Basement Waterproofing and Wall Support in Davenport, IA
Challenge
A Davenport family was dealing with a dual-threat basement issue that had turned their lower level into a source of constant stress. The foundation walls were beginning to bow inward, a sign of significant hydrostatic pressure from the surrounding Iowa soil. Compounding the structural concern was a persistent moisture problem; the basement was damp, musty, and prone to standing water, making it unusable for storage or living space.
System Design Specialist Scott Mohr arrived to evaluate the home. He identified that the "inward dance" of the walls was a structural priority that needed immediate stabilization. Scott also diagnosed the source of the water intrusion—seepage through the wall-floor joint and cracks in the foundation. He designed a custom, integrated solution to stabilize the home’s bones while creating a permanently dry environment.
Solution
Foreman Jacob Oetzmann and his expert crew were dispatched to bring Scott’s design to life. The project was executed in three strategic phases:
Foundation Stabilization: To halt the bowing walls, the team installed the PowerBrace System. These zinc-plated steel beams were secured to the floor joists and the basement floor, providing immediate stabilization with the potential to straighten the walls over time.
Water Management: Jacob’s crew installed the WaterGuard sub-floor drainage system around the perimeter. This "invisible" drain captures water before it reaches the floor and directs it to the heart of the system: the UltraSump. The UltraSump pump ensures that even during heavy Davenport downpours, water is efficiently pumped out and away from the home.
Wall Encapsulation: To address musty odors and wall seepage, CleanSpace vapor barrier was applied to the walls. This high-tech liner not only directs wall leaks into the WaterGuard system but also transforms the "crypt-like" basement into a bright, clean, and mold-resistant space.
