Basement Walls Stabilized In Hendrum, MN

Wednesday, May 31st, 2023 by Ella Wiebusch

Challenge

Laurie and Darrell of Hendrum, MN, were concerned with the state of their basement, as cracks had been appearing on the floor and the wall. These were signs of the wall heaving upward, which Is a result of upward movement of a foundation or slab caused by underlying soils that expand or swell. This occurs due to an increase in moisture or by freezing forces. The couple was referred to our team by a realtor, and so our office staff got in contact with them and scheduled a FREE Estimate with our Design Specialist, Kole. Kole went to their house to inspect the cracks and come up with a solution. The customers were comfortable with the proposal and got all of their questions answered, so they went ahead with the project.

Solution

Our Foreman and his team began the installation by breaking out the concrete perimeter of the basement floor, forming a trench. In the trench, our team installed our WaterGuard System, which is designed to collect water seepage from basement wall cracks, prevent water clogs, and serve as an underground drain leading to the outside of the home. To complete the installation, the crew covered the open gaps with rock and applied new concrete over the rock and WaterGuard. Next, our crew installed our SuperSump Pump, a sump pump designed to keep basements clean and dry for long periods of time, especially during heavy thunderstorms or flooding. Then, they installed a discharge line from the sump pump to our IceGuard System outside of the home. The IceGuard is a waterproofing system that provides an extra block of protection against basement flooding, especially when freezing temperatures are problematic.

The team also installed 13 GeoLock Anchors (6 on the South wall and 7 on the North) by digging holes outside the home and installing a metal rod in each hole going through the foundation. After installing a metal rod they proceeded to attach one of the GeoLock Anchors to the end of the rod, allowing the wall to be pulled back to its original position. Over time, these anchors may be tightened to ensure the rods are effective and stabilize the home's structure. After the installation, the production crew backfilled the holes and replaces the soil to its original look. Laurie and Darrell loved the new and improved basement and are happy that the foundation of their home is in no longer in any danger!