AI-Powered Case Study: Waterproofing a 100-Year-Old Fieldstone Home in Apollo, PA
A homeowner in Apollo, PA, experienced constant water leaks through the stone basement walls of his 100-year-old home. However, after 20 years, he knew it was time to finally address the puddles, mud, and potential mold.
He contacted his local Groundworks Company serving Greater Pittsburgh for assistance, and a crew installed permanent basement waterproofing measures, including interior drains and a sump pump. Additionally, a wall vapor barrier was a game-changer for the rough, leaking stone foundation walls.
He now has peace of mind and the dry basement he deserves, so he can live in the house for many more years.
The Challenge
- Leaking water
- Puddles and mud
- Old stone foundation
The Solution
- Interior drainage
- Sump pump
- Wall vapor barrier
The Impact
- Customized repair solutions
- Improved wall appearance
- Dry basement
Before Basement Waterproofing:
Evidence of Basement Leaks
After living in his house for 22 years, an Apollo homeowner knew it was finally time to waterproof his basement. During his tenure as a homeowner, he never knew what it was like to have a dry basement. He grew accustomed to leaks, but the final straw was discovering damaged drywall with heavier water intrusion.
Interesting Stone Basement Walls
The owner was also concerned with mold and other health hazards, as well as the older home’s unique construction. Houses built more than 100 years ago in the Pittsburgh area frequently have stone or fieldstone foundations, but maintaining and waterproofing them may be difficult.
After Basement Waterproofing:
Effective Waterproofing Installation
During his evaluation of the property, a Groundworks inspector found that while the home had a fieldstone foundation, interestingly, some areas of the walls were a blend of brick, block, and stone.
While some contractors may shy away from older homes with these types of walls, Groundworks does not. The inspector recommended interior drainage, a sump pump, and a wall vapor barrier to address the leaking water.
Improved Safety and Appearance
The homeowner expressed how impressed he was with the crew’s professionalism, courtesy, and thorough work as they installed the customized basement waterproofing solutions. The crew also discovered an issue during the installation process that would have been a long-term problem, but they promptly resolved it to save the homeowner from future headaches. The owner is pleased to have a properly waterproofed home and would not hesitate to contact our professionals for future repair projects.
Other Reviews for Our Basement Waterproofing Near You
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They completed installing beams to help support my foundation. Cale, Joey S, Pat C, and Gauge delivered beyond my expectations. Very…
They completed installing beams to help support my foundation. Cale, Joey S, Pat C, and Gauge delivered beyond my expectations. Very friendly and the work they did was excellent. Explained everything start to finish. Would highly recommend.
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In one word…wonderful! Our home is 100 years old. Hayden and Demetrius took precious care in lifting and leveling our original concrete. …
In one word…wonderful! Our home is 100 years old. Hayden and Demetrius took precious care in lifting and leveling our original concrete. We thank them very much!
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I hired Baker's Waterproofing when a recent plumber found a leak possibly in my foundation and recommended them to me. Baker's…
I hired Baker's Waterproofing when a recent plumber found a leak possibly in my foundation and recommended them to me. Baker's initial inspection uncovered that my foundation was built of cinderblocks and was leaking water from the hill behind my home as well as groundwater from below. They scheduled the work and sent out Victor and Miguel to complete a full waterproofing, French drain, pump installation and backup system. From start to finish of this project with Baker's Waterproofing, every person I spoke to was extremely professional, everything was explained clearly and concisely, and pricing was not only competitive, but extremely reasonable for the quality and quantity of work completed. Special thanks to the incredibly hardworking, polite, and professional Victor and Miguel. I highly recommend asking for them by name to ensure your work is done quickly but completely.
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Bakers Waterproofing was wonderful and professional from start to finish. Bob Liga and Josh Creamer both went above and beyond to make…
Bakers Waterproofing was wonderful and professional from start to finish. Bob Liga and Josh Creamer both went above and beyond to make sure our driveway project was done in a timely manner. Bob is exceptional at being in contact before, during and after the project. We never felt alone if we had questions. Josh’s work is second to none! He even took the time to play with our dogs when he was finished. I can recommend Bakers Waterproofing without any hesitation!
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The team assigned to my project delivered exceptional results and truly exceeded my expectations. The encapsulation crew—Tysean Lacks,…
The team assigned to my project delivered exceptional results and truly exceeded my expectations. The encapsulation crew—Tysean Lacks, Brennan Cole, and Geovanni Medina—demonstrated exceptional diligence and professionalism, completing the project to a standard that went above and beyond what I anticipated. While the work quality was outstanding, the company’s handling of procedural errors leaves room for improvement. Specifically, when a mistake occurred during the house jacking process—where one jack was omitted from the initial cost estimate—I was disappointed by the company’s approach to resolving the issue. Rather than absorbing the cost of their oversight, they attempted to pass the additional expense onto me, even threatening to cancel the project when I objected. Considering the premium pricing of their services, which often exceeds industry standards, such situations should not arise. To their credit, the company ultimately reduced the additional cost as a resolution, but homeowners investing significant sums—ranging from tens of thousands to six figures—should not bear the burden of internal errors. Overall, while the work itself was exemplary, I encourage the company to re-evaluate its policies for addressing and resolving procedural missteps to better align with the level of service their pricing suggests. That said, based on the overall performance and the final product they delivered, I would highly recommend them.
Need Basement Waterproofing for Your Home?
Chronic basement water intrusion wreaks havoc on your home’s structural foundation while creating dangerous health risks through mold growth and poor air quality. These moisture problems intensify over time, causing wood rot, compromising your home’s framework, and potentially making living spaces uninhabitable.
At Groundworks, we understand that every basement presents unique challenges requiring tailored solutions that address your specific water issues at their source. Don’t let water damage destroy your home’s value and your family’s health. Contact us for a free basement inspection and discover how our comprehensive waterproofing systems can restore your peace of mind.
Related Resources
Basement Waterproofing FAQs
Ignoring a basement leak can lead to serious issues like structural damage to your home, including warped or rotting wood, crumbling concrete, and damaged belongings. Additionally, the damp environment can lead to mold growth, which can cause health problems, especially for those with allergies or respiratory conditions.
Regular inspection and maintenance of your basement, gutters, and downspouts are essential. Waterproofing your basement and ensuring proper drainage around your home can also help prevent leaks. In areas prone to heavy rain or snow, consider installing a sump pump or a French drain.
Basement leak repairs require attention inside or outside the home, but mostly on the inside. Exterior forces push in against your home, and water gets through the cracks these forces create. Waterproofing and reinforcing your basement walls from the inside is the primary action you need to take to prevent basement moisture issues. Exterior waterproofing methods don’t offer a permanent solution to the problem, but some exterior excavation may be necessary to install permanent interior solutions. It is best to contact a basement professional for waterproofing repairs.