Waterproofing an Older Stone and Mortar Basement in Brattleboro, VT | Matt Clark's Northern Basement Systems
Challenge
A homeowner in Brattleboro, Vermont, was dealing with water entering an older basement constructed with stone-and-mortar foundation walls. Older foundations can present unique waterproofing challenges, especially when groundwater finds multiple paths through the foundation and along the wall-floor area. Excess humidity was also contributing to damp conditions throughout the basement. Matt Clark's Northern Basement Systems inspected the stone foundation walls, basement perimeter, floor, water-entry areas, humidity conditions, and exterior discharge options. Our team determined that the best approach was to install a system that collects incoming groundwater, directs it to a dependable sump system, and controls excess moisture in the basement air.
Solution
WaterGuard installed perimeter drainage along the foundation to capture groundwater entering the basement. The system directs collected water to a TripleSafe sump pump system, which pumps it safely out of the home.
A SaniDry dehumidifier was installed to address excess moisture in the basement air and automatically maintain appropriate humidity levels.
Outside the home, IceGuard was incorporated into the sump discharge system. IceGuard provides an emergency path for sump water if the exterior discharge line freezes or becomes blocked.
Products Installed
• WaterGuard – A perimeter drainage system installed along the foundation to collect groundwater entering the basement and direct it toward the sump system.
• TripleSafe Sump Pump System – A multi-pump sump system designed to provide multiple levels of pumping protection, including battery-backup capability.
• SaniDry Dehumidifier – A high-performance basement dehumidification system designed to remove excess moisture from the air and automatically maintain appropriate humidity levels.
• IceGuard – An exterior discharge fitting designed to allow sump water to escape if the buried discharge line becomes frozen or blocked.
The homeowner now has an integrated waterproofing system designed specifically to manage the water and humidity affecting the basement. Groundwater is collected by WaterGuard, directed to the TripleSafe, and pumped outside, while SaniDry continually manages excess moisture in the air. Older stone-and-mortar foundations don't have to mean living with a persistently wet basement. By combining perimeter drainage, dependable pumping, humidity control, and exterior discharge protection, Northern Basement Systems provided this Brattleboro homeowner with a comprehensive waterproofing solution.
