Town/Neighborhood: Riverhead
Borough/County: Suffolk County
Construction Type: Residential
Category: Basement Foundation Waterproofing and Repair
Problem:
A homeowner in Riverhead, NY reported water intrusion at the basement foundation wall. An inspection of the outside above-grade section of the wall showed no visible cracks. To fully assess the issue, an internal inspection was planned after opening the wall. The water intrusion was suspected to occur at the joint between the foundation wall and the concrete floor, requiring targeted waterproofing to prevent ongoing leaks and potential structural damage.
Solution:
Our team executed a detailed waterproofing and repair plan:
- Removed the baseboard radiator panels and wood baseboard trim for clear access.
- Removed sheetrock 24 inches above the floor along the entire length of the affected wall and the adjacent contiguous wall in the boiler room, approximately 46 linear feet.
- Cut the studs and baseplates to access the wall and floor joint.
- Ground the concrete at the joint 3 inches horizontally and 3 inches vertically to prepare a clean surface.
- Applied mesh-reinforced Basecrete waterproof cement along the entire length of the foundation wall and floor joint to create a strong, watertight seal.
Following the repair, the wall will remain open for monitoring during several rainfalls to ensure the water intrusion issue is fully resolved. Any additional work required will be assessed and priced accordingly.
Conclusion:
This Riverhead project highlights the importance of thorough inspection and professional waterproofing at critical foundation joints to prevent basement water intrusion. Using proven products like Basecrete and proper surface preparation delivers long-term protection for residential properties.