That was my design. When I first visited, I was walking in about 4-6" of water down there. That wall was bowed in 2", well within limits for bracing with steal beams. Phyllis and her daughter are some of the nicest people I've ever met on the job. She told me that no one warned her Mike Rowe was coming or they would have dressed up and put on makeup. After this job was completed, more work was done to add supplemental beams to brace the sagging joists.
Mike! We love you in Maine, I've been a home builder since 2010 and I collected all of your dirty jobs DVDS back in the day. I'm glad to see you're always promoting the blue collar working people and got your hands dirty again. Keep up the good work brother. 😊
Ive done this before. Lots of work, and mess, but so rewarding to see the final product. A dry, clean, and sound usable space. Mike learned quickly that you must carry 2 buckets on the rubble out process, as he would have while carrying the wet concrete back in. Anyone who questions that has not done this kind of work or has a messed up back to show for it. Great showing of a day in the life.
My basement had the similar issues. Rain water coming from my neighbors property and my driveway, back patio area all hit the same general area of the foundation. Ruined the "finished" basement. We called in a team like ground works to fix it. They dug down around the outside of the house and installed a new french drain. They also trenched around the inside wall and added drains and sump pump. Was around $15k ~ 20 years ago and worth every penny. Was a crew of 3-4 guys and they got it done in about 3 days.
Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s great to hear that the solution worked so well for your basement. Investing in the right fix is definitely worth it for the peace of mind!
It's always a treat watching Mke do his thing. I had my basement waterproofed a couple of years ago. The big thing is having a reliable sump installed with a battery backup. Ask me why.
What a great, hardworking crew! They're doing an awesome job to mitigate any future problems, I'm sure the homeowner will appreciate their work. Also, you gotta love Mike Rowe. He's witty, smart, likeable and very charismatic. He makes a great TV host.
Mike I am very glad to find this new outlet for you to keep doing what you do and promote the trades!! As a fire sprinkler installer/ inspector id love to see you do one on fire protection.
I knew a construction worker who placed a huge piece of heavy duty plastic outside an older home along the foundation wall to prevent any seepage of water. It was draped so the water was kept away from the house and drained into a lower elevation away from the home.
Being in the Industry i know this is hard labor.That repair is unfortunately temporary,those foundation walls have major issues.The proper restructuring should be down from the outside perimeter.That all depends on the homeowners budget.Hard work fellas.👍
This is quite literally a bandaid, and it effectively hides the problem from view. With that much water, dirt and mineral intrusion the CMU blocks themselves will eventually deteriorate.
This is not waterproofing this is water management. Waterproofing is done on the outside of the house stopping water before it reaches the basement walls
I was going to say, this is like putting duct tape on a garden hose. I had a customer who had three companies come and try to stop water from the inside of their basement. I was the fourth. I said no way. We need to dig it all out and seal it from the outside and add some drainage. That was fifteen years ago, and I have kept in contact to see how things are going. No issues.
Water proofing is nearly impossible without water management. You can water proof all you want but if you don't manage it, it will sit there and eventually ALWAYS find a way in.
@@bradmitchell4936 Keep doing them big money outside dig scam boys! brings my company more work on my way to do one this morning that some poor lady paid had her whole perimeter of her house dug up . F**ked up all her landscaping and her house still leaks after they dug her house up and smeared tar all over then put bullshit J channel all around it like that makes that water go away from the house. Water just comes right up from the ground. LoL. I go put one of my (water management) systems in 2-3 days and she won't have to worry about water ever again.
I would think so. I'm not familiar with the product they used, but I have to think that dimple mat would have been a better choice. I also don't understand the choice for the perimeter drain inside, commonly you would see dimple mat on the wall all the way to the bottom of the perimeter drain. The perimeter drain would be perforated pipe, preferably not corrugated then all of that would be covered with gravel and concrete over. With the perimeter drain terminating at the sump. This would collect all water coming in through the wall or up through the ground and pump it out. You don't need the drain exposed above the floor because it should already catch all the water and in the case of failure any water that makes it on to the floor should be able to make it to the sump if the sump is positioned correctly for slope. I also don't care for the sump drain to the outside. Better not to use perforated pipe, ideally you would have it go 20+ feet away given the water issue around the property. Ending with a pop up rather than a catch basin would also be preferable.
❤ Thanks Mike I have learned so much from watching this that now I will know what needs to be done to fix a leaking basement if I ever had this problem 😊 Great video
Thanks so much for your kind words! We're glad to hear that you found the video helpful. Knowledge is key when it comes to addressing basement issues, and we're here to support you if you ever need assistance. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions in the future!
That's a great question! Mold thrives on organic materials, but since our vapor barrier and concrete aren't organic, you won't have to worry about mold growth. 😊
I did basement waterproofing for Ohio state waterproofing and was the worst job I ever had everything is done by hand hauling out dirt and concrete taking down gravel and fresh concrete and all the concrete mixing was done by hand in a mud boat. Not to mention digging to the footer with three guys all the way around houses with just shovels. It’s hard work
As a Home Inspector it's our job to find and report these issues hopefully before the horizontal cracking and bowing starts. Sometimes we find them in the same condition as this house. Very interesting to see how it's fixed. We don't normally get to see that.
If a foundation is severely compromised, additional solutions like rebuilding or more extensive repairs might be needed. We assess each case individually to determine the best course of action for long-term stability and protection. In this case, we were able to permanently stabilize the foundation with one of our wall repair systems after the waterproofing system was installed.
My dad’s house needed braces cause the wall built into the hill behind the house was caving in. Had to torque the braces to 80 ft lbs with a 3ft torque wrench every month. One of the braces had about 6 inches of clearance from the water heater. It was a workout
Great video! Block foundations are poopoo when it comes to lateral pressure and water intrusion. My home buying two cents, Poured is best for the average home.
Block foundations vs poured foundations are less of a choice and more of what was common in a given area during a period of time. A block foundation can be done in a day by an experienced group of masons. If water infiltration and lateral pressure is going to be a problem, you can fill all the vertical columns to add more strength and add a coating of mesh and hydraulic cement on the outside to resist water and reinforce the joints. For poured, getting a hold of forms, properly installing them, doing the pour, and then taking them down all take time and different set of skills. I grew up in an area that had a lot of masons, and a block foundations were most common. They were definitely less expensive too. I am not saying they are the same, but calling a block foundation poopoo is a big stretch. If they are both properly installed for the location, they are both fine. I am currently in a house with a poured foundation that is full of cracks, so neither is full proof.
would love to know if you guys crush up the concrete in something like a hammer mill as that would allow you to use it as the 'drainige media' / gravel and then not have to dispose of the waste material at the start too, can market this as a recycled material perk and also reduce costs as you dont have to pay for new gravel
I've been doing this for many years. That is the temporary fix. The right way to do it is dig everything around the outside. Cost a lot more money so I understand why
Thanks for sharing your experience! While digging around the exterior can be effective for some homes, many homeowners find that interior waterproofing systems are the preferred solution. They provide reliable water management and relieve hydrostatic pressure on the walls without the disruption of extensive excavation. Plus, we back all our systems with a lifetime warranty, ensuring you have long-term peace of mind!
That job is no joke did basements with a couple friends to make extra money and it's definitely a lot of work. The buckets get heavier as the day goes on... concrete to gravel to sand and eventually buckets of mixed concrete.
The french drain part of the system collects the water to a pit. The sump pump will kick in when the volume of water in a given period overwhelms the ability of the soil to infiltrate that water. Sump pumps are the only option in many cases. French drains need a lot of area to disperse large amounts of water in a short amount of time.
I need this done to my basement. But I bet it costs as much or more than a new roof! Now mine isn’t collapsing in like that and I already have a sump pump but there weren’t channels dug into the bottoms of the walls. This house was built in the early 30’s. I guess hopefully it lasts another 30 years or so until I’m gone. The very outer wall has sections that crumble easily. It’s just the very outer shell of the foundation which I think was a poured concrete foundation and not blocks. But I’ve considered putting that white material on my walls. Or doing something the strengthen the walls so it stops crumbling even a little bit. There is some minor cracking in areas but higher up. Even above ground which supposedly was caused by a big truck parking near the building for many years but I’m not so sure.
It sounds like you’ve got quite a bit going on with your basement! It’s great that you already have a sump pump in place. While the costs can vary, investing in proper waterproofing and structural support can really pay off in the long run, especially for older homes. We can definitely help assess the condition of your walls and recommend solutions to strengthen them, preventing further crumbling. If you’re ever interested in learning more about your options, feel free to reach out!
The proper fix is to dig out around the foundation. Seal the block and add a barrier to prevent the water from ever touching the wall. Adding drainage at the base. Then you would do the inside work as a fail safe. Did this type of work for years. Its hard nasty work.
Agreed. However, for those without the budget to go that route inside is the alternative. Did this work over 35 yrs ago for a different company. The day I got my own crew I was in Indianapolis training the workers there on a new system when I got called back to Pittsburgh after they fired a whole crew for upsetting a Dr who had a personal office in his basement. I managed to get the company a great review in the end and that Dr said to me, your to smart a guy to be working for them. Loved the hard work when I was younger.
Been needing this done bad but don’t have the machines to get it done myself or help. What do you think it would cost to waterproof 3 100 foot or so walls on an old block foundation
Most homes with basements do have exterior damp-proofing measures to meet building codes. However, when we’re called to a home, it often indicates that the exterior system isn’t quite doing the job anymore. That's where interior waterproofing comes in-it’s a reliable way to manage water and relieve hydrostatic pressure on the walls. Plus, all our waterproofing systems come with a lifetime warranty, giving the homeowner peace of mind for years to come!
Exterior french drain ideally away from the house by gravity if possible. Some type of external membrane which could be sprayed, painted, or stuck on the outside concrete wall before back fill. Then add a product that breaks the water pressure at the wall and allows all water to travel down to the exterior drain. Inside the foundation place drain tile that connects to a sump with two pumps (at least one with battery backup). The exterior drain should be doing all the work. The interior system is a backup, if the outside system fails or is overwhelmed.
Damn.. Mike is getting up there. I'm glad for all hes given us, but i hope he doesn't overdo it. Older bodies don't recover so fast from being overworked
Those small channel drains are junk. Much better to use 4inch perferated pipe and actually dig out a trech and do a traditional French drain. Those small channel drains are inadequate and fail easily
If you've ever done hard, productive labor, then you would know that face masks when you're sweating is just terrible you deal with the dusts, the molds, the soot, and yes, the smells.
I'm a pipe fitter and I know a lot of guys that have laughed at knee pads and now the majority of them are have both knees replaced.@@sirjohnahayfalcon
Definitely a fix 🙂 Our vapor barrier liners, made from thick plastic, keep your basement dry by blocking moisture. They also prevent mold and mildew, providing a clean and moisture-free environment.
Mike Rowe is older now and doesn’t have the same stamina and endurance as he did in the older shows. But hey it’s understandable because WE ALL get old
what a substandard job, it needs to be fixed from the outside!! Your first job is to dig the outside down to the foundation to take the weight off the block wall, then you straighten the wall as best as you can where it's pushed inwards, you then break holes in the top of each block every three feet and fill the blocks with a wet concrete mix and hammer down some 10mm rebars. Then you clean the outside block wall and get it dry. Then you apply a basement sealer water barrier such as blueskin. Then you back fill with gravel. You can do the trench inside if necessary but my goodness..
This seems like a bandaid fix. Wouldn't you want to stop the water before it gets into the basement area? The first thing would have been to dig around the exterior and remove the pressure and remove the watersource before it goes it, rather than continuing to let the water in and then moving it away. It's not waterproofing, it's water diversion. You're literally just hiding the problem behind some pretty white plastic tarps.
Thanks for your comment! While exterior excavation can be helpful in some situations, interior waterproofing effectively relieves hydrostatic pressure by controlling water before it causes damage to the foundation. This approach doesn't just divert water-it helps protect the home’s structure by keeping the basement dry and reducing pressure on the foundation, which is critical for long-term stability.
@@chadjelliston5652 18k is a scam. You need a jackhammer to break the concrete blocks, and a trailer or two of dirt. That would be less than a grand easy. Average cost for this job is $2.5k-$5k. I don't know where you could have possibly gotten the $45k figure from other than your poor imagination.
@@Kilroy117 that job they did was $2,500-$5k? I highly doubt they charged that. I think that’s the cost of the beams they used buddy. And $18k for some concrete demo outside and properly level and rock it all out ain’t bad. With the price of removal, labor, equipment, and materials it adds up. And add in 2 days of labor and a 3rd to make it look nice. The work they did inside that basement was not cheap I guarantee that
I'm not a fan of that plastic against the walls. Masonry is supposed to be able to breathe. You'll end up with mold & deteriorating mortar behind that plastic.
Some of these comments assume everyone has unlimited funds “why don’t they just dig out the entire basement, jack the house up, and replace all the basement walls!”
That's a great question! Most homes with basements do have exterior damp-proofing measures like that to meet building codes. However, when we’re called to a home, it often indicates that the exterior system isn’t quite doing the job anymore.
@@GroundworksCompanies So, if parging fails... Why should I want to get it done? I feel it's better for me to dig my own french drain away from the house like it should've been done in the first place.
How is the solution to water coming through the foundation, to let water come through the foundation? Answer: It isn't, inside system companies are a scam. Fix it from the outside by removing the clay, supporting the joists, rebuilding the wall, adding a footing perimeter drain, waterproofing, and backfilling with gravel.
Some exterior waterproofing methods can be effective, but interior systems offer stronger protection, especially when addressing hydrostatic pressure and water intrusion from below the foundation. Interior waterproofing relieves pressure on the walls and is less disruptive than digging around the entire exterior. Many homes benefit from a combination of both methods, depending on the specific water issues they’re facing.
The only proper fix for wall leakage is to dig around the outside and apply waterproofing and drain mat at the exterior, and then have a drainage system at the bottom with proper backfill. Inside sump pumps should only be dealing with ground water
Some exterior waterproofing methods can be effective, but interior systems offer stronger protection, especially when addressing hydrostatic pressure and water intrusion from below the foundation. Interior waterproofing relieves pressure on the walls and is less disruptive than digging around the entire exterior. Many homes benefit from a combination of both methods, depending on the specific water issues they’re facing.
Water can come from ground up ..yes exterior waterproofing is great..but an interior system works just as well if done right …my house is over a hundred years old with big front and back built on porches ..you ain’t tearing all that shit up to waterproof outside ..sometimes inside is the only option 🫡
This is crazy, that wall needs to replaced. I can't imagine how much money was wasted on this bandaid fix, can't believe a city inspector signed off on that.
Mike speaks on helping small businesses. Groundworks is buying up all basement waterproofing companies so they can dictate pricing and push the small guys out of the business, I've worked for the "big guys" I've seen 1st hand how quality work is done and how it isn't. It's a very rough business relying on significant rainfall. Employees come and go, keeping a solid crew is virtually impossible and most work is subcontracted from larger companies with a huge name, the "foreman" are paid salary and half the time don't show up or have a song and dance for the owner and leave the oversight to nobody's. Basement waterproofing quality has died over the last 20yrs. Point is, call a small family owned buiz as a homeowner and watch the respect they show instead of scare tactics to keep their men working, i am human, i do understand keeping men working but many times homeowner's are scammed in having a much larger job than needed completed for the company's sake.
While digging up and pushing back walls can address certain issues, interior waterproofing focuses on managing and redirecting water effectively. This approach helps relieve hydrostatic pressure and prevent further damage, which can be crucial for maintaining the integrity of the foundation. After addressing the water concern, we then permanently stabilize the foundation with one of our wall repair systems.
@@GroundworksCompanies you must remove all the wet dirt against walls, push walls back into place and then fill the wall cells full of concrete and rebar, we do about 4 or 5 of these a year. Leaving the dirt against the walls isn't a good idea. And how do you prevent mold in the basement?
@@GroundworksCompanies A bucket in each hand is much more balanced on the body and the back. Heavier and harder on the legs and shoulders yes, but much easier on the body overall not being hunched over to one side. Carrying just one heavy bucket is how you throw your back out. Anyone who carries buckets (of anything) regularly will tell you the same.
Lol yeah let it come in and cut a hole in the entire perimeter for a sump area to pump it out... brilliant 😅. Seal it properly because this isn't the way
So let me get this straight, this company tricked an old lady into doing basement waterproofing which probably cost upwards of $10,000 but did not fix the underlying issue which was the grade on the exterior of the wall this wall could have been fixed with half as much time and effort and probably for half the cost if they addressed the actual cause
This is idiotic. I'm an actual waterproofing contractor of 32 years. This isn't waterproofing this is water collection once it's already inside. We waterproof basements so water doesn't come inside. This house desperately needs to be dug up, re-waterproofed the right way and proper drainage installed. What a waste of money
All these internet experts this is exactly how you basement waterproof my company offers both outside and inside work most homeowners can't afford a outside dig. My company also offers a life time warranty of the inside work we do so it must work huh? These gentlemen did a hell of a good job.
@@JimD410 obviously we all know this type of solution is offered, we just also know this is the wrong solution in all cases. In fact, it's not a solution to fixing the problem.. it's only a solution to water being visible to the home owner.
Loved the video, but this is a really expensive bandaid. Weep holes will eventually clog, structural integrity is too compromised as well. The right fix is to go at it from the outside, remove all dirt around basement and fix the structural issues and set footing drains. I know it’s probably extremely expensive and homeowner can’t afford it or she doesn’t know the extent of the damage.
Most homes with basements do have exterior damp-proofing measures to meet building codes. However, when we’re called to a home, it often indicates that the exterior system isn’t quite doing the job anymore. That's where interior waterproofing comes in-it’s a reliable way to manage water and relieve hydrostatic pressure on the walls. And don't worry, we permanently stabilized the foundation walls too after waterproofing! 👍
What an absolutely brilliant ad. Put Mike in a ad and I’ll watch
We hope you found it informative and worth your time! Thank you for watching!
I’m Emily Tyler’s Fiancé!! Thanks for the shout out!!
Congratulations!!
kiss me
😘
Congrats Emily!!
Where ear plugs always folks when jacking that hammer 😂
Stop lying
That was my design. When I first visited, I was walking in about 4-6" of water down there. That wall was bowed in 2", well within limits for bracing with steal beams. Phyllis and her daughter are some of the nicest people I've ever met on the job. She told me that no one warned her Mike Rowe was coming or they would have dressed up and put on makeup. After this job was completed, more work was done to add supplemental beams to brace the sagging joists.
Thanks for shining light on blue collar work Mike
Mike is such a good dude. Always wish him and the family the best.
Mike! We love you in Maine, I've been a home builder since 2010 and I collected all of your dirty jobs DVDS back in the day. I'm glad to see you're always promoting the blue collar working people and got your hands dirty again. Keep up the good work brother. 😊
Ive done this before. Lots of work, and mess, but so rewarding to see the final product. A dry, clean, and sound usable space. Mike learned quickly that you must carry 2 buckets on the rubble out process, as he would have while carrying the wet concrete back in. Anyone who questions that has not done this kind of work or has a messed up back to show for it. Great showing of a day in the life.
My basement had the similar issues. Rain water coming from my neighbors property and my driveway, back patio area all hit the same general area of the foundation. Ruined the "finished" basement. We called in a team like ground works to fix it. They dug down around the outside of the house and installed a new french drain. They also trenched around the inside wall and added drains and sump pump. Was around $15k ~ 20 years ago and worth every penny. Was a crew of 3-4 guys and they got it done in about 3 days.
Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s great to hear that the solution worked so well for your basement. Investing in the right fix is definitely worth it for the peace of mind!
It's always a treat watching Mke do his thing. I had my basement waterproofed a couple of years ago. The big thing is having a reliable sump installed with a battery backup. Ask me why.
This is what I do everyday for work on Missouri my brother and I have a company for 15+ years . Interesting to see Mike do it !
What a great, hardworking crew! They're doing an awesome job to mitigate any future problems, I'm sure the homeowner will appreciate their work. Also, you gotta love Mike Rowe. He's witty, smart, likeable and very charismatic. He makes a great TV host.
Mike I am very glad to find this new outlet for you to keep doing what you do and promote the trades!! As a fire sprinkler installer/ inspector id love to see you do one on fire protection.
Tough honest one of those can't work from home jobs they found out were so necessary over the last 4 years. Respect.
This is fantastic. I'll always click when I see Mike Rowe
We're glad to hear you enjoy Mike's content-he brings such great energy and knowledge to the topic!
I knew a construction worker who placed a huge piece of heavy duty plastic outside an older home along the foundation wall to prevent any seepage of water. It was draped so the water was kept away from the house and drained into a lower elevation away from the home.
Thanks Groundworks. This was super informative!!!
Being in the Industry i know this is hard labor.That repair is unfortunately temporary,those foundation walls have major issues.The proper restructuring should be down from the outside perimeter.That all depends on the homeowners budget.Hard work fellas.👍
Wouldn't a French drain be a cheaper and better fix.
This is quite literally a bandaid, and it effectively hides the problem from view. With that much water, dirt and mineral intrusion the CMU blocks themselves will eventually deteriorate.
@@SIE44TAR Yessir
Don't worry, we permanently stabilized the foundation walls too after waterproofing! 👍
How does water flow through a level pipe?
This is not waterproofing this is water management. Waterproofing is done on the outside of the house stopping water before it reaches the basement walls
Bingo
I was going to say, this is like putting duct tape on a garden hose. I had a customer who had three companies come and try to stop water from the inside of their basement. I was the fourth. I said no way. We need to dig it all out and seal it from the outside and add some drainage. That was fifteen years ago, and I have kept in contact to see how things are going. No issues.
Water proofing is nearly impossible without water management. You can water proof all you want but if you don't manage it, it will sit there and eventually ALWAYS find a way in.
Lol I commented before I finished the video. I see exactly what you mean now. Haha. My bad
@@bradmitchell4936 Keep doing them big money outside dig scam boys! brings my company more work on my way to do one this morning that some poor lady paid had her whole perimeter of her house dug up . F**ked up all her landscaping and her house still leaks after they dug her house up and smeared tar all over then put bullshit J channel all around it like that makes that water go away from the house. Water just comes right up from the ground. LoL. I go put one of my (water management) systems in 2-3 days and she won't have to worry about water ever again.
Foreman trick: If you need 2 holes drilled, tell your guys to do 4, then stop them at 2. It'll get done faster.
Ahhhh i like this
Mike Rowe !!!! you are awesome ..... Congratzzzz !!!!
At 10:25 shouldn't the top liner be installed before the bottom so water will go behind the bottom liner?
I would think so.
I'm not familiar with the product they used, but I have to think that dimple mat would have been a better choice. I also don't understand the choice for the perimeter drain inside, commonly you would see dimple mat on the wall all the way to the bottom of the perimeter drain. The perimeter drain would be perforated pipe, preferably not corrugated then all of that would be covered with gravel and concrete over. With the perimeter drain terminating at the sump. This would collect all water coming in through the wall or up through the ground and pump it out. You don't need the drain exposed above the floor because it should already catch all the water and in the case of failure any water that makes it on to the floor should be able to make it to the sump if the sump is positioned correctly for slope.
I also don't care for the sump drain to the outside. Better not to use perforated pipe, ideally you would have it go 20+ feet away given the water issue around the property. Ending with a pop up rather than a catch basin would also be preferable.
Loved watching this! Great ad!
❤ Thanks Mike I have learned so much from watching this that now I will know what needs to be done to fix a leaking basement if I ever had this problem 😊 Great video
Thanks so much for your kind words! We're glad to hear that you found the video helpful. Knowledge is key when it comes to addressing basement issues, and we're here to support you if you ever need assistance. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions in the future!
I used to do this, Im amazed you carried 2 buckets. I didn't cause after doing that 10 times i couldn't anymore
What about mold and all the stuff that will grow behind the barrier?
That's a great question! Mold thrives on organic materials, but since our vapor barrier and concrete aren't organic, you won't have to worry about mold growth. 😊
We need more. We demand moreee.
We're posting more #GoBelowWithRowe content every week. 🙂
I did basement waterproofing for Ohio state waterproofing and was the worst job I ever had everything is done by hand hauling out dirt and concrete taking down gravel and fresh concrete and all the concrete mixing was done by hand in a mud boat. Not to mention digging to the footer with three guys all the way around houses with just shovels. It’s hard work
Well done. Great infomercial. Basements are hard - I’ve been at war for years.
As a Home Inspector it's our job to find and report these issues hopefully before the horizontal cracking and bowing starts. Sometimes we find them in the same condition as this house. Very interesting to see how it's fixed. We don't normally get to see that.
I was surprised they didn't address any of the block before adding the membrane. At least pressure wash the moss and algae out of the joints haha
Good commercial, guys. Mike is very entertaining, I watched the whole video. Keep up the hard work!
That foundation looks like it needs to be rebuilt.
If a foundation is severely compromised, additional solutions like rebuilding or more extensive repairs might be needed. We assess each case individually to determine the best course of action for long-term stability and protection. In this case, we were able to permanently stabilize the foundation with one of our wall repair systems after the waterproofing system was installed.
Vertical wall restraints 5' on center will hold it.
@@steadly3668 I went with 4' OC
@@davidkrump9446 even better
My dad’s house needed braces cause the wall built into the hill behind the house was caving in. Had to torque the braces to 80 ft lbs with a 3ft torque wrench every month. One of the braces had about 6 inches of clearance from the water heater. It was a workout
It's impressive how much work goes into stabilizing a foundation, especially in those tight spaces! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Awesome Job Tyler❤
Great video! Block foundations are poopoo when it comes to lateral pressure and water intrusion. My home buying two cents, Poured is best for the average home.
Block foundations vs poured foundations are less of a choice and more of what was common in a given area during a period of time. A block foundation can be done in a day by an experienced group of masons. If water infiltration and lateral pressure is going to be a problem, you can fill all the vertical columns to add more strength and add a coating of mesh and hydraulic cement on the outside to resist water and reinforce the joints. For poured, getting a hold of forms, properly installing them, doing the pour, and then taking them down all take time and different set of skills. I grew up in an area that had a lot of masons, and a block foundations were most common. They were definitely less expensive too. I am not saying they are the same, but calling a block foundation poopoo is a big stretch. If they are both properly installed for the location, they are both fine. I am currently in a house with a poured foundation that is full of cracks, so neither is full proof.
I’m Emily Tyler’s finance! Thanks for the shout out!
Do more of these please! 🙏
And thank you Groundwork’s for being cool and letting Mike ride along.
That crack is from the extension they built later on. The second foundation is splitting from the main house.
would love to know if you guys crush up the concrete in something like a hammer mill as that would allow you to use it as the 'drainige media' / gravel and then not have to dispose of the waste material at the start too, can market this as a recycled material perk and also reduce costs as you dont have to pay for new gravel
The filters needed for the dust alone would be very expensive. Lots of construction waste goes in the ground unfortunately. I agree with you
Cove joint * 😉…… Matt, you’re a mastermind 🤯… Amazing idea.
I've been doing this for many years. That is the temporary fix. The right way to do it is dig everything around the outside. Cost a lot more money so I understand why
Thanks for sharing your experience! While digging around the exterior can be effective for some homes, many homeowners find that interior waterproofing systems are the preferred solution. They provide reliable water management and relieve hydrostatic pressure on the walls without the disruption of extensive excavation. Plus, we back all our systems with a lifetime warranty, ensuring you have long-term peace of mind!
That job is no joke did basements with a couple friends to make extra money and it's definitely a lot of work. The buckets get heavier as the day goes on... concrete to gravel to sand and eventually buckets of mixed concrete.
Dang, cool process .
Mike is my #1 hope to meet one day stars.
How much exactly do you save with a sump pump VS the best solution there is (a proper French drain).
I don't see how this is good. You have too water Proof , the outside of the foundation, then gravel and French drain
The french drain part of the system collects the water to a pit. The sump pump will kick in when the volume of water in a given period overwhelms the ability of the soil to infiltrate that water. Sump pumps are the only option in many cases. French drains need a lot of area to disperse large amounts of water in a short amount of time.
French drain the best solution ?? 😂
I need this done to my basement. But I bet it costs as much or more than a new roof! Now mine isn’t collapsing in like that and I already have a sump pump but there weren’t channels dug into the bottoms of the walls. This house was built in the early 30’s. I guess hopefully it lasts another 30 years or so until I’m gone. The very outer wall has sections that crumble easily. It’s just the very outer shell of the foundation which I think was a poured concrete foundation and not blocks. But I’ve considered putting that white material on my walls. Or doing something the strengthen the walls so it stops crumbling even a little bit. There is some minor cracking in areas but higher up. Even above ground which supposedly was caused by a big truck parking near the building for many years but I’m not so sure.
It sounds like you’ve got quite a bit going on with your basement! It’s great that you already have a sump pump in place. While the costs can vary, investing in proper waterproofing and structural support can really pay off in the long run, especially for older homes. We can definitely help assess the condition of your walls and recommend solutions to strengthen them, preventing further crumbling. If you’re ever interested in learning more about your options, feel free to reach out!
The proper fix is to dig out around the foundation. Seal the block and add a barrier to prevent the water from ever touching the wall. Adding drainage at the base. Then you would do the inside work as a fail safe. Did this type of work for years. Its hard nasty work.
I completely agree👍🏼.
Agreed. However, for those without the budget to go that route inside is the alternative. Did this work over 35 yrs ago for a different company. The day I got my own crew I was in Indianapolis training the workers there on a new system when I got called back to Pittsburgh after they fired a whole crew for upsetting a Dr who had a personal office in his basement. I managed to get the company a great review in the end and that Dr said to me, your to smart a guy to be working for them. Loved the hard work when I was younger.
Been needing this done bad but don’t have the machines to get it done myself or help. What do you think it would cost to waterproof 3 100 foot or so walls on an old block foundation
Most homes with basements do have exterior damp-proofing measures to meet building codes. However, when we’re called to a home, it often indicates that the exterior system isn’t quite doing the job anymore. That's where interior waterproofing comes in-it’s a reliable way to manage water and relieve hydrostatic pressure on the walls. Plus, all our waterproofing systems come with a lifetime warranty, giving the homeowner peace of mind for years to come!
Crumbling foundation dont worry cover it with this nice white plastic!! lol
that was copping quite the lean lol
Don't worry, we permanently stabilized the foundation wall too after waterproofing! 👍
so big amount of work
i laughed out so hard thinking about his mom playing drunken sailor while there bailing water out of the basement. LOL
What’s the best way to not let this happen when the basement is first built ? This same procedure just do it while you build the basement ?
Exterior french drain ideally away from the house by gravity if possible. Some type of external membrane which could be sprayed, painted, or stuck on the outside concrete wall before back fill. Then add a product that breaks the water pressure at the wall and allows all water to travel down to the exterior drain. Inside the foundation place drain tile that connects to a sump with two pumps (at least one with battery backup). The exterior drain should be doing all the work. The interior system is a backup, if the outside system fails or is overwhelmed.
who ever did my sisters this way scammed her good
Damn.. Mike is getting up there. I'm glad for all hes given us, but i hope he doesn't overdo it. Older bodies don't recover so fast from being overworked
Those small channel drains are junk. Much better to use 4inch perferated pipe and actually dig out a trech and do a traditional French drain. Those small channel drains are inadequate and fail easily
Agreed , all that work just to use that crap . SMH
Why are houses not built with the correct drainage system from the start 😮😮
Did the engineer report suggest replacing foundation wall?
Why did they not dig up the wall? Raise the house a tad and put the wall back straight. Is this a cheaper solution or hows this work,
Damn looks like hard work
PPE and knee pads are a good thing gentlemen...
If you've ever done hard, productive labor, then you would know that face masks when you're sweating is just terrible you deal with the dusts, the molds, the soot, and yes, the smells.
@Pr0toPoTaT0 you also get used to the uncomfortable mask and adapt. I'll take clean lungs over a sweaty face.
lol knee pads ???
I'm a pipe fitter and I know a lot of guys that have laughed at knee pads and now the majority of them are have both knees replaced.@@sirjohnahayfalcon
Always has to be that guy. Username checks out.
Sooo why isnt every house built with french drains?!? That should be code to build ANY house!!!
I love this
I want to see the finished product
Check the end of the video for the before and after. ruclips.net/video/re61g7P6llc/видео.htmlsi=pB7SKK-bKF4MQC3O&t=1592
So is that white plastic film a fix or just a cover up?
Definitely a fix 🙂 Our vapor barrier liners, made from thick plastic, keep your basement dry by blocking moisture. They also prevent mold and mildew, providing a clean and moisture-free environment.
You need a tile out site with gravel and membrane on outer wall
That's a nice crawl space. Might as well put a bed and Tv in there
Mike Rowe is older now and doesn’t have the same stamina and endurance as he did in the older shows. But hey it’s understandable because WE ALL get old
Am I really going to watch a 30 minute ad on basement waterproofing? You betcha
We hope you found it informative and worth your time! Thank you for watching!
A raised flower bed in an area next to the foundation that has a negative grade is a Good thing.
22:45 Funny, my dad was the opposite. He laid bricks and then became a hairstylist.
what is the point of all that work when foundation is falling apart and should be redone.
what a substandard job, it needs to be fixed from the outside!! Your first job is to dig the outside down to the foundation to take the weight off the block wall, then you straighten the wall as best as you can where it's pushed inwards, you then break holes in the top of each block every three feet and fill the blocks with a wet concrete mix and hammer down some 10mm rebars. Then you clean the outside block wall and get it dry. Then you apply a basement sealer water barrier such as blueskin. Then you back fill with gravel. You can do the trench inside if necessary but my goodness..
This seems like a bandaid fix. Wouldn't you want to stop the water before it gets into the basement area? The first thing would have been to dig around the exterior and remove the pressure and remove the watersource before it goes it, rather than continuing to let the water in and then moving it away. It's not waterproofing, it's water diversion. You're literally just hiding the problem behind some pretty white plastic tarps.
Thanks for your comment! While exterior excavation can be helpful in some situations, interior waterproofing effectively relieves hydrostatic pressure by controlling water before it causes damage to the foundation. This approach doesn't just divert water-it helps protect the home’s structure by keeping the basement dry and reducing pressure on the foundation, which is critical for long-term stability.
I could have removed that old concrete and re graded the slope away from the foundation for $18,000. I wonder what the hill was for that work. $45k?
@@prestonkincaid Yes no one will ever know this house has foundation problems now.
@@chadjelliston5652 18k is a scam. You need a jackhammer to break the concrete blocks, and a trailer or two of dirt. That would be less than a grand easy. Average cost for this job is $2.5k-$5k. I don't know where you could have possibly gotten the $45k figure from other than your poor imagination.
@@Kilroy117 that job they did was $2,500-$5k? I highly doubt they charged that. I think that’s the cost of the beams they used buddy. And $18k for some concrete demo outside and properly level and rock it all out ain’t bad. With the price of removal, labor, equipment, and materials it adds up. And add in 2 days of labor and a 3rd to make it look nice. The work they did inside that basement was not cheap I guarantee that
No knee pads, 5 gallon buckets up the stairs, no masks. That's a rough day.
Need to fix the fountain.
Don't worry, we permanently stabilized the foundation wall too after waterproofing! 👍
Is it just me or the camera angle but that block wall looks like its caving in by the looks of that huge horizontal crack
I'm not a fan of that plastic against the walls. Masonry is supposed to be able to breathe. You'll end up with mold & deteriorating mortar behind that plastic.
Why did they backfill it with dirt? Why not use another substance like rock or something?
Some of these comments assume everyone has unlimited funds “why don’t they just dig out the entire basement, jack the house up, and replace all the basement walls!”
Why don't the foundation pouring companies parge it before backfilling in the first place?
That's a great question! Most homes with basements do have exterior damp-proofing measures like that to meet building codes. However, when we’re called to a home, it often indicates that the exterior system isn’t quite doing the job anymore.
@@GroundworksCompanies So, if parging fails... Why should I want to get it done?
I feel it's better for me to dig my own french drain away from the house like it should've been done in the first place.
How is the solution to water coming through the foundation, to let water come through the foundation? Answer: It isn't, inside system companies are a scam.
Fix it from the outside by removing the clay, supporting the joists, rebuilding the wall, adding a footing perimeter drain, waterproofing, and backfilling with gravel.
Some exterior waterproofing methods can be effective, but interior systems offer stronger protection, especially when addressing hydrostatic pressure and water intrusion from below the foundation. Interior waterproofing relieves pressure on the walls and is less disruptive than digging around the entire exterior. Many homes benefit from a combination of both methods, depending on the specific water issues they’re facing.
@@GroundworksCompaniesbahajhahaha why you scamming folks
The only proper fix for wall leakage is to dig around the outside and apply waterproofing and drain mat at the exterior, and then have a drainage system at the bottom with proper backfill. Inside sump pumps should only be dealing with ground water
Some exterior waterproofing methods can be effective, but interior systems offer stronger protection, especially when addressing hydrostatic pressure and water intrusion from below the foundation. Interior waterproofing relieves pressure on the walls and is less disruptive than digging around the entire exterior. Many homes benefit from a combination of both methods, depending on the specific water issues they’re facing.
Improve the grading and keep your gutters clean.
@@steadly3668people don't realize how important those 2 things are.
Water can come from ground up ..yes exterior waterproofing is great..but an interior system works just as well if done right …my house is over a hundred years old with big front and back built on porches ..you ain’t tearing all that shit up to waterproof outside ..sometimes inside is the only option 🫡
Foundation should be replaced. Good work brodies
Don't worry, we permanently stabilized the foundation wall too after waterproofing! 👍
No experience at all to foreman in a couple of months. That should worry the homeowner.
This is crazy, that wall needs to replaced. I can't imagine how much money was wasted on this bandaid fix, can't believe a city inspector signed off on that.
“Hometown of Baltimore” sure Mike.
Why not just tie the sump pump into the nearest downspout that already has appropriate pitch?
I think they could use a tax write off called a dump truck. Touching dirt 10 times to get rid of it
Mike speaks on helping small businesses. Groundworks is buying up all basement waterproofing companies so they can dictate pricing and push the small guys out of the business, I've worked for the "big guys" I've seen 1st hand how quality work is done and how it isn't. It's a very rough business relying on significant rainfall. Employees come and go, keeping a solid crew is virtually impossible and most work is subcontracted from larger companies with a huge name, the "foreman" are paid salary and half the time don't show up or have a song and dance for the owner and leave the oversight to nobody's. Basement waterproofing quality has died over the last 20yrs. Point is, call a small family owned buiz as a homeowner and watch the respect they show instead of scare tactics to keep their men working, i am human, i do understand keeping men working but many times homeowner's are scammed in having a much larger job than needed completed for the company's sake.
my basement in my apartment has flooded 3 times now, SCUM lord wont do ANYTHING to fix it. Love this country
That is the worst way to fix a basement wall, I dig them up and push them back all the time! That is just a bandaid and doesn't fix the problem
Maybe its a budget constraint.
While digging up and pushing back walls can address certain issues, interior waterproofing focuses on managing and redirecting water effectively. This approach helps relieve hydrostatic pressure and prevent further damage, which can be crucial for maintaining the integrity of the foundation. After addressing the water concern, we then permanently stabilize the foundation with one of our wall repair systems.
@@GroundworksCompanies you must remove all the wet dirt against walls, push walls back into place and then fill the wall cells full of concrete and rebar, we do about 4 or 5 of these a year. Leaving the dirt against the walls isn't a good idea. And how do you prevent mold in the basement?
I agree you didn't fix the problem you put paint on it. The wall is still damaged and is literally what's holding the house up.
The worst part is they probably changed them 20 to 30k to do that and if they ever sell the house some one has to pay to have it fixed correctly
Why are houses built this way if this is going to happen? Wouldn't it be smarter, cheaper, and faster to just not install a basement?
By far the worst job I’ve ever had. Much respect.
Those 5 gallon buckets weigh around 70 lbs each, and be careful not to scuff the walls and door jambs every trip
We were impressed when Mike grabbed two buckets to haul up the stairs!
@@GroundworksCompanies A bucket in each hand is much more balanced on the body and the back. Heavier and harder on the legs and shoulders yes, but much easier on the body overall not being hunched over to one side. Carrying just one heavy bucket is how you throw your back out. Anyone who carries buckets (of anything) regularly will tell you the same.
Better to open and rebuild it with block. Or pour a new wall out of concrete.
Lol yeah let it come in and cut a hole in the entire perimeter for a sump area to pump it out... brilliant 😅. Seal it properly because this isn't the way
The foundation walls are going to be an issue in the future.
Don't worry, we permanently stabilized the foundation wall too after waterproofing! 👍
So let me get this straight, this company tricked an old lady into doing basement waterproofing which probably cost upwards of $10,000 but did not fix the underlying issue which was the grade on the exterior of the wall this wall could have been fixed with half as much time and effort and probably for half the cost if they addressed the actual cause
This is idiotic. I'm an actual waterproofing contractor of 32 years. This isn't waterproofing this is water collection once it's already inside. We waterproof basements so water doesn't come inside. This house desperately needs to be dug up, re-waterproofed the right way and proper drainage installed. What a waste of money
dug up? No it needs ground gutters , the sump will help. Go n give her a price on the dig up lol
Yep! These are the kinds of hack jobs that the worst kind of 'basement waterproofers' offer.
Agreed you are correct, this a scam repairs what was done here.
All these internet experts this is exactly how you basement waterproof my company offers both outside and inside work most homeowners can't afford a outside dig. My company also offers a life time warranty of the inside work we do so it must work huh? These gentlemen did a hell of a good job.
@@JimD410 obviously we all know this type of solution is offered, we just also know this is the wrong solution in all cases. In fact, it's not a solution to fixing the problem.. it's only a solution to water being visible to the home owner.
Totally ripped off Connecticut BasementSystems products, but hey imitation is the sincerest form of flattery right.
Loved the video, but this is a really expensive bandaid. Weep holes will eventually clog, structural integrity is too compromised as well.
The right fix is to go at it from the outside, remove all dirt around basement and fix the structural issues and set footing drains.
I know it’s probably extremely expensive and homeowner can’t afford it or she doesn’t know the extent of the damage.
Most homes with basements do have exterior damp-proofing measures to meet building codes. However, when we’re called to a home, it often indicates that the exterior system isn’t quite doing the job anymore. That's where interior waterproofing comes in-it’s a reliable way to manage water and relieve hydrostatic pressure on the walls. And don't worry, we permanently stabilized the foundation walls too after waterproofing! 👍