A Beaverdale homeowner in Des Moines was dealing with recurring basement moisture, wall cracks showing efflorescence, and musty odors throughout their 1960s split-level. Every spring brought a new round of dampness that made the lower level nearly unusable.
Spring snowmelt and Iowa's high water table were pushing hydrostatic pressure against the poured concrete walls. Beaverdale homes from this era typically lack modern drainage systems, and the glacial till soil common in Polk County holds water close to the surface, keeping constant pressure against basement walls.
Our team installed a complete interior waterproofing system — vapor barrier membrane on all four walls, perimeter drain tile connected to a new sump pump with battery backup, and sealed the floor-to-wall joint throughout. The system captures water before it reaches the living space and routes it to the sump for discharge.
For homes with both a basement and a crawlspace, JLB often pairs waterproofing with crawlspace encapsulation for twice the protection. This homeowner converted the formerly unusable lower level into storage and a workshop area, confident that even Des Moines' worst spring conditions won't cause problems.