Structural Wall Failure and Basement Water Intrusion in Mankato, MN

Challenge

A homeowner in Mankato, MN was facing serious foundation and water intrusion problems in her basement. The most critical concern was the appearance of horizontal and stairstep cracks along the block foundation walls, which are classic signs of hydrostatic pressure pushing laterally against the home.

Hydrostatic pressure occurs when the soil surrounding the foundation becomes saturated and holds more water than it can drain. This excess moisture puts constant force on the walls, which can worsen with seasonal freezes and thaws. Over time, this pressure causes the walls to shift and bow inward, leading to active wall displacement. If left unaddressed, these early warning signs can progress to full foundation wall failure, compromising the structural integrity of the home.

In addition to structural problems, the basement was affected by regular water intrusion, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt. The home was equipped with an aging sump pump that lacked the capacity to keep her basement dry. As a result, the basement remained damp, leading to water damage, mold risk, air quality concerns, and further deterioration of the foundation.

Solution

To restore the structural integrity of the basement and implement a long-term waterproofing strategy, we installed a multi-component system specifically designed to address both wall movement and moisture intrusion in this home:

• CleanSpace Wall System: A heavy-duty 20-mil vapor barrier was permanently fastened to the foundation walls. This system blocks the interior environment from moisture seeping through wall cracks and pores and directs any wall seepage downward into the drainage system.

• WaterGuard Interior Drainage System: We excavated along the interior perimeter of the basement slab using a jackhammer to install WaterGuard, which is a specially engineered drainage channel placed above the footing and along the base of the foundation walls. This system collects water entering from the wall-floor joint and wall cracks, then channels it to the sump system without risk of clogging from soil or debris.

• TripleSafe Sump Pump System: To reliably manage collected groundwater, we installed the TripleSafe system, which includes three pumps in one unit. The primary ⅓ HP cast iron pump handles normal water loads, the secondary pump activates if the primary fails or is overwhelmed, and a third, battery-powered backup pump provides protection during power outages. This system ensures uninterrupted operation during high-demand or emergency scenarios.

This integrated solution provided both structural reinforcement and a reliable, high-capacity waterproofing system, effectively stabilizing the foundation and eliminating water intrusion risks.