New Slab & 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 noticing that their basement’s concrete floor was cracking and heaving, allowing water to seep up through the openings. During heavy rains, sections of the floor would become damp, and small puddles would form in low spots. The homeowner wanted a permanent solution that would stop water from entering, stabilize the new floor, and eliminate the musty smell that had developed over time.

Solution

A Certified Basement Waterproofing Specialist inspected the basement and discovered that hydrostatic pressure beneath the slab was forcing groundwater up through cracks and porous sections of the floor. The existing concrete had deteriorated over the years, allowing moisture to continuously wick through. The sump system in place was outdated and unable to handle the volume of water. The specialist recommended removing the damaged concrete floor and installing the new WaterGuard® Slab System, a complete waterproofing solution designed to handle both under‑slab and perimeter drainage.

To permanently correct the problem, the Northern Basement Systems crew installed the innovative WaterGuard® Slab System, which integrates four proven products into one complete waterproofing design.

• WaterGuard® Interior Drainage System: Installed along the basement perimeter to collect water seeping from the walls, wall‑floor joint, and under the slab. It safely directs water to the sump system.
• TripleSafe™ Sump Pump System: Provides triple‑layer protection with a primary pump, secondary high‑volume pump, and a battery backup to keep the basement dry during storms and power outages.
• ThermalDry® Drainage Matting: Laid across the floor to allow any under‑slab water to flow freely toward the WaterGuard® drainage system while providing an insulating barrier beneath the new concrete slab.
• SaniDry™ High‑Efficiency Dehumidifier: Installed to control humidity, prevent musty odors, and maintain healthy air throughout the basement.

The crew removed the failing concrete floor, installed the drainage components, placed new ThermalDry® matting, and poured a new slab. Once cured, the SaniDry™ system was added to ensure long‑term humidity control. The process took approximately 10 days to complete through non‑sequential work stages, allowing proper drying and curing between each phase. After installation, the homeowner’s basement was completely dry and structurally sound. The new slab eliminated uneven surfaces and water seepage, while the TripleSafe™ sump and WaterGuard® drainage system provided complete protection against future groundwater pressure. The air is noticeably fresher thanks to the SaniDry™ unit, and the homeowner can now use their basement confidently for storage and living space. By replacing the broken concrete and installing the WaterGuard® Slab System, Matt Clark’s Northern Basement Systems provided a permanent, tailored waterproofing solution for Burlington’s conditions. With WaterGuard®, TripleSafe™, ThermalDry®, and SaniDry™ working together, this basement is protected from both under‑slab and wall seepage for years to come.