his floor is finally level!

Ellen was worried the cracks in her basement walls would continue to grow if left untreated. She needed help, so she called Ayers, and we sent a team of specialists to her home. They evaluated the situation and suggested the installation of GeoLock wall anchors. These anchors are made of galvanized steel, secured to the basement wall, and connected to ground anchors by steel rods. The ground anchors are implanted in solid, undisturbed soil a few feet away from the home, creating a strong connection. Ellen loves her sturdy wall!

Steven noticed a musty smell drifting through the vents in his home and was unsure where it came from. After researching his options online, he found Ayers and called to learn about our waterproofing solutions. We sent a crew of experts to his home to assess the situation and they recommended installing the CleanSpace vapor barrier. CleanSpace is far sturdier than a store-bought tarp and protects the home from mold growth with antimicrobial lined material. The barrier is applied entirely to the crawl space walls and floors to deter moisture entry. Steven can breathe freely once again!

Scott worried about his ability to provide for his family during a power outage without a working refrigerator and fresh food. He needed to prepare for the next storm by installing a backup generator. After researching online, Scott called Ayers to learn about our generator options. We sent licensed professionals to his home to assess the situation, and they recommended a Kohler generator. Kohler generators provide continuous power during outages and react promptly to power failure. Scott feels much better knowing his home is protected!

Ben was concerned with the water leaking into his basement after storms and wasn't sure what the issue was. He was sick of scooping water, so he researched his options and called Ayers to learn about our waterproofing solutions. Our team of experts stopped by his home, assessed the problem, and recommended installing the TripleSafe sump pump. TripleSafe prevents pump failure by providing two backups, one of which is battery-powered in case of outages. Ben can relax and know his system is working!

Trevor noticed a wall in his garage was leaning and wanted to ensure it did not risk his neighbor's property. He contacted Ayers and had our resident foreman Evan inspect the structure. Even decided that the drift in the wall could be corrected, so he installed a GeoLock Anchor.

GeoLock Anchors fix this issue by pulling the wall back into place. GeoLock is installed by excavating the ground around the perimeter of the home. Anchors are placed along the outside of the now exposed basement walls and held in place with steel drives. On the other side of the wall, a large metal plate is aligned with the anchor and bolted together. The bolt is tightened till constant pressure is pulling the wall into place.

Geolock is considered a permeate solution, not only correcting walls but keeping them from sliding back out of place too.

Jason noticed that his home was not level. The doors of his home would not sit well in their frame and noticed gaps between his floors and banisters. Not sure how to move forward he contacted Ayers and had our resident foreman Blade perform an inspection.

Blade was able to listen to Jason's concerns, diagnose the issue, and prescribe treatments that would save the home. Blade decided that a set of SmartJack piers to reintroduce support.

The SmartJack Piers are steel beams that are anchored into the foundational floor with poured concrete. The tops are fixed with load-bearing joints that are attached to strategic points on the home's supportive rim joist. 

Caroline was hoping to renovate her basement but knew she had some prep work to take care of. She had some regular flooding and wanted more light before looking for decor. After our foreman Randy inspected the space, he gave Caroline a comprehensive and cost-effective plan that included a WaterGuard system and an IncGuard mod as well as installing an egress window that lets light in and keeps the cold out.

The WaterGuard system consists of a series of channels placed under the foundational floor that directs water the home sump pump can not handle and directs it far away from the home. The IceGuard modification is placed on the pipes leading to a sump pump that prevents ice from building up which causes blockages that lead to leaks.

The Egress window was installed without compromising foundational integrity and it is fitted on the outside with a well duct and drain that allows light to shine year-round and keep water out.

Ms. Beasley, a homeowner that, like many, has reservations about intrusive and expensive contract work knew she was in jeopardy when she noticed moisture and unsightly cracks in her basement walls. Looking for a cost-friendly option, resident foreman Randy assured that there are ready solutions, all that would end up saving the homeowner by eliminating future repairs.

By installing a series of PowerBraces and strips of CarbonArmor, the basement runs no risk of further water of fracture. The process began by dehumidifying the area, crucial for preventing mold spores. The relatively most intrusive step in the process is the PowerBrace installation; anchoring fitted steel beams topped with supportive RimJoists (to strengthen basement ceiling framework) to the basement walls, the system tightens over time which allows it to both prevent and correct the wall cracking. spaced evenly, this moderately sized basement required 7 braces along the northern wall.

The final measure is a simple and unintrusive method, placing CarbonArmor straps. Lucky for Ms. Beasley, the walls had cracked without sliding so the air-tight adhesives worked perfectly. Resin-backed stips of carbon fiber are strategically placed on the faulty spots along the wall and adhered to. The straps operate as a wall corrective force, giving the homeowner the peace of mind she deserves. 

Everyone knows the saying, “you get what you pay for”. As cliché as it may sound, in many aspects of life, the saying holds true. When Christian gave us a call explaining that his basement ceiling was beginning to lean, we instinctively asked, “Are the beams made of wood?” and with his one-worded response, we knew Ayers Basement Systems had just the solution he was looking for. 

When building a house, wood is the most commonly used material due to its inexpensive nature. However, over time wood begins to rot and crack if not taken care of properly. In Christian’s case, the wooden beams were cracking from too much moisture in the air. To combat the problem, our system design specialists installed the CleanSpace wall system, super sump pump, and Supportworks smart jacks.

The smart jack system is a foundation repair product that provides a permanent, adjustable solution. Made from galvanized steel, smart jacks will never rot or crack and can support more than 60,000 pounds. Once installed, the base of the steel is covered with concrete to provide additional stability. By waterproofing the basement as well, Ayers Basement Systems was able to provide a long-lasting solution for this West-Michigan family!

Crawlspace protection is important and often mislooked by homeowners. To fully protect your crawlspace, Ayers recommends the combination of CleanSpace and a SaniDry dehumidifier to create a healthy environment for your crawlspace. The CleanSpace vapor barrier (white) blocks moisture coming in through the foundation while the SaniDry (not pictured) takes the moisture out of the air to prevent wood rot, mold growth and musty smells.  SilverGlo is used on the walls to add further insulation.  Together, these additions create an effective environment that will save energy bills as well as keep your home and you healthy.  

As the dreaded Michigan winter starts taking a toll on our lives; our houses have some issues of their own as well.  Our customers, Chuck and Mary called us with their home having some issues with water in their crawl space and one side of their floor sinking.  Ayers was able to help fix those issues by installing a new sump pump and a crawl space vapor barrier, called CleanSpace.  For the discharge of the sump pump, it is important that the water gets outside of your home and we recommend installing IceGuard.  IceGuard attaches to your discharge pipe outside of your home to act as protection against frozen pipes that would otherwise cause a flood in your basement or crawl space.  This cheap addition to your home allows for more protection against cold Michigan winters and will help to keep your space nice and dry.  

As yet another Michigan winter approaches, cold feet and energy costs are coming along as well.  Improper crawl space and insulation can costs hundreds of dollars in the span of a year; thousands over the life span of a home.  To help save energy, reduce humidity, and reduce the amount of cold air entering your house, we recommend a crawl space upgrade with CleanSpace and SilverGlo.  CleanSpace is a white vapor barrier that is used to reduce humidity and keep those creepy animals out of your home and crawl space.  SilverGlo is wall insulation that helps keep any cold and humidity from entering your home.  With these two additions, Michigan winters don't stand a chance.  

Basement safety is a topic that is often overlooked by a lot of homeowners.  Egress windows are used in basements to allow more safety for people inside trying to get out.  Being able to safely escape a house quickly can be the difference between life or death.  So egress windows not only make your house safer, but in some cases they can even be required; for example cases when somebody lives in the basement, it could fall under building code.  When it comes to egress windows, it's better to be safe than sorry!

Let's say your have an emergency and your house catches on fire and the only way out is the door to the upstairs. That could be very well where the fire is coming from and there is no other way out. We don't want this to happen to anyone which is why we offer egress windows and install them. It is now part of the building code that every home has 2 exits in the basement. So let us help you and give you peace of mind by installing an egress window in your basement. The glass is double paned so it wont be noisy, the outside edges are made of plastic so you never have to repaint it and plus what's better than knowing your family will be safe.

At a home in Grand Rapids, a hazardous walkway worried the homeowner. The unlevel concrete slabs provided a serious lip in the walkway that could easily be tripped on. We see this far too often and know exactly how to fix it. We installed PolyLevel, which is an advanced polymer injection foam which is implanted into the concrete to level it out and make it stronger.

PolyLevel worked to raise and level out the concrete slabs while dealing with the weak soils below that were no longer able to hold the weight of the home above. We drilled multiple small holes into the concrete slabs in order to inject them with a polymer material that expanded to lift and level out the concrete. Once injected, the system only needed about 15 minutes to fully cure and the slabs were then stabilized and lifted to their proper level, and stronger than ever before. Now, this homeowner will not have to worry about this ever again.

This customer noticed a crack had formed in his garage wall over the past few years. Stairstep cracks are a telltale sign that your wall is failing. A failing wall is not good for resale value and definitley not good for the saftey of you or your family. It's a good idea to get foundation issues addressed as soon as possible so it doesn't create more a problem. 

For this wall crack in the customers garage we were able to install our Wall Anchors to fix the problem. Wall anchors are a very versatile repair method because they can fix: bowed walls, walls that are tipping, and walls that are pushing inwward. These anchros are installed independently of the floor system so they are a good choice to fix very severe problems. They can also be tightened over time to make sure your wall is getting back to its original position. Wall anchors can be installed around pipes, vanities, sinkes, toilets and so much more which make them a great minimal disturbing choice for repairing your walls.

Richard has a home that was built in the early 2000’s. He has a finished basement with water coming in from the walls. The water was beginning to ruin the basement and Richard wanted it sealed before causing any additional damage.

We used FlexiSpan to seal the cracks in Richard’s walls. FlexiSpan seals cracks and comes with a built in secondary strategy just in case the first one fails. FlexiSpan, as its name implies, is flexible. It will move with the wall as it moves over time. This ensures your walls will stay sealed and no amount of wall movement will make it leak again.

John began noticing stair-step and horizontal cracks in his cement block basement walls. Horizontal cracks are usually one of the first symptoms of wall failure you begin to notice. They start off small and grow over time as continued pressure is added to the wall causing it to bow. As the problem worsens, stair-step cracks begin to form at the corners of the walls. This bowing is caused by pressure being exerted from around the wall from the soil being saturated with water, frost, or expansive clay soil.

Our team of experts decided to install our Wall Anchor System. The Wall Anchors are made of galvanized steel that are embedded in the soil away from the foundation wall. They are then connected to steel plates, on your basement walls, by steel rods. Once, installed the anchors hold the walls in their current position. Although the walls are instantly stabilized, this patent system allows for additional straightening of your basement walls over time. The Wall Anchor System provides the best opportunity to straighten walls over time, can be installed around obstacles, and require minimal disturbance during installation.

Miriam's crawlspace is made with concrete walls. She decided to have Ayers Basement Systems encapsulate it for her. We installed our CleanSpace drainage matting and CleanSpace liner. The drainage matting separates the crawlspace from the earth to keep your crawl space dry from any water or moisture from the outside. It also protects against any mold or bacteria growth that results from moisture that may enter the crawlspace.

The CleanSpace Liner is made of a durable plastic liner similar to that of a pool liner. It stops moisture from seeping into the space and can be easily installed around various obstructions. The durability of the liner also makes it easy to enter the crawl space without worrying about whether or not you will risk tearing it.

Our customer Michele, was experiencing groundwater coming in through her basement floor. Her home was built 20 years ago and she had the outside walls sealed and filled with dirt but it still didn’t do much to help. She constantly had three large puddles that would form in different areas throughout the basement. Michele began resorting to laying down towels each day to soak up the water.

Ayers Basement Systems came in and helped Michele waterproof her basement. We installed our WaterGuard System. We install this system around the perimeter of her basement to guide the water coming to the Super Sump sump pump. This sump pump is made to pump out larger than average amounts of water keeping her basement nice and dry.

Now that we have taken care of the inside of her home, we began installing products to protect it from the outside. We installed the Lawnscape Outlet to hide those ugly discharge lines and give the water a place to escape with virtually no pitch. Also, because we know in the winter those discharge lines to tend to freeze we installed IceGuard. IceGuard is engineered to eject the water from the house, keeping it from pumping back into the basement. The combination of all these products will protect Michele’s basement, inside and out, from being ruined by that water coming in.

Elenor B. from Grand Rapids, MI had heavy wetness in her crawl space and needed more than a dehumidifier tl solve the problem. Good thing we had a solution,.

For this project we installed the SmartSump crawl space sump pump. The SmartSump is a small but mighty sump pump perfect for shallow crawl spaces. It's Zoeller 1/3 horsepower pump can pump 2,500 gallons of water per hour at a 5 foot head, ensuring a completely dry crawl space.

Dorothee had basement walls made of poured concrete and  noticed her walls were beginning to bow at the center. Our dedicated team installed our Wall Anchor System. Wall anchors are a versatile wall repair method because they can be used to stabilize bowing walls.

The Wall Anchor System uses galvanized steel earth anchors installed in the soil away from the foundation wall. They are then connected to steel wall plates, located on the basement walls, with steel rods.

These anchors will hold walls in their current position but allow for the ability for wall straightening over time. Wall Anchors help straighten walls because they can be tightened during dry periods. The Wall Anchor System can fix severe wall problems, be installed around obstacles including pipes and vanities, and causes minimal disturbance to the customer’s daily life.

Keegan G. noticed water coming in through his basement walls. We decided to install our WaterGuard perimeter system and Triple Safe sump pump. The WaterGuard system is installed around the perimeter of your basement and guides in water seeping in through your walls to your sump pump. The Triple Safe sump pump is equipped with two back up pumps. The second is more powerful than the first and the third pump is battery operated in te case there is a power outage. Our Triple Safe sump pump is engineered to make sure your basement stays dry no matter the situation.

Justine R. had water coming in through her a crack in her wall. It was so much water coming through and dripping to the floor they had to change the towels every hour. The home was built in the 1950’s and the walls are made of poured concrete. Unfortunately, we know that concrete walls move over time and will eventually begin to crack. There is just nothing we can do about them. Our team of experts decided the best plan for Justine and her family was to use FlexiSpan to fill those cracks. FlexiSpan seals cracks and also has a built-in secondary strategy in case the first seal fails. It is also made of a flexible material so it moves as the wall moves over time, making sure those cracks don’t leak again.

Kenneth L. was experiencing wall failure. His basement has cement block walls that had both horizontal and vertical cracks. Horizontal cracks can be caused from a variety factors, but they all have one thing in common, soil. The soil around the home can begin to produce excessive amounts of pressure against your basement walls. This pressure can stem from fluids in the soil or frost. The cracks in Kenneth’s wall resulted in them bowing. Our team of experts decided to install our Wall Anchor System. The Wall Anchor System is designed to hold the walls in the current positions but allow for straightening over the wall over time and cause minimal disturbance during installation.

Kate M. lives in a home over a 100 years old. She recently noticed her floors were sloping and creating a gap between the floor and interior walls. Moisture and wood rot in the crawl space can also attribute to sagging floors. The joists start to weaken under the weight of the house.

The most common solution for sagging floors is installing concrete footings. Unfortunately, it is not the best decision. Over time concrete footings can settle into the soil recreating the same problem. They are also unadjustable, if the floors need additional lifting there is no way for the footing to be readjusted without reinstalling new footings. This process can become very costly and time-consuming if repeated.  Our team evaluated Kate’s problem and decided our heavy duty SmartJacks would be the best resolution. SmartJacks are used to transfer the weight to more competent soils and stabilize and level girders and floor joists in a crawl space. They provide the best opportunity to lift your floors and walls back to their original position.

Gavin B. from Grand Rapids, MI was having water leak into his basement and needed a solution. Water in a basement can cause a handful of issues not only in the basement but in the house itself. Because of this, Gavin gave us a call.

We installed our WaterGuard French drain system. This patented system rests below the basement floor and above the foundation footing, catching all the water that seeps into the basement from the walls. Once this water is collected it is redirected to the sump pump to be pumped up and out of the home. 

Mike S. of Grand Rapids, MI wanted to finish off his basement but was having water issues that needed to be resolved prior to the construction. Thankfully for him, we had a solution.

We installed one of our favorite patented products: the WaterGuard French drain system. WaterGuard rests below the basement floor and on top of the foundation footing, collecting the water that drains through your basement walls. Once this water is collected it is redirected to the sump pump to be pumped up and out of the home.

This installment will provide a waterproofing sure to keep the finished basement as it should be -- dry. 

Judy P. had a cement block basement wall with multiple hairline cracks. There was no water entering the home, but the sturdiness of the wall was a concern for the homeowner.

Our team of experts installed the PowerBrace system, which is a system that supports basement walls by using strong steel I-beams to hold the wall in place. The beams were installed vertically on the wall, with one end placed in the floor at the base of the wall and the other end securely attached to the floor joists above the wall. Once the system was tightened with steel brackets, the wall was no longer able to shift out of place. Another added benefit to this system was that the beams were coated with zinc to protect them from corrosion, which ensures the effectiveness of the beams over time.

Mike and Carol W. contacted us because they had 2 block basement walls that were bowing inward. They were looking for a solution that would permanently stabilize the walls and potentially help straighten them over time.

We used the PowerBrace and Geo-Lock wall anchor systems to stabilize the wall. The PowerBrace system used steel I-beams that were installed at the base of the wall and to the floor joists above the wall. Once tightened into place, the beams acted as braces to hold the wall in place. They can even be tightened over time to potentially shift the wall back to its proper position.

The Wall Anchor system used steel earth anchors that were embedded deep in the soil outside of the problem wall. The anchors were then connected to a steel wall plate and secured into place with steel rods. Once the system was tightened, the wall was immediately held in place and will no longer continue to bow.

Mike and Carol W. had two block basement walls that were bowing inward and had horizontal and vertical cracks. The homeowner was looking for a reliable solution that would stabilize the walls and hopefully pull them back to their proper position. We installed the PowerBrace and Geo-Lock Wall Anchor systems to properly stabilize the walls. The PowerBrace system used steel I-Beams that were installed to the joists above the wall and in the floor at the footing of the wall. The beams acted as a brace to hold the walls in place and possibly straighten them over time. We also provided a tightening kit that the customers can use to tighten the braces as the walls begin to shift. The Geo-Lock wall anchors were also installed to hold the walls in place and guide them to their original position. Steel earth anchors were placed deep into stable soil outside of the failing wall and were then connected to the wall with steel plates. The plates were secured into place with steel rods and the shifting wall was immediately stabilized.

This homeowner had lived in her house for 27 years and never had anything done to the crawl space and wanted an opinion on what she should do. Our team of experts visited the space and found that it had block and poured concrete walls, a cement floor, and fallen insulation. The problem with cement walls and flooring is that it allows water vapor to easily enter, which creates high humidity levels and allows moisture to accumulate. 

In order seal off the crawl space from the outside environment we installed the CleanSpace liner. The liner was sized and cut to fit the dimensions of the crawl space and then securely attached to floors and walls. The liner is both waterproof and vapor proof, so moisture will not be able to enter the space. Preventing moisture from entering will prevent mold growth, rot and high humidity levels from occupying the space and from disturbing to other areas of the home.

Next we needed to remove the ineffective fiberglass insulation and replace it with FrothPak spray foam. This insulation does not absorb ambient moisture like traditional insulation does and its inorganic materials prevent mold growth. This foam was used to spray the crawl space walls to seal off the small openings that let air and moisture in. 

Michael O. called because he wanted to fix a water leak that was entering his home’s block foundation wall. This homeowner was planning to put the home up for sale but wanted to ensure the problem was fixed before doing so. 

In order to collect the intruding water and discard it from the home we installed the WaterGuard system. This system uses specialized pipes that are installed underneath the flooring, placed slightly away from the wall in order to collect incoming water and drain it into the sump pump. To begin this installation we excavated sections of the flooring around the perimeter of the basement. The WaterGuard pipes were then placed in the sections and the remainder of the area was filled with crushed stone. We then restored the floors by covering the open trench with concrete, making sure too leave a portion of the system closest to the wall uncovered to leave room for water to flow in. This system will now make sure any incoming water will filter into the system rather than into the home. 

Jamie M. called because the cement slabs that make up the walkway to her home were sinking and needed to be lifted. Cracks also began to form due to the settlement and the homeowner wanted an efficient solution that would fix the problem properly. 

To lift the cement we used the PolyLevel system. To begin, our team drilled multiple small holes in the concrete that we then filled with high-density, lightweight polymers. After the holes were injected, the polymers expanded to lift the slab back to its original position. The slab had settled because the soil below was too weak to hold the weight of concrete, which is why this system uses lightweight polymers that lifted the walkway and addressed the weak soil issue. We also used NexusPro joint sealer to fill the cracks and prevent them from spreading any further.

Etta D. called because she wanted a reliable fix for her sinking sidewalk and garage floor. Cracks were beginning to form in both areas due to the settlement, which was both an eyesore, safety concern and could cause future damage to the property.

To fix the settled cement we installed the PolyLevel system that easily lifts and permanently fixes sinking concrete. For this installation, we first had to drill out several small penny-sized holes throughout the slab where the settlement was occurring. Next we filled the holes with high-density polymers that expand to lift the slab back to its original position. This problem originally occurred because the soil underneath could no longer hold the concrete slabs, causing it to settle. The polymers in this system are lightweight, which addresses the weak soils. We also used NexusPro joint sealer, which seals the cracks in the cement and prevents them from shifting any further. 

This homeowner called because her kitchen floor located above the crawl space in her home was very cold. The porous block concrete walls and concrete flooring were not sealed from air leaks and the space had no type of insulation. 

To insulate the space and seal off any air leaks we installed SilverGlo and FrothPak spray foam insulation. The SilverGlo wall panels have graphite particles in them that reflect heat and lower conductivity to effectively insulate the space. The panels also serve as a radiant heat barrier to reflect heat back into the space, which helps save in energy bills. We first sized and cut the panels to perfectly fit the walls of the crawl space and then we fastened them to the walls. We also used FrothPak spray foam insulation, which we sprayed in all of the small nooks and crannies in the space. This insulation does not absorb ambient moisture and is made from inorganic materials that prevent mold growth.

After the crawl space was properly insulated, we also needed to deal with moisture that was entering the space. To conquer this we installed the durable CleanSpace liner that we used to encapsulate and seal the space off from the outside environment. This liner is waterproof and vapor proof, so it prevents water and water vapor from entering the space, which can create excess moisture. 

This homeowner can now enjoy a warm kitchen floor.

Peter called us about his wet basement. Much had been done in the past on the exterior of the home to prevent water from continuing to make its way in but nothing had been successful. Peter needed a solution that was going to be permanent and reliable. That's when we installed our WaterGuard perimeter drainage system, which sits on the home's footer beneath the concrete slab and catches water as it enters the home, directing it to a sump pump for removal from the home. Speaking of sump pumps, we also installed a SuperSump system in the home to effectively remove large amounts of water. The basement is now dry once and for all. The old fixes were in many ways a waste of time and money. With WaterGuard, the issue is reliably fixed. 

Derek called after he had started noticing his basement carpet getting wet near the wall whenever it rained or snowed heavily. He wondered what he could do to keep the water our and protect his finished space. Upon inspection, we peeled back the carpet to find that the carpet strips had begun to develop mold. It was obvious that water had been coming in and sitting. The solution for Derek was a new WaterGuard perimeter drainage system. We peeled back the carpet around the basement, removed a small amount of the slab foundation, and installed the drainage system at the base of the wall right on the home's footing. We then replaced the concrete. Water that enters the basement is captured by the drainage system before it can harm any building materials and it carries the water to the sump pump for removal. Here's where things got fun: In order to do the installation in this finished basement, we had to remove the bottom portion of the finished walls to put the system right against the cement walls. In the end Derek chose to refinish the walls with our EverLast wall panels and white trim. They are a cement board with a vinyl finish and white trim. They look great in a basement space and they won't ever develop mold. Derek now has a fantastic looking space and we were glad to be a part of creating it.

John first called years ago with water coming in through two walls in his basement. He decided not to move forward with the project at the time, but called again two months ago with a worsening problem.

The walls were still leaking, and had been for the entire interim since our first appointment, but now they were also bowing. Constant water influx can threaten the stability of a wall in addition to the problems caused by water.

We installed WaterGuard in the entire basement and covered the leaking walls with Brightwall panels, which are waterproof and inorganic and have the added benefit of a clean, bright appearance. They can also be tied into the WaterGuard system for extra waterproofing power.

After the Brightwall panels were installed, we used PowerBraces to stabilize the walls, and over time we will hopefully be able to straighten the walls by tightening the braces.

The owners of this home in Grand Rapids, MI complained about a musty smell in their home for years. When our experts arrived to check out the crawl space, they found it was very humid, there was no air circulation, and although they had a sump pump, it was wet.

Often times dirt-floored crawl spaces are damp, simply because the moisture in the dirt evaporates into the air. If there’s no dehumidifier or vapor barrier to keep the moisture out, it sits in the space, sometimes causing mold to grow. Since air moves up, this damp crawl space air makes its way to the upper levels of the home, as explained by the Stack Effect. Scientists say that up to 50% of the air breathed on the first floor is air from the crawl space. So, a musty smell downstairs means a musty smell upstairs.

One of the best ways to address this issue is to encapsulate the crawl space. Using CleanSpace, a durable liner that’s nearly twice as thick as most liners, we completely sealed off this crawl space from the earth. This fool-proof moisture barrier allows for drainage to the sump, and the antimicrobial additive in the liner prevents mold from growing.

Installing a SaniDry dehumidifier also works to eliminate the moisture in the air. It’s energy efficient, and automatically drains the water to the sump pump, so you don’t have to. With clean and dry air, this crawl space is a healthier, as is the rest of the home.

Jill and Daniel’s home had foundation issues for several years. Their two-story garage was starting to sink and splitting away from the home. Three years ago they called a different company and asked them to level it off. All seemed to be going fine until the piers started to fail and the upper part of the garage itself began to lean. Jill and Daniel then began looking for a permanent solution that would guarantee their garage lasted.

Our crew gave them what they needed using SmartJacks, a PolyLevel injection, and piering system. The SmartJacks would solve the problem of the leaning upper level in the garage, while the PolyLevel injection and piering system balanced out the first floor and the foundation of the garage. All three installations were used on the leaning side of the garage – the side opposite of the home attachment. The SmartJacks were attached to the second level floor joists with a steel beam. The four helical piers were placed outside of the garage and lifted the foundation back to its original position. Lastly, the crew injected PolyLevel below 3 different concrete slabs to level out the floor with the new foundation. Jill and Daniel finally have the foundation solution they've wanted for the past few years.

Artie’s basement walls had been leaking for quite a while. The leaking moisture would come after extensive rains, and on its way to the floor, the water would discolor and leave water stains on the walls. Not only that but the foundation walls were also starting to crumble inwards. It looked like the basement couldn’t take much more when our system design specialist arrived in Grand Rapids, but our crew was ready to fix up the basement - no matter what condition it was in. So, once Artie approved the system design specialist’s plan, the crew headed out.

When the crew arrived, the first step was giving the water a place to drain. To do so, they first had to excavate part of the foundation floor to make room for a perimeter drainage system – specifically our WaterGuard system. The system sits in floor and wall joint to catch water that leaks through the foundation. With the perimeter drain in place, the crew moved onto installing our CleanSpace Wall Vapor Barrier. The barrier won’t allow moisture that leaks through the wall to enter the actual room. Instead, that water will flow behind the barrier, down the wall, and into the perimeter drainage system below.  The key to getting the water out is our SuperSump system, capable of pumping out over 2,000 gallons of water in an hour. With a full waterproofing system in place like this, Artie’s basement won’t see moisture in it again. 

Chelsie’s Grand Rapids, MI home had water coming through both the walls and floor of the basement. The basement was divided into two different areas, partially finished and partially unfinished. The water was dampening the carpet in the finished area, and in the unfinished, water was puddling on the floor. Chelsie was planning on completing a remodel that would finish the whole basement, so when she called us, she was eager for us to get to work.

Before our crew could get to work, they needed to remove the carpet and tear everything out of the basement to make room for the products that would be installed. Once that was taken care of, the crew installed a WaterGuard perimeter drainage system. As the water leaks through Chelsie’s walls and floor, it will typically flow to the perimeter of the basement. WaterGuard sits in the floor and wall joint to collect all of that leaking water. Once it's in the system, that water will flow to the ultra reliable TripleSafe sump pump system. The sump system continues to pump during power outages. That water will then be led to a Lawnscape outlet in the backyard for disposal. Chelsie is now free to continue her basement remodel.

Todd had recently purchased this Grand Rapids, MI home with the intent to do some renovations and flip it for a profit. At first, all was going well and he had even started finishing the basement. During the finish, him and his team laid down several 2x4s to create wall frames that would separate the basement into different rooms. Well, somehow the installation had resulted in water and condensation rising out of the concrete slab foundation and dampening the floor. Todd was in a rush to get this house finished and on the market, so he gave us a call looking for a solution that could guarantee the problem wouldn’t come back.

Our solution to the problem was a perimeter drainage system. When water rises through the ground, it has a habit of puddling up at the floor and wall joints, the lowest part of the basement. WaterGuard, the perimeter drainage system, sits exactly in these joints. Once water flows into the system, it will be directed to the sump to be pumped out. Todd wanted to guarantee that water wouldn’t be a threat in this basement, so he went with our most reliable sump pump system – the TripleSafe. With two backup pumps, the TripleSafe will discharge water even during power outages. Todd can now get back to his repairs and will be able to guarantee the next buyers that this basement is fully protected.

Wendy purchased her Grand Rapids, MI home towards the end of 2014. Shortly after, it flooded. While trying to decide if the repairs were worth the money, she found a copy of a proposal made by Ayers for the previous homeowners back in 2010. Apparently, the leaks and flooding hadn’t gotten any better since then. Once she decided to keep the property, she gave us a call, and we sent out our system design specialist to see if the proposed installation was still valid.

Lucky for Wendy, there were no new problems in the basement – meaning the plan drawn up by the previous system design specialist would still solve her water issues, and the crew could get right to work. When the proposal was made up, the flooding was traced back to a leaky crack in the window. But before the crew could deal with the window, they had to take care of the water that was puddling on the floor. So, they installed a WaterGuard perimeter drainage system. Any water on the floor will go into the system instead of puddling on the floor. Since the plan was for any water from Wendy’s leaking window to end up in the drainage system as well, they connected the two using a Window Well Duct Drain. The drain will guide water on a direct path from window to WaterGuard. Finally, to pump all of this water out of the home, the crew replaced the old sump pump with a newer, more reliable model to make sure everything ran smoothly.

We’re happy we could finally give Wendy’s home the protection the previous owners had denied it.

Most of the calls we receive here at Ayers are about waterproofing or foundation work. But every now and then we get a few calls from customer who genuinely just want to make their basement more presentable and livable. Mary and Clarence had been saving for a long time to make some improvements to their basement. Specifically, they were hoping for a smoother floor and walls that weren’t cover in water stains. Not an unreasonable request, so the crew headed out to Grand Rapids, MI to help fix up this basement.

Repairing the floor was as simple as pretending it never existed. The crew poured brand new cement over Clarence and Mary’s old floor and smoothed it out. To treat the stained walls, they installed CleanSpace liner. CleanSpace is the perfect look for unfinished basements. It hides the former walls but won’t allow water vapor or moisture to disturb the new look either. We hope Mary and Clarence are satisfied with what looks like a brand new basement.

Rebecca had noticed a few cracks in both her basement and crawl space walls but didn’t think too much of them. The crawl space was an add on to the much older house and had been holding up pretty well. That is until a visit from an inspector ended with his insistence that she have someone take a closer look at the crawl space. That’s when she requested the assistance of one of our system design specialists. Turns out, the crawl space cracks were allowing water to leak in - which can be a recipe for mold, structural damage, and humid temperatures throughout the home. Once aware of the possible problems that could be caused by the leaky crawl space, Rebecca immediately asked for a waterproofing solution.

That’s where the crew came in. To keep out both water and air, they filled in the leaks and gaps with FrothPak - a waterproof foam that can be sprayed just about anywhere to create a tough seal. By blocking the entry of moisture and humid temperatures from outside, mold will no longer threaten this crawl space. To really put this issue to rest, the crew also installed the CleanSpace vapor barrier to encapsulate all of Rebecca’s crawl space. Any moisture that enters through the wall cracks or the dirt floor, will stay outside of the impenetrable liner. With double the moisture protection of before, Rebecca shouldn’t have to worry about any more crawl space issues. 

Debbie and Richard had been thinking about fixing up their unfinished basement. They weren’t entirely sure of what they wanted, but one of their biggest concerns was sealing off any leaks in the attached crawl space. The way they saw it, sealing up the holes would solve several of their problems at once. For one, they were hoping to improve their energy efficiency. The basement had also been dealing with some unwanted guests who had crawled their way in through small holes. Besides the critters and outdoor air, mortar from the walls was also leaking in between stones.

The crew was able to accomplish all of Debbie and Richard’s goal with SilverGlo Walls and FrothPak sealant. Our SilverGlo walls were attached directly on top of their current crawl space walls. Once in place, the wall insulation system will radiate heat off its bright silver surfaces and prevent moisture from seeping through. FrothPak does a great job of sealing up multiple holes and cracks. The foam insulation can be sprayed anywhere, making it ideal for a situation like Debbie and Richard’s, where the production crew had to cover many different leaks in a small area. The combination of these two insulation systems will serve as a great first step in the finishing of this Grand Rapids, MI basement. We wish you the best of luck on the rest of your project!

Sally was worried that there had been a mistake made when her drainage system was set up. All of the evidence seemed to agree with her. Her sump pump wasn’t keeping up with heavy downpours or when the snow melted. Further proof came when two different plumbers recommended she have someone take a look at the inside of her drainage pipe before clearing it out. Sally was starting to think that there was a crack in the pipe causing drainage to pool back towards the house, instead of emptying through the escape in her Grand Rapids, MI backyard. Looking for any sort of solution that would protect her house, she made a call to the waterproofing experts for help.

The crew arrived and immediately got to work on repairing the drainage system. Her open hole sump was upgraded to our trusty SuperSump premier sump pump system. The SuperSump is capable of pushing out over 2,000 gallons of water per hour. With this kind of power, it won’t matter how hard Sally’s home gets rained on. The crew then connected the SuperSump’s discharge line to an IceGuard fitting and LawnScape outlet for disposal. IceGuard fittings provide an alternate escape route if the lines freeze up. Between the IceGuard and LawnScape outlet, water will never pool back towards the house again.

If you too are noticing trouble with your drainage system, give us a call and we’ll happy to give you a quote, for free!

Hidden Creek Apartments in Grand Rapids, MI is a previous customer to Ayers Basement Systems. This recent project was because of some water coming into the basement from the wall when it rained. They have a finished basement so it was important to keep it looking nice and smelling fresh! Ayers installed a Triple Safe Sump Pump to keep the water out. Also installed around the basement wall was WaterGuard to lead any extra water that comes in away from the floor and out to be drained. An IceGuard and LawnScape outlet were also included to make sure everything runs smoothly the next time a heavy rain comes around.

Kelly & Ron have lived in their home for two years now. They have been having problems with their basement letting in water for about the same amount of time. The main point of the water seaping in is the cove area where the floor slab meets the wall. Theyre biggest concern is not being able to properly use their basement. 

To fix this they have decided to add a DryTrak drainage channel. This is designed to capture this water leakage before it reaches your basement floor. DryTrak is compatible with all foundation wall types, and it will perform equally well on basements of different sizes and shapes. Our well-trained crews are often able to complete a DryTrak installation in a single day.

Ron & Kelly were very satisfied with their new installments and are living with a completely dry basement!

Glenn M. of Grand Rapids, Michigan had water coming into his basement for years before calling Ayers. The main source of the leak was around his fireplace, and it was ruining the brick and the wall. After having three basement waterproofing companies inspect the problem, Glenn chose Ayers because of our professional presentation and patented products.

The installation crew arrived two weeks after the proposal was signed and got the job done in one day. Forty feet of Waterguard was laid down around the perimeter of the basement walls. Waterguard works by collecting incoming water and funneling it to the sump pump.

Glenn was impressed with the speed and quality of the job. Now he no longer worries about flooding in his basement.