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Case Study: Waterproofing and Stabilizing a Rental Unit in Kansas City, MO

In Kansas City, MO, a 1950-built rental property faced foundation challenges from water damage and hydrostatic pressure.

Cracks in the southern wall were threatening the structure, including a nearby window.

Foundation Recovery Systems, a Groundworks Company, addressed the problem with a two-step plan: first, by eliminating basement moisture using a drainage system, and second, by stabilizing the bowing wall with IntelliBrace™ beams.

The result was a dry, stabilized basement that left the property manager impressed with the repairs.


The Challenge

  • The southern wall of a 1950 rental home had visible cracking, which was worsening.
  • The concrete block foundation was vulnerable to moisture and hydrostatic pressure.
  • Cold Kansas City winters threatened to make the problem worse.

The Solution

  • An interior drainage system and sump pump were installed to remove moisture.
  • A Vapor Barrier was applied to prevent water seepage and lower humidity.
  • Seven IntelliBrace™ beams were custom-installed to stabilize the bowing wall.

The Impact

  • The basement is now dry, and the southern wall is reinforced and stabilized.
  • The IntelliBrace™ system offers ongoing wall correction.
  • The property manager was highly satisfied with the workmanship, professionalism, and long-term value.

Before Foundation Repair & Waterproofing:

Cracking Wall Near Window

The southern wall of this 1950-built Kansas City home showed visible signs of cracking, which had begun to impact a nearby window.

The cracks indicated growing structural stress that couldn’t be ignored.

Concrete Block Foundation Issues

This home was built on a concrete block foundation, which is more susceptible to water-related problems. Over time, hydrostatic pressure and moisture infiltration had weakened the wall, causing it to bow inward and form horizontal cracks—a sign the foundation was under significant strain and needed immediate repair.

After Foundation Repair & Waterproofing:

Basement Moisture Problem

To tackle the water intrusion, our team first addressed the moisture in the basement.

Excess humidity and groundwater were contributing to the foundation issues, so we installed an interior drainage system, wall vapor barrier, and sump pump to capture and redirect water away from the home.

Bowing Wall Stabilization

The southern wall, which had bowed due to hydrostatic pressure, required reinforcement.

We installed IntelliBrace™ beams to permanently stabilize the wall and prevent further inward movement—providing long-term structural protection.

Other Reviews for Our Foundation Repair Near You

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We live in an area where having a sump pump (or two) is a necessity. We cannot afford to have any issues. Groundwork’s provides a great…

We live in an area where having a sump pump (or two) is a necessity. We cannot afford to have any issues. Groundwork’s provides a great inspection plan that helps us remember to get our sump pumps serviced yearly. We had an issue just recently and San Sivaloganathan came out and worked for several hours late into the evening to fix the issue and ensure our basement would be safe and dry. He actually had all the equipment and parts needed with him so everything was resolved in one visit. Ground works Whitchurch-Stouffville is a reliable and affordable property maintenance partner. We use them not only for our own home but also for our rental properties. They treat our Tennants with as much respect and professionalism as they do us. I would I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone

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Matt and Hayden did a phenomenal job! They arrived on Tuesday and worked all week, even coming on a Saturday (per our approval) and worked…

Matt and Hayden did a phenomenal job! They arrived on Tuesday and worked all week, even coming on a Saturday (per our approval) and worked into the night. I was really appreciative of the consistent “yes ma’am, no ma’am” and just the pleasant attitudes of everyone on site. Any issues I had with my crawlspace prior and during the encapsulation and jacks being installed, were resolved until I was satisfied with the job. On one occasion, while pipes were being laid, Hayden helped me figure out why water kept going back into the crawlspace. I know it probably created more work to solve this but I am very appreciate. It allowed me to see where other flaws may be with our home drainage. I am truly grateful for all the work Matt and Hayden put into taking care of our home. Thank you guys!

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We had groundworks come out and put their system in our basement. They were very professional and worked quickly and efficiently. All the…

We had groundworks come out and put their system in our basement. They were very professional and worked quickly and efficiently. All the workers did a wonderful job. I would rate them a 10 out of 10.

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Krista just stopped by to give me a quote and did a great job explaining the product and process. Very professional, efficient, really easy …

Krista just stopped by to give me a quote and did a great job explaining the product and process. Very professional, efficient, really easy to talk to and answered all my questions directly. Thanks Krista!

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Groundwork: Foundation job consisting of placing 12 push piers in the ground that would correct the settling of the foundation which caused …

Groundwork: Foundation job consisting of placing 12 push piers in the ground that would correct the settling of the foundation which caused stair-step cracks along one side of the house. The team assigned to this job was foreman LJ and his crew members, Lee, Nike, and Jalen. Each one was very knowledgeable of the task at hand. They were professional, polite. LJ explained all that would be done and the time frame to complete it. I recommend this team for your foundation repair. They replaced everything back to the way it was or better. Thank you for a job well done, LJ and team!

Need Foundation Repair & Waterproofing for Your Home?

Smiling worker in Groundworks uniform holding a level, standing in front of a company vehicle and houses.

Cracks in your walls, standing water in your basement, or floors that feel uneven? These issues often point to problems with your foundation or water management system.

Groundworks Companies, including Foundation Recovery Systems, which serves Greater Kansas City, specialize in diagnosing and solving the root causes of structural damage and basement moisture.

We deliver permanent solutions that keep your home dry, stable, and protected—starting from the ground up.

Related Resources

Foundation Repair & Basement Waterproofing FAQs

Regular inspections are key to a properly functioning and long-lasting sump pump system. When Groundworks installs your basement sump pump, you can enroll in our annual maintenance program to ensure your system continues to protect your home.

Poor drainage causes water to pool around the foundation, compounding the effects of a high water table and increasing seepage risks.

Wall anchors provide critical lateral support, preventing inward wall movement caused by soil pressure and load-bearing demands.