Adirondack Basement Systems serving Saratoga, NY

This job highlights two of our most popular products: the TripleSafe and our WaterGuard system. This homeowner had serious concerns about the levels of water able to consistently get into their basement. The area, as evident by the pictures, is rather large, which means more space for water to penetrate and more areas to protect—which is where the TripleSafe and WaterGuards came into play. 

The first step in the process was to go along the walls and lay out the most efficient pathway for the WaterGuards to go. When that is completed and double-checked, the installation team goes in and removes the base part of the wall where it meets the floor and installs the WaterGuard along the joist. WaterGuard collects seeping water from either the walls or floor and directs it to the TripleSafe where it is pumped out of the house and to a safe distance away. And on that note, let’s take a look at the TripleSafe installation process. To start, we decided on a location that would be most efficient for the sump pump based on the layout of the basement and the piping. Next, we head outside and measure a good distance for the LawnScape Outlet so the water flows out of the house and doesn’t just come right back in. With the preliminary measurements and layout completed, all that was left was to install the TripleSafe system and connect it to the Waterguards. Working in tandem, these two products are a dynamic duo at keeping basements clean and dry! 

 This was a simple waterproofing job involving a mere two products. The basement was an older style, built out of mismatched stones that allow water to easily get in. The space wasn’t really used for much, so instead of going overboard with a huge revitalization, all we and the homeowner decided upon was something that would keep the little bits of water flowing out of the house and the humidity to a minimum. The products selected? SuperSumps and a SaniDry Sedona. 

The SuperSump is a very reliable sump pump that can handle sizable amounts of water and gives the homeowner peace of mind. We also included an IceGuard as an attachment to help the SuperSump function properly even in freezing temperatures. Two SuperSumps were installed in opposite locations in the basement to maintain a well-rounded pumping system within the space. There was already a spot where a pump originally was, so we simply installed one right where the old one was. We placed the pump discharge location far enough away from the house to keep the water from flowing right back in and repeating a viscous cycle. As for the SaniDry Sedona, this dehumidifier is compact yet highly effective at taking the moisture out of the air and keeping the house from constantly having sticky, musty air. 50% of all air in the home originates from the basement so it is important to keep the area dry and clean; something this homeowner now has thanks to these two fantastic products.  

The crawl space was rather old and musty, in much need of an upgrade. To get into the crawl space, there was a small access point on the outside of the house that a single person could fit in at a time. Our Design Specialist was the first one in, taking time to look over the area to check for damage and ways to improve the conditions. There was an existing vapor barrier, but it was in rough shape and needed to be replaced. Afterwards, they met with the homeowner and went over some potential courses of action. Thankfully, there wasn’t any structural damage to the foundation so the focus could be entirely on waterproofing. A few products were agreed upon and determined to be perfect for protecting this crawl space; then it was time to install! 

First, our team removed the old, ineffective vapor barrier to make room for the new products. Next, our team measured, cut, and laid out drainage matting on the floor of the crawl space. Drainage matting helps facilitate incoming moisture and keep it from pooling. Laid over the drainage matting was our CleanSpace system that is able to go on both the walls and floor. CleanSpace is a 7-layer polyethylene composition that is highly durable and effective vapor barrier perfect for assisting the drainage matting in keeping moisture at bay. These two products are a dynamic duo perfect for any crawl space that may need some strong waterproofing! 

This homeowner was having issues with pooling water and damp spots in their basement. Persistent problems like this arise the older a basement gets and is an inevitability with any home. With this in mind, it’s important to have a good waterproofing system in place and that’s where we come in! Our Design Specialist kicked off the process by meeting with the homeowner and going over every inch of the basement, keeping them informed of what the issues were, what is causing said issues, and potential remedies. With the customer included the entire way, a plan was drawn up, including all the products that’d be used to create the waterproofing system. Then, it was passed off to the install team! 

The first product up was WaterGuard. To put in the WaterGuards, the team had to clear out some space where the walls meet the floor because the WaterGuard system is all about collecting water as it comes in through the walls and floors. To cover up and protect the WaterGuards (and while sprucing up the look of the system) DryTrak was installed over it to keep it from being exposed. The WaterGuards then transport the water to the TripleSafe—one of the most reliable, powerful sump pumps on the market. The TripleSafe can handle high-volumes of water with ease, thanks to its tri-pump system that automatically switches depending on how much water is coming in. It then sends the water out through the discharge pipe we hooked up and buried in the yard, transporting the water to a proper distance away where it won’t return. These two products were the focal point of the project and it’s thanks to them, in conjunction with some other minor products, that this basement’s waterproofing system is in tip top shape, ready to take on any water that may come its way. 

Homes are constantly a work in progress; repairs are made, renovations are done, additions are created—a lot goes in to making a house exactly what you want. Unfortunately, complications often arise along the way. This homeowner added a family room off the back of their house, situated over the crawl space below. Over time, the floor closest to where the room connects to the original house began to sag and was in desperate need of stability. Our design specialist went in and checked out to what extent the floor had drooped as well as how much support it would need from underneath. They recommended the one product that could effectively stabilize the foundation and raise the floor back to its original level: SmartJacks. 

Passing the job off to the installation crew, it became their job to take more precise measurements of the crawl space and map out the most efficient positioning's for the series of SmartJacks. In total, there were ten SmartJacks included, all custom-fit to this particular crawl space. The team installed a supplemental beam across the crawl space then placed the SmartJacks snugly underneath to give the ceiling and foundation (and floor above) a strong, durable pier system it could rely on. And with their ability to be tightened, SmartJacks can not only provide support for the foundation, but also raise the floor to its proper position at the same time. SmartJacks are a great product to fix those sagging floors with little to no intrusion whatsoever! 

This customer had an older style of basement that was widely used when homes were being built in this region decades ago. Stone walls may have seemed like a good, easy idea at the time, but they are highly ineffective at keeping water out and your basement dry. Pooling water and damage was a problem for this basement in particular and the homeowner wanted protection that their basement couldn’t provide on its own. To help them out, we installed one of our tried and true waterproofing systems! 

The first step in this process was to survey the basement and determine where the water was primarily coming in from (if there was a singular spot), and how serious the invasion was. Afterwards, we determined an area for the sump pump to be placed and mapped out the most efficient path for the discharge pipe to run from the basement and out to a distance away where the water can’t flow right back towards the house. Then, with the prepwork completed, it was time to install. 

To keep the persistent water at bay, we installed CleanSpace on the walls and ground to act as a vapor barrier, keeping moisture from seeping through and pooling. Underneath the CleanSpace on the floor, we installed drainage matting to help facilitate the water to the sump pump, which in this case, was a TripleSafe. The TripleSafe sump pump is a top of the line product, capable of handling high levels of water. And with its automatic pump-switching, WaterWatch Alarm, and backup battery, the homeowner won’t have to ever worry about the TripleSafe failing on them. With these three products working together, water won’t be a worry in this basement ever again. 

This space is one of those hybrids between a basement and a crawl space that is commonly seen throughout our area. We got a call from the homeowner that the area constantly took on water whenever it rained and they were looking to keep that from consistently happening. Water damage is no joke and can have dire consequences on a house despite it only seemingly affecting a single space—one that hardly anyone ever goes to, nonetheless. One of our experienced design specialists went in and surveyed the basement, assessing the damage and determining the steps needed to drastically improve its condition to a level the homeowner can feel safe, satisfied, and healthy. After the design specialist’s walkthrough, it was determined that not only would this space need to be waterproofed, but also receive some foundational boost. 

This job, like many, started with a bit of cleanup. There was water and debris that was in the way so we had to get that removed before we could start the rest of our prepwork. Once that was completed, we began taking precise measurements of the walls and floor to gauge the amount of CleanSpace we’d need as well as how much the foundation has settled and what size SmartJack would be needed. With the measurements gathered and double-checked, we then mapped out a setup for where everything would go. It was a tight fit, but we needed to find room for the CleanSpace, Drainage Matting, TripleSafe, and SmartJacks. Much of this planning depended on the TripleSafe and the SmartJacks because the TripleSafe always needs to be in an optimal position for the discharge pipes to exit the house and dispose of the water. The SmartJacks need to be placed perfectly to evenly distribute the weight of the house above, so careful planning is required. Once the locations are all set, it’s time to install!  

We first got the TripleSafe and its discharge pipes in place. This product is the heart of the waterproofing system, working tirelessly to keep any invading water from pooling and causing damage. It’s tri-pump system allows it to handle high volumes of water, meaning it can be relied on during any type of weather. After the TripleSafe came the SmartJacks. The SmartJacks are placed evenly around the basement to hoist up the floor and take some of the pressure off of the foundation. Not only do SmartJacks keep the foundation from settling any more but it also can lift the floors back to their original position. Afterwards came the Drainage Matting and the CleanSpace. The Drainage Matting goes in first, placed on the floor of the basement, and helps facilitate seeping moisture to the TripleSafe. The CleanSpace then goes over the top of the Drainage Matting and along the walls to act as a vapor barrier to keep the invading water under control.  All in all, this is a highly effective system that solved a number of issues this home was facing.  

Windows are an important part of any basement. Not only do they provide natural light and a nice aesthetic, but they also play a vital role in keeping the house dry and insulated. When a basement window (or any window for that matter) grows old, gaps and cracks appear, allowing heat to escape and water to enter, posing problems for the home on two fronts. This customer was not happy with the condition their windows were in so they called us to take a look and see how we could help. 

The job started with the typical rounds of surveying and measuring. We checked the condition each window was in and gauged how displaced they were from their original positioning and how bad the gaps were. We also measured the precise size of the windowsills, so we ordered replacements with the exact dimensions needed. Every window is custom-ordered because it’d make no sense to try and fit a window to every basement—each sill is different! Once our measurements are checked and double-checked, we ordered the replacement EverLast windows. When they arrived, we took out the old windows and installed the new EverLast windows, securing them tightly in the sill to provide the best protection from the elements. Not only are EverLast windows a great choice to insulate and seal, but they also add a fresh look to the basement! 

Bowing walls are serious business and it’s important to recognize the signs before the damage is beyond repair. This homeowner was proactive with their basement and sought help for their foundation after noticing some symptoms of bowing walls. We had our Certified Design Specialist visit the home and inspect the walls to gauge how serious the situation was and what could be done to solve the problem. After careful measurements and observations, the Design Specialist had the perfect product for the homeowner: PowerBraces. 

The PowerBrace installation process began with more measuring, followed by precise mapping. The job doesn’t require any outside excavation or intrusive work, giving you peace of mind in that department. Our production team marked off the location of where each PowerBrace would be attached to the wall, making sure they’re evenly distributed to keep one side from getting overwhelmed by too much pressure. Once everything is set and double-checked, we bring in the proper sized PowerBraces and shave them down to allow them to be a perfect fit in the basement. Finally, we attach them to their designated spots on the wall and tighten them. With that, the walls won’t buckle any further and since PowerBraces can be tightened, the walls can even be returned to their original placement. PowerBraces are a strong, highly durable and reliable solution to foundation troubles. If your basement walls are showing signs of bowing, look no further than PowerBraces! 

EverLast window installation can take time, but it’s well worth the wait. This job started out with a conversation between the homeowner and one of our certified design specialists. The homeowner had a pre-existing basement window, but wanted to get it replaced with a larger one—not a problem for us! The design specialist looked over the area—both inside and outside the house—measured the correct window size (double checking at every step) gave an estimate, then passed it off to our installation team.  

Once the custom-made windows were in, our team got to work clearing out an area in the yard for where the window and its RockWell and covering would be. A RockWell is a great product to have to keep the window protected against inclement weather and other acts of nature. With the area clear, the team removed the old window and cut out space for the new, larger one. Then, they installed the window, making sure it was a tight seal so no water or animals can get in (or heat can escape). After the window is sealed, the RockWell and its covering were attached. We then double-checked each product, ensuring that it’s properly installed and that there are no defects. Once completed, we cleaned up the mess we made, filling in the excavated dirt so grass can start growing back, and dusting away any other things we may have left around inside. And with that, this home now has an updated, beautiful window that not only adds a bit to the aesthetic of the house, but also provides it with a nice layer of protection from the elements. 

This basement was in need of a complete waterproofing system. One of our certified design specialists went over the area with the homeowner, showing them where and how the water was getting in. They then formulated a plan that would remedy this issue. With the homeowner’s approval, the job was then handed off to the installation team.  

The first step was preparing the basement for the WaterGuard. Since the WaterGuards are placed where the floor meets the walls, a portion of each had to be removed. The WaterGuards were then secured in place and we covered up the areas we had to originally remove. The WaterGuards help collect water seeping in from the outside soil and redirect it to the sump pump, which we upgraded. The old one was hardly effective anymore, so we enhanced the waterproofing system with a TripleSafe sump pump, which is top of its class, capable of handling even those intense Northeast thunderstorms. Finally, as a finishing touch, we placed CleanSpace along all the walls to act as a vapor barrier. Not only is CleanSpace super durable and effective, but it’s also noninvasive. As you can see in the photos, it perfectly contours around anything that may be along the walls. And with that, this basement now has effective, lasting protection against water! 

This homeowner’s foundation was experiencing bowing basement walls, so they called us to look at it and gauge how dire the situation was, along with what could be done to remedy the situation. One of our certified design specialists surveyed the entire basement, inspecting each wall and measuring how displaced the walls were. Once they had a plan drawn up, they then walked through everything with the homeowner, explaining what exactly was wrong and what a potential solution would look like. For this basement, the perfect solution was CarbonArmor.  

After having the baton passed to them from the design specialist, our installation team went in and marked the locations of where the CarbonArmor would be placed, ensuring that they are properly spaced out so the weight they would be supporting is evenly distributed. With the prep work completed, all that was left was to install the product! CarbonArmor is a fantastic solution to bowing walls because it is noninvasive, meaning the installation itself doesn’t cause any hassle, and afterwards you’re free to do whatever you’d like to your basement. With this type of foundation, the tension is going to be on the inside portion of the wall, which is what makes CarbonArmor the perfect solution. The force coming from the soil pushes on the foundation from the outside, so by having the CarbonArmor attached to the inside, it provides stable support for the wall, preventing any further bowing, displacement, and damage.

This job story tells a common tale of properly waterproofing a basement to make it a clean, dry space. One of our certified design specialists went over every nook and cranny of the basement to determine what the weak points were and what could be done to improve the situation. The three primary products utilized in the solution were WaterGuard, TrenchDrain, and a SinglePack sump pump. 

Installation began with the removal of portions of the floor and walls where the two meet. This helped create space for the WaterGuard which is positioned at the joist. The same process is done for the small portions of the floor where the TrenchDrain was laid. Once these two products were installed and secured, the team repoured concrete into the areas they removed and replaced the pieces of wall that were taken out. WaterGuard and TrenchDrain act as facilitators, gathering any incoming water and directing it to the SinglePack, which sends it out of the home. There was a pre-existing sump pump in this home, but it was old and dated, so it had to be replaced. Thankfully, our sump pumps can be installed right where the old ones sit, so the process is quick and easy! With everything in the right place, this basement now has great protection from whatever water Mother Nature has to throw at it!

We don’t work just on homes! Here at Adirondack Basement Systems, we also do commercial jobs. This one involved doing window work for a local business that needed an upgrade in that sector. One of our certified design specialists visited the location and took a look at the pre-existing windows, determining what the best course of action would be. The main thing the owner of the property wanted was to get larger windows that would increase the amount natural light entering the office. But since the windows were close to the sidewalk and entrance, so the window well needed to be properly covered for safety reasons. Once a plan was drawn up and agreed upon by both parties, it was passed off to the installation team. 

The team began by digging a sizable area to give them room to work. They removed the old windows and precisely cut a larger opening so the bigger windows could fit. After they were secured and any slight openings were filled in, the installers then got to work on the RockWell, which is super durable and enhances the look of the property. Finally, the new windows and wells were double-checked for any errors, then the team placed coverings atop the RockWells to protect them from the elements and prevent anyone from accidentally falling in. With everything completed, this office had a clean, updated look that helped spruce up the property!

PowerBraces are an amazing, noninvasive solution to buckling, bowing basement walls. Let’s look at this job as an example of how the installation process works... 

The homeowner made an appointment for one of our certified design specialists to inspect the basement walls that were under a lot of stress and showing signs of faltering. They noticed that the walls were buckling under the weight of the home and needed support. Since the issue wasn’t on a grand scale, a more simplistic, isolated solution was drawn up. Instead of requiring a product like EverBrace, our design specialist proposed a plan involving PowerBraces. They marked spots at proper intervals and drew up a floor plan of where each support beam would go. Once they got the go ahead from the homeowner, the job was passed off to the installation team.  

Picking up where the design specialist left off, the crew ordered PowerBraces of the proper height based on the dimensions given to them. Once they arrived, they were custom-cut to fit perfectly in the basement. Installing at the pre-marked locations, the PowerBraces were secured to the walls, giving the foundation a significant boost in support, stopping the walls from bowing any further. The support beams were double-checked by the team and they finished up the job by cleaning up any messes they made. Now, this basement is safe and secure for years to come. Plus, two great things about PowerBraces are that they can be tightened over time to correct the walls back to their original position and they don’t take up much space, so you can do what you please with your basement space!

This job had a little bit of everything in the realm of foundation support and waterproofing. There were a lot of issues to address, and the homeowner needed a certified professional to take care of them. One of our highly experienced design specialists came out to inspect the basement both through a waterproofing and foundation support lens. There were a lot of issues detected that required immediate attention to prevent further damage: pooling water, bowing walls, cracks, and more. A two-part plan incorporating waterproofing and foundation support was created by the design specialist and presented to the homeowner. After a friendly dialogue between both parties, an agreement was reached and the project was passed on to the installation team.  

The first step in the installation process was to tackle the waterproofing portion. First, the team removed the bottom sections of the walls and the floor underneath to make room for the WaterGuard. WaterGuard collects incoming moisture from the outside soil and redirects it to the sump pump, preventing it from pooling and damaging the home. TrenchDrain was used in the areas where the team couldn't reach the walls, but they do the same job but on the open floor. The sump pump this system was designed around was a TripleSafe sump pump. The TripleSafe is at the top of its class and the most powerful, reliable system out there. With three levels of power that automatically flip on based on how much water is coming into the pump, the TripleSafe is the perfect product to handle northeast weather! The sump was hooked up to the WaterGuard and an EDC pipe that exited the home, leading to a discharge outlet that is far enough away that the water won’t flow back into the home. IceGuard was also installed as part of the typical sump package we offer. IceGuard keeps the water from freezing during the wintertime, allowing the pump to work year-round without issues!  Finally, after the portions of the wall and floor removed earlier were replaced, a touch of foundation work was done. CarbonArmor strips were placed on the walls to provide a base layer of stability. Afterwards, shifting back to waterproofing, CleanSpace was spread along all the walls to provide a durable vapor barrier to help keep the moisture under control.  

After the waterproofing portion was completed, it was time to address the structural issues. One of our newer products is EverBrace. EverBrace is a complete wall system that is a permanent, effective solution to severe foundation issues. Our best-trained installation team handled the EverBrace installation, taking care to ensure that once completed, no further foundational work would be required. To strengthen the original structure, steel corrugated panels span between steel I-beams. Next, a specialized rigid foam was injected behind the steel panels, filling any space between the existing wall and the newly installed panels, transferring the load from the failing wall to the new support system. Then, once everything was double-checked and the basement cleaned up, the job was done! EverBrace provides the security of a new foundation, without the cost and disruption of a total foundation replacement. 

With all these products working together, this basement is now protected on both fronts, providing this homeowner with peace of mind for decades to come.

Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of help. The floors of this home were sagging just a touch and the pre-existing support beams were losing strength. Worried about the integrity of their home, the homeowner called one of our certified design specialists in to inspect the garage underneath the home. We typically don’t do work in garages, unless it’s attached to the basement like it was in this situation. Thankfully, after taking an in-depth look at the garage and basement, it was determined that the situation was not dire and a single SmartJack could help stabilize the floors above!

The installation process began by ordering a SmartJack of the proper height to fit in the space. Once that arrived, the installation team custom-cut it so it was a precisely perfect fit. They then secured it to the ground and ceiling support beam at the pre-marked location, double checking that everything was secure. And that was that! Now, the floor won’t get displaced any further, and with the help of our service technicians during annual maintenance, the floor will be returned to its original position thanks to SmartJacks’ ability to be tightened. SmartJacks are incredibly strong and reliable; a perfect choice for keeping your floors from sagging!