Project: Evanston Residence Foundation Waterproofing & Repair: Safeguarding a 100+ Year-Old Home

Client: Evanston Home
Location: Evanston, IL
Service: Waterproofing and Foundation Repair
Completion Date: 05/09/2024

Overview

Atlas Restoration was contacted to address significant water intrusion issues in a 100+ year-old home in Evanston. The aging brick foundation was showing signs of water penetration, which could lead to mold growth and long-term structural damage. Our team was tasked with implementing a comprehensive waterproofing solution to safeguard the foundation and ensure the home remained dry and stable.

Challenges

The project presented several challenges that required careful consideration and expert solutions:

  • Aging Foundation: The 100-year-old brick foundation had existing cracks and deterioration, making it susceptible to water intrusion.

  • Water Intrusion Risk: Heavy rainfall and shifting soil exacerbated the potential for flooding in the basement.

  • Limited Space: The exterior work needed to be performed in tight spaces around the home while ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding structures.

Solution

To effectively address the water intrusion, Atlas Restoration implemented a comprehensive solution involving excavation, parge coating, drainage installation, and sump pump upgrades.

Key aspects of our approach:

  1. Hand Excavation & Backfilling (S1):
    Our team carefully excavated 50 linear feet of soil along the exterior foundation wall, reaching a depth of 4 feet to expose the foundation for waterproofing. The soil was backfilled and tamped to grade.

  2. Exterior Below-Grade Parge Coating (S2):
    We removed the existing parge coating, patched and tuck-pointed the wall where necessary, and applied two layers of new parge coating to 200 square feet of the foundation wall. This step was essential for providing a smooth surface for waterproofing materials.

  3. Exterior Above-Grade Parge Coating (S3):
    For cosmetic purposes, we applied a fresh parge coating to 150 square feet of the above-grade foundation wall, removing any old coatings and patching areas as needed.

  4. Exterior Membrane Installation (S4):
    A 200-square-foot exterior membrane was installed, using TREMproof 250GC elastic mastic and sealing it with a HDPE-20 protection vapor barrier. This waterproofing membrane acts as a critical defense against moisture penetration.

  5. Drainage System Installation (S5):
    We installed 50 linear feet of perforated 4" PVC pipe and Hydraway 2000 drain tile along the wall at the proper depth, surrounded by wash stone, to facilitate water drainage away from the foundation.

  6. Trenching for Drainage Connection (S6):
    A trench was dug under the wall and footing to connect the new drain tile system to the existing drain tile system, ensuring proper water diversion.

  7. Sump Basin Installation (S7):
    We upgraded the existing sump basin by installing a new 18" x 30" deep basin with a scaled, removable cover. This system improves water collection capacity and protects against basement flooding.

  8. Sump Pump Installation (S8):
    An HP iON Technologies BA33 sump pump with a quiet valve was installed, along with PVC discharge piping running along the ceiling and wall to exit at the southeast corner of the property.

  9. Sump Discharge Extension (S9):
    We extended the sump pump discharge away from the foundation with a 15-foot underground PVC pipe and freeze prevention connection, culminating in a pop-up surface discharge emitter surrounded by wash stone.

  10. Downspout Connection (S10):
    The existing downspout was connected to the underground drainage system with a debris filter and solid 4" PVC piping to direct rainwater away from the foundation.

Outcome

The installation of the waterproofing system significantly reduced the risk of water intrusion, ensuring the basement remains dry even during heavy rains. The new drainage and sump pump systems provide effective moisture control, while the exterior membrane offers a long-term barrier against water infiltration. The residence now has a stable and secure foundation that will stand the test of time.

Project Highlights:

  • 50 linear feet of exterior excavation with 4’ depth and backfilling

  • 200 square feet of exterior below-grade parge coating

  • 150 square feet of exterior above-grade parge coating for cosmetic purposes

  • Installation of TREMproof 250GC elastic mastic and HDPE-20 protection membrane

  • 50 linear feet of exterior perforated 4" PVC pipe and Hydraway 2000 drain tile

  • New 18"x30" sump basin and 1/3 HP iON Technologies BA33 sump pump

  • 15 feet of underground sump discharge extension with freeze-stop device

  • Connection of downspouts to underground drainage system

Why Choose Atlas Restoration?

At Atlas Restoration, we specialize in providing custom foundation solutions tailored to the unique needs of each project. Our team’s expertise ensures that your foundation is protected from water intrusion and structural damage, regardless of the challenges presented by age, weather, or soil conditions.

Interested in learning more about our services?
Contact us today to discuss how we can protect your home’s foundation!

Rainwater was pooling near the foundation, risking damage—now properly redirected away from the home.

Rainwater was pooling near the foundation, risking damage—now properly redirected away from the home.

A newly installed drainage system ensures water flows safely away from the foundation, preventing future issues.

A newly installed drainage system ensures water flows safely away from the foundation, preventing future issues.

A newly installed drainage system ensures water flows safely away from the foundation, preventing future issues.

The structure was dangerously unsound, highlighting the urgent need for reinforcement.

A newly installed drainage system ensures water flows safely away from the foundation, preventing future issues.

A severely corroded sump pump was no longer functioning effectively, requiring replacement.

A newly installed drainage system ensures water flows safely away from the foundation, preventing future issues.

A failing CMU foundation was removed, with the structure temporarily shored and prepped for a solid concrete foundation installation.

A newly installed drainage system ensures water flows safely away from the foundation, preventing future issues.

New concrete foundation forms are in place, setting the stage for a stronger, more durable base.

A newly installed drainage system ensures water flows safely away from the foundation, preventing future issues.

An exterior drain tile system has been installed to protect the new foundation from water intrusion.

A newly installed drainage system ensures water flows safely away from the foundation, preventing future issues.

A waterproofing membrane has been applied to the brick foundation, adding an extra layer of protection against moisture.

A newly installed drainage system ensures water flows safely away from the foundation, preventing future issues.

A Hydraway system, combined with traditional PVC drain tile, enhances drainage performance for long-term foundation protection.

A newly installed drainage system ensures water flows safely away from the foundation, preventing future issues.

Water-damaged wood framing has been replaced with new materials to restore structural integrity.

A newly installed drainage system ensures water flows safely away from the foundation, preventing future issues.

A new sump basin and high-capacity pump have been installed to improve drainage efficiency.

A newly installed drainage system ensures water flows safely away from the foundation, preventing future issues.

Fresh siding completes the project, ensuring the home is not only structurally sound but also fully waterproofed—giving the homeowner peace of mind!

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Testimonials

"Atlas installed drain tile and a sump pump to solve a leaking problem of water coming in under foundation. Although.

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- Homeowner – Oak Park &

"We had an issue with our foundation, it was settling sinking at the rear of our home. We had contacted.

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- Homeowner – Darie

"Excellent and quick service. Would use them again."

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- Homeowner – Naperville

"The guys worked really hard, took great care in their work, and did a phenomenal job."

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- Homeowner – Highland Park