Basement Waterproofing in Burlington, Vermont, by Matt Clark's Northern Basement Systems
Challenge
A homeowner in Burlington, Vermont, contacted Matt Clark’s Northern Basement Systems after years of dealing with water in their basement whenever it rained or snow melted. The issue had gone from an occasional nuisance to a major frustration — puddles would form along the perimeter, and water sometimes entered through the basement entryway, creating a muddy, musty mess. The homeowner had tried temporary fixes like sealants and portable dehumidifiers, but nothing stopped the water from coming back. They needed a permanent waterproofing system that could handle Vermont’s unpredictable weather and keep their basement dry for good.
Solution
A certified waterproofing specialist from Northern Basement Systems performed a detailed inspection of the home. The team found that hydrostatic pressure was forcing groundwater up through the cove joint where the floor meets the wall. There was no interior drainage system, and the existing sump pump was outdated and unreliable. The bulkhead area and basement entryway were also allowing surface water to enter, worsening the problem. To make matters worse, the exterior discharge line was prone to freezing during the winter, leaving the pump vulnerable to overflow.
Based on the findings, the specialist designed a comprehensive waterproofing plan that would manage both groundwater and surface water while protecting the system from seasonal freezing.
To permanently waterproof and protect the basement, the Northern Basement Systems crew installed a complete system using industry-leading Basement Systems® products:
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WaterGuard® Interior Drainage System: Installed along the interior perimeter of the basement floor, WaterGuard captures groundwater seepage from the walls and floor joint, directing it safely to the sump pump. Its clog-resistant design ensures long-term reliability.
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TrenchDrain™ System: To address surface water entering through the bulkhead area, a TrenchDrain was installed and connected directly to the WaterGuard system. This ensures that any water entering near doorways or entry points is immediately collected and diverted.
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TripleSafe® Sump Pump System: The heart of the waterproofing solution, the TripleSafe provides three levels of protection — a primary pump, a secondary pump for heavy flow, and a battery backup pump for peace of mind during power outages.
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IceGuard® Discharge Line Protection: IceGuard fittings were added outside the home to prevent freezing or blockages, allowing water to safely discharge even in subzero temperatures.
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LawnScape® Outlet: The discharge line was extended to a discreet LawnScape outlet, releasing water safely away from the foundation while blending seamlessly into the yard.
After the installation, the difference was immediate. The basement was dry and protected, even after the next heavy rainstorm. The WaterGuard and TrenchDrain systems now work together to collect every drop of incoming water, while the TripleSafe sump pump ensures it’s safely pumped out — no matter the conditions. The homeowner no longer worries about flooding, freezing, or foul odors, and they can finally use their basement as intended. This Burlington, Vermont project demonstrates how Matt Clark’s Northern Basement Systems delivers long-lasting solutions for even the most stubborn basement water problems. By combining the WaterGuard®, TrenchDrain™, TripleSafe®, IceGuard®, and LawnScape® systems, the homeowner now has a dry, reliable, and worry-free basement that’s ready for every season Vermont has to offer.
