A homeowner in Olathe's Cedar Creek neighborhood discovered water entering their basement through a deteriorating exterior foundation wall. The original waterproofing membrane had failed after more than 25 years underground, and mature tree roots had compromised the drainage system around the foundation.
Johnson County's clay-heavy soil had trapped moisture directly against the block wall, accelerating the deterioration. The homeowner had tried interior sealants and paint-on waterproofing products without success — the water kept finding its way in because the problem was on the outside.
Our crew excavated down to the footing along the affected walls, removed damaged soil and invasive root systems, cleaned and repaired the exposed block wall, and applied a dimple board waterproofing membrane with drainage mat. New drain pipe connections at the footing level direct water to the existing sump system.
We regraded the soil away from the foundation and routed downspout extensions underground to discharge well away from the house — the same drainage principles behind our french drain installations. Solving the problem at its source eliminated the need to manage water after it was already inside the basement.